Gaylord Nelson, the late U.S. senator and governor of Wisconsin, is considered the founder of Earth Day. Nelson established himself as a conservation leader in Wisconsin, where he served as ...

But it was a senator from Wisconsin, Democrat Gaylord Nelson, who had the idea that would become Earth Day. Nelson had long been concerned about the environment when a massive offshore oil spill ...

As Earth Day marks its 55th anniversary in 2025, it remains a powerful reminder of the enduring need for environmental stewardship, policy change, and community-level activism. Gaylord Nelson, the ...

Former U.S. Sen. and Wisconsin Gov. Gaylord Nelson (D-Wis.), also known as the founder of Earth Day, addresses a National Press Club Newsmakers luncheon April 22, 2003 in Washington, D.C. (Photo ...

On April 22, 1970, a Democratic senator from Wisconsin named Gaylord Nelson got what he wanted. For three years, Nelson advocated a one-day national “teach-in” on the subject of environmental ...

Earth Day started in 1970 when people — including Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson — brought attention to the impact oil spills, pollution and smog were having on the planet.

Nelson chose April 22 as the national date for Earth Day because it best fit into college schedules between spring break and final exams. It would be the day of what they named the “National ...

Founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, Earth Day was created to thrust environmental issues into the national conversation at a time when the U.S. had no Environmental Protection Agency, ...

What is Earth Day? Earth Day started in 1970 when people — including Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson — brought attention to the impact oil spills, pollution and smog were having on the planet.

Gaylord Nelson, a former governor, state senator, and U.S. senator from Wisconsin, is credited with sowing the seeds of Earth Day. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Senator Gaylord Nelson advocated Earth Day and called on "students to fight for environmental causes and oppose environmental degradation with the same energy that they displayed in opposing the ...

Founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, Earth Day was created to thrust environmental issues into the national conversation at a time when the U.S. had no Environmental Protection Agency, ...