Today, we celebrate the 51st annual Earth Day. It’s a day devoted to protecting our environment for future generations… a day to think globally and act locally. Earth Day organizers say more than 1 billion people in 192 countries now participate in Earth Day activities each year.
Earth Day and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore share an important connection. Wisconsin Senator and Governor Gaylord Nelson founded Earth Day and played a vital role in establishing the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, 51 years ago.
“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 beings and all other living creatures.”
Gaylord Nelson on the first Earth Day, APRIL 22, 1970
Want to learn more?
Read about Nelson’s role in creating the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore here.
Watch a Wisconsin Public Television documentary about Nelson’s enduring legacy here.
What else can you do on this Earth Day?
Connect with and celebrate Mother Nature by getting outside if you can. Explore one of the mainland beaches in the national lakeshore. Listen to the waves. Hike a new trail through the woods, watch the birds and soak in the signs of early spring.

Tomorrow night, join the Friends as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the park and Earth Day 2021 in collaboration with Big Top Chautauqua. The special online Tiny Tent Show presentation will air at 7 pm on Friday, April 23rd on Facebook and YouTube.
You’ll see an interview with Friends Executive Director Jeff Rennicke, a presentation on the Dark Sky Lighthouse photography project presented by photographer Mark Weller, and a breathtaking display of Apostle Islands photography set to original music composed by the Bigtop’s own Ed Willett.
Another way you can act locally is to support Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Our Mission is to promote an appreciation for, and preservation of, the natural environment and cultural heritage of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. We thank you in advance for your support.