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Livermore’s Sycamore Grove Park will host an Earth Day event this April 20, 2024. (Image courtesy LARPD)

As the globe gears up to celebrate Earth Day, communities across the Tri-Valley are preparing for a series of events aimed at fostering a deeper connection with nature and honoring our planet. 

From guided hikes to volunteer projects, residents are encouraged to join in the festivities and take action to protect the environment. Although Earth Day is officially on Monday (April 22), many events will take place the corresponding weekend. 

Livermore Area Recreation and Park District is set to kick off the Earth Day celebrations at Sycamore Grove Park on Saturday (April 20) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The park will come alive with activities for all ages, including crafts, guided hikes and volunteer projects. 

One highlight of the day is a community volunteer project, where participants will work together to document plant and animal species in a designated area. 

According to representatives from LARPD, the event is a reminder that “there is no Planet B,” urging everyone to take responsibility for the well-being of our planet.

LARPD staff will also lead volunteers through invasive species removal work. 

Another outdoor recreation organization, the East Bay Regional Park District, will host a range of activities across regional parks in the area. 

In Sunol, nature enthusiasts can join a wildflower exploration stroll led by park naturalists from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday. Staff will lead participants through the park and share information on wildflower blooms and native animals. 

At Del Valle Park’s Arroyo Road Staging area, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in a wood duck box service activity from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

Led by instructor Josh Armosino, attendees will engage in hands-on conservation work, recording data, counting eggs, and setting up equipment to support local wildlife. 

“We’re thrilled to announce the Wood Duck Box Service activity at Del Valle Park for Earth Day,” Armosino said of the session. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together and make a real difference for our local wildlife.”

“This event isn’t just about putting up nesting boxes, it’s about creating homes for wood ducks and supporting the delicate balance of our ecosystem right here in the East Bay,” he added. 

This activity not only contributes to environmental preservation but also offers participants the chance to earn two hours of volunteer service. 

“By joining this activity people are not only helping wood ducks thrive, but also learning about the importance of conservation and becoming stewards of our natural environment,” Armosino said. “It’s an opportunity to learn about the life cycle of wood ducks and the important role they play in our ecosystem. Building and installing wood duck boxes isn’t just a one-time event – it’s an ongoing commitment to the well-being of our local wildlife.” 

“Every box we put up is a step towards creating a more sustainable future for our parks and the creatures that call them home,” the naturalist added.

Beyond organized events, many of the Tri-Valley’s various nature preserves are currently sprouting with wildflower blooms. From fields of poppies to lupines, the region’s diverse landscapes offer vibrant colors. 

Visit Tri-Valley representatives recommend Mount Diablo State Park or Las Trampas Wilderness Regional Preserve, among others, as viewing locations.


Nicole Gonzales is a staff reporter for Embarcadero Media’s East Bay Division, the Pleasanton Weekly. Nicole began writing for the publication in July 2022. A graduate of San Francisco State University’s...

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