It’s impossible to ignore the beauty of the area we call home, from the sparkling bay to the rolling hills and expansive hiking trails to our awe-inducing state parks. As Earth Day and its various activities approach next week, it’s an important time to stop and remember to not only celebrate our county and planet’s beauty and natural resources, but also to protect them.
Here are five fun ways to observe Earth Day.
Watch how Indian classical dance, music and spoken word come together on stage to raise awareness about climate change in “The Earth Speaks” at 6 p.m. April 22 at the Marin Center’s Showcase Theater at 10 Avenue of Flags in San Rafael.
Presented by Samudra Dance Creations, in association with the North Bay Hindu Center, the performance will feature a cast of five professional dancers, a poet and six professional musicians from both Indian classical and Western classical genres.
The piece, which was originally performed in 2019 and nominated for the Isadora Duncan Award for outstanding company performance, proves to be just as timely today. The story features a woman who is a metaphor for the Earth and draws inspiration from mythology, stories from Indigenous tribes and science.
“The Samudra ensemble is working tirelessly to re-investigate and bring this show to life, and we’re thrilled to share it … once again,” says Jyotsna Vaidee, director of the production, in a press release.
Admission for the family-friendly show is $29 to $34. For more information, go to northbaytemple.org/post/the-earth-speaks-sat-april-22 and get tickets at tickets.marincenter.org.
The mission of climate action will resonate with people of all ages at Earth Day Marin from 1 to 5 p.m. April 23 at the Mill Valley Community Center at 180 Camino Alto in Mill Valley.
Produced by Green Change, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sustainability and environmental awareness, and Mill Valley Recreation, the family-friendly event will feature a climate action center, live music by acts such as Marin native Matt Jaffe, more than 50 green exhibits, an EV show of new electric cars and e-bikes by Ride and Drive Clean, youth activities — such as art making and Mother Earth’s Puppet Playhouse — and much, much more.
“Climate change threatens all life on Earth,” says Fabrice Florin, executive director of Green Change, Earth Day Marin organizer, in a press release. “But we can solve this crisis by taking action in our daily lives. If we all do this together, we can slow down global warming and protect our future. The key is to stay hopeful, live sustainably and find joy in taking action with your community.”
Admission is free, but online registration is required at eventbrite.com/e/349979607427. To learn more, go to earthdaymarin.net.
Looking for a way to give back? Get your hands dirty and help with habitat restoration at Hal Brown Park and litter removal within the Corte Madera Creek watershed from 9 a.m. to noon April 23. This all-ages, free event in honor of Earth Day will start at Hal Brown Park at 250 Bon Air Road in Kentfield.
Snacks and water will be provided. Bring gloves and a water bottle. Adverse weather or poor air quality may cancel; if in doubt, text or call 415-763-2977 two hours before the event to confirm.
Online registration is required. For questions, email Kirk Schroeder at KSchroeder@marincounty.org. And get more information at parks.marincounty.org.
Cynthia Jensen has a zoo on her hands — an artistic one that is. The Tiburon artist has spent the last few years creating endangered animal and insect sculptures from found and recycled materials in an effort to give a whimsical take to serious issues surrounding conservationism and the environment.
“Kids love it, even as young as 3. I’ve had high school kids come in, too, and they understand the significance of it,” she told the IJ in 2022. “People love trying to figure out what they’re made out of. They’re all made out of different manufactured items, all of them from the ’30s and ’40s, old tools, buckets and pipes. People are really draw into that and I’m hoping they’re drawn into the message, too.”
Bring friends and family along to see her more than 50 sculptures from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 22 at the Unnatural History Museum at 1292/1294 Lincoln Ave. in San Rafael.
Admission is free. For more information, go to museum.cynthiajensen.com.
Pelicans, seals, sea lions and whales are just some of wildlife you might see during SF Bay Adventures’ Earth Day afternoon wildlife sail on April 22. Aboard the Schooner Freda B, take in and enjoy beautiful views of the bay and keep your eyes peeled for what wildlife might come by to say hi.
Boarding is at 2:45 p.m. at the Sausalito Yacht Harbor, slip 465, in Sausalito.
Admission is $99. Register on Eventbrite. Binoculars and cameras recommended.
