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More Ways To Celebrate Earth Day In The Bay Area

(credit: calparks.org)

Earth Day 2015 marks the 45th Anniversary of this global commemoration, thanks to United States Senator Gaylord Nelson. In 1969 Nelson, a conservation-minded Wisconsin Democrat, proposed the idea of making environmental protection a national priority, and in the following year to have a coast-to-coast demonstration promoting environmental concerns. Within a backdrop of a growing awareness of environmental damage and its impact on human health, Nelson's idea took hold and mobilized a population eager to convey its environmental concerns. In January, 1970, Nelson announced via a New York Times ad that Earth Day would occur on April 22, a date chosen to fit with student class schedules and the warmer weather. The first Earth Day was an overwhelming success, with approximately 20 million Americans demonstrating to show their interests and concerns about the environment.

Earth Day San Jose 2015
San Jose State University
One Washington Square
San Jose, CA 95192
(408) 924-1000
www.ercsjsu.org
Date: April 22, 2015, All Day, FREE

The Environmental Resource Center at San Jose State University welcomes you to celebrate Earth Day San Jose. This daylong event features an environmental fair with entertainment, carnival games, educational workshops and a sustainable fashion show finale. This fun, annual event showcases the power of the environment and how valuable it is to us all. Join in the celebration and learn what more you can do to be earth friendly.

California Academy of Sciences
Golden Gate Park
55 Music Course Dr.
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 379-8000
www.calacademy.org

Celebrate Earth Day at the California Academy of Sciences, home to an amazing number of exhibits and shows, captivating creatures of land, sea and sky, and tons of fun and fascinating presentations, explanations and hands-on discovery opportunities for all ages. Ignite all the senses as you explore this scientific wonderland. Begin looking upward by exploring Earth at the latest Planetarium show, Habitat Earth. There are tons of things to do here for everyone from toddlers to grown ups, and everyone leaves fascinated. Visit the website to begin exploring the possibilities, including great food options, too!

East Palo Alto Community Earth Day Celebration
Cesar Chavez School
2450 Ralmar St.
East Palo Alto, CA 94303
(650) 968-7243 x340
www.greenfoothills.org
Date: April 25, 2015, 9 am – 2 pm, FREE

Connect with the community for an East Palo Alto Earth Day celebration to "think green and keep our City clean." Local non-profits join the City of East Palo Alto to offer short volunteer activities for residents and visitors to sign up for and pitch in. What can you do? Opportunities with non-profit partners include a variety of clean up, artistic and beautification activities, plus an informative walking tour. In true Earth Day spirit there will be a place to bring your bike for repair, so bring that two-wheeler along! In the afternoon listen as local leaders, including State Assemblyman Rich Gordon and East Palo Alto mayor Lisa Gauthier, discuss climate change with environmental organizations on hand too. Finish up with a big raffle! Cool prizes include REI outdoor gear and a bike! Get free raffle tickets by participating in any activity or demonstrating your commitment to planet Earth in simple ways like riding your bike to the event or using a reusable water bottle. See the event flyer here.

Golden Gate Park
Bordered by Stanyan St.
Great Highway, Fulton St. and Lincoln Way
San Francisco, CA 94118
www.golden-gate-park.com

Commemorate Earth Day in San Francisco up close to nature in San Francisco's famed Golden Gate Park, a stunning green and idyllic retreat for more than thirteen million people who come through the park each year. This huge urban oasis boasts eight lakes, two major museums, renowned gardens, and countless outdoor activities with an amazing range of goings on all year long. Earth Day offers a perfect time to join other bikers, skaters, joggers and hand-in-hand strollers along the paved paths and dirt footpaths, or explore the beautiful Botanical Garden, Conservatory of Flowers, Tea Garden, stone fountains, and open meadows, or tone up at the tennis court, golf course, archery field, horseback riding, boating, and track and stadium and lots more. Include Rover for an on-leash walk or lead your pet to doggie socializing at the four off-lease dog areas in the park. Check the website for tons of terrific outdoor options that fit Earth Day perfectly.

Earth Day Celebration at Howarth Park
630 Summerfield Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
(707) 543-3737
www.ci.santa-rosa.ca.us
Date: April 22, 2015, 2:30 pm- 5:30 pm, FREE

Come over to Howarth Park for a fun afternoon and celebrate our planet at this Earth Day event especially themed for children. Santa Rosa's pretty Howarth Park, surrounded by oak and eucalyptus trees, is an ideal setting for playful Earth Day festivities, along with nature themed displays for kids. Local kids' favorite playground K-Land and its attractions, including Howarth Park's train, carousel and jump house will be open for $2 per ticket, or better yet take advantage of the Earth Day Special and purchase a $5 unlimited ride bracelet. Check out the winning poster and all others entered into this year's HowEarth Day Poster contest, "Saving H20 is the way to go!" See all posters hanging in the K-Land Train Station.

Melanie Graysmith is a writer, artist and educator based in San Francisco. She writes on adult education, art, culture and lifestyle topics, and enjoys writing short stories and poetry. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.


 

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