Stormwater Pollution Prevention Events
APRIL 2026
We all play a part in preventing stormwater pollution. Here are some ways to get involved in April and help protect our local waterways! All events are free unless otherwise indicated.
Ongoing beach and community cleanups help protect the County’s waterways from stormwater pollution and can help preserve water quality for years to come. The County thanks the following beach and community cleanup event partners for their ongoing support in preventing stormwater pollution: I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD), Surfrider Foundation San Diego, San Diego Coastkeeper, San Diego River Park Foundation, Think Blue San Diego, Project Clean Water, Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve (TRNERR), San Diego Canyonlands, San Dieguito River Park, Friends of Ruffin Canyon, Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation, Friends of Rose Creek, Friends of Famosa Slough, San Diego Bird Alliance, Escondido Creek Conservancy, Green Oceanside, California State Parks Foundation, ASCENDtials, Nature Collective at San Elijo Lagoon, Preserve Calavera, Keep America Beautiful, County of San Diego Parks and Recreation, and UC San Diego Natural Reserve System.
Now through July 4, 2026 – Keep America Beautiful Great American Cleanup – Learn more or pledge.
April 1
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9am to 12pm – County of San Diego Parks and Recreation – Habitat Restoration at Louis A. Stelzer County Park. Learn more or sign up.
April 2
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8am to 10am – San Diego River Park Foundation Grant Park Community Stewards. Learn more or sign up.
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9am to 12pm – County of San Diego Parks and Recreation – Trail and Tree Maintenance at Oakoasis County Preserve, Lakeside. Learn more or sign up.
April 3
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9am to 12pm – County of San Diego Parks and Recreation – Native Plant Planting at Woodhaven County Park, El Cajon. Learn more or sign up.
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9am to 12pm – TRNERR Friday Stewardship Session for Long-term Volunteers. Learn more or sign up.
April 4
April 7
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8am to 11am – San Diego River Park Foundation River Habitat Restoration. Learn more or sign up.
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9am to 11:30am and 12pm to 3pm (2 shifts) – Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation Algerian Sea Lavender Removal. Learn more or sign up.
April 9
April 10
April 11
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9am to 11am – Friends of Rose Creek – Restoring Rose Creek for Wildlife and Humans Native Plant Event – Pacific Beach. Learn more or RSVP.
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9am to 11am – Friends of Famosa Slough Work Party. Learn more or RSVP.
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9am to 1pm – California State Parks Foundation Earth Day Cleanup - Silver Strand State Beach. Learn more or sign up.
April 14
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8am to 11am – San Diego River Park Foundation River Mouth Habitat Restoration. Learn more or sign up.
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9am to 11:30am and 12pm to 3pm (2 shifts) – Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation Algerian Sea Lavender Removal. Learn more or sign up.
April 16
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8am to 10am – San Diego River Park Foundation Grant Park Community Stewards. Learn more or sign up.
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9am to 1pm – San Diego River Park Foundation Planting with Preserve Stewards at Eagle Peak Ranch. Learn more or sign up.
April 17
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9am to 12pm – TRNERR Friday Stewardship Session for Long-term Volunteers. Learn more or sign up.
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9am to 12pm – San Diego Bird Alliance and Friends of Rose Creek – Habitat Restoration and Maintenance. Learn more or register.
April 18
April 19
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9am to 11am – San Diego River Park Foundation River Mouth Habitat Restoration. Learn more or sign up.
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12:15pm to 1:30pm – ASCENDtials Climate Cares Coronado Route 75 Highway Cleanup Event. Learn more here and select ‘check availability’ button to sign up for April event.
April 21
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8am to 11am – San Diego River Park Foundation River Habitat Restoration. Learn more or sign up.
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9am to 11:30am and 12pm to 3pm (2 shifts) – Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation Algerian Sea Lavender Removal. Learn more or sign up.
April 22
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9am to 12pm – Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation Trail Cleanup Event – Discovery Campus. Learn more or sign up.
April 23
April 24
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9am to 12pm – TRNERR Friday Stewardship Session for Long-term Volunteers. Learn more or sign up.
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9am to 12pm – San Diego Bird Alliance and Friends of Famosa Slough – Habitat Restoration and Maintenance. Learn more or register.
April 25 (Creek to Bay Cleanup Day)
I Love a Clean San Diego 24th Annual Creek to Bay Cleanup Day Events – ILACSD hosts Creek to Bay Cleanup Day every April region-wide and relies on an amazing network of non-profit partners to lead sites across the County. Use this link to learn more and find a site near you. Registration opens April 1. Check out a few of the many participating partner links below to join their hosted site for Creek to Bay Cleanup Day Events.
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9am to 11am – San Diego Coastkeeper Cleanup and Earth Day Planting at Otay Regional Park. Learn more or register.
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9am to 12pm – Friends of Rose Creek – Pacific Beach. Learn more.
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9am to 12pm – County of San Diego Parks and Recreation. Several parks within the County park system will be offering events. See participating parks and learn more here.
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9am to 12pm – South Bay Sustainable Communities Network Cleanup – Marina View Park, Chula Vista. Learn more.
Other Events
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8am to 10:30am – San Diego Canyonlands Rooted & Rested in Hollywood/Pepper Canyon. Learn more or sign up.
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9am to 11am – Surfrider Foundation Seaport Village Cleanup. Learn more or register.
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9am to 11am – San Diego Bird Alliance Wander the Wetlands Work Party and BioBlitz – Kendall-Frost Marsh. Learn more or register.
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9am to 12pm – Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation Trail Cleanup Event - Hoover Street. Learn more or sign up.
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9am to 12pm – San Diego River Park Foundation Creek to Bay Community Clean-Up at Mission Valley Preserve. Learn more or sign up.
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9am to 12pm – Escondido Creek Conservancy Monthly Shrub Club. Learn more or reserve a spot.
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11am to 3pm – Green Oceanside Earth Day Event and Neighborhood Cleanup at Joe Balderrama Park. Learn more.
April 26
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12:15pm to 1:30pm – ASCENDtials Climate Cares Highway Cleanup at 5/Mission Bay Beach Club Event. Learn more here and select ‘check availability’ button to sign up for April event.
April 28
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8am to 11am – San Diego River Park Foundation River Mouth Habitat Restoration. Learn more or sign up.
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9am to 11:30am and 12pm to 3pm (2 shifts) – Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation Algerian Sea Lavender Removal. Learn more or sign up.
April 30
Early Sign-Up May Events:
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Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation – Lagoona Kahuna 2026 Cleanup Challenge ($$ fees vary)
Monthly/Ongoing or On Your Own Stormwater Pollution Prevention Events:
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Tuesdays and Fridays, 8am to 11am – San Diego River Park Foundation River Assessment Field Teams (RAFT). Learn more or sign up.
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Tuesdays and Fridays, 9am to 12pm – San Dieguito River Park Dust Devils Habitat and Trail Restoration Events – Inland and Coastal Trails. Learn more.
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Second Fridays, 9am to 10:30am – San Diego River Park Foundation – One-Mile Action Crew (OMAC) Ocean Beach Estuary and Stewardship Ride. Learn more or sign up.
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Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8am to 11am – San Diego River Park Foundation River Rescue Cleanups. Learn more or sign up.
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San Diego Surfrider Foundation Ongoing Solo Cleanups. Learn more.
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Coastkeeper San Diego Six Cleanup Challenge, Flexible Dates/Times. Learn more and see the list of challenge sites.
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ILACSD Adopt-A-Beach/Adopt-A Canyon Program, Flexible Dates/Flexible Times – Adopt a beach or canyon and lead independent cleanups on your schedule. Learn more and adopt a location.
County of San Diego – Waterscape Rebate Program Rainwater Harvesting Workshop – Spring Valley – April 18, 10am – The Waterscape Rebate Program will be hosting its second rainwater harvesting workshop of 2026. Learn how to capture rainwater and the ways it can lower your water bill. Residents of unincorporated San Diego County qualify for a FREE rain barrel.
Site location: Spring Valley Community Church, 3310 Bancroft Dr, Spring Valley. Learn more or register.
University of California Cooperative Extension’s (UCCE) Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program – The following events will be offered in April.
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April 2, 7:30am to 4pm – 2026 Landscape Professionals IPM Workshop ($$ fees vary) – Join UC experts and landscape professionals from across the region for a dynamic day of cutting-edge IPM strategies, practical field insights, and valuable industry connections. Topics include pesticide impacts on Southern California waterways, regulations’ updates, how fire-wise landscaping and pest management intersect, and more. Registration closes March 29 at 11pm. Site location: JULEP Venue, 1735 Hancock St., San Diego. Learn more or register.
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April 3, 12:15pm to 1:45pm – Healthy Garden-Healthy Home Workshop – All About Ants – Learn what to do when ants invade your plants and home, and how to make your environment less attractive to them. Topics also include how chemicals and bait control work. In-person workshop location: Site location: Valley Center Library, 29200 Cole Grade Road, Valley Center. Learn more or register.
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April 7 (ENGLISH); April 14 (SPANISH), 9am to 4pm – Pesticide Safety Zoom Workshop, Instructor Training (fee $300) – This workshop will qualify participants to train fieldworkers and pesticide handlers under California pesticide regulations. Learn more or register.
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April 15, 3pm to 4pm – Ag Experts Talk Webinar Series – Lettuce Production and Disease Management in the Salinas Valley – Get an overview of the current knowledge and management of major lettuce diseases, including Impatiens Necrotic Spot, Pythium wilt, Verticillium wilt, and Fusarium wilt. Webinar also includes recent updates on the biology, identification, and integrated management approaches for these diseases. Learn more or register.
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April 16, 12pm to 1pm – Urban & Community Webinar Series – Spring Cleaning: Where Indoor Pests Could Be Hiding – Learn about common pantry and indoor pests, and some weird places you could encounter pests that you may not have noticed. Learn more or register.
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April 17, 11:15am to 12:45pm – Healthy Garden-Healthy Home Workshop – How to Grow a Salsa Garden: Garden Vegetables Pests and Diseases – Learn about proper planting for a healthier garden. Also, learn tips for controlling common pests and diseases of your backyard salsa garden. Site location: Ramona Library, 1275 Main Street, Ramona. Learn more or register.
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UC IPM Video Library – Visit this link for a variety of videos on pest management.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR) Master Gardeners of San Diego – The following events will be offered in April where you can get science-based answers and practical advice from UCCE certified Master Gardener experts. Topics include garden planning, watering, pest control, and anything garden related.
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Through May 10, 10am to 4pm – Master Gardener Demonstration Gardens at Carlsbad Flower Fields ($$ entry fees vary). See April calendar to learn more.
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April 8, 11am to 1pm – Ask-A-Master Gardener Q&A Sessions - San Diego County Operations Center Demonstration Garden. Site location: San Diego County Operations Center, Suite 201, 9335 Hazard Way, San Diego. Learn more.
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April 9, 10am – Paradise Gardeners – California Native Plants Presentation – Attend this talk by a UC Master Gardener to learn about California native plants. Site location: Skyline Hills Branch Library, 7900 Paradise Valley Road,
San Diego. Learn more.
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April 11, 10am to 12pm – Grow Your Garden Series Workshop: The Perfect Tomato – Attend this workshop where you will learn about essential techniques for cultivating the perfect tomato. Topics include soil conditions, watering needs, and how to ensure your tomatoes are thriving. Offered in partnership with the Carlsbad Community Gardens Collaborative. Free pruner or lopper sharpening will be provided by the UC Master Gardeners of San Diego County’s Tool Care committee. Site location: Carlsbad City Library, 1775 Dove Lane. Learn more.
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April 12, 11am to 2pm – Ask-A-Master Gardener at Kensington/Talmadge Earth Day. Site location: Kensington Park, 4200 Adams Ave, San Diego. Learn more.
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April 12, 8am to 12pm – Ask-A-Master Gardener and Plant Sale at Martin Gang Ranch. Site location: 28933 Cole Grade Road, Valley Center. Learn more.
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April 18, 10am to 3pm – Paradise Hills Native Garden Grand Opening. Scroll down webpage to learn more.
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April 18, 10am to 1pm – Ask-A-Master Gardener Booth at Lemon Grove Earth Day. Site location: Treganza Heritage Park, 3200 Main St, Lemon Grove. Learn more.
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April 25, 9am to 12pm – Ask-A-Master Gardener Booth at Point Loma Garden Club Annual Plant Sale. Site location: All Souls' Episcopal Church - Gooden Hall, 1475 Catalina Blvd, San Diego. Learn more.
California Landscape Contractors Association Herbicide Best Practices & Regulatory Training – April 9, 10am to 12pm ($15 non-CLCA member; free for members) – Learn about best practices and key pesticide regulations affecting landscape professionals. Topics include herbicide storage, transportation and label interpretation, licensing and registration requirements, pest control business vs. maintenance gardener pest control, and more. Participants can earn 2 QAL CEUs by attending this training. Site location: Target Specialty Products, 431 Daisy Lane, San Marcos. Learn more or register.
Solana Center for Environmental Innovation Landscape and Gardening Events – The following events will be offered in April.
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April 18, 10am to 12pm – Gardening Practices that Save Water - Lakeside – Learn how to create a less thirsty and more environmentally-friendly landscape. Topics include climate-appropriate planting, soil types and gardening styles, using mulch and compost to build healthy soil that conserves water, and managing irrigation efficiently. Funded by the County of San Diego. Site location and host: Lakeside Library, 12428 Woodside Avenue, Lakeside. Learn more or register.
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April 19, 11am to 12pm – Rain Barrel & Water Harvesting Workshop for City of San Diego Residents – Learn about the benefits of rain barrels and best practices for rainwater collection at this workshop designed for City of San Diego residents. Topics include installation demonstration, downspout and rain chain connections, rain barrel maintenance and emptying practices, and rebates and discounts. Funded by Think Blue San Diego and the State Department of Water Resources. Site host and location: North Clairemont Recreation Center, 4421 Bannock Ave, San Diego. Learn more or register for workshop and pre-order rain barrels.
The Water Conservation Garden – The following events will be offered in April. Sponsored by Otay and Helix Water Districts, Sweetwater Authority, Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District, and the County of San Diego Watershed Protection Program.
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April 10, 9am to 4pm – Free-Day Fridays – Attendees will receive free admission on the second Friday of every month. Activities include mini-tours, arts & crafts, community partner booths, scavenger hunts and prizes, and more. Learn more.
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April 18, 9:30am to 11am – Native Habitat Restoration in San Diego with San Diego Canyonlands – Join San Diego Canyonlands to learn about native habitat restoration across San Diego County. Topics include the ecology of our canyons, home hardening and creating defensible space against wildfire, and how you can make a difference in your environment. Learn more or register.
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April 25, 9am to 4pm – Monthly Water District Wave-In Day – On the last Saturday of every month, free admission to the Garden is offered to customers of supporting water districts for a day of learning about sustainable living and water-wise gardening. Enjoy workshops, community partner booths, and water-wise exhibits that help you improve your individual impact on the planet. Learn more or register.
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April 25, 10am to 12:30pm – Free 2026 County Workshop – How to Hire a Landscaper and Save Money! with Ms. Smarty-Plants™ -- Ms. Smarty-Plants gives an informative, common-sense approach to hiring a landscape professional. You’ll learn which questions to ask, how to properly plan, and receive money-saving tips too! Learn more and register.
California Native Plant Society San Diego Native Garden Tour - City of San Diego – April 11 (South Gardens) and 12 (North Gardens), 9am to 4pm ($$ fees vary) – This year’s tour will feature private gardens in the San Diego City region south of I-8 and west of SR-125, highlighting how native gardens help protect this unique biodiversity and inspire others to create their own. Learn more or buy tickets.
Association of Professional Landscape Designers – Plant-Based Solutions for Managing Water in Your Landscape Designs Webinar – April 16, 5pm to 6pm EDT ($$ fees vary) – Learn the goals of managing water on your landscape and how to choose plants adapted to support them. This webinar will further explore types of native plants that are well adapted for specific drainage areas such as the base of downspouts, in rain gardens, in ditches, near air conditioning outlets, or anywhere that water collects. Learn more or register.
San Diego River Foundation Garden Party & Plant Sale - Grant Park – April 18, 8am to 12pm – Attend this fun-filled community event and connect with fellow plant lovers! The day’s activities include a native plant and garden art sale, educational presentations by Master Gardeners and experts, a ‘Build Your Own Garden’ workshop, and more. Learn more.
Alta Vista Botanical Gardens Earth Day Festival – April 18, 10am to 3pm – Join in on this free event for the community to celebrate the Earth with fun and informative activities for the whole family. Events include a variety of children’s activities, music throughout the day, plant sales and advice, garden shops, vendors, and more. Learn more.
San Diego Botanic Garden – The following events will be offered in April
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March 6 through April 24, 9:30am to 12pm – Learning Labs: Food Waste Fridays – Offered weekly in partnership with Solana Center for Environmental Innovation, this program will provide hands-on lessons about various environmental topics and waste reduction. The March/April program will focus on the wonderful world of composting and decomposers. Learn about red wiggler worms, worm biology and basic needs, and how these tiny creatures can help recycle our food scraps. Learn more.
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Monthly SAPLinGS Sessions – Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays in March, 10am to 12pm – Children are invited to join for Science, Art, and Play in Garden Spaces (SAPLinGS) activities. Topics vary by month and will focus on a different plant or nature-based theme. Science activities engage kids with cool hands-on learning that stimulates curiosity. Art activities focus on projects that spark the imagination. Learn more and view seasonal schedule.
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Ongoing - Every Friday – Special Activity: Toddler Tales & Tunes in Hamilton Children’s Garden – 10:30am to 11am – Join Grandma Kathy as she uses puppets, bells, pompoms, and much more to connect children to plants and nature in the beautiful outdoor setting at the top deck of Hamilton Children’s Garden. Learn more.
Earth Discovery Institute Planting Bioblitz & Spring Flower Hike – City Nature Challenge, El Cajon – April 25, 9am to 11am – Take part in the City Nature Challenge by recording plant and wildlife observations. The focus will be on native plants blooming in the spring but will also document any wildlife encounters along the way. Site location: Par 4 Trail, 3594 Par 4 Dr, El Cajon. Learn more or RSVP.
Landscape and Water-Savings Webinars – A series of landscape and water-savings webinars will be offered in April hosted by various regional water agencies. Dates and times vary. All events will be virtual and free unless otherwise noted.
The following topics will be hosted or co-hosted by Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). See calendar and learn more or register.
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California Friendly & Native Plant Landscape Training – Learn how to design a yard using the four principles of gorgeous and watershed-wise landscaping. Topics include building healthy soil, capturing rainwater, selecting climate-appropriate and native plants, and use of high-efficiency irrigation.
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Transforming Lawns: A Sustainable Approach – Learn how to transform your yard into a beautiful, sustainable, and water-efficient landscape. Topics include selecting climate-appropriate plant palettes, planning a new landscape that thrives with less water, and exploring sustainable landscape techniques, functions, turf removal options and rebates.
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Garden Design Workshop – Learn how to identify critical steps for successfully designing a watershed-wise landscape. Topics include creating a successful planting plan, developing a palette of climate-appropriate plants, and sizing and siting the rainwater capture area.
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Rain to Roots: Water for Your Garden – Learn how to use best management practices for capturing rainwater in the landscape using both passive and active methods. Topics include choosing the right rainwater capture method for your landscape, siting and sizing rain gardens for optimal performance, maintenance tips and troubleshooting common issues, and managing overflow to prevent erosion and flooding.
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Irrigation & Controller Basics: Smart Watering – Learn how to optimize water use, improve plant health, and reduce runoff by understanding the relationship between soil, water, and system performance. Topics include an overview and basics of irrigation systems, typical irrigation problems and troubleshooting, weather-based controllers, programming essentials, and more.
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Drip Irrigation: Maintenance & Troubleshooting – Learn how to keep your landscape thriving by making your drip irrigation system more efficient and reliable. Topics include understanding soil moisture balance, identifying key drip system components, reviewing common problems with drip systems and how to avoid them, and developing a successful maintenance routine.
The following topic will be hosted by California American Water. See calendar and learn more or register.
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Small Space Gardens – Working with small areas can be a challenge and an opportunity. Attend to learn about working with outdoor patio spaces, choosing which planter beds are your best choice, creating the right soil set-up, and managing the irrigation to minimize the plant loss.
WaterSmart Residential Landscape and Irrigation Events – The San Diego County Water Authority’s WaterSmart Program is offering the following events in April.
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WaterSmart Landscape Contest – Entries accepted through May 8, 2026 – Participate in this annual competition that rewards water-efficient landscapes created by customers of participating water agencies. Be recognized for your work in water conservation and neighborhood beautification. Learn more.
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Past recordings of 3-Hour Landscape Workshops. View past workshops.
City of Oceanside/Green Oceanside Earth Day Community Event - Joe Balderrama Park – April 25, 11am to 3pm – Attend this annual family-friendly Earth Day Celebration alongside the City of Oceanside’s Neighborhood Services Día Del Niño event. Activities include a neighborhood cleanup, educational booths, eco-friendly games, music, and more. Visitors of all ages can also participate in a neighborhood cleanup event to help keep Oceanside beautiful! Learn more.
I Love a Clean San Diego – The following events will be offered in April.
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April 4, 8am to 12pm – Compost and Mulch Giveaway at Chollas Lake, Gloria’s Mesa Park – City of San Diego Residents – Attend to pick up some nutrient-rich compost for your garden at no cost. Offered in partnership with the City of San Diego Environmental Services Department. Site location: Chollas Lake Park, San Diego. Learn more or register.
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April 8, 9am to 11am – Miramar Landfill Bus Tours – City of San Diego – Get a behind-the-scenes peek on what really happens when you dispose of waste and clear up the myth of throwing something “away.” Open to City of San Diego residents only. Sponsored by the City of San Diego Environmental Services Department. Learn more or register.
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April 9, 11am to 12pm – Refresh, Reuse, Recycle: Spring Cleaning Made Easy Webinar – Learn about zero waste practices for cleaning all areas of the home. Topics include sustainable product swaps for cleaning supplies, where to donate used items locally, and a guest speaker from Goodwill who will cover resources for San Diego residents including soft plastics recycling and e-waste recycling programs. Sponsored by the City of San Diego Environmental Services Department. Learn more or register.
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April 12, 10am to 1pm – Slow Down Swap Party at the Rancho Bernardo Earth Fair – Celebrate Earth Day along with this swap event to slow down our consumption and exchange some clothing and accessories. These will help divert fabrics from our local landfills and recirculate them back into the San Diego community. Funded by the City of San Diego Environmental Services Department. Site location: Webb Park, Rancho Bernardo. Learn more or register.
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April 18, 9am to 1pm – City of Carlsbad’s Earth Month Celebration – The theme of this event is For the People, For the Planet. Attend for a day of family-friendly and sustainable activities. The day’s events will include a clothing swap, some take-home everyday sustainability starter kits, and a community mural pop-up. Site location: Poinsettia Park, Carlsbad. Learn more.
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April 18, 11am to 3pm – City of La Mesa’s Earth Day Fair and Clothing and Accessories Swap – Attend for a day of fun, education, and excitement at La Mesa’s free family-friendly Earth Day Fair dedicated to sustainability and protecting our planet. Vendors and exhibitors will provide eco-friendly resources, educational materials, kids’ activities, food trucks, and more. There will also be a free clothing and accessories swap to help keep our fabrics out of the landfill. Clothing swap offered in partnership with ILACSD. Site location: La Mesa Community Garden/MacArthur Park, 5080 Memorial Drive, La Mesa. Learn more about the Earth Day Event and clothing and accessories swap.
Unincorporated Residents of San Diego Household Hazardous Waste and E-Waste Collection Event – Valley Center – April 4, 9am to 2pm -- Unincorporated residents are invited to properly dispose of household hazardous waste and electronic waste. Household hazardous waste includes, but is not limited to, batteries, cellphones, computers, printers, oils, paint, and more. No business waste, tires, medication, large appliances, and more allowed. Site location: Valley Center Road Station, 228565 Cole Grade Road, Valley Center. Learn more.
Solana Center for Environmental Innovation Waste Reduction Events – The following events will be offered in April.
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April 9, 6pm to 7pm – Preventing Food Waste at Home Webinar – Learn practical solutions for reducing food waste in your home and discuss how incorporating these practices into your daily life can be a great way to help the environment. Topics include the impacts of food waste, how to divert food waste from the landfill, and tips for buying only what you need. Funded by the County of San Diego. Learn more or register.
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April 15, 22 and 23 – Food Recovery Inspection Training – California SB 1383 Compliance ($980 fee; discount for CRRA and SWANA members) – In this 2-part webinar (over 3 days), experts will present deep insights into the Edible Food Recovery aspect of California’s Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Act SB 1383. This program allows food businesses to donate 100% of surplus edible food that would otherwise be disposed of. Day 1 introduces relevant aspects of the law and then focuses on edible food rescue requirements. Days 2 and 3 take place over two days and provide comprehensive training for conducting edible food recovery inspections in the commercial sector. Registrants who attend all 3 days of the training will receive a certificate of completion. Offered in partnership with California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA) and Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) Southern California Founding Chapter. Learn more or get tickets.
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April 15, 9am to 2pm – Part 1: Fundamentals of SB1383 Food Recovery - Compliance Overview. Learn about relevant aspects of the law and edible food rescue requirements. Topics include the impetus behind the law, overview of regulations, edible food recovery requirements, donation guidelines, liability, and tax benefits. This webinar addresses various perspectives including jurisdictions, food-generating businesses, food recovery organizations, haulers, and residents. Part 1 alone will not address training specific to inspections.
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April 22 and 23, 9am to 2pm – Part 2: Inspection Training for Food Recovery. Receive comprehensive training for conducting edible food recovery inspections in the commercial sector. Topics include guidance for conducting food recovery inspections at businesses and food recovery organizations, common stumbling blocks for each business sector, inspection demonstrations, and interactive exercises.
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Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Household Pickup Service ($10 fee for people under 65; free for people 65 and over) – A HHW pick-up service is being offered to residents in San Diego County. Accepted items include electronic waste, light bulbs and fluorescent tubes, batteries, fuel, smoke detectors, cleaning products, paint and more. 125 pounds or 15 gallons (whichever one comes first) can be picked up at one time. Call CleanEarth at 800-714-1195 to schedule a pickup and confirm what items are accepted. Learn more.
Zero Waste San Diego Fixit Clinics – Learn how to reduce waste by fixing things instead of throwing items away at the following Fix-It Clinics in April. Bring broken or non-working items for assessment, disassembly, and possible repair. Workspace, specialty tools, and guidance to help you take apart and troubleshoot your item will be provided. Clinics hosted by SD Fixit Clinic with the help of many other zero waste partners.
South Bay Sustainable Communities Network – The following events will be offered in April.
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Compost Workshops – Workshop attendance is limited. Site location: 158 Vance Street, Chula Vista unless otherwise mentioned. Learn more or RSVP.
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April 12 and 26, 8:30am – Hands-On Workshops – Learn how to turn and harvest a backyard compost system. Bring your food scraps!
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April 26, 1pm to 2:30pm – Community Workshops: Worm Compost 101 – Attend this workshop to set up your very own worm bin while learning how to take care of your worms, benefits of having a worm bin, and how to make worm tea. Learn more and sign up.
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Monthly Compost Pile Turnings – Various days, timeslots, and cities – Attend these monthly turnings of South Bay Sustainable Communities Network soil saver compost bins at select compost hub locations throughout South San Diego County. Compost hubs are also available to community members to drop off food scraps. Scroll to the bottom of home page to check calendar for hub locations and dates.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources – How to Safely Dehydrate Food at Home Without a Dehydrator Webinar – April 14, 7pm to 8pm – Learn how to enjoy seasonal produce year-round using a variety of dehydration methods including oven drying, freeze drying, open-air drying, and microwave herb drying. Additional topics include food safety principles that reduce spoilage risks, and important tips for proper conditioning and storage for extended shelf life. Learn more or register.
City of Chula Vista South Bay Earth Day – April 18, 11am to 3pm – Attend the annual South Bay Earth Day event where you’ll learn how to reduce your impact on the environment at this zero-waste event. The day’s events will include hands-on green activities, sustainable vendors, organic food, a fix-it clinic, and live entertainment. Sponsored by the City of Chula Vista. Site location: Bayfront Park, 1 Park Boulevard, San Diego. Learn more.
San Dieguito County Park Spring Nature Festival and Zero Waste Free Family Event – April 19, 10am to 1pm – Celebrate Spring sustainably together! Join for a FREE zero-waste family event full of eco crafts, live animals, nature education, bounce house fun, and more! Supported by Nature Collective. Learn more.
Buena Vista Audubon 22nd Annual California Native Plant Garden Tour - Downtown Oceanside – April 26, 2pm to 5pm – Come see over 19 native plant gardens in the historic seaside neighborhood of downtown Oceanside. Plant experts and neighborhood locals will lead a 1.5-mile walking tour around downtown Oceanside to see wonderful front yard gardens. Meet at St. Mary’s School parking lot at 515 Wisconsin Ave, Oceanside at 2pm. The guided walk is free. Learn more.
 California Coastal Commission Climate Storytelling Contest for Middle and High School Students – Entries Open Through May 28, 5pm – Middle and high school students are invited to participate in this climate storytelling contest. The focus will be on answering the questions ‘What are your feelings about climate change’ and ‘How could those feelings lead to action?’ Students can choose their preferred medium to tell their story – either podcast, photo essay, or narrative essay. Learn more for guidelines and resources.
Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation – The following events will be offered in April.
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Grow With Me Young Steward Program – Begins April 6th, Mondays through Thursdays, 10am to 11am ($$ fees vary) – Designed for younger stewards (ages 2-5) and their caregiver, this interactive, hour-long experience blends hands-on learning with opportunities to explore new activities. Together, children will discover what it means to care for and love our planet in fun, meaningful ways. Topics and activities will vary weekly. Learn more or register.
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Registration Open Now – 2026 Summer Discovery Camps - June through August ($$ fees vary) – Discovery Camps feature hands-on, educational lessons, and activities around a central theme designated for that camp week. All camps take place outdoors in our Nature Nodes, and are filled with nature walks, animal interactions, and crafts. Camp groups are split by age ranges and capped at 12 campers per group with 1 teacher. Camp is for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. Register early as camps fill up quickly. Learn more or register.
Escondido Creek Conservancy – The following events will be offered in April.
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April 4, 9am to 12pm – Welcome to the Watershed Series! – Enjoy nature and learn about the work the Conservancy is doing to protect special places throughout the Escondido Creek Watershed. This free monthly activity could include a gentle nature or flower walk, hiking, biking, or nature photography. Learn more or reserve a spot.
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April 16, 6pm to 7pm – Conservation Conversations – Attend this quarterly lecture series where speakers are invited from across San Diego County to share their knowledge about local conservation topics and issues with the community. Topics range from coexisting with coyotes, to stargazing, to herpetology, to native plants, and more! Offered in partnership with the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve. Learn more or register.
Nature Collective at San Elijo Lagoon – The following events will be offered in April.
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April 4, 10am to 11:30am – Discovery Tour – Get a guided tour of the salt marsh, mudflats, and native plants of the San Elijo Lagoon. Learn more or reserve your spot.
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April 5, 10am to 12pm – Family Fun Day – Attend this activity-based day to learn how birds, butterflies, bees, and beetles help plants in the San Elijo Lagoon reproduce. Learn more or reserve your spot.
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April 11, 9am to 11am – Wildlife Tour – Discover lots of waterfowl playing hide-and-seek with us among the lagoon waters. We may find mushrooms along the way. We will also visit four distinct plant communities at Harbaugh Seaside Trails. Learn more or reserve your spot.
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Friends of Famosa Slough 40th Anniversary Celebration – April 6, 6:30pm to 8pm – Attend this talk on the evolution of the Famosa Slough presented by Stephen Schellenberg, Ph.D. with the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, SDSU. Site location: Point Loma/Hervey Library, 3701 Voltaire Street, San Diego. Learn more.
Buena Vista Audubon Kids’ Nature Clubhouse and Trail Exploration – April 12, 11am to 12:30pm – School-aged children and their families are invited to complete a nature-inspired craft and explore the lagoon trail with a different focus each month. The 1/2 hour trail adventure starts from the Nature Center at 11:30am. Learn more.
Center for Watershed Protection – 2026 National Watershed and Stormwater Conference, Charlotte North Carolina – April 14 through 16 ($$ fees vary) – This national conference provides a forum for watershed and stormwater professionals to learn how to increase the resiliency of our communities in response to emerging and persistent threats to our water resources — from headwaters to coasts. It provides opportunities to network with water resource managers, practitioners, researchers, and regulators from all over the United States and territories. This conference also includes technical presentations, case studies, panel discussions, and workshops. Learn more or register.
San Diego River Park Foundation –The following events will be offered in April.
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Water Quality Monitoring Events – Help collect data that guides river management and catches potential water quality issues early through monthly water quality sampling.
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Celebrate Trails Day Hike with a Purpose: BioBlitz at Mildred Falls, April 26, 9am to 12pm – Participate in this hands-on community science adventure to explore this stunning preserve and document its incredible biodiversity. You’ll use the iNaturalist app on your smartphone to identify and record local flora and fauna that supports countywide conservation strategies. Learn more or sign up.
Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation Docent-Led Lagoon Walks – The Spring Bloom – April 18, 10am to 11:30am – Join for a docent-led walk along the north trail of the lagoon to discover what’s blooming after a wet winter. Learn more.
San Diego Botanic Garden Sips & Science Speaker Series – “The Future of Earth Day Starts Here” – April 22, 6:30pm to 7:30pm ($$ fees vary) – Gardens are no longer just collections of plants, they are living laboratories, classrooms, and gathering spaces that connect science, beauty, and everyday life. Attend for a forward-looking conversation about how plant science is restoring the landscapes around us, influencing what we grow and eat, and revealing new possibilities for medicine – transforming gardens into living engines of discovery and connection. Learn more or register.
California Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA) Virtual Seminar Series – Rain Ready California: Protecting and Collecting Water for Our Future – April 23, 10am to 3pm ($$ fees vary) – Registration closes April 22nd at noon Pacific time. See agenda for specific topics. Learn more or register.
American Water Works Association – The Reuse Revolution: What’s Happening in Water Reuse Today Webinar, April 29, 10am to 11:30am ($$ fees vary) – Adoption of water reuse is accelerating nationwide! Hear from members of AWWA’s Water Reuse Committee as they share updates on current activities in reuse. Presenters will discuss topics ranging from planning to operations and from traditional reuse practices to emerging applications such as data centers. Note the time on the website is posted as Mountain Time. Learn more or register.
Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve – Junior Rangers Program Ongoing Kids’ Educational Event – Saturdays, 11am to 12pm – Kids ages 8 through 12 are invited to take part in discovering the rich heritage preserved in parks. They will participate in hands-on activities and can earn awards such as pins, certificates, and patches as they progress through the program! Learn more by clicking on the April 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th dates.
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