The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970.

It was created by Sen. Gaylord Nelson as a way to bring attention to the lack of legal and regulatory mechanisms to protect the environment.

After more than 20 million Americans participated in Earth Day demonstrations that year, Congress authorized the creation of a new federal agency - the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - to tackle environmental issues.

Earth Day has been celebrated every April 22 since then.

Many groups across the region are cleaning streets, parks and other areas for Earth Day.

The Farmers’ Almanac also suggested a number of ways to celebrate the day:

• Plant a pollinator-friendly garden for native bees and other insects.

• Visit a park or other green space and take in the physical and psychological benefits of the outdoors. • Plant a tree. Trees capture carbon, cool overheated places, benefit agriculture, support pollinators, reduce the risk of disease transmission and boost local economies, the Almanac reports.

• Use wildflowers and native plants near your vegetable gardens. They will attract native and beneficial insects that improve both pest control and pollination and result in bigger flowers and better harvests.

• Don’t use chemicals in gardens.

• Conserve water. Harvest rainwater from a roof, gutters and sky with a rain barrel and use to water gardens.