Locals are gearing up for a slate of hands-on Earth Day events this April, from citywide neighborhood cleanups to family-friendly festivals packed with yoga, live music and eco-crafts.
These gatherings honor the 1970 grassroots movement — sparked by a polluted river fire and 20 million marchers — that birthed the EPA and landmark clean air and water laws still protect our valleys today.
Whether grabbing gloves for trash pickup on April 25 or RSVPing for petting zoos and food trucks at The Porch in Valencia, locals can turn small steps into big change for parks, trails and the planet.
History
Earth Day began as a powerful grassroots movement right here in the U.S., sparked by everyday people fed up with pollution and environmental damage. In 1970, Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson turned nationwide concern — fueled by events like the infamous 1969 Cuyahoga River catching fire — into action, organizing teach-ins and rallies that drew 20 million participants on April 22, or about 10% of Americans at the time.
This groundswell pressured Congress to respond fast, birthing the Environmental Protection Agency and key laws like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act that same year, cleaner air and water we still rely on today.
From those fiery protests, Earth Day has grown into a global tradition embraced by billions, reminding Santa Clarita families that small steps — like the local events coming up — can protect our valleys, parks and planet for generations.
Neighborhood Clean-Up
Residents are invited to roll up their sleeves and give back to the community during the annual Neighborhood Clean-Up event on Saturday, April 25, from 8 to 11 a.m.
Held in celebration of Earth Day, this citywide volunteer effort encourages individuals, families, and groups to help remove litter from local neighborhoods, parks, sidewalks, paseos, and trails.
Participants must pre-register in advance to receive free cleanup supplies. Required registration opens March 6. Sign-up is available online at Green
SantaClarita.com.
On the day of the event, registered participants can pick up supplies at their selected drive-thru location between 8 and 11 a.m. Available pickup sites include Bridgeport Elementary School, 23670 Newhall Ranch Rd.; Canyon Country Park, 17615 Soledad Canyon Rd.; and Newhall Community Center, 22421 Market St.
Volunteers will receive trash bags, gloves, and a complimentary bag of mulch while supplies last. After picking up materials, participants may clean their neighborhoods at their own pace.
For more information or to register, visit Green
SantaClarita.com, email Environment@santaclarita.
gov, or call (661) 286-4098. Additional volunteer inquiries can be directed to Volunteer Engagement Coordinator Gabby Vera at volunteers@santa-
clarita.com or (661) 250-3708.
The Porch
A family-friendly community gathering will take place on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Porch, located at 27426 Navigation Ave. in Valencia.
Organizers are planning a festive, eco-focused celebration designed to bring the community together while highlighting environmental awareness. Billed as “a party for planet Earth,” the event encourages residents of all ages to take part in a day centered on sustainability, community connection, and fun.
Event highlights include live music by Cali
Conscious; petting zoo featuring baby goats and sheep; outdoor yoga sessions led by Megan Olind; cooking demonstrations; food trucks Hilario’s Tacos, Smash Sabbath and Hustle N Dough; Tatum & Charlie craft activities for the kids; airbrush tattoos and face painting; composting worms workshop by Will’s Worms and a photo booth.
To RSVP, sign up at valencia.com/earthday.
WOW Garden
Earth Day will be celebrated with a hands-on community event at The WOW Garden in nearby Palmdale, offering families an opportunity to connect with nature through creative and educational activities.
Hosted by The WOW Flower Project, Earth Day at The WOW Garden is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, from 4:30 – 6 p.m. at 38417 20th St. East in Palmdale.
The free event invites attendees to explore environmental awareness through interactive experiences designed to spark curiosity and encourage care for the planet. Activities will include creating recycled art projects and discovering the natural world through guided exploration of the garden environment.
Organizers say the event is geared toward fostering appreciation for nature while giving participants a chance to engage in meaningful, eco-friendly activities in a community setting.
Admission is free, though advance registration is encouraged. For additional information, call (661) 526-6092.
