On Mauritius, an Invasive Tree Boosts an Endangered Bird but Threatens the Wider Ecosystem

Conservationists helped the Mauritius kestrel dodge extinction once. Now, experts worry about putting the bird at risk to save other species.

Apr 27, 2023 | 850 words, about 4 minutes

Calling in the Seabirds

A tiny Hawaiian island is finally free of invasive rats. Now scientists are trying to coax back lost seabird colonies.

Apr 10, 2023 | 750 words, about 3 minutes

In India, Sacred Groves Are Helping Resurrect a Near-Extinct Forest Ecosystem

Botanists and community stewards from Auroville, Tamil Nadu, are using scattered patches of native forest as a blueprint to revive the tropical dry evergreen forest ecosystems of coastal India.

Mar 2, 2023 | 1,700 words, about 8 minutes

Worried about Sea Level Rise? Look for the Lichens.

One of the great infrastructure challenges of the next few decades is to figure out which coastal sites should be abandoned and which can be saved. Lichens can help.

Feb 28, 2023 | 900 words, about 4 minutes

Washaway No More: An Experimental Beach Barrier Could Be Key to Rebuilding Eroding Coastlines

In 2016, David Cottrell dropped a load of rocks on Washington State’s Washaway Beach to see if he could reverse the erosion—an effort that has caught the attention of engineers.

Feb 23, 2023 | 1,600 words, about 8 minutes

Rethinking the Resilience of Salt Marshes

The painstakingly slow recovery of an Oregon marsh raises new worries about how delicate these ecosystems can be.

Dec 15, 2022 | 550 words, about 2 minutes

Restraining the Tide Exacerbates Climate Change

Blocking the flow of salt water can turn coastal wetlands into methane belchers.

Aug 24, 2022 | 750 words, about 3 minutes

A Dish of Beach Greens, Infused with Memories and Tradition

An Iñupiaq writer remembers her family roots through the preparation of a favorite dish.

Jun 16, 2022 | 1,300 words, about 6 minutes