Celebrate Earth Day
WHERE IT WAS BORN!
Fun Fact!
Earth Day Founder, Senator Gaylord Nelson was born in Polk County, WI!
Gaylord Anton Nelson, born and raised in Clear Lake, WI, in 1916, was an American politician from Wisconsin who served as a United States senator and governor and is credited with founding Earth Day.
The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, to raise awareness about environmental issues.
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day.
Senator Nelson Also Helped To Establish the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
In 1968, Nelson co-wrote legislation with Minnesota senator Walter Mondale to establish the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, resulting in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968.
The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is one of the original eight National Wild and Scenic Rivers. The riverway protects the St. Croix River and the Namekagon River, as well as the land around them.
The St. Croix River flows along the eastern border of Polk County, separating the states of MN and WI.
