Endangered Species Day

Part celebration of recovering species, part rallying cry to protect those in peril, today marks the third annual Endangered Species Day. Want to observe the occasion? You have your pick of more than 90 events at parks, wildlife refuges, libraries, aquariums, museums and zoos in 31 states today and over the weekend--film festivals for artsy types, lectures for wonks, and something for everyone in between.

In all, the Endangered Species Coalition expects thousands of people to join in the activities. With any luck, those who attend will find ways to shake the common feeling of helplessness described by Emerald City blogger Siel (of the LA Times):

I know many environmentalists sometimes get overwhelmed by the magnitude of environmental problems we have in the world. Usually I manage OK, but when I get to thinking about endangered species, I feel a sense of helplessness that lies somewhere between depression and repression.

As a solution, Siel proposes to try focusing on one species at a time. (One option: the Hawaiian monk seal, above) Do you have other ideas? Let us know how you're trying to make a difference.