Environmental History | BIG History
Earth Day and Leaders of Land Ethics in Wisconsin
Earth Day is celebrated around the world but did you know this annual event has humble beginnings right here in Wisconsin, as the brainchild of Senator Gaylord Nelson? Nelson is just one of many environmental stewards with ties to the Badger State. Learn about these individuals and more environmental history through the articles, artifacts, and other important items below that help tell these compelling stories.
First and Foremost Stewards
As we celebrate Earth Day, we recognize Indigenous peoples as the first and foremost original stewards dedicated to caring for the environment and the Native Nations who continue to work tirelessly to protect the land and its resources—from a depth of nearly 14,000 years through today. We honor and thank the 12 contemporary Native Nations of Wisconsin for their ongoing contributions and efforts to protect this shared place that we all call home.
More Information on Foremost Stewards
Walter Bressette Red Cliff Ojibwe | Walter Bressette Red Cliff Ojibwe Biography with PBS Wisconsin | Ribes Eradication Work![Traditional Oil Painting Portrait of Gaylord Nelson](jpg/nelson-portrait.jpg)
A Champion of our Earth
In 1969, Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson came up with an idea that would become his lasting legacy. Nelson suggested a full day dedicated to teaching and learning about the environment, believing that if people only knew more about the environment, they would demand better protection. See how Nelson’s efforts led to the first Earth Day by reading the article below.
Learn MoreThe Gaylord Nelson Historical Collection
Explore More History
Learn more about the history of environmental conservation in Wisconsin and beyond through the historical essays below.
More Historical Essays
Conservation in Wisconsin | Increase Lapham | Jerry Apps | The Birth of Lake Delton | School ForestsFascinating Items from Our Historical Collections
The Society has thousands of items related to environmental conservatons available to explore in our online collections, and these collections are always growing. Explore some of these amazing items and the stories behind them below.
More Historical Items
Increase Lapham Papers | Earth Day Art | 25th Anniversary of Earth Day menu | Earth Day advertisement | Civilian Conservation Corps PosterCompelling Images from the Our Historical Collections
Human impact on our environment
It is important to understand the impact that humans have had on our environment. View items from our collections below related to this impact.
Read more through the Wisconsin Society Press
You can find Wisconsin Historical Society Press books at your favorite book retailer or library.