This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Celebrate Earth Day in Walnut Creek's Open Spaces

Of all the activities, be sure you sign your kids up for nature study activities at Howe Homestead at 3 p.m. Nature will be explored through games, crafts and activities. Call the Ranger Dollard to register.

There will be plenty of ways to celebrate Earth Day and the wonders of our local natural environment in Walnut Creek's open spaces on April 23. Families, adults and children are invited to participate in activities that range from habitat restoration and stewardship projects to nature exploration. 

Stewardship projects: From 9 a.m. to noon there are three projects to choose from at Shell Ridge Open Space. Families with young children can Pull a Weed, Save a Frog or help improve the amphibian habitat at Bob Pond. Older children and adults can choose to help in a hillside habitat project to add mulch and plant material to control erosion, eliminate weeds without the use of herbicides and improve the habitat of local wildlife.

Adults and teens older than 16 can assist staff with a creekside project to remove illegal trails and bike jumps to prepare the area for re-vegetation this fall. Registration is required for participation in the stewardship projects. 

Find out what's happening in Walnut Creekwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Community picnic: At noon people will gather at Hanna Grove Recreation Area in Shell Ridge for a community picnic to celebrate Earth Day and our community volunteer spirit. The city will provide beverages and dessert. Registration is required.

Flower walk is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Lime Ridge Open Space. A ranger will meet participants at the parking lot at Boundary Oak Golf Course for an excursion to learn about useful plants. Registration is not required.

Find out what's happening in Walnut Creekwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The monthly Borges Ranch History Tour is on the calendar for 2 p.m.. A ranger will take you on a journey through the past as you explore the early 20th century ranching history of Walnut Creek. This is a great family program and no registration is required.

Nature studies for kids: Children in grades two through six are invited to join  nature study activities at Howe Homestead at 3 p.m. Nature will be explored through games, crafts and activities. Registration is required. 

Campire under the stars: The day ends at Sugarloaf Open Space with an old-fashioned ranger-led campfire program. There will be stories, songs, surprises, and of course, s'mores. No registration is required. 

There is no charge for any of these programs or activities, and groups are welcome. For more information or to register for any of these activities, contact Supervising Ranger Nancy Dawson Dollard at 925-943-5899, ext. 2135, or by email,  dollard@walnut-creek.org.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?