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by Lydia Holley April 20, 2020
What do a senator, a murderer, a government agency, college students, and a president planting a tree have in common? Earth Day.
Did President Nixon plant a tree on the very first Earth Day? There is a photo online, amid controversy about the date. Did a now-convicted murderer help organize Earth Day? If so, he’s been scrubbed from most records. Did a senator use Earth Day to enact more legislation? The
Environmental Protection Agency considers Earth Day crucial to its formation. Is an agency what college students protested for?
Since environmentalism started in the 1870’s, what made Earth Day seep into the American consciousness? Although there are more questions than answers surrounding Earth Day, it has become synonymous with taking care of this great planet. I asked some certified Master Gardeners what Earth Day means to them and received a wide range of responses.
Sara Drummond took a trip down memory lane. “I was a junior in high school when the first Earth Day was organized. What stands out in my memory is the green arm band I wore to school. I’m sure I thought I was quite the daring rebel — ready for a peaceful “sit in” should I happen to come across one. Now, 50 years later, I am a Master Gardener. We are an army of volunteers working to make the world a better place and leaving it better than we found it. We teach how to turn kitchen waste into a valuable amendment to the soil, how to reduce water use by the way it is applied, and how to protect and nurture plants and pollinators native to our area. The little things we each do now can add up to make a difference for all of us in the present and, even more importantly, for our children and grandchildren and generations that follow.”
Sherry Sorrells worries about the future. “I always think of planting trees, but have recently come to understand native prairie grasses do more to remove carbon dioxide from the air than trees do. Additionally, recycling is the way to go if we are to save our planet. At my house we spend much time recycling plastics, glass, cans etc. I am saddened by the plight of the whales and the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, worry that water will become the next great commodity,
and feel we need a daily reminder of what future generations will inherit. Thankfully we have Earth Day to remind us at least once per year.“
Shery Damuth believes every day matters. “As a gardener and rancher I am always thinking about ways to improve my land and water sources, not just for my own gain, but for my kids and grandkids that will someday be here in my place. We are blessed to have beautiful rolling hills, lush pastures and natural water springs in our county. Every person can and should be responsible for their share. Just teaching kids not to litter could go a long way to help preserve the beauty of our land.”
Perhaps the reason why Earth Day endured is because we can each, individually, do something to help make the future better. On April 22, 2020, Earth Day’s fiftieth anniversary, celebrate. After all, we should all be grateful for such a magnificent planet to call home.
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