What: Seven different volunteer events
Where: Meet on or near Mount Tam
When: April 23, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Sign up to monitor and track tsunami debris at the base of Mt. Tam or improve coho salmon habitat on Muir Beach. You can also plant and weed along Creekside Marsh or remove French Broom from the Canyon and Moore Trails before hiking amid the wildflowers in bloom. All activities are designed for kids and adults with online registration required before Saturday.
2. Explore the Hayward Fault’s Geology
What: Walk along the Hayward Fault trail during a guided tour
Where: Fremont
When: April 23, 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Cost: $15
Details: The Earth is a dynamic place and geologically active areas like the Hayward Fault permeate the Bay Area. The Hayward Fault is 40 miles long and about 8 miles deep and has contributed to Fremont’s natural beauty. During a two-and-a-half-hour tour learn about the science of faults and their effects in both natural and urban environments. You’ll even witness the floor of a building that shows evidence of the fault’s movement. Registration is required and children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
3. Beautify Oakland’s Urban Environment
What: Graffiti removal, trash pickup, weeding and planting
Where: Oakland, various locations
When: April 23, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. for most activities
Cost: Free
Details: Roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty planting and weeding at Lake Merritt’s sensory garden. Or remove litter, re-paint the street posts, trim trees and generally clean up West MacArthur Blvd from San Pablo to M.L.K. Jr. Way. With more than 85 outdoor opportunities to choose from, there are ample ways to give back during the city’s largest community volunteer event.
4. Check Out a National Park
What: Hike, bike, climb or swim in one of California’s 27 national parks
Where: Multiple locations throughout California
When: April 16 – 24, sunrise to sunset
Cost: Free
Details: It’s the 100th anniversary of the National Park system and during National Park Week entrance to all national parks is free. Some parks, like Yosemite, are starting to open roads after a snowy winter so make sure to find out which trails are accessible. If you want to volunteer as a wilderness guide or help restore native habitat on Earth Day, check out all the National Park Service opportunities on Volunteer.gov.
5. Stroll Through the Earth Day SF Street Fest
What: An all-day outdoor street fair
Where: 22nd St. between Mission and Valencia, San Francisco
When: April 23, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Sustainable food, ecofashion and interactive art will all be showcased during the annual street fair, which has now moved to the Mission district. Participatory events include a congo drumming session with members of SF Carnaval and a 15-foot-tall canvas that attendees can color in with water based paints. You can also listen to live music from one of three stages while scoping out electric vehicles on display in the Green Transportation Zone. All activities are family friendly and some, like the bike-driven merry-go-round, are specifically designed for kids. Try to show up early as more than 1,000 people are expected to attend.
