ConservAmerica Celebrates 50 Years of Earth Day
It is certainly disappointing that this particular year—the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, many people won’t be able to get together or even enjoy the outdoors as much as usual.
On the other hand, the ongoing pandemic is a poignant reminder of the power of nature, the importance of being good stewards of the environment, and our shared values. And as the national discourse on conservation and climate action has only grown louder in recent years, marking Earth Day has perhaps never been more critical.
That’s why this Earth Day, ConservAmerica is renewing its commitment to carrying on with our advocacy—even as we observe social distancing. Just in the past several weeks, we’ve been busy promoting the roles of rural residents in conservation, advocating for important legislation dealing with wildlife and clean energy innovation, and submitting comments to the Trump Administration on the need to reform the National Environmental Policy Act.
Conservation is a movement that fundamentally and historically has embraced by political conservatives. President Theodore Roosevelt established the National Park System and President Richard Nixon created the Environmental Protection Agency, after all. In fact, the Nixons celebrated the first Earth Day by planting a tree on the White House lawn.
President Richard Nixon and First Lady Pat, April 22, 1970
ConservAmerica is working every day with our supporters, fellow environmental advocates, and lawmakers to stake a 21st Century conservative claim on conservation. Today at noon Central Time (1 PM Eastern), ConservAmerica General Counsel Brent Fewell will be moderating the live-streamed “Troubled Water: What’s Wrong with What We Drink” panel as part of the EarthX Law and Policy Symposium. It’s free to participate, but be sure to register here.
EarthX has an excellent array of virtual events, including a virtual film festival, if you’re looking for other ways to celebrate Earth Day in quarantine. There will also be a three-day “Earth Day Live” concert event the Earth Day Network is streaming online, along with its worldwide map of events.
It’s National Park Week, as well, and while it can’t compare to the real thing, you may enjoy taking a virtual tour of your favorite national park. Finally, Arbor Day is Friday, and folks who are unable to plant a tree are instead sharing photographs of their favorite trees on social media (#ArborDayAtHome). If you tag @arborday, they will even plant a tree for you for free.
However you choose to celebrate Earth Day, we thank you for your support and your faith in our efforts. We will continue to make you proud through our advocacy and education initiatives all summer long.