Every Day is Earth Day in Buffalo
Earth Day 2025: Protect Our Species
Earth Day 2025 is here and as we celebrate our wonderful world and all its inhabitants, Earth Day gives us an opportunity to discuss important global issues with children of all ages by connecting these issues to a topic that is meaningful to them. Among other things, this year’s theme “Protect Our Species” seeks to:
- Educate people on the accelerating rate of extinction of millions of species.
- Educate people on the causes and consequences of this tremendous loss.
- Inspire people around the world to embrace nature and its values.
The Earth Day Networks provides valuable information into endangered and threatened species such as bees, coral reefs, elephants, giraffes, insects, whales and more.
Make Every Day Earth Day
In my Ecology and Conservation Assembly Program “Pollution Solution” I teach students about conservation, why it matters, and about how people, animals, and every living thing benefits from a cleaner environment.
In science class we learn the same thing: that ecosystems and nature––animals, water, trees, land, fish––are all valuable to our planet. While you’ll never see a whale in Buffalo, NY, we do have several unique attractions to inspire our children and students to become invested in protecting our planet:
Buffalo Zoo
The Buffalo Zoo was established in 1875, making it the third oldest zoo in the United States. Home to some of the world’s most exotic and endangered wildlife, it’s a local place where kids of all ages can find species from all corners of the earth, have fun, and expand their knowledge of animal behavior and conversation through hands-on, immersive learning experiences.
Buffalo Museum of Science
The Buffalo Museum of Science is a great place to explore on a rainy day. They currently have an exhibit on Biodiversity that highlights the inhabitants from all walks of life, from the rainforest to the savanna to the arctic tundra and beyond.
Tifft Nature Preserve
As previously mentioned, Tifft Nature Preserve in Buffalo, NY is a great place to get “in tune” with nature. This urban sanctuary is a 264-acre nature refuge that offers guided tours, camps, and adult and youth programs to educate people on the true importance of environmental protection and conservation. This is a fun and resourceful place to bring your family or students to observe wildlife in their natural habitats, hike nature trails, bird watch, fish, and more.
Visit these local attractions and send me pictures of your favorite plants and animals by tagging me on Instagram at @crisjohnsonsassemblies or by sharing your photos with me on Facebook at @CrisJohnsonSchoolAssemblies!