The St. Croix River region could kind of be considered the capital of Earth Day. The annual celebration of our planet was founded by Gaylord Nelson, who grew up along the upper Willow River in western Wisconsin and went on to serve as the state’s governor and U.S. senator. His environmental ethic was formed by a childhood spent canoeing, fishing, hunting, and otherwise exploring the wild woods and waters of the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers region.
Fifty-five years ago, on April 22, 1970, more than 20 million Americans participated in the first Earth Day. Nelson had wanted to make protecting the environment a national priority, and succeeded beyond his wildest dreams, with the help of countless others.
Nelson himself spoke at an event in Denver on the first Earth Day. His speech connected the many challenges facing the world at that time to the ways we treat the environment. Despite being delivered more than half a century ago, the comments could be as easily said today. Here are a few excerpted quotes:
“Earth Day can – and it must – lend a new urgency and a new support to solving the problems that still threaten to tear the fabric of this society… the problems of race, of war, of poverty, of modern-day institutions.”
“Environment is all of America and its problems. It is rats in the ghetto. It is a hungry child in a land of affluence. It is housing that is not worthy of the name; neighborhoods not fit to inhabit.”
“Our goal is not just an environment of clean air and water and scenic beauty. The objective is an environment of decency, quality and mutual respect for all other human beings and all other living creatures.”
“Our goal is a new American ethic that sets new standards for progress, emphasizing human dignity and well being rather than an endless parade of technology that produces more gadgets, more waste, more pollution.”
This year’s Earth Day is organized around the theme “OUR POWER, OUR PLANET, calling for everyone to unite around renewable energy so we can triple clean electricity by 2030.”
Earth Day organizers are pointing to recent success of sustainable energy production replacing polluting forms like coal and oil. Last year, for the first time, wind and solar combined produced more energy than coal in the United States of America. Solar power is growing particularly quickly, as the country’s overall production is in the midst of doubling capacity in just three years. Earth Day 2025 will feature additional action by elected officials and citizens. The leaders of cities representing more than 15 million people will announce new renewable energy initiatives, and 100 cities will hold town halls to discuss moving their energy transitions forward.
“Millions of people are taking peaceful action this Earth Day to demonstrate their support for renewable energy,” said organizer Kathleen Rogers. “Investment in this industry will increase innovation in all sectors of manufacturing, transportation and agriculture, spurring yet more technological advancements and creating millions of new jobs.”
This Earth Day and the week around it are packed with events throughout the St. Croix River region. Below are a few that have come across St. Croix 360’s desk, please add details about any others in the comment section at the bottom of the post. And if you’re not doing an event but just picking up trash in your local park or something like that, please also let us know! For more events elsewhere, visit the official Earth Day website.
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
St. Croix Youth Summit
Wild Rivers Conservancy
Virtual
April 22-25
Our virtual week of learning, St. Croix Youth Summit, returns again April 22 -25th. Each year this partnership with Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway (NPS) brings virtual learning into the classroom for elementary and middle school students about Riverway biology, climate change, natural resources, and more. And thanks to our generous supporters and sponsors of our mission, we are able to keep it FREE to all.
2025 St. Croix Youth Summit is brought to you in partnership with the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, and with funding from the National Park Foundation.
Poetry Reading
Carpenter Nature Center, Wisconsin Campus
279 South Cove Road, Hudson
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Day with an evening of poetry. Hear works by Thomas Smith, James Lenfestey, and Maureen Ash followed by an “open mic” session during which those attending can read a favorite poem, read a poem they created, or just listen and enjoy!
Registration not required. Program is FREE, although donations are appreciated.
Earth Day Celebration
The Lot, Hayward
10597 Kansas Ave
4 – 6 p.m.
We’ll have special giveaways (wildflower seed bombs and saplings!) that will beautify the Earth and our environment! FKF Food Trailer and Sid’s Patisserie will be on-site with their delicious food and the snack shack will be open!
Friday, April 25
Wild Rivers Fest
Wild Rivers Conservancy
45th Parallel Distillery
1490 Madison Ave, New Richmond
5 – 8 p.m.
Meet and greet with local kayak outfitters, tour guides, fishing outfitters, and more. Find everything you need to get outside this summer and make the most of the wild and scenic St. Croix and Namekagon rivers.
Saturday, April 26, 2025
EarthFest 2025
Wild River State Park, North Branch, MN
7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Join in the 42nd annual celebration of spring at the park! All ages are welcome. Pick and choose from activities or come to them all!
- 7:30-9 am, Bird Walk, Meet at Trail Center
- 9:15-10 am, Storytime & Craft, Trail Center
- 10 am-noon, Woodpecker Walk & Talk, Meet at Trail Center
- 12-5 pm, Earth Day Sound Garden, Outside the Visitor Center
- 1-2 pm, What Fills the Open Space: Savanna Stories, Visitor Center
Keynote presentation by poet & essayist Laurie Allmann - 2-2:15 pm, Oak Savanna Restoration at Wild River, Visitor Center
- 3-5 pm, Oak Savanna Stewardship Projects, Meet at the Trail Center
This event is supported by the Friends of Wild River State Park.
Hastings Area Earth Day Birding Festival & Youth Birding Competition
Carpenter Nature Center, Minnesota Campus
Hastings Area
7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrate birds and conservation at the CNC MN Campus. Attend classes that introduce you to raptors, birding, bird banding, and go on guided bird trips through the Hastings area.
Valley Eco Fair
Pioneer Park, Stillwater, MN
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The 3rd Annual Valley Eco Fair is a vibrant community event celebrating sustainability, creativity, and our connection to the Earth. Hosted by Sustainable Stillwater MN, this family-friendly gathering is a perfect way to honor Earth Month while enjoying fun and meaningful activities.
- Explore: Discover eco-friendly products and services from 30+ local vendors.
- Create: Engage in hands-on art activities that connect you to nature and spark your creativity.
- Connect: Enjoy live music, delicious food from local food trucks, and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
- Travel Green: Walk, bike, or carpool to the event to show your support for sustainable transportation.
- Celebrate Together: Join neighbors and friends to embrace a shared commitment to a healthier planet.
Earth Fest
University of Wisconsin – River Falls
501 Wild Rose Ave., River Falls
Noon – 4 p.m.
Earth Fest is a celebration of community and environmental wellness efforts and a collaborative effort involving Hope for Earth, the UWRF Sustainability Office, the School District of River Falls, the River Falls Chamber of Commerce and a variety of additional organizations.
The event will feature a wide variety of events for people of all ages including an Exhibitor Fair and hands-on activities intended to educate about sustainability related practices, local opportunities for involvement and free samples of local and sustainable food. There will also be giveaways of trees and other sustainability-related items.
Sunday, April 27, 2025
Spring Volunteer Clean-Up
Meeting at St. Croix Falls or Trego Visitor Centers
401 N Hamilton St, St Croix Falls
W5483 US-63, Trego
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Get ready to make a difference! We’re hosting a fun cleanup day across the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers, and we need your help.
- Head to either visitor center to get your assigned cleanup spot and a map.
- We’re teaming up, so bring friends or we’ll pair you up! Safety first!
- We’ll be picking up trash and making our river shine.
Ice Age Trail Clean-Up
Centuria, Wis.
1 p.m.
Join the Trap Rock chapter of the Ice Age Trail for an Earth Day trail cleanup and get some exercise on Sunday, April 27. Chapter members will meet at the Centuria rest stop on the trail at 1 p.m.
This gentle hike will proceed to 190th Avenue while collecting trash along the way. Those participating should dress for the weather, bring their own water and a snack, plus gloves, insect repellent and sun lotion.
Polk and Burnett counties offer more than 60 miles of the statewide trail, which was built by and is maintained by volunteers.
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