Would you be surprised to learn that Earth Day has been celebrated on April 22nd since 1970?
The now-global happening is the brainchild of Gaylord Nelson, the former Governor and U.S. Senator of Wisconsin. Credited as one of the leaders of the modern environmental movement, Nelson was inspired by the protests of the 1960s. The early spring date was selected because of nice weather, to be sure of community participation. But more importantly, the green demonstration was designed to reach as many students as possible on university campuses as it falls between spring break and final exams.