I have said it before, and I will say it again: plants ARE habitat. Nowhere is this fact more apparent than in the field of wildlife ecology. From food to shelter, one simply can't understand the innerworkings of nature without understanding plants. Join me and Wildlife Ecologist Dr. Chris Moorman a…

Conservation Biology, EarlyView.

Your guide to finding accurate information, emergency kits, evacuations, protecting your home, and more if you’re at risk of a hurricane, wildfire, flood, or other disaster.

Join Chief Botanist for NatureServe Wes Knapp and me as we take a deep dive into an all-too-often overlooked group of plants - the rushes (genus Juncus). Rushes are fascinating and beautiful plants when you get to know them, and the genus has a lot of secrets waiting to be revealed. From their uniqu…

Learn how we count hundreds of fish—and why it’s an important practice for animal health.
The post Counting Fish Isn’t Just for Kids’ Stories appeared first on New England Aquarium.

If you’ve just watched Ocean with David Attenborough and found yourself awed by the beauty and fragility of marine life, you’re not alone. Along with the millions of others who watched this in turns devastating yet hopeful documentary, you may be asking: How can we better understand and protect life…

There is no denying that roots are one of the most important organs on a plant. However, unless its an epiphyte, root activity takes place underground, largely out of site and out of mind. This has not stopped my guest today from trying to understand the origin and evolution of these amazing structu…

This episode explores the nuances of why it is so important to plant native plants. Native plants are the cornerstone of nearly every ecosystem on Earth because they are both food and habitat wrapped into one. Join me and Dr. Desirée Narango as we explore how native plants feed ecosystems. This epis…

Spend any time in the southern Appalachian Mountains and you are bound to cross paths with Galax urceolata. This wonderful little evergreen herb seems to be at home in a variety of habitats from forest streams to granite outcrops and everywhere in between. It is also culturally significant and even …

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The post Exempting wildlife ponds from planning would be a big win for nature appeared first on Freshwater Habitats Trust.

As the iconic film Jaws marks its 50th anniversary this week, MBA Senior Research Fellow and Professor of Marine Ecology at the University of Southampton, Professor David Sims, has published a compelling article in The Conversation that examines the film’s lasting impact on sharks and how science is…

Bats and plants rely on each other more than we know. From pollination and seed dispersal, to pest control and unexpected relationships, Dr. Merlin Tuttle wants you to know just how important bats are across the globe. Dr. Merlin Tuttle is widely recognized as the godfather of modern bat conservatio…

Parents and children don't always get along. Sometimes they can even be competitors. Conflicts often lead to interesting evolutionary adaptations and mosses are no stranger to this. Join me and Dr. Jessica Budke as we explore a familial tug of war going on all around us. This episode was produced in…

Diversity is a defining feature of old-growth forests, whose unparalleled structural complexity develops over centuries to provide habitats for thousands of species, many of which live nowhere else. Learn more about these incredible rainforest ecosystems and take action to protect them!
The post Hap…

40 Years (and Counting) of North Atlantic Right Whale Research
The post Our History and What’s Ahead: Right Whale Research appeared first on New England Aquarium.

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is proud to be taking part in Coast – a contemporary pop-up gallery exhibition celebrating our deep connection with the sea – alongside local artists, conservation partners, and the wider Plymouth community. Held in the historic Melville Building at Royal Will…

Populations of animals and plants – even those separated by thousands of miles – can fluctuate in synchrony, driven by shared environmental influences. This striking phenomenon, known as spatial synchrony, is the subject of a new synthesis study published in Ecology Letters, led by researchers at th…

Plant pigments certainly catch the eyes of many organisms, but they serve many important functions beyond simple attraction. For instance, plant pigments can play a huge role in managing stressors like heat, sunlight, and more. Join me and Dr. Niky Hughes as we explore one of the most abundant and i…

Restoration Ecology, EarlyView.

It may not seem obvious at first, but fish need plants too! From aquatic to terrestrial, plants provide fish places to breed, places to eat, and places to hide. Plants filter water and prevent erosion, ensuring fish have suitable habitat. Plants also feed the organisms that fish love to eat. Simply …

On face value, flower colors would seem to have everything to do with pollination, but it is far more complex than that. The pigments that give flowers the colors we can see can have many different functions and how they evolve is a fascinating realm of research. Join me and Dr. Andrea Berardi as we…

Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) has long been maligned for its invasive tendencies. This floating aquatic aroid grows fast and responds well to poor water quality, and because of this, states like Florida spend lots of time and money on trying to eradicate it. However, a combination of fossil end …

Fireflies are among the most celebrated organisms on Earth. What is not to love about their incredible light displays? However, fireflies can't exist without habitat and plants are that habitat. Revisit a conversation between Dr. Sara Lewis and me as we discuss some of the intriguing connections bet…

From the roots of an açaí palm to the canopy where monkeys swing and toucans call, the Amazon is alive with food — not just for the animals that call it home, but for people around the world. On World Rainforest Day (June 22nd), we’re honoring the vital connection between forests and food. In the [……

In a world of constantly evolving science and technology, Amazon Conservation is at the forefront of harnessing these advancements to develop innovative and long-term conservation solutions to strengthen the management of protected areas and Indigenous territories, while developing effective strateg…

If you’ve been following us on our Earth Day countdown this past month, you’ve seen some of the highlights of what Amazon Conservation has been able to accomplish and contribute over the past 25 years! We’re thrilled that Earth Day is finally here, and as we celebrate all the wonderful ways nature h…

The post Building boardwalks: how volunteers can be a powerful voice for nature’s recovery appeared first on Freshwater Habitats Trust.

Some corals produce chemicals called diterpenoids that have shown promise in fighting cancer and reducing inflammation, but researchers have been unable to study the chemicals in depth. The problem is that the chemicals are produced in tiny amounts by slow-growing and uncommon corals, making it envi…

How lawmakers around the country are taking action to protect our ocean
The post U.S. Progress on Tackling Plastic Pollution appeared first on Ocean Conservancy.

The New England Aquarium first opened our doors over 50 years ago on June 20, 1969. Take a look at some memories from our photo archive!
The post Archive Dive: A Look Back at New England Aquarium Over the Years appeared first on New England Aquarium.

Restoration Ecology, Volume 33, Issue 4, May 2025.

Restoration Ecology, EarlyView.

Paw paw (Asimina triloba) is a charismatic and special species. It is the most northerly growing member of a mostly tropical family. It also has considerable influence on its herbaceous neighbors. Join me and PhD student Anna Wassel as we explore the random world of pawpaw and understory herb commun…

Counting the rings of a tree can be so much fun. In the temperate zone, each ring marks a year in that tree's life. However, if you know what to look for, tree rings can tell you so much more. Dr. Valerie Trouet has made a career out of counting and measuring tree rings. Tree rings offer a surprisi…

For Dr. Rob Raguso, the phrase "stop and smell the roses" takes on a whole new meaning. Dr. Raguso studies the intricate world of floral chemistry. You are undoubtedly familiar with some of the wonderful odors flowers produce but such tantalizing smells are only the beginning. The world of floral ch…

Chara represent the earliest stages of true plant evolution. They are also model organisms for a wide variety of research questions. Join me as we revisit an intriguing discussion with Dr. Mary Bisson from the University at Buffalo. This episode was produced in part by Sea, Shannon, Thomas, Will, Ja…

Conservation Biology, Volume 39, Issue 3, June 2025.

Plant conservation isn't easy work, but it is vital to maintaining ecosystem health. Nowhere is this more apparent than in extreme environments like beach dunes and deserts. Join me and plant conservationist Emily Guinan as we explore some of her adventures in plant conservation. This episode was pr…

We take seeds for granted, yet still have much to learn about how they work. What factors play in to seed dormancy? How long can some seeds remain dormant? What cues are required to break dormancy? All these questions and more drive Dr. Grace Fleming's research. Join us as we explore how molecular p…

Conservation Biology, Volume 39, Issue 3, June 2025.

Behind the scenes at the Aquarium, aquarists raise baby turtles through their first winter, helping boost wild populations.
The post Giving Threatened Freshwater Turtles a Head Start appeared first on New England Aquarium.

Hidden but vulnerable marine treasure discovered in collaboration between the Marine Biological Association, Silverback Films and Open Planet Studios. In an extraordinary moment of chance during the production of Ocean with David Attenborough, a vibrant and exceptionally well-preserved pink sea fan …

Aquarist Chris Doller is part of a team raising jellies at the New England Aquarium—including a jelly with a surprising ability.
The post Glowing Jellies, Growing Jellies: A Look at Jelly Culturing at the Aquarium appeared first on New England Aquarium.

The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) is stepping into a new era—one defined by strategic growth, stronger partnerships, and bigger impact. As corals face mounting threats, we’re scaling up our efforts to ensure reefs around the world not only survive but thrive.  And we’re doing it quickly. Why Growth Ma…

Glaciers are important indicators of climate change. A recent study published in the leading journal Science shows that glaciers in the tropical Andes have now retreated further than at any other time in the entire Holocene – which covers the whole history of human civilisation since the invention o…

Restoration Ecology, Volume 33, Issue 4, May 2025.

Restoration Ecology, EarlyView.

Conservation Biology, EarlyView.

The grape family (Vitaceae) is known and appreciated the world over, largely for their culinary value. Ecologically speaking, they are very important plants as well. However, we know very little about their origin, evolution, and rates of extinction. Thanks to some lucky paleobotanical finds, that s…

Restoration Ecology, Volume 33, Issue 4, May 2025.

Coral reefs support about 25% of all marine life, and their significance stretches far beyond their beauty. Increasingly, these vibrant ecosystems are being recognized as a vital source of potential medical breakthroughs. Researchers have found that coral reefs are a treasure trove of complex substa…

Picture this: A starry moonlit night filled with nothing but the sounds of the waves crashing on the shore.   But under the cover of night, a quiet liveliness unfolds as female turtles come ashore to lay over 100 eggs then slip back to sea as quietly as they arrived.   For the green sea turtle ... R…

The shoal lily (Hymenocallis coronaria) is a truly special plant. It is found in only a few rivers throughout southeastern North America where it will only grow in rocky shoals. It makes its living by wedging its bulb and contractile roots into rock crevices where clean, swift moving water washes ov…

Conservation Biology, EarlyView.

Boynton/Alabama sandstone (Quercus boyntonii) and Georgia oaks (Q. georgiana) are among the rarest oaks in North America and yet we know so little about them. This paucity of knowledge can make conservation difficult, but that doesn't stop people like Patrick Thompson from trying. Join us as we disc…

The emergence of leaves, the blooming of flowers, the arrival of pollinators... these are all biological events that are closely tied to the changing seasons. The study of this linkage is called Phenology and my guest today wants to share her passion for this wonderful world of inquiry. Join me and …

January 2025 marks the 10 year anniversary (!!!) of the In Defense of Plants Podcast. To celebrate, I thought it would be fun to revisit the first episode of the podcast. Travel back a decade to a tiny, old Buffalo NY apartment where a young and naive Matt waxes poetic about his love for jewel orchi…

ResourceWise recently held a webinar featuring Mat Stone, our Vice President of Low Carbon Fuels. He shared his expertise and vital knowledge of the biofuels market, highlighting key areas to look for both in short- and long-term strategizing.

Good news is hard to come by in the world of plant conservation, but it is out there! Take, for instance, some recent examples on Santa Cruz Island in which the recovery of a handful of endangered plants, including island bedstraw (Galium buxifolium) and Santa Cruz Island Dudleya (Dudleya nesiotica)…

The High Line was once a major railway. Today, it is one of the best gardens in the United States. By focusing on and encouraging native plants, horticulturists at horticulture at the High Line is supporting biodiversity in one of the busiest cities on the planet. Join me and senior director of hort…

The Marine Biological Association’s Microbiome Centre is home to unique and cutting-edge facilities which allow us to explore the cellular processes that shape the unique biology of marine life. Our world class microscopy equipment, including the Mesolens microscope, allow us to study marine organis…

Manta rays consist of two species: reef manta rays (mobula alfredi), and their larger, more elusive counterparts, giant manta rays (mobula birostris). Today’s blog spotlights the giant manta ray, the true titan of the open ocean.  DISTRIBUTION Manta rays live in most tropical, subtropical, and tempe…

Did you know that nearly 40 different dolphin species swim in oceans and rivers all around the world? While all dolphins are known for their social, playful, and intelligent nature, their appearances and habitats can be surprisingly diverse.  Let’s take a closer look at two remarkable species: the p…

Dive into the curious world of this bearded carpet shark
The post Meet the Weird and Wonderful Wobbegong appeared first on Ocean Conservancy.

The MBA’s IT department has significantly upgraded the data connectivity and computing facilities on the Sepia vessel, resulting in enhanced cybersecurity, operational efficiency, and resilience. Internet connectivity To fully leverage our MBA 365 ecosystem capabilities, we needed to enhance our dat…

Aspen (Populus tremuloides) are synonymous with many habitats throughout North America. This tree is a species of superlatives, but its grandeur doesn't mean it is immune to threats. In fact, in many areas of its range, aspen is in decline. Join me and Dr. Connor Crouch as we explore what he and his…

Restoration Ecology, Volume 33, Issue 4, May 2025.

At least 95 people died in the flash floods. The disaster has the fingerprints of climate change all over it.

The Appalachian region may not readily seem like a fire-prone region, but parts of it certainly are. Fire can be an important tool in sustaining biodiversity, but modern understanding of its role is limited. That is why people like Dr. Don Hagan study the effects of prescribed fire in the Appalachia…

Senior Research Fellow Dr Bryce Stewart and the Marine Biological Association’s (MBA) research vessel ‘Sepia’ played a vital role in helping to create key sequences in the film and ensuring its scientific accuracy. Dr Bryce Stewart, Senior Research Fellow for Fisheries and Conservation at the Marine…

Love is in the ocean air…or should we say, water? Many marine animals have their own unique ways of showing affection, from penguins that woo with pebbles to seahorses that sway with their mates. Dive in and discover these heartwarming partnerships beneath the waves.  A PASSION FOR PEBBLES Gentoo pe…

Coral reefs are some of the most extraordinary ecosystems on the planet. They support a quarter of all marine life, provide food and income to over a billion people, and offer a natural barrier protecting coastlines from storms and erosion. But these vibrant underwater cities face increasing pressur…

Science is at the heart of everything we do at CORAL—and Dr. Helen Fox is leading the charge. For the past five years, Helen has played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing our global conservation science strategy with a focus on resilience, innovation, and integrity. A seasoned marine ecologist …

The Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) has attained celebrity status in recent times, but that hasn't always been the case. For over a century, the Joshua tree was viewed as a useless and repulsive plant that bucked all attempts to tame it. How our relationship with Yucca brevifolia went from hatred to …

Here are trusted, reliable resources to use during extreme weather or natural disasters for non-English speakers and undocumented immigrants.

For Mike Bone, propagating and growing plants is not just a hobby or a job, it's a way of life. Mike is the curator of the steppe collections at the Denver Botanic Gardens and his love affair with these plants rings true in everything he does. Steppes are important ecosystems, both ecological and cu…

Check out Ancient Forest Alliance's (AFA) Activity Report & Financials to find out what YOU helped us achieve in 2024.
The post 2024 Activity Report & Financials appeared first on Ancient Forest Alliance.

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is proud to celebrate the outstanding success of its postgraduate students, who secured an impressive five awards at the Annual PlyMSEF2025 Postgraduate Student Conference held at Plymouth Marine Laboratory. The conference, organised by the Plymouth Marine Sci…

A team of international scientists has tracked over 100 marine megafauna species, identifying the most critical locations in our global ocean for better marine conservation efforts, according to new research published in Science.

Every April, Earth Month invites us to celebrate the planet—and take meaningful action to protect it. Whether planting a tree, picking up trash, or switching to a reusable water bottle, every small step adds up. But here’s a lesser-known truth: if you care about the planet, you should care about cor…

If extreme weather disrupts local services or destroys your belongings around election day, here’s how to make sure you can still cast your ballot.

The herbarium world is a fascinating one. These botanical repositories are goldmines of data and help us understand the present by looking at the past. But what kind of future questions can herbaria help solve? Experts say the opportunities are endless, but we will need new technologies to take full…

Your guide to the agencies and programs responsible for emergency services and disaster aid, how to return home and clean up safely, navigate FEMA aid, and more after a hurricane, wildfire, flood, or other disaster.

A guide for renters and homeowners on knowing your rights, as well as how to handle FEMA aid and insurance claims, avoid contractor scams, and rebuild in a way that protects your home.

Protecting and restoring biodiversity in a place as biodiverse as Ecuador is no small task. You have to work hard and collaborate and that is exactly what the folks at Jocotoco Conservation Foundation. From protecting land and engaging communities, to research and restoration, their multifaceted eff…

It is hard to believe, but you are about to listen to the 500th episode of the In Defense of Plants Podcast. So much has happened over the nearly 10 years this podcast has been running, and none of it would be what it is today without YOU, the listener. So, in celebration of the big 5 0 0, the wonde…

As a business or organization, there are many ways to support the old-growth campaign in BC. We would like to extend a sincere thank you to the following for their passion and commitment in helping to ensure these endangered forests are protected! 
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Respecting and harnessing the knowledge of the Iñupiat and their counterparts is essential to the understanding needed for effective conservation
The post Learning From Indigenous Ocean Knowledge appeared first on Ocean Conservancy.

Meet the most stylish and secretive crab in our ocean
The post Master of Disguise: The Decorator Crab appeared first on Ocean Conservancy.

Coral reefs are at a tipping point—and so is the movement to save them. Today, the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) is proud to launch our new 2025-2030 strategic plan: a bold, actionable strategy designed to ensure tomorrow’s reefs are stronger, more resilient, and better protected than ever before. Thi…

"Benefitting pollinators" is a phrase that gets used a lot, especially in gardening circles. While most of us will agree with the sentiment, what does it mean in practice? How does one "benefit" pollinators in their community? There are a lot of great ways to do this, especially when it comes to nat…

Conservation Biology, EarlyView.