Small lake in Karula National Park, Valgamaa County, Estonia
© Sven Zacek/Minden Picture
Eye of the world. Earth Day
For this year’s Earth Day, we find ourselves floating above Karula National Park, the smallest national park in the smallest Baltic nation. Visiting this jewel of Estonia feels appropriate for Earth Day, as it is home to a variety of endangered species, including animals such as the pond bat, the lesser spotted eagle, and the black stork. Rare plants thrive here, too, like the endangered Baltic orchid, mezereon, and the daisyleaf grape fern. In addition to the draw of its biodiversity, Karula is a popular spot for camping, adventure tourism, fishing, nature photography, hiking, and cycling.
On this day in 1970, some 20 million Americans rallied in communities across the United State to raise awareness of environmental issues. The landmark event is credited for sparking the passage in the 1970s of the most comprehensive environmental reform legislation in US history, including the creation of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Earth Day is now celebrated in nearly 200 countries and has grown to include Earth Week and even Earth Month celebrations. That's good news for Earth's residents, big and small.
Panther Creek Falls in spring, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington
Koala mother and 8-month-old joey, Queensland, Australia
A path winding through a forest of bluebells in Hertfordshire, England
Tree in blue agave field in the tequila producing region near Atotonilco, Jalisco, Mexico
A young giant sequoia sprouting out of an old log in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, California
Elephant heard walking the plains in Jim Corbett National Park in India
Central Park, New York City
Spotted owlets in Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan, India
