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Barbara Swanson hosted the April meeting of the Brownsdale Study Club. All members were present and answered roll call to, “What is your earliest memory?” Answers included, climbing in and out of a crib, sitting on a grandfather’s lap, eating supper on the hood of a car, and venturing out, alone, at three and a half, first to a theater and then to a shoe shop.

Minutes from the March meeting were read and approved, as was the treasurer’s report. There was no old business and no new topics to discuss. In announcements, Therese Mangaard shared that the Mower County Horticulture Society will be holding its annual plant sale at the County Fairgrounds on May 17 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Therese chose to present both the main topic and the outside reading. For her main topic, she targeted the 55th anniversary of Earth Day. Fifty-five years after it was first initiated, Earth Day 2025  was celebrated on April 22. Founded in this country, Earth Day has reached around the world in an endeavor to support countries who address environmental responsibility. Each year, raising awareness and love of land, air, and water is the reason Earth Day was launched, and now spans 192 countries.

Worldwide, Earth Day seeks to improve legislation and environmental policies that will encourage industries, businesses and governments to make our planet better, greener, and sustainable for all. Earth Day embraces a motto made famous by Mahatma Gandi: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” This year’s campaign pledge is “Our Power, Our Planet.” There is power in numbers. And, there are a number of ways individuals and communities can get connected.

Through the website EarthDay.org everyone can learn about harnessing renewable energy. Already, solutions have been put forth to create clean, inexpensive and unlimited energy with the introduction of wind and solar technologies. Local examples of agencies promoting renewable energy include Conservation Minnesota and Rochester Citizens Climate Lobby.

In addition to the network, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides templates for activity ideas, volunteer resources and student lesson plans. EarthDay.org tells us that establishing standards for renewable energy will:

• Create 14 million new jobs world-wide.

• Grow 17.2% annually by 2030.

• Sustain 263,883 workers employed in the solar energy field responsible for

•Manufacturing, installing and maintaining the solar energy grid.

Texas — long associated with oil production — now leads the nation in wind-energy generation. California and Florida, states often at odds politically, are both at the forefront of the solar power boom. The top five states spearheading the solar power initiative are California, Texas, Florida, North Carolina and Arizona. Minnesota ranks 16.

Somewhat related to this topic, Therese shared, for her outside reading, the importance of “snags” — that is, dead trees that are still standing. Snags are vital for wildlife, especially birds who can find insects to eat and shelter for nesting. Snags are also valuable to snakes. If you lose a large portion of your tree, consider leaving the trunk for wildlife.

Before Barb served a colorful pudding dessert, it was announced that the meeting for May will be hosted by Shelley and the roll call will be to share an art/craft.