Montville ― Students gathered trash bags, gloves and shovels as they participated in St. Bernard School’s first ever Earth Day celebration on Monday.

Theology and math teacher Carey Moran organized the event with the help of staff and the Mohegan Tribe.

“It’s a cause that’s near and dear to my heart,” she said of why she wanted the school to get involved.

The event, which took place during final period, was optional for teachers and students. It started with a blessing of the land from Corey Meehan, a representative of the Mohegan Tribe. Participants then set off to 16 stations around the campus picking up trash, planting flowers, doing various yard work or hiking.

The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, when U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson, D-Wisconsin, organized a national demonstration to raise awareness about environmental issues. Today millions of people around the world celebrate Earth Day.