The world first began celebrating Earth Day in the early 1970s. Around that time, residents of Walnut Creek decided to show their own concern for nature and the environment--on a local scale--by campaigning to save some of our grass- and oak-covered hills from development. These residents worked to have Walnut Creek voters agree to set aside 2,500 rolling acres for open space.
Walnut Creek now has six open space areas, some of which will become the center Saturday for Earth Day celebrations, sponsored by the city Parks and Open Space department and and the Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation.
8 a.m. The day begins with a trail construction service project at the Bayberry Drive entrance to Lime Ridge Open Space. Volunteers will be creating a connector trail from Bayberry Pond to the Savannah Trail in North Lime Ridge. Registration starts at 8 a.m., and the group will work until noon. Participants must be over 16 and pre-registration is required. Register by e-mail to simmons@walnut-creek.org.
9 a.m. City staff and the Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation will lead a bird walk out of Borges Ranch in Shell Ridge. The walk will include visiting habitat restoration areas that the foundation has completed to the benefit of wildlife and humans alike. Information on watchable wildlife opportunities in the Open Space will be shared. Pre-registration is not required.
Noon: Bring your family and picnic basket to the Hanna Grove picnic area at Shell Ridge for a community picnic. We will be celebrating the volunteer spirit of Walnut Creek and the opportunity to spend the day together in nature. No registration is required.
3 to 5 p.m. Environmental education activities for children will be conducted at Howe Homestead Park on Walnut Boulevard from 3 to 5 p.m. These activities will be appropriate for children in second through sixth grade. Pre-registration is required. Register by e-mail to dollard@walnut-creek.org.
7 p.m. Finish up at the Sugarloaf Open Space, where staff will lead a campfire program under the stars. No registration is required.
For more information on Earth Day activities, e-mail dollard@walnut-creek.org.
You can also visit the Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation's website or Facebook page.
