The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970. Senator Gaylord Nelson created the day to force a national discussion of environmental concerns. And not long after, the Environmental Protection Agency came into being. More than five decades later, with climate change a global concern, eco-activists say Earth Day is more important than ever. Locally, it will be celebrated at the Calpine Geothermal Visitor Center in Middletown. The free event, which will be held on April 22, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., will include live music, Middletown Community Garden tours, information and vendor booths, horse and pony rides, face painting, and other family-friendly activities. Go to middletownartcenter.org/events.html for more information.