1780day.year
New England's Dark Day, an unusual darkening of the day sky, was observed over the New England states and parts of Canada.
On May 19, 1780, an unexplained darkening shrouded New England and parts of Canada in what became known as the Dark Day.
On May 19, 1780, a mysterious darkening of the sky swept over New England and parts of Canada.
Eyewitnesses described an eerie midday gloom, as if twilight had descended at noon.
Church services continued by candlelight, and the event inspired both fear and religious reflection.
Modern research suggests heavy forest fire smoke and cloud cover as likely causes.
Known as New England’s Dark Day, it remains one of North America’s most famous atmospheric anomalies.
The phenomenon sparked early scientific curiosity about climate and air quality.
1780
New England's Dark Day
New England
Canada
1911day.year
Parks Canada, the world's first national park service, is established as the Dominion Parks Branch under the Department of the Interior.
Canada creates the Dominion Parks Branch, pioneering formal management and protection of national parks worldwide.
On May 19, 1911, the Government of Canada established the Dominion Parks Branch under the Department of the Interior, creating the world's first national park service.
Its mandate was to oversee and preserve prime natural areas, beginning with Banff and Yoho National Parks.
This pioneering agency introduced formal conservation policies to protect wildlife, forests, and geological features.
The initiative reflected growing public appreciation for wilderness and tourism development.
In 1917, the agency was renamed Parks Canada, expanding its scope to include historic sites.
Today, Parks Canada manages over 50 national parks, marine conservation areas, and heritage sites.
1911
Parks Canada
national park
1997day.year
The Sierra Gorda biosphere, the most ecologically diverse region in Mexico, is established as a result of grassroots efforts.
Mexico designates the Sierra Gorda region as a biosphere reserve, recognizing its ecological diversity.
On May 19, 1997, Mexican authorities established the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve in the state of Querétaro.
The reserve encompasses mountains, forests, and valleys hosting an extraordinary range of flora and fauna.
It became the country’s first community-led biosphere, supported by grassroots conservation efforts.
Local organizations and residents collaborated to protect endangered species and preserve habitats.
The designation balanced environmental protection with sustainable development for communities.
Today, Sierra Gorda remains a model of biodiversity conservation and ecotourism in Mexico.
1997
Sierra Gorda biosphere
ecologically diverse
grassroots
2015day.year
The Refugio oil spill deposited 142,800 U.S. gallons (3,400 barrels) of crude oil onto an area in California considered one of the most biologically diverse coastlines of the west coast.
The 2015 Refugio oil spill released over 140,000 gallons of crude oil onto the California coast, creating one of the worst environmental disasters on the west coast.
On May 19, 2015, a broken pipeline near Refugio State Beach released 142,800 gallons of crude oil into the Pacific Ocean. The spill coated miles of shoreline along one of California’s most biodiverse regions. Cleanup efforts involved hundreds of workers and cost millions of dollars. Wildlife, including sea birds and marine mammals, suffered extensive harm. The incident sparked debates over pipeline safety and regulatory oversight. Lawsuits filed by environmental groups and local residents followed as the ecological impact became clear.
2015
Refugio oil spill
crude oil
California
west coast