What: NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22 with an employee event focused on “Reducing Our Carbon Footprint.” A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact human activities have on the environment. Team members can learn simple ways to save energy, and participate in multiple activities including a ribbon cutting to open Marshall’s new half-mile walking trail, a tree planting, and exhibits staffed by local vendors and organizations demonstrating environmental practices and products. National “Take Our Children to Work Day” will be held in conjunction with the celebration. Children of Marshall team members can learn about recycling in space, how climate and weather change affect daily lives, and how growing plants helps NASA’s mission at special sessions at the event. Earth Day, founded by former U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, began April 22, 1970, to inspire awareness and appreciation for the environment.
Who: Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and Madison Mayor Paul Finley will help Marshall Deputy Director Gene Goldman plant a tree during the Earth Day ceremony. Speaker will be Robby Jones, regional manager of efficiency and demand response for the Tennessee Valley Authority in Huntsville. He will talk about simple things people can do in their homes to save energy, and in return, reduce their carbon footprints. Goldman will lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the center’s new walking trail.
When/Where: Thursday, April 22, Marshall Space Flight Center
Earth Day ceremony: 10-10:20 a.m., CDT, behind Building 4315
Walking trail ribbon-cutting ceremony: 10:20-10:30 a.m., behind Building 4315
Vendor exhibits: 10:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m., Activities Building 4316
To attend: News media interested in covering the event should contact the Marshall Public & Employee Communications Office at 256-544-0034 no later than 9:15 a.m., Wednesday, April 21. Media must report to the Redstone Arsenal Joint Visitor Control Center at Gate 9, Interstate 565 interchange at Rideout Road/Research Park Boulevard. Vehicles are subject to a security search at the gate. News media will need two photo identifications and proof of car insurance. Visitor parking is available in front of Building 4200 on the southwest side.
