Earth Day, observed annually on April 22, began in 1970 and celebrates the birth of the modern environmental movement.
The idea to publicly promote environmental protection on a national scale was conceived by Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. senator from Wisconsin at the time, after he witnessed the appalling aftermath of a 1969 oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. Twenty million Americans participated in the first Earth Day and attended coast-to-coast rallies to bring environmental activism into the public and political sphere.
In its current status, Earth Day is celebrated by more than a billion people each year, making April 22 the largest secular observance in the world.
Durango Bluegrass Meltdown, band showcase, noon, Balcony Backstage, 600 Main Ave.; super jam, 1 p.m., Henry Strater Theatre, 699 Main Ave.; The Freighthoppers with Six Dollar String Band, 7:30 p.m., $10, Balcony Backstage, 600 Main Ave.; late-night show, 8 p.m., Durango Arts Center, 802 East Second Ave., www.durangomeltdown.com.
Durango Bluegrass Meltdown, gospel set, 10 a.m., Durango Arts Center, 802 East Second Ave., www.durangomeltdown.com.
Eighth annual Earth Day Festival, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Rotary Park, 382-9244, www.durangonaturestudies.org.
Second annual Vegfest, noon, Fort Lewis College, Student Union, Vallecito Room, 1000 Rim Drive, 247-7657.
