Despite poor weather predictions, several thousand in St. Louis joined others across the world, marching in support of science on Earth Day, April 22, 2017. The March began at Union Station, processed down Marke
t Street and ended at Luther Ely Smith Square near the Arch. The peaceful crowd consisted of all ages with men, women and children all participating. Quite a few babies were in strollers and seniors walked with canes or walkers. A couple of dinosaurs even showed up at the March, which amused all.
Many in attendance appeared to be health care professionals, wearing white physician and lab coats, scrubs and nursing jackets with stethoscopes hanging from their necks. Professors, teachers and students from academia wore clothing with the names of local universities, colleges and schools. There were creative signs displaying concern for the environment, the earth, science data, medical research and science knowledge. 
The common theme was that facts and data are essential to our lives and well-being. Some of the posters required an understanding of math and science concepts to be truly appreciated.
Some in attendance wore pink hats reminiscent of the Women’s March while others wore green knitted caps and green clothing for Earth Day. One of the most creative hats was the brain hat as shown in the picture. 
Wes Browning, retired National Weather Service Chief from Weldon Spring, and Professor Jason Purnell from Washington University addressed the crowd when the March ended in Luther Ely Smith Square.
On Saturday, April 29th, St. Louis will gather together in solidarity with the People’s Climate Movement at Serra Sculpture Park at 12pm, looping up Chestnut to the Old Courthouse and back down Market to Serra Sculpture Park, where it is reported there will be musical performances.
Submitted by Jennifer Hoffman, WCD Member
Thanks for documenting the ongoing resistance to Trumpism and all it entails. These marches and the stories about them do much to encourage staying involved for the long term. This is not “one and done.” This is “one and bring on another.”