How To Bring Back the Prairie, a Tiny Bit at a Time
In the southeastern corner of Minnesota, fields of corn and soy stretch seemingly endlessly—a far cry from the area’s native grasslands. Past surveys estimated just 1% of the state’s native…
A New Future for Mine Lands in the Central Appalachians
Chris Barton is reeling through the creatures documented on the study sites: six species of bats, a long list of birds including rarities like cerulean warbler, a variety of salamanders,…
Coral Atolls are Not a Lost Cause
An international team of scientists, conservationists, and indigenous leaders argues that strategic ecological restoration could save coral atoll islands from the rising seas of climate change. The Gist Published in…
Restoring Old Growth Forests in the Pacific Northwest
As calls to restore the Pacific Northwest’s old-growth forests gain momentum, TNC scientists and partners are evaluating the results of 15 years of forest management practices at TNC’s Ellsworth Creek…
Running the Numbers on Global Seabird Restoration
A new database of global seabird restoration projects allows scientists to analyze trends and provides a tool for practitioners looking to effectively restore seabirds and coastal ecosystems. The Gist Led…
Want Resilient Coral Reefs? Bring Back Seabirds
Seabirds are ecosystem engineers, contributing valuable nutrients to reef ecosystems offshore of breeding colonies. New research, published in Science Advances, suggests eradicating rats and restoring seabird populations could increase coral…
Overlooked ‘Albedo’ Effect Should Be Factored into Tree Cover Restoration Decisions for Climate
Albedo changes can cause large reductions to the climate benefit of tree planting. New research helps identify areas around the world with the greatest climate-cooling potential. The Gist Planting trees…
Peatlands Are One of Earth’s Most Underrated Ecosystems
A conservation team walks by hummocks of sphagnum moss, mist hanging in the scattered black spruce. They step onto soft, springy ground that squelches under their rubber boots, and a…
Want to Suppress Coral Disease? Bring Back Sea Cucumbers
Research from French Polynesia and TNC’s Palmyra Atoll Preserve shows that, by feeding on microbial pathogens in marine sediment, the weird and wonderful sea cucumber can enhance reef resilience by…
Restoring River Oxbows Benefits Endangered Fish
Mark Twain once wrote that, in a period of 176 years, the lower Mississippi River was shortened by 242 miles. While the famous author used this in service to his…