**Groups & Individuals Honored for Protecting Endangered Species Act & Vulnerable Species

By David Robinson, September 16, 2023

This is an especially appropriate time to honor those people who have made unique contributions to the protection of endangered species.

As we get closer to the Endangered Species Act’s 50th Anniversary (December 28), there is an even greater focus on the ESA’s successes. On September 13, a coalition of conservation organizations held a ceremony at the Library of Congress to recognize the Nez Perce Tribe, the Yurok Tribe, Bat Conservation International, Hawaii’s Plant Extinction Prevention Program, Jane Goodall, the Sea Turtle Conservancy and members of Congress. They were honored for their major contributions to protecting and supporting the Endangered Species Act and their work to conserve and recover threatened and endangered species

“For 50 years, the Endangered Species Act has been our safety net for fish, plants and wildlife on the brink of extinction,” said Leda Huta, executive director of the Endangered Species Coalition, a lead organizer of the event. “As we look to the next 50 years, we owe it to future generations to strengthen our wildlife conservation legacy.”

In addition, Cory Booker (D-NJ), Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) and Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA) were recognized for. their long history of championing imperiled species and the Endangered Species Act in our nation’s capital,  

“The destiny of humanity is intertwined with the destiny of our fellow creatures,” said Senator Booker. “Over the past 50 years the Endangered Species Act has been a lifeline for dozens of species on the brink of extinction. This is a moment both for celebration and to rededicate ourselves to the preservation of this critical law.”

These organizations and individuals are deserving of the recent accolades. However, there are many others who are also worthy of recognition. These include the endangered species conservation advocates whose job it is to protect our vulnerable species. Also, the committed volunteers and their everyday actions that make a difference. You support and participate in the above and other local/national environmental groups. You send Congressional representatives letters and e-mails that call for endangered species and habitat protection. You organize habitat clean-ups, pollinator garden plantings, and various other activities. We appreciate everything you do to care for threatened and endangered plants and animals. You also are heroes.

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