Dana Jensen McNamara’s Archive

One Cougar’s Legacy in the Heart of Hollywood

Los Angeles is well known for its celebrities, so when the fearless cougar P-22 gained fame for making his home in the midst of the city, he inspired an effort … Read more

A Tremendous Year of Growth for Trees for Wildlife™

One of the most vital actions we can take for climate and ecosystem resilience is planting native trees—which is why we are thrilled to announce that in 2024, our Trees … Read more

A view of Tampa Bay from the water.

Tampa Bay at a Crossroads

Over the course of my life-time, Tampa Bay—the largest open water estuary in Florida—has gone from neglected and polluted to revived, revered and healed. For decades, elected leaders, government agencies, … Read more

Ranchers gather at an event in Big Piney, Wyoming

Collaboration is Key to Conserving the Sagebrush Ecosystem

Under a glorious bluebird Wyoming sky, a group of ranchers, state and federal land managers, wildlife advocates, Indigenous leaders, and industry representatives recently met on a ranch outside Big Piney … Read more

Man spraying a lawn.

Why We Shouldn’t Have Lawns

Look around almost any neighborhood in the United States and you’re likely to see acres and acres of turf grass. How we got to this point of ‘lawn-superiority’ is the … Read more

Replacing lawn with native plants is a boon to local wildlife. Photo Credit: Elyse Jurgen

Grow Beyond No Mow May: Options for Reducing Your Lawn

Lawns are often thought of as a staple of an American home, but what role do they play in the future of gardening? Read our related blogs in this series, … Read more

Living breakwaters in Oxford Maryland

A New Look at Oxford’s Shorelines

Have you ever heard of a living shoreline? According to NOAA Fisheries, “a living shoreline is a protected, stabilized coastal edge made of natural materials such as plants, sand, or … Read more

A field of native blanket flowers in Texas.

Hardiness Zones and Ecoregions for Climate-Smart Gardening

Gardeners, check your zones! The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map received its first update in over ten years, moving many gardeners up a half-zone. Those previously on the upper edge … Read more

American toad photographed in Ohio. Credit: Kathy Bodall

Vernal Pools Make Your Garden Sing

If you’re trying to find a vernal pool in spring, you’re best off closing your eyes and listening. As sunset approaches, the pond begins to sing. Tree frogs make a … Read more

2023 State and Territory Wildlife Wins

The National Wildlife Federation proudly works with 52 state and territory affiliates around the United States—autonomous, nonprofit organizations that take the lead in state and local conservation efforts and collaborate … Read more