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All of these events focus on how habitats and species, as well as biodiversity overall, can be protected by individuals, organizations, and the government.

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1681: Last known sighting of the dodo
Description: The dodo was an endemic species on the island of Mauritius, which was discovered by the Portuguese in 1505. Because it was flightless as well as a culinary delicacy, it became threatened by humans and introduced species. The extinction of the dodo also caused several species of trees on Mauritius to become endangered, as the dodo had spread their seeds.

Relation to Theme: The consequences of the extinction of the dodo reveal the importance of conserving biodiversity. The existence of many different species preserves the health of the ecosystem and the environment as a whole. Furthermore, the dodo also reveals that human choices have a significant impact on the preservation of the natural world.

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1890
Description: John Muir was an American naturalist and author who wa known as "John of the Mountains." He dedicated himself to the protection of the wilderness, founding the Sierra Club. Along with President Theodore Roosevelt, he later fought for the preservation of several national parks, including Yosemite and Yellowstone.
Relation to Theme: Muir was an incredibly important individual for modern conservation efforts. His early awareness of the significance of protecting natural habitat in relation to biodiversity and environmental health fundamentally transformed the way that scientists and activists approach environmental protection today.

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May 28, 1892: Sierra Club is founded
Description: The Sierra Club was an organization founded by John Muir to protect the wilderness. It has, since then, swelled to 2.9 million members. Today, it organizes campaigns for the protection of national parks and spaces, criticizes the use of fossil fuels, and galvanizes grassroots activists.
Relation to Theme: The Sierra Club focuses on the protection of biodiversity and the conservation of the environment.

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1901
Description: Theodore Roosevelt was an American president and conservationist. He often lamented the overuse of natural resources and habitat destruction. After becoming President in 1901, he created 230 million acres of public land under federal protection, including 5 national parks and 51 bird reserves.
Relation to Theme: Theodore Roosevelt's early conservation efforts have created some of the most recognizable wildernesses in America, such as Yosemite National Park. His desire to protect the wilderness under federal law has transformed the relationship between the government and the protection of biodiversity and natural capital.

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September 1, 1914
Description: On this date in history, the last passenger pigeon went extinct in captivity at the Cincinnati Zoo. Passenger pigeons, abundant just decades before, had dwindled in numbers due to commercial hunting practices and their habit of flying in large flocks, making them easier targets. Their extinction promoted the passing of the Lacey Act.
Relation to Theme: It is evident from the extinction of the passenger pigeon that irresponsible human use of natural capital can have devastating impacts on the ecosystem.

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October 22, 1951
Description: The Nature Conservancy, much like the Sierra Club, focuses on protecting the lands on which all life depends. This organization works with indigenous communities and governments in over 70 countries to protect the wilderness. It has over 1 million members attempting to establish non-confrontational solutions to environmental problems.
Relation to Theme: The Nature Conservancy demonstrates how individual action and cooperation is important to the protection of biodiversity.

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April, 1961
Description: The World Wildlife Foundation attempts to protect the world's species on an international scale. It is a fundraising organization that provides aid to existing conservation groups. It has pledged itself to maintaining the biodiversity and unique ecosystems of countries around the world.
Relation to Theme: The World Wildlife Foundation is a more species-oriented approach to the protection of biodiversity. It has allowed for the conservation of many important biodiversity hotspots.

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December 2, 1970
Description: The Environmental Protection Agency is a branch of the US government's bureaucracy. It supervises the setting of standards and their enforcement across a variety of areas, including water and air pollution. In addition, it keeps a list of endangered species and ensures their protection.
Relation to Theme: The EPA has solidified the relationship between the government and the protection of biodiversity. It has also consolidated environmental protection into one, unified branch.

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March 3, 1973
Description: CITES is also known as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. It is an international treaty that governs trade in endangered species, protecting the world's biodiversity. In the US, CITES is implemented by the EPA.

Relation to Theme: CITES advocates for the protection of the world's biodiversity through a species-oriented approach.
* Image shows areas where CITES has been ratified

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January 2017
Description: The EPA listed the bumblebee on its endangered species list as of January 2017. Due to stress, disease, and increased use of pesticides, the bumblebee population has declined more than 90% since 1990. However, its recognition as endangered has been opposed by industry organizations such as the National Cotton Council, who want to continue the widespread of use of pesticides in agriculture.
Relation to Theme: The protection of biodiversity often conflicts with the interests of businesses.

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-http://vault.sierraclub.org/john_muir_exhibit/life/muir_biography.aspx
-https://www.nps.gov/thro/learn/historyculture/theodore-roosevelt-and-conservation.htm
-http://content.sierraclub.org/ourwildamerica/
-https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-endangered-species-act
-https://www.worldwildlife.org/about/history
-https://www.nature.org/about-us/
-https://www.fws.gov/international/cites/what-is-cites.html
-http://www.audubon.org/magazine/may-june-2014/why-passenger-pigeon-went-extinct
-http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/03/bumblebees-endangered-extinction-united-states/
-http://www.bagheera.com/inthewild/ext_dodobird.htm

IMAGES:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:John_Muir_by_Taber_%26_Boyd,_c1880.jpg
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Theodore_Roosevelt_laughing.jpg
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Theodore-Roosevelt-and-John-Muir_1906.jpg
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:EPA_CID_Badge.png
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WWFbalaobrasilia22032007.jpg
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:TNC_logo.jpg
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:CITES.svg
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ectopistes_migratorius_(passenger_pigeon).jpg
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bumblebee_05.JPG
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dodo,_Natural_History_Museum,_London_2.JPG