Since the first Earth Day in 1970, created by Wisconsin Governor Gaylord Nelson, the holiday has been celebrated in various ways.

The day was created to be “a day for Americans to speak out about the environmental crises they faced,” according to nelsonearthday.net. On Saturday, April 16, the City of Chesterfield is giving its residents a chance to celebrate the Earth in its twentieth annual Earth Day celebration.

“Chesterfield Earth Day is a local event celebrating the larger national Earth Day event that is on April 22,” Libbey Malberg-Tucker, assistant city administrator for Community Services & Economic Development of Chesterfield, said.

Tucker said the city decided to hold the event because Chesterfield is a supporter of the environment and sustainability. The idea for the celebration came from the Citizens Committee for the Environment, which was created more than 20 years ago.

Val Mertz, science teacher, is the sponsor of the Gardening Club, which takes care of the landscaping on campus. Mertz said she thinks Earth Day is an important holiday.

“It helps people to be aware of the importance of the environment,” Mertz said. “I hope it encourages people to go outside.”

Karla Scheerer, junior and member of the Gardening Club, said agreed with Mertz.

“It’s a good thing,” Scheerer said. “It helps the environment.”

According to the city of Chesterfield’s web site, the event will have a recycling drive, eco-friendly vendors and will give away 500 native tree and bush saplings.

Tucker said companies like Allied Waste, Chesterfield Arts, Robinson’s Rain Barrels, a beekeeper and many other similar exhibitors will be present at the event. Tucker also said there will be any kind of recycling you can think of.

“Tennis shoes, paperback books, document shredding, electronics and appliances, light bulbs of any kind, Styrofoam, all single stream recycling items (what gets picked up at your curb) and even food waste created during the event,” Tucker said.

Tucker encourages families participate in the event together.

“It’s a great family event, so really it’s ideal for anyone who wants to recycle something, take home a free native tree or plant and visit with local vendors selling products and providing information,” Tucker said.

Mertz said even though Gardening Club doesn’t have a specific celebration planned, science teachers will probably do in-class activities.
“Many teachers will acknowledge the day with activities and current events,” Mertz said.

This is true of Eric Schweain’s Environmental Science classes.

Schweain has taught Environmental Science (formerly known as Ecology), for seven years, and said that he has always been a fan of the environment.

Schweain said he tries to celebrate Earth Day every year with his classes.

“We usually just talk about the Earth and where we stand right now,” Schweain said.

Due to golf responsibilities this year, Schweain said that he will not be able to attend Chesterfield’s celebration of Earth Day.