Every year on the third Friday in May, people around the world come together to recognize Endangered Species Day — a time to celebrate, learn about, and take action to protect threatened and endangered species. The day was founded in 2006 by David Robinson and the Endangered Species Coalition, and it has continued to grow ever since.
On Endangered Species Day 2026, wildlife refuges, gardens, schools, libraries, museums, community groups, nonprofits, and individuals will host special programs and events. People around the world take part in these activities — and many others — to raise awareness and inspire action for species at risk.
Learn more about the Endangered Species Coalition here.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service just finished reviewing petitions to add certain species to the endangered list, one of which includes the Southern Plains bumblebee. This large black-and-yellow bee is found in the mid-Atlantic states, the mid-west and the Plains states from Texas to North Dakota. It lives in open prairies, meadows and grasslands. It is also found in grasslands and savannahs of south-east states, including Florida. Habitat loss and degradation, plus pesticides have led to sharp population declines.
Some things that you can do to help bumblebees in your area include planting pollinator gardens, avoiding the use of pesticides, and making sure there is long grass and undisturbed leaf-litter (in early spring) so that bumblebee queens have adequate cover. Thank you for being kind to animals and bees.
