Category Archives: environment

“Diversity is our strength, unity is our power”: Viewing Pride through the Lens of Earth’s Biodiversity

 As Pride Month comes to an end, we are honored to share with you the following guest blog by Marlon Reis, the First Gentleman of Colorado. He is a tireless advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, as well as for wildlife and animals of all kinds. We are proud to have him as an ally and friend. __ As a species, humanity has—in great measure—sought to define the parameters of the world we share. These efforts to more narrowly define one’s… Continue reading →

Pride Month, LGBTQ+ and the Environmental Movement

“A fabulous planet is the fundamental right of everyone in our shared environment. Systems that strip the natural diversity from society and the earth must be toppled so that every expression of humanity, and all species, can thrive.” – Gerod Rody, Founder and President Emeritus of OUT for Sustainability This year is the 50th anniversary of Pride Month. Pride began in 1970, in recognition of the Stonewall Uprising, and recalled the uprising’s protest against discriminatory laws, social treatment, and policing… Continue reading →

The “What’s In My Backyard?” Challenge

For the 15th anniversary of Endangered Species Day, the Endangered Species Coalition is inviting everyone we know to participate in a challenge: get outdoors and identify as many species as you can in your own backyard, balcony, courtyard, or neighborhood park! Here are just a few reasons to join this exciting event celebrating the biodiversity all around us: Spend time outside and connect with nature. Learn more about species in your local area and how to identify them. Collect data… Continue reading →

Kutai National Park: Welcome to the Jungle

This post is a part 2 of a 4-part guest series by Sherri Harvey.   After a twenty-minute boat ride down the Sangatta River, we followed our jungle-trekking guides up a steep river embankment to a sign that read “Welcome to the Jungle.” Since Axel Rose from Guns and Roses is from my home state of Indiana, I couldn’t help but hear the song  in my head, but soon enough, the sounds of the jungle took over. As we made… Continue reading →

Protecting Western Monarchs

By: Angela Laws, Endangered Species Conservation Biologist, The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation; Marlene Milosevich, conservation volunteer and Jeanne Dodds, Creative Engagement Director, Endangered Species Coalition   The western monarch population has declined by more than 99% from its size in the 1980’s, with an 86% drop in the size of the overwintering population from 2018 to 2019.  In response to this decline, The Xerces Society released a Call to Action, to identify the steps we can all take to… Continue reading →

Part 1: Borneo Burning: One of the Faces of Climate Change

This post is a part 1 of a 4-part guest series by Sherri Harvey According to the United Nations, 2019 was one of the most disastrous years on record for Climate Change disasters. In fact, in the month of July alone, there was a climate crisis disaster reported each week. Climate Change is real, although looks different in every single part of the world. No matter the face, there is no denying we need to find solutions. In Australia and… Continue reading →

Our House is On Fire

Every day we see more examples of wildlife being hurt and killed by climate change.  In Australia, more than a billion native species have burned to death, including kangaroos and koalas. Fires in the rain forests of Malaysia and Brazil contribute to global warming and kill endangered orangutans and giant armadillos. Plants and animals are taking the horrific brunt of human excess and greed. 

Sometimes I feel alone in my understanding of how terrible this crisis really is and how urgently we must act.  People often seem apathetic and behave as though someone else will solve the problem. 

But I am not alone. We are not alone. 

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How to help wildlife victims of fires in Australia

The deadly brush fires are burning in Australia have scorched nearly 18 million acres of land and caused massive devastation. Undeveloped areas such as forests and national parks have been particularly hard-hit and have caused great suffering and loss of wildlife. Scientists estimate that 480 million animals may have already perished and expect that that number is likely to be much higher. While the situation is catastrophic, there is work being done on the ground to provide aid to or… Continue reading →

Native Milkweed for Monarch Conservation

Diane Jones, owner of Draggin’ Wing High Desert Nursery and Jeanne Dodds, ESC Creative Engagement Director – Growing up in Idaho, I recall late afternoons watching Monarch butterflies winging through the garden, their orange patterning matching the striking summer light as they flew through the yard. It was thrilling and awe inspiring to observe a tiny part of their long journey. I knew that Monarchs were the state insect of Idaho and connected with these beautiful butterflies as a symbol… Continue reading →

Poisoned: New Report Highlights 10 Species Threatened by Pesticides

Chemical pesticides applied to lawns, gardens, and industrial agriculture operations are a major threat to imperiled wildlife, according to a new report released today. “Poisoned: 10 American Species Imperiled by Pesticides” details how domestic and commercial pesticides—including herbicides, insecticides, and rodenticides—are contributing to the decline of many common and lesser known species of wildlife.

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