Have fun while learning about the environment at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium’s Earth Day Fair. PHOTO BY GARY FLORIN
Earth Day turns 45 April 22, but you shouldn’t restrict your celebrating just to that day, especially since there are great Earth Day events throughout Southern California all month long. Here are nine of our favorites.
1. The Hammer Museum offers you a chance to travel the world without leaving Westwood at its free screening of Earth (11 a.m. April 15, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., L.A.; www.hammer.ucla.edu). This acclaimed documentary from 2007 takes viewers on a journey around the globe as it tracks the lives of four animal families.
2. Nature film fans should also note that Disneynature will release its latest documentary, Monkey Kingdom, April 17 (screening locally April 17-30 at the El Capitan, 6838 Hollywood Blvd., L.A.; www.elcapitan.com). Disney will donate proceeds from opening weekend ticket sales to Conservation International.
3. The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (3720 Stephen M. White Dr., San Pedro; www.cabrillomarineaquarium.com) honors the Earth and the air. From 8 a.m.-3 p.m. April 18, the aquarium hosts its Earth Day Fair and Coastal Bird Fest. Admission is free, and you can enjoy live entertainment, do craft projects, and learn about local bird species and Earth-friendly habits.
4. At the Los Angeles Zoo’s Earth Day Expo, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 18-19 (5333 Zoo Dr., L.A.; www.lazoo.org). Visitors can learn about the zoo’s conservation programs and discover new ways to care for our Earth. Admission is $19 adults, $14 ages 2-12.
5. Madrona Marsh Nature Center (3201 Plaza Del Amo; Torrance; www.friendsofmadronamarsh.com) will host its first Earth Day Fair from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. April 18. There will be a performance by popular local musician Dan Crow, craft classes and live animals to meet.
6. Star Eco Station (10101 Jefferson Blvd., Culver City; www.childrensearthday.org) hosts its Children’s Earth Day Festival from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 19. This year, the event includes a number of new attractions: a Toddler Town, a Butterfly Pavilion and games and rides. Admission is free; games and food cost extra.
7. On Earth Day itself, the Music Center, Grand Park and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power will host Earth Day L.A. from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in Music Center Plaza (135 N. Grand Ave., L.A.; www.musiccenter.org). At the free event, you can get a variety of environmental tips, watch gardening and electric vehicle demos and do recycled-art projects. There will be tree and plant giveaways.
8. Earth Day: Wildflowers and Wildlife, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April 25-26 at Descanso Gardens (1418 Descanso Dr., La Canada Flintridge; www.descansogardens.org) offers opportunities to encounter local flora and fauna. Admission is $9 adults, $4 ages 5-12.
9. The Autry Explorer program from 1-4 p.m. April 26 at Autry National Center (4700 Western Heritage Way, L.A.; www.theautry.org) takes Earth Day literally, teaching kids ages 2-5 about dirt and how plants become food, and letting them plant a seedling to take home. $10 adults, $4 ages 3-12.
