National Wildlife Week 2014, observed March 17–23, celebrates wildlife and our mutual connection to water. Water is a critical resource for all living creatures — whether human, animal or plant — and we all depend on having clean and safe waterways. During the course of the week, the National Wildlife Federation and its partners will highlight this connection by exploring our waterways, from the mountains to the rivers and oceans. 

NWF will highlight the connection of wildlife and water by examining more than 40 different species across the country including the endangered Hawaiian monk seal and whooping crane, as well as swamp rabbits, loons, spring peepers, spotted salamanders, rainbow trout, walleye, blue crab and dragonflies. 

Parks and recreation departments can get involved by organizing or participating in events that highlight wildlife and water, from learning to fish to taking a hike along a waterway or even planting trees to help clean our water and provide habitats for wildlife. NWF provides online resources including guides to the featured wildlife, lessons, activities and a poster that participants can use to celebrate National Wildlife Week.