Everyone is invited to take part in Earth Day on Sunday.

Bob Carter , professor in the outdoor and environmental education department, said Earth Day was founded by Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson in April 1970.

“The original Earth Day was to have an environmentally-friendly teach-in,” Carter said. “1,500 campuses participated around the country and it became a national movement.”

Carter said the teach-in was modeled similarly to the Civil Rights Movement.

DeKalb Mayor Kris Povlsen said although DeKalb will not be doing anything in particular to celebrate Earth Day this year, it is still an important day to remember.

“I think it’s an opportunity for us to appreciate the environment,” Povlsen said. “We asked our citizens to turn off their lights a week ago Saturday for an hour to conserve energy. It’s important to reflect on how fragile and resourceful the Earth really is.”

Carter said everyone has the opportunity to participate in Earth Day if they choose to.

“Sometimes, a lot of people, if they’re older, don’t do much,” Carter said. “It depends on the creativity of the teachers involved, but there’s really something for everybody.”

Staci Fulton, senior sociology major, said she recycles every day.

“I think it’s important that people help the environment,” Fulton said.