Celebrate Earth Day at local events

Earth Day is Sunday, and whether you just want to get outside or participate in some form of community service, there are a number of options to choose from.

At Yosemite National Park, activities range from guided bike rides and photo walks to ranger meet-and-greets and trash pickups. Details: yosemitepark.com

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are hosting a weekend celebration at Wuksachi Lodge. Activities include stargazing, giant sequoia hikes and a Junior Ranger Day (Saturday) at the Foothills Visitors Center outside Three Rivers. Details: visitsequoia.com.

In addition, entrance fees are being waived at Yosemite and Sequoia & Kings Canyon from Saturday through April 29 for National Parks Week.

The San Joaquin River Parkway is celebrating Global Youth Service Day from 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Sycamore Island Park. Fishing lessons and guided hikes are among the free activities, though parking fees apply. Details: riverparkway.org.

And if you want to help clean up Winton Park, join the Boys and Girls Clubs of Fresno on Sunday along the Kings River from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All volunteers get a free barbecue lunch.

Events

Millerton Lake Triathlon

When: Saturday

Where: Madera County boat ramp

Spring into action by competing in either sprint distance (400-yard swim, 12-mile road bike, 3-mile run) or Olympic distance (800-yard swim, 24-mile bike, 6-mile run) races.

Fees are $85 for individuals and $150 for relay teams. Details: (559) 435-7541. Register online at active.com.

Show Me the Finish Line Run

When: Sunday

Where: Woodward Park

The busiest month in the 2012 Valley Runner of the Year Series continues with this 2-mile, 10-point event (8:15 a.m.) benefitting the Armenian Relief Society.

Other events include a 2-mile walk at 8:15 and a 4-mile run at 8:30. Race-day registration is $25 for adults and begins at 7 at the Mountain View Shelter.

News & notes

• The California Department of Fish and Game is expanding its popular Trout Fest series to include a May 12 free event at the San Joaquin Hatchery in Friant. Learn about the role of the state's hatchery system along with proper fishing techniques and how to clean and cook a fish.
• The new King Dawg jointed swimbait, made by Oakhurst-based ABT Lures, was named one of "The 10 Hottest Baits to Throw This Season" by Outdoor Life magazine in its May edition.
• A limited number of DFG special access permits are available for Aug. 11-12 deer and pig hunts in western Merced County. Details: (209) 826-0463.
• Join the Fresno Audubon Society next week for its Wednesday Walk series at Black Mountain outside Tollhouse. Details: Frank Gibson, (559) 299-8452.