California State Parks invites the public to commemorate Earth Day 2021 by participating in one or several virtual events being held on April 22 from across the State Park System. April 22 marks the 51st anniversary of the first Earth Day, which is credited with launching the modern environmental movement, and is now recognized as the planet’s largest civic event. This year’s theme is “Restore Our Earth.”
Below is a breakdown of this year’s State Parks activities:
Kumeyaay Relationships with the Land at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
From 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., State Parks will present a collaborative interpretive program with Kumeyaay elders, leaders, cultural specialists, and scientists. The Kumeyaay have nurtured a relationship with the land of San Diego since time immemorial. Embedded in their culture and practices today are the tools to restore balance to our environments, communities, and ecosystems. Viewers will have the opportunity to celebrate Kumeyaay culture and community of the past and present.
Schedule of Activities
10:30 a.m. Ecozones & Native American Scientists, geared for 3rd-8th grades
12 p.m. The Brown Family Kumeyaay Creation Story, geared for 3rd grade
1 p.m. Cultural Burns, geared for College/Adult
2 p.m. Kumeyaay Traditional Ecological Knowledge, geared for all ages
Speakers
- Laurie Egan-Hedley, Director/Curator at the Barona Cultural Center & Museum, presenting on “Ecozones & Native American Scientists”
- Elder Sam Brown, Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, presenting “The Brown Family Kumeyaay Creation Story”
- Dr. Don Hankins, Professor at California State University Chico, presenting on “Cultural Burns” followed by a Q&A session with Richard Bugbee, Plant Specialist/Instructor at Kumeyaay Community College
- Tribal elders and leaders from Jamul Indian Village, presenting on “Kumeyaay Traditional Ecological Knowledge”
How to Participate
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- Live Feed: The general public can view the live stream online Old Town San Diego SHP Facebook page.
- Zoom Webinar: Pre-registration is required to participate in the webinar as there is limited space. Register here.
- For additional information on these events, contact State Park Interpreter I Kimberly Loureiro at Kimberly.Loureiro@parks.ca.gov
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Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students (PORTS) Home Learning Programs
K-12 teachers and students will have the opportunity to join State Park interpreters from half a dozen parks across the state to explore this year’s Earth Day theme: Restore Our Earth. The programs available on April 22 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. will help empower students to learn about how and why to save our planet, what they can do to help, and how everyone can unite and make positive changes in climate action. With eight different Earth Day themed program topics to choose from, there are many virtual adventures awaiting the education community.
Schedule of Activities
8 a.m. Take 3 for the Sea with Gaviota State Park
9 a.m. AquaSMART Live: Clean and Green Puppet Show
10 a.m. Earth Day Craft Corner
11 a.m. Restore our Body, Restore our Earth
12 p.m. Reduce, Reuse & Recycle: Composting at Hearst Castle
1 p.m. Human Impact in the Tidepools and Safe Exploration
2 p.m. Nature Journaling Adventure with John Muir Laws
3 p.m. Following the Path of the Monarchs
How to Participate
- Live Feeds: The general public can view the live stream online on PORTS YouTube Channel.
- Zoom Webinar: Pre-registration is required to participate in the webinar, as there is limited space. Register at ports-ca.us/ports-programs/
ports-home-learning-programs.
There is so much that can be done to help protect and restore earth, and it is State Parks’ hope that these and other virtual events being held throughout California will encourage people to join in and work together toward a more resilient future. Learn how other departments within the Natural Resources Agency are commemorating Earth Day at www.resources.ca.gov/
