Celebrate Earth Day by helping out parks

Earth Day isn’t until April 22, but you can get a jump on helping the planet Saturday by fixing up one of California’s state parks.

From 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the California State Parks Foundation will run 24 projects across the state as part of its 16th annual Earth Day Restoration and Cleanup.

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. provided a $210,000 grant to the foundation and participating parks for supplies.

Sacramento-area events include:

• Volunteers will clean up around the American River and install animal-proof trash and recycling bins at the Auburn State Recreation Area on Old Foresthill Road.

• At Beal’s Point, part of the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, crews will install 200 feet of fence, treat benches with weather sealant, remove weeds, and clean, paint and repair kiosk panels.

Space is limited, so volunteers must register in advance. Go to the foundation’s website at calparks.org/earthday or call (888) 987-2757.

This year marks the 43rd anniversary of the first Earth Day, which was inspired by outrage over a massive oil spill off the Santa Barbara coast.

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