POTSDAM – Imagine the world's most famous man-made marvels and natural wonders, such as China's Forbidden City, the Eiffel Tower, the Great Pyramids of Egypt, Buckingham Palace, Niagara Falls, the Empire State Building and the Sydney Opera House, shrouded in darkness as a powerful symbol of landmark environmental action.

Now add a local icon to that list: the SUNY Potsdam clock tower building, Satterlee Hall.

On Saturday, March 31 at 8:30 p.m., SUNY Potsdam students, staff and community members will join in as hundreds of millions of people across the globe switch off the lights for one hour -- Earth Hour, the world's largest public action for the environment.

By taking part in this global "lights out" event, the college will demonstrate the campus's commitment to personal and operational actions that benefit the planet in the year ahead.

During the 2012 Earth Hour, select lights in the SUNY Potsdam Academic Quad, including in the iconic Satterlee Hall clock tower, will be switched off. To encourage students to turn off the lights in their residence hall rooms as well, a concert will be held on the darkened quad.

The Earth Hour movement is described as "a global call to action to stand up, to take responsibility, and lead the global journey to a sustainable future."

The World Wildlife Fund organizes Earth Hour. With almost 5 million supporters and a global network in more than 100 countries and territories, it's one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the Earth's natural environment and build a future where people live in harmony with nature.

The North Country community is invited to take part in Earth Hour by switching off lights and devices at home as well. All are welcome to attend the campus concert.

More information about the international events surrounding Earth Hour can be found at www.earthhour.org.