National Wildlife Day

America observes National Wildlife Day on September 4. It’s a chance for everyone to pause, reflect, and appreciate the natural world around us. This day encourages us to think about and support efforts to preserve and conserve wildlife. There is always more to learn about nature and its protection. As Henry David Thoreau famously said, “In wildness is the preservation of the world.” We couldn’t agree more. Let’s take a moment to explore and honor this important day.

When is National Wildlife Day 2024?

National Wildlife Day is on September 4, 2020.

National Wildlife Day timeline

How to Observe National Wildlife Day

1. Take a hike!
If you live near natural areas, use National Wildlife Day as a reason to get outside and explore the beauty of the wilderness that Thoreau cherished.

2. Donate to conservation groups
Support the important work of conservation organizations that protect wildlife and natural habitats. Your donation helps preserve the beauty of nature for future generations.

3. Clean up your community
Join local groups dedicated to picking up trash in your area. Find out when and where they’ll be working, and help clean up your town to make it a better place for both people and wildlife.

4 Pretty Wild Wildlife Facts

1. Our water supply never changes

The total amount of water on Earth remains constant and is continuously recycled over time.

2. There are more trees on Earth than stars in the Milky Way

Scientists estimate that Earth has around 3 trillion trees, far more than the number of stars in the Milky Way galaxy.

3. ‘Blind as a bat’ isn’t true

Despite the saying, bats are not blind. In fact, they sometimes rely on their eyesight, rather than echolocation, to hunt.

4. Mass extinctions happen more often than you’d think

Experts believe that about 200 species of plants and animals go extinct every 24 hours, a rate over 1,000 times faster than the natural rate of extinction.

Why National Wildlife Day is Important

A. We need a breather
We’re often told to “think outside the box,” but it’s important to remember that “the box” isn’t just mental—it’s physical too. Nature and wildlife remind us to step outside, breathe fresh air, and reconnect with the world around us.

B. Wildlife is life-affirming
We admire wild animals and their habitats because they remind us of the importance of finding balance between ourselves and the environment we live in.

C. It inspires us to do good
National Wildlife Day highlights the urgent need to protect endangered animals and habitats, motivating us to support preservation and conservation efforts.