Kristin Degree
What is important to you? Your family, your friends, your job? How about the world you live in? How about the natural habitat that nourishes and sustains yourself, as well as everything else that may have importance to you?
Each year, the United States sets aside a single day to celebrate the Earth. It is not advertised like any other consumer- driven day, but rather is subtly spoken about at the end of each April.
In 1962, the late Senator Gaylord Nelson (D-Wisc) spoke with President John F. Kennedy about the state of the environment and the inactive proceedings to help the environment by the government. Kennedy agreed with Nelson’s worries and began a conservation tour in 1963. The tour was somewhat unsuccessful and came to a stop after just a little less than a week.
Because of extreme environmental degradation throughout the United States, Nelson continued to speak to various audiences around the country. Despite the government’s lack of desire to help the problems the earth was facing, the people of the U.S, began to take notice of the issues concerning the environment, and eventually Earth Day was born in 1970. According to Nelson, the grassroots protests that ignited the day of observance also sparked citizens’ vast “concerns about what was happening to the land, rivers, lakes, and air”.
With the help of grassroots programs rather than the government, the United States rallied together for a common cause, to improve the life of the environment in the United States. Earth Day is a testimony of the power of the people of a nation, when change was needed, citizens of the U.S. took it upon themselves to create it.
Each year, this year on Saturday, April 22, people can take time to observe the beauty and the importance of the world through this designated day we call “Earth Day”. By observing the past, it is evident that the people of America have the power to both destroy and better the earth. .
This year, the focus of Earth Day is primarily on drastic climactic change. Advocates of nature preservation and/or conservation, as well as the common man and woman, hope to educate citizens who live in nature (this includes you). On Saturday, there are several events being held to promote the Earth, including:
Earth Day Is Everyday Celebration
Fountain Creek Nature Center
9 a.m. – 1 p.m. /$3 per person/ (Reservations Required)
520-6745
“Learn about water-wise gardening, worm bins, solar cooking & bird banding”
Earth Day, Arbor Day at Garden of the Gods
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Rain or Shine! FREE! 219-0108 American Indian Dancers, tree planting, park clean-up, Live Birds of Prey, Free admission to RockLedge Ranch, Fortt. Carson mounted color guard & MORE!
Garden of the Gods Visitor Center at 8:30 a.m.
(Back to top)
|
|
|
