Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Olympia City Council proclaimed April 2026 as Earth Month, reaffirming the city’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community action in the face of global challenges.
Mayor Dontae Payne signed a proclamation during the council’s study session on Tuesday, April 21. It recognizes the legacy of Earth Day, which began 56 years ago and mobilized millions of people across the United States to advocate for healthier, more sustainable environment.
“The global community now faces extraordinary challenges such as global health issues, food and water shortages, and economic struggles,” states the proclamation, which urges people to join in “protecting and sustaining life on the planet.”
The proclamation states that all life forms have a right to a healthy environment, and calls on residents, organizations and businesses to help protect natural resources.
The state of Washington also observes April as Earth Month, a tradition the City of Olympia has long followed.
Council members recognized local efforts to foster environmental awareness, including the annual Procession of the Species, a community celebration first launched in 1995 to mark the 25th anniversary of Earth Day.
Dave Sederberg, a local advocate and former member of Earthbound Productions, said “collaboration is humanity’s superpower.” He encouraged everyone to work together during Earth Month and beyond and to be good stewards of the planet.
Sederberg also reflected on the origins of the Earth Flag, first created in 1969 by peace activist John McConnell using imagery from early space missions.
He noted the flag was later updated with the iconic “Blue Marble” photograph taken during NASA’s Apollo 17 mission, which provided the first fully- illuminated image of Earth from space.
He also mentioned the recent advancements in human space flight as symbols of progress, including the Artemis II mission, which sent a diverse crew around the moon.
Sederberg said the inclusion of astronaut Victor Glover, the first African American to serve as a pilot on a lunar mission, and Christina Koch, the first woman assigned as a mission specialist on such a flight, was telling.
“In these dark and often appalling times, we welcome occasions like this to celebrate the best in our species," Sederberg said.
The council’s proclamation concludes with a call to action, urging communities to adopt more sustainable practices and work collectively to address environmental challenges.
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wellnow77
Nice proclamation but every month should be Earth Month!
Wednesday, April 22 Report this
LauratheBruce
I agree with Wellnow77. BTW - those images are ridiculous.
Wednesday, April 22 Report this
cappers
Agree w wellnow77 and Laurathebruce.
Actually, every DAY should be earth day. Pick up litter when u go for a walk.
Wednesday, April 22 Report this
SamLucy
MAY will be Hummingbird month.
JUNE unicron month.
AUGUST transparency month.
SEPTEMBER "kindness" to elves month.
OCTOBER "City of Olympia Proclamation of Proclamation month
NOVEMBER turn a beautiful lake into a mud bog month
DECEMBER snowflake religion month.
Thursday, April 23 Report this
mhjwilson
If the government really was concerned about protecting the environment they would abolish zoning and open the urban transit market to alternative providers.
Thursday, April 23 Report this
wolfmanner
Dave Sederberg forgot to mention who help start Earth Day. Remember Ira Einhorn ? AKA The Unicorn Killer.
Thursday, April 23 Report this
CobraCommander
Republicans mad about Earth Day - this tracks
Thursday, April 23 Report this
JW
David Sederberg apparently has trouble discerning what is obviously AI generated.
Thursday, April 23 Report this
Boatyarddog
By the way SamLucy Capitol lake was ALWAYS a Mud Bog, but now its got a new purpose, being what it always was. MUD FLATS.
Saturday, April 25 Report this
Boatyarddog
I LOVE my Home... Planet Earth. I do what I can to help it out. Boo hoo hoo to the ANTI EARTH IS WORTH PRESERVING losers.... Yep, LOSERS THEY ARE.
Sunday, April 26 Report this