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.

On this day in history, April 22, 1970, the first Earth Day was
celebrated — ushering in a host of new environmental
legislation.

The idea for the observation "Earth Day" originated with Sen.
Gaylord Nelson, a Democrat from Wisconsin, who had "long
been concerned about the deteriorating environment in the
United States.”  (EarthDay.org.) 

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