The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970. Senator Gaylord Nelson created the day to force a national discussion of environmental concerns. And not long after, the Environmental Protection Agency came into being. More than three decades later, with climate change a global concern, eco-activists say Earth Day is more important than ever. Locally, the free Santa Rosa Earth Day Festival will be held on April 22, noon–4 p.m., at Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa. The event will feature more than 50 exhibitors, live music and dance performances, workshops, and kids’ activities and crafts. Find out more at srcity.org/2139/Earth-Day-2023. Meanwhile, the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa will host an ecology-oriented Museum Monday for Little Ones on April 24, 10 a.m.–noon. Kids age 1–5 will finger-paint the Earth, plant a seed starter to grow at home, and make bird-finder binoculars. Before 11 a.m., admission is $10 for youth and free for up to two adult chaperones; after 11 a.m., regular admission applies ($5–$12; ages 3 and younger, free). Sign up at schulzmuseum.org/museum-mondays.