When Exactly Is Earth Day?

Just when is Earth Day this year? 

Earth Day observances tend to pop up on a host of different days each April. You can't clean up all the parks or beaches or vacant lots all at once, right? 

This observance of support for the environment and environmental issues always falls officially on April 22.

It started way back in 1970 when a San Francisco activist, John McConnell, and Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson separately asked Americans to join in a grassroots demonstration of support for the environment.

McConnell actually chose the spring equinox that year, March 21. Nelson picked April 22. 

Millions of people participated on each date, and Earth Day continues to be widely celebrated with events on both dates – even though April 22 is the date that has become official for Earth Day celebrations everywhere.