Although we think of forests as trees on land, some of the most important trees grow in water, or more precisely, marshland. Mangrove forests, like this one in Saloum Delta National Park in Senegal, are vital components of the world"s coastal ecosystems. Mangroves survive where no other trees can, in salty, low-oxygen coastal waters exposed to tides and storms. They grow up to 30 feet high primarily in tropical and subtropical regions and are able to store vast amounts of carbon, making them crucial to moderating our climate. Mangroves also act as nurseries for fish and aquatic life. And with their complex, interwoven root systems, they protect coastlines from erosion. Today we join the UN in shining a light on the necessity and fragility of mangroves: July 26 is the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem.
Mangrove Conservation Day
Today in History
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Across the great plains of Africa
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Keyholes to the kingdom
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In praise of bogs, swamps, and marshes
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International Lighthouse Weekend
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Venture into a prehistoric gallery of art
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European Day of Parks
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Barcelona bids farewell to summer
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In the Navajo Nation for Code Talkers Day
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Corn maze in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania
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Jackie Robinson Day
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Celebrating World Water Day
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The village of Castelluccio above the Piano Grande, Umbria, Italy
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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park turns 103
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Wahclella Falls, Oregon
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Quebec City for Winter Carnival
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A bird of beauty
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Siblings Day
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Autumn in Piedmont
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A dreamy start to the Year of the Pig
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Indigenous Peoples Day
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The story of a rediscovered redwood
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Snow aglow in central Japan
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Riding the bore tide at Turnagain Arm, Cook Inlet, Alaska
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A good time in the Badlands
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Poinsettia Day
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Juniper Springs, Florida
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Lizard of mystery
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Bavljenac Island
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Avatars of the Wolf Moon
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Guiding ships to safety