Earth Day got its start right here in Wisconsin in 1970. The founder was Gov. Gaylord Nelson (go ahead and hike around the nearby state park named for him), a conservationist who was spurred to have a national environmental “teach-in” event after an oil spill in Santa Barbara and after a river caught fire.

Now, Earth Day is celebrated by 1 billion people in more than 193 countries. You don’t have to go far, however, to celebrate. There are a multitude of events in the area.

There are plenty of places around Madison to enjoy nature, including Olbrich Botanical Gardens. | Photo by 608today | Jonathan Shipley

UW-Madison Earth Fest | Monday, April 21-Tuesday, April 29 | The campus-wide celebration is free, open to the public, and family-friendly. Take ecopoetry classes, learn about plants' part in the apocalypse, volunteer, or take a guided hike.

Earth Day Challenge | Saturday, April 26 | If you want to join your friends and neighbors to clean up our local parks, the city of Madison’s Earth Day Challenge provides you that opportunity (along with gloves, garbage bags, and rakes).

Cave After Dark: Earth Day Celebration | Saturday, April 19 | Go enjoy some live music in a cave, coupled with drinks + appetizers, a take-home bag of native plant seeds, and a souvenir photo.

For those wanting to step away from the hubbub and have some quiet time to commune with nature, we suggest using our hiking guide to celebrate your place on this Earth right here in Dane County.