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
Braelei Hardt
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
Survival of the Coolest
It’s easy to think of winter as a time of stillness and dormancy, a period when life retreats, awaiting the thaw of spring. But for the inhabitants of the natural … Read more
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
Seven Species that Need You to Leave the Leaves
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 … Read more
Monarch Butterfly Identification Guide
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 … Read more
