This year marks the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day on April 22 and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering ways to make a better planet for fish, wildlife and their habitat.
Take action on Earth Day and check out a special Web portal the Service has established at http://www.fws.gov/home/feature/2010/EarthDay10/index.html. It features eco tips, podcasts and numerous ways to get involved. In addition, you'll also find a host of fun and meaningful activities taking place around the country at wildlife refuges, fish hatcheries, ecological field stations, as well as partner events in local towns, parks and surrounding areas.
Since 1970, Earth Day has been observed around the globe each spring as a day to raise environmental awareness and involve citizens and communities in creating a cleaner, healthier world.
"Throughout the years, Earth Day's core messages - the need to respect the natural world, responsibly use natural resources and ensure a healthy planet for future generations - have been reflected in Service programs and initiatives. But Earth Day is about more than just what the government agencies are doing. It is based on the simple philosophy that ordinary people, acting together, can achieve extraordinary things," said Acting Service Director, Rowan Gould.
While climate change is perhaps the greatest ecological challenge of our time, Earth Day reminds us that we all can take steps to help protect the environment, which touches the human spirit, contributes to human health and well-being and promotes a healthy economy.
The first Earth Day in 1970 helped galvanize support that led to eventual enactment of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act - all landmark pieces of environmental legislation.
"Service is a core component to Earth Day and an opportunity for people to take action on behalf of the planet each year," Denis Hayes, Earth Day Network, 2010 Global Chair. The organization's Web site at http://www.earthday.org/ has an interactive tool to locate or upload a global event or register an act of green, just a few of the many ways to get involved.
Can't find an event near you? There's plenty you can do at home, in your neighborhood and with your families and friends. On the Service's Earth Day pages, you will find a range of easy to do action items. Plant a tree, pick up litter, remove invasive plants, clean-up a beach...the opportunities are endless!
After 40 years - Earth Day remains a day to honor our planet and build a healthy environment for future generations.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
