Environmental activism has a long history in our country.
But Earth Day, an annual event first held 51 years ago today, became a landmark moment. Ecological conservation finally found its way into the public consciousness, and there was no turning back.
Northern New York is blessed to have people and organizations dedicated to preserving the natural resources here. The Save the River group in Clayton was formed in 1978; the Thousand Islands Land Trust in Clayton began in 1985; the Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust in Watertown was founded in 1991; and the Indian River Lakes Conservancy in Redwood was created in 1998.
Earth Day has been commemorated each year since. People have gathered together to express themselves on environmental issues, and cleanup projects have been organized.