Mekell Mikell's Archive Subscribe to Feed
Mékell Mikell, Ph.D. is a communications specialist with the National Wildlife Federation. She works on a number of key issue areas, including protecting public lands, America’s great waters, and endangered species. Mékell has a Ph.D. in political science, and works to turn theory into practice by applying research initiatives to advocacy.
When Good Intentions Grow Bad: Bugs, Vines and Invasions
Kudzu, once hailed as a “miracle vine,” is now a thorn in the side of folks throughout the Southeast. Once used by American farmers as a means to stop soil erosion, this pesky invasive species spread far beyond its intended boundaries…. Read more >
Protecting the “Incredible Bounty We’ve Been Blessed With”
Recently, tribal leaders, landowners, hunters, anglers, conservationists, business owners and government leaders gathered in Washington, D.C. for the White House Conservation Conference. Tourism and outdoor recreation, coastal conservation, river restoration and hunting and fishing were important topics of discussion, as… Read more >
Vanishing Beauty: Endangered Miami Blue Butterfly Losing to Invasive Green Iguana
The Sunshine State is a little less bright and colorful now that the tiny and endangered Miami blue butterflyis facing a new challenge to its survival. Large Central American iguanas are feasting on the nickerbean leaves this vanishing beauty uses… Read more >
The Baddest Bird On the Branch
When male manakins want to impress a mate they might pull a Michael Jackson. These small and often brightly colored tropical birds moonwalk on branches as part of their elaborate courtship rituals. While these winged dancers usually make their own… Read more >
Because of Pythons, Nine Lives May Not Be Enough for Florida Panther
If cats have nine lives, an endangered cougar subspecies may be down to its last one. The Florida panther has been a whisker away from extinction for decades, struggling to survive amidst habitat loss, pollution, disease and uncontrolled hunting. Unfortunately,… Read more >
Mild Winter Puts the Freeze on Ice Wine
Climate change poses all of kinds of consequences for your dinner table. As temperatures shift, so do the conditions favorable for growing and cultivating many of the sips and bites we take for granted. Grapes face a number of challenges… Read more >
Diamond Weevil: A Bug with Real Bling
Some people may dream of being covered in diamonds, but one bug is close to making it a reality. The wings of the diamond weevil are full of gem-like scales that wink and shine in the light just like… Read more >
Santa Claws is Checking His List for Naughty Anti-Environmental Riders
Santa Claws’ naughty list is getting longer thanks to over 50 anti-environmental riderswaiting to latch onto FY2012 spending bills in Congress. Clean air, clean water and wildlife are all getting scrooged by stingy legislation not in keeping with public health,… Read more >
