Bill Nye and tens of thousands other scientists and science lovers descended on the National Mall on Saturday, for a soggy, nerdy, and enthusiastic defense of evidence-based policy making.

“Today we have a great many lawmakers, not just here, but around the world, deliberately ignoring and actively surpassing science. Their inclination is misguided, and in no one’s best interest,” Nye told a crowd of tens of thousands that greeted him with cheers of “Bill! Bill! Bill.” “But our numbers here today show the world that science is for all. Our lawmakers must know and accept that science serves every one of us… With an informed, optimistic view of the future, together we can, dare I say it, save the world!”

Organizers of the March for Science, all volunteers, hope to build up a permanent organization out of the grassroots energy. It is “definitely in the stay-tuned-to-this-space” stage for now, according to spokesperson Aaron Huertas. For now, relive the afternoon’s scenes and signs taken by area photographers.