A staff report
As the 54th Earth Day approaches on Monday, April 22, followed shortly by Arbor Day, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of environmental activism and the importance of natural preservation. The inaugural Earth Day, initiated on April 22, 1970, saw 20 million Americans, a formidable 10% of the population at the time, mobilizing to call attention to pressing environmental concerns such as toxic drinking water, air pollution, and the harmful impacts of pesticides.
This remarkable display of public concern for the environment prompted significant action, leading President Richard Nixon to establish the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA’s formation heralded a new era of environmental regulation, resulting in landmark legislation such as the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act.
The selection of April 22 as Earth Day, chosen by Senator Gaylord Nelson and embraced over the spring equinox proposed by activist John McConnell, has provided a fixed date that simplifies annual observances. Earth Day has grown beyond a day of protest to a globally recognized celebration encouraging collective action in cleaning up our communities, planting trees, and embracing the beauty of the natural world around us.
Closely tailing Earth Day is Arbor Day, a holiday dedicated to planting, caring for, and celebrating trees. Falling on the last Friday of April in the United States, this year’s Arbor Day will take place on April 26, 2024. Though it may not command the same widespread attention as some other holidays, Arbor Day boasts a rich tradition of environmental appreciation, encouraging communities worldwide to appreciate and foster our forested landscapes.
Bladen County Public Library will host Earth Day Storytime on Monday, April 22nd, at 3:00 p.m., at Bridger Memorial Public Library in Bladenboro. Attendees need to pre-register by calling 910-863-4586.
Bladen County Public Library will host an Arbor Day Story Time at the Clarkton Public Library on Wednesday, April 24, at 4:00 pm.
Together, Earth Day and Arbor Day serve as a dual reminder of our responsibility toward environmental stewardship and nature’s vital role in our lives. As we recognize these significant days, let us renew our commitment to environmental care and the sustainable treatment of our planet’s invaluable resources.
Reference links:
https://www.facebook.com/bladencountypubliclibrary/
https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/the-history-of-arbor-day
https://www.almanac.com/content/earth-day-date-activities-history
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