WILD

Apr 20 2026ENVIRONMENT

Why wind and dry air make North Carolina a fire risk today

North Carolina’s Piedmont and Sandhills regions are facing a different kind of storm today—not rain, but strong, dry winds. A cold front slid through during the morning, and instead of bringing showers, it left behind air so dry that humidity levels could drop below 25%. Add northwest gusts as high

reading time less than a minute
Apr 20 2026WEATHER

Dry Skies and High Winds Raise Fire Risk in Central Virginia

Central Virginia will face tough fire conditions on Monday, April 20th as parched ground meets strong winds. Dry air and gusty breezes could turn even small sparks into big problems. The state’s forests already show signs of stress with plant moisture levels dropping to just 10-12 percent—about half

reading time less than a minute
Apr 19 2026ENVIRONMENT

Grand Canyon Guardian: A Scientist’s Lifelong Mission

Kelly Burke grew up in Colorado, always drawn to wide open spaces. In 1986 she moved north to study geology at a university near the Grand Canyon. Her love for the canyon deepened when she helped drive river trips to keep money flowing while finishing her thesis. A chance ride on the Colora

reading time less than a minute
Apr 19 2026ENVIRONMENT

Northern Minnesota Adds More Counties to Burning Ban Amid Wildfire Threat

The state is tightening rules on outdoor fires because the heat and dryness are making wildfires more likely. Starting at 8 a. m. on Monday, April 20, the Department of Natural Resources added several northern counties to its list where open burning is prohibited. These new areas include Becke

reading time less than a minute
Apr 18 2026SCIENCE

Coatis Carry a Common Anaplasma Strain in Brazil’s Forest

In the Iguaçu National Park, researchers collected blood from 73 coatis across three locations. They used PCR tests to look for DNA from several tick‑borne bacteria and parasites: Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Borrelia, and piroplasms. Almost half of the animals—about 48%—showed Anaplasma DNA, while n

reading time less than a minute
Apr 18 2026ENVIRONMENT

Wildfires Stay Lit Longer as Nights Heat Up

The length of time fires burn in North America has stretched into the night, a trend linked to human‑driven climate change. Researchers found that conditions suitable for fire now last 36 % longer than they did half a century ago, and the number of days with fire‑prone weather has risen by 44 %.

reading time less than a minute
Apr 17 2026ENVIRONMENT

Citizen‑Science Photos Turn a Field into a Living Timeline

In a quiet corner of Longmeadow, a simple wooden post now doubles as a window into the past and future of a wildlife refuge. A sign invites hikers to snap a picture with their phones, send it by email, and instantly add a new frame to a growing archive that tracks the area’s changes since 2020. T

reading time less than a minute
Apr 16 2026WEATHER

New Jersey braces for storms, heat, and a sudden cold snap

Tonight, northern New Jersey could see some rough weather after 7 p. m. , with isolated thunderstorms packing strong winds and hail. These storms aren’t expected to blanket the whole state—just a few scattered cells popping up before midnight. On Thursday, the heat returns, pushing temperatures into

reading time less than a minute
Apr 15 2026ENVIRONMENT

Piping plovers in Michigan: How to enjoy them without disturbing their comeback

Experts say the Great Lakes piping plover—those tiny, sand-colored shorebirds—are making a slow but steady recovery after nearly disappearing decades ago. But their comeback story depends on people following simple but strict rules. When walking Michigan beaches this season, hikers need to watch fo

reading time less than a minute
Apr 13 2026ENVIRONMENT

Ospreys Take Over the Courts

The recent arrival of ospreys at local sports venues has sparked a mix of surprise and admiration. At the La Jolla Tennis Club, officials and players have welcomed the birds that now perch near the court lights. Similarly, a pair of ospreys have set up home on a power pole beside MiraCosta Col

reading time less than a minute