Endangered Species Day takes place on the third Friday each May and is marked with events at conservation centers and other locations nationwide.
Current scientific data shows that extinction is taking place at a rate of several thousand species per year.
The Endangered Species Act, enacted in 1973 and signed into law by President Richard Nixon, helped set up guidelines in the U.S. for protecting endangered species by categorizing them as threatened or extinct and creating protections.
Wisconsin’s endangered and threatened species list at WDNR
The first list of Wisconsin endangered and threatened (E/T) species was developed in 1972 following enactment of Wisconsin’s endangered species law. The list was created to restrict the taking, possession or marketing of species threatened with extinction from the state.
Click Here to view Wisconsin Endangered and Threatened Species Laws & List
In 1967 Wolves are listed under the Endangered Species Preservation Act of 1966, the precursor to the Endangered Species Act. Then, in 1974 subspecies of wolves are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act and in 1978 Gray wolves were listed at the species level under the Endangered Species Act as endangered throughout the coterminous United States and Mexico, except in Minnesota, where gray wolves were listed as threatened. Source HSUS timeline about wolves.
Endangered Species Day events taking place around the state of Wisconsin
Saturday May 21, 2016 – The International Crane Foundation invites visitors to celebrate Endangered Species Day with special activities.
Plan your visit to the International Crane Foundation www.savingcranes.org
Open daily April 15 – October 31 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
E-11376 Shady Lane Road Located between Baraboo and Wisconsin Dells
For more information please visit savingcranes.org or call 608-356-9462 ext. 121.
On Friday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the The Milwaukee County Zoo – the Zoo’s black rhinoceros, Mimi, will “vanish” for the day, highlighting the need to save wild animals and their habitats.
Mimi’s indoor exhibit will be completely covered, not allowing visitors to see her; the outdoor exhibit will display only a rhinoceros skeleton, simulating a world without rhinos, and further emphasizing to visitors that saving animals from extinction is extremely critical.
Also from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors can visit the Remains to Be Seen Cart, which will include various artifacts from endangered species. Volunteers will be on hand to answer questions, and help kids make special rhino masks. AZA trading cards also will be available for visitors to take home.
A special banner will be available for guests to sign, asking for their pledge of what they’re willing to do to save endangered animals. The banner text will relay that zoos are the last hope for many animals on the verge of vanishing – but zoos shelter only a fraction of the world’s species. How will they help preserve animals for future generations?
Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin Field Trip Listing click here for full calendar
Friday May 20, 2016
6:45 AM – 10:00 AM, 40. Kirtland’s Warblers Up Close – Chance to see/hear one of Wisconsin’s rarest birds! Explore the carefully protected pine barrens habitat of the Kirtland’s Warbler, learn about its life history & ongoing management initiatives. Look for barrens wildflowers, reptiles & other birds such as clay-colored sparrow. With a bit of luck & expert guidance, see and hear the elusive & rare Kirtland’s warbler! Pairs well with trip #44. Fundraiser to support Kirtland’s warbler conservation. / Rome, Adams Co. / Leaders: Amy Staffen, Rich Staffen, Kim Grveles, Jon Robaidek & Davin Lopez
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM , 42. Rush Creek SNA: Decades of Restoration, Note: very steep & difficult terrain! Enjoy breathtaking views of the Mississippi River, a spectacular display of early spring wildflowers & spring migrating warblers aplenty. Discover oak woodlands & dry prairie ecology of this premiere SNA where NRF helped to fund decades of restoration work–with amazing results! / Ferryville Crawford Co. / Leaders: Matt Zine & Armund Bartz
9:30 AM – 12:30 PM , 43. Bluebird Trail Hike, Learn about bluebird ecology as we hike an established bluebird nest-box trail. Peer into houses to see young hatchlings in various stages of development. Learn how you too can join the bluebird craze! / FF Ages 6+ / Muscoda, Iowa Co. / Leaders: Dale, Doris & Russell Moody, Dave Clutter
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM , 44. Whooping Crane Reintroduction, Whooping cranes were first introduced to Wisconsin in 2001, in efforts to establish a migratory flock that breeds in Wisconsin and winters in Florida. After 15 years, the flock has grown to 100 cranes! Join biologists to track & observe wild whooping cranes nesting at Necedah NWR. Pairs well with trip #40. Fundraiser for the Bird Protection Fund. / Necedah, Juneau Co. / Leader: Anne Lacy
Saturday May 21, 2016
6:30 AM – 4:30 PM, 18-C. Catching the Peak: Migratory Bird Banding, The annual Neotropical migration of millions of birds is one of the world’s most awe inspiring phenomenon. Marvel at birds up close as we spend the day assisting the capture & banding of many passerines that pass through the savannas, woodlands & prairies at the Waupaca Biological Field Station & Emmons Creek Barrens SNA. Fundraiser for the Bird Protection Fund. / FF Ages 8+ / Waupaca, Waupaca Co. / Leader: Robert Welch
8:00 AM – 11:00 AM , 47. Paddle Upper Yahara River in Cherokee Marsh, Paddle Cherokee Marsh from the Upper Yahara River downstream into Lake Mendota, looking for birds & learning about the natural history. Explore springs, sunken tamarack forests & floating sedge meadows along the way. You must bring your own canoe/kayak. / Madison, Dane Co. / Leader: Russ Heft
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 54. Bluebirds & Cavity-Nesting Birds, Get an Eastern bluebird’s eye view of Governor Nelson State Park. Visit & monitor nesting boxes of bluebirds, tree swallows & wood duck. Enhance your understanding of these birds, their food preferences & habitat needs. / FF Ages 5+ / Waunakee, Dane Co. / Leaders: Marianne Jensen & Robert Jensen Join us for outdoor adventure click here for full field trip calendar and contact information