STEM Action Grants, STEM Outreach
Protecting our planet: Organizations showing up for Earth Day, every day
Since 1970, Earth Day has been observed on April 22. While everyone can do their part in protecting our planet, these organizations are solely focused on the task all day and every day. Read about just a few of our 2025 STEM Action Grantees below whose missions are to preserve and sustain the environment, and how they’re celebrating Earth Day this year.
The Friends of Ballona Wetlands has been around since 1978. They are dedicated to protecting the wetlands in Southern California. The organization works to preserve Los Angeles’ remaining coastal wetlands through conservation, community engagement and environmental education.
Each year, Friends of Ballona Wetlands celebrates Earth Day with its largest community restoration event. In a single day, more than 100 volunteers come together for a morning of restoration, community connection, and environmental stewardship. Local elected officials and their teams also participate, supporting the organization’s critical work. For those interested, registration for the event can be found here.
“Earth Day serves as a time for reflection for our organization. The Friends of Ballona Wetlands was founded almost 50 years ago, and at this time we’ve had some incredible successes. From bringing the El Segundo Blue Butterfly back to Ballona to constructing the Ballona Freshwater Marsh with our partners/ We’ve taken action to improve Los Angeles’ last coastal wetlands for our native species. Earth Day is a time to reflect on all the incredible work our organization has done and recommit ourselves to the future.”—Samaya Rubio, Manager of Communications and Community Engagement
The Nature Nexus Institute, located in Culver City, California, brings communities and nature together as they are essential to each other for survival. The organization created equitable, intergenerational pathways to cultivate meaningful relationships with the natural world. To that end, Nature Nexus Institute serves as a hub for science, culture, art and research, cultivating a new generation of changemakers and storytellers.
For the Nature Nexus Institute, Earth Day extends beyond this day. Through a series of programs and events, the organization invites community members to take part in the stewardship of urban parklands, effectively transforming “Earth Day” into “Earth Quarter”.
“For our organization, Earth Day is an opportunity to connect with and welcome community members who may be new to stewardship activities, new to Los Angeles or new to engaging with the non-human residents of our city, including plants and wildlife.”—Stacey Vigallon, Executive Director
Oceanographic Teaching Stations, Inc.
For more than 40 years, this organization has been dedicated to advancing marine science education. Founded in 1979 by volunteers and local community members, it has grown into a leading teaching center committed to developing the next generation of leaders, advocates and marine scientists. Through its work, the organization fosters a deep understanding of and responsibility for protecting our ocean and natural environment, and have a profound sense of responsibility to care for it.“For us, Earth Day is a reminder of why our work matters. It represents a global moment of reflection and action—a chance to reconnect people with the natural world and highlight the responsibility we all share in protecting it.
“As an organization rooted in marine science education, Earth Day reinforces our commitment to helping people understand how interconnected our ecosystems are and how everyday choices impact the health of our oceans. It’s a celebration, but also a call to action to learn, care and take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable future.”—Grace Adams, Executive Director
Read and learn more about the Society’s STEM Action Grantees program here.
