PORTLAND, Ore.— To celebrate National Endangered Species Day and the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act this year, the Center for Biological Diversity is highlighting 10 reasons to be grateful for the Act. Since it was passed in 1973, the Act has saved species, secured habitats and protected entire ecosystems.

These accomplishments include:

1. Bald eagles and peregrine falcons now soar over all 50 states.
2. Majestic old-growth forests in Washington, Oregon and California have been saved to protect spotted owls, marbled murrelets and salmon.
3. Wolves now howl in Yellowstone National Park and beyond.
4. More than 21 million acres have been set aside as national wildlife refuges to protect endangered species.
5. 20 million acres of long-leaf pine forest in the Southeast were restored to benefit red-cockaded woodpeckers, gopher tortoises and people, too.