Endangered Species Day - May 15th

Governor Jim Doyle has proclaimed [PDF 14KB] May 15 as Wisconsin Endangered Species Day. The state celebration coincides with the third annual national observance that is celebrated across the country to bring attention to endangered fish, wildlife and plants and what we can do to help.

Photo of a Karner blue butterfly.

Wisconsin can celebrate many accomplishments in the conservation and protection of our native species and their habitats. The DNR's Endangered Resources Program works with individuals, communities, organizations, businesses, and government agencies. These efforts have been successful in delisting the gray wolf, and bald eagle and reintroducing the whooping crane and the trumpeter swan to our landscape. Read the news release.

8 Easy Things You Can Do To Protect Wisconsin's Endangered Species

1. Learn about endangered species in your area
   Go to the Endangered Resources Program for more information.
2. Visit a State Natural Area or discover a segment of the Birding and Nature Trail
   Find a State Natural Area near you, or hike a segment of the Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail.
3. Provide habitat for wildlife by planting native vegetation in your yard
   The spread of non-native, invasive species has greatly impacted native populations in Wisconsin and around the world. Invasive species compete with native species for resources and habitat. They can even prey on native species directly, forcing native species towards extinction. Learn more about Invasive Species threats in Wisconsin.
4. Minimize use of herbicides and pesticides
   Herbicides and pesticides may keep yards looking nice but they are often hazardous to wildlife. Many herbicides and pesticides take a long time to degrade and build up in the soils or throughout the food chain. Some groups of animals, such as frogs and other amphibians, are particularly vulnerable to these chemical pollutants and suffer greatly as a result of the high levels of herbicides and pesticides in their habitat.
5. Place outside bird screens or streamers on windows to deter bird collisions
   Hundreds of millions of birds die every year because of collisions with windows! You can help reduce the number of collisions by placing specially designed bird screens or streamers on the outside windows at your home and office. Bird screens are sold at many stores that carry supplies for wild birds; streamers should be shiny and reflective to prevent birds from striking windows. For more information on how to prevent bird collisions with windows, go to the Natural Resources Magazine article (exit DNR).
6. Slow down when driving
   Many native animals have to live in developed areas and this means they must navigate a landscape full of human hazards. One of the biggest obstacles is that created by roads. Roads divide habitat and present a constant hazard to any animal attempting to cross from one side to the other. When you're out and about, slow down and keep an eye out for wildlife.
7. Report any harassment of threatened and endangered species to the DNR
   Harassing wildlife is cruel and illegal. Shooting, trapping, or forcing a threatened or endangered animal into captivity is also illegal and can lead to a species’ extinction. Don't participate in this activity and report it as soon as you see it. Call the DNR violation hotline at 1-800-TIP-WDNR.
8. Support the Wisconsin Endangered Program in one or more of the following ways:
   
   

   Purchase an Endangered Resources License Plate for your vehicle
   When you purchase a special Endangered Resources License Plate, your fee includes an annual $25 tax deductible donation to this Program.

   Provide a nest egg for the Trumpeter Swan Fund
   Donations to the Trumpeter Swan Fund are used to cover costs of aerial surveys, health checks, other monitoring activities, and public education efforts.

   Adopt an eagle's nest today!
   When you Adopt an Eagle Nest, you can help ensure that Bald Eagles are back to stay in Wisconsin for all future generations to see and enjoy.

   Look for the loon when filing your state income taxes
   The Endangered Resources Program is celebrating 25 years of conservation successes in 2008. By making a donation to the Endangered Resources Program on your tax form, you will make a vital investment in the health and well-being of Wisconsin’s environment, economy and quality of life.

   You may also donate directly to the ER Fund by sending a check to:

   Endangered Resources Program
   Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
   P.O. Box 7921
   Madison, WI 53707-7921