Every Day is Earth Day at NASA Johnson

At NASA’s Johnson Space Center, the focus is on benefiting Earth by taking action, big and small. Every conservation effort counts!

NASA’s benefits extend far beyond space. From combating climate change, developing sustainable technologies, studying Earth’s ecosystems, conserving wildlife and vegetation at the center, or achieving groundbreaking scientific advancements, NASA’s missions are focused on protecting Earth.

Remember that every day is Earth Day – all around the world. Keep our planet beautiful and alive by being mindful of your daily actions.

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See how the Johnson workforce celebrated Earth Day on Saturday, April 22, 2023:

I was at the Earth Day celebration at Discovery Green Park representing NASA. This is an event that we participate in annually and gives the center an opportunity to showcase how it supports planet Earth and connects with people who are interested in protecting the planet. Our call to action was to support a NASA citizen science project - we highlighted GLOBE Observer. - Lisa Liu

I spent the day at Discovery Green Park! - Laura Bras

Volunteers from NASA's Johnson Space Center at Discovery Green Park showcasing NASA's mission and the Mars Exploration Vehicle.

I went outside and rode a bike! - Paula Hobgood

I attended a quilting retreat by repurposing old clothes or fabric by making quilts. They can be used to keep warm when cold, to lay on at the beach, or used when camping, and used creative juices with designing, and the designs with memorable themes can brighten up your or someone else's day! Also, I did some purging of items around the house to recycle or donate to be someone else's treasure. - Wynona Johnson-Mcafee

Here at White Sands Test Facility (WSTF), we celebrated Earth Day at the site by holding a Plant Share Fair in our cafeteria patio area. Our WSTF Green Thumbs organized and put together seed packets, seedlings, plant cuttings, and potted plants from their own collections and shared them for FREE with WSTF employees. We had so much to share and were left with only three plants! It was so successful that folks were asking when we were going to do it again. - Pamela Egan

I dropped off expired prescriptions for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. I dropped off plastic bags at Kroger and helped my granddaughters organize their bedroom. Then I gathered items to donate at the Texas Art Asylum and boxed up socks for TerraCycle's GOLDTOE Socks Free Recycling Program. - Michael Bauer

I added new plants and mulch to my garden. - Rebecca Wickes

Recycle as much packaging as possible at home and at work! Including used clothing, shoes, and housewares! - Myra Smith

I went to High Island for the weekend to view and celebrate the spring arrival of millions of migrating birds. - Celeste Budwit-Hunter

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Johnson’s Gulf Coast Prairie: a wildflower and wildlife sanctuary

The 1,580 acres at Johnson are home to not only an excellent workforce. The center's wildlife includes deer, opossums, squirrels, skunks, snakes, koi, and various feathered friends. There has even been a documented sighting of a bobcat. Many of Johnson's developed areas contain planted trees and vegetation. Gulf Coast prairie and marsh grasslands fill the undeveloped areas, much like before Johnson opened in the 1960s.

A view of deer at Johnson Space Center after a snowfall. Credits: NASA/James Blair — *A view of deer at NASA's Johnson Space Center after a snowfall. Credits: NASA/James Blair*

An array of plants and animals who call Johnson their home.

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The Attwater Prairie Chickens: a bold conservation effort

Millions of Attwater prairie chickens used to roam freely along the Texas and Louisiana coast, playing an iconic role in the coastal prairie ecosystem. Hunting and habitat loss has resulted in these beautiful creatures becoming one of the most endangered bird species. The Houston Zoo and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service house many of the captive Attwater’s prairie chickens in specially designed pens here at Johnson. There, zoo personnel collects and care for eggs that can be hatched to supplement wild populations and keep this Texas species alive.

*A male Attwater’s prairie chicken prepares to begin its breeding “booming” display in a Houston Zoo breeding facility at Johnson Space Center. Image Credit: NASA/Lauren Harnett*

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The Overview Effect: A change in global perspective

Space philosopher Frank White coined the "Overview Effect" as the cognitive shift in awareness some astronauts reported experiencing after viewing Earth from space.

Astronauts watch seasons change, glaciers form, continents reform, and volcanoes erupt from an orbital view. They see 16 sunsets and sunrises each day. From that viewpoint, the world is infinite without barriers.

The further out human beings look, the further inward we see. - Frank White

"Earthrise" is the first image of Earth captured from deep space, sparking the wonder and imagination of millions. The photo was taken by Bill Anders on Christmas Eve in 1968. The Apollo 8 astronauts made history as the first humans to orbit the Moon and witness the magnificent view of "Earthrise."

As astronauts look down at Earth with awe, a realization that we are part of something bigger in this universe could possibly bring us closer together in peace.

Take a view of the U.S. National Parks from space.