About

Your host for “Today in Conservation” is Larry A. Nielsen.  I am an author, educator and conservationist who believes that the world is a better place today than yesterday and that tomorrow will be even better.

To prove the enormous progress we’ve made–along with some notable setbacks–I’ve amassed a chronology of conservation.  During my 40 years as a university professor, I’ve gathered together the history of people, places and events in conservation and I present them here as a daily calendar.

My hope is that teachers will use the entries as interest items for classes; that students will use them as the first step in researching an assigned project; that speakers will use them to stimulate their audiences; and that all of us will use them for a daily dose of conservation knowledge.  However, you wish to use these entries, please do–and please tell your friends about them.

I’m always looking for new entries, especially one that will diversify the content of the calendar.  We need to talk more and write more about all the people and events that have influenced conservation, not just the big names (who are almost invariably dead white men!).  So, if you have ideas for people, places, events or anything else that you think should be covered, pleased send me an email at todayincons@gmail.com.

Most calendar entries are serious, but, alas, on some days nothing particularly important has happened.  So, for those days, the definition of conservation is stretched a bit.  Remember, if we aren’t having a little fun, we’re not doing it right!

And for a little more fun, read my mystery novels, “Dead Man on Campus” and “The Center Piece,” available from on-line booksellers everywhere.

Learn more about Larry Nielsen

This Month in Conservation

June 1
US Announced Withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement (2017)
June 2
Rodne Galicha, Philippine Environmentalist, Born (1979)
June 2
Edwin Way Teale, Nature Writer, Born (1899)
June 3
The World’s First Wilderness Area Established (1924)
June 4
Gaylord Nelson, Politician and Conservationist, Born (1916)
June 5
World Environment Day
June 6
Novarupta Volcano Erupted in Alaska (1912)
June 7
Thomas Malthus Published His Famous Essay (1798)
June 8
Bryce Canyon National Park Created (1923)
June 9
Coral Triangle Day
June 10
E. O. Wilson, Father of Biodiversity, Born (1929)
June 11
Jacques Cousteau, Ocean Explorer, Born (1910)
June 12
Frank Chapman, Creator of the Christmas Bird Count, Born (1864)
June 13
Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General, Born (1944)
June 14
Bramble Cay Melomys Went Extinct (2016)
June 15
Global Wind Day
June 16
Gray Whale Delisted (1994)
June 17
World Day to Combat Desertification
June 18
Alexander Wetmore, Ornithologist and Smithsonian Leader, Born (1866)
June 19
Feast of the Forest, Palawan, Philippines
June 20
Great Barrier Reef Protected (1975)
June 21
World Hydrography Day
June 22
Cuyahoga River Burst into Flames (1969)
June 23
Antarctic Treaty Implemented (1961)
June 23
June 24
David McTaggart, Greenpeace Leader, Born (1932)
June 25
David Douglas, Pioneering Botanist, Born (1799)
June 26
United Nations Chartered (1945)
June 27
Tajik National Park Added to World Heritage List (2013)
June 28
Mark Shand, Asian Elephant Conservationist, Born (1951)
June 29
Mesa Verde National Park Created (1906)
June 30
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Created (1940)
January February March April May June July August September October November December