Today's picks for civic nerds.

For Sunday

Lincoln Park Restoration

Invasive plants have taken a hold of Lincoln Park's forest, and it's up to volunteers to help clear them out. Plan on dressing in layers, long-sleeved shirts, and sturdy pants. Gloves and other restoration supplies are provided.

Lincoln Park Restoration Event, Sun, July 21, 9am-12pm, Lincoln Park (Meet at the kiosk in the north parking lot at Lincoln Park—Fauntleroy Way SW and SW Rose St), free.

Weeding at Magnuson Park

After the completion of Magnuson Park's Shore Ponds project over a year ago, it's time to start maintenance work. Come to this quick one-hour cleanup of invasive plants to keep Shore Ponds looking clean and weed-free.

Clean up Magnuson Shore Ponds, Sun, July 21, 10-11am, Magnuson Park (Meet at the base of the overlook berm near the Magnuson Park boat ramp, parking lot E-2), free.

Litter cleanup at Green Lake

Since July 2011, the Greenlake Litter Patrol has been meeting up year round to pick up litter at Green Lake park. The group, which meets at the same time every Sunday, provides litter pickers and bags but asks that volunteers bring their own gloves.

Green Lake Litter Patrol Sunday Work Party, Sun, July 21, 9-11am, Green Lake Park (Meet at the Bathhouse Theatre Parking Lot at Green Lake), free.

For Saturday

Vigil for Trayvon Martin

In response to the recent controversial court ruling that let George Zimmerman walk away a free man, a vigil for Trayvon Martin will be held downtown to call for federal charges against Zimmerman. Part of a nationwide movement called “Justice for Trayvon National Day of Action,” organized by the National Action Network, Seattle will be one of 100 participating cities.

Martin's cousin Cedric Turner will speak at the vigil, along with several other local social justice advocates.

Participants are encouraged to don their hoodies and bring candles and signs to the event.

Justice for Trayvon Martin: National Day of Action Vigils, Sat, July 20, 12 pm, U.S. District Court, 700 Stewart Street, Seattle, WA 98101, free.

For Friday

Apartheid and the Album Graceland

This Friday's Meaningful Movie event features Joe Berlinger’s Under the African Skies. The film follows Paul Simon's 2011 trip to South Africa where his award-winning album Graceland bridged the racial divide among musical artists in the late '80s. 

Released in 1986, Graceland drew inspiration from iconic South African musical artists and styles, stirring controversy because Simon joined with black artists in South Africa who lived under segregationist Apartheid. Simon won a Grammy for Best Album of the Year in 1987, but was later accused of breaking the United Nations’ cultural boycott of South Africa.

Under the African Skies tells the story of Paul Simon's return to South Africa and celebrates the ways music can bring people together, then and now. Watch the trailer here.

Meaningful Movies: Under African Skies, Fri, July 19, 7-9:30pm, Keystone Congregational United Church of Christ, 5019 Keystone Place N, free.