Glimmers of hope for kelp recovery [Northern Europe]

Nikki Oliver writes: “In Sussex, along a stretch of England’s south coast, just a few hundred metres from the busy coastal city of Brighton, a story of hope is emerging. Historic kelp forests, lost for decades, are slowly beginning to flourish once more, demonstrating the ocean’s ability to recover when it’s protected from destructive fishing activity such as trawling. Kelp, flat-bladed large brown seaweeds, often…” Continue reading Glimmers of hope for kelp recovery [Northern Europe]

Reintroducing a lost grasshopper [Northern Europe]

Joe Nash writes: “The Hop of Hope project from Citizen Zoo ties into wider efforts to restore ecosystems, habitats, and biodiversity in the East of England. As well as bringing about a successful reintroduction of the large marsh grasshopper (Stethophyma grossum), a Hop of Hope is a demonstration of citizen science in action. Fostering a diverse community of grasshopper-rearing…” Continue reading Reintroducing a lost grasshopper [Northern Europe]

Dung beetles on a coastal reserve [Western Europe]

Cyril Forchelet writes: “Created in 1976 on the edge of the town of Lacanau, in Gironde, France, the Étang de Cousseau nature reserve covers 900 hectares. The reserve, which is managed by the environmental body SEPANSO Aquitaine, is located 50 km west of Bordeaux and 3 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean. It leans against the eastern side of the coastal dune belt. The reserve is made up of…” Continue reading Dung beetles on a coastal reserve [Western Europe]

Life’s revival in a natural harbor [Northeast USA]

Judith S Weis writes: “During much of the previous century, the New York–New Jersey (NY–NJ) Harbor Estuary was severely degraded due to the effects of heavy industry, including the unregulated discharge of raw sewage and all kinds of industrial pollutants into the water, as well as the filling-in of marshes for development (e.g., three major area airports were built in this way). Major…” Continue reading Life’s revival in a natural harbor [Northeast USA]

Mission Blues [Western USA]

Bruce Byers writes: “A breeze was just starting up as we parked along Quarry Road in Brisbane, California, on the eastern slope of San Bruno Mountain. I tagged along with a local butterfly conservation scientist and a two-person team from the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Mission of the day: to capture and translocate some endangered Mission Blue butterflies from this area to Sweeney Ridge…” Continue reading Mission Blues [Western USA]