Diane Hope

Elevated E. coli levels are, unfortunately, not unheard of in Oak Creek  – whether it be from a sewage spill like the one earlier this summer, or because of crowded recreation spots where humans and other animals leave behind waste.

Before foresters or biologists can collect pine cones, examine pest infestation, or follow their study-animal up a tree, they have to go to tree climbing school.

National parks and other protected areas are critical conservation spots for wildlife. But, they’re often too isolated to support natural migration and dispersal. That’s why the nonprofit Wildlands Network is working with coalition partners on a bold vision, known collectively as the ‘Western Wildway’. It’s a 6,000 mile-long wildlife corridor aimed at connecting 20 separate core reserves from Mexico to Alaska.

When seeking a terrestrial equivalent to the Red Planet, the Mars Society chose the red rock country of Utah and a site half-way between Capitol Reef and Canyonlands National Parks. In 2001, the Colorado-based non-profit established their Mars Desert Research Station just outside the tiny town of Hanksville, Utah.

Catch sight of a small bird with narrow wings and a long square-tipped tail, hovering beside a road or perched on a telephone wire, and you’ve likely seen an American kestrel.