Happy Earth Day – the day set aside around the world to celebrate the planet. But in reality, we all know that EVERY day is Earth Day, because there is only one planet Earth and it’s up to us all to respect it and preserve its valuable resources.

Luckily, there are so many more people on board now since it originated 41 years ago. At the time, air and water pollution, toxic dumps, wildlife extinction and dangerous pesticides were among the topics behind the crusade to protect the earth. It became a united effort supported by all -- rich and poor, urbanites and country folks, blue collar and white collar, seniors and young adults. And today is no different, with people of all ages, from all walks of life working together to ensure that the earth’s rich resources will remain sustainable for future generations.

So what are some of the things being done to protect the environment? Well, nationally the Earth Day Network provides a number of ways to get involved. There is WAGE (Women and the Green Economy) which promotes green job training for women. And the Educator’s Network that consists of lesson plans and green school tips for students, and grants for teachers. Their latest effort is the “A Billion Acts of Green” website where individuals and organizations can register their green actions and contribute to the overall goal. From Earth Day events and energy retrofits to paper shreddings and tree plantings, they are all things that count toward the goal of making a difference.

Across the United States, hundreds of events will celebrate Earth Day with a variety of activities ranging from green idea contests and native plant gardeningto electronics collections and the great cloth diaper change aimed at setting a new Guinness World Record.

In Florida, activities range from the DEP-hosted Earth Day at the Capitol, to garden tours and river and beach cleanups. Florida State Park events scheduled for Saturday, April 23, include Earth Day at Florida Caverns, Earth Day Egg-Stravaganza at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs, Beach Cleanup at Henderson Beach and Earth Day at Koreshan. Other statewide events scheduled for April 23, include wildlife discussions, Eco-magic show, pet adoption and afarmer’s market.

DEP’s Easy As One campaign helps citizens find easy ways to make every day an Earth Day. Remember just one action by one person when practiced by each of us can create lasting, positive impacts for our environment.

Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area has a new program which enables visitors to hear the sounds of the ocean without even getting wet. Ocean Commotion, developed by Park Services Specialist Lauren Swanson, touches on the underwater sounds caused by animals, nature and people.

With the end of the school year rapidly approaching, families are starting to plan for their summer vacations. Whether you are planning a trip across the state to visit one of our wonderful beaches, traveling to a local Florida State Park or planning a drive through the Florida Keys, think about your impact to the environment and our natural resources.

You don’t have to give up your creature comforts to travel green. An easy first step is to spend the night at one of the more than 680 designated Florida Green LodgingProgram facilities....more

Last Saturday Ochlockonee River State Park was the place to be for the annual Sportsability event. Folks of all ages and all abilities turned out to partake in all the usual outdoor activities – from disc golf to horseback riding, from canoeing to water skiing to sailing.