July Offers Many Options for Conservation Observances

By Tess Sailor-Tynes

Conservation Science Coordinator

Marine Discovery Center

The month of July offers more than just the celebration of Independence Day. Some of this month’s observances include National Chocolate Wafer Day, Sidewalk Egg Frying Day, Cow Appreciation Day and more -- all holidays that some have deemed important. Most of these days are too plentiful to keep track of, let alone pencil in on that tiny square of your home calendar, but many nature-based dedications deserve our attention and action during the month of July. 

National Park and Recreation Month: 

Starting off strong, the month of July invites a wonderful observance that gives us an excuse to be adventurous and show gratitude for the great outdoors and the people who work to conserve them. Canaveral National Seashore offers a variety of recreational opportunities, so maybe dedicate a few days on your calendar to check off the list. 

July 1-7 – Clean Beaches Week: 

Clean Beaches week is another observance we believe should be every week, but between summer vacations and the Fourth of July, this week is a perfect time to practice keeping our beaches wild and beautiful. If you build a sand castle or dig a hole on the beach, make sure to demolish the build or refill the dig. This not only helps other beachgoers, but also leaves a clear path for nesting sea turtles and creatures that use the beach. Leave No Trace: either properly dispose of trash/recyclables from the beach or carry them out with you. If you are local to New Smyrna Beach, sign up for a clean-up with Keep NSB Clean!

July 3 – International Plastic-Bag-Free Day:

Going to the store? Try implementing this sustainable practice and see how you fare. This can be as simple as carrying your items out by hand, bringing your own reusable bags, or avoiding purchasing items wrapped in plastics. Everyone has that bag of plastic bags at home, which can be used for pet waste, clothing donations or even stashing some in your car for when you help clean up the places you visit.

July 14 – Shark Awareness Day and National Be-Nice-to-Bugs Day:

If you live in or are visiting New Smyrna Beach, you probably know that we are touted as the “Shark Bite Capital of the World.” While that might scare some people off, it’s important to learn more about the relationship between humans and sharks. Based on statistics, we have a lot of work to do in protecting this group of amazing animals.

You know what else bites? Mosquitoes! And while some bugs might make us question their services or overall purpose in nature, a closer observation of others would most likely increase our appreciation of this little corner of the natural world. From pollinators to microorganisms underground – the world of bugs is a fascinating one that we often don’t consider. Use a local field guide or Seek by iNaturalist (smartphone app) to help with identifications!

July 16 – World Snake Day: 

You don’t need to handle a snake to celebrate this day – in fact, for a lot of people, reading this holiday title might evoke a negative visceral reaction. Take some time to learn more about snakes in your area: identification methods, venomous versus non-venomous species, dietary habits (maybe they help keep pests away!), and habitat preference can increase our understanding of their place in the ecosystem. For starters, pick up a copy of Florida’s Snakes by R.D. Bartlett and Patricia Bartlet or Snakes of the Southeast by Whit Gibbons and Mike Dorcas. If you’re on Facebook, I’ve found the group “What Kind of Snake Is This? Florida” to be very helpful.

July 26 – World Mangrove Day: 

Mangrove trees serve as the lungs of our estuaries and the buffer of our coasts. These incredible plants do such amazing work for the habitats and the human world. Here are some ways you can help support local mangrove populations: learn how to identify native mangrove species; take time on the water to soak in the wonders of a mangrove forest; educate yourself on local regulations regarding mangroves on private property; collect propagules (seed-like mangrove progeny) that have landed in the wrack line on the beach and grow them at home. Once your propagules have become young trees, they can be donated to an environmental organization like Marine Discovery Center to be used in habitat restoration efforts.

July 28 – World Nature Conservation Day: 

In our work, World Nature Conservation Day is every day and there are many actions (big and small) that help make a positive impact on this effort. To participate, visit, volunteer or donate at a conservation organization or area; educate yourself on the establishment of your favorite park or preserve and you’ll probably be reminded that even one person can make a significant change; implement conservation practices at home, like reducing plastic, starting a compost bin, planting a tree or garden; and finally, spend time outdoors! Conservation takes different forms of action, but every action is a step in the right direction.

July 31 – World Ranger Day: 

If you’re visiting a state or national park this day or week, make sure you thank a ranger! Park Rangers provide such an invaluable impact on these areas, from general maintenance to educational interpretation. Our park rangers are true stewards of the lands and waterways, the species that inhabit them, and they work to ensure access to thousands of visitors each year. We wouldn’t be able to enjoy our parks without the people who work to protect them

July 25-August 3 – Love Parks Week: 

If you haven’t visited a park yet this month, this week is the time to go! Whether it’s volunteering, walking, biking, hiking, swimming, kayaking, surfing or camping – get out there and show your love for your parks.