In the lush, dimly lit forests of eastern Thailand, scientists have just uncovered a remarkable new resident — Cyrtodactylus sakaeratensis, the Sakaerat bent-toed gecko. Small, secretive, and uniquely adapted to its rugged home, this gecko adds to the growing list of species revealing how much biodiversity remains hidden in Southeast Asia’s remaining wild places. A...
A sweeping new study paints a troubling picture for one of the country’s most beloved and ecologically important insect groups. Since 2000, butterfly populations in the United States have dropped by an estimated 22 percent, a decline of roughly 1.3 percent per year. Researchers analyzed nearly 77,000 survey records across 35 different monitoring programs to...
Ohio’s only national forest, the Wayne National Forest, is facing a new and alarming threat. Under a recent push by the Trump administration to expand logging on public lands, this forest could soon see large sections opened up for timber extraction. The move has sparked fierce debate between those focused on short-term economic gains and...
A new controversy is unfolding in Washington over what many see as a major retreat from science-based regulation. The latest Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) report, overseen by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during his tenure at the Department of Health and Human Services, was expected to mark a bold shift toward stronger pesticide oversight. Instead,...
A new econometric study has revealed just how costly aggressive immigration enforcement can be to America’s food system – and your bottom line. Researchers examined the aftermath of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Oxnard, California, one of the country’s most productive agricultural regions. What they found is stunning: farm labor in the area...
Pumpkins are one of the highlights of the fall season, bringing festive charm to front porches, dining tables, and holiday celebrations. As soon as autumn arrives, grocery stores fill their entrances with bins of bright orange pumpkins, tempting shoppers to grab one on the way in. While it may seem convenient, buying pumpkins from big-box...
If you’re looking to add a splash of color to your garden while also attracting hummingbirds and butterflies, Joe-Pye weed (Eutrochium spp.) is the perfect choice. This native perennial, known for its tall stature and clusters of purple flowers, is a magnet for pollinators. As a gardener, I find Joe-Pye weed to be an essential...
As the gardening season winds down, many gardeners feel the urge to clear their beds and toss out the spent annuals. It feels tidy and satisfying, but removing those “dead” plants too early can actually harm your garden and the wildlife it supports. While annuals have finished blooming, their remaining stems, seeds, and foliage still...
Coffee is an important part of my morning routine. Every day, I wake up and put an unbleached cone-shaped bamboo coffee filter into a pour-over contraption, add my coffee, and do the pour myself. After I’ve had my coffee, I throw the coffee in my compost bin. But can you compost coffee filters? There are...
Plants have long held a deep connection to various religious practices and beliefs across cultures and traditions. From ancient rituals to modern-day ceremonies, plants serve as powerful symbols, representing purity, life, and the divine. Whether used in sacred rituals, as offerings, or as symbols of spiritual truths, these plants carry profound meaning in different religious...
Nothing disrupts a peaceful afternoon in the garden quite like a swarm of wasps. These aggressive insects can make outdoor spaces uncomfortable and even dangerous for those with allergies. But did you know there’s a natural ally in the fight against wasps? The Summer Tanager, a brightly colored bird known for its appetite for wasps...
Walk into any garden center and you will find shelves packed with products labeled as “organic soil boosters,” “natural enhancers,” or “miracle amendments.” They promise bigger blooms, healthier plants, and thriving soil ecosystems, often with the allure of being eco-friendly. The problem? Many of these expensive additives do little or nothing to improve your garden’s...
