Spring into action this year for Earth Day

Have you noticed a change in the air? Here in Michigan, days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, and spring is officially here. Maybe you’re feeling more motivated to do some spring cleaning or enjoy the outdoors. (I know I am!) All around us, nature is waking up too. Flowers are blooming, birds are returning from migration, and other animals are emerging from their dens or shedding their winter coats. It’s also a time when many species are welcoming new young (here’s what to do if you see a baby animal in the wild). With this resurgence of life, there couldn’t be a better time to celebrate Earth Day, which takes place on April 22.

From Silent Spring to calls for change

Songbirds are some of the most beloved symbols of spring, but in the mid-twentieth century, their voices were falling silent. Scientists discovered that the widely-used pesticide DDT was building up in the ecosystem, threatening biodiversity and human health. One consequence was the devastation of bird populations, including robins on the campus of Michigan State University. In 1962, biologist Rachel Carson raised the alarm about DDT in her landmark book, Silent Spring. The book was a call to action that helped inspire the modern environmental movement.

The first Earth Day was held eight years later, on April 22, 1970. People gathered across the United States to raise awareness about environmental causes. Their efforts changed public attitudes and led to important legislation, including the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act.

We can be the solution

Today, Earth Day is a global movement. However, we continue to face many environmental challenges, including the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and pollution. As Rachel Carson showed, our actions can have a destructive impact on the planet. The good news is, we can also be part of the solution. The theme for Earth Day 2024 is “Planet vs. Plastics.” By cutting down on plastic use, we can protect human and environmental health. We can also take action in many other ways, from shopping sustainably to calling our representatives. 

The W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary was founded to protect native wildlife, and conservation is still central to our mission. This spring, we’ll be welcoming the arrival of new baby birds – a reminder of the legacy of Silent Spring and a beacon of hope for the future.

Celebrate Earth Day

Protecting the planet is a big responsibility, and we all have a role to play. Wondering how you can celebrate Earth Day this year? Here are some ideas:

• Learn about plastic pollution and how you can help
• Explore Earth Day events from the MSU Science Festival
• Visit Kellogg Bird Sanctuary – admission is free on April 21 in celebration of Earth Day!
• Sign up to help document biodiversity at the second annual KBS BioBlitz

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Ayley Shortridge is a master’s student in the Janzen Lab at the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station and a 2023-24 Science Education and Outreach Fellow. She studies how turtles are impacted by their changing environment and enjoys writing about science and conservation.
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