Earth Day: Our Day

                Mother Earth and her beauty are greatly celebrated every year on April 22^nd, Earth Day.  Recyclers, conservationists, and admirers alike come together to dedicate a day to preserving the natural wonder of our neglected world, including Arkansans.

            In 1962, a revolutionary idea evolved that would forever alter the course of many peoples actions, at least one day every year.  Senator Gaylord Nelson envisioned a cleaner world that other politicians failed to see.  On April 22, 1970, Nelson’s Earth Day happened.  What made it so special was not all of the planning that was put into it, but because of the immense involvement of concerned citizens, schools, and communities.  Earth Day organized itself based on the reaction of people to an article written by Gladwin Hill.  People took notice, became concerned, and performed actions on April 22, 1970 that would be carried out for years to come.

            Today, in Arkansas, people are very passionate about Earth Day.  Citizens go to extremes to protect our National Parks, lakes, and wildlife.  Being the Natural State, we have formed an image to uphold of cleanliness and the raw beauty of nature.  In Hot Springs, many citizens take the day to admire the wildlife and pristine lakes while cleaning campsites and banks to protect other people and animals from harm.  By removing hazardous objects and harmful pollutants from the shores and communal campsites, citizens create a safer and more enjoyable atmosphere.  They also take the time to recycle plastics and take advantage of our natural water resource, the hot springs downtown.  The towns springs provide an outlet for people to reuse, reduce, and recycle by making available fresh water to put into reusable jugs that can be recycled all over town.  Just this simple act can cut down on the use and expenditures of plastic water bottles and gives citizens an opportunity to appreciate what is theirs for the benefitting.  Furthermore, Garvan Woodland Gardens, located off of

Carpenter Dam Road

in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is the epitome of clean, crisp beauty and showcases the elegance of nature.  People visit Garvan Gardens, take pictures, and learn more about how they can make a positive impact on the environment.  Everyday people go to Garvan Woodland Gardens either to work or admire.  The people that work at Garvan Woodland Gardens have the responsibility to instill the importance of preserving nature to those who visit, as well as keep the environment clean and healthy for the wildlife and plant life.  They plant new flowers and trees as needed, water and fertilize the plants, refrain from removing habitats, and make certain that the gardens are free of debris and human waste such as Styrofoam, plastic bottles, and aluminum cans.  The admirers and visitors have the responsibility to educate themselves better of how crucial it is to preserve the natural beauty of Arkansas and ultimately the world.   On Earth Day, Garvan Woodland Gardens opened their doors to anyone that wished to enjoy the indigenous artistry of nature.  Also related to Earth Day, the Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock, Arkansas, offered citizens a free chance to view Nature and Impressionistic Oil Paintings illustrated by Sharon Frankie and Gene Clark beginning on April 22, 2011.  The opportunity allowed people the ability to view the value of nature in an artistic light.  From Frankie and Clark’s point of views, nature was portrayed as something to be preserved and respected by our communities.  Their work was on display until April 30, 2011 from 8 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

            I believe that in 2011 Arkansans can make a bigger impact than ever if we continue to perform good deeds, such as recycling, utilizing our resources, and picking up litter from the ground in which we grow our food, for our community and fragile environment long after Earth Day.  We could have a fundraiser that would supply money for another recycling facility.  We could also each plant a tree or a flower that resembles life and brings forth beauty within the coming season.  I believe it will encourage other communities to make a difference and cause people to contemplate the significance of Earth Day, how beneficial it is for plant, animal, and human life, and how much fun it is to protect one’s ecosystem.  It will also attract more tourists to come and see everything Arkansas has to offer.

Taylor Duke