At first glance, a pile of autumn leaves might look like nothing more than yard debris. But hidden in that layer are secret survival shelters: the cocoons of North America’s … Read more
Braelei Hardt
Wildlife We Throw Away
Fallen leaves are vital for wildlife. They offer insulation, cover from predators, and a place for wildlife to overwinter. When homeowners dispose of fallen leaves, they unknowingly destroy habitat. Additionally, … Read more
Monarchs: The Traveling Butterfly
National Wildlife Federation teams up with LG Electronics (LG) for an ongoing campaign to highlight vulnerable and endangered species. This February, LG’s Time Square display spotlights the monarch butterfly. The video brings … Read more
Awake in Winter: How Climate Change is Disrupting Black Bear Hibernation
Imagine stepping outside on a crisp winter morning and spotting a black bear rummaging through your trash can. Snow blankets the ground, and the air is chilly—conditions we associate with … Read more
Story Time: The Eastern Red Bat’s Blanket of Leaves
Please enjoy this short story from the perspective of an eastern red bat settling in for winter. The autumn air was crisp and full of promise. As the sun dipped … Read more
How Fallen Leaves Support Moths and Butterflies
Amid the crunch of autumn leaves underfoot lies a hidden ecosystem where moths and butterflies find shelter and sustenance. While it might seem like clutter to some, this layer of … Read more
Dangers of Lawn Chemicals: Impacts and Alternatives
Every year, an astounding 80 million pounds of pesticides are sprinkled across the lawns and gardens of North America. These chemicals, which originated from attempts to repurpose gases used in … Read more
The Buzz on Cicadas: Sexuality and Sensationalism
Every several years, something remarkable happens in parts of the United States: billions of cicadas emerge from the earth in a natural spectacle, bringing the sky to life with hordes … Read more
Why We Have Lawns
Many envision the ‘perfect’ American lawn as a lush, uniform green carpet that covers their outdoor space. But beneath this verdant facade lies a complex social history and significant environmental … Read more
Girl Boss: Wildlife Edition
As this year’s Women’s History Month comes to a close, many powerful, brave, and influential women from across history have been highlighted for their incredible contributions to society, but it’s … Read more
