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URBAN WILDLIFE
In 1999, Metallica's James Hetfield bought a 1,150-acre Marin ranch, then gave up development rights. 19 years later, 1,000 acres were protected as working agricultural land foreverFor Hetfield and his family, the decision was also presented as a way to maintain agriculture and the scenic character of the ranch. In a s...
In 1851, Brooklyn released 100 house sparrows from England; 175 years later, the birds are found across nearly all of North AmericaHouse Sparrows, introduced to North America during the mid-1800s, have rapidly become a prevalent part of the continent's avian scene. Thei...
New York wants more tree cover; a 2024 study found that planting certain species could worsen summer ozone when their emissions mix with traffic pollutionWhile New York City’s tree planting efforts aim to enhance urban greenery, they may unintentionally worsen air quality. Species such as oak...
In Sydney, UTS researchers tested a biosolar green roof that cut panel temperatures by up to 9.63°C and increased maximum solar output by up to 107%, depending on the monthA biosolar roof system serves to cool solar panels, thereby boosting their electricity generation potential. By nurturing vegetation below ...
Yotta pushes back on fears data centres could strain India’s power, waterLarge data centre operators can build dedicated power networks and closed-loop cooling systems. These systems limit dependence on local urb...
Dia Mirza turned her Mumbai home into a mini jungle. Actress shares 3 easy steps for beginners to attract birds, butterflies and beesActress Dia Mirza shared simple ways for people living in cities to bring nature closer to their homes. Flowering plants can attract birds ...
Monkeys turn residents in Noida society into cages, authorities debate jurisdictionResidents of Gulshan Botania in Noida’s Sector 144 say rhesus macaques have repeatedly entered homes, damaged belongings and raided kitchen...
In 2023, Connecticut removed Strong Pond Dam after 20 years of planning. 3 years later, 10 upstream miles are open to fish, reconnecting 20 miles of habitat for wildlifeThe removal of Strong Pond Dam in Wilton, Connecticut, marks a significant achievement in river restoration. This initiative has revitalize...
In Florida’s Everglades, Burmese pythons are helping scientists track pollutionIn Florida's Everglades, Burmese pythons are unexpectedly aiding scientists in pollution research. By accumulating harmful substances like ...
In 1991, Berkeley transformed a landfill into Cesar Chavez Park. 35 years later, the former dump is a scenic waterfront park with an annual kite festival for localsAtlas Obscura identifies César Chávez Park as a former landfill that hosts an annual kite festival and notes that the Berkeley Kite Festiva...
Central Park is changing to survive climate change — and what New York is doing could matter for cities around the worldCentral Park faces climate change challenges like increased rainfall and extreme heat. The park is now adapting by becoming climate infrast...
This 590-mile Canadian train journey takes you through mountains, canyons and some of North America’s most spectacular sceneryThis 590-mile Canadian train journey takes travellers from Vancouver through dramatic canyons, forests and towering mountain landscapes bef...
In 2020, DC's DOEE restored 500 feet of stream at Branch Avenue Park. Six years later, a site where the streambed had eroded by more than 15 feet was transformed, opening parkland for peopleA stream restoration project transformed a degraded parkland section in southeast Washington, DC. This initiative improved habitat and reso...
In 2015, Cullinan Ranch crews breached levees, bringing tidal flows back to 1,200 acres. 11 years later, migratory birds and fish now use the restored Napa River habitat in CaliforniaTidal marshes are valuable coastal wetlands that support wildlife, protect shorelines, filter polluted water and provide other ecosystem se...
In 2010, federal wildlife trustees secured $2.65 million for San Francisco Bay tidal marsh restoration. 5 years later, tidal waters returned to 1,250 acres at Cullinan RanchSan Francisco Bay tidal marshes are being restored for a reason that reaches far beyond wildlife. These wetlands filter polluted water and ...
Why are urban birds using 'cigarette butts' in their nests? Study reveals a surprising link to arthropod repellents and ectoparasitesWhy are urban birds using 'cigarette butts' in their nests? In urban landscapes, birds have taken to using cigarette filters in their nests...
COVID lockdowns accidentally created an experiment scientists could never have deliberately run: What happens when the roads and buildings stay, but the people disappear?The COVID-19 lockdowns accidentally created a rare real-world experiment for scientists, as human activity suddenly dropped while roads, bu...
Jeff Bezos pledged $10 billion for climate change: Lauren Sánchez's $100 million plan is transforming unused spaces in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Pennsylvania, Indianapolis and other US citiesLauren Sánchezis helping direct Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ $10 billion climate fund. In July this year, the fund announced a $100 million i...
In 1963, New York abandoned an island where Typhoid Mary had been quarantined; 63 years later, 25 decaying buildings remain closed to the publicNorth Brother Island ultimately stands as one of New York City’s most unusual historical landscapes because its ruins tell several stories ...
In the 1920s, Arizona’s State Game Department introduced bullfrogs for food and sport; the predators now eat young northern Mexican gartersnakes and move up to 7 milesArizona introduced American bullfrogs a century ago for sport, which now threatens native gartersnakes. These nonnative frogs disrupt food ...