Russ Feingold: “not many people can lay claim to a day, but Gaylord Nelson can. On April 22, 1970, Gaylord Nelson created a day to…”

“not many people can lay claim to a day, but Gaylord Nelson can. On April 22, 1970, Gaylord Nelson created a day to celebrate the glory of the Earth. Nelson biographer Bill Christofferson asks ``Where did Nelson get his lifelong interest and dedication to the environment? By osmosis, [Nelson] would say, while growing up in Clear Lake Wisconsin.'' It's true that Wisconsin has a tradition of great conservationists, Aldo Leopold, author of Sand County Almanac; Sigurd Olson, one of the founders of the Wilderness Society; and John Muir, founder of the Sierra Club. But because of Gaylord Nelson, Wisconsin can lay claim to the genesis of Earth Day, a day of national and international remembrance of the importance of our natural resources and a clean environment. While these great leaders are well known for their conservation vision, Wisconsinites across the State do their part every day to make that vision a reality. From the backyards and parks of our cities and suburbs to our forests and farms, we take our stewardship of the land seriously. For example, our farmers continue to work with the support of Federal, State and local partnerships to prevent pollution, improve wildlife habitat, and protect wetlands and open spaces, investing millions of dollars in hundred of thousands of acres each year, all while ensuring the land is healthy enough to produce food and raw materials for generations to come.…”