A day to nurture our green home

By Leah Staudt | Manor Ink

There are many annual celebrations that aren’t exactly considered major holidays, like Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween and even Earth Day. All of these are widely observed, but one of them happens to be coming up on April 22, the spring equinox, and that’s Earth Day.

The first Earth Day landed on April 22, 1970. US Senator Gaylord Nelson was the one who had the idea to establish Earth Day, and inspired others to join him in what he called his “environmental teach-in.” This is where he would try to encourage people nationwide to do what’s better for the Earth and the environment. Nelson’s efforts did not go unnoticed, seeing as on Earth Day each year, many people plant trees, recycle, attend educational events and try to reduce their carbon footprint. This is sometimes referred to as using the three Rs – reduce, reuse and recycle.

This wasn’t just a random idea that came to Nelson. He was inspired by the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill which made him want to change how people treat the Earth. Pollution can come in the form of oil spills, toxic smoke and any release of toxic substances into the natural environment. Nelson wanted to prevent such pollution and make people recognize all the environmental problems that were happening.

Earth Day, whether it’s a major holiday or not, is still a very important occasion because it focuses on the environment and how to properly care for our earth.

Earth Day Happenings

• Earth Day Poster Contest: Students of Sullivan County are invited to participate in the 2026 Earth Day Poster Contest sponsored by the Sullivan County Soil & Water Conservation District. Winning posters receive cash awards and will be displayed in district’s office. Students may enter independently, or through their school (if participating). For rules and submission dates, email agray@sullivanswcd.org or call 845-292-6552.

• Earth Day Celebration: Wednesday, April 22; 10 a.m-2 p.m.; SUNY Sullivan, 112 College Rd., Loch Sheldrake.

• “Networking in Bloom” Earth Day Chamber Mixer: Wednesday, April 22; 5 -7 p.m.; Benji & Jake’s, 5 Horseshoe Lake Road, Kauneonga Lake. The Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce and the Bethel Business Association will team up for the Networking in Bloom Earth Day Chamber Mixer. For more information, visit business.catskills.com/community-events.

• Art and Ecology Symposium: Saturday, April 25; 3-5 p.m.; Catskill Art Space, 48 Main St., Livingston Manor. CAS will host a symposium in its second-floor galleries. Artists Daniel Giordano, Davana Robedee and Kathy Ruttenberg will participate in an Earth Day discussion moderated by artist and writer Hovey Brock. The panel will address how their creative practices engage with the climate crisis.