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
Braelei Hardt
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
How Does Wildfire Smoke Affect Wildlife?
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 … Read more
Queer Ecology: Identity and Field Research
In celebrating Pride Month, it’s crucial that we not only elevate and celebrate the voices and contributions of queer scientists, but also acknowledge and address the specific obstacles they may … Read more
Queer Ecology: A Spectrum of Perspective
As we continue our celebration of Pride Month and our exploration of queer ecology, we return to the intersection of queer identities and ecological science. In the first part of … Read more
Queer Ecology: Relationships to Nature
Pride Month is the perfect time to recognize the intersection of our identities with the natural world around us. In this spirit, this month we will dive into a topic … Read more
The Dual Nature of Rarity: Understanding Conservation Needs for Artificially versus Naturally Rare Species
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 … Read more
