Discover stories in Natural History
Purple Martins: The Bird That Relies on Human-Built Nests
Purple martins are truly a bird of the people. In fact, they have shifted almost entirely from natural nests to human-made ones. Why have purple martins become so reliant on us?
The Secret Lives of Horseshoe Crabs
Every year, horseshoe crabs emerge from the depths for one reason and one reason only: sex.
The Battles of Song Sparrows: How a Scientific Outsider Changed How We Study Birds
Margaret Morse Nice lacked a formal academic position but her work on the territoriality of song sparrows changed ornithology.
Ginseng Digging: Local Traditions and Global Markets for Appalachia’s Medicinal Plants
Ginseng: a medicinal root with a long tradition of harvesting in Appalachia. But can the plant withstand the demands of a global market? Hal Herring takes a personal look at the plants, the place and the people that make up the history of ginseng digging.
Nature Books Have Never Been This Fun: 6 Great Summer Reads
Looking for a fun read this summer? Here are 6 nature books as entertaining as any bestseller.
Headhunters, Poaching, & Arson: Community Conservation in the Arnavons
After a 40-year history punctuated by arson, conflict, and poaching, conservation efforts in the Arnavon Islands are yielding a glimmer of hope for hawksbills sea turtles. Now, Conservancy scientists are working with local communities to make these critical islands the first site in the Solomon Island’s protected area network.
Restoring an Ancient Nursery for Atlantic Sturgeon
Atlantic sturgeon were once so plentiful that during their spring spawning runs they would upset boats on the Delaware River. Today, scientists are working to bring this ancient fish back from the brink.
6 Great New Books for the Fish Nerd’s Library
Looking for something more than the usual fish story? We have you covered with books on gars, sturgeons, freshwater tropical fish and more.
Unraveling the Mystery of the Western Sycamores that Weren’t
The problem? As trees in some of their restoration sites grew to maturity, they didn’t look like the native western sycamores the scientists were sure they had planted.
7 Resources for Natural History Nerds
Want to identify that feather you found on a hike? Or find out what kind of tracks a hermit crab leaves along a beach? These links can help you do that, and more.
White Deer: Understanding a Common Animal of Uncommon Color
For millennia, people have regarded white deer with a mix of reverence, superstition and scientific misinformation. And it continues to this day. What’s the real story of these ghost-like animals?
Holiday Treat: What’s the Difference Between Reindeer and Caribou?
Take a look at the natural history of one of our most popular holiday symbols: the reindeer.
