ESA50 Archives - Endangered Species Coalition

Mural brings the rustypatched bumblebee back to Ohio

Jeanne Dodds — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 16:45:23 +0000

Across the tallgrass prairies of the midwestern United States, rusty patched bumblebees (Bombus affnis) once thrived in a landscape rich with native plants providing nectar and shelter. Today, the rusty patched bumblebee is listed under the Endangered Species Act, and since 2003 has rarely been observed in the landscapes where this bee historically ranged. As a result of habitat loss and land use conversion to agriculture, the habitat that the rustypatched bumblebee needs has been dramatically altered.

Through the power of visual artwork for biodiversity conservation, the rustypatched bumblebee is once again visible in Ohio. As part of the Endangered Species Act 50th Anniversary National Mural Project, artist Kenia Lamarr created and installed a rusty patched bumblebee in the Linden neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. Kenia collaborated with community partners, including Sunny Glen Garden, local businesses, educators, youth, and other artists to identify a high-visibility location for the mural. Kenia’s rustypatched bumblebee mural will be the backdrop for a major pollinator festival in Linden, in June 2024, including native plant giveaways, habitat installation, educational opportunities, and community celebration.

Watch this great video of Kenia at work on the mural, in collaboration with local youth and artist partners, by Mikel Wilson/Mizzel Enterprises. You can see more of her work on her website www.kenialamarr.com, or follow her on Instagram, @kenialamarr

Jeanne Dodds, Endangered Species Coalition Creative Engagement Director, chats with Artist Kenia Lamarr about her creative practice and the impact of art for communities and biodiversity conservation.

Jeanne Dodds: Can you talk to us a bit about how you got started as an artist and muralist?

Kenia Lamarr: My journey as an artist and muralist began over a decade ago when I received formal visual arts training at a performing arts school in my hometown of Dayton, Ohio. This foundational experience provided me with the skills and inspiration to explore various forms of creative expression.

During my time at the school, I had the opportunity to participate in live painting events for notable platforms such as TedX Dayton, which allowed me to showcase my talents and connect with a broader audience. Additionally, I interned for a curator at the Dayton Art Institute, where I gained valuable insights into the art world and honed my craft further.

My creative portfolio is a kaleidoscope of vibrant portraiture, infused with the rich tapestry of mixed media and the intricate layers of human experiences. Influenced by my travels and spiritual awakening, I discovered the profound significance of color in healing practices across cultures—from psychology to Reiki, and the ancient wisdom of Yoruba.

As I continued to develop as an artist, I found myself drawn to the medium of public art and murals. The idea of creating large-scale works of art that could transform public spaces and evoke emotions in viewers deeply resonated with me. Inspired by the vibrant colors and diverse textures found in street art and graffiti, I began experimenting with mural painting techniques and exploring themes related to human nature and community. Whether I’m painting a mural for a local community project or collaborating with fellow artists on a large-scale installation, my goal remains the same: to inspire and uplift others through the transformative power of art.

JD: Your rusty patched bumblebee mural was created for the National Mural Project for the 50th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act. Why do you think it’s important to recognize this conservation milestone through murals?

KL: Creating the rusty patched bumblebee mural for the National Mural Project celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act was a deeply meaningful experience for me. I believe it’s incredibly important to recognize conservation milestones like this through public art displays for several reasons.

Firstly, murals have a unique ability to capture attention and spark conversations. By immortalizing endangered species such as the rusty patched bumblebee in public spaces, we achieve more than just raising awareness for the imperative need for conservation efforts; we inadvertently nurture community bonds. For instance, numerous individuals have paused at the mural to share their reflections, yet one woman’s poignant tale stands out. She revealed a profound connection to bumblebees during her cancer treatment, underscoring the mural’s capacity to resonate on deeply personal levels. These murals serve as poignant reminders not solely of the biodiversity crisis confronting our planet, but also as conduits for the shared human experiences that unite us all.

Secondly, murals have the potential to foster a sense of connection and empathy towards nature. When people see these larger-than-life representations of endangered species in their communities, they’re more likely to develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

Furthermore, murals have the capacity to inspire hope and drive positive change. By celebrating milestones like the 50th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act through public art, we’re sending a message of resilience and determination.

Recognizing conservation milestones through art is a powerful way to educate, inspire, and mobilize communities towards a more sustainable and harmonious relationship with the planet. It’s a visual representation of our commitment to protecting biodiversity and ensuring a thriving future for all species.

JD: You are involved in a lot of impactful outreach to local youth and educators to include young people in your work. Why is this connection to local youth, and their access to art opportunities, important to you?

KL: The connection to local youth and their access to art opportunities holds profound significance for me on both a personal and societal level. As an artist, I believe in the transformative power of creativity to shape young minds and inspire future generations. By engaging with local youth and educators, I strive to cultivate a sense of empowerment and self-expression through artistic endeavors.

First and foremost, providing art opportunities to young people fosters creativity and critical thinking skills essential for their personal and academic growth. Moreover, art serves as a universal language that transcends cultural barriers and allows young people to express themselves authentically. By connecting with local youth through art, we create inclusive spaces where diverse perspectives are valued and celebrated. This fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens community bonds, ultimately contributing to a more vibrant and resilient society. The young participants who contributed to the mural are residents of the neighborhood, offering them an opportunity to play an active role in enhancing the beauty of their community.

In an age where young people face numerous challenges, including academic pressure, social media influence, and mental health concerns, art can serve as a source of solace and resilience. Ultimately, my commitment to connecting with local youth and providing access to art opportunities stems from a belief in the transformative potential of creativity to uplift individuals and communities alike.

I founded Got It N’ Us, an organization dedicated to fostering the creative spirit within underserved communities by offering accessible art enrichment programs and opportunities. Our mission is to empower individuals to express themselves through art, particularly in areas with limited cultural resources. In the fall of 2022, we partnered with the Linden community to launch The Coloring Linden Project. This initiative provided a safe and nurturing environment for Linden youth and community members to channel their creativity into constructive outlets. Through collaborative efforts, we transformed the neighborhood by completing community sculptures at two local recreation centers, offering a tangible and meaningful way for residents to beautify their surroundings and cultivate a sense of pride in their community.

JD: Speaking broadly, how do you see the role of visual arts in communicating the incredible biodiversity of species – along with the urgent need for species conservation?

KL: Visual arts play a pivotal role in communicating the incredible biodiversity of species and the urgent need for species conservation by tapping into the universal language of imagery and emotion. Through the skillful use of color, form, and symbolism, we as artists and creatives have the power to evoke visceral responses and provoke thought on complex environmental issues.

Firstly, visual art has the ability to capture the beauty and intricacy of the natural world in ways that words alone cannot. It serves as a powerful tool for raising awareness about the threats facing endangered species and habitats.

Moreover, public art installations have the potential to mobilize action and drive positive change. By portraying the consequences of inaction alongside visions of a sustainable future, artists can inspire viewers to become advocates for conservation efforts in their own communities and beyond. It serves as a catalyst for education, empathy, and action, amplifying the voices of scientists, conservationists, and activists striving to protect our planet’s precious natural heritage.

JD: What was your experience like working on the rusty patched bumblebee mural specifically? What did you learn about this bumblebee species by making it the subject of your creative work?

KL: Working on the rusty patched bumblebee mural was a profoundly enriching experience for me on both a creative and educational level. As I delved into researching and depicting this endangered species, I gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for its importance in our ecosystem.

Firstly, the process of creating the mural allowed me to immerse myself in the world of the rusty patched bumblebee, learning about its habitat, behavior, and role as a pollinator. Through this exploration, I discovered the intricate beauty of the species, from its distinctive coloration to its fascinating lifecycle.

Furthermore, I learned about the significant threats facing the rusty patched bumblebee, including habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and disease. This knowledge deepened my commitment to raising awareness about the plight of endangered species and the urgent need for conservation efforts.

JD: What are your hopes and visions for how the Columbus, Ohio communities, and specifically the Linden neighborhood, will interact with or learn from your mural?

KL: My vision for the Linden neighborhood, as an underserved community, is focused on empowerment, resilience, and social equity.

I hope the mural serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for residents of Linden, offering a visual representation of their community’s strength and resilience. By insisting on Linden youth participate in the creation process and showcasing the beauty of biodiversity and the importance of conservation, I aimed to instill a sense of pride and ownership among residents, reminding them that their voices matter and their neighborhood belongs to them.

Furthermore, I hope the mural sparks conversations about the environmental challenges facing underserved communities like Linden and encourages residents to advocate for equitable access to green spaces, clean air, and healthy food options. By raising awareness about these issues, I believe the mural has the potential to mobilize residents to demand positive change and work together to create a more sustainable and equitable future for their neighborhood. Ultimately, my vision for the mural in Linden is one of empowerment, education, and community building.

JD: Is there anything else you’d like to share about your creative practice, the ESA at 50 National

KL: My involvement in the ESA at 50 National Mural Project reaffirmed my belief in the power of art as a tool for social and environmental advocacy. Murals have the ability to reach diverse audiences and spark meaningful conversations, making them a powerful medium for raising awareness and inspiring action on critical issues.

As we reflect on the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, I am reminded of the urgent need to redouble our efforts to protect and conserve the incredible diversity of life on Earth. Through collaborative initiatives like the ESA at 50 National Mural Project, we can harness the transformative power of art to ignite positive change and build a more sustainable and equitable world for all species, including our own.

ESA at 50 National Mural Project

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, Endangered Species Coalition Member Organizations and community partners collaborated to create a series of murals throughout the US. The murals spotlight regional ecological and cultural diversity within the US and internationally, highlighting plants and animals protected by the Endangered Species Act. Species currently listed and in danger of extinction are featured, along with species recovered thanks to this landmark legislation.

Many of our ESA at 50 National Mural Project sites were created with leadership by ESC Pollinator Protectors planting partners. These projects increase the visibility of local native plants and pollinators , and engage local artists and communities to recognize the 2023 50th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act. Many thanks to Sunny Glen Garden/Dianne Kadonaga and Center for Biological Diversity/Roger Peet for supporting the planning and implementation of the Linden mural, and huge thanks to ESC Member Organizations, for contributing project funding.

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Art for Endangered Species

Jeanne Dodds — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 15:51:57 +0000

#ESA50 National Mural and Art Series Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act

By Ren Bettencourt, FOUR PAWS USA

The Endangered Species Act

December 28, 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). This landmark legislation protects vulnerable animals, both within the U.S. and around the globe, and has led to the successful recovery of species on the brink of extinction, such as the iconic bald eagle, the Channel Island Fox, and the green sea turtle.

In 1973, then president Richard Nixon signed the ESA into law after it passed through the Senate and House of Representatives with near unanimous bipartisan support (a vote of 92-0 in the Senate and 355-4 in the House). The ESA has endured the test of time and remains a long-lasting example of commitment, cooperation, and the conservation triumphs we can make when working together.

“Nothing is more priceless and more worthy of preservation than the rich array of animal life with which our country has been blessed. It is a many-faceted treasure, of value to scholars, scientists, and nature lovers alike, and it forms a vital part of the heritage we all share as Americans [and] which we hold in trust to countless future generations of our fellow citizens. Their lives will be richer, and America will be more beautiful in the years ahead, thanks to the measure that I have the pleasure of signing into law today.”

– Statement of President Richard Nixon upon signing the Endangered Species Act, December 28th, 1973 Tweet

The ESA50 Coalition

FOUR PAWS is a member of the ESA50 coalition, a group of like-minded animal protection, conservation, and environmental organizations, as well as several government agencies, who’s work all intersects with endangered species in some capacity. This year, the coalition has come together for a year-long celebration of the ESA, which includes the national mural and art series, educational events and forums, advocacy opportunities, and an ESA50 Awards Ceremony and Gathering in Washington D.C. this past September.

The Endangered Species Mural and Art Series

A highlight of the ESA50 celebration, the national mural and art series features artwork created by coalition members across the United States that represent plants and animals protected by the ESA, which are important to their work or local region. The series features both species that are currently listed as endangered, as well as species that have successfully recovered thanks to this landmark legislation.

Learn more about all of the murals in the ESA50 series below!

Migration: A Natural Act, Artist Raquel Madrigal, Sponsored by The Doña Ana Village Association (DAVA), Endangered Species Coalition, and Bat Conservation International Doña Ana, NM

Migration: A Natural Act is a striking portrayal of the natural magnificence of southwestern New Mexico, with a particular focus on its imperiled fauna. The mural highlights the Boreal Owl, Gila Monster, and two endangered fish species – the Chihuahua Chub and Roundtail Chub. Migration is a recurring theme of the artwork, with the river symbolizing the innate movement of humans and animals across the landscape. Read more here.

Location: 135 Joe Gutierrez St., Las Cruces, NM

About the Artist: Raquel Madrigal is an interdisciplinary artist with a degree in Fine Arts, who is widely known for her captivating murals, posters and zines that incorporate her unique poetry. Her murals, in particular, have garnered attention for their powerful narrative highlighting the struggles and triumphs of working-class families as well as the endangered species in Southern New Mexico.

Beyond Borders: The Beauty and Peril of the Tiger, Artist Sonny Sundancer, Sponsored by FOUR PAWS, New York City, NY

This three-story tall mural in lower Manhattan is a collaboration between FOUR PAWS and urban contemporary artist, Sonny Sundancer. Featuring a tiger, the mural raises awareness about protecting tigers around the world—both in the wild and in captivity—and highlights our #BreakTheVicious Cycle campaign, which aims to ban the commercial trade of all big cats in South Africa. Learn more here.

Location: 188 Lafayette St., NY, NY.

Feel free to take photos and tag us @fourpawsusa for a chance to be featured in our stories!

About the Artist: Sonny Behan, also known as Sonny Sundancer, is an acclaimed artist renowned for his magnificent large-scale wildlife murals and intricately detailed oil paintings. His art, which seamlessly blends realism with abstraction, can be found in galleries and streets worldwide, from South Africa to New York. His bold use of color and dynamic compositions capture the movement of the animals he brings to life.

Nature’s Kaleidoscope, Artist, Jeremy Nicols, Sponsored by Oregon Wild, The Humane Society of the United States, ESA50 Coalition Partners in Portland, OR

The 600 sq ft. masterpiece titled Nature’s Kaleidoscope, depicts an ecosystem of imperiled species and was painted over 14 days by talented local artist Jeremy Nicols. The mural features a gray wolf, a northern spotted owl, coho salmon, western-painted turtles, and as well as an array of pollinators and native plants. Read more here.

Location: NW 13th Ave & NW Lovejoy St, Portland, OR

About the Artist: Jeremy Nicols was born in Japan in 1982. His work tends to focus on the energy, movement, balance, and harmony of the chaos around us. From urban growth and development, to the forward push to preserve the nature around us.

MAYÁHUEL and MICTLANTECUHTLI, by Artist HOKZYN, Sponsored by Chelenzo Farms, Endangered Species Coaltion, Lobos of the Southwest, Bat Conservation International, WildEarth Guardians, and ESA50 Coalition Partners, in Cerrillos, NM

“MAYÁHUEL” depicts Mayahuel, the Aztec goddess of fertility, agave, and sacred beverages emerging from an agave plant. Beside the goddess are Mexican long-nosed bats (Leptonycteris nivalis) which are a regional endangered species crucial towards pollinating agave and other flowering plants.

“MICTLANTECUHTLI” depicts the Aztec god of death and the underworld, Mictlantecuhtli, surrounded by the Mexican gray wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) and the Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis lucida) which according to folklore acted as a messenger to the land of the dead.

Location: Chelenzo Farms, 48B Rainbows End, Cerrillos, NM

About the Artist: The murals, distinguishable by HOKZYN’s unique graffiti-inspired art style, not only pay tribute to the rich Aztec culture, but also spread awareness of indigenous endangered species in Mexico and New Mexico. HOKZYN explains her intention was to “work with the original codex illustrations of each Aztec divinity, as a sign of respect and offering to the gods represented.”

Ha-Nukkud, Artist Paul ‘Nox’ Pablo, Sponsored by Arivaca Pollinator Pathway Project, Endangered Species Coalition, and ESA50 Coalition Partners in Arivaca, AZ

Ha-Nukkud, which means “to protect” in the Tohono O’odham language is a permanent fixture at the Arivaca Dancehall, and is a collaboration between the Arivaca Pollinator Pathway Project, Tohono O’odham artist Paul ‘Nox’ Pablo, and a steering committee of Arivaca community members. The three-sided mural features endangered and threatened species native to Arivaca, including: a monarch butterfly, the Lesser Long-nosed Bat pollinating a Saguaro blossom, a Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, and other bees, butterflies, insects, and bats pollinating native wildlife. Read more here.

Location: Arivaca Dancehall, 17271 W. 5th St, Arivaca, AZ

About the Artist: Paul ‘Nox’ Pablo is from the San Miguel region of the Tohono O’odham Nation and has been creating art in Southern Arizona and other regions of the US for over a decade. Besides his solo work as a painter and an aerosol muralist, he is a member of the indigenous artists collective Neoglyphix, who work together as a group to create murals and to provide youth with art-making experiences.

European Black Rail, Artist Yulia Avgustinovich, Sponsored by the Audubon Society in Washington D.C.

This Black Rail looms large next to the Park at LeDroit in Washington D.C. A small, secretive marsh bird, no bigger than a sparrow, the Black Rail is challenging to find, even for scientists studying the stealthy creature. Black Rails nest only a few inches above the ground, which means they are particularly susceptible to sea-level rise. Their nests can likewise be washed out by high tides and severe storms. The Eastern subspecies, which lives primarily along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 2020. Because climate change and the ongoing conversion of their habitat continue to pose an existential threat, a network of partners is working to identify strategies to to restore the Eastern Black Rail throughout the Atlantic Flyway.

Location: 307 Elm Street NW, Washington, D.C.

About the Artist: After studying art in college in Belarus, Yulia Avgustinovich realized she wasn’t the sort of artist who wanted to be sitting in a studio painting only for herself. So she brought her work into the street for everyone to enjoy. Avgustinovich began her career painting murals in Moscow; now based in Maryland, the muralist takes special inspiration from nature.

Mangrove Connections, Artist Kelly Quinn, Sponsored by the Ocean Preservation Society and the Endangered Species Coalition, in St. Petersburg, FL

This interactive mural highlights native mangrove forests and its abundant wildlife. The endangered smalltooth sawfish, the mangrove cuckoo, and a variety of fish species depend on this keystone habitat. Viewers can learn about each species in the mural through the interactive knowledge base on Canvas of the Wild. From there they can connect with ways to help protect local endangered species. Read more here.

Location: 2553 1st Ave North, St. Petersburg, FL

About the Artist: Growing up as an artist at the edge of the Everglades headwaters, Kelly Quinn is passionate about protecting Florida’s natural ecosystems. She has been developing creative avenues that support environmental education. As the Art Director for Canvas of the Wild, Kelly creates large-scale murals and educational displays, as well as graphics, animations, and book illustrations that communicate science to our community.

Migration is Natural by Artist Ray Acosta, Sponsored by The Doña Ana Village Association (DAVA), Bat Conservation International, Lobos of the Southwest, and ESA50 Coalition Partners, in Las Cruces, NM

“Migration is Natural” by Ray Acosta highlights 3 endangered species: the Mexican Gray Wolf, the Mexican Long Nosed Bat, and the Lesser Long Nosed Bat. The name of the mural reflects what these species do. The two bat species cross over to the U.S. from Mexico and back every year. The range of the Mexican Gray Wolf also includes several U.S. states. “This mural represents a chance of life for the endangered animals,” said artist, Ray Acosta. “What will the future look like without them? We need to preserve the animals and their habitat for the future generations to come, and my hope is that this mural can represent these animals in a beautiful way.”

Location: 442 E. Lohman Avenue, Las Cruces,N.M.

About the Artist: Ramon “Ray” Acosta is a New Mexico based artist who is widely known for his captivating murals both locally and nationally. Ray is self-taught and began painting large murals in the mid- 80’s while working with a local billboard company. He is an artist with a sense of humor. His signature touch is to add himself in each mural along with incorporating other small surprises throughout the art work.

Lion Mario, Artist Sophy Tuttle, Sponsored by FOUR PAWS, Boston, MA

Lion Mario was painted by renowned wildlife artist, Sophy Tuttle, and features the real-life eponymous lion who lives at our LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary. Sophy’s painting advocates for continued protection for big cats and highlights FOUR PAWS’ work to rescue and protect lions and other big cats around the globe. Read more here.

Location: Mario’s portrait is proudly displayed at FOUR PAWS’ US office in Boston, Massachusetts.

About the Artist: Sophy Tuttle is an English-born, Boston-based artist specializing in nature inspired murals and artwork. Her work celebrates nature, reconsiders our position in the web of life, and creates new narratives that explore regenerative, resilient culture-building among all forms of life.

Rusty-Patched Bumblebee by Artist Kenia LaMarr, Sponsored by Connecting Community Corridor for People Pollinators and the Planet (CCC for PPP), Sunny Glen Garden Endangered Species Coalition, Center for Biological Diversity, and ESA50 Coalition Partners, in Columbus, Ohio

Sunny Glen Garden and the Connecting Community Corridor for People Pollinators and the Planet (CCC for PPP) are partners in bringing an art mural to the Linden neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio. Resident Linden artist, Kenia LaMarr, has created a design for the Rusty-Patched Bumblebee – the first native bee on the endangered species list as we look for ways to prevent the Rusty-Patched Bumblebee from becoming extinct by providing native pollen and nectar food sources and habitat free from pesticides and chemicals, leaving leaves, stems, and dead seed heads up for the winter on individual properties, balconies, porches, and on schools, churches and businesses.

Location: Oakland Park and Maize Commerce Plaza, 929 Oakland Park Ave, Columbus, OH

About the Artist: Being surrounded by family members who are artists in their own right, Kenia LaMarr found her love for creating art at a young age. Her portraits are vibrant and colorful, rarely using the traditional ideas of skin color; to explore the beliefs of identity and normative views to convey the concept of self while contradicting conventional notions of race. “The creation process of my art is healing for me. I hope it is for the viewers; even if that feeling is momentary. As a black portraitist, I desire to create dialogue around the layers of humanity and strive to gain a more profound perception of humankind.”

Western Snowy Plover, Artist Jonathan Martinez, Sponsored by the Audubon California in Sacramento, CA

This pair of Western Snowy Plovers are an outsize presence on The Nature Conservancy’s building in downtown Sacramento. The first Audubon Mural Project installation in California’s capital, the mural was commissioned by Audubon California and Wide Open Walls, joining a national network of murals that Endangered Species Coalition partners created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act. The landmark environmental law provides crucial protection to animals like the Western Snowy Plover, whose population along the Pacific Coast has begun to tentatively rebound since first being listed as threatened in 1993.

Location: 830 S Street, Sacramento, CA 95811

About the Artist: Dedicated to painting wildlife exclusively, with every piece, Jonathan Martinez celebrates the natural world as he also calls on us, to protect it. Known as “Art of Endangered,” Martinez’ artistic journey began 10 years ago and since that time, he has stayed true to what has become his signature style: vibrant colors that seem to move, envelop and uplift the beauty of the wildlife he paints. Martinez paints in a variety of mediums. From small acrylic paintings and mixed- media drawings, to large-scale spray- painted murals.

You can learn more about the #ESA50 coalition and all the murals here.

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Just days left to be a part of Collaborating for Wildlife and Plants: ESA at 50

Jeanne Dodds — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 18:59:08 +0000

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act we’ve launched a new, collaborative call for youth artists grades K-12: Collaborating for Wildlife and Plants: ESA at 50.

To support your participation, we’ve been working on a set of helpful resources and ideas for media and lessons for groups of two or more K-12 youth. You can use these resources to develop projects celebrating the successes and importance of the Endangered Species Act for our irreplaceable wildlife and plant species.

You’ll find those resources at Collaborating for Wildlife and Plants: ESA at 50, along with suggestions for media to use for your artwork and creative, collaborative possibilities..

Please visit our webpage for complete eligibility guidelines, wildlife and plant lists, and image requirements for the submission of artworks. You can submit artwork using the linked form on that page!

The Call to Artist submission platform closes to entries on April 21st, 2023.

May 19th, 2023 Endangered Species Day launch of virtual gallery of multimedia works included in Collaborating for Wildlife and Plants: ESA at 50

We can’t wait to see the collaborative projects you create! Thank you for your participation in this important celebration of the Endangered Species Act 50th Anniversary.

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Celebrating 50 Years of Endangered Species Act Success

Email Poster — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 16:41:08 +0000

Landmark Law Continues to Save Wildlife From Extinction

WASHINGTON— Conservation and wildlife advocacy groups are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Endangered Species Act this year, commemorating five decades of effective and crucial protection for imperiled animals and plants.

Passed nearly unanimously by Congress and signed into law by Richard Nixon on Dec. 28, 1973, the Endangered Species Act continues to be a bedrock environmental law for the United States. The Act has been tremendously successful at preventing species that are protected under it from going extinct. The Act has saved countless imperiled species, and 90% of the plants and wildlife listed under the law are recovering on schedule to meet the timetables in their recovery plans.

“This year, as we celebrate 50 years of the Endangered Species Act, we know its role in maintaining biodiversity is more important now than ever, especially as we face a worsening climate crisis and mass extinction,” said House Natural Resources Ranking Member Raúl M. Grijalva. “From protecting critical habitat to creating recovery plans, the Endangered Species Act has facilitated the recovery of species like the humpback whale and bald eagle, while also protecting iconic species like grizzly bears, sea turtles and jaguars. We know this milestone is also a time to reinvigorate our defense of Endangered Species Act protections. Each year, Republicans ramp up their attacks to undermine science-based decisions about listing, delisting, habitat protections and recovery, so they can more easily dole out favors for polluters. We stand ready to continue our fight for species and their habitats over the next 50 years and beyond.”

“For 50 years, the Endangered Species Act has been our safety net for fish, plants and wildlife on the brink of extinction,” said Bob Stanton, former director of the U.S. National Park Service. “As we look to the next 50 years, we owe it to future generations to fully fund and strengthen the law that protects our nation’s wildlife heritage.”

More than 1,747 imperiled species of plants, fish and wildlife in the United States were protected by the Endangered Species Act as of 2019, according to a peer reviewed study. Only 26 have gone extinct or are possibly extinct after being placed on the list of protected species. However, many other plants and animals — like the Bishop’s ʻōʻō, Guam broadbill and Tacoma pocket gopher — have disappeared while waiting for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to make decisions on whether to protect them.

Despite its strong track record, and the support of 90% of American voters, the Endangered Species Act continues to face political threats. In 2017 more than 400 organizations signed a letter to members of Congress opposing efforts to weaken the law. This year provides an opportunity to reflect on the law’s successes, as well as find ways to strengthen it to protect imperiled plants and animals.

In celebration of the Endangered Species Act, conservation and animal advocacy organizations will be hosting events, releasing reports and launching a website to honor this historic law. These include holding an awards ceremony for people and organizations working to save imperiled animals, educating members of Congress about the importance of the Endangered Species Act and sponsoring a series of murals highlighting endangered species.

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Contact:

Stephanie Kurose, Center for Biological Diversity, (202) 849-8401 x 103, skurose@biologicaldiversity.org
Derek Goldman, Endangered Species Coalition, dgoldman@endangered.org
Perry Wheeler, Earthjustice, (202) 792-6211, pwheeler@earthjustice.org
Regan Downey, Wolf Conservation Center, (914) 763-2373 x 110, regan@nywolf.org

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