Started six years ago by the United States Senate, Endangered Species Day is observed the third Friday in May. It’s not exactly a celebration but rather recognition of our nation’s effort to protect endangered species and their habitats.
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) was passed in 1973 to protect plant and animal species at risk of becoming extinct. Plants and animals placed on the state and federal endangered or threatened species “lists” were given special protection and recovery plans were developed to help get them off the lists. There have been some great successes. The bald eagle and peregrine falcon were once endangered, but now are thriving. Still, there is much work to be done. As of February 2009, there were 1207 animal species and 747 plant species protected under the ESA.
While Endangered Species Day is officially observed on May 20, 2011, many local events will be happening in the next few weeks to help you learn about endangered species and what you can do to help the conservation effort. Here are some of them:
Sunday, May 15
Fort Collins Museum & Discovery Science Center in Fort Collins will host the First Annual Musteli-Day, seminars, children's programs, and live animal displays. Visit www.fcmdsc.org for more information.
Sunday, May 15
The Denver Zoo presents Plant Conservation Day, a global celebration dedicated to preserving, protecting and conserving plants for people and the planet.
Monday May 16 through Friday May 20
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs will host an Endangered Species Walk, a celebration of endangered species and conservation projects at the zoo. Contact Nicole Mantz, nmantz@cmzoo.org for more information.
Friday May 20 and Saturday May 21
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs will host Follow a Ferret. Follow an endangered black-footed ferret from captive breeding to release. Contact Nicole Mantz, nmantz@cmzoo.org for more information.
Saturday May 21 through Sunday May 29
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge will have the
Grand Opening of its NEW Visitor Center, which will also host the
Wildlife Film Festival: May 20 to 22 and May 27 to 29. For more information please call the Visitor Center at 303/289-0930.