Back to the Earth: Environmental Events This Weekend Cover Lots of Ground

Earth Day has pretty much morphed into Earth Month, with events strewn throughout April in much of the county.

But it really hits this weekend, with Earth Day-themed festivals and beach and habitat cleanups planned from Balboa Park all the way up to Palomar Mountain. 

Those are just a couple of your choices for fun, entertaining and outdoorsy things to do near La Mesa and beyond, from April 14-20.

Click the links for more details.

CLOSE TO HOME

• Where/when: , 6845 University Ave, San Diego, Thursday to Saturday.

• Why Go: Grossmont College's faculty choreographers collaborate with students on the production, “Entrances and Exits.” Performances at 7:30 p.m., with additional Saturday show at 2 p.m.

• Price: $12, cash only.

• Where/when: San Diego State, KPBS Studios, 5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, 5:30 p.m. Friday.

• Why Go: Art from youngsters at the San Diego State University Children's Center will be on display, as will other pieces by local artists. There will be an auction of the works to benefit the center.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: , 8074 Allison Ave, La Mesa, 2 p.m. Saturday. 

• Why Go: Dave Booda, a Naval officer, said one of his major musical influences is the city famed for its spicy food and fantastic jazz and blues.

• Price: Free.

BEST BETS, A LITTLE FARTHER OUT

CHARITY WALKS O' THE WEEK

• Where/when: Liberty Station, Roosevelt Rd and Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, Saturday; Balboa Park, Quince St. and Sixth Ave, San Diego, Saturday, and No. Mission Bay Dr. and De Anza Rd., San Diego, Sunday.

• Why Go: Walkers, runners and bikers can raise money this weekend to support those with  (at Liberty Station),  problems (at Balboa Park) and  (at De Anza Cove). 

• Price: Entry fees vary.

• Where/when: San Diego National Wildlife Refuge, 3593 Par Four Dr, El Cajon (end of road marks entrance to a trailhead for the refuge), 9 a.m. Saturday.

• Why Go: The regularly scheduled Hike with a Ranger takes on an Earth Day theme.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, 13652 Highway 79 (Between Descanso and Julian), Saturday.

• Why Go: Hundreds of volunteers will fan out to area state parks as part of the California State Parks Foundation's mass Earth Day clean-up. This is one of five sites in the county slated for some tender loving care.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: Seaport Village, No. Harbor Drive and Pacific Hwy., San Diego, noon Saturday and Sunday.

• Why Go: Sure, you like your Gagas and your Biebers, but then there's those authentic souls who love their art so much they are willing to hit the streets and sing, play or juggle to get the crowd's attention – and hopefully some change. Show them some love at the Spring Busker Festival, and stay late Saturday if you want to see some more night-time oriented acts.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: Balboa Park, 1500 El Prado, San Diego, 10 a.m. Sunday.

• Why Go: Earth Fair takes over the center of the park, with vendors, music stages, a children's parade and scads of exhibitors. Organizers strongly advise arriving early or taking alternative modes of transportation as 60,000 people are expected.

• Price: Free.