Earth Month 2026: Start Where You Are
Start Where You Are This Earth Month
This Earth Month, we’re focusing on one simple idea: Start where you are.
Protecting our ocean and waterways can feel overwhelming, but real change doesn’t happen all at once. It starts with small, consistent actions taken by people like you.
From reducing single-use plastics in your home to cleaning up your local beach or river to learning more about endangered species, every step forward helps build a healthier, more resilient future.
Wherever you are on your journey, Heal the Bay has a place for you.
Start small. Start local. Start where you are.
Heal the Bay Earth Month 2026 Calendar of Events
Check back for updates, events, news, and more! Click here to view the calendar.
April New Volunteer Orientation – Free
Thursday, April 9, 6:30 pm – 8 pm, Heal the Bay HQ – 1444 9th St, Santa Monica, CA
Not sure where to start? Join us for our Volunteer Orientation and discover all the different ways you can make a real impact on our oceans, coastal waters, and watersheds. From helping at the Aquarium to advocating for marine protected areas on the sand and supporting work to help save a species, there are so many ways to protect what you love.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to deepen your involvement, this is your place to begin. Learn about our volunteer programs, connect with a community of passionate ocean advocates, and be the first to hear about upcoming events and opportunities.
In-Disposable: The Fight Against Plastic Pollution Starts Where You Are – Free
Wednesday, April 15, 6 pm – 7 pm, Virtual
Start with a question: Where does plastic pollution really come from? Join Heal the Bay Marine Scientist and Circular Economy Fellow, Emily Parker, for an eye-opening look at where plastic pollution really begins, its infamous history, and what small, personal choices we can make to stop it.
Protecting the LA River in a Changing Climate · LA Climate Week 2026 – Free
Friday, April 17, 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm, Spoke Bicycle Cafe
Take part in a special community panel during LA Climate Week 2026, a region-wide effort uplifting climate leadership across Los Angeles.
Join Heal the Bay, Friends of the LA River, LA Waterkeeper, Parents Against Santa Susana Field Laboratory, and Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation for an honest and hopeful conversation about the future of the Los Angeles River, from watershed health and water quality to restoration, policy, and community action.
This cross-coalition gathering builds a shared vision for a healthier, more resilient river. After the panel, we’ll take a walk along the river together. We’d love to see you there! Bring a friend, a colleague, or anyone who loves the river and wants to see it thrive.
Earth Month Nothin’ But Sand Beach Clean Up – Free
Saturday, April 18, 10 am – 12 pm, Santa Monica Beach PIer (Northside), Tower 1550
Start where it all began, at Heal the Bay’s home base in Santa Monica!
Join us this Earth Month for one of our biggest beach cleanups of the year. Help remove harmful debris from this iconic beach, connect with fellow ocean lovers, and learn how you can continue to take action for the environment.
Celebrate Earth Month at Heal the Bay Aquarium
Sunday, April 19, 11 am FREE Admission,
Santa Monica Pier
Start where science meets fun! Dive into an Earth Month Open House at the Aquarium under the Santa Monica Pier and explore the wonder of our coastline through hands-on experiences. Touch a shark, meet over 100 local species, including the critically endangered sunflower sea star, and discover how your everyday choices can create waves of impact. Enjoy fun planet-friendly activations like arts and crafts, nature journaling, and enjoy a surprise performance by award-winning artist and activist Madame Gandhi!!
Thank you, Sunny Within, for supporting this event!
Sunny Within is matching all gifts up to $2,500 given on or before April 19, 2026, to help you start where you are. Give what you can, make twice the impact.
The Comeback: Saving the Sunflower Sea Star From Extinction – Free
Tuesday, April 21, 6 pm, Virtual
We’re starting with a single sea star, and she needs your support. Join Heal the Bay for a virtual behind-the-scenes look at our urgent work to save the critically endangered sunflower sea star, why the future of California’s kelp forests depends on it, and how you can help.
Earth Day 2026
Wednesday, April 22
Start Where You Are. A new wave begins this Earth Day.
This Earth Day, we’re premiering a powerful new campaign about the small moments that spark big change. Wherever you are in your journey, this is your invitation to begin. Tune in, follow us on social, and don’t miss your chance to start.
Heal the Bay Earth Month BioBlitz – Free
Saturday, April 25, Manhattan Beach Dunes, 10 AM–12 PM and Saturday, April 26, Temescal Canyon Park, 9 AM–12 PM
Start in the canyon or start in the south bay. Just start where you are!
Join Heal the Bay and partners for two BioBlitz events that turn exploration into action. From the sandy dunes of Manhattan Beach to the trails of Temescal Canyon, you’ll help document local wildlife, learn from experts, and support hands-on restoration efforts across LA.
Saturday, April 25 | Manhattan Beach Dunes (10 AM–12 PM)
Explore a rare coastal ecosystem, snap photos of native species, and see how your observations contribute to the ongoing restoration work of LA’s coast with Heal the Bay and the Bay Foundation.
Saturday, April 26 | Temescal Canyon Park (9 AM–12 PM)
Be part of a day of biodiversity tracking and restoration, in partnership with Resilient Palisades and TreePeople, honoring the lives impacted by the Palisades Fire and supporting the land’s recovery.
Shop. Support. Protect.
This Earth Month, rep Heal the Bay and shop reusable essentials that support a healthier coastline and sustainable future.
Heal the Bay Earth Month 2026 Tabling Calendar
Check out our list of Earth Month events hosted by some of our favorite social and environmental organizations across Los Angeles. Stop by Heal the Bay’s Outreach table while you’re enjoying Earth Month fun around Los Angeles County this April.
April 12, 9 am – 12 pm: Beaches and Harbors 2026 Kids Beach Cleanup
April 18, 10 am – 2 pm: South Bay Parkland Conservancy Earth Day 2026
April 19: Resilient Palisades, Palisades Village Green
April 21, 9 am – 3 pm: CSUDH Sustainability 19th Annual Earth Day
April 23, 11:15 am – 12:45 pm: Eco Action Club at SMC Earth Week
April 25, 6 pm – 10 pm: Ayana Johnson What If We Get It Right? Book Release at The La Brea Tar Pits
May 1 – 3, 10 am – 8 pm: Beachlife Festival, Redondo Beach
May 2, 8 am – 1 pm: Culver City Envirofest
Heal the Bay was founded on a simple truth: one person can make a difference. Dorothy Green proved that 40 years ago when she took a stand for our ocean and sparked a movement that continues today.
This Earth Month, you can double YOUR impact! Sunny Within is matching all gifts up to $2,500 given on or before April 19, 2026, to help you start where you are.
Thank you to our sponsors for supporting Heal the Bay this Earth Month!
Thank you to our Earth Month Clean Up media partner.
