How one Maryland program is turning environmental education into lasting action
On April 22, 1970, more than 20 million Americans gathered in parks, streets, and campuses across the country for the very first Earth Day. It wasn’t just a protest; it was a wake-up call. People came together to demand better for our planet, and their voices sparked real change: the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Clean Air Act, and the Clean Water Act. A movement had begun.
Today, Earth Day belongs to the world. Over 190 countries now mark the occasion, using it to raise awareness, inspire action, and celebrate our shared responsibility to care for the planet. The challenges we face: climate change, pollution, habitat loss, continue to grow. But so does our potential to make a difference, especially when we act together.
In Maryland, Environmental Education Leads the Way
Here in Maryland, that difference often begins in the classroom.
Our state leads the nation in environmental literacy, with public school students learning not just about nature, but through direct experiences with it. These lessons do more than build knowledge. They open doors to STEM careers, nurture critical thinking, and help young people discover how they can shape a better world.
At NorthBay, Earth Day Is a Daily Practice
At NorthBay Education, this commitment to the environment is not reserved for one day in April. It’s part of our mission, 365 days a year.
Every week, middle school students join us for immersive, residential programs. They step away from their routines and into the outdoors, hiking trails, paddling the Chesapeake Bay, and exploring ecosystems up close. Along the way, they uncover something deeper: a sense of belonging in the natural world, and the realization that their choices matter.
From Awareness to Action
Learning is just the beginning. At NorthBay, students turn their insights into action.
Working in teams, they create and lead environmental projects based on real issues in their communities. From reducing plastic waste and planting trees to restoring local habitats and educating others, these projects give students agency, voice, and purpose. They practice collaboration, creative problem-solving, and leadership skills that last long after their week at NorthBay ends.
Why This Matters
The environment doesn’t just need our help. It shapes us. It teaches us resilience, connection, and responsibility. It brings us together and shows us what’s possible when we act with care.
This Earth Day, Join Us
You don’t need to paddle a canoe or plant a forest to make a difference. Start small:
- Pick up litter in your neighborhood
- Change one habit that’s better for the planet
- Start a conversation about the environment
- Support local efforts to educate and empower young people
Whatever step you take, let it reflect your care for the world we all share.
Because at NorthBay, we’ve seen what happens when students believe they can make a difference. One action leads to another and together, those small steps add up to real change.
