Celebrating Earth Day: Young Leaders for the Environment

Since 1970, Earth Day has been a time to take action for our environment. Individuals, communities, and groups across the planet come together to advocate for a brighter future.

Budding Environmentalists

Students from our youth program, Conservation Crew, are organizing for change through garbage cleanups, compost fundraisers, pollinator gardens, and much more. The program uses a youth-led model that empowers students to take on the conservation issues that matter to them, helping equip them to be leaders in their communities. 
 
This year for Earth Day, we are highlighting the inspiring work of some local students.

• Achieve Language Academy

  This Crew from St. Paul is planning a different schoolwide event every day during Earth Week (April 17–21) to raise community awareness about conservation and reward good practices among their peers. The Crew will hand out “Earth-O-Grams” and prizes to recognize students for eco-friendly activities throughout the week.

  “They’re going above and beyond and trying really hard to get the rest of the students involved.”
  —Emily Vondriska, Achieve Language Academy Crew teacher

  Crew students are also heading a recycling competition in each homeroom conducting random checks on recycling bins throughout the week. Each homeroom will be rated on their ability to recycle correctly, and the winning homeroom will receive a prize.

• Black Hawk Middle School

  Crew students from Eagan are organizing a conservation scavenger hunt for Earth Week. The hunt will have interactive smartphone options to engage fellow students.

  They are also using this month to educate the student body on the importance of recycling with weekly school announcements and educational videos on Dakota County’s school recycling program.

Supporting Our Future

We have a responsibility to support Minnesota's next generation of climate leaders. The Conservation Crew program is designed to foster students to be stewards of our planet and equip them for whatever environmental challenges they face. We are continuously inspired by these young leaders who create hope for the home we all share. 
 
Read about the Conservation Crew program.
 
Learn how you can celebrate Earth Day in your own backyard.