Getting back to nature

When Earth Day started in 1970, it was thought that a healthy environment with clean air and water was one subject that all people worldwide could easily agree on. Thirty-five years later, organizers cannot agree on when to celebrate Earth Day, so there are two. International Earth Day, organized by the United Nations, coincides with the vernal equinox and is usually celebrated around March 20. The American Earth Day celebration, which grew out of a 1969 call by former Sen. Gaylord Nelson (D-Wis.) for a national teach-in on the environment, is April 22.

* The California State Parks Foundation needs volunteers for its Earth Day 2005 Restoration and Cleanup on Saturday at 18 state facilities in Southern California. Times vary by park. Call the Earth Day hotline, (888) 98-PARKS, or see www.calparks.org for more information.

* The 11th annual Eco Maya Festival, celebrating the indigenous cultural heritage of the Americas, Latino environmental stewardship, family, humanity and world peace, will feature Mayan food, music, dance, arts, crafts storytelling and environmental displays and exhibitions. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at L.A. Eco Village, 117 S. Bimini Place, L.A. See www.ecomayafestival.com. Free. (323) 960-7879.

* The Audubon Center and North East Trees are sponsoring tree plantings and other activities near the North Gate of Debs Park, 4700 Griffin Ave., near Avenue 52, L.A. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. See https://eco-now.net/earthday.html. (323) 441-8634.

* The Star Eco Station presents a Children’s Earth Day celebration with animals, performers, eco vendors, games, crafts, food and other attractions. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. 10101 W. Jefferson Blvd., Culver City. See www.ecostation.org. (310) 842-8040, Ext. 133.

* Santa Monica College is presenting an Earth Day Film Festival with discussions and special guests. 6 to 10 p.m. Friday and 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday. Free, but seating is limited. Room 210, Art Building, 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. See www.smc.edu/comm/EarthDayFilmFestival1.pdf. (310) 434-8278.

* The first annual Earth Walk LA, a 2-mile hike, starts at 9 a.m. Saturday at City National Plaza, 515 S. Flower St., L.A., and goes to Los Angeles Trade Tech College, 400 W. Washington Blvd., L.A. Registration begins at 7 a.m. See www.earthwalkla.com. (213) 593-8010.