Every Day is Earth Day at The Hatcher Group
Earth Day is April 22! It marks the official launch of the global environmental movement in 1970 and continues to serve as a day to show support for environmental protection. This Earth Day, as global activists, international leaders, and concerned citizens come together to focus on some of our most pressing environmental issues (including climate change and environmental justice), we pause to reflect on the environment and all it provides us with and to determine how we can make a difference through actions big and small.
At Hatcher, we are fortunate to work with change-making environmental organizations that work tirelessly to leave a livable planet behind for future generations. We are inspired by our clients’ work each and every day to restore fisheries, clean up our waterways, fight climate change, limit toxic chemicals, and ensure everyone has access to safe water to drink, clean air to breathe, and open spaces to enjoy.
Client Reflections
To celebrate Earth Day this year, we asked some of Hatcher’s environmental clients to share what Earth Day means to them and their organization.
Center for Watershed Protection
“For me, Earth Day is a time to reflect on the importance of clean water, clean air, and healthy ecosystems. I would hope everybody takes a deep breath, takes a drink of water, and gives some thought to their importance in their lives and the lives of all living things. It’s a time to reflect on what we have and the work we still need to do to help others have access to these basic rights.”
Hye Yeong Kwon, Executive Director/CEO
The Center for Watershed Protection is a national leader in stormwater management and watershed planning. Hatcher has provided the Center with media relations support, created digital media campaigns, developed messaging, written website content and blogs, and designed a suite of communication and marketing products such as videos and brochures.
Maryland Pesticide Education Network
“Earth Day is a call to action for us all! Think about how we have been challenged with polluted water and air, poisoned soils, unhealthy species, like insect pollinators, responsible for one-third of the food we eat, pesticides, and poisoned ecosystems. But don’t despair. Let’s all take stock of how our daily actions protect and harm. Let Earth Day once again be a regenerative moment for us all, as it has mobilized millions of people in acts to heal the planet. In working together, we can make every day Earth Day.”
Ruth Berlin, Executive Director
Maryland Pesticide Education Network (MPEN) advocates to protect the region’s environment, people, and wildlife from the threat of dangerous pesticides. Hatcher has worked with the coalition since its founding, helping them educate the public, influence policymakers, motivate advocates, garner media coverage, and score major legislative victories in the Maryland General Assembly.
“Farming is one of the ways humans intersect with the Earth most intimately. Earth Day is an opportunity to reflect on the soil that sustains us and the powerful potential of regenerative agriculture to make those intersections healing and renewing, for farmers, the environment, and everyone who eats. We celebrate the ways ecologically-focused farming can demonstrate strength through diversity, interconnectedness, and community.”
Amanda Cather, Project Director
Joining five nonprofit organizations, Hatcher is a founding member of the Million Acre Challenge, a farmer-driven collaborative that connects local farmers of all backgrounds with the latest knowledge and tools for healthy soil practices. Hatcher leads the public outreach work for the new project to empower, engage, and educate farmers and consumers on healthy soil practices and sustainable food systems.
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
“All of us here at the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation hope this year’s Earth Day inspires people across the nation to reconnect with nature and spend time outdoors with their loved ones. Springtime is a season of rebirth and renewal. We hope that this April 22, all those who faced hardships over the past year will find comfort, joy, and rejuvenation in the beauty of the natural world.”
Erika Feller, Director, Marine and Coastal Conservation
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is the nation’s largest private conservation grant-maker, funding projects to protect and restore our nation’s fish, wildlife, plants, and habitats for current and future generations. Hatcher works with NFWF to support and create a healthier Gulf of Mexico by restoring fish populations following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Since its inception, we have spearheaded communications for the Deepwater Horizon Oceanic Fish Restoration Project, providing communications strategy and materials to educate participants and stakeholders about the project.We are so proud to work with such inspirational and impactful clients. Though each organization has its unique mission and area of expertise, from restoring farmland to protecting watersheds, Earth Day allows us to celebrate the common goal of creating a livable future.
By Kristen Peterson, Senior Director, Environment Sector Lead and Hazel Horvath, Associate