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Endangered Species Day Celebration by Zoom, May 15th, 2026, 6-9 pm MT
Endangered Species Day is the third Friday in May. Congress designated the day twenty years ago, in 2006.
Since 2006, in western SD, we have had a multi-group sponsored Endangered Species Day event, except for the first year of Covid epidemic. This year’s event is conducted by Zoom.
Here is link to the pre-recorded video of Luke Toso’s presentation. Creative commons copyright license – attribution, no derivatives – A conservative license – assigned until I ask each speaker what they want for CC copyright license.
https://fws-fileshare.box.com/s/mppzzk0ovv0o9vqoysoqm2ooer59rt8i
Here is link to the pre-recorded video of Jewel Tomasula’s presentation. Creative commons copyright license – attribution, no derivatives, A conservative license – assigned until I ask each speaker what they want for CC copyright license.
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Youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wr48f-cnbA
We will be posting the full Zoom recording later
This years speakers will speak in this order – the times are approximate and speaking segments may be a little shorter or longer, as we are estimating the Q &A time:
6 pm MT – 6:10 pm Greetings, review of agenda & introduction of sponsors – about 10 minutes
6:10 – 7:05 pm MT – Isaac Johnson from Lower Brule Sioux Tribe will speak on the Tribes efforts to reintroduce and recover black-footed ferrets (federally endangered) and swift fox (state endangered) – about 55 minutes.
7:05 – 8:00 pm MT Luke Toso, Acting Field Supervisor of USFWS for North and South Dakota , will give their SD Ecological Service’s update on federally endangered and threatened species in SD – about 55 minutes.
Presentation will focus on the current status of endangered species act species in South Dakota, which would include threatened, endangered, proposed, candidate, or petitioned species. Discussion will also include a description of potential habitat for each species, range in South Dakota, a current or ongoing recovery actions taken in the state.
This segment is pre-recorded and folks should submit questions via e-mail to Nancy at phas.wsd@rapidnet.com or 605-787-6466, 787-2806 (cell) before Wednesday, so she can forward to Luke – he will answer those questions in his recording.. Also the audience attending by Zoom may be able to answer some questions.
8:00-8;05 pm 5 minute break
8:05-9:00 pm Jewel Tomasula, National Policy Director for the Endangered Species Coalition will talk the about the past year in DC –
“Endangered Species Federal Policy – A Year in Review (2025 – 2026)” – Estimate of time, maybe 40 minutes
Description: The past year has been unprecedented for federal policy on endangered species. With sweeping proposals from the Trump Administration and ongoing efforts in Congress to rewrite the law, there is a great deal to track and respond to. This presentation will highlight the most wide-reaching national policy updates affecting endangered species.
This segment is pre-recorded & speaker will not be there. Members of the audience may be able to answer some questions.
Topic: 2026 Endangered Species Day Celebration – Sponsored by Prairie Hills Audubon Society, Rapid City Chapter of Izaak Walton League of America, Black Hills Climate Lobby, Black Hills Clean Water Alliance, The Norbeck Society, Humane World For Animals
Zoom details:
Time: May 15, 2026 06:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83634102703?pwd=h3i24DqkSt2Ha3NWHc6HKtGJDgtqEr.1
Meeting ID: 836 3410 2703
Passcode: 616113
One tap mobile
+17193594580,,83634102703#,,,,*616113# US
+12532050468,,83634102703#,,,,*616113# US
Join by SIP
83634102703@zoomcrc.com
Other Join instructions (you can find land line phone #s at the below link)
https://us06web.zoom.us/meetings/83634102703/invitations?signature=1LYtX-aXCWym06wfCj5FzdsxNeUXhhGOBdwxJs3h2ek
Here are two phone numbers, that land lines can use:
• +1 719 359 4580 US
• +1 253 205 0468 US
POSTER FOR THE EVENT
https://phas-wsd.org/wp-content/uploads/ESDC.POSTER26.M.Final-Layout-1-2.jpg
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Contact Nancy Hilding at 605-787-6466 (LL) for phas.wsd@rapidnet.com or nhilshat@rapidnet.com, for more information.
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BLACK HILLS PARKS AND FOREST ASSOCIATION IS HAVING A 3 DAY OPEN HOUSE MAY 14-16th in Custer. On May 15th at 10 am they will have a talk about black-footed ferrets & have endangered species chalk art event – 11-4 pm – for details https://phas-wsd.org/event/black-hills-nature-shop-grand-opening-may-14-16th-custer-sd-associated-events/
BIRD BASH at Bear Butte State Park, from 10:30-1 pm Prairie Hills Audubon Society will supply chalk for drawing endangered species chalk art event –https://phas-wsd.org/event/bird-bash-at-bear-butte-state-park/
ENDANGERED SPECIES CHALK ART – Prairie Hills Audubon Society has a grant from the National Audubon Society, to create Endangered Species Chalk Art Events & distrusted free chalk to educator, recreation centers, parks, etc, between May 1st and May 17th . For information on chalk art and Endangered Species Day:
Endangered Species Coalition web page on chalk competition (it is their event):
https://www.endangered.org/endangered-species-chalk-art-event/
PHAS calendar page, explaining our involvement
https://phas-wsd.org/event/endangered-species-chalk-art-event-contest-may-1st-may-17th/
ENDANGERED SPECIES COALITION:
This is a coalition of over 300 groups, across the nation, that meets at least once every two weeks, mid-day on Wednesdays, with lectures for
member groups to attend.
visit their web site on Endangered Species Day for resources and maps of events nation wide
– https://www.endangered.org/endangered-species-day/
According to the ESC – they (not congress) set this year’s national theme: “Celebrating America’s Wildlife Comeback Stories”.
Championing the Endangered Species Act.
This theme highlights the powerful stories of recovery and success made possible by the Endangered Species Act. Species like the California Sea Otter, the Whooping Crane, and the American Alligator have all rebounded thanks to this landmark conservation law.
This year’s event marks the 21st Annual Endangered Species Day, now celebrated globally to mark the importance of protecting threatened and endangered wildlife and their habitats.