Honoring Madre Tierra

Earth Day is officially Monday, but Orange County observances will be held today and throughout the week. A selection of events:

Today

Earth Day at the Bay. Family-oriented nature tours, demonstrations and environmental exhibits on the theme, “Nurture Nature: A Better Place for Butterflies, Bees and Birds.” Marine touch tank and exhibits and demonstrations by Orange County Birds of Prey center of red-tailed hawk, screech owl and other birds.

Where: Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve & Regional Park, Shellmaker Island, Newport Beach

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

*

“Recycle Road.” Exhibit of ways to recycle waste. American Indian storytelling and naturalist-led tours. Canoes and kayaks can be reserved.

*

March for Parks. Four-mile walk to raise awareness of America’s parks and open spaces will begin at the corner of Bayview Way and Jamboree Road.

When: 9 a.m.

Information: (714) 640-6746

*

“Celebrate the Earth.” Festival includes recording artist Toni Childs, with theme of “Healing Ourselves--Healing the Planet.” Ceremony for the Earth, song and dances performed by local children.

Where: Coolsville, 775 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach

When: 3-10 p.m.

How much: $10; children 11 and younger free

Information: (714) 376-2048

*

Tree Plantings

Where: Mile Square Regional Park, 16801 Euclid St., Fountain Valley, meet at parking lot #9; Whiting Ranch Regional Park, meet in parking lot off Glenn Ranch Road

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Information: (714) 768-6662

*

Environmental Faire. “Sunshine Celebration” features booths and exhibits. Bring three empty drink containers to receive a free soda.

Where: Peralta Canyon Park, 115 N. Pinney Drive, Anaheim Hills

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

How much: Free

Information: (714) 998-8380

*

Share the Air 5K Walk. Benefits American Lung Assn. of Orange County and Oak Canyon Nature Center

Where: Anaheim Hills Golf Course, 6501 E. Nohl Ranch Road, Anaheim

When: Check-in at 9 a.m.; walk at 9:30

How much: $20 registration fee

Note: Free shuttle service from the park to the walk start

*

Next Week

Irvine Valley College Earth Day Celebration. Educational symposium with speeches on ozone depletion and other issues, vegetarian food, music, selections from the musical “Hair,” information on environmental jobs and groups, petitions, letter-writing.

Where: Irvine Valley College, outside Student Services Center, 5550 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine

When: Monday, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Information: (714) 559-3277

*

“It’s Our Earth.” Outdoor family fair featuring several Earth-friendly activities.

Where: 9860 Larson Ave., Garden Grove

When: Saturday, April 27, noon to 4 p.m.

Information: (714) 741-5554

*

“March for Parks.” Two-hour docent-led interpretive hike through Little Sycamore Canyon, with brochures and “Keep It Wild” T-shirts.

Where: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Laguna Canyon Road and El Toro Road

When: Saturday, April 27; 8, 8:45 and 9:30 a.m.

How much: $20 donation helps fund purchase of park land

Information: (714) 855-7275

*

Orange Coastal Beach Sweep. Border-to-border cleanup to remove trash and other debris from shoreline area. More information available from Surfrider Foundation. Call: Huntington Beach (310) 438-6994; Newport Beach (714) 631-6273; Laguna Beach (714) 494-0059; and San Clemente (714) 492-8248.

When: Saturday, April 27

*

Ongoing

Project Earth. Series of environmental exhibits, soaring balloon sculptures and events. Human-made tide pool, hands-on exhibits with live animals, and the California Forest Products Commission’s walk-through forest exhibit. Saturdays and Sundays there are stage shows featuring birds and animals from rain forest and desert habitats.

Duration: Through April 30

Where: Westminster Mall

When: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday.

Information: (714) 898-2558

* Source: Individual organizations and sponsors

* Researched by DEBORAH SCHOCH / Los Angeles Times