4 fun, free Earth Month activities

Try something new while celebrating our planet.

Volunteers planting trees in park

April is Earth Month, and it’s a great opportunity for us to connect with our communities, spend time outdoors and take action to protect our planet. Check out these local family-friendly events and activities to celebrate Earth Day in San Diego County and beyond.

1

Explore the outdoors


What’s better than enjoying our amazing hiking trails in the spring? Check out the 10 best hiking paths in San Diego or San Diego County Library’s kid-friendly Story Trails for a unique way to spend your day.

2

Join a park or beach cleanup.


The County of San Diego partners with I Love a Clean San Diego to host community cleanup events throughout the coutny. Bring a friend or the whole family to get involved.

3

Plant a free tree and check out the seed libraries.


Trees aren’t just decorative — they help to remove pollution, cool down neighborhoods, and so much more. Escondido, El Cajon and Vista give residents the chance to get a free tree for their homes. Check out your city’s website to find a free tree program near you.

San Diego has eight seed libraries offering free seeds for your garden. You can pick up seeds in person or have them mailed to you. Many locations offer workshops and events, where you can learn more about gardening and composting. Once you grow your plants, save some seeds and send them back to the library to help your community grow!

Not sure which trees or plants to choose? Native plants and trees save water and provide beautiful habitats for hummingbirds, butterflies and other helpful pollinators. The California Native Plant Society’s San Diego Chapter has plenty of tips for native plant gardening and water conservation.

4

Celebrate National Park Week.


From April 19-27, the National Park Service is sharing special themes during National Park Week with fun ways to enjoy our national parks. Joshua Tree National Park is the closest to us. On April 19, there’s free admission to all National Park Service sites, so it’s the perfect time to visit.

Grow with Best Health®

Whether you plant a tree, start a garden or join a beach cleanup, there are so many ways to celebrate Earth Day while getting involved in your community. Spending time outdoors can help boost your overall health and wellness, and our Best Health wellness program is here to help you grow, too. Find free tools, like webinars, Healthy Living Programs and so much more to help you feel your best.