William von Herff

William von Herff is a scientist-turned-science writer who writes about conservation, the environment, and natural history. He’s currently a freelance reporter and an early-career fellow at The Open Notebook.

A Megadrought Is Reshaping Birdlife in the Southwest

A recent bad year for elegant trogons is only the latest in a string of changes

By William von Herff October 21, 2025

In this story: drought, Desert, wildlife, birds, climate change

Beautiful Elegant Trogen photographed in New Mexico

Hurricane Helene Cleanup Poses a Threat to Wildlife

Contractors take a scorched-earth approach to debris removal in North Carolina

By William von Herff August 8, 2025

In this story: climate change, disaster relief, climate adaptation, extreme weather

French Broad River Park after Hurricane Helene 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Photo by FS/iStock

William von Herff

A Megadrought Is Reshaping Birdlife in the Southwest

Hurricane Helene Cleanup Poses a Threat to Wildlife

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