Celebrate Earth Day this weekend by enjoying the great outdoors and maybe even pitching in to protect it. County Parks and Recreation will host several family- and environmentally friendly events on Saturday, April 22 and Sunday, April 23.
Earth Day Back Trails Hike
Join Ranger Bill at 9 a.m., April 22 for an Earth Day hike through the rugged east side of Santa Ysabel Preserves. Participants will visit the future site of the new nature center before heading up the hill to the old toll road for incredible valley views. This is a moderate, 6-mile hike that meets at the Highway 79 staging area. Participants should wear sturdy shoes, dress in layers and bring plenty of water and sun protection. For more information, call 760-765-4098.
Family Picnic Day
April 22 is not just Earth Day – it’s also Family Picnic Day! County Parks will bring a bounce house, face-painters and arts and crafts to Lindo Lake. You bring your family and your favorite picnic dishes. Activities kick off after the morning’s Creek to Bay cleanup event (see below). The fun will last from 2 to 6 p.m. For more information, call 619-443-1666.
Become a Junior Ranger
Do you like science and nature? Meet park staff to learn about everything from birds and plants to geology and local history at 10 a.m., April 22 at Louis Stelzer County Park in Lakeside. Be prepared for a short hike. Wear sturdy shoes, sun protection and bring water for the hike. Programs and times are subject to change depending on the weather and ranger availability. There is a $3 parking fee. Please RSVP by calling 619-561-0580.
Creek to Bay Cleanup
Seven County parks are among sites included in I Love a Clean San Diego’s Creek to Bay Cleanup on April 22. Volunteers are needed at Flinn Springs County Park, Lindo Lake County Park, Live Oak County Park, Los Peñasquitos, Otay Lakes County Park, Sweetwater Regional Park and Tijuana River Valley Community Garden. For more information or to sign up to participate, visit creektobay.org.
Earth Fair at Balboa Park
Learn to build a human-size bug and sing along to catchy earth-friendly tunes with rangers Michelle and Alex at the Earth Fair at Balboa Park this weekend. County Parks will have two educational displays at the annual environmental fair. The free event on April 23 runs from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Public transit and carpooling are encouraged.
Celebrate Earth Day every day. Visit sdparks.org to find your next adventure.
