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Over 3,000 people marched in the New Haven March for Science on Earth Day. Many gathered in Washington D.C. and across the country to bring awareness to science and the dangers of budget cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as various other science-based agencies. The march began at 1 p.m. at East Rock Park in New Haven, as people gathered in the rain to support science.

Several speakers took the stage, addressing the crowd on issues ranging from climate change to lack of funding.

“The fact that I could barely find a parking space and we walked up here with a big group of people, it was really fantastic,” said Claire Wurm of East Lyme, Conn.

The march and rally were hosted by Action Together Connecticut, a coalition of allied chapters across the state, whose goal is to “uphold progressive American values and resist harmful and intolerant policies,” according to their website.

Speakers ranged from science teachers to those to working in the field, including an astrophysicist. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) was among the speakers, addressing the eager crowd.

“This march gives people an opportunity to express something that is so important, their passion and energy in support of science and real fact,” Blumenthal told the Charger Bulletin.

There was a march through the neighborhood following the rally. Food trucks lined the outskirts of the park, as well as various booths hosting demonstrations and discussions.

“These booths give a reason for parents to come with their kids,” said Louise McMinn, a science teacher from Stanford and president of Connecticut Science Teachers Association.

Booths included everything from interactive science-based games to temporary tattoos to sign making activities, drawing people of all ages to the march. Children walked the park holding signs that read, “Science gives us REAL information,” to “My dog is smarter than Scott Pruitt and she licks her own butt.”

Everyone marched for their own reasons, but many marched to combat the current administration’s views on science. McMinn explained that “everyone uses science,” as she made clear that science cannot be based on opinion, but must be based on fact.

“I’m a science teacher and there is no other place I should be today,” said Mary Harris, teacher at Fitch High School in Groton. “Whoever has the biggest mouth or the loudest yell, that’s not the truth.”

Wurm explained that she was marching because she “enthusiastically supports science.”

The University of New Haven also had a presence at the march, as students gathered to support something they were passionate about.

“Without science we wouldn’t have gotten to the place we are now, so by taking it away it will just revert us back to caveman-ism,” said Danielle Schubat, a marine biology major at the University.

University student and marine biology major, Ben Kuffel, explained how important science is, reminding everyone that the only reason anyone was at the park today was to march for science.

“I’m here to help support science to make sure it continues to evolve for a better future,” said Diana Sanchez, another marine biology major.

While the march attracted many science oriented people, they were not the only ones there. Many people came out of concern for the climate and the field of science with the current administration.  

“I’m here because even as a non-science major I believe that science is important for a progressive society and to have an intellectual voting class,” said Nida Shaikh of Avon, Conn.