Celebrate Earth Day
Explore earth, ocean and space—all in one place. See live animals, meet real scientists, and join the journey to make the world a greener place. Join us this April for a series of exciting programs at the Academy and beyond in honor of Earth Day.
Traverse our planet in a day
From the depths of a Philippine coral reef to the outer reaches of the Universe, it’s all inside the Academy. Climb into the canopy of a four-story living rainforest, take a virtual safari in African Hall, fly through space in an all-digital planetarium and get a new perspective on our home.
Visit the world’s greenest museum
Discover the Academy’s green design features, including the Living Roof, blanketed with 1.7 million native plants. Learn about other sustainable features that make it the world’s greenest museum and see what steps you can take to lead a more eco-friendly life.
Learn how science sustains life
Meet Academy scientists who explore the world to document life on Earth and discover why we are in a race against time to understand and conserve crucial habitats. See what real science looks like at the Project Lab while watching researchers prepare and catalogue specimens from recent expeditions, and get hands-on during daily public programs.
Fragile Planet Planetarium Show
Daily at selected times; All day on Earth Day, April 22
Narrated by Sigourney Weaver, this 30-minute round trip around Earth and to the outer reaches of the Universe is a perfect way to celebrate Earth Day. Fragile Planet will redefine your sense of “home.”
Saturday Safari
Saturdays at 11:00 am
Join us in Tusher African Hall for an imaginary expedition around the corner or around the world. A children’s book highlighting Earth Day themes will be featured on April 20.
Discovery Nature Walk
Saturdays and Sundays at 12:30 pm
On Saturday, April 27, landscape exhibit supervisor Alan Good will discuss the plants and flowers of Golden Gate Park during a thirty-minute walk. Find out how the Academy keeps its living areas green.
Chat with an Academy Scientist
Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 am
In celebration of Earth Day, Academy experts will discuss our sustainability efforts, Citizen Science programs, and collaboration with the Marine Mammal Center.
Little Naturalists (Ages 3–5)
Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:00 am
These rotating programs for 3–5 year-olds are presented in the Naturalist Center. On April 17, kids will learn about Cleaning Oil Spills. On April 22, little sprouts will Get the Scoop on Soil.
Conservation Photography Workshop
Saturday, April 20 and Sunday, April 21
Dive into the art of conservation photography during this hands-on, two-day workshop. Day One will introduce participants to the field’s methodology and techniques at the Academy. Day Two features a field trip to the dramatic wilderness of Point Reyes National Seashore.
The Problem with Plastics
Saturday, April 20, 2:30 pm
Teens participating in the Academy’s Digital Learning program unveil their “call to action” to solve plastic pollution issues. See what the Digital Learning teens learned by collaborating with Academy experts and local businesses on plastic pollution in and around Golden Gate Park.
Family Nature Crafts
Sunday, April 21 at 10:00 am
Join us in front of the Swamp and get creative with nature-themed craft projects designed for families with children ages 5–11. On April 21, we’ll create Earth Day rulers. Space is limited, while supplies last.
Pollinator Power
Sunday, April 21, 2 pm
Explore the fascinating lives of pollinators including birds, bats, and bees. Find out how a living roof of entirely native plants helps keep habitats healthy. Meet Alison Young, who leads Citizen Science projects at the Academy, to find out how you can get involved with science.
Spring into Summer NightLife (Ages 21+)
Thursday, April 25, 6 pm–10 pm
Have fun blending creativity with sustainability at our special NightLife event celebrating spring and Earth Day. Enjoy organic produce and delectable drinks while making artwork with reclaimed materials. Learn about innovative bike-powered appliances, and get moving with dancing and games.
Be an Earth Day hero! This month, the Academy is partnering with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, National Park Service (NPS), and the San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department on several volunteer projects taking place in Golden Gate Park and beyond. Help preserve the landscape and biodiversity of San Francisco’s most treasured natural spaces.
Ocean Beach Cleanup
Saturday, April 20 from 9 am–12 pm
Keep the oceans healthy and our coastlines safe for both local wildlife and the community by removing trash and debris. Academy, NPS, and Parks Conservancy staff will be on hand to lead the cleanup and discuss the value of ocean conservation. Registration is not mandatory, but encouraged.
Habitat Restoration at Lands End
Saturday, April 20 from 1–4 pm
Pitch in to restore the unique California coastal habitat at Lands End. Habitat restoration is a proactive way to heal the environment by removing invasive plants species and revegetating native plants. This event is open to all ages. Space is limited. Advance registration is required.
Fort Funston Nursery
Saturday, April 20 from 9:30 am–12:30 pm
Support the goal of growing 25,000 plants for Lands End, Fort Funston, and critical redwood forest habitats in San Mateo County parklands. Activities may include seed collection, transplanting, pruning, weeding and more! Space is limited. Advance registration is required.
White Crown Sparrow Habitat Restoration
Bison Paddock, Golden Gate Park
Saturday, April 20 from 9 am–12 pm
Partner with the Golden Gate Audubon Society to restore the White Crown Sparrow habitat in front of the Bison Paddock. Volunteers will assist with weeding and tending the paddock’s native plantings. Advance registration is required.
Alvord Lake Restoration Project
East End of Golden Gate Park
Saturday, April 27 from 9 am–12 pm
Help the Friends of Alvord Lake restore this historic site. Volunteers will assist with weeding, mulching and tending to recent plantings to encourage the beautification of the area. Space is limited and advance registration is required.
Rhododendron Dell and Music Concourse
California Academy of Sciences Entrance
Saturday, April 27 from 9 am–12 pm
Academy Assistant Curator Kristen Natoli will discuss her work keeping the Academy’s four-story rainforest ecosystem healthy. Volunteers will assist with weeding, mulching and tending the Rhododendrons. Space is limited. Advance registration is required.
Purchase Online |
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Go Green! |
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Getting Here |
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We encourage Earth-friendly transportation. Save $3 off the price of general admission when you walk, bike, or take public transit.
Earth Day History |
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In September 1969 at a conference in Seattle, Washington, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin announced that in spring 1970 there would be a nationwide grassroots demonstration on the environment.
