An Earth Day Note & Video from Friends

​​April 22, 1970 marked the first Earth Day. 50 years of community building, advocacy, and celebration began with a gathering - thousands of people strong! They protested for cleaner air and water, safer products, public oversight of toxic pollutants and polluters, and respect for the ecology of planet Earth. The movement has grown since the 1970s into a global collaboration that crosses generational, political, and geographic boundaries.

​The insights drawn from decades of social justice work have become an essential part of environmental work, helping forge partnerships that recognize the vital relationship between equity and sustainability. We are all in this together. Each person who joins the struggle to defend our natural world will see the difficulty of our situation, but they will also bring their invaluable perspective, energy, and hope. In the days of COVID-19, it is imperative that we are more intentional than ever about building a supportive, inclusive, and sustainable community.
​​Top Photo by Ira Shadis

Take a minute this Earth Day to celebrate what you love about this planet, our Valley, the patch of wooded hills and winding streams we call home. Social media gives us an opportunity, despite our "social distance," to continue the work of connecting to nature and one another. So reach out. If we can’t gather in person, let’s share our stories, our photos, our videos, and inspire each other to deepen our love of this place and take action in the face of adversity. #madshedlove