By Marla Ballard
Reporter
FORT PAYNE - Every year on April 22, Earth Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. The first Earth Day was celebrated when Senator Gaylord Nelson, from Wisconsin, organized a demonstration to raise awareness about environmental issues. Rallies took place across the country when 20 million took to the streets to demonstrate against the impact of 150 years of industrial development on people’s health. By the end of the year, the U.S. government had created the Environmental Protection Agency.
The stage was set for change when Rachel Carson’s New York Times bestseller “Silent Spring” in 1962. The book was sold in 24 countries and raised awareness concerning the link between pollution and public health. Earth Day became the voice to the emerging environmental consciousness, putting ecological concerns in the forefront.
By 1990 a major campaign mobilized 200 million from 141 countries putting environmental issues on the world stage. This paved the way for the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit. It also prompted President Bill Clinton to award Senator Nelson the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor given to civilians in the United States, for his role as Earth Day founder.
To help keep the awareness and movement going Jacksonville State University will celebrate Earth Day at the Little River Canyon Center on Saturday,
April 22. The family friendly event will include a hike at 10 AM (best for ages 10 and up) with author Heather Montgomery. She is the author of several children’s books including “What’s in Your Pocket” and “Bugs Don’t Hug.” At noon Montgomery will have a hands-on class and a book signing. “Montgomery is a phenomenal naturalist, I always learn something on every hike I go on with her,” said Rebekah Moore Taylor, Field School Assistant Director.
At 9 AM Yoga by Soul Shine, at 11 AM a snake presentation by the Alabama Herpetological Society, at 1 PM an herbalist presentation, and at 2 PM a hike, for all genders, will be hosted by Girls Who Hike Alabama. The events are free to attend.
Lowe’s Home Improvement donated bird house kits for children and parents to build together without cost at the Canyon Center. The bird house building will begin at 10 AM and continue until supplies run out. Children may acquire buttons and badges for junior rangers.
Other presentations: The JSU Geology Department will demonstrate a drone presentation showcasing how they utilize this technology and the Valley Head FFA Bee Lab.
Mobile Munchies and Blue Jug will also be at Earth Fest to supply food for attendees.
At 6 PM a ticketed concert “Rock The Canyon” will be held at the Canyon Center Amphitheater. Tickets in advance are $20 and $25 on day of. Students $15 and children 12 and under are free. The music will be by The Jess Goggan’s Band and David Sanford.
Little River Canyon Center is located at 4322 Little River Canyon Rim Pkwy, Fort Payne.
