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Southern California Celebrates Earth Day's 45th Anniversary (And Not Just on One Day)

By Sandi Hemmerlein
April 17, 2015
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EarthDayEvents2015
Photo:flyingsinger/Flickr/Creative Commons License

Since its inception in 1970, people around the world have celebrated Earth Day every year on April 22. But this year, Earth Day events are occurring throughout April, making its 45th anniversary a month-long celebration.

Hopefully you've been paying attention to the planet by recycling, carrying reusable bags, and conserving water year-round, but if you're looking to take an extra step to honor Mother Earth, four events in Southern California are officially part of the Earth Day Network: San Diego EarthWorks' EarthFair on April 19, Furnace Creek Resort's Earth Day Bonanza in Death Valley on April 22, Eco Films' inaugural Green Docs Screening Series in LA April 22-May 7, and Newport Bay Conservancy's Earth Day at the Bay in Newport Beach on April 25.

However, many other unofficial events offer a variety of family-friendly and educational activities, plus lots of giveaways, prizes, free snacks (and even some free beer). Here are a few of our top picks, starting this weekend:

April 18
Santa Monica's Kidical Mass Ride (Free, RSVP Required)
- Free Refreshments, Activities, Tours

California State Parks Volunteer Improvement Projects (Free)
- Volunteer Opportunities

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium's Earth Day Fair and Coastal Bird Fest (Free)
- Volunteer Opportunities, Activities, Tours, Lectures

Heal the Bay's Earth Month "Nothin' But Sand" Beach Cleanup & Celebration at Santa Monica Pier Aquarium (Free for Volunteers, Non-Volunteers $5)
- Entertainment, Volunteer Opportunities, Activities, Lectures

April 22 (Earth Day)
Sierra Club's Earth Day at Griffith Park & Photo Contest (Free)
- Activities

Los Angeles River Revitalization Corp's Earth Day Night Run at the LA River ($25 run registration)
- Free Refreshments, Activities, Entertainment

Music Center's Earth Day LA (Free)
- Free Refreshments, Activities, Tours, Entertainment, Plant & Tree Giveaways

April 25
California Citrus State Historic Park's Glean and Clean (Free)
- Volunteer Opportunities, Activities

Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy's Family-Friendly Earth Day Celebration
- Free Refreshments, Volunteer Opportunities, Activities

April 26
Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition's Car Free SFV Earth Day Event & Bike Ride (Free, RSVP Required)
- Activities, Prizes

And finally, wherever you are -- on this planet or another -- you can celebrate Earth Day on the go with NASA's #NoPlaceLikeHomesocial media campaign.

How do you plan to celebrate Earth Day? Tell us in the comments section below.

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