Earth Day is an internationally-recognized day with 140 nations celebrating the environment.

On Wednesday, Selma and Dallas County school children joined in the worldwide celebration.

Meadowview Elementary School and Principal Janis Stewart have hosted the Earth Day event for the past eight years.

This year, exhibitors set up displays in the old Armory.

Students had the opportunity to see wildlife such as snakes and crabs.

They also learned how to grow trees and how to make paper.

Officials were on hand to encourage youngsters to learn to swim, and to learn more about water safety.

The most important lesson for the students, Stewart said, was to learn the importance of taking care of the planet. She compared it to taking care of our home – if neglected, a house eventually becomes uninhabitable.

It’s up to us to protect the planet. Little things make a difference, like recycling our newspapers, glass and aluminum.

Planting trees and backyard butterfly gardens are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also attract wildlife.

When out in a boat, don’t throw your trash overboard. Remember that it all ends up somewhere, and can hurt fish and marine life.

The biggest impact on the bays and Alabama’s Gulf Coast is runoff – fill dirt, industry discharge and every chemical that goes into every creek and river in the state eventually ends up on our coast.

Students learned Wednesday that simple stewardship can make a difference.

Adults could learn a lot as well.