Restore, Rehab, Rejoice On Earth Day

Here's a list of ideas if you're looking for a way to get involved in the community for Earth Day weekend, but there are other opportunities. Check ED2012 for more cleanup events in your neighborhood.

Then again, conservation isn't all about hard work. It can involve lots of giggles and smiles.

Drop by Saturday's farmers market at Marin Country Mart in Larkspur, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Look for the Larkspur-Corte Madera Patch banner and I'll be there handing out free seeds and helping you plant them.

The farmers market is really getting into the Earth Day swing with music, games, an introduction into backyard chickens, eco-focused crafts and even a cookbook swap. And don't miss the screening of Dr. Seuss' The Lorax.

Saturday, April 21

• Earth Day Marin Festival returns and will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Civic Center Park and will include performances, like world music act Zulu Spear, speakers on environmental issues, such as Andrew Mellen, author of Unstuff Your Life, and popular kids activities, like the smoothie bike.

• The Marin Municipal Water District is seeking volunteers to remove French broom from Pine Point. Meeting location is at the Lake Lagunitas parking lot at 9 a.m. REI will be providing killer swag and raffle prizes!

• Earth Day, 9am-1pm at Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary. Celebrate Earth Day by bringing your family and friends for a morning of naturalist led explorations, bird watching, restoration and cleanup. Activities are appropriate for all ages, including young children. All restoration participants are asked to sign a waiver, for youth under 18 a waiver must be signed by a parent/guardian. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Please bring a re-useable water bottle, wear appropriate clothing and close-toe shoes. FREE EVENT. RSVP: 388-2524.

• Family Earth Day Celebration! Bring the entire family and celebrate our world! Family Storytime — 11 am, Eco crafts for all ages — 11:30 am to 4 pm, Planet Bingo — 2 pm. Novato Library 1720 Novato Blvd. 897-1143.

• Earth Day Clean-up at McInnis Park, 9am – 12pm, Celebrate Earth Day weekend and help give back to a beautiful, sensitive wildlife habitat area. Remove litter and invasive plants from along Las Gallinas Creek. The work will occur on the gentle slopes along the bank of the creek. This event is suitable for all ages. Bring water; wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Rain may cancel: call (415) 473-2823 after 7am on the morning of the event to hear a recorded message if cancelled. McInnis Park, 310 Smith Ranch Road, San Rafael.

• Earth Day Marin, 9am – 12pm, We’re partnering with the City of San Rafael, the Marin County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (MCSTOPPP), Marin Municipal Water District, and the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) to celebrate the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day. Pick up litter and restore native habitat at various service sites including McInnis Park, Bothin Marsh Preserve, Pickleweed Park, and Upton Beach.

• Earth Day Clean-up at Village Green, 10am – 12pm, Honor Earth Day in West Marin by removing litter from the town of Stinson and from the beach. Litter grabbers, disposable gloves, buckets and garbage bags will be supplied for volunteers of all ages to join the fun and make a difference. Bring water.

• Owls in Nicasio: a Family-Friendly Talk & Night Hike, 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Meet live owls including Barn and Spotted owls and learn about their roles in our ecosystem from Hungry Owl Project staff. We will hear from MALT staff and local organic ranchers about protected owl habitat, the role of owls on ranches and take a nighttime walk to observe owls in action. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. Pre-registration is required.

• Striped Bass Derby, 9 – 11am, It’s time for the annual fishing contest at McNears Beach Park! Prizes awarded for biggest fish and most fish caught. A limited amount of fishing poles, bait, and tackle boxes will be provided first come, first- served to novice anglers, courtesy of the California Department of Fish and Game’s “Fishing in the City” program. Fishing license required when fishing from the shore, not from the pier. For more information, contact Josh Gilmore at jgilmore@marincounty.org. Rain will cancel. Parking fee is $10/vehicle. 201 Cantera Way, San Rafael.

• Children’s Fair, 11:00am – 2:00pm, Bring your families and join us in celebrating The Week of the Young Child with over 20 activity booths for children. Don’t miss out on this opportunity for FREE family fun and live entertainment. Northgate Mall, San Rafael.

April 22, Earth Day

• Earth Day Celebration, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., drop-in FREE, Learn more about the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and discover new ways you and your family can be environmental stewards. NatureBridge, Sausalito.

• Earth Day on Angel Island

• Earth Day Tote Make-It Take-It, 1pm – 3pm Decorate a trendy tote for Earth Day. Ages 3 and up. While supplies last. Michael’s, San Rafael.

Check Ronnie's Awesome List for more events for the rest of the month.