Are you ready to Party for the Planet? In honor of Earth Day, Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego is hosting Party for the Planet, a family-friendly event celebrating our ocean planet while highlighting some of the simple steps we all can take to make a difference. The event runs April 20-21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes an hourly parade, people powered music and interactive stations that show how we can collectively tackle some of our planet’s greatest climate challenges. “Taking care of our ocean planet can be fun,” said Matthew Arrollado, Public Programs Coordinator at Birch Aquarium. “Our community can be great stewards of the environment every day of the year. We encourage San Diegans to spring into action by making small adjustments in their everyday lives that collectively can have a massive impact for our planet.” Party for the Planet Schedule of Events/Activities Entrance Courtyard Carbon Station (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.): Breathe in, breathe out. Explore natural and unnatural sources of carbon dioxide, how increasing emissions impacts our local ecosystems, and what we can do to help protect our ocean planet. Bike Powered Music (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.): Pedal your way to your favorite tunes with Rock the Bike. Guests can take a break and pedal a stationary bicycle to play a curated selection of music through speakers in the entry courtyard. Glitter Tattoos (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) Galleria Craft Station (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.): Get ready to party… for the planet! Design and create your own party hat headband to show off during our party for the planet parade! Society for Conservation GIS (SCGIS) (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.): Join the Society for Conservation GIS (SCGIS) - San Diego Chapter to learn about how we use maps to understand our changing kelp forests and how these tools can inform action to protect these important habitats. Blue Beach Hourly Parades (11, 12, 1, 2): Make some noise and celebrate our ocean planet with a parade starring YOU! Dance, march, and make some noise while boogieing behind our staff drum major through the aquarium! Kelp Conversations with Planeteando (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.): Engage with climate communicators from Estudios Planeteando. Kelp Art Station (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.): Contribute to an upcycled kelp art project crafted by Barrio Logan-based fabric artist Sew Loka. Improvisational Performances (1:15 and 2:30 p.m.): Take in improvisational performances by Imagine Theatre Company and The Chrysalis: Monarch Center for the Arts as they connect guests’ personal ocean stories through art and theater. Party for the Planet is part of an annual nationwide initiative by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) and its 220-plus accredited members. The event is included with the cost of General Admission. Annual memberships are also available. Now through Labor Day, the aquarium is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on select nights and advanced reservations are required for all guests, except members. Visit aquarium.ucsd.edu for more information about Party for the Planet. Birch Aquarium at Scripps on Facebook / Instagram
