The History of Earth Day

Tomorrow is Earth Day!

You already know there will be tree planting, waterway clean-up, eco-friendly fairs, and much more happening in your neighborhood and city. But.. do you know the history of Earth Day? This day that is currently the largest secular observance in the world?

Earth day started in 1970, spearheaded by Gaylord Nelson. At the time, Nelson was a Senator from Wisconsin. He was moved to create and announce the idea for a “national teach-in on the environment,” after visiting a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara.

Nelson, his co-chair Pete McCloskey, and Denis Hayes from Harvard raised a national staff of 85 to promote this day, April 22, across the nation… and it worked! On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment in massive coast-to-coast rallies. Of all the counterculture acts in this stage of American history, this one is huge.

Earth Day 1970 was a day to remember.. Supporters from republicans and democrats, rich and poor, city slickers and farmers, tycoons and labor leaders all came together to work toward a more conscious way of living. That day started an annual celebration that has led to huge governmental and individual changes in lifestyle in order to be more aware of our impact on earth and the things living in/on it!

Did you know that Earth Day is global? Denis Hayes led yet another Earth Day campaign in 1990, mobilizing 200 million people in 141 countries! Mr. Hayes has, with significant help, created a holiday that does not fall into religious or national traditions, but a tradition to love the earth. The only holiday that enlists people of all ages, colors, nationalities, and sexes to come together to create a future for children, plants, animals, and bugs alike.

To say that we’re grateful to Nelson, McCloskey, Hayes, and the millions of people nationwide is an understatement. This is our favorite holiday, and we hope to share it with you..

Below is a list of free Denver-area Earth Day events, we hope to see you there!

March for Science

Saturday, 10am-3pm

Civic Center in Denver.

Earth Day Denver

Friday, 10am-2pm

Wellington Webb Building Atrium, 201 W. Colfax Ave

Cherry Creek Trail Clean-Up

Saturday, 9-11am

Cherry Creek Bike Path and Wynkoop St.

Congress Park Earth Day Festival

Saturday, 1-5pm