SACRAMENTO — Celebrate Earth Day this month with California State Parks at any of the 280 unique state parks.

State Parks will host numerous Earth Day-themed events throughout April 19 to 27.

They include in-person activities, such as guided nature walks, beach cleanups, interactive junior ranger programs and hands-on restoration projects, as well as virtual programming with a live dive broadcast exploring the hidden world of the ocean.

“Earth Day is a celebration of our connection to the land, the water and each other,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “California State Parks is proud to protect the places that inspire stewardship, spark curiosity, and remind us why connecting with nature is important and worth preserving. Join us in celebrating Earth Day every day!”

A list of statewide Earth Day events for departments, conservancies and commissions under the California Natural Resources Agency is available at resources.ca.gov/earthday2025. 

While Earth Day is Tuesday, April 22, it is being celebrated throughout the month. Here are some in-person and virtual events being held at state parks:

Event: Earth Week PORTScast 
Date and time: Sunday, April 20 – Friday, April 25
Location: Virtual
Description: PORTScast LIVE broadcasts will bring the wonders of California’s state parks into classrooms, wherever you may be. Join staff for several special Earth Week events covering a range of topics from the difference between baleen and toothed whales to learn how some forest fires can actually be good for the ecosystem. Find a virtual event here: https://ports.parks.ca.gov/2-portscast/portscasts-calendar/ 

Event: Earth Day Celebration at California Natural Resources Agency
Date and time: Tuesday, April 22 – 3-5 p.m.
Location: 715 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Description: Discover the great work underway to conserve, protect, and restore California's natural and cultural resources. Fun activities for all ages with indoor and outdoor interactive activities with giveaways and more. The event is open to the public — free admission.

State Parks looks forward to seeing Californians on trails, beaches, mountains, and the deserts on Earth Day, but asks for all to please recreate responsibly:

Know Before You Go: Prior to leaving home, check the status of the park you want to visit to find out what restrictions and guidelines are in place, and to find out if your destination may be temporarily closed. Have a backup plan in case your destination is crowded.

Play It Safe: Find out what precautions you should take when exploring the outdoors, especially if this is your first time visiting the State Park System. For example, make sure to dress in layers, bring plenty of snacks and water, and wear appropriate hiking shoes.

Leave No Trace: Leave areas better than how you found them by staying on designated trails and packing out all trash. Do not disturb wildlife or plants.

Download Mobile App: Visitors are invited to download the California State Parks mobile app, which allows users to download park unit maps and receive up-to-date information on any trail closures and events. Powered by OuterSpatial, the app has park information, route details, and virtual badges you can collect as you visit parks. Visitors can download the app here.

California’s state park system has 280 state park units, over 340 miles of coastline, 970 miles of lake and river frontage, 15,000 campsites, 5,200 miles of trails, 3,195 historic buildings, and more than 11,000 known prehistoric and historic archaeological sites. Plus, there are also many other local and national parks across the state that Californians can enjoy on Earth Day and year-round.