Tag: urban conservation

Plight of the Bumble Bee: Conserving Imperiled Native Pollinators

March 19, 2014 | by: Matt Miller | 15

You’ve probably heard about the loss of honey bees. But did you know native bumble bees face even more alarming declines? These vital pollinators are disappearing due to pesticides and habitat loss. You can make a difference — right in your backyard.

Full Article

A Conservation Scientist’s Advice on “Green” Light Bulbs

February 25, 2014 | by: Craig Leisher | 12

LED? CFL? What’s the best light bulb for the environment? Scientist Craig Leisher has been experimenting with light bulbs in his own home, weighing the pros and cons. His message: don’t be an early adopter.

Full Article

Birders: Report Forest Pests During the Great Backyard Bird Count

February 12, 2014 | by: Leigh Greenwood | 0

The Great Backyard Bird Count is one of the largest citizen science efforts in the world. Learn how participants can expand their impact by reporting invasive forest pests.

Full Article

Citizen Science: Survey Katydids in Your Neighborhood

September 8, 2013 | by: Jon Fisher | 2

That night music you hear coming from the trees? At least in part, that’s coming from katydids. Despite their ubiquity, very little is known about these charismatic critters. But you can help. Grab your smart phone and head into your neighborhood for a katydid census! Blogger Jon Fisher gets you started.

Full Article

Citizen Science: Reveling in Urban Ecology

January 30, 2013 | by: Jon Fisher | 2

I’ve always lived in cities, and I’ve always loved nature, but for most of my life I took the concept of “wild animals” in cities for granted. Sure, there are some birds, and squirrels, but so what?

It wasn’t until I took an urban ecology class that my eyes were opened to how much you can learn just by watching wildlife in a city.

One of our major assignments for the class was simply to observe wildlife in two different types of urban locations every week for a semester, and write a paper about everything we learned.

I managed to spot about 40 species without any formal training or expertise, and since then the way I perceive urban wildlife has completely changed. If you want to give it a try, I’ve outlined a few tips to help you get started.

Full Article

Featured Content

Osprey Cam: Watch Our Wild Neighbors
Watch the ospreys live 24/7 as they nest and raise their young -- and learn more about these fascinating birds from our scientist.

What is Cool Green Science?

noun 1. Blog where Nature Conservancy scientists, science writers and external experts discuss and debate how conservation can meet the challenges of a 9 billion + planet.

2. Blog with astonishing photos, videos and dispatches of Nature Conservancy science in the field.

3. Home of Weird Nature, The Cooler, Quick Study, Traveling Naturalist and other amazing features.

Cool Green Science is managed by Matt Miller, the Conservancy's deputy director for science communications at the Conservancy, and edited by Bob Lalasz, its director of science communications. Email us your feedback.

Editors’ Choice

Where Have The Monarchs Gone?
Monarch butterflies are disappearing. What's going on? Is there anything we can do about it?

North America's Greatest Bird Spectacle?
The Platte River is alive with 500,000 sandhill cranes. Learn how you can catch the action--even from your computer.