It is the 52nd year anniversary of Earth Day, which is celebrated on April 22 by billions of people who aim to protect the planet from things like pollution and deforestation by taking part in environmentally sustainable activities.
This global observation was first celebrated in Spring 1970 when Sen. Gaylord Nelson organized a national demonstration raising awareness about environmental issues. Rallies calling attention to these issues emerged, and by December 1970, the U.S. government created the Environmental Protection Agency.
Several festivals, clean-up events, workshops, and other family-friendly events come to San Diego County as Earth Day falls on the weekend. Here are some upcoming sustainable and family-friendly activities to celebrate earth day:
Creek to Bay Clean-up
South Bay Sustainable Communities Network partnered with I Love A Clean San Diego for the Creek to Bay Clean-up on April 23 beginning at 9 a.m at Marina View Park. To register, visit the event website or email SBSustainableCommunities@gmail.com.
EarthFair in Balboa Park
The annual EarthFair in Balboa park takes place on Sunday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m, marking its 31st event. Each year, EarthFair draws around 50,000 visitors looking for ways to live a more sustainable life and support a clean, healthy, prosperous environment. The event is produced by 300 volunteers and will feature more than 200 exhibitors in 11 exhibit areas, three international food courts, and two beer gardens. A Children’s activity area and four entertainment stages will also take place.
There will be an Earth Day Parade, and an eARTh Gallery arts and crafts show.
Visit the EarthFair webpage to learn details about exhibitors, volunteer opportunities, entertainment, zero-waste activities, and more.
Guided Bird Watching Hike with South Bay Sustainable Communities Network
On April 24, South Bay Sustainable communities network will Join Jonathan Lavan on a guided bird tour through Del Rey Canyon Trail from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Located on the South Side of Chula Vista, the canyon offers Coastal Sage Scrub and Chapparal Habitats. The trail is moderately flat with an incline at the beginning and at the end.
The event is free. Those interested in participating are asked to RSVP at (619) 738-4188 or SBSustainableCommunities@gmail.com to receive details on the group’s meet-up location.
Upcycle Garden Art
Create a work of “Garden Art” by upcycling a lost and found hubcap on April 30th beginning at 10 a.m at 158 Vance Street, Chula Vista. Workshop supplies and a repurposed hubcap are supplied for free, but a $5 donation is requested for paints. Those interested in this workshop are asked to RSVP by calling (619) 738-4188
Online Activities
San Diego County provides additional live and online activities to observe Earth Day.
