Author: Site Owner

By Doyle Irvin, American Forests

Photo credits to Flickr users Gerben van Heijningen (desert), Grempz (ocean), and Arne (forest)

Every day, scientists are discovering fascinating new aspects of how everything on our planet intertwines. Working at American Forests means that we are constantly learning new ways in which trees are integral to the functionality of our ecosystem. I’d like to share with you something new that I’ve only recently come across.

People have known for a long time that desertification can be fought with trees. We know that vegetation helps to anchor critical soils, keeping the ground where it is, allowing its nutrients to recycle again and again in the cycle of life. Many rapidly expanding countries have experienced sudden desertification, after they extensively cut down their forests in order to jump start their industrialization and economic expansion. Without the shade that forests provide, ground temperatures increase, drying the soil and speeding up the desertification process. Places like India and Kenya are now trying to combat these developments by planting millions of trees.

What has also been clear for a long time is that trees and forests are a great source of existing moisture, through their evapotranspirative properties. Their “tree sweat” provides water for both their surrounding vegetation and the clouds above. The clouds then move with the wind to new areas. Scientist Dominick Spracklen of the University of Leeds found “this really strong impact – air that travelled over a lot of forest brought a lot more rain than air that didn’t.”

A new development that is starting to gain steam in the scientific community is the theory that forests anchor and attract rainfall for their regions, instead of simply serving as a source of moisture for the air. Russian scientists Dr. Anastassia Makarieva and Professor Victor Gorshkov of the Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute have proposed that forests act as what they call a “biotic pump.”

To explain this process, picture three distinct bio-zones: desert, ocean and forest. Forests actually evaporate more moisture than oceans, and deserts of course evaporate the least of the three.

Evaporation creates low-pressure air zones by reducing the temperature of the air. Remember, heat causes expansion, meaning that a hotter quantity of atmosphere will expand and push itself into a colder area (this is why city streets and deserts provide such great updrafts for birds to fly with). This transference of atmosphere from one area to another will bring whatever moisture is on the wind as it rushes in to fill low-pressure areas. This means that whatever area is evaporating more — creating a low pressure zone by lowering air temperatures — is going to attract moisture from adjacent lower-evaporation areas.

Now, these aren’t hard and fast rules you can apply everywhere — there are always exceptions. But they are general principles. What they tell us is that, generally, if you have a desert next to an ocean, the ocean will be evaporating more moisture than the desert, and the wind will blow out into the ocean. If you have a forest next to an ocean, the wind will blow in from the ocean and bring the moisture with it.

If you have an unbroken forest reaching far into the mainland of the continent, it acts as a “biotic pump,” sustaining the water cycle (and the direction of the moisture-laden wind) as a positive feedback loop deep into the interior.

Diagrams courtesy of CIFOR.

This also means that if you have no trees – or decide to cut them all down – you are staring right down the barrel of drought season. Think of it as similar to the phrase, “you need some money to make some money.” You need trees in order to have the moisture to grow new trees: if you cut them all down, you might not be able to get them back.

If this theory withstands the tests of time and scientific scrutiny, it could lead to a deeper understanding of how to conserve and protect our natural world. To read more in-depth explanations of the processes involved, check out the biotic pump website and this article in Scientific American.

By Melanie Friedel, American Forests

Sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, fluorides, carbon dioxide, ozone. What do all of these hard-to-pronounce things have in common? They are all making their way into your body when you breathe. That’s right, these air pollutants are everywhere, even when you can’t see them. In cities, there’s a mouthful in every breath.

There are two types of air pollutants: primary and secondary. Primary pollutants are toxic as soon as they are released into the air and typically have a source that can be pinpointed. The biggest threats in this category in cities are particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and fluorides. Secondary pollutants, on the other hand, form in the air from interactions whose components might not have been toxic on their own. The major secondary pollutant we find in cities is ozone (O₃).

When we talk about ozone as an air pollutant, we’re referring to ground-level ozone (which we don’t like) as opposed to stratospheric ozone (which we do like) that creates a layer in the atmosphere protecting us from UV rays. Ground-level ozone is common in areas with dense populations and traffic because ozone forms when hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides (NO_x) from industry and automobile emissions interact with sunlight.

Particulate matter consists of microscopic particles from car exhaust, road dust, industry and other emissions. It is usually measured in two categories according to size: PM₁₀, the larger kinds, and PM_2.5, the smaller and more dangerous. The smaller the particle, the deeper into your lungs it can travel, and once it’s down there, it stays there. This leads to respiratory illnesses like asthma and lung cancer — outdoor PM causes 3.2 million deaths every year worldwide. SO₂ and fluorides are produced by fossil fuel combustion, which of course there’s a lot of in cities.

With the known health consequences of respiratory illness, cardiovascular disease, and lung cancer, it is clear that we should avoid exposure to these toxic air pollutants, but we don’t always have a choice. People in cities are especially vulnerable, since they have such frequent exposure to high concentrations of them. According to the World Health Organization, concentrations of PM exceed safe levels on the streets of more than 600 U.S. cities. Thankfully, city trees and greenery offer the beginnings of a solution to urban air pollution.

A study in London linked the annual removal of 90.4 tons of PM₁₀ by urban trees to a decrease in 2 deaths and 2 hospitalizations per year. And according to a study in the U.S., the amount of PM_2.5 removed annually by trees in 10 cities across the country in 2010 ranged from 4.7 tons in Syracuse to 64.5 tons in Atlanta. In the same cities, estimates of the annual monetary value of human health effects associated with PM_2.5 removal, such as hospital admissions, respiratory symptoms and related deaths, ranged from $1.1 million in Syracuse to $60.1 million in New York City. That’s right: trees save lives and money.

Strategic placement of grass, ivy and other plants in cities can reduce the street level concentrations of NO₂ and PM by 40 and 60 percent, respectively. There are multiple ways trees help to make urban air cleaner by filtering out pollutants:

Temperature reduction

Lowering temperatures reduces the movement of harmful ambient particles and prevents more pollutants from evaporating into the air. Trees create a great cooling effect by shading homes and streets, breaking up urban heat islands, and releasing water vapor into the air through their leaves. More tree crowns mean less dark surfaces like parking lots and paved streets being exposed to sunlight and emitting heat. Tree canopy cover in Los Angeles has decreased over the last 50 years, and a corresponding 6°F increase has been measured. Depending on the tree placement, trees can cool a city by up to 10°F, reducing the concentration of PM and other air pollutants with each degree.

Removal of pollutants

The first way trees remove air pollution is by particle interception: trapping pollution particles on their leaves and bark. Once the particle has been removed from the air, it is usually washed off the tree by rain or falls onto the ground with leaves and twigs. Studies have shown that in one urban park, tree cover removed 48 pounds of PM, 9 pounds of NO₂, 6 pounds of SO₂ and 100 pounds of carbon — daily. Silver birch trees in particular have been studied for their particle interception abilities: They have been found to reduce concentrations of PM by more than 50 percent.

A more complex way that trees filter the air is through gas uptake by leaf stomata. The stomata are tiny pores on tree leaves, and they absorb air to collect CO₂ in order to perform photosynthesis. During that uptake of air, they also absorb gaseous pollutants in the air. Once inside the leaf, the gas diffuses throughout the leaf’s pores. It is then absorbed by films of water inside the leaf where it will either form acids or react with inner-leaf surfaces to become less toxic. It is estimated that one tree can absorb almost 10 pounds of polluted air through its leaf stomata every year.

Energy effects on buildings

Now that we understand trees’ chemical abilities, we can factor in their physical ones. Trees shade buildings in the summer and block winds in the winter, so it makes sense that they reduce building energy use for both heating and cooling purposes. Minimizing energy needs lowers the amount of fuel combustion necessary and therefore reduces the amount of pollution from power plants entering the air in the first place.

Once seen as an aesthetic window dressing, trees have never seemed as important in cities as they do now that we know their full potential. We can’t decide to stop breathing when we walk down a city street, but we can decide to plant and maintain healthy trees and hedges in cities to support the cause for greener cities. The air we breathe is a little bit cleaner thanks to each and every tree. Let’s keep it that way.

For more information on this topic, please visit the new Vibrant Cities Lab website.

By Allie Wisniewski, American Forests

Credit: Bureau of Land Management

Can’t picture yourself in an office cubicle all day, staring at a computer screen and typing your life away? Well, you’re not alone. Luckily, believe it or not, the 9 to 5 lifestyle is not your only option. If nature is more your style, check out these outdoor jobs that will have you immersed in the wilderness rather than endless piles of paperwork.

Forester

Contrary to popular belief, forester doesn’t necessarily mean lumberjack, and you don’t get a free flannel shirt with your application. Don’t be discouraged, though — what you do get is an amazing opportunity to spend time in nature as you determine the best conservation strategies for forest wildlife habitats, water quality and soil stability. Many foresters work to create plans for planting, monitoring and harvesting trees while deciding how to best comply with environmental regulations along the way. You can learn more about working with the U.S. Forest Service here.

Environmental scientist

While any job title with the word “scientist” attached to it might immediately evoke thoughts of beakers and lab coats, there’s usually quite a bit of field work involved with this position, usually dedicated to collecting organic samples (water, soil, plants). Environmental scientists generally apply their knowledge of the natural sciences (biology, chemistry, etc.) in order to identify and eliminate potential hazards to the health of the environment and its inhabitants. Making a difference and enjoying the beauty of the outdoors? Doesn’t sound half bad to me.

Geographer

Here’s another occupation with a heavy emphasis on field work. The focus of the geographer is generally on interpreting the relationship between the physical and cultural aspects of our natural world. This involves conducting research on land forms, climates, soil, plants, animals and the human activities that occur in the same area. If you’re fascinated by the interactions between humans and the environment, consider a job in geography!

Trail builder

Anyone who’s ever been to a state or national park knows that hiking is a huge attraction for nature lovers around the globe. But have you ever thought about how these trails came about in the first place? Without trail builders to design and construct them, we’d have significantly limited access to the mountaintop peaks and scenic overlooks we’ve come to take for granted. While trail building can be extremely physically demanding, it’s incredibly rewarding to spend time outdoors and know that you’re providing thousands of people access to the magic of nature.

Archaeologist

When you hear “archaeologist,” it’s likely that your mind instantly jumps to visions of dinosaur bones and long-lost ancient artifacts. While archaeologists do work with fossils and artifacts, there’s more to the job than that. For example, before any federal project can begin (i.e. the building of a new road or pipeline), archaeologists are hired to survey the area to determine its potential archaeological significance. Whether you’re working in the urban or rural arena, you’re in touch with nature and the outdoors – ideal for those who don’t mind getting their hands dirty.

Landscape architect

Love urban parks? How about designing them? Landscape architects’ main focus is designing both public and private green spaces, often in and around parks, playgrounds, college campuses, gardens, residential homes and office or governmental buildings. A huge part of the job is ensuring that these spaces are not only beautiful and functional, but also harmonious with the natural environment. Needless to say, you’ll be spending a significant amount of time outside, facilitating the fruition of your vision.

Jad Daley only recently joined the American Forests team, but he has already made a big splash. Considered a thought leader in the field, we are very excited for the future of our conservation programs with him at the helm. Read on to find out why we are so excited to have Jad with us — and why he cares so much about trees.

Why did you choose to go into conservation?

My passion for conservation was sparked by spending my childhood summers on an island in Maine. It was a perfect place to endlessly explore piney woods and rocky coastlines, as a largely undeveloped island with only boat access. As a young adult just out of college my lifelong interest in hiking became a passion, and I spent many hours on the Appalachian Trail. As I traveled the trail, I came to realize that the amazing experiences we all have in the forest are made possible by the hard work of people and organizations that have conserved, restored and carefully managed our forests over many decades. I decided at that point to pursue a career working on behalf of forests, and in fact worked for the Appalachian Mountain Club for much of my early career.

What aspects of American Forests’ work are you most excited to be a part of?

I have worked for most of my career on land protection—such as helping to purchase private forestland for addition to our national forests and national parks, and working with forest landowners to protect their land from development with a conservation easement. During that time I became fascinated with the work of forest restoration, actions like planting trees in damaged areas so that our national forests are healthy and can provide habitat, water, recreation, forest jobs, carbon sequestration, and much more. I find the work of American Forests incredibly hopeful, because we bring forests back to life in places like abandoned mine lands and areas burned over by fire that might otherwise provide little benefit for people or wildlife. There is something magical in that act of healing our native forest landscapes, and I love the fact that we do this work in partnership with local organizations that create much needed jobs in rural areas. But I am also equally excited about the work of American Forests in cities, where planting trees can literally save lives by shading our homes from heat waves. When you visit treeless neighborhoods in our cities, which are most often low-income areas, it really hits you how important it is for every person in America to have the calming, healing power of trees in our lives. I am extremely proud of our commitment to partner with community groups to plant trees in the most paved-over neighborhoods of cities like Detroit and Miami. We are very directly impacting many people’s lives in these places.

What do you think are the most significant challenges facing forests today?

I am concerned that the pace and constant electronic buzz of modern life are making it harder for people to remember that trees and forests really, really matter for our well-being, whether in our cities or our majestic landscapes. I confess in my own life I have at times caught myself getting sucked into the modern swirl of intriguing data and content, when what I really need is to go walk quietly in the woods and simply allow my senses to absorb a very different kind of information. Years ago Bill McKibben predicted our modern life with his book The Age of Missing Information. In the book he compared what he learned through a day in the forest and 24 hours of watching cable television (still somewhat new when the book was written). His observations from that experiment ring even truer today. If we all spent more time “forest bathing,” as the Japanese call it, we might rediscover some of the calm that seems elusive today. While this might seem a bit ethereal as our “most significant challenge,” personal and societal disconnection from our forests has major implications for tangible things like our political commitment to invest in forests. We will protect and invest in those things we value most, and right now we need a lot more investment in our forests — from urban tree planting to millions of acres of damaged forests waiting to be restored. If our nation is going to come together behind an unprecedented ReLeaf movement for trees and forests, that has to start with a strong personal connection.

Do you have a favorite story from your years in the field?

Years ago I helped to launch something called the Vermont Town Forest Project. Over half the towns in Vermont own a town forest that is managed by the community, a public forest that often serves as a vital hub for community activities and togetherness. We had the idea to bring together people across the state who were each working very hard to care for their own town forest, things like meeting up on a Saturday morning to remove invasive species and running programs for children to educate them about forests. After a few years of building the effort region by region across Vermont, we brought all of the partners together for a statewide Summit at a beautiful church that had used wood from the local town forest to restore the church. As the excitement grew through the day, with all of the passionate town forest leaders sharing ideas and stories, one of the other founders of the effort leaned over to me and said, “We have built a movement.” I am happy to report that the movement continues to this day, and has helped elevate the visibility and support for town forests all across the state.

What is your favorite tree and why?

That is like asking someone to name their favorite child. I love them all equally. But if I had to name one I would have to show my Vermont roots (no pun intended) and go with the sugar maple. From the sugar maple’s incredible fall colors to the timeless spring ritual of sugar making, I can’t imagine life without that tree!

Read the latest in forest news and updates from American Forests staff and programs in this week’s Forest Digest!

Forest News

• Forest of the Future Library — Atlas Obscura
  Ever wonder which trees are chosen to become books? One thousand saplings specifically designated for bookmaking were recently planted in a Norwegian forest, set to become printing paper in the year 2114. Talk about planning ahead. The planting is part of the Future Library project, which is “a forward-looking art project that’s one part literary time capsule, one part environmental statement.”
• Computer analysis of what is scenic may help town planners — The Economist
  The results of a paper published two years ago in Nature were no real surprise: People’s sense of wellbeing correlates with the “scenicness” of where they live. Researchers at Warwick Business School are now seeking to determine what, scientifically, makes a place scenic. To do this, they’ve adapted a computer program called Places to use human criteria in order to identify beautiful places and landscapes.
• A Cheap Fix for Climate Change? Pay People Not to Chop Down Trees — The New York Times
  A new study has concluded that money is, indeed, almost always an adequate incentive. When forest landowners were offered compensation in exchange for their promise not to cut down their trees, deforestation rates decreased significantly. In response, the United Nations has developed a new program called REDD Plus, which will pay poorer countries to slow the pace of deforestation.
• A Nebraska-Sized Area of Forest Disappeared in 2015 — Climate Central
  Using satellite data, a recent analysis has concluded forested land equated to the size of Nebraska was destroyed due to wildfire, logging, and palm oil plantations in 2015. That’s approximately 49 million acres of forest – gone. Deforestation is responsible for more than 10 percent of carbon dioxide emissions, which fuel climate change.
• Trees can make or break city weather — Science Daily
  The power of a single tree is truly remarkable. The University of British Columbia has just confirmed this fact in a new study, which reports that “even a single urban tree can help moderate wind speeds and keep pedestrians comfortable as they walk down the street.” Losing that single tree, on the other hand, can drive up heating costs by increasing wind pressure on buildings in the area.

Cooperages 1912 and American Forests Partner to Restore Native Oak Forests

Washington, D.C. (July 25, 2017) — American Forests and Cooperages 1912 are launching a first-of-its-kind Oak Restoration Fund to invest in key projects that ensure the sustainability of oak forests.

American Forests is partnering with Cooperages 1912, a family-owned company crafting premium wine barrels, to establish an Oak Restoration Fund that will be used to implement a suite of restoration projects that sustain the environmental, economic and social benefits provided by oak forests. Projects will include tree planting, former mine land restoration, forest health treatments, and promotion of natural regeneration.

Across the United States, oak trees provide a host of natural benefits to society every day, including clean air and water, habitat and food for wildlife and long-term storage of carbon pollution. For example, oaks trees host 534 species of butterflies and moths — more than any other plant genus. Over the past 100 years, oaks have grown steadily and are the most prominent trees in eastern forests by volume. However, their prominence in the future is uncertain. Oak seedlings and small oak trees have declined due a variety of factors including too many deer, lack of natural, low-intensity wildfires, and repeated pest invasions.

Among the diversity of oak trees, white oak is the “king” as the tree provides superior wildlife habitat and excellent timber. White oak creates superior barrels due to its grain structure and desirable organoleptic properties.

“At Cooperages 1912, white oak is a way of life, truly the foundation of our craft,” said Garret Nowell, Log Procurement Manager. “We are passionate about sustainable forest management that is effective, reactive and proactive to ensure this renowned resource is available for generations to come. It is important to us to continue finding ways to translate this passion into action, and also encourage other companies to join us as we work to protect and care for white oak forest.”

To kick-start the Oak Restoration Fund in 2017, Cooperages 1912 is offering up to $50,000 to match like contributions from distilleries and wineries. Initial projects will be implemented in Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky and state conservation lands in Missouri. Future projects can be implemented on private, state and federal lands throughout oak country, including Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee.

“Sustaining natural benefits like wildlife habitat and clean water while supporting local jobs and good wine and spirits is the best kind of win-win,” said Eric Sprague, American Forests’ Director of Forest Conservation. “American Forests is committed to restoring native forest ecosystems like our oak forests across the country.”

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About American Forests

American Forests inspires and advances the conservation of forests. We do this by restoring threatened forest ecosystems, promoting and expanding urban forests, and increasing understanding of the importance of forests. Founded in 1875, American Forests is the oldest national nonprofit conservation organization in the country and has served as a catalyst for many key milestones in the conservation movement, including the founding of the U.S. Forest Service, the national forest and thousands of forest ecosystem restoration projects and public education efforts. Since 1990, American Forests has planted more than 50 million trees in all 50 states and nearly 50 countries, resulting in cleaner air and drinking water, restored habitat for wildlife and fish, and the removal of millions of tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

About Cooperages 1912

Cooperages 1912 is a fourth-generation, family-owned company committed to crafting premium French, European and American oak barrels under the brands T.W. Boswell and World Cooperage. Over the past century, the Boswell family has crafted distinctive barrels that define the industry. The Cooperages 1912 team consults directly with winemakers to ensure an optimal pairing between wine and barrel. For more information, please visit www.cooperages1912.com. Cooperages 1912 is a sister company of Independent Stave Company.

MEDIA CONTACT

Christopher Horn | Director of Communications | 202.370.4517 (direct) | chorn@americanforests.org

By Allie Wisniewski, American Forests

Whether you’re drawn to the wilderness of the backcountry or the amenities of more civilized outdoor sites, there’s a national park out there that will satisfy your camping criteria. Let’s take a look at the best of the best: the 10 most amazing national park campgrounds in the United States.

Glacier National Park, Montana

With crystal-clear alpine lakes and looming snow-capped mountains, Glacier National Park is an ideal location for a backcountry getaway. These primitive spots include pit toilets, spaces to pitch tents, and a designated area for food preparation. How luxurious! If you do plan to venture off the grid, however, be sure to check out the park’s Backcountry Camping Guide, which is updated yearly.

Piñon Flats, Great Sand Dunes National Park, New Mexico

Credit: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

This unique campground is nested right smack in the middle of the park, boasting extraordinary views of North America’s tallest sand dunes as well as Colorado’s Sangre de Cristo mountain range. When visited in the spring, the Medano Creek flows through the site — a perfect spot to beat the heat, swim and relax.

Wonder Lake, Denali National Park, Alaska

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Are you an avid climber? Being the closest campground to the tallest peak in North America, the 20,310-foot Denali, this site is deep in the wilderness and provides the amazing opportunity to enjoy a world-class view without the constant hum of generators. That’s right — Wonder Lake campground is tent-only. In addition to the unmatchable views, the site boasts wetland trails and great fishing and bird-watching.

Namakanipaio, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawai‘i

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

There are few places in the world where you can take in the humbling majesty of active volcanoes. This campground happens to be one of them. The site is perched on the mountainside at 4,000 feet and is just a short drive from the hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the Kīlauea Caldera. For those whose preferences lie more in the arena of “glamping,” the campground offers 10 cabins in addition to plenty of tent sites.

Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland

Assateague Island is home to some particularly unique residents — more than 300 wild Chincoteague ponies! With over 37 miles of pristine beach, this area provides the unique opportunity to view a variety of wildlife, hike through pine forest and salt marshes, and fall asleep to the sound of the waves. While the park is located in both Maryland and Virginia, camping is only available on the Maryland side of the island.

Tuweep, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Credit: John Fowler

It’s no secret that the Grand Canyon’s North Rim is far less congested than its southern counterpart, and this campground is a testament to that reality. Practically isolated, it’s located 212 miles from the South Rim and requires visitors to travel 56 to 91 miles along potentially impassible dirt roads. Needless to say, if you’re looking for seclusion, this is the site for you. Be warned, however, that there are absolutely no amenities provided — you’re on your own as far as food, water, gas and lodging.

Anacapa Island, Channel Islands National Park, California

Lovingly dubbed “The Galapagos of North America,” the Channel Islands are home to 145 plant and animal species you won’t find anywhere else. The campground can only be reached by boat, but the trip will be well worth it once you reach the site itself, which is perched atop rugged cliffs and offers incredible views of the coast. The park also features great spots for hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking, snorkeling and more.

Gulpha Gorge, Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

Credit: Brandon Rush

Hot Springs National Park is located on the north end of the city of Hot Springs (creative, huh?), and is home to 47 natural springs, many of which have been transformed into bathhouses for visitors to enjoy. Experience the park’s healing thermal waters and enjoy Gulpha Creek, which runs along Gulpha Gorge’s campsites.

Read the latest in forest news and updates from American Forests staff and programs in this week’s Forest Digest!

Forest News

Credit: Mathias Appel

• Tree health a challenge — The Porterville Recorder
  Talk about cooperation. Last Sunday in India, 1.5 million people gathered to plant an astonishing 66 million trees in only 12 hours, breaking their own Guinness World Record from last year. To put this feat in perspective, that’s the equivalent of the entire population of Philadelphia working toward a common goal of reforestation.
• HSBC triggers investigation into palm oil company over deforestation allegations — The Guardian
  It’s no secret that palm oil is a major driver of deforestation, responsible for an average of 270,000 hectares of forest loss per year. So when allegations surfaced regarding Noble Plantations’ plans to clear thousands of hectares of pristine rainforest in Papua for palm oil cultivation, HSBC launched an investigation regarding the sustainability of the project. This decision is considered a first for a major bank.
• Study suggests climate change may kill off the aardvark in some areas — Phys.org
  Climate change is showing no mercy. A new study by a team of researchers from the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa has discovered evidence suggesting that aardvark populations are likely to decrease with rising temperatures. In a particularly hot and dry spell in Africa, five out of six monitored animals died from “apparent unnatural causes.”
• Hot dogs: Is climate change impacting populations of African wild dogs? — ScienceDaily
  Noticing a trend here? Aardvarks aren’t the only species threatened by climate change. Based on research by the British Ecological Society (one of the first studies on how shifting temperatures affect tropical species), findings report that African wild dogs raise fewer pups at higher temperatures. The species is already classified as Endangered by the IUCN Red List — yikes.
• 15 of the most remarkable trees in America — Treehugger.com
  This article says it best: “Few things are as iconic as a country’s trees.” They stand witness to history, act as landmarks, and are quite literally our life givers. From the revered Angel Oak to the first cultivated tree planted by European settlers to lesser-known favorites, there are branched beauties across the country more than worthy of our respect and admiration.