It is appropriate that this day has a special connection to Wisconsin. Papa loves all things that even hint at Badgerland. Although not officially founded and named as such, it was Gaylord Nelson, along with a republican representative from California, who promoted a series of “teach-ins” in 1970. The concept evolved into an annual event.That California connection is okay,. After all, that state’s popular link to the wilderness is identified with a man with a U of Wisconsin background. A guy by the name of Muir.
Earth Day grew out of those 1970 rallies. Some news accounts lay the actual founding to a rather unlikely character who was involved in organizing a massive rally that day. There were plenty of folks in that era with experience in political/social marches. To Papa many such activists seemed to possess a flittering quality to their passion. Small buzzing bees flying from one issue to the next. However, Gaylord NIelson was the real thing when it came to conservation. He was a solid man fom a small town up north. In those days hunting, fishing and conservation went hand in hand. I remember the State Consrvation Department having a wonderful nature/wildlife exhibit building at the State Fair.
1960 was a year I remember well. My junior year of high school ended on a bittersweet note. But, then I was thrust into activities that seemed adventurous at the time. I made two out of town trips on my own. They made me feel grown up. I went to Badger Boys State and then to a conservation event/seminar for students in Green Lake. It’s shaky now but my memory is that then Governor Nelson spoke at one of those gatherings. Perhaps I only recall a television interview/speech but taking care of Wisconsin’s resources was always a favorite subject of his talks. So, somewhere I heard him. His message stuck.
Conservation was important in our lives. I recall a growing interest from a grade school organization. (Foresters?) Then there were cub/boy scouts lessons and the most glorious of wildlife lessons; summers “Up North”. I keep using the term conservation because clean air, water, abundant wildlife/fish and green scenery is to be preserved/protected. Today it has become too political for my taste. As if we have no decent air quality, no clean water, limited wildlife, (despite what look suspiciously like deer/rabbits destroying Nana’s garden.) and ocean water so bad that when I see a lobster twenty or more feet below it must be an illusion. Negative, negative. Dire, end of the world, predictions that feeds politics that already has too many issues to divide us. Proving it takes two to tango, there is of course a polar opposite political position. Bicker, bicker.
I still remember your great-grandfather commenting that the enviroment seemed so much cleaner than when he was a boy. He said that around 1970 when the EPA and other enviromental laws were passed during the Nixon administration. But, progress doesn’t mean that conservation work should stop. It’d be nice if that work could be accomplished in a cooperative manner. I hope you enjoy the outdoors and that it moves you to press onward to always do your part in conserving what we all enjoy so much.