A Treasured Occasion: Plant Something! The History of Earth Day

Monday, April 16, 2012

Plant Something! The History of Earth Day

Sunday, April 22, 2012 will be the 42^nd observance of Earth Day.

It began with U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin way back in 1962. He persuaded then President Kennedy to do a 5-day, 11-state environmental/conservation tour. Even though the tour didn't succeed in arousing the interest of Washington politicians, it was the "seed" that eventually bloomed into Earth Day.¹

In 1969 he visited Santa Barbara right after the oil spill off its coast in 1969. He was outraged by the damage and lack of political action that he proposed a national "teach-in" as an observance by all university campuses in the U.S.

I am convinced that all we need to do to bring an overwhelming insistence of the new generation that we stem the tide of environmental disaster is to present the facts clearly and dramatically. To marshal such an effort, I am proposing a national teach-in on the crisis of the environment to be held next spring on every university campus across the Nation. The crisis is so imminent, in my opinion, that every university should set aside 1 day in the school year-the same day across the Nation-for the teach-in. ~Sentator Gaylord Neslon, Congressional Record 10/8/1969 ²

Here is part 1 of 15 of Walter Cronkite's Special Report on Earth Day, April 22, 1970:

Earth Day's grassroots effort has grown to be international with over 141 countries celebrating with organized events. It also coincides with National Park Week with Fee Free Days from April 21-29. So come up to see the beautiful sights of Northern Arizona like Glen Canyon National Park and while your up here, visit our shop and check out the great Native American crafts and art, stop by and relax in our Tea Room we offer free wifi!