Community members celebrated Earth Day at the Roundhouse Aquarium with the “Keep It Green and Keep It Clean” event to learn more about ocean life, the importance of sustainability, and how to get involved in protecting our oceans.
Event Overview and Atmosphere
The Roundhouse Aquarium Earth Day event was designed to inspire environmental stewardship.
The event featured booths with hands-on activities, marine life displays, and information on environmental awareness both inside and outside the aquarium. To create an ocean-themed atmosphere, the aquarium used a model shark to mark the check-in area. The check-in area established an atmosphere of ocean education and conservation for all participants, making Roundhouse Aquarium Earth Day a memorable experience for attendees.
Interactive Activities and Educational Booths
The aquarium hosted several of its own booths designed to engage guests of all ages. At the “Plant a Seed” station, guests participated in a hands-on planting activity.
Photo by Maria Cornejo, Presence News
Visitors made small paper pots, planted seeds, and decorated them to take home and grow. The marine mammal and dolphin/whale exhibit featured educational materials on marine conservation and encouraged visitors to learn more about species found in nearby coastal waters.
The activities helped visitors learn hands-on conservation skills in an engaging way.
Creative Engagement and Guest Participation
Guests were also invited to write messages to the aquarium, which were displayed on a public board. Creative activities were a major highlight, including a face-painting booth and an art station where participants could paint sea-themed items for a small fee. Another unique booth introduced visitors to plankton and their role in ocean ecosystems. The event brought together science, art, and community engagement.
Community Partners and Local Organizations
Local organizations and businesses played an important role in the event. Students and volunteers from California State University, Long Beach operated a “Shark Shack,” where attendees observed shark specimens and learned about these often misunderstood animals.
Photo by Maria Cornejo, Presence News
The South Bay Cities Council of Governments highlighted local environmental and community initiatives. In addition, local businesses contributed to the event’s warm environment by providing food, merchandise, and/or educational opportunities to patrons:
Local Business Contributions
Lazy Acres Market provided fresh mandarins, tote bags, and information about its cooking classes.
Photo by Maria Cornejo, Presence News
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers offered merchandise and refreshments.
A Celebration of Education and Conservation
The event highlighted the connection between education, creativity, and community action, while giving guests the opportunity to learn about ocean life and engage with local conservation groups.
Editor’s Disclaimer: This article is a community-submitted piece and has been lightly edited for clarity, grammar, and style.
