As part of the LA28 Volunteer Program presented by Delta Air Lines, the LA28 Volunteer Crew joined LA28 and Friends of the Los Angeles River (FoLAR) on Monday, April 27, in the Sepulveda Basin to support habitat restoration and the removal of invasive species near the river.
“LA28 representatives and the LA28 Volunteer Crew removed invasive plants and restored nature surrounding the LA River in the Sepulveda Basin – directly supporting LA28’s broader commitment to investing in a more resilient LA through its Resilience Champions Initiative. The Sepulveda Basin region, known as the Valley Zone in 2028, will host several Olympic events including the BMX freestyle and BMX racing events of cycling, the park and street events of skateboarding, 3×3 basketball and modern pentathlon.
“Today is about showing what’s possible when people come together in service of their community,” said Reynold Hoover, LA28 CEO. “From the LA28 Volunteer Crew members serving their community this morning to the organizations leading this work every day, this is what it looks like to take pride in Los Angeles and invest in its future. That spirit, which is at the core of who we are at LA28, will carry us well beyond the games.”
This event was planned in observance of Global Volunteer Month, which is celebrated annually during the month of April to honor volunteers worldwide and encourage civic engagement through acts of service, as well as Earth Month.
“The LA River is this city’s origin story,” said Candice Dickens-Russell, CEO of FoLAR. “That’s why we’ve spent 40 years working to rebuild Angelenos’ connection to their river. By bringing people together to care for this space, we’re not just restoring habitat and removing flammable invasive species – we’re helping build a more equitable and climate-resilient future for Los Angeles.”
This event is part of a broader series of volunteer opportunities across the LA region, creating meaningful ways for Angelenos to give back, strengthen community connections and build momentum toward the LA28 Games.
In August 2025, LA28 released its Impact and Sustainability Plan, outlining a comprehensive framework to ensure the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games deliver lasting benefits for the LA area and beyond. The plan centers on expanding access to economic empowerment, youth sports and a healthy environment, with commitments such as prioritizing local and small business participation, investing in workforce pathways, and delivering a “transit‑first” games anchored around the reuse of existing venues.
Since the inaugural Volunteer Program event at Venice Beach in December of 2025, LA28 has hosted 10 volunteer events with six local nonprofit organizations.
To learn more or register interest in future volunteer opportunities, visit the LA 28 Volunteer Program page at https://la28.org/en/volunteer.html.