EnviroKids 38 Marine & Blue Flag Summer 2017

Tuesday 5 December World Soil Day marks the importance of soil as a critical component of our ecosystems, and as a vital contributor to human health. Monday 11 December International Mountain Day this year highlights the traditional heritage, culture and spirituality of people who live and work in Earth’s mountain habitats. SPECIAL ENVIRONMENTAL DAYS (December 2017 – February 2018)

© Siempreverde22/Dreamstime

Mountain living in Peru

New dino discovery After being buried under the ocean during the Cretaceous period, a species of dinosaur is finally seeing the light of day. The discovery of the nodosaur fossil in an oil sands mine in western Canada is extremely special – this is one of the best-preserved specimens scientists have ever discovered, complete with scales, skin and flesh The new species has been named Borealopelta markmitchelli , after technician Mark Mitchell, who spent approximately 7 000 hours over five and a half years chipping away at the rock to extract the dinosaur within. The fossil is now on display at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Canada. podcast: an audio show, usually of a number of episodes, which can be downloaded from the internet and played on a computer, cell phone, tablet or mp3 player WOrDS tO IMPreSS yOur teacher activist: somebody who publically speaks out in support of or against a cause close to their heart cretaceous period: a geological era from about 145 to 66 million years ago nodosaurs: a family of armoured, plant-eating dinosaurs that lived during the Cretaceous period primatologist: a scientist who studies primates; for example, lemurs, monkeys and apes

Tuesday 16 January Dian Fossey’s birthday – though it¶s not an official environmental day, spend time today investigating what this amazing conservationist and primatologist achieved. Here’s a clue: her famous book is called Gorillas in the Mist .

Thursday 18 January Winnie the Pooh Day – celebrated on the birthday of his creator, author A.A. Milne, it’s one of the cuddliest days around! Friday 2 February World Wetlands Day observes the value and importance of wetlands. Follow updates on Twitter at #WetlandsForOurFuture. Look out for some wetlands-themed competitions!

Tuesday 27 February International

Polar Bear Day raises awareness

about the conservation status of the polar bear. They are classified as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

© Machairo/Wikimedia Commons

EnviroKids Vol. 38(4), Summer 2017 3

Words Robyn Granger