International Day of Plant Health
The United Nations established the International Day of Plant Health to draw attention to the pests and diseases that affect plants. The American chestnut is a good tree to get to know on this day. Chestnut blight killed much of the tree’s aboveground growth across its native range. Some surviving roots still send up shoots, […]
World Bee Day
The United Nations chose May 20 for World Bee Day in honor of the birthday of Anton Janša, a pioneer of modern beekeeping. The day celebrates bees and the work pollinators do for flowering plants. A bumblebee visiting a tomato flower can grip it and vibrate its flight muscles to shake loose pollen. It’s called […]
World Turtle Day
American Tortoise Rescue started World Turtle Day to encourage people to learn about and protect turtles and tortoises. The eastern box turtle offers a good look at what a shell can do. Its lower shell has a hinge that lets it close up around its head and legs when threatened. The shell is also part […]
World Otter Day
The International Otter Survival Fund’s World Otter Day falls on the last Wednesday in May. It celebrates otters across the world, including the North American river otter. A river otter uses sensitive whiskers to help find prey in murky water. Webbed feet and a long, muscular tail help it maneuver. Watch one turn underwater and […]