When you think about celebrating Earth Day, what comes to mind? Maybe bright green-and-blue graphics with “reduce, reuse, recycle” stamped across the middle. For a lot of people, that’s the default image.
Early in my healthcare career, I wanted to contribute to something bigger than my day-to-day responsibilities. That drive led me to join our organization’s “green team,” a group focused on promoting sustainability within the healthcare system. It didn’t take long to realize the scale of the challenge. Healthcare generates an enormous amount of waste, far more than most people ever see. I understood quickly that I wouldn’t be able to fix such a complex problem on my own. Still, that experience gave me my first real exposure to sustainability. It shifted my perspective and pushed me to start paying attention.
Since then, my interests have evolved. I’ve spent more time outdoors, pursuing adventure and mountain sports. That deeper connection to nature has strengthened my sense of responsibility. Protecting the environment now feels personal. It goes beyond simple phrases or symbolic gestures. It’s no longer just about “reduce, reuse, recycle”, it’s about honoring the places we move through, preserving the landscapes we rely on and respecting other living beings we share it with.
The History of Earth Day
Earth Day began in 1970 when Gaylord Nelson set out to raise national awareness about growing environmental concerns. At the time, pollution from factories and vehicles, widespread chemical waste, and heavy pesticide use were contributing to serious health risks and visible ecological damage. Rivers caught fire, air quality declined, and public awareness remained limited.
Nelson introduced the idea of Earth Day in 1969 as a nationwide “teach-in.” He drew inspiration from the anti-war teach-ins of the era. He wanted to bring environmental issues into public spaces, encouraging people to learn, ask questions, and take action. The idea quickly gained traction across the country.
In the spring of 1970, that vision became reality. During the first Earth Day, an estimated 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks, and campuses. They organized rallies, protests, and educational events, demanding cleaner air, safer water, and greater accountability for environmental harm. It marked one of the largest grassroots movements in U.S. history and signaled a shift in how the public viewed environmental responsibility.
The momentum didn’t stop there. By December 1970, in direct response to this surge of public pressure and awareness, Congress authorized the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Lawmakers tasked the agency with developing and enforcing regulations to protect human health and the environment.. This layed the groundwork for many of the environmental protections still in place today.
Celebrating Earth Day has since grown into a global movement, but its origins remain rooted in collective action and education. Everyone celebrates earth day differently. Some spend time in nature, some participate in an educational activism event.
This year, Summit staff are celebrating Earth Day by sharing their favorite memories in nature.
I am Celebrating Earth Day with Some Favorite Memories..
Hiking in the Mountains
I am thankful that I have had the opportunity to hike many mountains out west. I have seen view in Colorado, Arizona, Washington and Oregon. Each time I hike up a mountain, I recognize the beauty in struggle and embrace the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone.
When I visited Colorado a few years ago, I hiked to the Keyhole of Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. Before the scenic view of the “Key Hole” there is a scrambling section. Scrambling is a term that describes using both hands and feet to ascend rocky terrain. It is a bridge between hiking and rock climbing.
At first, the scrambling section looked daunting. Some of which could be dangerous if my body gave out on me. As I got going, I left my hiking partners in the dust and got into a flow state. My mind stayed fully engaged, treating each moment like a puzzle, constantly assessing the terrain and deciding which path to take next. At the same time, my body rose to the challenge I asked of it. Powering through large jumps and strong, high pulls. Every step required focus, coordination, and trust in both my instincts and my physical ability. Blending mental strategy with athletic effort.
Snorkeling in the Atlantic Ocean & Dolphin Viewing
After I graduated nursing school and passed my board exam I took a solo road trip to Key West. For part of this trip, I was able to go on a boat tour. This included dolphin watching and snorkeling in the Atlantic Ocean. The boat tour I went on was eco friendly. Their goal is to observe the wildlife. Not to harm and distress them. Therefore when the boat gets in a certain distance of active wildlife, they kill the engine and just float. While snorkeling, I held a star fish and came eye-to-eye with an Eel! Biologists lead the tour, and their insights helped me develop a deeper appreciation for marine conservation.
On this trip I also spend the day at the Turtle Hospital. This is a fully functioning hospital for sick or injured sea turtles. Their goal is to rescue, rehab and release these sick turtles. A large part of their work is also educating the public on how to keep water safe and clean. Check out The Turtle Hospital website on little changes that make a big difference. Put The Turtle Hospital at the top of your to do list if you are ever in The Keys.
Celebrating Earth Day with Words from Megan
I grew up in a family that was not particularly outdoorsy or adventurous. My siblings were all a lot older than me and were constantly busy with their friends or sports, so I spent a lot of time outside by myself, just wandering around our yard (mostly out of boredom).
In those times, I found myself imagining that I was exploring fantasy worlds in my head much more than exploring the real world in front of me. It wasn’t until college when I started rock climbing that I started to feel truly connected to the Earth. The surreal feeling of climbing up a cliff face, being surrounded only by trees, hearing nothing but wind and my own breathing—that felt like those fantasy worlds again, but this time, it was real.
I think when it all clicked was visiting Arches National Park, the first National Park I ever really went to. Seeing my first glimpse of the North and South Window arches from the park loop, so vast and almost glowing in the sun, was breathtaking. It truly recontextualized everything I knew about the Earth and the outdoors. Every arch, canyon, mountain, or simple rock or plant I saw on that trip felt so much older and larger than myself, and I am so humbled and grateful that I get to be part of something so full.
Celebrating Earth Day with Words from Patrick
My dad instilled love of the fall colors in me despite my objections when we’d inevitably drive up north every fall for “Colorama, baby!” Now I’m the guy walking all the same local trails all year just to see the seasons change. One day I’ll have a house with a huge backyard like my other dad, Coach Kubi. For now I live in River Bend apartments and having the Madison Arboretum visible from my porch brings me joy every day.
Celebrating Earth Day with Words from Keith
In recent history, my favorite moments in nature have been being out in the woods before the sun comes up. Hunting has gotten me out into the woods at times I otherwise would not be. Sitting in the woods, blending in and listening and witnessing the real world (not the digital world) wake up and come to life is so peaceful and energizing.
Hunting is about being out in nature, connecting to the natural world, and getting away from useless distractions. For me, a successful hunt is not measured by the harvest, but rather by the overall experience in the woods. So as long as I can get out in the woods, experience the energy it brings, and go home with that feeling of calm and joy, then it was a successful hunt.
Celebrating Earth Day with Words from Shelby
When I was a child, nature was my sanctuary. Every day after school I was in the woods or the meadow with my sister and friends building forts, catching tadpoles and climbing trees. The demands of being a student pulled me indoors as a teen and young adult, and I lost my precious connection to nature. It was re-engaging with nature through play (freshwater surfing) that reignited a fire in me.
Finding play and interacting with the wild forces of the lake inspired me to get stronger, deepen my connection with the lakes through knowledge, and even learning how to swim for the first time as an adult. Surfing pioneer Tom Blake said it best when he named nature as the ‘blessed church of the open sky’. I continue to be humbled, awestruck, terrified and delighted by engaging with nature and am grateful to be closer to the wonder of my childhood again.
Celebrating Earth Day with Words from Carolann
Growing up on a multi-generational, biodynamic farm, I was raised in a culture of stewardship. We worked with the seasons to grow crops and raise animals using sustainable practices. I grew up surrounded by fields, forests, lakes, and endless miles of country roads for biking.
Though I moved away decades ago, and have lived in cities ever since, I’ll always be a farm girl at heart. The Madison area is a wonderful place to pass along those stewardship values to my daughters. The oldest is studying marine biology, and the youngest saves every injured animal she can find. They are both volunteer stream monitors, and I continue my land stewardship through community-based gardening. Earth Day falls just shy of my birthday, so I celebrate them together every year with a hike or bike ride and some garden work.
Celebrating Earth Day with Words from Alex A
Start Where You Are: An Earth Day Reminder
Growing up, nature was always my respite. I admired every detail, sometimes imagining what the world would look like if I could shrink myself small enough that even blades of grass felt like towering giants. I wanted to see the depths—the spaces in between.
I’d follow animals. Or just sit at a distance, sharing space with them.
Even then, it felt obvious: we move through this world as if it’s ours to take.
As I got older, that feeling shifted into a question—
what is my responsibility to something that has given me so much, without ever asking for anything in return?
It’s easy to feel like the answer doesn’t matter. Like the problem is too big. Like anything I do is just a drop in the ocean.
But I remind myself—this is how everything works.
Strength isn’t built in a single workout.
Mobility doesn’t come from one stretch.
It’s the small, consistent actions that shape the outcome.
Why would this be any different?
Every action counts. Not because it solves everything overnight—but because it’s how change actually happens.
So start where you are.
Take your training outside this week.
Walk somewhere you’d normally drive.
Pick up a few pieces of trash along the way.
Spend a few minutes actually noticing the space around you.
Not everything. Just something.
Because the same way you build your body—
you shape the world around you.
How do you like to celebrate Earth Day? Comment below and share!