As autumn settles into Devil's Lake State Park and the surrounding Sauk County area, we're…
As we approach Earth Day on Saturday, April 22, it’s worth reflecting on the history and legacy of this important day of observance.
First, Weekend Events
Devil’s Lake is hosting an Earth Day torch-lit hike from 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM tomorrow, Sat, April 22nd. Park staff will light a 2-mile path from the North Shore parking area up and through the Northern Lights Campground. And earlier in the day, the Friends of Mirror Lake State Park is hosting a “Work, Play, Earth Day” volunteer day from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
History and Legacy of Earth Day
Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970, thanks to the efforts of Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin who recognized the urgent need to raise awareness about environmental issues and the impact of human activity on the planet.
Nelson’s inspiration for Earth Day came after witnessing the aftermath of a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California in 1969. He believed that environmental education and protection should be a top priority for politicians and citizens alike, and he saw Earth Day as an opportunity to bring attention to this important issue. His vision was realized in 1970 when an estimated 20 million Americans participated in the first Earth Day events across the country.
Celebrating Earth Day Today
Today, Earth Day is celebrated in 174 countries by over a half billion people, making it the most celebrated secular holiday in the world. It’s a day on which people plant trees, clean up trash, and lobby for the environment. It’s also a day to reflect on the beauty and importance of the natural world and to recognize the urgent need for environmental stewardship.
Urgency of Environmental Stewardship
Sadly, the importance of environmental stewardship was recently underscored at Devil’s Lake State Park when several trees were discovered to have been vandalized along the East Bluff trail. This is a heartbreaking sight that shows disrespect for the trees, the environment, and the park.
Moreover, many years of overuse along the trails, general littering, and of course people leaving dog poop bags along the paths have caused significant damage to the park. What’s more, the park has also been affected by cutting budgets and understaffing which leads to crumbling trails and infrastructure.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that our actions as supporters, visitors, park staff, and “Friends” groups are much more important than simply making appearances of celebrating. Rather we should focus on to work we do and the results we see and the examples we set. In honor of Earth Day, let’s reflect on the legacy of Gaylord Nelson and his unwavering advocacy for the environment, and let’s all do our part to protect it.
Getting Involved and Taking Action
Remember, environmental stewardship is a year-round effort, and we can all contribute by reducing our carbon footprint, conserving water, using renewable energy sources, supporting local conservation efforts, and being mindful of our daily choices impact. As supporters of Devil’s Lake State Park, we can also be vocal defenders of the park by reporting vandalism and other issues, staying on designated trails, supporting park staff, and speaking up when wrongs are being done. Never forget, this is YOUR park. Your public land.
This Earth Day, let’s honor the legacy of Gaylord Nelson by rededicating ourselves to environmental stewardship and by taking action to protect the natural world for generations to come.
For nearly 2 decades the Skillet Creek blog has focused on 3 main goals; To inspire you to visit and explore the Devil’s Lake region, to help you get the most your visit by sharing tips, events, and other helpful information. Lastly to advocate for our environment & wildlife and talk about how we can keep our natural areas amazing now and into the future! That last goal can sometimes cause controversy, but it’s the only way we can accomplish the first two. – Derrick Mayoleth, Owner.
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