Conservation Science
Protecting nature is what we do. Science shows us how. We tell the stories behind Nature Conservancy science — from the field to the research lab, and everywhere in between.
From the Field
We get our boots dirty. Join us as we cover science in action, from stormwater drains to the Indonesian rainforest..
Grazing Lands as Climate Solutions: Key Practices for Carbon and Biodiversity
Study finds wetland restoration, pasture planting, and adjusted grazing can boost soil carbon and cut emissions—but more research is needed for lasting impact.
Family, Survival and Change: The Secret Life of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker
Lauren Pharr uncovers how family bonds and teamwork help red-cockaded woodpeckers thrive in longleaf pine forests, even as climate change reshapes their world.
Meet the Gopher Tortoise, Hero of the Longleaf Pinelands
Gopher tortoises are one of Florida’s most fascinating reptiles, and a keystone species of the longleaf pine ecosystem.
Growing Seagrass? Better Add a Sprinkle of Bird Poop
TNC and its partners are restoring habitat with the help of a little bird-poop fertilizer.
Meet the 7 Swans a-Swimming
Those seven swans a-swimming aren’t just for the holiday song. There are seven swan species—and each has its own wild story.
The Mystery of the Mast Year
Scientists still aren’t sure why some populations of trees drop extraordinary quantities of nuts, fruits, or seeds every few years—or how they coordinate across vast ranges to do so.
Science for Strategy
Science is strategy. Learn from 600 scientists & our partners researching the best way to protect nature.
Risk, Resilience, and the Power of Community Preferences
Climate adaptation starts locally. See how TNC partners with communities to reduce risk and scale nature-based solutions.
Mangroves Slash Hurricane Damage in Florida by Billions
In Collier County alone, mangroves cut annual losses by $67M and prevented $4B in damages during Hurricane Ian.
Solar’s Hidden Footprint: Why Accurate Land Data Matters for Conservation
New research reveals solar datasets underestimate land use by up to 34%, masking habitat loss in natural areas.
Get Up Close With Alabama’s Rivers
Follow photographer Mac Stone as he explores the pitcher plant bogs, nesting bird islands, and floodplain forests for Alabama’s river ecosystems.
Turning the Lens on Mongolia
Mongolia shaped his photography career. Now, 25 years later, he returns to capture the country’s commitment to a sustainable future.
Meet the Apalachicola Redhorse, a Newly Recognized Fish Species
For more than 50 years, the Apalachicola redhorse was a fish with no name. Learn more about this newly recognized species of sucker.
Science Brief
Your hub for the latest peer-reviewed research powering conservation action.
Archives
Forest Carbon Projects May Help More Than We Thought—New Study Finds Leakage Often Overestimated
New findings challenge current carbon market accounting practices and advocate for more nuanced, carbon-specific leakage estimates to ensure integrity and unlock greater investment in Climate Smart Forestry as a natural climate solution.
Maximizing Climate Returns: Albedo Accounting for Smarter Carbon Investments
New research shows how the albedo effect—Earth’s reflectivity—influences how well forest restoration projects can help cool the Earth.
Aquaculture Can Benefit Blue Carbon Ecosystems
A new review, led by TNC scientists, explores the potential for bivalve aquaculture to benefit blue carbon ecosystems.
How Living Cover Could Help Heal the U.S. Corn Belt
Regenerative ag practices—like cover crops, agroforestry, and pastured livestock—could reduce nitrate loss, erosion and emissions.
Climate Mitigation Depends on Seed-Dispersing Wildlife
A new study finds that the loss of seed-dispersing species in tropical forests more than halves the potential for areas of natural regrowth to sequester carbon.
Strictly Protected Marine Areas Can Effectively Deter Most Industrial Fishing
Industrial fishing vessels in fully and highly protected marine areas occur about 9 times less frequently than in unprotected surrounding waters.
