An Earth Day appreciation of the landscapes of coastal O.C.

This year’s Earth Day, April 22, marks the 50th anniversary of the modern global environmental movement, which was started in the U.S. by late former Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson to raise public awareness around environmental issues.

It’s been over a month since Orange County ordered its residents to limit nonessential gatherings and to keep at least a 6-foot separation from others, except family members.

Many beaches and trails have closed, and others may soon close. Others remain open while encouraging residents to practice strict social distancing.

As people stay inside and and drive less, drops in air pollutants may actually be making the environment cleaner.

Here are some recent glimpses of nature across Orange County — including Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Costa Mesa — captured by Daily Pilot staff photographers Don Leach, Scott Smeltzer and Kevin Chang:

Surfer Brian Shaw checks the beach conditions along the Coast Highway on the bluffs at Crystal Cove. With beach parking closures still in effect, Shaw said he rides his bike instead of driving a car.

(Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

A mountain biker uses an empty trail in the hills of north Laguna on a recent outdoor trip.

(Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

A cactus flower blooms as the sun comes out.

(Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

An empty Cress Street beach shows no footprints during beach closures in Laguna Beach.

(Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

A couple enjoy a cool, cloudy sunset near Alta Laguna Park.

(Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

Mustard grass blooms bright on a Laguna Beach trail, as the sun emerges on a recent spring afternoon.

(Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

Visitors take in the scene at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve in Newport Beach on April 22.

(Kevin Chang / Staff Photographer)

Hikers explore the trails at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve in Newport Beach.

(Kevin Chang / Staff Photographer)

Santiago Navarrete helps his son Evan ride his bike through Fairview Park in Costa Mesa.

(Scott Smeltzer / Staff Photographer)

A bee gathers pollen from wild mustard flowers on Earth Day, April 22.

(Scott Smeltzer / Staff Photographer)

A great egret sits atop a bluff at the Bolsa Chica wetlands in Huntington Beach on Earth Day 2020.

(Scott Smeltzer / Staff Photographer)

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