Celebrating Earth Day in the South Bay: A Guide to Local Events
As the world prepares to celebrate Earth Day on April 22, residents of the South Bay are spoiled for choice with a wide range of events and activities to mark the occasion. From beach cleanups to habitat restoration, and from educational seminars to family-friendly fun, there’s something for everyone to get involved in.
Earth Day, created in 1970 by Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson, was proposed in an effort to draw attention to environmental issues. At the time, there was nothing stopping factories from pumping toxic smoke into the air or dumping chemicals into streams and rivers. The first Earth Day inspired 20 million Americans to lead mass demonstrations across the country and led Congress in 1971 to authorize the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
According to the Daily Breeze, a key figure in the establishment of the EPA was William D. Ruckelshaus, the first administrator for the EPA, who said: "Individuals and institutions alike must realize an untamed river is not simply a channel for barges, a source of hydropower or a convenient sewer. More so than ever before, government is meeting its responsibility to enhance and protect the environment."
For those looking to get involved, the Daily Breeze has highlighted a number of events taking place across the South Bay.
The Roundhouse Aquarium’s Keep It Green, Keep It Clean Earth Day Celebration
The Roundhouse Aquarium in Manhattan Beach is hosting a family-friendly event featuring hands-on activities that promote sustainable living and ocean conservation. Visitors can enjoy talks about sharks, ocean conservation, and beach safety, as well as crafts, games, face painting, and raffles. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 19 at the Roundhouse Aquarium Teaching Center. Pre-registration is available at roundhouseaquarium.org/earthday.
Earth Day Celebration at Redondo Beach’s Wilderness Park
The South Bay Parkland Conservancy is hosting an Earth Day celebration at Hopkins Wilderness Park in Redondo Beach. The event features a habitat restoration, an educational seminar on Monarch butterflies, and a guided nature walk. Families can also enjoy activities and crafts, live music, and information booths hosted by local environmental groups. The event concludes with a vegetarian lunch from Lil’Vegerie. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 19 at Hopkins Wilderness Park. For more information, visit southbayparks.org.
Earth Day at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro is hosting an Earth Day event featuring a beach cleanup, family-friendly activities, and a market featuring local artisans. Visitors can learn more about protecting the environment and enjoy recycled arts and crafts. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 19 at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. The outdoor Earth Day fair is free, but aquarium admission is $7 for adults and $3 for kids. More information is available at cma.recreation.parks.lacity.gov.
Habitat Restoration at White Point Nature Preserve
The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy is hosting a habitat restoration event at the White Point Nature Preserve in San Pedro. Participants can help with planting, weeding, and native plant seed preparation. There will also be a guided native plant garden walk, raffle prizes, and more. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to noon on April 19. Sign up at pvplc.org/calendar.
Earth Day Beach Cleanup in Hermosa Beach
The Sea Sprite hotel in Hermosa Beach is hosting its fourth annual Beach Cleanup. Volunteers can join in from 8 a.m. to noon on April 20 and help clean up the beach. The hotel will provide gloves, buckets, and hand sanitizer, and there will be snacks and a refillable water station available. For more information, visit facebook.com/seaspritehb or tinyurl.com/4dz9pjmj.
Wild and Scenic Film Festival in Redondo Beach
The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy is hosting a Wild and Scenic Film Festival in Redondo Beach, featuring eight inspiring outdoor and nature films from around the world. The event takes place at 5 p.m. on April 22 at Redondo Union High School’s theater. Tickets are $15 online at pvplc.org or $20 at the door.
Earth Day at the RHE’s Promenade on the Peninsula
The Promenade on the Peninsula in Rolling Hills Estates is hosting an Earth Day event featuring free outdoor educational activities and giveaways. Visitors can learn about water conservation, stormwater pollution prevention, and energy efficiency. There will also be free paper shredding available for Rolling Hills Estate residents. The event takes place from 3:30 to 6 p.m. on April 23. For more information, visit RHE.city/earthday.
Earth Day Cleanup at Gardena’s Willows Wetland Preserve
The City of Gardena is hosting an Earth Day cleanup at the Willows Wetland Preserve. Participants can help remove debris, maintain trails, and enhance local ecology. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 26 at Willows Wetland Preserve. Register at CityofGardena.org/events.
Earth Day Teen Climate Fest at the Aquarium of the Pacific
The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is hosting an Earth Day Teen Climate Fest, featuring displays, activities, and presentations designed to teach visitors how to make a difference. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 26. Included with aquarium admission.
Nature Celebration at Madrona Marsh
The Friends of Madrona Marsh are hosting a nature celebration at the Madrona Marsh in Torrance. Visitors can take part in docent-led tours of the marsh and engage in family-friendly activities such as nature crafts, puppet shows, and storytime. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 26. More information is available at friendsofmadronamarsh.com.
This article was originally published in the Daily Breeze on April 17, 2025.
