Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22
From the Team at 1000 Friends of Wisconsin
Wisconsin has a special connection to Earth Day, with its founder, Gaylord Nelson, serving first as our Governor (1959-1963) and later as U.S. Senator (1963-1981). The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, in response to major oil spills and inspired by the growing energy of 1960s student movements around environmental issues. An astonishing 20 million Americans (10% of the U.S. population at the time) participated in rallies, protests, and teach-ins that first Earth Day – making it one of the largest civic events in U.S. history!
Did you know that Gaylord Nelson was an Honorary Chair of 1000 Friends of Wisconsin?
It’s true!
Thirty years ago, Bud Jordahl, a founding member of 1000 Friends of Wisconsin, asked Gaylord Nelson to sign our very first fundraising letter. Attempting to raise $100,000 by having 1000 Friends donate $100 each. This successful campaign paved the way for our organization, leading to the passage of the Smart Growth Law in our first year of action.
Bud Jordahl was a great friend to our organization. Bud worked alongside Governor Gaylord Nelson in state government and at the federal level when Nelson became a U.S. Senator. Together, their long partnership helped shape major conservation milestones, from launching the first Earth Day to advancing the Outdoor Recreation Act Program, a precursor to the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. Under Governor Nelson, the new Department of Resource Development (DRD, now DNR) was formed, with Bud serving as Director of the new agency in Nelson’s administration. When Bud worked for the U.S. Department of the Interior, he and Nelson helped designate the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. These initiatives cemented decades of strong public support for land conservation in Wisconsin.
“I was privileged to work with Gaylord Nelson over a long period of time. When I asked him to be 1000 Friends of Wisconsin Honorary Chair, he was delighted and accepted with alacrity. Nelson cared for the land and understood the critical role that politics and planning played in the process and the role which 1000 Friends could take.”
– Bud Jordahl, 2005
During his distinguished career as Governor of Wisconsin and U.S. Senator, Gaylord Nelson achieved remarkable environmental progress –championing bipartisan support for sustainability despite working with a conservative-controlled state senate and only a slim assembly plurality for one legislative session.
FROM THE ARCHIVE: Read Bud’s tribute to Nelson and learn more about similar initiatives they worked on together in our 2005 newsletter.
Over 30 years, 1000 Friends has stayed true to our founders’ vision while also staying relevant to today’s challenges. While early work focused on land use and the impacts of rapid sprawl on farmland and natural spaces, we’ve since expanded to address issues like water quality and the important connections between transportation, housing, climate change, and land use.
It’s also important to remember that long before Earth Day or the modern conservation movement, the lands we now call Wisconsin were cared for by Indigenous peoples whose stewardship shaped ecosystems over many generations. To see this leadership in action today, explore Wisconsin’s 28 Most Influential Native American Leaders for 2026, which shines a spotlight on Indigenous leaders across Wisconsin whose work continues to shape communities and protect natural resources
“We have an historic opportunity to impact land use policy in Wisconsin and to reverse the trend toward more sprawl. 1000 Friends of Wisconsin is determined not to let this opportunity slip by. Through research, legislative advocacy and public education, 1000 Friends is turning the tide in the fight against sprawl.”
– Senator Gaylord Nelson, 1996
1000 Friends give $10 each
Let’s raise $10,000 to celebrate and carry on the work of historic conservation icons this Earth Day.
As we reflect on Earth Day (a legacy shaped right here in Wisconsin), we’re reminded of the responsibility we carry forward as an organization. Inspired by leaders like Gaylord Nelson, Bud Jordahl, Aldo Leopold, Emily Earley, and Stephen Born, we remain committed to protecting our environment and building a stronger, more sustainable future for all.
Earth Day wasn’t just launched by Wisconsinites – it was shaped by Wisconsin’s environmental values, building on Indigenous traditions of land stewardship, and continues to be an important part of our state’s identity.
1000 Friends of Wisconsin promises to continue operating by the same guiding principles inspired by so many Wisconsin environmental legends.
Help us keep their spirit alive and advance our critical work in preserving the future of Wisconsin. We’re asking 1000 friends to donate just $10 each during April – helping us raise $10,000 for Earth Month this year.
Interested in joining an exclusive club of supporters? Consider the Gaylord Nelson Circle – a membership tier honoring his lasting legacy on our organization and uniting like-minded trailblazers in advancing climate-friendly work in the future.
We’re also celebrating Earth Day with a special book giveaway!
We’ll be gifting one copy of Braiding Sweetgrass by Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer. It’s a powerful blend of Indigenous wisdom, science, and storytelling that reimagines our relationship with the natural world through themes of reciprocity and connection. It’s also a powerful reminder that Earth Day isn’t just a modern concept, but reflects ways of living that have been central to Indigenous communities for thousands of years.
- To enter, click here for a chance to win a free book. See rules below.
- For a bonus entry (optional), subscribe to our newsletter or donate $10 for Earth Month.
Read Susan Gaeddert’s book review here.
Book Giveaway Rules:
- No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents age 18 and older. Void where prohibited. Entries accepted April 1–30, 2026. Limit one (1) entry per person. Subscribing to our newsletter is optional and not required to enter or win. Donation to Earth Day fundraiser is also optional and not required to enter or win.
- One (1) winner will be selected at random from all eligible entries. Prize consists of one (1) paperback copy of Braiding Sweetgrass by Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer. Approximate Retail Value (ARV) of the prize is $40.
- Winner will be notified by email and must respond within one (1) week of notification and provide a valid mailing address to claim the prize. If the winner does not respond within the required timeframe, an alternate winner may be selected.
- Sponsor: 1000 Friends of Wisconsin. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, any social media platform.