President Obama challenged Americans to take action in their homes, communities, schools or businesses to improve the environment in honor of the upcoming 40th anniversary of Earth Day, April 22, 2010.

His speech given in the video message reminds us why Earth Day was established:

"Forty one years ago, in the city of Cleveland, people watched in horror as the Cuyahoga River, choked with debris and covered in oil, caught on fire. Images of the burning Cuyahoga shocked a nation, and it led one Wisconsin Senator the following year to organize the first Earth Day to call attention to the dangers of ignoring our environment. In the four decades since, we have made remarkable progress. Today, our air and water are cleaner, pollution has been greatly reduced, and Americans everywhere are living in a healthier environment. We've passed the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and founded the Environmental Protection Agency. And in Cleveland, the Cuyahoga River is cleaner than it's been in 100 years."

Obama asks that Americans take steps to help continue making change happen. He challenges us to do do one thing - one action - to improve our environment.

The White House has launched a website, www.whitehouse.gov/EarthDay to give us ideas, and to share our stories on how we're making a difference.

Eco-fair and Family Funfest

Join WGBY for a free Eco-Fair and Family Funfest on Sunday April 25th from 11-4, wrapping up their 40th Anniversary Earth Day festivities, "Celebrate 9 Days of Earth Day with WGBY." The events will take place in Pulaski Park and at the Center for the Arts in Northampton, MA.

Activities in the park will include an Earth Day Stage with performances all day long, courtesy of 93.0/The River, and a Giant Puppet Show. Green Northampton will present Green Teams from the Northampton public schools who will provide family friendly green activities.

The PBS character WordGirl will also be on hand to help out with our green vocabulary.

Activities at the Center for the Arts will include exhibitors on green living and child-rearing and several performances for the toddler-age children and their parents.

At 4:00pm, WGBY will present Dar Williams and Patty Larkin at the Academy of Music in Northampton, MA. Ticket prices and more information about this event can be found at www.wgby.org/earth.

The event is sponsored by PeoplesBank, National Grid, and Green Northampton and presented by WGBY, 93.9/The River, The Daily Hampshire Gazette, The Northampton BID, the City of Northampton, The Center for the Arts, and The Academy of Music.

All proceeds benefit WGBY, a community supported public broadcasting organization that connects the people of western New England to events, ideas and each other to fulfill their aspirations, enrich their lives and improve their communities. We do this through PBS programming as well as locally produced series and specials. With our digital television channels, video on demand, podcasting and streaming video, WGBY is one of the region's most accessible institutions, building a stronger community through learning and understanding.