LA FARGE, Wis. (AP) -- It's a day for environmental awareness across Wisconsin and the rest of the U.S., as the nation marks Earth Day, started almost four decades ago by the late Senator Gaylord Nelson.

The Wisconsin Democrat wanted it to remind people of the importance of protecting and cherishing the natural environment.

Last weekend, events in advance of Earth Day included volunteers turning out to help clean up debris from parks, lake shores and rivers.

In western Wisconsin, the Organic Valley Family of Farms in La Farge has been pushing the idea of having a dinner for friend and families, an Earth Day Dinner, to mark the occasion.

Restaurants in some areas have picked up the theme, and Organic Valley has sponsored celebrity Earth Day Dinners. One last week in Los Angeles featured Milwaukee-born actress Jane Kaczmarek as co-host.

The goal is to help people become more connected with the food that sustains them.