Senator Gaylord Nelson proclaimed the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970 as a response of the growing concern due to continued environmental degradation which resulted in the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency in December of 1970. Communities around the nation and world have since used this occasion to promote environmental awareness and advocacy. For 5 decades, the Shoals has joined forces with others around the globe promoting eco-friendly,sustainable practices. In April of 2007, Earth Month in the Shoals, became an official, community-wide, month-long celebration with events appealing to all ages and diverse groups.
We are blessed to live in such a biologically diverse area nestled in Northwest Alabama where eagles fly and stretches of natural landscapes wind along the beautiful Tennessee River. People traveling here for the first time are truly amazed by the natural beauty of our area that some here take for granted. The Shoals has an unusually rich natural and cultural heritage which gives cause for celebration and challenges us to be responsible stewards of this beautiful area.
The preservation of our natural assets for this and future generations requires a strong, informed, community commitment. April 2021 is the 14th ANNUAL Earth Month in the Shoals and offerings may include varied educational events and fun, family-oriented activities offered, several of which are free such as birding outings, wildflower hikes, nature walks, story-times, eco-themed symposia, renewable energy displays, recycling opportunities, tours of solar homes and revitalized historic buildings, movie screenings, wild flower planting, local food/organic/vegetarian cooking demonstrations, and more.
The highlight of Earth Month in the Shoals--The Shoals Earth Day Fest--is a free, public event which has drawn thousands from our area and beyond. The 14th Annual Shoals Earth Day Fest will be held in the Sheffield Dowtown Commercial Historic District, . Alternate location in case of rain is The Roundhouse, 204 W 5th Street, Tuscumbia. The fest will have numerous eco-friendly displays, live music, juggling, children’s activities, local city government departments, vendors including artists, artisans and crafts persons and much more! Entertainment for the entire family will be provided by the “Rockin' Eco Hero”, Steve Trash as he performs his Street Magic Show. Live Muscle Shoals music will continue throughout the day along with other special guest entertainers/musicians TBA.
Local non-profits will be lined up to sell their “junk and treasures" at the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Rummage Sale which is now a popular component of the Shoals Earth Day Fest. This is open to local nonprofits as a fundraiser at no cost.
As we celebrate the 51th Anniversary of Earth Day, we invite you to become a member of Shoals Earth Month, Incorporated, a 501 (C)(3), or consider becoming a much appreciated sponsor with all donations being tax deductible. The month of April is a perfect time to get out of the house with family and friends and explore all the natural treasures that make the Shoals area one of the best places to live and visit. Please see the information on this site as community-wide events will continue to be added, save the dates, and make your plans to join us and celebrate Earth Month in the Shoals!
Sincerely,
Nancy Muse, President
Jackie Posey, Vice President
Shoals Earth Month, Incorporated