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 Parrot Day
The World Parrot Trust launched World Parrot Day in 2004 to bring attention to parrots and the threats they face. The African grey is famous for its ability to imitate sounds, and it has some impressive physical tools too. A strong, curved bill helps an African grey crack food. Two toes point forward and two […]