South Orange County Earth Day 2022 Event Guide

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — In Orange County, Earth Day is a year-round affair. When you consider the high caliber of the county's parks, beaches and trails, the community's reverence and love for the earth comes as no surprise.

Whether you're spending this Earth Day crafting a watercolor painting of Aliso Canyon at dawn, picking litter up from the shores of San Clemente North Beach or learning more about sustaining the planet we live on — Orange County has something for you in and around the area.

Here is your guide for things to do in and around South Orange County on Earth Day:

Park Cleanup Day: Los Rios Park, San Juan Capistrano

The San Juan Capistrano Youth Advisory Board, in partnership with Great Opportunities, is hosting a park cleanup day at Los Rios Park this Saturday in honor of Earth Day, and residents are encouraged to attend.

At the event, volunteer residents will help beautify San Juan Capistrano by clearing unwanted litter from every nook and cranny of Los Rios Park. Volunteers will be given a pair of gloves, trash bags and a trash wand by event organizers, the flyer said.

No registration is necessary for this event, though residents should be sure to bring sunscreen and a hat.

The Earth Day cleanup event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Los Rios Park, 31791 Los Rios St.

City of Mission Viejo Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration: Oso Creek Trail

On Saturday, Mission Viejo residents can help make their town a little bit greener by joining the city in its annual Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration.

Resident volunteers will have the chance to honor Earth Day by planting trees and shrubs at Upper Oso Creek Trail by the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, the city said in a statement.

In addition, Mission Viejo is hosting a Green Expo at Upper Oso Creek Trail that features "earth-friendly activities" and environmental exhibits where residents can learn more about being eco-friendly. Lunch and ice cream will also be served to volunteers while supplies last, the city said.

Resident volunteers are asked to bring a hat, gloves, boots and sunscreen. Tools for planting will be provided by the city.

To pre-register as a volunteer, residents must fill out an application and waiver form available through the city's website before emailing the completed application to the city.

The Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration takes place from 8 a.m. to noon at the Upper Oso Creek Trail, 24932 Veterans Way.

Community Earth Day Event: Pier Bowl, San Clemente

The City of San Clemente and the Watershed Task Force plan to host the city's 18th annual Earth Day Festival on Saturday at Parque del Mar in the Pier Bowl, city officials said. The public is invited to attend this free celebration.

This year's Earth Day Festival features nonprofit and governmental organizations sharing information about caring for the planet's natural resources whether on-the-go or in your own household.

The event will also offer free giveaways, eco-friendly demonstrations, and activities for children of all ages.

Early risers looking to make a bigger impact this Earth Day can join the city's beach cleanup, starting at 8:30 a.m. at the base of the Municipal Pier. Tools will be provided to all participants who help comb the sand for trash and debris, the city said.

The City of San Clemente's annual Earth Day Festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Parque del Mar in the Pier Bowl, near San Clemente Pier.

Earth Day at the Bay: Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve

The Newport Bay Conservancy and OC Parks are teaming up on Earth Day with a special celebration Saturday at the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve.

Called "Earth Day At The Bay," visitors to the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center will enjoy a day of "hands-on arts and crafts, educational activities and science discovery," conservancy officials said.

"Earth Day At The Bay" is free and will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Free parking will be available at the intersection of Irvine Avenue and University Drive and the cul-de-sac on University Drive, the conservancy said.

The all-ages event will feature food trucks, live music and a scavenger hunt for giveaways and prizes.