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  In 1969, as a U.S. Senator from
Wisconsin, Gaylord Nelson came up with one of the most
powerful ideas of his time: Earth Day. Inspired by the
teach-ins dealing with the Vietnam War, Earth Day was
an instant success, drawing 20 million participants the
first year (1970). American Heritage Magazine called
the first Earth Day "one of the most remarkable
happenings in the history of democracy."
He
sponsored or co-sponsored countless conservation bills,
including the Wilderness Act and the Alaska Lands Act. Gaylord Nelson began his public service in 1948 as a state senator. He was reelected three times, holding his Dane County seat for ten years. In 1958 Nelson became only the second Democrat of this century to be elected Governor of Wisconsin. After serving two terms, he was elected to the U.S. Senate. Nelson was reelected in 1968 and 1974, serving a total of 18 years. Gaylord Nelson was born June 4, 1916, in Clear Lake, Wisc., and spent his childhood there. He received a BA from San Jose State College and a law degree from the University of Wisconsin. Nelson served in the U.S. Army during 46 months of World War II and was a first lieutenant during the Okinawa campaign. He and his wife Carrie Lee are featured in a chapter of Tom Brokaw's recent bestseller, The Greatest Generation. After the war, Nelson practiced law in Madison. He and his wife have three children and three grandchildren. |
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Wisconsin Conservation Hall of
Fame Bio ( PDF )