Earth Day

As picturesque Fountain Hills celebrates the 50-year anniversary of our treasured Fountain within the magnificent green space of Fountain Park, this year is also a 50-year anniversary of extreme significance: Earth Day.

As our planet faces crises as documented by the greatest scientific minds, I hope you will join me and others on April 18-19 to become an environmental steward and work toward leaving a positive legacy for the generations who’ll inherit what we leave behind.

On the weekend of April 18-19, to show support for Mother Earth, we’ll be launching a healthy, fun and virtual event, which will be registered at EarthDay.org. This three-pronged effort includes:

• Walking a distance of your choice, enjoying the outdoors and appreciating nature.

• Picking up any trash in the community along your route and properly disposing of it.

• Making a donation to an environmental and/or wildlife protection organization of your choice. Just some examples of organizations doing great things include #SierraClub, #CenterForBiologicalDiversity, #NaturalResourcesDefenseCouncil, #EnvironmentalDefenseActionFund, #Earthworks, #Earthjustice, #MarineMammalCenter, #AnimalWelfareInstitute and #HumaneSocietyInternational.

My fellow Humane Society of the United States – Arizona State Council colleagues will join me in walking 25 miles for a total of 50 to commemorate both anniversaries, starting at our Fountain Park Fountain and collecting trash along our route. But whether you participate over one mile or one block — alone or with a human or canine companion — you’ll make a difference.

The first #EarthDay launched on April 22, 1970. On this 50th anniversary, during challenging times, consider being a leader for Mother Earth and make the environment an important consideration when you vote in your municipal, state and federal elections.

Fountain Hills Times, Letter to the Editor