To celebrate Earth Day, California State Parks will be hosting several virtual events across the State Park System from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Like many celebrations this past year, we’ve had to get creative in order to stay safe and still have fun, and Earth Day is no different. Fortunately, the California State Parks created an all-day virtual program geared for K-12 students and adults to enjoy our State Parks from home.
Get inspired to protect our oceans and natural systems for the future with Gaviota State Park. Learn about composting from the gardens of Hearst Castle. Get in tune with your senses through nature sketching at coastal state parks. These webinars, and more, are free with registration on the PORTS home learning program website. Each webinar is designed for all ages but is limited to the first 1,000 participants. The general public can view the live stream online on PORTS YouTube Channel.
Other virtual activities include a collaborative interpretive program with Kumeyaay elders, leaders, cultural specialists, and scientists at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. The Kumeyaay were the original inhabitants of San Diego County, having lived in the area for over 10,000 years. This special virtual program will have separate webinars geared for different age groups: 3rd grade, 3rd – 8th grade, college, and all ages.
Of course, there is much that can be done to protect the environment and restore the earth, but Earth Day is a great time to check in with ourselves and our planet to see what else we can be doing. Hopefully these in-depth webinars from California State Parks can encourage students and adults to continue their part in protecting and celebrating our planet.