Heal the Bay is hosting a series of public Earth Month activities throughout April to provide fun, family-friendly opportunities to improve Southern California neighborhoods, shorelines, rivers and creeks.

From volunteer trainings and beach cleanups to hands-on learning experiences at the Heal the Bay Aquarium, residents can immerse themselves in public programs that foster deeper engagement with the local environment. The programs will offer advice on the positive steps Angelenos can take in their daily lives to be smarter about water during the drought.

The series begins with an “Aquarium Orientation and Open House” today, April 9 at 6 p.m. at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, 1600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica. Members of the Aquarium staff will discuss volunteer and internship opportunities. Heal the Bay will also host a volunteer orientation on Monday, April 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the organization’s main office, 1444 9th St., Santa Monica.

Heal the Bay’s “Earth Month Nothin’ But Sand Beach Cleanup and Free Aquarium Day” is scheduled on Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Participants will clean up Ocean Park Beach and gain free admission to the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. Open to all ages, the event is being held on the Saturday before Earth Day, and typically attracts more than 1,000 participants.

Cleanup volunteers must be 13 years old or accompanied by an adult. As part of Heal the Bay’s Zero Waste initiative, participants are asked to bring their own buckets, gloves and reusable water bottles. For information and to RSVP, visit www.healthebay.org.