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International Tea Day
International Tea Day
There"s nothing quite like a nice cup of tea. Whether you like Darjeeling, Earl Grey, oolong, matcha, or English breakfast, today"s the day to celebrate this beloved brew: May 21 is International Tea Day. People have been drinking tea for at least 5,000 years. The drink originated in China, but in the 16th and 17th centuries, it was introduced to Western merchants, who helped to spread it around the world. It is now the second-most consumed drink in the world after water.Desktop Version
International Day for Biological Diversity
International Day for Biological Diversity
Today we"re celebrating the biodiversity of our planet. What exactly is biodiversity? It refers to the variety of living things, from animals and plants to fungi and microorganisms, in one area. This delicate but vigorous balance in nature is what keeps us all alive. That"s definitely worth celebrating! May 22 was named International Day for Biological Diversity by the United Nations in 2000. Unfortunately, the biodiversity of Earth is slowly decreasing due to climate change, the draining of natural resources, urbanization, and pollution, among other factors. Campaigners are urging governments, businesses and individuals to take action to boost biodiversity, to protect healthy ecosystems that supply us with water, food, medicines, and more. After all, we are blessed with intriguing species such as the Tasmanian snow gum—the tree seen in today"s image—that takes root in one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet, the Mount Field National Park in Tasmania, Australia.Desktop Version
European Day of Parks
European Day of Parks
Today is European Day of Parks! On this day in 1909, Europe"s first nine national parks were founded in Sweden. This year, the celebration highlights how protected areas help shape nature policies and contribute to building sustainable societies. These areas are more than just guardians of biodiversity; they are also pillars of our collective well-being, reminding us to preserve our natural heritage.Desktop Version
Aït Benhaddou, Morocco
Aït Benhaddou, Morocco
Are you looking for sandy charms? Come to Aït Benhaddou, Morocco, on the old caravan route linking the Sahara to Marrakesh. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases Moroccan earthen clay architecture, made using sun-dried mud. Although none of the buildings here are believed to predate the 17th century, they are constructed using techniques and styles that are much older. Located on the gentle slopes overlooking the Asif Ounila (Ounila River) the Ksar of Aït Benhaddou is a fortified village, clustered within a defensive wall with corner towers. The ksar"s communal landscape includes a public square, a mosque, grain-threshing areas beyond the fortifications, and a caravanserai—a type of roadside inn, among other features. So, if you are seeking a journey off the beaten path, Aït Benhaddou awaits you.Desktop Version
Methow Valley, North Cascades, Washington
Methow Valley, North Cascades, Washington
If you"re looking for meadows blanketed with vibrant wildflowers, the Methow Valley in the North Cascade Mountains, Washington, is the place for you. The spiky purple, blue, and white lupines and golden balsamroot flowers create a picturesque contrast with the area"s rugged mountains. These flowers also play crucial roles in the valley"s ecosystem. Lupines are nitrogen-fixing plants which help to improve soil fertility while balsamroot attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, helping plants to reproduce and contributing to the biodiversity of the region. Whether you"re a seasoned botanist or nature enthusiast, the wildflowers of the Methow Valley will surely leave a lasting impression of the enchanting wilderness.Desktop Version
Fallen but not forgotten
Fallen but not forgotten
Today, as we observe Memorial Day, we pay tribute to the courageous individuals who gave their lives to defend our nation and uphold its values. The origins of this day date back to the 1860s, in the years following the Civil War and the first national observance was held in 1868. However, one of the earliest accounts is from October 1864, when three women in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, placed flowers at the graves of two Union soldiers. They decided to decorate the graves of all the fallen soldiers and returned to do the same the following year.Desktop Version
The Monastery of Roussanou, Greece
The Monastery of Roussanou, Greece
Welcome to the Roussanou Monastery, nestled amidst the towering cliffs of the Meteora rock formation in Thessaly, northern Greece. Roussanou is one of the six monasteries that remain active in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite the construction difficulties, 24 monasteries were founded on these "columns of the sky" in the 14th and 15th centuries.Desktop Version
World Otter Day
World Otter Day
Playful, strong swimmers, and expert hunters—meet the otters. They come in 13 species of various shapes and sizes, from the sea otters found in coastal waters to the river otters frolicking in freshwater habitats. Seen in today"s image is a Eurasian otter on the beautiful Isle of Mull off the west coast of Scotland. With webbed feet, streamlined bodies, and dense fur coats, otters are built for speed and agility underwater. They can dive deep and hold their breath for several minutes.Desktop Version
Everglades National Park marks 90 years
Everglades National Park marks 90 years
On this day 90 years ago, Congress passed an act that would lead to the creation of one of America"s natural gems: Everglades National Park in Florida. It would be another 13 years before enough land was acquired to make the park a reality but today, it encapsulates the largest subtropical wilderness in the US. Spanning more than 1.5 million acres, the park is a lifeline to 36 federally protected and endangered wildlife species, from the gentle manatee to the stealthy Florida panther. Here, the air thrums with the calls of over 350 bird species like limpkins and snail kites, while the waters teem with life including hundreds of species of fish, sea turtles, and American crocodiles. Beyond its biodiversity, the park is celebrated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve, and a Wetland of International Importance. Here"s to Everglades National Park—may it continue to inspire wonder, curiosity, and appreciation for the wild world around us.Desktop Version
Gunnerside, Yorkshire Dales National Park, England
Gunnerside, Yorkshire Dales National Park, England
In Yorkshire Dales National Park, the ancient village of Gunnerside is brimming with English charm and history. Picture yourself strolling through its narrow lanes, surrounded by rolling hills, lush pastures, and stone cottages, with the roar of the Swale River your only soundtrack. Designated in 1954, the national park is spread across 841 square miles, and there are over 1,000 farms in this area. One of the area"s most distinctive features are its dry stone walls; built without any kind of mortar, they can last hundreds of years. There are thought to be over 5,000 miles of these walls in the Dales.Desktop Version
Pride Month
Pride Month
June is Pride Month, commemorating the Stonewall uprising, a series of protests by the LGBTQIA+ community that took place on June 28, 1969, in response to a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village in New York City. Various events around the world are held in June to honor and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, their history, achievements, and ongoing pursuit for equality. This month, vibrant parades hit the streets, and buildings light up in the colors of the rainbow—a symbol of the LGBTQIA+ social movements—in numerous cities to praise freedom for all. Today"s homepage shows the skyline of San Francisco, home to one of the largest and oldest Pride parades, with City Hall lit up in rainbow lights.Desktop Version
National Gardening Week
National Gardening Week
It"s time to grab a trowel, roll up your sleeves, and get planting: National Gardening Week is starting today! Taking place in the first full week of June, this event was created by the National Garden Clubs, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the joys of horticulture. First celebrated in 1987 this week is all about getting more people involved in gardening and spreading awareness of how important gardens are. Being home to a wide range of trees, flowers, shrubs, and grasses, gardens can help the environment by absorbing carbon dioxide, filtering water, and encouraging insect life. Gardening clubs across the country celebrate this week by organizing workshops, visiting public gardens, or placing plants at public facilities. They"re also great for people; tending to a garden is good exercise, and being outside in the sunshine is a great way to get more vitamin D. Gardening can even boost your mood, helping you to feel more relaxed and peaceful.Desktop Version
World Bicycle Day
World Bicycle Day
Bicycles are the best! An environmentally friendly form of transportation that is fun, good for your health, affordable, simple, and durable. Once you learn to ride, you"ll never forget how to wheel around. Thanks to Polish-American scientist Leszek Sibiliski"s initiative, the United Nations declared June 3 World Bicycle Day in 2018.Desktop Version
Chestnut-headed bee-eaters, Bardia National Park, Nepal
Chestnut-headed bee-eaters, Bardia National Park, Nepal
It"s not just a name. Chestnut-headed bee-eaters spend their days swooping after stinging insects. As well as bees, they also feast on wasps, hornets, and other bugs. The birds in today"s image are in Bardia National Park in Nepal, but they"re found across many other South Asian countries, from India and Bangladesh to Sri Lanka and Thailand. They catch their prey in mid-flight, returning to a perch where they beat insects to stun them and remove the stinger, which makes them safe to eat. These birds are designed to hunt: Their dazzling green plumage helps camouflage them in dappled jungle light, their curved beak is perfect for picking off insects with precision, and their eyes can move individually, which makes them all the better for spotting bees.Desktop Version
World Environment Day
World Environment Day
Happy World Environment Day! First celebrated back in 1973, this UN event is now celebrated in more than 143 countries. This year"s theme focuses on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience.Desktop Version
The 80th anniversary of D-Day
The 80th anniversary of D-Day
Eighty years ago, on the beaches of Normandy, northern France, an event unfolded that would alter the course of history. The day was June 6, 1944, a date forever etched in time as D-Day. It marked the launch of Operation Overlord, the ambitious Allied invasion that became a turning point in World War II. The audacious assault by sea, air, and land involved nearly 160,000 troops.Desktop Version
World Oceans Day
World Oceans Day
Today, let"s embark on a watery adventure as we celebrate World Oceans Day. This day is about honoring and protecting the world"s oceans and serves as a reminder of the critical role oceans play in supporting life on Earth. These gargantuan water bodies, after all, teem with wonders, from the tiniest plankton to the grandest whales like the humpbacks we see here. The oceans also produce almost half of the oxygen on our planet thanks to the photosynthesis of plankton—tiny plants, algae, and bacteria. Moreover, they absorb a significant amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping mitigate the impacts of climate change caused by human activities.Desktop Version
National Rivers Month
National Rivers Month
The lush greenery of June is here, and so is National Rivers Month, a 30-day tribute to the veins of our planet that was created by Canadian activist Mark Angelo. Just like the confluence featured here today, where Alaska"s Easter Creek and Killik River unite in a beautiful display, we too come together every year to help preserve the nation"s rivers. With increasing threats such as pollution, habitat destruction, and overuse, it"s more important than ever to advocate for the protection of our waterways. Whether you"re paddling down a gentle stream, casting a line for some fishing fun, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll along the riverbank, there are countless ways to connect with these flowing wonders. The US alone boasts a vast network of over 250,000 rivers that stretches more than 3 million miles across diverse terrains. Which one are you heading to?Desktop Version
Bardenas Reales Biosphere Reserve and Natural Park, Spain
Bardenas Reales Biosphere Reserve and Natural Park, Spain
Within the scenic landscape of Navarra, northern Spain, the Bardenas Reales Biosphere Reserve and Natural Park is like a surrealist painting come to life! This park is renowned for its desert-like landscapes sculpted by millennia of erosion. Featuring rocky plateaus, canyons, and whimsically shaped clay structures called cabezos, the park is a playground of geological wonders.Desktop Version
The city of Osaka at night, Japan
The city of Osaka at night, Japan
In the heart of Japan, where the past and future intertwine, lies a city pulsating with life and culture—Osaka. Traditionally an economic hub, Osaka has twice served briefly as the imperial capital, once in the 7th and once in the 8th century. It flourished culturally during the Edo period (1603–1867) and became a major industrial center after the Meiji Restoration in1868, which restored imperial rule to Japan.Desktop Version
Southern gemsbok in the savannah, Botswana
Southern gemsbok in the savannah, Botswana
Horns up, heads high! Featured here is a group of gemsboks, a large antelope, reigning over the sprawling savannas in southwestern Africa. Indigenous to the arid territories of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and parts of Zimbabwe, they thrive mainly within the Kalahari and Namib Deserts. They can survive in extremely dry conditions and can go without water for weeks, getting moisture from the food they eat. Moreover, gemsboks are adept runners, achieving speeds of up to 37 miles per hour. Their distinguishing trait is their notably elongated, straight horns. Although both genders possess these formidable defenses, the females" horns tend to be slightly longer and sleeker while the males" horns are thicker with broader bases. So, if you ever find yourself in the sandy plains of the Kalahari, keep an eye out for these desert gems.Desktop Version
Big Bend National Park anniversary
Big Bend National Park anniversary
Ready to channel your inner nature enthusiast? Let"s explore Big Bend National Park in West Texas, which is celebrating its 80th birthday today. This park is the largest protected area in the Chihuahuan Desert, covering over 1,250 square miles. The Big Bend State Park was established on June 12, 1944, when the state of Texas transferred this land to the federal government.Desktop Version
Registan Square, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Registan Square, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Gather "round, explorers, as we tiptoe into the Registan Square in the city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan! Meaning "sandy place" or "desert" in Persian, Registan was the center of activity during the Timurid Empire. The square embodied the essence of the Timurid Renaissance, a period of cultural and intellectual revival, which spread throughout the Muslim world between the 14th and early 16th centuries CE.Desktop Version
Flag Day
Flag Day
Wave our national symbol today; it"s Flag Day! On June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress, the nation"s first official flag was approved. Throughout US history, the flag"s design has changed. In its current arrangement, the 13 stripes represent the original colonies, and the stars stand for the states. The flag was last modified in 1960 when Hawaii became a state, and the number of white stars on a blue background increased from 49 to 50.Desktop Version
International Surfing Day
International Surfing Day
Today, everybody"s hitting the waves for International Surfing Day! This event is about celebrating surfing while also drawing attention to the importance of protecting ocean environments to keep their waters pristine for wildlife and surfers alike. Surfing has a long history; around 5,000 years ago in Peru, people used reed watercraft to surf the waves when they were out fishing. It was in pre-colonial Hawaii, however, that modern surfing was born. Here, people started to stand on their boards and to surf for fun. Historians believe that surfing made its way to the US in 1885, when three teenage Hawaiian princes surfed on redwood boards while on a break from boarding school in California.Desktop Version