MADISON — Harold “Bud” Jordahl, who helped start Earth Day with Gaylord Nelson, has died at the age of 83.
Jordahl worked with then-Gov. Nelson to help create the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and to secure federal “Wild and Scenic River” designations for the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers.
In 1970, the pair started Earth Day, which has become a national celebration in April.
The Wisconsin State Journal reported they also developed the state’s first stewardship fund, which has protected hundreds of thousands of acres of land in the state.
Jordahl, an emeritus professor at the University of Wisconsin, helped create organizations, such as the 1,000 Friends of Wisconsin and Gathering Waters Conservancy.
He died Tuesday and a public memorial service is planned for Monday in Madison.
