The hottest Conservation Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

A requiem for Bell Bowl Prairie

This Week in Birding • 78 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Ecosystems Biodiversity Activism Legislation
  1. A group gathered at Bell Bowl Prairie to mourn its destruction by a bulldozer.
  2. Efforts to stop the destruction were unsuccessful due to legal system failures and lack of political action.
  3. Advocates call for updating endangered species laws and increasing funding for conservation to prevent similar devastation in the future.

Baitballs

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 99 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Marine Biology Wildlife Conservation
  1. Baitballs are when schools of fish, like herring and sand lance, gather together as a defense against predators. This helps reduce the chance of any single fish being eaten.
  2. When birds like gulls dive into the water, it often signals the presence of baitballs. Their activity gives hints about the underwater life that we usually can't see.
  3. Baitballs are important for the ecosystem because they provide food for many animals, including seals and birds. Observing these events can give insights into the health of marine life.

The Spirit of Audubon

Bird History • 59 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Film Conservation Nature History
  1. During the Silent Film Era, the Audubon Society and other conservation-minded individuals created films to entertain, educate, and promote bird conservation through dramas and documentaries.
  2. Filmmaking played a crucial role in promoting bird protection and educating the public during the early 1900s, with nature documentaries and dramas used for classrooms, lectures, and theaters.
  3. The film 'The Spirit of Audubon' showcases how Audubon societies embraced movies to spread bird knowledge, showcasing a shift towards using films as an educational tool to engage the public and especially children.

The Last Great Naturalist

Holodoxa • 99 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
🔬 Science Biology Evolution Behavior Genetics Conservation
  1. Life science research was pioneered by naturalists who explored and documented nature, influencing key scientific paradigms like evolution and genetics.
  2. E.O. Wilson, a revered naturalist and scientist, contributed significantly to fields such as myrmecology, sociobiology, and conservation.
  3. Wilson's work sparked debate in the scientific community, particularly around sociobiology, which explores the genetic basis of social behavior in animals, including humans.

Twelve Miles

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 219 implied HN points • 18 Aug 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecosystems Conservation Biodiversity Environmental Science
  1. There are two very different ecosystems just twelve miles apart. One is a lush, shady forest filled with giant trees, while the other is a bright, hot area with colorful wildflowers.
  2. The old growth forest has survived for centuries, showcasing the beauty of tall Douglas firs and a variety of wildlife. It's a tranquil place that makes you feel connected to nature.
  3. In contrast, the Pumice Plain shows how life can quickly return after a volcanic eruption. It's full of new plant life and animals, reminding us that renewal and rebirth are always possible.
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The Peyote Way: Desert Wisdom & The Red Road 🌵

Tripsitter • 59 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Medicine Conservation Ceremony History
  1. True understanding and knowledge are acquired over time, aligning with the growth habits and resilience of the peyote cactus.
  2. Peyote is a medicine with teachings of humility, perseverance, commitment, courage, gratitude, and love.
  3. The history of peyote involves a ban by the United States government, challenges with conservation, and its impact on consciousness and spiritual practices.

Yes Happy Earth Day!

the rohn report • 59 implied HN points • 22 Apr 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Diversity Carbon Footprint Ecosystems Wildlife
  1. Celebrate Earth Day by committing to protect the planet's diversity and ecosystems, conserving energy and water, and treating all entities as valuable members of the whole.
  2. Acknowledging the beauty of the planet and the importance of reducing our carbon footprint to maintain its beauty for future generations.
  3. Encouraging the preservation of wildlife, forests, oceans, and the connection between all living beings on Earth.

Fifty Coyotes in Seattle

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 13 Oct 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildlife Urban Nature Ecology Conservation Biodiversity
  1. Coyotes have adapted well to urban environments like Seattle, showing that they can thrive despite human efforts to control their population. They are survivors and often even increase their numbers when faced with threats.
  2. Many myths exist about coyotes, including the idea that they are dangerous to pets and people. In reality, coyotes are not aggressive and usually avoid confrontation with humans and their pets.
  3. Coyotes play an important role in urban ecosystems, helping to remind us that nature is all around us, even in the city. Their presence can bring joy and a connection to the natural world.

A History of Window Strikes

Bird History • 39 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🔬 Science Ornithology Conservation Technology History
  1. Birds face significant threats from collisions with buildings, resulting in the death of millions of birds each year.
  2. Historically, various structures such as lighthouses, telegraph wires, and buildings have been responsible for causing bird fatalities, spanning over 200 years.
  3. While skyscrapers and towers have the most dramatic effect on bird fatalities, most birds die from collisions with low-rise buildings and residences, highlighting the need for bird-safe design practices.

An Ode to Our Backyard

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 23 Jun 22
🔬 Science Wildlife Ecology Nature Conservation Environment
  1. A beautiful backyard can transform a house into a home. The presence of large trees and wildlife makes the space special and enjoyable.
  2. Seeing local wildlife, like bald eagles and Cooper's hawks, enriches daily life and connects people to nature. It's exciting to observe their behaviors and know they're nearby.
  3. Urban areas can still hold wildness and beauty, making life more interesting. Appreciating the nature around us can create a sense of wonder and gratitude.

Eco-tips #1: Stuff you can do for the environment

Technology, Environment, and Art • 19 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Deforestation Consumption Conservation
  1. Avoid investing in companies contributing to deforestation by researching your retirement funds.
  2. Check if your country has signed the UN High Seas Treaty to protect the oceans and international waters.
  3. Reduce consumption by consuming less and opting for resource-efficient alternatives to cultivate an attitude of respect for the environment.

The three types of changes for a sustainable future

Technology, Environment, and Art • 19 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Ecology Conservation Environmental Activism
  1. Type I changes are superficial changes that may sound good but do little to solve sustainability issues.
  2. Type II changes make a significant positive impact on the environment while still operating within current systems.
  3. Type III changes are radical, revolutionary changes that challenge the status quo and are essential for creating a truly sustainable future.

Boundaries

Natural Selections • 6 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Environmental Policy Conservation Biodiversity
  1. Nature often defies clear boundaries. Things like rivers and lakes change over time, making it hard to say exactly where one starts and another ends.
  2. Humans try to impose strict borders on nature, like property lines, but those boundaries can fail. Nature is fluid and doesn't always fit into our definitions.
  3. The idea of what makes an individual can be fuzzy too. Our actions and connections blend with those of others, showing that we are part of a larger network.

Birds of a Feather

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 119 implied HN points • 10 Mar 22
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Ornithology Behavior Conservation
  1. Pelicans have a unique way of flying together in groups, almost like a dance. They often switch from flying to floating and follow each other's movements.
  2. At Point Lobos, you can see pelicans landing on trees and diving for food. Their diving technique is impressive and shows how skilled they are at catching fish.
  3. The behavior of pelicans can also attract other birds that try to steal their food. It's interesting to see how pelicans react when other birds try to take their meals.

Bicycle cheer

The ZIPster • 26 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Renewable Energy Community Initiatives Sustainability Green Technology
  1. Brazil's former president Bolsonaro has created a negative impact but has since left, possibly allowing for positive changes in the country.
  2. Positive initiatives around the world include electric car adoption in Norway, book bans in Texas countered by a banned book section in El Paso libraries, and reforestation through drone technology in Canadian forests.
  3. Various efforts worldwide promote bicycle culture, from creative storage solutions in Amsterdam to bike refurbishing programs in the UK benefiting refugees and prisoners.

The Resilience of Life: Ancient Worm Revived After 46,000 Years 🐛

Stemble - for the love of STEM! • 19 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🔬 Science Microbiology Genetics Conservation Evolution Biodiversity
  1. A worm was revived after being frozen for 46,000 years, showing the incredible resilience of life.
  2. Cryptobiosis allows organisms to survive extreme conditions by entering a state of suspended animation.
  3. Studying ancient organisms like the revived worm can offer insights for conservation biology and preserving biodiversity.

OpenBeta and LCOs

Open Source Rock Climbing • 19 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🎾 Sports Collaboration Community Building Conservation Technology
  1. Local Climbing Organizations (LCOs) are crucial for maintaining climbing areas, ensuring safety, sustainability, and community engagement.
  2. LCOs manage access to climbing areas, maintain routes for safety, focus on conservation efforts, and build climbing communities through events.
  3. OpenBeta plans to collaborate with LCOs by increasing their visibility on the platform, allowing them to update their information, and incorporating specific calls to action in the future.

Birding at 60

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 99 implied HN points • 10 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Nature Birding Conservation Environment Wildlife
  1. Watching for red-tailed hawks and bald eagles while driving can make trips more enjoyable. These birds are often spotted perched near the road or soaring above.
  2. Red-tailed hawks are important for controlling vole populations, but driving can pose dangers for them. It's crucial to be aware of wildlife when driving to help keep them safe.
  3. If you notice a dead bird on the road, you can report it to help with conservation efforts. Also, avoiding harmful rodent poisons can protect birds of prey from getting sick.

Hope is a Baby Orca

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 99 implied HN points • 24 Nov 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Species Ecology Sustainability Community
  1. Baby orcas bring hope after a time of sadness. The story of a mother orca named Tahlequah, who mourned her lost calf, reminds us that new life can inspire hope.
  2. People are starting to care more about sustainability and the natural world. There’s a shift towards protecting the environment, which is helping to restore ecosystems like Puget Sound.
  3. Every action, no matter how small, can make a difference. Believing that what we do matters can empower us to take steps toward a better future.

Of Acorns and Oaks and Ants

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 59 implied HN points • 14 Oct 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Botany Wildlife Conservation Naturalism
  1. Acorns are a great food source for many animals and even humans. They're high in carbs, protein, and fat, making them a nutritious option.
  2. Some ants live inside acorns, using them as homes after other creatures have left. They clean out the empty acorns and set up their colonies there.
  3. Oaks are important trees that have been part of human culture for a long time. They provide beauty with their fall colors and have fascinating connections to history and nature.

Little Red Fish of Lake Sammamish

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 39 implied HN points • 16 Dec 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildlife Conservation Ecosystems Sustainability Biodiversity
  1. Kokanee salmon, also known as little red fish, have returned to Lake Sammamish after facing serious population declines. It's exciting to see them swimming up streams where they have been going for thousands of years.
  2. Their comeback is thanks to local efforts to restore their habitat and educate the community. People have worked hard on projects like removing barriers for fish passage and building small hatcheries.
  3. A recent discovery shows that there may still be native kokanee salmon in Lake Washington, which scientists thought were gone. This opens up new possibilities for their conservation and health.

Herring

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 39 implied HN points • 26 Mar 21
🔬 Science Marine Biology Ecology Environmental Science Zoology Conservation
  1. Herring spawning events are vital to Puget Sound's ecosystem and attract a variety of wildlife. These events help connect the food chain and support many animals, both sea life and birds.
  2. Each female herring can lay a huge number of eggs, which provide food for young fish and other creatures. This means herring play a crucial role in nourishing the local food web.
  3. Herring are not only important for marine life but also for Indigenous communities. They have been a key food source for these communities historically and continue to be significant today.

A Most Curious Slug

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 19 implied HN points • 04 Nov 21
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Natural History Zoology Conservation
  1. The slug _Arion rufus_ is often seen as a garden pest today, but it was once considered an intriguing species. In the past, scientists like Tracey Storer appreciated its uniqueness and collected it for study.
  2. This slug was first spotted in Detroit in 1912 and has since spread to other areas like Seattle, where it has become a common problem for gardeners.
  3. Despite being viewed negatively, slugs have interesting adaptations, such as their ability to cover themselves in slime for protection. Some people are even starting to be kinder to them instead of killing them outright.

in the dappled leaves

the rohn report • 19 implied HN points • 27 Jan 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Nature Sustainability Conservation
  1. America faces challenges in belief systems and communication despite advancements in education and technology.
  2. The prioritization of economic interests over environmental concerns by both politicians and voters is a significant issue.
  3. Disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with nature could help us regain common sense and a sense of community.

The Mountain

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 19 implied HN points • 10 Jun 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Issues Geology Local culture Conservation Indigenous rights
  1. The Puyallup Tribe wants to restore the original name of Mount Rainier to reflect its cultural significance. They translate it as 'the mother of all waters.'
  2. Debates over Mount Rainier's height have occurred in the past, with some arguing it should still be considered the tallest due to its sea level base. This sparked public outrage when it was declared the fourth highest peak.
  3. Climate change may affect the mountain's height over time. Changes in glaciers and erosion could alter its official elevation, so its status as a landmark might keep shifting.

Puget Sound Quiz Answers

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 19 implied HN points • 15 Apr 21
🔬 Science Ecology Biology Conservation Geology Education History
  1. There are many fun facts about Puget Sound, including unique archaeological discoveries and local species that can live for over 200 years.
  2. Names of places in Puget Sound often reflect its history, including Spanish explorations and notable figures like Charles Wilkes.
  3. The impact of human activity on Puget Sound is significant, especially in terms of pollution, which negatively affects local wildlife like salmon and rockfish.

Embracing Mother Earth

Save Our Happy Place • 6 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Nature Sustainability Conservation
  1. Reflect on your relationship with Mother Nature this Earth Day to find inspiration and rejuvenation.
  2. Celebrate the beauty and biodiversity of Earth by connecting with nature and viewing it as a living entity.
  3. Take time to journal and reflect on your climate journey, finding ways to integrate more personal and civic climate actions into your life.

The First Cat War

Bird History • 1 HN point • 25 Jan 24
🔬 Science Environment Animals Conservation Wildlife History
  1. Conservationists in the early 1900s identified cats as a serious threat to bird populations, sparking a heated debate with cat-lovers accusing bird-lovers of hysteria.
  2. Outdoor cats were seen as harmful to bird populations, particularly during nesting seasons, with young birds being easy prey, leading to significant declines in bird populations.
  3. Efforts were made to find humane solutions to protect birds from cats, including restraining cats at night, using bells on cat collars, and advocating for laws requiring cat licenses to reduce the feral cat population.

Birds die, Birds perish: how humans could perish for making birds to perish

Adetokunbo Sees • 3 HN points • 14 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildlife Renewable Energy Ecosystems Green Technology Conservation
  1. Human activities such as building collisions threaten bird populations.
  2. Global bird population decline can lead to ecosystem imbalances and excess human mortality.
  3. Adopting bird-friendly buildings, reducing habitat destruction, and curbing greenhouse gas emissions can help protect birds and prevent negative impacts on humans.

Biodiversity: The Core of Earth's Beauty

Save Our Happy Place • 4 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity Climate change Sustainability Conservation Ecosystems
  1. Maintaining and restoring biodiversity is crucial for fighting climate change.
  2. Key causes of biodiversity loss include climate change, pollution, habitat destruction, and overexploitation.
  3. Individual actions to help biodiversity include mindful consumption, investing in biodiversity projects, and reducing waste.

Shrinking, Disappearing, and plagued by Dust storms, the World's Lakes are in Danger

Adetokunbo Sees • 1 HN point • 17 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Impact Sustainability Conservation
  1. The shrinking and disappearing lakes around the world are facing danger due to multiple factors like climate change and reduced water levels.
  2. Lakes like the Aral Sea, Lake Chad, and Qinghai Lake are shrinking dramatically, impacting millions of lives and ecosystems that depend on their water.
  3. Efforts to conserve and sustainably manage these lakes involve global collaboration and the balance between development and environmental preservation.

🌳 Ecosia

Good Business, Better World • 1 HN point • 17 Feb 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Biodiversity Deforestation Renewable Energy Climate action
  1. Ecosia is a search engine that plants trees with over 168 million trees planted so far.
  2. Ecosia generates revenue through ads to fund tree planting and operates based on an impact model where clicks on ads support planting trees.
  3. Founder Christian Kroll started Ecosia after failed attempts at other internet ventures and the company focuses on environmental features in search results to promote climate-conscious decisions.