OC cities offer free tree planting, family events for Earth Day weekend

Orange County residents can attend free tree plantings, gardening workshops and cultural celebrations this weekend as communities across the county mark Earth Day and Arbor Day, Voice of OC reported.

The weekend lineup spans nine Orange County cities from Laguna Beach in the south to Yorba Linda in the north, offering residents free access to publicly funded environmental and civic programs over two days.

Residents across Orange County have dozens of free options this Saturday and Sunday as cities mark Earth Day and Arbor Day with volunteer drives and family programming, according to Voice of OC.

A tree and shrub planting at Oso Creek Trail is among the weekend's featured volunteer activities. Organizers are providing complimentary shuttle service for the event, which takes place in the Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita corridor in the county's south end, Voice of OC reported.

In Newport Beach, the Mariners Library is hosting a presentation by a UC Master Gardener on year-round home gardening. Laguna Beach Library is holding a composting workshop on the same weekend, giving residents a hands-on introduction to home composting.

At the Santa Ana Library, the city is staging its 18th annual Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros celebration — a bilingual event honoring children and books. The celebration is connected to the April 30 observance of Día del Niño across Spanish-speaking countries.

All events are free and supported by taxpayer funds. Voice of OC, a nonprofit watchdog outlet covering Orange County government, maintains a civic calendar and free daily email newsletter to help residents find publicly funded programs throughout the county.

Times, locations and registration details for each city's events are available through Voice of OC's online civic calendar and free email newsletter.