In 1970, Gaylord Nelson's vision of a national teach-in focused on the environment became reality. The first Earth Day took place on April 22 that year, and from its inception, the University of Michigan has played a leading role.
To commemorate the 40th anniversary, U-M is hosting a series of events that will run through April 24, designed to spotlight the origins and importance of Earth Day, as well as the university's early and continued involvement. In addition, it has assembled a fact-filled online resource that traces the history of Earth Day, including the celebrated "Teach-In on the Environment," which drew large crowds to the Ann Arbor campus in 1970. Among those in attendance was Nelson, at the time a Wisconsin senator, and who cited that gathering as a template for what became the nationwide Earth Day a month later.
On Thursday, March 25, the Michigan League will host another teach-in to mark the 40 years that have passed since that momentous debut. Panel discussions will center on energy and climate, sustainable accessibility, food and health, and water and the Great Lakes. Learn more about this and the numerous other events that will take place at the Matthei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, the University of Michigan-Flint, and elsewhere.
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