Slug Return from Capistrano Day is an annual holiday observed on May 28 in the United States, in celebration of our favorite garden buddies- Slugs! The holiday was established by Ruth and Thomas Roy, in a parody of “Swallows Return to Capistrano Day”, the return of cliff swallows at San Juan Capistrano in Spring. While there have been no official documented cases of slug migration, it is a fun way to celebrate the seasonal return of slugs and their role in our ecosystem.

Slugs are often seen as pests, but they are an integral species involved with breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients in the soil. They are also a food source for many animals, including birds, frogs, and small mammals.

Slug Return from Capistrano Day highlights the importance of small, often overlooked creatures in our ecosystems. Look at them!

Even a slug can be cute! | Well, I think so anyway. I'd neve… | Flickr A picture containing mollusk, invertebrate, slug, snail

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Learn about slugs: Take some time to learn about the important role slugs play in ecosystems and how you can help conserve them. You may be surprised at just how fascinating these creatures can be!

Sea slugs are another creature demanding awareness. There are over 2000 species with wildly different appearances. Here is a recently spotted rainbow sea slug:

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And here are some other varieties:

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Lettuce Sea Slug

This Adorable Sea Slug Eats Algae And Can Photosynthesize ...

Leaf Slug or Leaf Sheep

Venomous 'blue dragon' sea slug washed ashore in Texas | CNN

Blue Dragon Sea Slug