As we launch into this next week, I wanted to recap some of the news stories and events I came across last week. This is just a small sampling of all the work that is going on out there to help the earth and support our connection to nature. Each one of these stories is unique, but collectively these actions can help us move towards a healthier planet.
On May 26, 2021 the US Fish and Wildlife announced that it is seeking to list the Lesser-Prairie Chicken under the Endangered Species Act. The Lesser-Prairie Chicken was initially proposed for this list in 1995. Since that time, the protection for this bird has been through a series of court battles, listing decisions, and failed recovery efforts. Some voluntary efforts to save the bird have been helpful, but due to the continued decline in this bird’s population it is clear that it is time for more formal action. Jonathan Hayes writes in an article in Audubon.org:
“Endangered species listing is one of the most impactful decisions made in the conservation of our most imperiled wildlife species. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) prohibits anyone from harming an endangered species either directly or indirectly, it mandates the development of a recovery plan for the species, and it requires the establishment of critical habitat that is to be protected.”
The US Fish and Wildlife Service will hold two public hearings to gather public comments on the listing proposal. The first event will be on July 8, 2021 and the second will be on July 14, 2021. To register for these events go to this press release.
To learn more about the Lesser-Prairie Chicken check out these stories.
- 5 Reasons Why It’s Time to List the Lesser Prairie Chicken
- Endangered Species Listing for the Lesser-Prairie Chicken “is the right call”
- US Fish and Wildlife Press Release
This year the London Wetland Center will begin a new project focusing on the use of nature and wildlife to help in the treatment of anxiety and depression. The Blue Prescribing Project “aims to improve health by harnessing the link between people and nature”. The London Wetland Center and the Mental Health Foundation “will co-create activities that build and progress participant’s health, knowledge and confidence in wetland nature.” Some of the activities of this project will include prescriptions for birdwatching, nature walks, and habitat protection. The Blue Prescribing Project will also include a peer-support network which will allow participants to connect and share about their experiences.
To learn more visit project visit:
The 12th annual World Oceans Day was held on June 8, 2021.
World Oceans day started in 1992 at the Global Forum held in Rio de Janeiro. In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated this day as World Oceans Day. This action came to be because of an increased awareness in the need for a coordinated effort around such topics as “maritime security, marine science and technology, marine biological diversity, the marine environment and . . climate change”. The first celebration of World Oceans Day was in 2009 and the theme was “Our Oceans Our Responsibility”.
In 2009, the active UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said,
“The first observance of World Oceans Day World Oceans Day allows us to highlight the many ways in which oceans contribute to society. It is also an opportunity to recognize the considerable challenges we face in maintaining their capacity to regulate the global climate, supply essential ecosystem services and provide sustainable livelihoods and safe recreation.”.
Since 2009, World Oceans Day has continued to be a part of the work of the United Nations. In 2020, the event shifted to an online celebration because of the global pandemic. This event was hosted at UN Headquarters in New York City and was the first time that the event was open to the public.
In 2021, the event was virtual for a second year and the theme was “The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods”. This virtual event included talks from over 40 experts and thought leaders including Jean-Michel Cousteau, Nicole Yamase, and Catarina Lorenzo. Other activities included a photo competition and educational stories and resources. You can also check out World Oceans Day calendar page for ongoing events.
You can find out more about this event at their website.
Do you have any nature news stories or great nature posts I might have missed in the past week? Please share them below and they might make our next list!
Naturalist Weekly 
I have never seen or heard of a Lesser-Prairie Chicken until now. They look amazing 😀 And love the photo, no wonder it was the winner!
Hi Ananka, thanks for stopping by. I agree that the winning photo is pretty awesome! If you get a chance check out the other award winning photo. They are all there at on the World Oceans Day page. Thanks for the comment!
The Lesser Prairie Chicken is a cute bird! I’ve never seen one before either! Maybe the US Fish and Wildlife can now improve on reintroducing wolves and NOT then turning around and shooting them because they took free-roaming livestock on DNR land. Here in WA, the government gets money from Ranchers for the right to graze their livestock on public land. Then the wolves get reintroduced to said public lands, then some livestock gets killed, the ranchers get mad and then the FWD comes out and shoots the wolf suspected of killing the livestock. A six year old could write a better reintroduction plan.
Hi Melanie, thank you for sharing this information about the reintroduction of wolves. What you are describing sounds awful and highlights why citizens need to be an active part of these processes. Thank you again for sharing such an important point!