Earth Day

One of the newest celebrations of the calendar year, Earth Day fills a niche that in earlier times was only occupied by Arbor Day. Earth Day goes one step beyond the earlier tribute to trees and gives a tip of the hat to all environmental factors. Whereas previous generations gave their full backing to the concept of planting trees in May they didn't get involved with the issues of trash removal from public places as we now do in April.

Both observations are concerned with the appearances of public places but today's Earth Day celebrations add the urgency of awareness of negative impacts on the environment on the whole. In some parts of the country Earth Day coincides with spring mushroom forays when the favorite wild morel mushrooms are at their peak harvest. This adds greatly to the sheer numbers of gum boot clan people picking through wooded lots.

Participants of both activities may not be at odds philosophically but can still get in one another's way. With one group picking out abandoned tires and the other trying to find tender vegetation some conflict arises. The local mountain biking group may have scheduled an annual lengthy bike trip. As luck would have it some states also offer Free State park camping or stock local fishing spots as a tribute to Earth Day. What's even more hectic is that a lot of birthdays are celebrated in April.

Keeping these varied interests on track is no minor mission for those who juggle these coincidental schedules. So while the leaves of oak trees are the size of squirrel ears and the air still holds a chill; wilderness areas are surprisingly busy places. There can be frazzled tempers in the great outdoors. Respect everyone's use of the woods and use paper party supplies.