PVPLC to Celebrate Earth Day 2024 with Festivities for Conservation and Community Engagement

Nonprofit Org. offerings include volunteer opportunity, exclusive film pre-release screening; online auction to raise awareness and appreciation for nature.

The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy, which serves as the only nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the peninsula’s unique natural land, wildlife and natural beauty, will host two special events and present an online auction during the weekend of April 20 to celebrate Earth Day 2024. The conservancy will also offer opportunities for the public to show its support for nature.

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated worldwide each April 22 to demonstrate vital support for environmental protection and to raise awareness about the importance of taking action to protect our planet and promote sustainability. To celebrate this holiday, the conservancy will offer two ways for community members to get involved and make a difference this Earth Day weekend:

First, a family-friendly volunteer outdoor Earth Day celebration will happen at White Point Nature Preserve April 20.  Members of the public are welcome to volunteer and join the conservancy in giving back to nature by helping care for a native plant demonstration garden and expanding habitats for local wildlife through planting native species, mulching, watering and removing weeds in the preserve. Councilmember Tim McOsker (representing council district 15) will be in attendance, and the event will also feature guided nature walks, refreshments by Starbucks and a raffle with nature-themed prizes.

Sign up for the free volunteer event at the link below.

Then on April 21, the conservancy will present the first film in the 2024 Beauty of Nature Film Series including the exclusive debut of the soon-to-be-released film Giants Rising at Dana Middle School in San Pedro at 4 p.m. The film, which depicts the spectacular beauty and major challenges facing one of our state’s most precious natural treasures: California Redwoods, is produced in partnership with the Redford Center and is narrated by musician Michael Franti. In Giants Rising, meet passionate heroes dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of the redwoods and safeguarding their future. Filmgoers will see the superpower of redwoods revealed like never before.

Tickets for the film may be purchased in advance online below, or at the door for $15. A VIP pre-film wine reception for Earth Day sponsors will be held at 3 pm. Sponsors for these Earth Day activities include Bruce Biesman-Simons and Hale Field, Dave Pilon and Ann Stone, Becky Cool, Sean Bender,Richard Boos and Clint Patterson, Carolynn and Andy Petru, Judi Jones, Debbie and Lee Gomberg, Lazy Acres and Dive N’ Surf.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available at pvplc.org.

White Point community group will hold an online auction to benefit the 102-acre preserve –— an important local resource that provides the community with myriad opportunities to appreciate and learn about the peninsula’s local flora and natural history. The preserve features restored coastal grasslands, handicap accessible trails, a native plant demonstration garden with interpretive signage and magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean. A nature education center offers monthly guided walks, volunteer opportunities and a third-grade student naturalist program, which brings out area schools, including more than ten Title 1 Schools. Auction items include getaways to vacation homes in France, Maine and on Santa Catalina Island as well as paintings, restaurant vouchers, jewelry and much more. Bidding begins April 1 at 12 p.m. and will close at 5 p.m., April 23. Winning bidders will be informed they have won by 12 p.m., April 26. 

“We are thrilled to celebrate Earth Day and show our appreciation for both our state and the Peninsula’s unique natural beauty through these special events,” said Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy executive director Adrienne Mohan. “We look forward to sharing our love for nature with the Peninsula community, and we are so thankful to the participating volunteers, filmgoers and auction participants for their time and generosity in ensuring this coastal jewel is preserved for all to enjoy.”

Volunteer outdoor Earth Day celebration 
Time:  9 a.m. to 12 p.m., April 20
Cost: Free
Details: pvplc.org/volunteer 

Venue: White Point Nature Center, 1600 Paseo del Mar, San Pedro 

Giants Rising Film
Time:  4 p.m., April 21
Cost:  $10  or at the door, $15
Details: pvplc.org (Buy Tickets)
Venue: Dana Middle School, 1501 S Cabrillo Ave., San Pedro