Earth Day 2023 – List of Events – Russian River Watershed Association

Earth Day is coming upon us! Do you know what that means? April 22nd marks the day we get to focus on the environment, learn more about conservation, be out in nature, and promote a healthy, sustainable environment.

Earth Day is a great opportunity to take part in activities that connect you with your community and environmental practices! We compiled a list of local activities for you to enjoy with friends and family.

Any event updates will be posted as soon as they are available. Please check with the below event organizers or this blog regularly.

What is Earth Day?

Earth Day started on April 22, 1970 when a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin and Earth Day founder, Gaylord Nelson witnessed devastation caused by the 1969 oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. Senator Nelson and his co-chair, Congressman Pete McCloskey recruited Denis Hayes from Harvard to coordinate a national staff of 85 who promoted events across the United States. On the first Earth Day, 20 million Americans rallied together to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment and protect against the deterioration of the environment. This became the start of the environmental movement and led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts.

In 1990, Denis Hayes organized an Earth Day that went global with 200 million people in 141 countries taking part and addressing environmental issues.

Earth Day is now a celebration of the environment and an opportunity to raise awareness on conservation and sustainability on all forefronts of environmental topics such as water, energy, air, and wildlife

Events around the Russian River Watershed:

City of Cotati

Saturday, April 22 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Sweet Spring Festival. The Sweet Spring Festival will celebrate the beautiful and new things the earth provides us each and every year, from bees to butterflies, birds to blooms. Come out for crafts, games, animals, music and dancing, yummy treats and plant flower seeds to take home.

Location: Veronda-Falletti Ranch, 175 West Sierra Ave, Cotati

Fee: $5 per person. Children 2 and under are free. Please register for each person in your party and include any 2 and under children in the notes.

Registration is encouraged, and drop-ins are welcome. All ages are welcome. Please wear closed-toe shoes. View flyer here

City of Healdsburg

Saturday, April 22 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Healdsburg’s 1st Climate Fest. Join in to learn about the climate crisis and to get inspired to make changes that will allow the City to reach its goal of net carbon neutrality by 2030. Corazon, North Bay Jobs with Justice and Generation Housing will be there, along with over 40 booths/tables, a bike rodeo for kids, an electric vehicle show, an Earth Protectors Parade featuring students of all ages in costumes and masks, a crafts table and a fire truck for kids to climb on, music and speakers! Bicycle helmets, popcorn, and cookies will be given away (while supplies last). The City of Healdsburg will be giving away an electric bike.

Saturday, April 22 at 2:00 PM Earth Protectors Parade. Part of Healdsburg’s 1^st Climate Fest, gather on the NW corner of the Plaza at 2:00. Dress up as earth, wind, fire, water, plants, animals, protectors of our planet! Co-created by West Side, HHS, HJH, THS art students and their teachers (and you!)

English flyer

Spanish flyer

City of Santa Rosa

Saturday, April 22 from noon to 4:00 PM Santa Rosa’s annual Earth Day Festival at Courthouse Square in downtown. This FREE, family-friendly, zero waste festival brings the community together through fun activities, live performing arts, great food, and inspiring exhibits that raise environmental awareness. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate our vibrant city and get involved by learning about solutions to address drought, climate change, and environmental concerns in our community. View event website

50+ Exhibitors
Outdoor Showcase of Santa Rosa’s Performing Arts Scene
Food & Drink
Kids’ Activities & Crafts courtesy of Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks
Local & Earth-friendly Products
Workshops
Hydration Station
Zero Waste Event
Giveaways
Free Bike Parking courtesy of Sports Basement
Free & Family Friendly
Beer & Wine Garden

City of Sebastopol

Saturday, April 22 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM FREE family fun at the Luther Burbank Experiment Farm. The Luther Burbank Experiment Farm in Sebastopol is celebrating Earth Day 2023 with free activities on Saturday, April 22, from 9 AM to 3 PM. This family-friendly event will feature docent-led walks through the historic garden and farmstead; scavenger hunts with prizes; a tree planting demonstration; nursery and plant sales; carnival photo stand; and many many photo opportunities. The nursery sales will include rare Burbank plants, and a tree planting demonstration by our farm curator, Jamie Self. The garden will be in bloom, and the sun will hopefully be shining as we celebrate and help protect our Earth together. Location: Luther Burbank Experiment Farm, 7777 Bodega Ave, Sebastopol, CA 95472. Questions? Contact wschscommunications@gmail.com. Visit www.wschs.org/events/earth-day-2023 for more information. Download flyer

City of Ukiah

Saturday, April 22 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM FREE admission to the Grace Hudson Museum. Join this Earth Day Ukiah celebration at the Grace Hudson Museum presented by the City of Ukiah, Russian River Watershed Association, and Ukiah Waste Solutions.

There will be educational booths, arts & crafts, and FREE admission to the Grace Hudson Museum.

Interested in volunteering?
Meet in front of the museum at 9:00 AM for community projects such as garbage pick-up, painting, and more!

If you would like to sponsor, table, or volunteer, please e-mail mdavison@cityofukiah.com

Town of Windsor

Saturday, April 22 from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM Earth-Day Clean-Up. In honor of Earth Day 2023, the Town of Windsor Storm Water Quality Program is organizing a community trash cleanup event. Meet at the end of Victory Lane to pick up safety vests, pickers, gloves and bags. Volunteers will be dispatched to one of three in-Town locations to pick up trash. All participants will receive a free gift and snacks.

Please register on Eventbrite prior to the event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/earth-day-trash-cleanup-town-of-windsor-ca-tickets-588298766447

For more information, call (707) 838-5385 or email stormwater@townofwindsor.com.