Earth Day is a worldwide event that celebrates environmental protection and sustainability. It has been observed every year since 1970, and Oklahoma has a rich history of participating in this important movement.
In Oklahoma, the first Earth Day celebration took place in 1970 in Norman, organized by the University of Oklahoma’s Environmental Law Society. Over the years, Earth Day celebrations in Oklahoma have grown in size and importance, with events taking place in cities and towns across the state.
One notable event in Oklahoma’s Earth Day history was the “Oil, Gas, and the Environment Conference” held in Tulsa in 1971. The conference addressed the issue of the environmental impact of oil and gas drilling in the state and attracted national attention.
Another significant moment in Oklahoma’s Earth Day history was in 1989 when the Oklahoma City Zoo created the Earth Day Safari. This annual event featured educational activities and exhibits aimed at promoting environmental conservation and awareness.
In recent years, Earth Day events in Oklahoma have continued to expand and evolve. Today, Oklahomans celebrate Earth Day through a variety of events, including cleanups, educational seminars, and festivals. These events are organized by various groups and organizations across the state, including schools, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses.
In 2020, Earth Day celebrations in Oklahoma had to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, with many events taking place virtually. Despite the challenges, Oklahomans still found ways to come together to celebrate the planet and promote sustainable practices.
Looking to the future, Earth Day celebrations in Oklahoma will undoubtedly continue to be an important way for the state’s residents to come together and work towards a more sustainable future. So, mark your calendars and join the movement! Norman’s Earth Day festival will be held on Sunday, April 23rd from 12pm-5pm at Reaves Park. The festival will feature tons of free activities, music, games, and all sorts of family-friendly fun—Habitat will be hosting games of cornhole!
Rose Rock Habitat will also be teaming up on April 20th with the University of Oklahoma student group American Indian Science and Engineering Students to clean up two parks in celebration of Earth Day. From 2pm to 6pm we will be picking up any trash we find, and documenting any damage to park equipment or decorations.
If you would like to learn more about Rose Rock Habitat’s involvement in sustainability-focused initiatives you can read more about that in our history, as well as in our blog on insulated concrete forms. To see how you can get involved with park cleanups, please send an email to [email protected]
