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In 2015, Florida Republican Governor Rick Scott created Save the Florida Panther Day, allocating $150 million toward land acquisition and management to focus on protecting land for the Florida panther. The historic funding and focus on Florida's ecosystem ensure and protects the Florida panther and its domain. The Florida panther once roamed throughout the southeastern United States, and today, it can only be found in the forests and Everglades. In 1967, ten panthers remained in the wild, and eight breeding females were brought in from Texas. Today that number is closer to 200. On Jul 24, 2021, the state passed the Wildlife Corridor Act, facilitating the movement of the big cats within their territories, proving that despite the rhetoric, Florida does care about its environment. Though Florida has lost its way of late, in years and decades past, the state was a critical and outspoken advocate for conservation and the environment, including championing its own Arbor Day and protecting the Everglades and endangered species while raising awareness about wetlands and the necessity of biodiversity. In fact, until the 1990s, conservative Americans strongly valued environmental causes, including Republican presidents Teddy Roosevelt and Richard Nixon. The antipathy on current display is a new phenomenon, which makes Save the Florida Panther Day, the state animal, unique. Cover Photo: Male panther at the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by FWS, 2018.

Africa

Mar

Flour Month, Ntl.: March

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There are three primary forms of flour: wheat, corn, and oat. However, flour can be made of many different foods, including rice, coconut, barley, nuts, and even beets and carrots. Health food markets and whole food grocery stores often have a selection of different types of flour, including coconut, rye, and rice. National Flour Month, occurring in March each year, is an opportunity to explore the wondrous world of flour and try something different. You might be surprised at the new tastes you find!

Africa

Mar

Flu Season Ends, Northern: March 31

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Hooray! The end of the flu season in the Northern Hemisphere is here! While seasonal flu outbreaks can occur in October, most flu activity peaks between December and February, and activity can last as late as May.

Africa

Mar

Folk Tales and Fables Week, World: March 16-22

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Every culture has its tales and fables. For centuries, oral histories and legends were communicated through stories and myths. Classic folklore teaches about other cultures and languages, generally capped with a moral lesson. Triumph over good and evil, or using cunning and ingenuity to solve problems, are all common themes of fables. World Folk Tales & Fables Week is your opportunity to explore the world of fables or even pick up some classics like 1001 Nights or Aesop's Fables.

Africa

Mar

Folklife Festival, San Antonio (US-TX): March 28-30

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Located on the grounds of the Institute of Texan Cultures on the UTSA Hemisfair Campus, the three-day event showcases the Lone Star State's diversity and rich heritage through a wide variety of ethnic food, music, dance, arts, and crafts. PLEASE NOTE: Treat all televised and venue-specific events (sporting, concerts, trade shows, etc.) as estimated. Several factors can cause an event to move dates at the last minute, including weather, strikes, natural disasters, political upheaval, conflicting programming, pandemics, and current events. Because of this, always verify the event with the promotor before committing resources. LEEP often estimates dates based on the previous year's schedules, as the final dates are only a few months, weeks, or days before the event. If the date is known to be estimated, you will see an (est) following the date in the title.

Africa

Mar

Food Waste Action Week (UK): March 17-23 (est)

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Food Waste Action Week in the United Kingdom is a significant campaign aimed at tackling the issue of food waste, a growing concern with substantial environmental implications. Launched by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), a UK-based charity and advisory body, this initiative seeks to raise awareness about the impact of food waste and encourage actions to reduce it. The history of Food Waste Action Week began with WRAP's commitment to environmental and sustainability issues. Recognizing that household food waste contributes significantly to carbon emissions, WRAP initiated this annual event to educate the public and promote change. The week focuses on providing practical tips and strategies for households to minimize food waste, thereby reducing their environmental footprint. During Food Waste Action Week, homeowners are encouraged to focus on key areas in their homes where food waste commonly occurs: Refrigerator: Often the primary site for food waste, the fridge should be regularly monitored. Keeping it organized, understanding how to store different foods properly, and regular checks for items nearing expiration dates can significantly reduce waste. Pantry and Cupboards: Arrange dry goods and canned items in pantries and cupboards so that older items are used first. Clear labeling can prevent overbuying and waste. Freezer: Freezing food can extend its life, but it's important to label and date frozen items and rotate them to ensure they are used before becoming freezer-burned. Meal Planning and Shopping Lists: Planning meals in advance and creating shopping lists can reduce impulsive buys that often lead to excess and unconsumed food. Portion Control: Cooking and serving appropriate portion sizes helps reduce leftovers. Composting: For unavoidable waste like vegetable peelings and eggshells, composting is an effective way to recycle these items back into the garden instead of sending them to landfills. Understanding Expiration Dates: Educating about the difference between 'use-by,' 'sell-by,' and 'best before' dates can help make informed food safety and usability decisions. Food Waste Action Week is about raising awareness and driving real change in behaviors at the household level. By focusing on these key areas, homeowners can play a crucial role in reducing food waste, contributing to the broader goal of environmental conservation and sustainability. This initiative underscores the importance of individual action in tackling global issues like food waste and climate change.

Africa

Mar

Forests Day, Intl. Day of: March 21

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International Day of the Forests first ran in 2013. From the United Nations: "Forests cover one-third of the Earth's land mass, performing vital functions worldwide. Around 1.6 billion people - including more than 2,000 indigenous cultures - depend on forests for their livelihoods, medicines, fuel, food, and shelter. Forests are the most biologically diverse ecosystems on land, home to more than 80% of the terrestrial species of animals, plants, and insects. Yet despite all of these priceless ecological, economic, social, and health benefits, global deforestation continues at an alarming rate - 13 million hectares of forest are destroyed annually. Deforestation accounts for 12 to 20 percent of the worldwide greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. The International Day of Forests is held annually on 21 March to raise awareness of the importance of forests to people and their vital role in poverty eradication, environmental sustainability, and food security. Sustainable management of all types of forests are at the heart of unlocking challenges of conflict-affected, developing and developed countries, for the benefit of current and future generations." To read the whole background, go to: http://www.un.org/en/events/forestsday/background.shtml.

Africa

Mar

Forgive Your Parents Day: March 18

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This day reflects on whether it's worth continuing a strained relationship with one's parents or instead 'letting it go' and enjoy as much time we have with them as possible. Is there a parent alive who has not made mistakes? We're all human, even our parents. Today is the day to let go and let live.

Africa

Mar

Fragrance Day, Ntl (UK/US): March 21

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The English word "perfume" comes from the Latin term "per fumus," meaning "through the smoke." The name may have something to do with incense, burning dried matter to scent the air, which was and is a part of many religious rituals. Perfume has existed since around 2000 BC, receiving attribution in the book of Exodus in The Bible. Cleopatra, a queen of Egypt, was reported to bathe in aromatic oils. Deodorant and antiperspirants would not exist until the eighth century AD; perfumes often masqued unpleasant smells, chased away evil spirits, or were dabbed on to attract a mate. The first perfume factory is believed to have existed in Cyprus approximately 4000 years ago. During the golden age of Islam (800-1200s AD), perfuming oneself with oud (scented oils) was elevated. The Qur'an instructs men of the Islamic faith to fully bathe each Friday and apply scent if available. When the Qur'an was written in the seventh century, bathing regularly was a luxury for most people. With this instruction, scenting spaces and people became an art. Queen Elizabeth of Hungary, in 1370 AD, had the first modern perfume created by combining alcohol, oils, and fragrance for personal use. The Christian world would need to wait until the Renaissance to discover the potential of the fragrance world. It would arrive through Arabic traders and become an industry through Catherine de Medici in the 16th century. France became the center of scents in the 17th century. A luxury, typically only the wealthy and nobility could afford to purchase perfumes. Americans would create a less expensive version in the 19th century, mixing scents in water and calling it Cologne. Eu de Parfum and Eu de Toilette are additional iterations, with toilette being the lowest quality and concentration of the actual scent. The addition of water makes the scent affordable. National Fragrance Day is observed in the United Kingdom (sponsored there by the Fragrance Foundation) and in the United States (no sponsor). It falls on the most fragrant day of the year, the first day of spring.

Africa

Mar

Fragrance Week, Intl.: March 17-23

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International Fragrance Week, organized by The Fragrance Foundation, is a global celebration dedicated to fragrances' art, craft, and history. This week-long event, typically observed in March, brings fragrance enthusiasts, brands, and creators together to honor and explore the diverse world of perfumery. The Fragrance Foundation, established in 1949, has been instrumental in promoting the fragrance industry. The idea for an International Fragrance Week emerged from the Foundation's efforts to educate the public about scent's artistry and recognize the fragrance industry's cultural and economic importance. The week features various events, including new fragrance launches, promotions, and educational content to deepen the public's understanding and appreciation of fragrance. MOST POPULAR NOTES IN PERFUMES When discussing notes in fragrances, these can vary widely depending on cultural preferences, trends, and individual tastes. However, some classic notes have remained consistently popular over time. These include: Floral Notes: Like rose, jasmine, and lavender, they are often found at the heart of many perfumes and are beloved for their natural, sweet, and romantic qualities. Citrus Notes: Citrus notes such as lemon, bergamot, and orange are refreshing and uplifting and commonly used in lighter fragrances. Woody Notes: These notes provide a warm and earthy base to many fragrances, including sandalwood and cedarwood. Oriental Notes: Spices like vanilla, musk, and cinnamon, known for their rich and exotic scents, fall under this category. Fragrance use dates back to ancient civilizations, with the earliest recorded use being in Mesopotamia and Egypt. These early fragrances were often made from natural ingredients like flowers, herbs, and spices and were used in religious rituals, as personal scents, and for medicinal purposes. PERFUME, EAU DE TOILETTE, COLOGNE, AND OUD—WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE? Understanding the difference between perfume, cologne, eau de toilette, and oud is crucial in the world of fragrances: Perfume (Parfum): This has the highest concentration of fragrance oils, typically between 20-30%, making it last the longest on the skin. Eau de Toilette: Contains a lower concentration of fragrance oils, usually around 5-15%, and is therefore lighter and suitable for everyday wear. Cologne (Eau de Cologne): Originally a light, citrus-based fragrance from Cologne, Germany, it now refers to fragrances with about 2-4% perfume oils in alcohol and water. It's lighter than eau de toilette and is often used in fragrances marketed to men. Oud: A specific fragrance ingredient derived from the tropical agar tree, known for its rich and complex scent. It is used in various perfume concentrations and is common in Middle Eastern perfumery. International Fragrance Week celebrates the sensory experience of fragrances but also highlights their historical and cultural significance. Through this event, The Fragrance Foundation aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the intricate art of perfumery and its impact on our lives.

Africa

Mar

Francophonie Week, Intl.: March 16-22

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French is the second most studied language in the world with its speakers referred to as Francophonie. Francophonie Day went from a single day to a week in 2017 and changed its name to National French Week or International Francophonie Week. The term 'francophonie' was coined by French essayist Onésime Reclus in 1880 as he was trying to describe the geographic areas of the world where French is spoken. The International Day of Francophonie will be celebrated by about half a billion Francophones worldwide. This event began in 1998 as a way for the then-49 members of La Francophonie to celebrate their bond via the French language. French is often described as the language of love, and there was a time when French was the most widely spoken language on earth, and it continues to be the unofficial second language of diplomacy. Oui, oui!

Africa

Mar

Fraternity Day of Service (1904): March 2

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Fraternity Day of Service encourages all chapters and alumnae organizations to host or participate in a literacy service event in their communities. Furthermore, this event always occurs on Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Pi Beta Phi holds Fraternity Day of Service with the highest regard and places immense importance on its celebration. Some ways to get involved and spread the cause are donating books, reading with children, and connecting with other chapters and organizations.

Africa

Mar

Fraud Prevention Month, Intl.: March

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Fraud Prevention Month began in Canada. Thousands of Canadians of all ages and from all walks of life are defrauded yearly. Recognizing fraud is the first step to better protecting yourself. Fraudsters are professional criminals who rely on some basic techniques to be successful. These include: 1) Developing professional-looking marketing materials. 2) Provide believable answers to your challenging questions. 3) Impersonating government agencies, legitimate businesses, websites, charities, and causes. 4) Pretending to be your ordinary supplier. 5) Hiding the valid details in the fine print. 6) Preying on vulnerable people, including those needing help with loans or finding employment. 7) Asking for fees in advance of promised services. 8) Threatening legal action to collect on alleged contracts. 9) Falsely claiming affiliation with reliable sources, including supporting or endorsing their products/services where none exist. These criminals often exchange victim lists with other fraudsters, opening up victims to repeated attempts. During Fraud Prevention Month, Canadians learn how to protect themselves and their families from those seeking to steal. The United States and other countries also have a Fraud Prevention Week in March. In Canada, it is a month-long event, and it is rapidly gaining popularity.

Africa

Mar

Freedom of Information Day, Ntl. (1751): March 16

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Freedom of Information (FOI) Day is an annual event on or near March 16, the birthday of James Madison. Madison is widely regarded as the Father of the US Constitution and the foremost advocate for government transparency. Freedom of Information Day is hosted annually by the First Amendment Center. It includes a conference in partnership with the American Library Association, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, OMB Watch, OpenTheGovernment.org, and the National Security Archive at George Washington University. The event is also part of the annual Sunshine Week Initiative sponsored by the American Society of News Editors and the Reporters Committee.

Africa

Mar

French Bread Day: March 21

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French language, French style, French food, French fries, French bread - what is there not to love about anything French? French Bread Day celebrates one of the world's favorite styles of bread. French bread is defined by its lack of fats and strict adherence to old-world craftsmanship, and it uses no fats in its baking. It is simple: flour, yeast, salt, and water. In 1993 the government of France passed the French Bread Law to ensure French bread never includes anything you don't want in it, like preservatives, chemicals, and fat. Celebrate today by picking up a fresh loaf of traditional French bread.

Africa