Here's hoping you all have an enjoyable and productive Earth Day! This is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and I remember the first one well. As a matter of fact I still have some of the printed materials they distributed at my high school in order to publicize the event and get people involved. I recall wearing a yellow T-shirt that day, emblazoned with the slogan Parks for the People, flanked by green trees. As a "flower child" in 1970 I was very excited to help promote such a valuable movement. Unfortunately, years later, when my daughter was in high school, I was deeply dismayed at the lack of knowledge among the young concerning this special day. A frightening number of teens had absolutely no idea what it was, had never even heard of it much less understood its goals. The school, except for one social studies teacher, seriously "dropped the ball." They didn't take the golden opportunity to inform and instruct. Our children are the future; it's their participation that dictates the path our planet will take. Spend some time with your children today -- talk about the earth and its needs. Do everything you can to foster a sense of responsibility in them. This day, honor Mother Earth as a family and pledge service 365 days a year. Never litter, create a haven for wildlife, protect habitat, reduce, re-use, and recycle. True, we are imperfect beings living in an imperfect world but we have the opportunity to unite in a common cause to make a difference. We only have one planet, treat it with the utmost respect.
The Nichols staff will be spending the day planting trees, shrubs, and flowers. Get out there, participate in the movement in any way that's meaningful to you and make it a lifelong endeavor.
