Wildlife Conservation Day: Protecting Animals and Their Homes

To animal lovers who are curious about the creatures we share our planet with, such as tigers, elephants, dolphins, penguins, and even tiny insects, this informational article will provide insight into Wildlife Conservation Day—a special day to celebrate, learn about, and protect our animal friends and the places they live. Let’s discover why this day is so important!

What is Wildlife Conservation?

Wildlife Conservation Day is observed every December 4th to raise awareness about protecting the world’s wildlife and their habitats. It’s a day dedicated to educating people about the threats animals face, such as habitat loss, poaching, climate change, and pollution, and to inspiring action to safeguard the Earth’s biodiversity. 

Why is Wildlife Important?

Every animal has an important role or a special job in nature. Some species and plants are called keystone species because they play a critical role in maintaining the balance of an ecosystem. Without them, the entire ecosystem could change drastically or collapse.

• Bees are vital pollinators, helping plants, flowers, and crops reproduce. This supports biodiversity and provides food for humans and animals.

• Elephants knock down trees and create open spaces, which help maintain grasslands, they spread seeds and promote plant growth.

• Jaguars are apex predators, they regulate populations of prey species, maintaining balance in the ecosystem.

• Wolves control the population of herbivores like deer and elk, which helps forests stay healthy by preventing overgrazing so plants, trees, and other animals can thrive.

• Fish clean rivers and oceans as they eat.

• Coral reefs provide shelter and food for thousands of marine species and protect coastlines from erosion.

• Sea otters eat sea urchins, which if left unchecked, can destroy kelp forests. Healthy kelp forests provide habitats for many marine animals and help absorb carbon dioxide.

Wildlife conservation means taking care of animals and their homes, like forests, oceans, and grasslands. Just like we need a safe place to live, food to eat, and water to drink, animals need those things too! Unfortunately, some animals are losing their homes because of problems like pollution, deforestation, or hunting. When that happens, animals become endangered or may lead to extinction.

When we protect animals, we’re also taking care of the earth because everything in nature is connected - like a big puzzle where every piece matters.

How Can We Help Wildlife?

You don’t have to be a grown-up to make a big difference for animals. Here are some fun and easy ways to help save the animals.

1. Learn and Spread Awareness

Research, read books, or watch videos about animals, the threats they face (poaching, habitat loss, and pollution), and their habitats. Tell your friends and family what you’ve learned to inspire others to take action.

2. Plant Trees or Flowers

Trees give birds, insects, and mammals shelter, while flowers help support pollinators like bees and butterflies.

3. Say No to Litter

Keep parks, beaches, and forests clean by picking up trash. Organize or join clean-up events in your community to remove litter. Dispose of trash and recyclables properly to prevent harm to animals.

4. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Cut down on waste to reduce pollution in natural habitats. Use less plastic, animals like turtles can mistake plastic for food, which is very dangerous for them. Recycle materials like paper and metal to decrease the need for mining and deforestation.

5. Support Conservation Projects

Ask your parents to help you donate to or volunteer with groups that protect animals such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), or local organizations in your area. Adopt an animal symbolically to contribute to wildlife protection efforts.

6. Avoid Buying Products Made From Wildlife

Refuse to buy items made from ivory, fur, shells, or other animal parts. Support ethical businesses that do not harm wildlife or their habitats.

7. Choose Sustainable Products

Buy sustainable sourced foods and materials, like palm oil or seafood, to reduce the destruction of rainforests and oceans. Look for certifications like “Fair Trade” or “Rainforest Alliance Certified.”

8. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Walk, bike, or carpool to reduce emissions contributing to climate change, which threatens many species. Save energy by turning off lights and using energy-efficient appliances.

How To Incentivize Kids To Learn About Wildlife?

1. Hands-On Activities

• Nature walks and scavenger Hunts

• DIY Wildlife Crafts

• Gardening for Wildlife

2. Engage Storytelling

• Wildlife Books and Movies

• Reading Program

• Animal Heroes

3. Games and Challenges

• Wildlife Trivia

• Animal Guessing Game

• Interactive Apps and Games

4. Virtual or Real-Life Experiences

• Zoo or Aquarium Visits

• Wildlife Cams

• Virtual Reality

5. Fun Rewards for Learning

• Wildlife Clubs or Certificates

• Animal Charm

• Adopt an Animal

• Personalized Wildlife Gear

6. Relatable Role Models

• Kid-Friendly Conservationists

• Animal Ambassadors

7. Foster Curiosity

• Fun Animal Facts

• Mystery Box

8. Make It Social

• Wildlife Art Content

• Wildlife Day events

9. Use Technology Creativity

• Wildlife Apps

• Interactive Maps

10. Emphasize The Connection

• Highlight Everyday Links

• Personalize The Message

Celebrate Nature Every Day!

Wildlife Conservation Day happens once a year, but we can care for animals and nature every single day. When we protect wildlife, we make the world a better place for everyone - animals, plants, and people too!

Every little action adds up when it comes to protecting wildlife. Whether it’s planting a tree, sharing a wildlife video with a friend, or choosing to recycle, you’re helping to create a better future for animals and their habitats.

The next time you see a bird flying, a bug crawling, or a fish swimming, remember: we all share this amazing planet, and it’s up to us to take care of it.

Why Should I Care About St. Patrick’s Day?

In 385 A.D., Maewyn Succat was born a Roman citizen. His life took an abrupt turn when he was enslaved and forced to Ireland. Eventually, he returned to Rome either by means of escape or freedom. He did not live safely for long, choosing instead to become a priest and returning to Ireland to win Christian converts.

Upon becoming a priest, legend has it that Maewyn Succat changed his name to Patrick, and eventually became the cause of the March 17th celebration.

The Holiday’s Beginnings

The account above comes from Marion Casey, a clinical assistant professor of Irish Studies at New York University, who TIME writer Ashley Ross quoted in her 2016 article, “The True History Behind St. Patrick’s Day.”

Ross said, that on March 17, 1631, the Church decided to recognize St. Patrick with a feast. This was the earliest record of the holiday that would become St. Patrick’s Day.

Since the holiday falls during the season of Lent, Christians began to use the holiday as an excuse to abstain from their disciplines. According to Casey, the celebration continued to develop into the 1700’s and became something deemed as wild. To remind everyone of the origins of the holiday, the church began to popularize the association of the lucky shamrock with St. Patrick.

Green is the New Blue

Ross said blue was the initial color chosen to celebrate St. Patrick's Day because of its presence in the royal court and on the Irish flag. Blue lasted until the Irish Rebellion of 1898 when the Irish selected green uniforms to counter the British red. The song “The Wearing of the Green” became the anthem of the rebellion, solidifying the color into the Irish historical prominence.

The Significance of the Name

If the legend Ross writes about is true, then Maewyn Succat’s name change to Patrick is worth consideration.

Ross said the name Patrick derives from the Latin phrase for “father figure.” This is fitting for St. Patrick because upon changing his name, he sacrificed his life to priesthood and lived for the betterment and goodwill of others.

You should care about St. Patrick’s Day because, like St. Patrick, you can choose to be a caregiver and role model. Whether you are a father, mother, teacher, or mentor; you can remember St. Patrick’s daily choice to sacrifice his well-being for the benefit of those he loved.

The Importance of a Colorful Book Diet

Every student has a favorite genre. Some love adventure stories, others can’t put down mysteries, and some just want to read about their favorite baseball player. During March, National Reading Month, students are quick to grab their go-to genres to log minutes for class reading competitions and other motivational programs. Is this single genre tendency okay, or are students missing out on a more colorful reading experience?

Insight from a Nutritionist

“Whenever my family and I go to the nutritionist, the doctor always reminds us of the importance of a colorful food diet. It is the idea of getting reds (like tomatoes and red peppers), greens (like beans and broccoli), oranges (like carrots and sweet potatoes), and so on.” 

- Lissa Strodtbeck, (Fitness Finders Customer Service Representative and Marketing Associate) 

With the nutritionist’s message in mind and a little inspiration from Pinterest, Lissa began to transfer the concept of colorful eating to colorful reading.

Why Genre Variety?

Just like it is important to eat all different types of food, it is important to read a variety of genres.

“A variety of genres helps make kids critical thinkers. It is important to engage imagination in multiple ways, experience being in someone else’s shoes, and recognize the validity of someone else’s interest.” 

- Lissa Strodtbeck

According to the Huffington Post “How Kids Benefit From Reading A Variety Of Books,” genre variety benefits a child in several other important ways.

•  “More book variety grows their entire world” — This is the powerful work of stories in effect. Good storytellers can create worlds, and genre-specific writers create specific kinds of worlds. When children experience a variety of specific book worlds, their real world grows. 
• “Your child’s vocabulary will improve” — Each genre features language consistencies. The more children read, the greater the breadth of style they are exposed to.
• “Their must-read list is never ending” — With a variety of genres and ever-expanding interests, children will never be able to complain about having nothing to read. When they finish a mystery book, they are eager and ready to embark on a waiting adventure series. 

Reinforcing the Colorful Diet

Book tokens are a great way to encourage children to read a colorful variety of genres. Lissa said she assigned 11 book genres to specific token colors. Teachers can choose to award tokens at any interval appropriate for their class (ex. number of pages, number of minutes, or book completion).

No matter how much children like their favorite genre, give the extra effort to encourage them to discover different worlds and expand their growth potential. Encourage them to read the rainbow.

Why Should I Care About Valentine's Day?

We know Valentine's Day as a time to exchange gifts, celebrate romance, and express love. But 1,739 years ago, the Romans faced an entirely different situation.

The Emperor's Dilemma

According to History.com, Saint Valentine served in the Roman Empire in 278 A.D., during the reign of Emperor Claudius II. Claudius II was confronted with a series of brutal wars and struggled to assemble an army large enough to face his challengers. There seemed to be little interest in the military, and Claudius blamed his men's loving dedication and loyalty to their families. In the emperor's mind, familial care was interfering with national advancement and security. Claudius II banned all marriages and engagements within his empire to counteract the internal threat.

The Saint's Rebellion

Saint Valentine, considering the ruling unjust, continued to perform marriages in secret. He enabled a legal confirmation of love and allowed men to continue pursuing a life at home with their families.

The emperor was angered when he discovered Valentine’s disobedience and promptly imprisoned the priest. Legend has it that Saint Valentine was befriended by his prison guard’s blind daughter, who may have provided the priest with food. He left her a note signed, "From your Valentine" before his execution on February 14^th.

Valentine was named a Saint after his death for his enduring beliefs. Could he also have been the first one to give a "Valentine"?

There is no definitive way to prove the origin of Valentine's Day. In fact, this is one of several Valentine's Day origin theories (the Catholic encyclopedia states that three St. Valentines were martyred on February 14^th).

The Holiday's Meaning

There are plenty of distractions that can keep us from each other. Whether it is your family, your classmates, your students, or your coworkers, hold the people in your life close and be thankful for the opportunity to serve them. Never let a day go by without intentional acts of love. A simple kind gesture, an encouraging word, or a walk in the park can improve anyone’s day. Intentionally set aside time in your life for the people you love, not just the things you do.

Heart Month: Protect a Teacher's Heart

Heart Month

In the month of February, the heart gets a lot of attention. Of course, there is the symbolic red heart, with its swooping, rounded top and pointed bottom. We see it everywhere as Valentine’s Day approaches. But what about the most important heart? The one that is inside of us.

The Heart of Fitness Finders

Here at Fitness Finders, heart healthiness is a major focus, stemming all the way back to the passion of our founder, Charles Kuntzleman. He even wrote about this in his book, “Instructors Guide for Feelin’ Good,” stating that regular exercise will make the heart stronger and more efficient. Exercise decreases resting heart rate, so the heart is not nearly as strained as we move through everyday life. That is why you will see a heart shaped eyelet in every Toe Token® in our Mileage Club® program.

The Heart of a Classroom

A passionate, encouraged, and supported teacher is like a healthy heart...
     Thump Thump — A kindergartener recites the alphabet
     Thump Thump — A fight is broken up
     Thump Thump — A first grader learns, “I’m sorry”
     Thump Thump — 30 research papers are graded, just in time for bed
But the pulse behind education can gradually weaken if the teacher's heart goes unprotected. "Those kids become ours in a way," said Betty Lindquist, an elementary school teacher with 27 years of experience. "We want to do everything right for them, and that can result in stress buildup."

Protecting a Teacher's Heart

"Teachers need support from administration, constant encouragement, and an outlet like exercise," said Betty. "I used to walk with other teachers to give us space and release the stress of the day, as well as encourage each other. "

Here are some other ideas of how you can reinforce a teacher’s heart’s defense:

• Anyone: Reconnect with a favorite teacher. Thank them for their influence on your life and update them on how you have put your education to work. 
• Kids: Say something nice to your teacher, at least once per week. 
• Parents: Send an encouraging email, thanking your child’s teacher for hard work. 
• Teachers: Establish support systems within your network of coworkers. Encourage each other and vent stress when necessary. Consider a structured fitness program like The Mega Mileage Club®, to keep you moving and working toward a goal together. 

"The heart of teaching will always be in me," said Betty. "There is nothing like seeing those light bulb moments and grounding students in the love of learning."