Rail Trail
Climate Justice
Mural Project

The Rail Trail Climate Justice Mural Project in Santa Cruz aims to create a 900-square-foot mural to raise awareness about climate change and highlight the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities.

The project will highlight local environmental concerns while presenting and promoting simple, actionable steps to combat climate change.

Funded by the City Arts Recovery Design (CARD) program, the mural will be painted in Spring 2025.

What is
Climate Justice?

Climate justice emphasizes how climate change disproportionately affects low-income communities and communities of color—those least responsible for its causes.

It advocates for solutions that not only tackle the root causes of climate change but also address interconnected social, racial, and environmental injustices.

Art &
Environmental Activism

Art is a powerful tool in the fight against climate change and climate justice; through art, we can convey impactful messages that raise awareness and inspire action on a personal level.

While data and statistics on a spreadsheet may inform, numbers rarely provoke change. In contrast, compelling visuals can stir emotions, shift perspectives, and encourage us to reevaluate our habits for a more sustainable future.

Mural Location

The mural will be located along a new segment of the Rail Trail by Neary Lagoons. To visit the site, start at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center and head north along the train tracks. You’ll find the mural on your left after about a one-minute walk.

The wall is directly below the Westcliff Townhomes.

This artwork, which spans over 200 feet in length and covers 900 square feet, is part of the Rail Trail Arts Plan, specifically Corridor 6—Neary Lagoon, Part 3.

Location
Significance

The mural's theme is deeply connected to Santa Cruz and it’s watershed. The mural is situated at a low point in the city’s watershed near the Wastewater Treatment Facility and Neary Lagoon Park.

This area features floating boardwalks, a wildlife refuge, and a vibrant pollinator garden, offering rich inspiration for the mural.

Project Timeline

  • Exploration of Themes

    January 2025
    Our process begins with engaging local organizations to gather insights and expertise on climate change and climate justice.

  • Community Engagement

    February 2025
    Next, we engage the wider community to identify the most pressing environmental concerns, ensuring the mural authentically represents their voices.

  • Design Creation & Approval

    Spring 2025
    The Santa Cruz City Arts Commission will review a new mural design during its meeting on May 12th, 2025. This design has been developed through an inclusive community input process.

  • Mural Painting

    End Of May 2025
    With an approved mural design, painting will begin. The mural will be completed over the course of 3-4 weeks, with other artists joining the effort. The hope is to inspire change and bring color to this lively area.

Meet the Team

  • Taylor Reinhold

    Project Lead, Artist

  • Sadie Reinhold

    Outreach & Project Management

Community Engagement Events

  • Wharf Wednesdays

    Community Pop-Up (Past Event)
    We connected with the Santa Cruz community at Wharf Wednesdays to introduce the Climate Justice Mural project. Event attendees stopped by our table to learn about the project and share their input on the mural’s theme. This event provided valuable insight into the community’s vision for climate justice.

    Location: Wharf Commons Stage, 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz
    Date: February 26th, 2025
    Time: 6:00 – 8:30 PM

  • Neary Lagoon Apartments

    Community Conversations (Past Event)
    On March 6, we engaged with residents at Neary Lagoon Apartments during the a Food Bank event to discuss the Climate Justice Mural. Since many of these residents live closest to the future mural site, their input was essential in shaping the artwork. We gathered valuable insights on key climate justice themes and how the mural can reflect the lived experiences and priorities of the community.

    Location: Neary Lagoon Apartments, Santa Cruz
    Date: Thursday, March 6, 2025
    Time: 2:00 PM

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TAKE OUR SURVEY
We Want Your Input!

This survey is an opportunity for community members to share input on the themes and issues that feel most relevant. Your responses will help shape the direction of the mural so that it reflects the voice of the community that lives here.

Project Funding

In collaboration with Arts Council Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz City Arts launched the City Arts Recovery Design (CARD) Pilot Grant Program to support arts-based initiatives that contribute to the city’s recovery efforts.

This project is funded through the CARD program. I want to thank Santa Cruz City Arts and Arts Council Santa Cruz County for making this project possible.