Conservation, recycling, and stewardship help protect the finite resources of planet Earth. The San Bernardino County Museum asks visitors to be proactive stewards when it celebrates Earth Day on Sunday, April 22 from 12 to 4 p.m. with family activities themed around the protection of our natural resources.
Bring your creativity, and museum staff will supply recyclable plastic water bottles, paper rolls, and other clean “trash” items to transform into planters, pencil holders, and binoculars you can take home. Help personalize the new collective garden by creating your own decorative tile to include in a community art border around it. Plants in the garden will supplement the diets of animals that live in the museum’s Exploration Station.
Meet scientists and experts who study resources and develop solutions to help conserve them. The Santa Ana Watershed Citizen Science Network will demonstrate the use of citizen science apps such as iNaturalist so visitors can understand ways they can participate in habitat protection. The Riverside-Corona Resource Conservation District will provide information on sustainability of natural resources, reducing human impacts on wildlife habitat, and removing invasive species and restoring native species to natural landscapes. The Inland Empire Resource Conservation District will feature interactive activities including the Environmental Education Question Wheel, and will give out native plant seeds. The University of California Cooperative Extension will feature their Master Gardeners.
Jessika Vazquez, Curator of Integrated Science said “San Bernardino County is a fascinating area, given the range of our geography, climate and biodiversity. The museum is committed to connecting our visitors to this breathtaking and valuable region, and celebrating Earth Day is one way we hope to inspire families to be positive stewards for our region and the Earth.”
Local restaurant Rosa Maria’s will be onsite with tacos, burritos, and drinks. Guests are encouraged to help prevent the proliferation of discarded plastic by bringing their own reusable water bottle to fill at the museum’s new water bottle filling station.
Earth Day and the San Bernardino County Museum’s other exciting events and programs reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture, and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.
The San Bernardino County Museum is at 2024 Orange Tree Lane, at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military or senior), $7 (student), and $5 (child aged 5 to 12). EBT cardholders participating in the Museums For All program are $1 each. Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. Parking is free. Earth Day activities are included with general admission. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities.