California state parks invite local families to celebrate Earth Day with hikes, volunteering and outdoor adventures

Earth Day falls on April 22 this year, and California State Parks is inviting local families to celebrate in whatever way feels right — whether that means rolling up their sleeves for a park cleanup, exploring a trail together or simply stepping outside and soaking it all in. This year's Earth Day theme, Our Power, Our Planet, is a reminder that everyday choices made by families and communities add up to real change for California's lands and waters. For those looking for a structured outing, Calaveras Big Trees State Park is offering a free, no-registration-required guided hike through its North Grove on Wednesday, April 22, at 11:30 a.m. The 1.7-mile accessible loop winds past nearly 100 giant sequoias, with rangers on hand to talk about these ancient trees, the role of prescribed fire in keeping forests healthy and how families can help protect them for the future. Beyond the hike, Earth Day volunteer events are happening at parks throughout the state all month long, giving families a hands-on way to give back to the places they love. California's more than 280 state parks — from towering redwood groves to sandy coastlines — are open and waiting, and no special gear or experience is required to enjoy them. Whether your family celebrates with muddy gloves, a picnic under the oaks or a quiet walk through the trees, the message from state parks is simple: you belong here. To find Earth Day events and activities near you, visit parks.ca.gov.