Nature & Wildlife
The continental United States and many global regions experienced their hottest summer on record in 2026, driven by human-caused climate change and an intensifying El Nino, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Climate Report published on September 9, 2026. Average temperatures were roughly 3 degrees Fahrenheit above the 20th-century baseline.
Conservation
Arachnids—such as scorpions, harvestmen (daddy longlegs) and spiders—often trigger feelings of fear or disgust. Despite such reactions, these animals play an essential role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. They act as vital food sources, master pest controllers and drivers of human and soil health.
Nature & Wildlife
While I have never considered insects my favorite category of fauna, I have to admit that some “fun facts” about them intrigue me. For example, ants can lift and carry more than 50 times their own weight. While gathering food, a bee may fly up to 60 miles in one day.
Conservation
Things are vanishing. Here’s an example: humanity has already pushed 60% of Earth’s land outside its safe biosphere zone, with 38% in a high-risk state. Centuries of data confirm how human demands on biomass—from energy production to farming—have destabilized ecosystems worldwide. Asia, Europe and North America show the deepest disruptions, reflecting centuries of land-use change.
Conservation
Plastics. It’s almost become an emotionally charged word. Today—no matter how you feel about their use—plastics provide us with both benefits and significant drawbacks. The strengths of plastics include durability, low cost and versatility, which have enabled medical advancements and modern conveniences.
Conservation
“Paper or plastic?” asks the grocery store clerk. For me, that question is never easy. I tend to choose paper when it comes to grocery bags or drinking cups and straws, but I’m finding out that my choices aren’t always the most eco-friendly.
Conservation
During this time of year, a lot of us are thinking about trees. For those who celebrate Christmas, a tree is usually the centerpiece for a family gathering around December 25. But that’s not the only time when we honor trees.
Conservation
Every summer has its own vibe. For example, you might remember your 10th as the one when you learned to swim at the beach, or your 25th as the time when you took the perfect road trip.
Nature & Wildlife
Tomorrow, March 3, we’ll recognize the eighth World Wildlife Day, which was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly (U.N.G.A.) at its 68th session on December 20, 2013.
Nature & Wildlife
Every Friday, we choose our favorite photo of the week from our Wildlife Photo of the Day website. This week we chose a praying mantis in California. Photographer Alexa Dysart took this shot on her porch in Los Angeles, CA! Have you taken some amazing wildlife photos during your travels?
Videos
Common in the wild as well as in urban and suburban settings, Anna’s hummingbirds seem to have figured out the secret to expanding their ranges and how to thrive in what can sometimes be a hostile world for anything wild.
Videos
Fireflies (also known as “lightning bugs” in some parts of the country) were one of the bonuses I got when, several years ago, I traded my house in the city for a more rurally located home with a large, wraparound porch.
