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Is Your Class Ready for Endangered Species Day?

by
Sarah Brzezinski

That’s right Backpackers: this Friday, May 20th is Endangered Species Day! Endangered Species Day, which was started by the United States Senate, is held every year on the third Friday in May. The day is held to encourage people, both young and old, to learn about species that are facing the possibility of extinction, about the conservation issues that impact their species survival, and about what we can do in our everyday lives to make a difference.

When asked about endangered species many of your students will instantly be able to identify well known species such as lions and tigers and polar bears (oh my!). While this knowledge is a great thing for them to have and expand on, another fun way to engage your students in learning about endangered species is to “bring it local.” Panda bears and gorillas may look adorable, but sometimes the large geographic distance between these animals native habitats and your school may leave students with a disconnect between the idea of what and endangered species is and their own actions.

This year, why not spend Endangered Species Day teaching about endangered plants and animals that live right here in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed? Here are a few species you could feature in your lesson, or have your students write a research paper on:

  • Bog Turtle – This small, semi-aquatic species of turtle is currently listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act and is classified as endangered in some states.
  • Delmarva Fox Squirrel – The Delmarva Fox Squirrel is a large, endangered squirrel species that live in small, isolated populations on the Delmarva Peninsula, which represents a fraction of its historical geographic range.
  • Shortnose Sturgeon – Shortnose Sturgeon became endangered species as a result of drastic population declines primarily due to environmental factors such as dams and pollution in the rivers and streams where they spawn.
  • Maryland Darter – This two to three inch long species of fish is possibly extinct. The last confirmed sighting of the species was in 1988.

For additional information on endangered species in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, please refer to the following sources:

Here are some resources that have been developed through a partnership with the Endangered Species Coalition’s (ESC) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that can help you teach about endangered species in your classroom this Friday: