50 yrs of Earth Day!

When the first Earth Day was held in 1970, did anyone dare hope it would grow to be the largest world-wide non-secular celebration? Earthday.org reports over 1 billion  individuals and over 75,000 partners worldwide participate in Earth Day events and actions. This year's landmark date is impacted by the global pandemic, but actions and home activities continue.

---

One important movement that grew along with Earth Day is understanding the importance of biodiversity, and conserving and re-establishing native habitats. Actions as simple as planting native flowers, trees and shrubs at home and in our local parks, make a significant impact on our entire region. Olivette in Bloom and it's members have led the charge locally. Championing native plants, providing hands-on educational opportunities for people and schools, offering workshops, creating and maintaining public gardens, and hosting its annual native plant sale, have all benefited our community. ​

Although we are staying home on Earth Day this year, there are many opportunities to participate in learning, advocating and caring for our home piece of the Earth. The Missouri Botanical Garden's Virtual Earth Day Festival runs through April 26. The Festival includes live and recorded presentations, online guides, a Green Resource Answer Service and more.  

---

The Missouri Prairie Foundation is offering a free zoom Prairie Webinar Series on Wednesday afternoons in May. Topics include tours of natural communities and Missouri's Bird Conservation Plan. ​​

---

More ways to celebrate Earth Day at home may be found on Olivette Parks & Recreation's Virtual Community Center  Earth Day hub.