Earth Day, an event to increase public awareness of the
world’s environmental problems, was celebrated in the
United States for the first time on April 22, 1970.

Millions of Americans, including students from thousands
of colleges and universities, participated in rallies, marches
and educational programs across the country.
 

Gaylord Anton Nelson (June 4, 1916 – July 3, 2005)

Earth Day was the brainchild of Senator Gaylord Nelson of
Wisconsin, a staunch environmentalist who hoped to provide
unity to the grassroots environmental movement and increase
ecological awareness.