Earth Day turns 40

The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970. The event was the brainchild of one man, Sen. Gaylord Nelson, who had been searching for a way to bring political attention and public concern to environmental issues. Inspired by the “teach-ins” of the anti-Vietnam era, the event was more successful than Nelson, who was awarded the Medal of Freedom for his vision and work, could have imagined. He passed away in June 2005, but the day he created lives on.

This year, we observe the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, and the need for grassroots action has never been more critical. Here are ways you can get involved:

Earth Week Events

Thursday, April 15 American Experience: Earth Days — Film screening and discussion. 7 p.m. Visual Arts Complex Auditorium, University of Colorado at Boulder campus, 303-492-8308.

Free Screening of Planet Earth. 4 p.m. Fiske Planetarium, CU campus, 303-492-8308.

Lover’s Guide to the American West: Living with Energy. 7:30 p.m. Rocky Mountain PBS channel, www. rmpbs.org.

Friday, April 16 Free Screening of Planet Earth. 4 p.m. Fiske Planetarium, CU campus, 303-492-8308.

Saturday, April 17 Earth Day/Arbor Day. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thompson Park, 400 Bross St., Longmont, 303-651- 8379.

Introduction to Restorative Activism. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kelly’s Barn, 1360 Sumac Ave., Boulder, 720-565-9388.

I Volunteer! Day: Boulder Creek Clean-up. 8 a.m. Scott Carpenter Park, 1505 30th St., 303-444-0190 ext. 125.

Wild Earth Saturday — For families. Wild Bear Center for Nature Discovery. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. NCAR Mesa Lab, 1850 Table Mesa Dr., Boulder, 303- 258-0495.

Rainwater Harvesting at Home — Workshop. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contrast Ranch, Arapahoe Avenue and 63rd Street, Boulder, 303-258-7982. Through April 18.

Tuesday, April 20 Save My Oceans College Tour. infiltrate, an art installation by Julie B of Pretty in Plastic. Through April 22, location TBA. An advance screening of Disney’s new film Oceans. 7:30 doors/8 p.m. screening, Chem 140, CU campus.

Wednesday, April 21 SALT Bistro Earth Day Benefit Dinner — with Paul Dolan Vineyards. 6:30 p.m. 1047 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-444-7258.

Thursday, April 22 Save My Oceans College Tour. Concert with Trevor Hall, Passafire and special guests. Free. 5 to 10 p.m., University Memorial Center South Terrace/Glenn Miller Ballroom, CU campus.

Earth Day Dinner at The Kitchen. From 5:30 p.m. 1039 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-544-5973.

Friday, April 23 Lost Film Festival — with Scott Beiben. 5 p.m. Duane Physics Building, CU campus, 303-492-8303.

Saturday, April 24 Inaugural Dandelion Festival. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Bandshell, Canyon Boulevard and Broadway Avenue, Boulder, 303-444-6981.

Sunday, April 25 8th Annual Earth Day 5K Run/Walk. 10 a.m. Potts Field at CU Research Park, 4001 Discovery Dr., Boulder, 303-999- 3820. Register by April 24.

Earthfest Boulder. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Downtown Boulder, www. earthfestboulder.net.