Wondering how to celebrate National Wildlife Day? I have a few tips for you! As an environmentalist, National Wildlife Day is especially important to me. Without a strong appreciation for the natural world and the creatures that live in it, there is little need to protect the environment in which it thrives.
We need to do everything we can to protect our planet and its wildlife. Habitat destruction, climate change, and pollution are all major threats to animals and their habitats.
That’s why celebrating National Wildlife day is so important. It helps raise awareness about these issues and encourages people to take action to help protect our planet and its wildlife.
If you are wondering how to celebrate national wildlife day with your friends and family, here are a few fun activities that you might want to consider.
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What day is National Wildlife Day?
September 4th is National Wildlife Day, a day set aside to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild animals and the vital role they play in our ecosystems.
The day was first observed in 2005 and has since been celebrated annually by wildlife lovers across the United States.
National Wildlife Day serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation and the need to protect our planet’s precious wildlife. It is also an opportunity to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the natural world, and to learn more about the fascinating creatures that inhabit it.
So take a moment on September 4th to appreciate the wild things that make our world so special. Because without an appreciation of the natural world, there is little reason for people to work hard to protect it.
While it may be a bit confusing, National Wildlife Day is different than World Wildlife Day!
World Wildlife Day is celebrated on March 3rd and is an international event that was created by the United Nations.
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National Wildlife Day Activities
There are many ways to foster a love of wildlife but they all depend on taking action in one way or another.
Here are a few fun National Wildlife Day activities you might enjoy. These can be designed for either adults or children, depending on your needs.
Set Goals
What goals can you set personally that will help protect wildlife on a global scale? Wildlife conservation is vital if we have any hope of maintaining the vast diversity our planet supports.
Are you going to stop using plastic straws? How about only buying sustainable seafood? What other small changes can you make in your life that will have a big impact on the environment?
Setting goals is a fantastic way to start taking action, and it’s something you can do on National Wildlife Day or any day.
Visit your local zoo and learn about their conservation efforts
While zoos and aquariums sometimes have a checkered history, they play a vital role in the conservation efforts of endangered species around the world.
Many of these facilities are involved in breeding programs for endangered animals, and they also help educate the public about the importance of wildlife conservation.
If you have a local zoo or aquarium, go for a visit on National Wildlife Day. Or, if there isn’t one nearby, consider visiting an online animal cam instead.
Shop with wildlife in mind
Are you a mindful shopper? Do you understand the reasons to avoid palm oil or buy shade-grown coffee? How about the importance of buying recycled paper products?
If not, take some time on National Wildlife Day to learn more about the impact of your consumer choices. It’s important to be a responsible shopper if you want to help protect the environment.
Volunteer your time
There are many organizations, both local and national, that work hard to protect wildlife. Find one that you are passionate about and consider volunteering your time or donating money to their cause.
Every little bit helps when it comes to conservation, and even something as small as picking up trash in a park can make a difference.
Educate yourself and others
One of the best things you can do on National Wildlife Day is to educate yourself and others about the importance of conservation. How much do you really know about the animals that share our planet?
Use this day as an opportunity to learn more about them. Read a book, watch a nature documentary, or visit a website dedicated to conservation. And don’t forget to share what you’ve learned with others!
Go bird watching at the park
If you’re looking for a fun National Wildlife Day activity the whole family can enjoy, go bird watching! This is a great way to get outside and learn more about the feathered friends that share our world.
All you need is a pair of binoculars and a bird guide, and you’re ready to go. Head to your local park if you are short on time. Or choose one of the many national parks and make a road trip to explore the wild fauna that lives in it.
Start a garden
Raising awareness of local wildlife starts in your own backyard. Gardening is a great way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. It’s also an excellent way to attract wildlife to your yard.
If you want to attract birds, plant some trees or shrubs. Check out my post on how to add wild bird nesting boxes to your yard. To attract bees and butterflies, plant some flowers, herbs, or vegetables.
No matter what you choose to plant, starting a garden is a great way to celebrate National Wildlife Day.
One important thing to keep in mind is that using pesticides to kill bugs in your yard, affects all the other organisms higher on the food chain. Animal conservation starts with healthy soil and safe lawn and garden products.
Take a hike and get to know your local wildlife
One of the best ways to appreciate the natural world is to get out there and explore it! Take a nature hike on National Wildlife Day and see what you can find.
You might be surprised by the beauty of the world around you, and you might even spot some wildlife along the way. Just be sure to follow all the rules and regulations for your chosen hiking trail.
Take along binoculars as well as a magnifying glass. Use this special day to identify unique species of bugs, interesting plant species, or cute animal species that cross your path.
Participate in a Cleanup Happening Near You
Cleaning up our environment helps protect wildlife. And cleaning is hard work!
Find a cleanup happening near you and pitch in. It’ll make a difference for the animals, and it’ll make you feel good too! There are a lot of hard-working people doing amazing work in their communities so roll up your sleeves and pitch in!
Donate time or money to conservation groups
There are many organizations already participating in outreach and education around the world and they could use more financial support to truly help protect endangered species.
Whether you choose an endangered animal to support or make a donation to local animal sanctuaries, any donation, large or small, can make a difference.
Final Thoughts on National Wildlife Day 2022
Looking at National Wildlife Day through the lens of sustainability just makes sense to me. Endangered wildlife cannot and will not survive unless we protect the environments that they live in.
It is a complicated and all-encompassing problem. You can’t save the elephant without stomping out the international trade of ivory. And it isn’t just exotic wild animals either. Wildlife means life right in your backyard.
You can’t hope for a future generation of humans who love nature without doing more than just turning Animal Planet on for your kids. Animal Planet is awesome but don’t stop there!
Look for local groups implementing solutions in your local area. Get involved in your local town politics to bring awareness to the problem of disappearing habitats in your community.
Now that you know how to celebrate National Wildlife Day and WHY you should celebrate it, get out there and embrace it!
Think globally. But act locally.
Diane is a professional blogger and nationally certified pharmacy technician at Good Pill Pharmacy. She earned her BS in Microbiology at the University of New Hampshire and has worked in cancer research, academics, and biotechnology. Concern over the growing incidence of human disease and the birth of her children led her to begin living a more natural life. She quickly realized that the information she was learning along the way could be beneficial to many others and started blogging and freelance writing to share this knowledge with others. Learn more about her HERE.