The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ Environmental Department will host its annual free Chumash Earth Day event, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 15 at Kitiyepumu’ Park, on the reservation, 100 Via Juana Road, Santa Ynez.

Chumash Earth Day features booths from various environmental groups outdoors at the tribe's Santa Ynez reservation.
Chumash Earth Day features booths from various environmental groups. Credit: Courtesy photo

The zero-waste event will feature family activities for all ages, including arts and crafts, a raffle, appearances by Woodsy Owl and Smokey Bear, and a food vendor with Asian-Indian cuisine for sale.

The event is open to all, and free parking will be available at the Tribal Hall, with shuttle service to Kitiyepumu’ Park.

Over a dozen local businesses and organizations will be attending, including the Friends of California Condors Wild and Free, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Los Padres ForestWatch, Quail Springs Permaculture, U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the tribe’s Culture, Education and Health departments.

Registration will take place at the event, with the first 150 people receiving a swag bag that will have a t-shirt, fruit snacks, globe keychain, and plantable California poppy seed paper.

Those attending are encouraged to bring gently used clothing items for a clothing swap.

For more about Chumash Earth Day, contact Melissa Mercer at mmercer@chumash.gov.  

The Environmental Department was established by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ Tribal Government in 1998. Its mission is to prepare tribal lands for environmental adaptation, protect and regenerate natural resources, and cultivate the connection between culture, spirit and community through collaboration and education.

The department implements education and outreach, zero waste, water resources, climate adaptation and habitat restoration programs for the tribal community. For more, visit www.syceo.org.