I still remember my first solo hike into the backcountry. Just me, a canvas pack, and the sound of wind rustling through pine. That morning, I watched the sun climb above a ridge of red rock, lighting up the valley like a cathedral. I felt small—but also deeply connected to everything around me.

That feeling is what Earth Day is all about.

A Moment That Sparked a Movement

Earth Day began back in 1970, when 20 million Americans—farmers, teachers, city dwellers, and outdoor lovers—stepped outside to say enough is enough. Oil spills had blackened coastlines. Rivers were so polluted they caught fire. Wildlife habitats were vanishing faster than anyone could track. People were ready for change.

Inspired by the energy of the era, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson led the charge. He called for a national teach-in on the environment. What followed was one of the largest grassroots movements in history. By the end of that year, the Environmental Protection Agency was born, and laws like the Clean Air Act and Endangered Species Act soon followed.

Earth Day proved that ordinary folks—people like you and me—could make a difference.

More Than Just a Day

Every April 22, millions of people around the world gather to clean up shorelines, plant trees, and advocate for a healthier planet. But Earth Day isn’t just about volunteering for a few hours. It’s a reminder that this planet is the only one we’ve got. And it’s worth fighting for.

Whether you’re a city commuter or a backcountry explorer, Earth Day asks all of us the same question: how can we live in better balance with the world around us?

What Earth Day Means to Me

To me, Earth Day is personal. It’s the silent trail I walked in early spring when elk tracks still dotted the mud. It’s the cold river where I watched salmon run upstream. It’s the joy of cooking a camp meal beneath a starlit sky, knowing that the forest around me is still thriving.

But each year, I see changes. Less snowpack. More wildfires. Shorter migration seasons. The wild is speaking—and Earth Day is our chance to listen.

How You Can Get Involved

You don’t need to climb a mountain or paddle a remote river to celebrate Earth Day. Here are a few ways to make an impact, no matter where you are:

• Join a local cleanup: Parks, rivers, beaches—they all need our care.
• Plant something: A tree. A native pollinator garden. Even herbs on a windowsill help restore ecosystems.
• Educate yourself and others: Read a book. Watch a documentary. Share what you learn.
• Reduce your footprint: Reuse gear, avoid single-use plastics, and support companies that prioritize sustainability.
• Speak up: Advocate for policies that protect nature and address climate change risks.

Every Day Counts

One day a year won’t fix everything. But Earth Day can be the spark. The trailhead. The reminder that protecting the wild places we love starts with what we do right now.

So whether you’re hiking a ridgeline, walking your neighborhood, or simply sitting under a tree—pause. Breathe it in. Remember that this planet is home. And we’re all stewards of it.

Because the wild doesn’t have a voice unless we speak for it.