Around town, the greenness of spring is emerging. As the Shoshone Irrigation water began filling canals Monday, it's encouraging to know that surrounding fields will soon be dotted with green crops.This week, the color green is especially significant. On Wednesday, millions around the world will celebrate Earth Day —a day first recognized in 1970 to encourage sustainability and environmental policy. A few days later, on Friday, April 24, Powell will observe Arbor Day. Powell is marking its 18th year as a Tree City USA, an award given to communities that are dedicated to nurturing an urban forest.On Arbor Day, dozens of local residents will receive a complimentary tree and learn about proper care for their leafy companions. On Earth Day, students will learn about the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling.To highlight the earth events, Parkside Elementary students are collecting old jeans that will be recycled and used for insulating homes. The project is gaining momentum this month, and will continue through the end of the school year.By observing Arbor Day and Earth Day in local schools and the community, residents are showing that they care for this planet and want to ensure its welfare for future generations.Though Earth Day celebrations have thrived nationwide for nearly 40 years and helped spur important environmental policy, the event's green ideals are opposed. Just last week during tax-day protests, anti-green signs were paraded.Yes, environmental policies still need to be honed and budgets evaluated, but the fundamental principles of Earth Day and Arbor Day must be maintained. The unmatchable natural beauty in the area — Yellowstone National Park, the Beartooth Mountains, the Big Horn Canyon, the North and South forks of the Shoshone — certainly merits a commitment to environmental awareness and sustainability.Greenness shouldn't be about blue or red party lines, but rather, the natural responsibility everyone has to take care of this precious planet.

Around town, the greenness of spring is emerging. As the Shoshone Irrigation water began filling canals Monday, it's encouraging to know that surrounding fields will soon be dotted with green crops.

This week, the color green is especially significant. On Wednesday, millions around the world will celebrate Earth Day —a day first recognized in 1970 to encourage sustainability and environmental policy.

A few days later, on Friday, April 24, Powell will observe Arbor Day. Powell is marking its 18th year as a Tree City USA, an award given to communities that are dedicated to nurturing an urban forest.

On Arbor Day, dozens of local residents will receive a complimentary tree and learn about proper care for their leafy companions. On Earth Day, students will learn about the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling.

To highlight the earth events, Parkside Elementary students are collecting old jeans that will be recycled and used for insulating homes. The project is gaining momentum this month, and will continue through the end of the school year.

By observing Arbor Day and Earth Day in local schools and the community, residents are showing that they care for this planet and want to ensure its welfare for future generations.

Though Earth Day celebrations have thrived nationwide for nearly 40 years and helped spur important environmental policy, the event's green ideals are opposed. Just last week during tax-day protests, anti-green signs were paraded.

Yes, environmental policies still need to be honed and budgets evaluated, but the fundamental principles of Earth Day and Arbor Day must be maintained. The unmatchable natural beauty in the area — Yellowstone National Park, the Beartooth Mountains, the Big Horn Canyon, the North and South forks of the Shoshone — certainly merits a commitment to environmental awareness and sustainability.

Greenness shouldn't be about blue or red party lines, but rather, the natural responsibility everyone has to take care of this precious planet.