Earth Day Is On Its Way

Every day is Earth Day if you think about it: we breathe the air, eat the bounty, drink the water, are warmed by the sun. Fortunately in Sonoma County there's really not much controversy over this world holiday (unofficially on April 22, as it has been since 1970), but a range of local events that celebrate it on both Saturday the 21st and Sunday the 22nd.

Here in Sonoma, we're taking a practical approach as the Sonoma Ecology Center greens up with a community clean-up -- cleaning the Sonoma Creek watershed at, followed by a potluck lunch. Participants are encouraged to bring their own gloves and layered, comfortable clothing. It starts at 9 a.m., the potluck lunch (bring your own utensils and food to share) is at noon. Details on .

In Healdsburg, the High School Progressive Club is the sponsor of its tenth annual Earth Day Festival,  on Saturday, Apr. 21, in the Plaza from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Booths include environmental and social justice organizations, with food for sale and a raffle, children's events, music, an art show and more, including guest speakers, dancers, a drum group, bagpipes and doubtless a guitar or two. More details are .

Over in Napa, there'll be an Earth Day Napa event at the Veterans Memorial Park, at the river downtown. Free games for all ages will be conducted throughout the day, live entertainment for the whole family, and lunch, snacks, beer and wine will be sold by local providers. It's from 11 to 5 on Saturday.

Out in Jenner, at the end of the Russian River, you're invited to celebrate Earth Day with activities, music, entertainment, and a barbecue, all day from 9 - 5. They'll have a historic Russian Longboat, guided hikes, an electric car show, a kayak race and more. While there is no admission, there will be some activity fees, according to this page.

'Way up in Mendocino County that same day, Hopland has its own Earth Day Fest at the Solar Living Center, first right on the way into town. They promise wine and food tasting filled with local earthly delights. Vendor booths and presentation areas are being set up as well, to showcase the sustainable lifestyle that SLI is known for from 11 - 6. This event is featured on their website.

Sunday's celebrations include Santa Rosa's 3rd Annual Earth Day Fair in Courthouse Square from noon to 4.  They'll have food, music, local vendors, eco-friendly crafts and activities for kids, plus Santa Rosa’s Clean Energy Advocate and solar vendors will be present to answer energy- and solar-related questions and fun interactive solar games will be held throughout the event.

In addition, they will offer free safe disposal for unwanted medications and recycling for old appliances and E-waste. It's free, as so many Earth Day events are. For more information visit www.srcity.org/earthday