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Earth Day celebrations get an early start, with more events planned through the week

April 19, 2025

The moment of meditation was about more than just sitting still – the intention was to connect with nature.

Hundreds of people at four beaches – Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Dana Point and Long Beach – collectively sat in silence Saturday, April 19, listening to the rhythmic sounds of the lapping waves onto the sand, smelling the salty air, taking the opportunity to reset and connect with Mother Earth for just a few minutes.

“In today’s world, everyone is so connected to their phones and technology, and we want people to just unplug and reconnect with nature,” said Rich German, founder of the Laguna Beach nonprofit Project O, which focuses on ocean health and helped organize the day.

People this week are celebrating Earth Day, whether it was connecting with their natural surroundings, giving back by doing a clean up, tending to gardens, taking on recycling projects or finding other creative ways to pay tribute to Mother Nature.

Eleven-year-old Enzo Bizaro takes part in Project O’s beach cleanup at Fisherman’s Cove in Laguna Beach on Saturday, April 19, 2025. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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Eleven-year-old Enzo Bizaro takes part in Project O’s beach cleanup at Fisherman’s Cove in Laguna Beach on Saturday, April 19, 2025. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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After the Laguna Beach event, put on by Laguna Ocean Foundation and Project O, beachgoers rose from their meditation to jump aboard stand-up paddleboards and kayaks to scour the sea for trash, a sad-but-common sight German comes across during his regular excursions on the water.

Much of the trash – plastic bags, beach toys, balloons, chip bags – gets stuck in the kelp beds, where wildlife mistake it for food.

“I’m out on the water every day picking up trash and garbage. I find all kinds of things that should not be in the ocean,” German said. “This is about community, bringing the community together and getting people on the water, not only to pick up the trash, but to enjoy the beauty of the ocean. It’s really about bringing people together, raising awareness with the hope that, as a community, everyone will be better stewards of the environment.”

The clean up was followed by a yoga and soundbath session at Heisler Park to continue the connection with nature. Other events around Orange County on Saturday included hikes through Quail Hill in Irvine, composting demonstrations, removing invasive species at Chino Hills State Park, a 5K run through nature in Newport Beach and inspiring talks from environmental experts.

At the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, an Earth Day Fix-it Fair was held in conjunction with Eco Now, the event aimed at “promoting sustainability, reducing waste and fostering a culture of repair.”

Experts and professionals with repair skills offered free services to the community to save products that would end up in a landfill – everything from clothing to house linens and jewelry to plants.

Activities such as “junk journaling,” eco-friendly kids crafts and a compost workshop were held, and there was a refill station stocked with soaps, shampoos and lotions.

First hosted in 1970, Earth Day is marking its 55th year on Tuesday, April 22. Here are a few ways around Orange County to participate in the celebration in the coming days:

On Earth Day:

The Laguna Ocean Foundation is hosting three events, with a clean up at Main Beach from 2 to 3 p.m., in conjunction with the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce, followed by a Heisler Park tidepool excursion starting at 3 p.m. to learn about the importance of the Marine Protected Areas. Then, there’s a Happy Hour at the Rivian South Coast Theater from 3 to 6 p.m. to chat about Laguna’s coast. Information: lagunaoceanfoundation.org/events

The Mission San Juan Capistrano will have a celebration from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with tours through its gardens. Learn about bees and pollination with honey sampling, learn about the significance of the acorn, enjoy kids craft activities and more. Information: missionsjc.com

Irvine Ranch Conservancy is hosting a weeding event at its native seed farm from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about target species before assisting staff in weeding efforts around the native plant crops. Advanced registration is required at letsgooutside.org (search the date under activities)

April 26:

Celebrate Earth Day at the Bay with OC Parks and Newport Bay Conservancy from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center, located within the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. Nature enthusiasts of all ages are invited to enjoy a fun-filled day of entertaining and educational festivities that demonstrate appreciation for the Earth.

There will be environmental-themed exhibits from community partners and local artists, as well as interactive booths featuring activities such as arts and crafts, science discovery and educational information. Information: letsgooutside.org (search the date under activities)

Kids may enjoy a storytime and art workshop from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Environmental Nature Center’s Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary in Modjeska Canyon. It will focus on amphibians and feature activities such as crafts, educational games and a meet-and-greet with animal ambassadors. Learn about the vital role amphibians play in ecosystems and their importance as environmental indicators. Information: encenter.org

The city of Costa Mesa is hosting a day of free activities and education from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the City Hall lawn, with giveaways, games, food, raffle prizes and fun for the entire family. Information: costamesaca.gov

Mission Viejo will host its annual Green Expo from 8 a.m. to noon. in the open space beside Oso Creek Trail, north of Jeronimo Road, that will feature earth-friendly activities and environmental exhibits with tips on pollution prevention, recycling and more. Park at the Marguerite Aquatics Complex. Golf cart shuttle service will be provided.

Volunteers can also embrace nature by planting trees and shrubs along the section of Oso Creek Trail that is north of Jeronimo Road. Participants should wear a hat, gloves, boots and sunscreen. Lunch and ice cream will be available for volunteers while supplies last. Information and pre-registration: cityofmissionviejo.org

California State Parks is hosting an Earth Day event at Doheny State Beach from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors will learn about pollution and animals, with crafts and interactive activities for adults and kids. The program is free and all ages are welcome, however, parking fees apply. Hats, water, and sunscreen are highly encouraged. Visitors may park within the general parking area and meet at the beach boardwalk next to Doho Café. Information: parks.ca.gov

April 27:

An event will be hosted from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bolsa Chica State Beach with the Bolsa Chica Conservancy and Huntington Harbor. The three-site extravaganza will begin at Bolsa Chica State Beach by Tower 28 for a beach cleanup. Head across the street to the Bolsa Chica wetlands, where participants will learn about local wildlife at a number of booths and then can continue to Huntington Harbor for more activities. This event is free. Information: bolsachica.org/earthday

Earth Day celebrations get an early start, with more events planned through the week Orange County Register

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Earth Day celebrations get an early start, with more events planned through the week

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