COMMUNITY TREE CARE … Tend to trees on the Cesar Chavez Academy school campus on Thursday, July 16, from 2:30-5 p.m. at 2450 Ralmar Ave., East Palo Alto. Through the nonprofit Canopy, volunteers will care for young trees surrounding the school by refilling DriWater gel packs, as well as mulching, weeding and adjusting stakes. Light snacks and tools will be provided. Info: canopy.org/calendar
YOUTH STEWARDSHIP … Youth ages 13-18 who want to learn more about the care and ecology of Redwood Grove can join the nonprofit Acterra on Thursdays, July 16, July 23 or July 30, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Redwood Grove, 482 University Ave., Los Altos. The group meets in front of the caretaker house at the end of the entry driveway. Please carpool, bike or walk if possible. Minors under age 18 must bring a waiver signed by a guardian. Info: acterra.org
HAZARDOUS ITEMS DROP-OFF … Household hazardous waste can be dropped off each Saturday, from 9-11 a.m., and the first Friday of each month, from 3-5 p.m., at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant, 2501 Embarcadero Way, Palo Alto. Residents may bring latex and oil-based paints, gasoline, road flares, propane tanks (used for barbecues and camp stoves), household or auto batteries, cooking oil and more. The list of unacceptable items includes fireworks and ammunition, infectious wastes and controlled substances. Proof of Palo Alto residency (either a driver’s license or vehicle registration) is required. Info: 650-496-6980 or cityofpaloalto.org
RETHINK THE LAWN … Gamble Garden will present its popular class on how to replace your front lawn on Saturday, July 25, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at 1431 Waverly St., Palo Alto. The course is taught by Kim Raftery, who is an 18-year garden designer and owner of Raftery Garden Designs. During the class, learn how to transform a conventional lawn into a flowering garden with edible plants, interesting layouts, low fences, “no mow” meadows, seating areas and more. The class costs $25 for members, $35 for non-members. Sign up through Gamble Garden’s website. Info: gamblegarden.org
Send notices of news and events related to real estate, interior design, home improvement and gardening to Home Front, Palo Alto Weekly, P.O. Box 1610, Palo Alto, CA 94302, or email bmalmberg@paweekly.com. Deadline is one week before publication.