Category: Environment

World Environment Day

Debbie Roney Smith on

Today is the annual U.N. World Environment Day! 2021’s focus is on ecosystem restoration and its theme is “Reimagine. Recreate.Restore.” Ecosystem restoration is the act of preventing, halting, and reversing the damage done to the planet. Ecosystem restoration is incredibly important to the health of the planet and of humanity. Take for instance the emergence of COVID-19; the loss of natural habitats for animals has helped create the ideal conditions for pathogens – like the coronaviruses – to spread. For more detailed information as well as ways you can take action this World Environment Day, visit the U.N. website or the World Environment Day 2021 website. 

REIMAGINE. RECREATE. RESTORE.

Debbie Roney Smith on

Tomorrow is World Environment Day 2021! An annual event started in 1974 by the United Nations, it is a global event designed to raise awareness and take action on urgent issues such as marine pollution, wildlife crime, and the climate crisis. It was created to mark the beginning of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. The first official slogan was “Only One Earth” in 1974; 2021’s slogan is “Reimagine. Recreate. Restore.” For more detailed information as well as ways you can take action this World Environment Day, visit the U.N. website or the World Environment Day 2021 website. 

Insect Repellant Day

Debbie Roney Smith on

Today is National Insect Repellant Awareness Day! in the Florida Panhandle and surrounding areas, insect repellant is especially important given the humidity and water levels – breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The most effective ‘bug spray’ is DEET! Be sure to stock up on it for the summer season. DEET is so efficient because mosquitoes have receptors in their feet which leads to them wanting to escape the poor ‘taste’ they are experiencing (source).  

National Water a Flower Day

Debbie Roney Smith on

Today is National Water a Flower Day! Flowers are wonderful natural occurrences that have many beneficial properties. Humans use flowers for medicinal, therapeutic, and aesthetic reasons. Flowers, and by extension herbs, are used by scientists to help develop medicines and beauty products such as lotion. Studies have also shown that caring for plants and flowers can have a positive therapeutic effect on people.

Rember, the best time to water flowers is in the morning between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m.; as the weather is cooler during this period, plants receive more water because there is less soil evaporation. Use today as an opportunity to celebrate the beautiful little creations by watering the flowers you have, planting some new ones, learning more about various flowers, or even by gifting someone you care about with some potted flowers in order to spread happiness. 

World Turtle Day

Debbie Roney Smith on

This special day is sponsored by American Tortoise Rescue, a nonprofit organization established in 1990. This is a special day for the state of Florida as it ranks as the most diverse turtle state in the United States. Additionally, it was one of the turtle diversity hot spots around the world. Visit the official World Turtle Day website HERE, and learn more about Florida Panhandle turtles HERE. 

Biological Diversity

Debbie Roney Smith on

Today is the International Day for Biological Diversity! Biological diversity is the pillar upon which civilizations are built. 2021’s theme is “We’re part of the solution”. To read a more in-depth description of this international awareness day, visit the United Nations website HERE. 

Endangered Species Day

Debbie Roney Smith on

Today was Endangered Species Day! This annual observance aims to bring awareness to the national conservation efforts created to protect the nation’s endangered species and their habitats. Check out the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website HERE to see youth art submissions, audio introductions to endangered species, landowner advice to conservation, and more!

Guided Nature Hike at Camp Helen

Debbie Roney Smith on

Today in Panama City Beach, a ranger will be offering a Guided Nature Hike at Camp Helen. Camp Helen boasts nine distinct natural communities throughout the park with varied flora and fauna. Learn about our rare coastal dune lake, Lake Powell, as well as the park wildlife. The hike is suitable for all ages; be sure everyone in your party is dressed for the weather; water and bug spray are recommended. The hike will start at 10 a.m. and will last an hour. Contact scarlett.a.dunn@FloridaDEP.go for more information and/or with questions. 

Can’t make it out today but want to catch the next hike? Be sure to mark your calendars for Thursday, June 03, 2021 from 10-11 a.m.!

Earth Day

Debbie Roney Smith on

Today is Earth Day 2021! Beginning in 1970, it was created to bring awareness to serious environmental concerns and to address the need for environmental reform. It grew to an international level in 1990 and is now practiced in 142 nations. Don’t forget that today is the second Earth Day Live digital event, held on the official website here. The global show begins at 12 p.m. Eastern Time and will include workshops, panel discussions, and special performances that focus on this year’s theme of Restore Our Earth™. 

Earth Day 2021: Take Two

Debbie Roney Smith on

Today, Education International leads the “Teach for the Planet: Global Education Summit.” A multilingual virtual summit that includes multiple timezones, the focus is on the crucial role that educators play in combating climate change and why we need transformative climate education now. There will be prominent activists from every continent. 

Visit the website HERE to stream!