Today in eco-history: Thoreau wrote "Wildness is the preservation of the world"
On this day in 1851 Henry David Thoreau posits in an address to the Concord Lyceum his famous thesis that "in Wildness is the preservation of the World."
Today in eco-history: 1906 San Francisco earthquake
The tremor and fires resulting from it destroyed 80 percent of the city.
Today in eco-history: Volcanic eruption kills 90,000-plus
The volcano, which began rumbling on Apr. 5, killed almost 100,000 people directly and indirectly.
Today in eco-history: Leonardo da Vinci born
On this day in 1453, Leonardo da Vinci was born. Besides being an artist, he was also a scientist and engineer, often called the exemplary "Renaissance Man."
Today in eco-history: Civilian Conservation Corps created
The CCC planted nearly three billion trees across the country, constructed more than 800 parks, updated fire fighting methods for forested areas, built dams, and built public roadways.
Today in eco-history: Wild Kingdom host Jim Fowler born
Naturalist Jim Fowler was born today. He was part of the groundbreaking wildlife television show called "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom" from 1963-1988.
Today in eco-history: World Health Day founded
World Health Day is seen as an opportunity to draw worldwide attention to a subject of major importance to global health each year.
Today in eco-history: Michigan struck by deadly F5 tornado
Known as the Hudsonville-Standale Tornado, it was part of a large, deadly outbreak of 49 tornadoes that affected the Great Plains, parts of the South, and the upper Midwest.
Today in eco-history: Richmond food riots
Thousands of people, mostly women, broke into shops and began seizing food and other items before the militia arrived to stop them.
Today in eco-history: Ruins of Pompeii discovered
"The excavation of Pompeii brought to light not just individual buildings and artifacts, but an urban fabric."
