Celebrating Earth Month With Earth Day Events in Contra Costa County

Over 50 Years of Showing We Care

Help celebrate Earth Day 2026 on April 22nd!

Each year on April 22nd, communities across the world come together as one to celebrate Earth Day – a manifestation of our shared desire to protect and preserve this beautiful planet we call home.

Earth Day was first observed in 1970 – a time when pollution was uncontrolled and environmental protection was not a priority for policymakers. Spearheaded by Senator Gaylord Nelson, the Earth Day movement brought together activists and concerned citizens from all walks of life. 20 million Americans – roughly 10% of the US population at the time – took part in rallies, teach-ins, and demonstrations. As a result, awareness was raised about pollution, deforestation, and the adverse impacts of industrial waste. This bottom-up action led to significant changes, including the creation of our present Environmental Protection Agency.

Earth Day is a reminder to all of us that we, the people, have the power to change the world – but only if we come together and educate one another about the astonishingly fragile world we inhabit. As we look to the future, there’s a real opportunity to continue protecting our beautiful environment. By staying informed, sharing knowledge, and building on the progress started in 1970, we can keep moving toward a healthier, more sustainable world.

With this in mind, the Contra Costa Clean Water Program is spotlighting some of the Earth Day events happening in our County – from educational celebrations where communities can come together and teach each other about our planet to local clean-ups where we can all work together to keep our environment free from pollutants.

This promotional poster was used during the first-ever Earth Week, in 1970.

Finding Community At Local Earth Day Celebrations

Across Contra Costa County, many cities and local environmental groups are hosting their own Earth Day celebrations – including community fairs, nature walks, and workshops! We’re highlighting a few of our favorite events here, but be sure to check our calendar to see what other events are happening near you.

  • Pinole’s Earth Walk. On April 18th at 9 AM, fellow community members of Pinole will assemble at Fernandez Park and walk a 3-mile paved loop through nature in a symbolic pledge to protect the planet. At the finish line of the walk, there will be free snacks and refreshments, interactive crafts for kids, and opportunities to learn all about local environmental groups.

  • San Ramon’s Garden Speaker Series. San Ramon is showing love for our planet all year long! Educational talks by garden experts are held throughout the year. All talks are free and each spotlights a different Garden Topic. Some talks include hands-on workshops and take-home projects.  View upcoming dates and details on the Community Gardens Page

  • John Muir’s 188th Birthday. The John Muir Association is celebrating both Earth Day and the birthday of legendary conservationist John Muir. Celebrations will take place in Martinez on April 18th from 10 AM to 4 PM. The event will feature live music, 50+ educational booths hosted by local organizations, and much more!

Taking Direct Action With Local Clean-Ups

Education and advocacy aren’t the only grassroots ways to protect our planet. Local clean-ups and other service events are synonymous with American conservationism. We encourage anyone who wants to live in a clean, healthy local environment to attend one of these clean-ups. Just like with our list of Earth Day celebrations above, this is in no way an exhaustive list so check with your town or city about Earth Day volunteer opportunities close to home.

  • East Bay Regional Park Earth Day Cleanups. As with every year, the East Bay Regional Parks District is hosting a variety of volunteer events and clean-ups at some of your favorite nature spots around the East Bay. Check them out and help keep our planet clean!

  • Keep Antioch Beautiful. On April 18th, Antioch is keeping its city beautiful with some volunteer opportunities cleaning up trash, planting flowers, and nurturing trees! After these morning clean-ups, free lunch will be provided to all volunteers as thanks for their effort. Additionally, Antioch is holding a photo raffle from Earth Day (April 22nd) to Arbor Day (April 24th) with prizes awarded to 3 entries chosen from pictures posted themed around beautifying the city with the hashtag #AntiochBeautiful and tag the Antioch Recreation Department (@antiochrec_ca).

  • El Cerrito Earth Day Cleanup. El Cerrito is celebrating Earth Day on April 25th with several clean-up parties around the city. You’ll be helping to remove invasive plants, clean up litter, and generally beautify the area’s natural spaces. Volunteers will be provided with snacks, refreshments, and free seeds or plants donated by El Cerrito’s community gardens. You can also register your own work party before April 19th to make sure you’re working alongside friends, family, and neighbors!
Volunteers help clean up Unity Park’s bioswale – a special type of garden which helps prevent stormwater pollution from reaching the Bay.
  • North Richmond Earth Day 2026. Join The Watershed Project on April 18th for a day of community action and celebration in North Richmond. Start the morning by helping restore local spaces through a creek cleanup or habitat planting, then stay for an afternoon festival celebrating our community and our planet. All events take place in North Richmond, CA, and you are welcome to participate in one or all of the activities.

A Call to Action for Our Planet

Earth Day is more than a single date on the calendar—it’s a reminder that protecting our planet is a responsibility we all share, every day of the year. While the challenges we face can seem overwhelming, history has shown that collective action creates real change. By learning, volunteering, and advocating for a healthier environment, we continue the legacy of those who fought for the clean air, water, and land we depend on.

As you celebrate Earth Day this year—whether by joining a clean-up, attending an educational event, or simply making more sustainable choices in your daily life—know that every action, no matter how small, contributes to a greater movement. Together, we can protect our local environment and inspire the change we want to see for our planet’s future.

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