Heavy rain showers forced the outdoor event to move indoors about an hour before it was scheduled to start, but that couldn't dampen the spirit of the celebration. And that's true even on wet days. He added that the rain was much needed, and that the celebration would go on, even though the 25-foot tall Earth Day tree had to be left outside. The Earth Day Tree, a tulip poplar, was planted later that day by 4-H youth at the Environmental Horticulture Landscape Education Laboratory. Christine Waddill praised the effort being made to teach youth of all ages, from 4-H'ers as young as five, to undergraduate and graduate students, about the environment.
Every day can be Earth Day if people care about the environment.
Homeowners can show their commitment to the environment by recycling and learning how to care for their yards using environmentally-friendly techniques. Florida Nursery Growers Association Executive Vice President Ben Balusky talked about the industry's commitment to education and using sound research-based techniques that won't damage the environment. The 4-H time capsule, festooned with colorful stickers, was removed from the ground where it had been partially planted near the Earth Day tree, and delivered to the festivities still muddy. It will be installed at a later date by Alachua County 4-H'ers near the Earth Day tree because a larger capsule is being constructed to accommodate additional items. Gainesville's WCJB-ABC TV20 anchor Paige Beck were present.