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Gaylord Nelson, Founder of Earth Day

The Making of the Modern Environmental Movement

  • About Earth Day
    • Tracing Earth Day’s Origins
    • A Grassroots Movement
    • April 22, 1970: The First Earth Day
    • Earth Day’s Living Tradition
  • About Gaylord Nelson
    • Meet Gaylord Nelson: Founder of Earth Day
    • Early Life: Building a Progressive Vision
    • From Wisconsin to Washington: Reviving the Democrats
    • The Conservation Governor: Redefining Environmentalism
    • Pushing Forward: A Relentless Environmental Advocate
  • About Earth Day
    • Tracing Earth Day’s Origins
    • A Grassroots Movement
    • April 22, 1970: The First Earth Day
    • Earth Day’s Living Tradition
  • About Gaylord Nelson
    • Meet Gaylord Nelson: Founder of Earth Day
    • Early Life: Building a Progressive Vision
    • From Wisconsin to Washington: Reviving the Democrats
    • The Conservation Governor: Redefining Environmentalism
    • Pushing Forward: A Relentless Environmental Advocate

In 1969, Gaylord Nelson had an idea for a national teach-in on the environment to send a message to Washington that public opinion was solidly behind a bold political agenda on environmental problems.

That idea became Earth Day.

Discover the Earth Day Story

Tracing Earth Day’s Origins

A group students carrying an Earth Day flag and marching in downtown Madison, Wisconsin.

A Grassroots Movement

Gaylord Nelson speaking at a 1970 Earth Day event in Denver, with the Earth Day and American flags behind him.

April 22, 1970: The First Earth Day

Gaylord talking with two boys during a campaign stop in 1974.

Earth Day’s Living Tradition

Explore Gaylord Nelson's Life and Legacy

Gaylord Nelson sitting on a rock on the banks of the St. Croix River.

Meet Gaylord Nelson: Founder of Earth Day

Early Life: Building a Progressive Vision

From Wisconsin to Washington: Reviving the Democrats

The Conservation Governor: Redefining Environmentalism

Pushing Forward: A Relentless Environmental Advocate

“Our goal is not just an environment of clean air and water and scenic beauty. The objective is an environment of decency, quality and mutual respect for all other human being and all living creatures.”

Gaylord Nelson

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