The hottest Conservation Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

Birds of a Feather

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 119 implied HN points • 10 Mar 22
🔬 Science 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.

Nature doesn't need rights

storyvoyager • 11 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation
  1. Nature doesn’t need rights; instead, we need to change how we view our connection to it. We should stop trying to dominate it and start working with it.
  2. Our focus on accumulating wealth is harming the planet. We need to shift our mindset towards nurturing nature instead of consuming it.
  3. Real change can happen if we take inspiration from communities that are in touch with nature. When we listen to those who are connected to the land, we can rebuild ecosystems and create a better future.

OpenBeta and LCOs

Open Source Rock Climbing • 19 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🎾 Sports Conservation
  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 Conservation
  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.
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Hope is a Baby Orca

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 99 implied HN points • 24 Nov 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation
  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.

We need a new ecology of thought

storyvoyager • 6 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation
  1. We are deeply connected to nature and must remember this bond to protect our planet. Understanding where we come from can help us appreciate and take care of our environment.
  2. Modern society often sees itself as separate from nature, which contributes to environmental harm. We need to change how we view our relationship with the Earth to make better choices.
  3. Every action we take affects the planet in some way. We must respect resources and think more about how our daily lives impact the natural world.

Of Acorns and Oaks and Ants

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 59 implied HN points • 14 Oct 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation
  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 Conservation
  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.

Bicycle cheer

The ZIPster • 26 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation
  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.

Tales from the Field Part 1

A Biologist's Guide to Life • 26 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
🔬 Science Conservation
  1. Ecology is the study of how organisms interact with each other and their environment.
  2. Field work in ecology involves getting close to organisms to study them in their natural habitat.
  3. Every data point in ecology involves a living thing and an ecologist immersed in nature.

Herring

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 39 implied HN points • 26 Mar 21
🔬 Science 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.

Boundaries

Natural Selections • 6 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation
  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.

A Most Curious Slug

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 19 implied HN points • 04 Nov 21
🔬 Science 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 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 Conservation
  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 Conservation
  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.

The First Cat War

Bird History • 1 HN point • 25 Jan 24
🔬 Science Conservation
  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.

What our local dam removal means for you

As If We Were Staying • 1 implied HN point • 02 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation
  1. Removing local dams can help restore natural river flows and improve fish populations, but it might also hurt nearby economies that depend on tourists and agriculture.
  2. Adapting to climate change is becoming more urgent, as the effects of warming and environmental policies impact communities in multiple ways.
  3. There are opportunities to create stronger local economies and ecosystems through ecological restoration and better water management practices.

Embracing Mother Earth

Save Our Happy Place • 6 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
🌞 Climate & Environment 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.

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

Adetokunbo Sees • 1 HN point • 17 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment 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
  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.

Taxpayers Send Millions to Nonprofits Filing Costly Climate-Related Lawsuits

OpenTheBooks Substack • 0 implied HN points • 15 Dec 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation
  1. A small group of environmental nonprofits filed a large share of climate-related lawsuits against federal agencies, often using statutes like the ESA and NEPA and causing multi-year delays for projects.
  2. Many of those nonprofits also receive millions in federal and state funds — including COVID relief, grants, and contracts — so taxpayer money can indirectly support litigation against the government.
  3. NEPA reviews are lengthy and a major focus of reform: one administration expanded CEQ and sped up reviews while another loosened CEQ rules to accelerate projects, yet litigation still frequently delays work even though agencies win most challenges.

There's a difference between looking and seeing...

lifeboat • 0 implied HN points • 31 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Conservation
  1. Photography can transform everyday sights by freezing a moment, revealing details we might not notice otherwise.
  2. Filmmaking requires understanding how to slow down action to show what's happening, balancing practicality with creativity.
  3. Observing wildlife with patience and respect is key, knowing when to film and when to simply observe to avoid disturbing the animals.

The Tale of the Thirsty Kingdom

Once Upon A News • 0 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation
  1. In a kingdom facing a water crisis, a group embarks on a quest to find the Fabled Fountain of Life.
  2. By learning from other lands and people, the group discovers innovative ways to conserve water and overcome challenges.
  3. Unity, dedication, and sharing knowledge lead to the kingdom's prosperity and a future focused on water conservation.

The double-edged sword of tech in conservation

Technology, Environment, and Art • 0 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation
  1. Conservation efforts are increasingly using advanced technology like sensors and genetic techniques, leading to researchers spending more time in labs than in the field.
  2. Technology can drive a disconnect from nature, turning conservation into a numerical academic exercise; an important aspect is the need for social changes alongside numeric conservation efforts.
  3. To move towards effective and ethical conservation, we must not only focus on numbers but also work towards changing attitudes to develop empathy and care for non-human organisms, distancing from the current human-centered economic gains.

Of Locusts and Doe-Birds: The Extinction of the Eskimo Curlew

Bird History • 0 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
🔬 Science Conservation
  1. The Eskimo Curlew faced extinction due to industrial-scale hunting and habitat destruction in the late 19th century, despite efforts for protection coming too late.
  2. Eskimo Curlews were marathon migrants, making a challenging journey from the Arctic to South America and back, facing significant hunting pressure along the way.
  3. The disappearance of the Rocky Mountain locust and destruction of the prairie grasslands contributed to the rapid decline and extinction of the Eskimo Curlew population.

A Bell for the Fish

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 30 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation
  1. Utrecht faces challenges with fish migration during spring flooding. They needed to keep the city safe while also helping fish reach breeding sites.
  2. To solve this, Utrecht installed a live video feed of the river with a button. People can press the button when they see fish, which helps to open the barriers for them.
  3. This project gets the community involved in protecting the local ecosystem, making it a fun and interactive way to support the fish migrating upstream.

From Birdsong to Silence

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation
  1. Bird populations are declining, with 48% of species in the UK seeing a drop from 2015 to 2020. This means there are fewer birds singing and chirping around us.
  2. Habitat loss, toxic pesticides, and climate change are major factors behind this decline. These issues make it harder for birds to survive and find food.
  3. Birds are important for our environment, helping with things like pest control and pollination. Losing them could lead to bigger problems in nature, so it's vital to support conservation efforts.

Presence: A Lesson on Love from John Muir

Meaning || Matter • 0 implied HN points • 24 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Conservation
  1. John Muir believed that love is essential for conservation. It’s not just about protecting nature but feeling a deep connection to it.
  2. Muir felt a strong need to be in nature and believed that presence is crucial for love. He often found solace and energy in the wild.
  3. Human connections are important, but many feel isolated today. Rediscovering a love for nature can help fill that gap and bring joy back into our lives.

The Business of De-Extinction: Can it Save Species or Will it Fail?

Adetokunbo Sees • 0 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🔬 Science Conservation
  1. De-extinction is a hot topic and some companies are getting a lot of money for it, like Colossal Biosciences, which is valued at over ten billion dollars. This shows that there is interest in trying to save endangered species.
  2. Every year, many species are going extinct, with estimates saying between 10,000 and 100,000 species each year. This mass extinction has huge impacts on our economy and environment.
  3. While de-extinction is an exciting idea, stopping climate change and reducing fossil fuel use is a more effective way to save the most species and the planet overall.