The Historical Roots of Earth Day

The first Earth Day, in 1970, surpassed all expectations. The initial plans called for 40 events. But the call to action generated over 12,000 events—300 times more than anticipated—involving 35,000 speakers and engaging about 20 million Americans—about 1 out of every 10 Americans.

Mark Peterson, executive director at the Northland College Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute, will talk Tuesday, April 22 at 7 p.m. at the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute about the first Earth Day, spearheaded by Wisconsin's Gaylord Nelson.

For more information and fun facts about Earth Day log onto northland.edu/earthday.