Some 50 years ago, an oil rig blowout in the Santa Barbara Channel resulted in up to 3 million gallons of crude oil ripping through the ocean floor — the worst oil spill in the nation’s history up to that point.

It took years for Santa Barbara’s ecosystem to recover, but from it the Earth Day movement took root.

Despite the collective efforts that were started that first Earth Day, humans remain in the throes of the sixth major mass extinction in planetary history, and the first time it has been caused by humans. Global biodiversity is collapsing, resulting in an accelerated rate of species extinction.

Earth Day, a time to demonstrate support for environmental protection, is an opportunity to bring awareness to the healing power of native plants. The mission of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is to conserve and protect native plants and habitats for the health and well being of people and the planet.

That mission has become increasingly urgent as more native plant species face extinction, threatening the foundation of all life on the planet.

In honor of Earth Day, the garden invites the community to restore the earth by celebrating critical native plants.

» Spending time in nature is something most everyone can do to reconnect with Mother Earth, and it doesn’t go without healing benefits. Nature can help reduce anxiety, promote creativity and contribute to heart health. Research shows rewards begin accruing with as little as two hours a week.

“The garden provides the community with respite filled with redwood trees, wildflower meadows, and Channel Island views,” said Steve Windhager, executive director of the Botanic Garden. “It’s a good opportunity to remind ourselves of the connection between our own health and the health of the planet.”

» The garden invites the community to stroll through its native plant displays on Earth Day to observe the beauty of California flora, and learn more about what simple seeds of change they can implement that make a big impact on the environment.

Chalkboard signs along the trails offer tips on how protect biodiversity. The garden’s director of education and engagement will present a virtual garden stroll via Instagram livestream, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

» Participate in Earth Day virtually by registering to join in Chumash Earth Day, 1 p.m. April 20, hosted by the Santa Ynez Chumash Environmental Office. Windhager will offer a presentation on how to heal the earth starting in your own home and neighborhood by planting native plants.

» Learn more about where climate leaders are stepping up to do the critical work needed to combat the climate crisis by joining in the Community Environmental Council’s 3-Day Virtual Earth Day Festival. Scot Pipkin, the garden’s director of education and engagement, will be a co-emcee noon-3 p.m. April 24, and will discuss how native plants can be used to lean into climate action.

» The garden nursery offers one of the widest selections of native plants on the Central Coast. It is staffed with experienced gardeners who can help customers find the right selection for their gardens, create wildlife habitat, or buy a plant for a friend.

» Protect and restore the earth with native plants. Native plants enhance the environment instead of threatening it, provide habitat for wildlife, and are a source of nectar for pollinators.

Founded in 1926, the garden is the first botanic garden focused exclusively on California native plants and currently spans 78 acres with five miles of walking trails, an herbarium, seed bank, research labs, library, and nursery. The Garden is open to the public daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and offers a members-only hour from 9-10 a.m.

For more information about the garden, visit sbbg.org.