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As America Turns 250, Tribal and Japanese American Families Gather to Reclaim Their History

Remembering the Sand Creek Massacre and Amache internment camp, despite the Trump administration’s attempts to scrub history

Text and photographs by Jennifer Oldham June 28, 2026

In this story: indigenous communities, national parks, local parks, Trump

Adventures in Animal Miscasting

Researchers call out wildlife mistakes in movie magic

By Andrew Sharp June 26, 2026

In this story: film, culture, animals, wildlife

Former French Olympic skater Philippe Candeloro poses during a photo call prior to the screening of the French premiere of "The Jungle Book" in Paris, France. | Photo courtesy of AP Photo/Francois Mori

What Is a Forest For?

California’s demonstration state forest system may be moving toward a future of climate research and tribal stewardship

By Kate Fishman June 25, 2026

In this story: forests, state forests, conservation, outdoor recreation, ecosystems

A creek in the Jackson Demonstration State Forest

New York County Agency Tries to Force Data Center on Locals

The Tonawanda Seneca Nation tries to protect its land and cultural traditions from a massive, polluting complex

By Lindsey Botts June 24, 2026

In this story: data centers, indigenous communities, fossil fuels, light pollution, toxics

Bird Logan, a citizen of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation, standing in the middle of the Big Woods.

Solar and Wind Set Records This Past May

Renewable energy outcompeted fossil fuels in a test case for what happens when they’re combined with battery storage

By Julian Spector June 23, 2026

In this story: renewable energy, solar, wind, clean energy, 100 percent clean energy

A field of solar panels and windmills in the desert.

Nature’s Answer to Combating Wildfire: The Prairie Dog

Behold the most adorable little firefighter you ever saw

By Sara Novak June 22, 2026

In this story: animals, science, wildfire, climate change

What Is Mouth Brooding?

These daddy frogs take their parental-care duties to the next level

By Brandon Keim June 21, 2026

In this story: animals, science

Close-up of a male Darwin's Frog with growing frogs inside his golden vocal sac

How to Train Your Condor

A bird-loving boy went from picking up trash at a zoo to saving endangered California condors

By Wendee Nicole June 19, 2026

In this story: birds, science, conservation, Kids' Corner

A leather condor puppet nuzzles a fluffy white condor chick with its fake beak in an incubator.

Rocks, Glaciers, and Trees Offer Clues to the Planet’s Past

What we can learn from Earth's time capsules

By Riley Black June 18, 2026

In this story: geology, forests, science, climate change, Kids' Corner

Illustration shows a scene through a magnifying glass of a dinosaur, glacier, volcano, and trees on fire

Zen and the Art of Canoeing With the Kids

Reflections on a summer paddle adventure

Text and photographs by Conor Mihell June 17, 2026

In this story: adventure, children, Joy, Kids' Corner

Four adults and two children travel in two canoes across a calm lake with trees in the background

How to Create an Aquarium Where Fish Thrive

Because your pets deserve more than a tank filled with water

By Ashley Stimpson June 16, 2026

In this story: fish, buyers' guide

Illustration shows the inside of a home aquarium, with fish, snails, plants, and props.

The Bright Lights of These Little Bugs Are Dimming

How researchers and citizen scientists are tracking firefly populations and supporting conservation efforts

By Jennifer Cole June 15, 2026

In this story: insects, endangered species, conservation, animals, wildlife

US Faces Triple Threat of Climate Crisis, Economic Hardship, and Donald Trump

Scientists warn Trump’s “systemic assault” on science comes as we enter an unprecedented Danger Season

By Dana Drugmand June 14, 2026

In this story: climate change, extreme weather, Trump, science

Healthy Ecosystems Need Their Keystone Species

Here's why

By Amy Brecount White June 12, 2026

In this story: ecosystems, marine ecosystems, animals, Kids' Corner

Two ochre sea stars (purple and eggplant colored) climb on white sea anemones in shallow water, with a ray of sun shining into the water

How a School Trip to the Marin Headlands Changed the Way I See Nature

The runner-up essay in the 2026 Sierra Seedlings Youth Essay Contest

By Michael Wilkinson June 11, 2026

In this story: Kids' Corner, inspiring connections outdoors, conservation, local parks, Joy

Treasures

The winning essay in the 2026 Sierra Seedlings Youth Essay Contest

By Katelyn Ziegler June 11, 2026

In this story: Kids' Corner, local parks, national parks, conservation, Joy

Connecting With Nature Is Good for Kids—and for the Planet

We see evidence of that all around

By Loren Blackford June 10, 2026

In this story: inspiring connections outdoors, community, Kids' Corner, technology

Shelton Johnson, wearing a park ranger uniform, walks down a dusty path through woods followed by a dozen or so hikers.

To the Young (and the Young at Heart), With Hope

Small helpers and small actions can make a big difference

By Jessica Meskus June 9, 2026

In this story: children, activism

Illustration shows the backs of a mother and her middle-school-age son walking in the woods amid animals and trees.

Even Bugs Need a Little Love

The tiny invertebrates that creep many of us out are the foundation of biodiversity

By Kate Morgan June 8, 2026

In this story: insects, conservation, climate change, Kids' Corner

Close-up of a green caterpillar on a stick with a blurry child holding it in the background

How One Maryland Community Is Fighting Data Centers and Defending Democracy

A citizen-led effort to put data center development on the ballot in November hangs in the balance

By Ashley Stimpson June 7, 2026

In this story: data centers, Community Advocates, environmental justice, social justice

Wide aerial view of townscape with churches residential blocks and water tower in Frederick Maryland