3 County Parks Schedule Festivities for Earth Day

Earth Day will be observed across the nation Wednesday, but Orange County’s biggest events will take place next weekend at three parks: O’Neill Regional Park in Trabuco Canyon, Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve and Peralta Canyon Park in Anaheim.

In addition to nature walks, the Earth Day activities at O’Neill park Saturday will include Appalachian folk music and a bluegrass band, “eco” games, educational exhibits, a canyon photo exhibit and children’s games. Also available are a softball diamond, barbecues, a playground and overnight campgrounds. The heart of the event at O’Neill will be in its oak-shaded picnic area. Parking is $2, while the event is free.

The Earth Day celebration at Upper Newport Bay is always a main event. One of the last and largest saltwater wetlands left in Orange County, the back bay is home to a variety of wildlife.

On Sunday, the free bay event will feature music, nature tours, environmental exhibits and canoe and kayak trips. The activities start on Shellmaker Island, a quarter mile north of Newport Dunes. The entrance is on Back Bay Drive.

Also on Sunday, the city of Anaheim will sponsor the “Let’s Make a Difference” Environmental Awareness Faire at Peralta Canyon Park, featuring crafts, hot-air balloon rides, tree planting, an environmental play, music and 40 exhibition booths. The park is near Anaheim Hills, at 115 N. Pinney Drive, off Santa Ana Canyon Road. Admission and parking are free.

Hours: At O’Neill: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. At Newport Bay: April 26, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. At Peralta Canyon Park: April 26, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Directions: To O’Neill: Santa Ana Freeway to El Toro Road north, to Live Oak Canyon Road--follow the signs to the park. To Newport Bay: The activities start on Shellmaker Island, a quarter mile north of Newport Dunes. Take the San Diego Freeway to Jamboree Road south. Turn right on Back Bay Drive and follow signs to Shellmaker Island entrance. To Peralta Canyon: Take the Riverside Freeway to Lakeview Avenue, go south. Turn left on Santa Ana Canyon Road and then left on Pinney Drive.

Information: O’Neill: (714) 858-9365. Newport Bay: (714) 640-6746. Peralta Canyon: (714) 254-4422