Educational content on conservation, ecology, nature, and outdoor recreation.
As the hues of autumn give way to winter detritus, many homeowners are quick to discard the fallen leaves suddenly blanketing their yards. But what if we told you that this seemingly mundane layer of leaves serves as a bustling …
Have you ever spotted a beautiful orange butterfly fluttering by and wondered if it’s the iconic monarch butterfly? You’re not alone! The monarch butterfly is one of the most recognizable and beloved insects in North America, but it has a …
Have you noticed the summers getting smokier? If you’ve found yourself coughing more, seeing the sky tinged with an eerie orange, or even just catching the faint scent of burning in the air, you’re not alone. We all know that …
Queer ecology, at its core, is a lens through which we can view and understand nature, biology, and sexuality. It challenges the practice of only interpreting the natural world through the hetero-normative perspective that dominates Western human society, and invites …
Nature’s rarest and most endangered species face threats from all sides—but did you know that ‘rare’ and ‘endangered’ are not interchangeable terms? While some species—like red wolves—are indeed only rare due to their endangered status, others are simply uncommon by …
When the temperatures start to drop and the days get shorter, it’s easy to assume that the natural world goes into a state of hibernation. But the truth is that many animals are perfectly adapted to survive the winter months, …
Surviving the Snow: The Amazing Adaptations of Three Winter Wonders Read more »
Displaying and decorating evergreen trees is an age-old holiday tradition originating in the northern Europe to bring comfort and joy during the frigid dark of winter. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, over a hundred million households in America …
Are Real or Fake Christmas Trees Better for the Environment? Read more »
With the spookiest season in full swing and Halloween decorations abound, you might be wondering why certain animals are so often featured in our harvest-themed festivities. Why do plastic owls and crows decorate every lawn? Why does every depiction of …
Why are Bats, Owls, Toads, and Crows Associated with Halloween? Read more »
Each August, billions of birds rally themselves for the long, dangerous migration south. With the abundant foods offered by the summer breeding season now dwindling in supply, these animals must face an exhausting long-haul flight to warmer—and safer—lands. Some species, …
While we enjoy sunshine and vacations, it may seem that mosquitoes serve no other purpose than to ruin our summer fun. While that is not true, mosquitoes can be vectors for harmful viruses, including Dengue, Zika, and West Nile Virus—even in …