Sonoma Ecology Center hosts Earth Day activities Saturday

The Sonoma Ecology Center will facilitate a day of environmental stewardship to commemorate Earth Day from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 26.

Community members can participate in Earth Day activities by joining the Sonoma Ecology Center at one of five public locations – Maxwell Farms Regional Park, Larson Regional Park, Fryer Creek and Nathanson Creek Preserve.

Because Earth Day falls on Tuesday, April 22, this year, activities will take place on Saturday, April 26.

The locations include:

• Sonoma Creek: Meet at Maxwell Farms Regional Park, at the Boys & Girls Club, 100 Verano Ave.

• Sonoma Creek: Larson Regional Park. Meet at picnic tables near new Community Garden Site.

• Nathanson Creek Preserve: Meet at the Demonstration Garden, corner of MacArthur and Second Street East.

• Fryer Creek: Meet at the intersection of Second Street West and Bettencourt Street. (Fryer Creek is located a half-bock south of Bettencourt Street on Second Street West.)

• Sonoma Overlook Trail: Meet at the trailhead off First Street West.

Volunteers should wear layered, comfortable clothing, a hat and sunscreen. Plan to work in sun, get your clothes dirty, and possibly feet wet. Bring gloves and buckets to remove trash. The Sonoma Ecology Center will provide gloves and trash bags, as needed. Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

For questions about cleanup sites or to RSVP for a group of 10 or more, contact Trace McKellips at 996-0712, ext. 126 or email trace@sonomaecologycenter.org.

Earth Day was created in the United States in 1970 as awareness of global environmental degradation grew, and has evolved into an international day of stewardship and awareness of environmental challenges facing humankind. Earth Day provides an opportunity for families, students, service groups, and neighbors to join together to show community support for shared natural resources, learn about the ecology of the Valley’s creeks and to have fun in the process.

The Sonoma Ecology Center was founded on Earth Day in 1990 by a dedicated group of like-minded volunteers committed to safeguarding the resources of Sonoma Valley. Today, 24 years later, the Sonoma Ecology Center fulfills its mission to sustain and enhance the ecological health of Sonoma Valley, thanks to the participation and support of our community. To learn more about its work to preserve and protect Sonoma Valley, visit sonomaecologycenter.org.