Locally “Earth Day” was celebrated at Hays Nature Preserve in an event sponsored by Operation Green Team.  There was a balloon bounce for the kids and live animals to watch and touch.  Learning lectures were provided by wildlife experts.  Lookout Mountain Zoological Park came with a baby bear.  The handler had a halter & leash on the baby bear (think dogs) while the little rascal practiced climbing on a convenient tree.

The Von Braun Astronomical Society (VBAS) was there with solar observations and promoting their ‘Dark Skies’ initiative.  At 2:00 pm they released a rehabilitated raptor.

Yes, that is a bird not something from Jurassic park.  It was a beautiful day and a good time was had by all. The first Earth Day was April 22, 1970, founded by Gaylord Nelson, who was a Senator from Wisconsin.   He organized the first nationwide observance to bring environmental issues onto the national agenda.

The first Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species acts.

Sen. Nelson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom -- the highest honor given to civilians in the United States -- for his role as Earth Day founder.

For more info visit the Earth Day Network at http://www.earthday.net/