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The Mosquito Bucket Challenge: A Smarter Way to Fight the Bite Ditch the fog. Keep the pollinators. Let’s be honest—mosquito fogging is like using a flamethrower to kill a fly. Sure, it knocks out a few mosquitoes… but it also wipes out bees, butterflies, birds, and pretty much anything else with wings. Enter the Mosquito Bucket Challenge , a gloriously low-tech, pollinator-safe alternative that’s catching on across the country. I first heard about it through Homegrown National Park  (big thanks to them for making this easy to replicate), and now I’m seeing these clever buckets pop up in backyards, at trailheads, and in my social media feeds with a message: there’s a better way. What Is a Mosquito Bucket? It’s exactly what it sounds like: a 5-gallon bucket turned mosquito trap. You fill it with water, a bit of leaf litter or alfalfa pellets (to mimic the standing water mosquitoes love), and add a Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) dunk—a naturally derived larvicide that only targets mosquito larvae. Bti is easily found at most hardware or garden stores. No fog, no poisons, no damage to the rest of your backyard ecosystem. Just mosquito control that works, quietly and effectively. Why Buckets Beat Foggers Fogging is a blunt instrument. It temporarily knocks down adult mosquitoes—but it also kills pollinators, beneficial insects, and the birds that feed on them. And mosquitoes? They bounce back. Often stronger. Buckets interrupt the life cycle where it starts: in standing water. They’re cheaper, safer, and smarter—and you don’t need a hazmat suit or a pesticide permit to use one. Let Your Bucket Start the Conversation Want to spread the word without preaching? Homegrown National Park just launched two great resources: The Official Mosquito Bucket Sticker It features a QR code that links directly to the setup guide. Stick it on your bucket, and it becomes an educational tool for anyone walking by. Available as: • A free print-at-home version • A weatherproof 8” x 8” vinyl sticker New One-Page Handout Perfect for community events, garden clubs, or that curious neighbor who always stops to ask questions. The handout  explains the what, why, and how in one easy-to-read sheet. Field Tip: If you don't already have a bucket on hand, you don't need to purchase one. Check out the FAQs at Homegrown National Park  for ideas on where to get free buckets (and save them from a landfill). Little Buckets, Big Ripple You don’t need to be an expert or an activist to make an impact. Just set out a bucket. Every bucket is a quiet win for biodiversity—and a small step toward smarter, more sustainable neighborhoods. Stick a QR code on it. Snap a pic. Share it. And the next time someone brings up fogging, you’ve got a better idea ready to go.

Sexy, Nerdy, Birdy: Why Bird Watching Is Your Next Cool Hobby Sponsored by brands we genuinely love and trust: NOCS Provisions, Haikubox, and Maven. A few years ago, on Mother’s Day, we were on our way to brunch—me, my mom, my husband, and a couple of our kids—when we spotted a small pile of fluff on the ground. A baby bird. And then another. And then two more. Their nest had been destroyed, and, featherless,  they were far too young to fly. We stood there, watching—and worrying. Usually, I’m a “let nature be” kind of gal, but I knew we wouldn’t enjoy brunch knowing those helpless babies were out there with little chance of survival. My husband, Liam—now affectionately known in our family as “St. Francis” (as in the patron saint of animals and all things wild)—sprang into action. I called the South Carolina wildlife hotline to ensure we were helping rather than harming. They were incredible (they even requested photos to assess the situation) and confirmed what we suspected: the babies needed to return to a nest to survive. So Liam got to work. He repurposed a natural basket, added some materials from the forest, climbed up and rigged the new nest into the tree the babies were under, and then—here’s the part that still gets me—gently cradled the chicks into it. (By far the sexiest thing I have ever seen.) We waited, breath held, until the parents returned and began feeding the babies again. We went back week after week to observe “our" babies and their bio parents. It was the best Mother’s Day gift—for me and for the mama bird. And it was also the beginning of something. Not long after that, my St. Francis got into bird-watching in a serious way. And while I still haven’t memorized a single bird call, I’ve learned that bird watching is officially cool—and yes, dare I say, kind of hot. Birding: Not Just for the Birds (or the Boomers) The stereotype of birders as grandpas in socks and sandals doesn’t really hold up anymore. These days, if you show up at a community bird walk or local Audubon meetup, you’ll find all kinds of people—Gen Z, millennials, parents with strollers, twenty-somethings with tattoos and field guides. Birding has quietly become a young person’s sport, and the appeal makes total sense. It’s low-cost. It’s low-pressure. It’s hyperlocal and wildly portable. You can bird watch on a cross-country road trip or from your apartment window. All you really need is a good pair of binoculars, a curiosity about what’s flapping around you, and a little time. Why Bird Watching is a Win (Even if You Don’t Know a Finch from a Flycatcher) It’s a mindfulness practice in disguise.  Birding forces you to slow down, breathe deeper, and look closely. You’ll find yourself standing still in a park for ten minutes because you thought you heard a blue jay—and honestly, when was the last time you just stood still for ten minutes? It’s cheaper than therapy.  Free apps like Merlin Bird ID and eBird do most of the heavy lifting. The only real investment? Binoculars. (More on that in a second.) It’s social… if you want it to be.  Local parks, public lands, and eco-minded community groups often host free intro-to-birding walks—especially during spring migration season. Not a people person? Take an online class or pick up a beginner birding book. It helps you notice things.  Not just birds, but weather patterns, trees, bugs, the shape of the clouds. Birding teaches you to be present, and there’s nothing square about that. What You Really Need to Start Birding Not much! But here’s the breakdown: Liam with the NOCS Provisions Zero Tube Monocular Binoculars or a monocular are your best investment. You want something light, water-resistant, durable, and easy on the eyes (literally and aesthetically). My husband’s a big fan of   NOCS Provisions  for their rugged designs, No-Matter-What Lifetime Warranty, and dreamy natural colors. The   Zero Tube monocular  is perfect for any nature enthusiast and casual birders. It’s waterproof, fog proof, and lightweight but not flimsy. Their   REI-exclusive collaboration with Bird Collective  introduces binoculars that are rubber-armored, built for the elements, and seriously so good-looking that you'll want to show them off around your neck (the strap alone is such a fun pattern). And psst… we’ve got a giveaway for those very binoculars, so keep your eyes peeled for that. Me with the NOCS Provisions X Bird Collective Collab Binoculars For those who want to level up,   Maven’s C.1 binoculars  are seriously top-shelf. They’re made to last a lifetime, with crystal-clear optics and a sleek, no-fuss build that feels like luxury. If you’ve got a budding obsession—or just want gear that grows with you—these are worth the splurge. Maven   is known for their award-winning optics, and since they are only sold directly, there’s no retail markup (which you find with many other high-performance binoculars). Liam with Maven C.1 Binoculars Apps are your new birdwatching besties. Merlin Bird ID  is free and helps you ID birds by sound or sight, and eBird , also free, lets you log sightings and contribute to citizen science. Both are intuitive, fun, and neither will make you feel like you’re cramming for a test. Want to know what birds are hanging around your backyard—even when you’re not looking? Enter the Haikubox . It’s a smart, always-on bird listener that uses AI to detect and alert you to birds by sound. Ours lives on our screened porch near the feeders. The alerts you can set are customizable. We get alerts when new or rare species arrive, and it even tracks patterns over time—like a birdwatching buddy that never sleeps. If you’re trying to ID your mystery morning songster or want to learn which rare migrants are stopping by, Haikubox   is pure gold. Haikubox hangs on our screened porch and alerts us to birds nearby that we want to observe A small notebook (optional). Old-school, yes. But jotting down your first osprey sighting or that weird cardinal-squirrel standoff you saw? Kind of magical. A good spot. Whether it’s a national wildlife refuge, a city park, or your own front porch, birds are everywhere. My Husband, Liam, Field Trip’s Resident Birder I still don’t know all the bird names, but my husband does. He can ID a goldfinch by its song and spot a hawk while driving (safely, I swear). He saved those baby mockingbirds, and ever since, he’s been bringing sexy back to bird watching—at least for me. He’s the kind of guy who packs a monocular on our way to the grocery store “just in case,” and who lights up at the sound of a warbler. He shares fun facts about birds he’s learned with anyone who will listen (you’ve been warned). And there’s something undeniably attractive about someone who’s both obsessed with birds and deeply invested in their place in the ecosystem. So we’ve got a deal:  he spots the birds, I bring the camera, and we wander into the woods together—both of us a little more tuned into the world around us. If you spot a sexy guy in the woods pointing excitedly at a tree and whispering, “Blue-gray gnatcatcher!!”… that’s probably Liam. But hands off—he’s taken. Go find your own breathtaking bird nerd. They’re out there, binoculars and all. This content is sponsored by the brands featured here. Field Trip always tests products before recommending them to our readers. We genuinely love and trust the brands you find featured on our platform.

Ancient Field Science: How the Egyptians Studied Seasons, Stars, and Species They didn’t call it field science. But that’s what it was. Ancient Egypt gets a lot of credit for its pyramids, pharaohs, and very dramatic eye makeup — but honestly? I think their most impressive legacy might be their observation skills. Because underneath the gold and grandeur, this was a civilization that watched. They tracked bird migrations. They timed agriculture to moon phases and river floods. They mapped stars with shocking precision. They created calendars that weren’t just practical — they were poetic. And it hit me, somewhere in the King Tut Immersive Experience: We are not the first to try and read the land. But we might be the first to forget how. A River, a Calendar, a Way of Life The entire Egyptian worldview revolved around the Nile River’s annual flooding. The inundation brought rich silt, allowing crops to grow in what would otherwise be a desert. So being able to predict that flood? Kind of important. Enter: celestial tracking. The flooding of the Nile closely followed the rising of Sirius (the star) in the eastern sky. Egyptians used this star as a seasonal marker — a signal to start preparing for the agricultural season. This helped form the basis of their 365-day calendar — one of the first in the world. (Our modern calendar? It owes a lot to theirs.) But this wasn’t just about farming. It was about understanding their place in the cosmos. The seasons weren’t just months on a chart — they were gods, stories, movements. They meant something. What Else Did They Track? Turns out, ancient Egyptians were pretty dialed in to the natural world. Some examples: Migratory birds — used for food, omens, and inspiration for gods (like Bennu, a phoenix-like heron associated with rebirth). Animal breeding seasons — especially for sacred species like ibises and crocodiles. Plant cycles — certain flowers and herbs (like blue lotus or papyrus) had seasonal, medicinal, and spiritual roles. Moon phases and star patterns — used to guide everything from planting to funerary rituals. This wasn’t a hobby. It was survival — and spirituality. Why It Still Matters We love to think tech has all the answers. But the Egyptians were solving problems with the ultimate analog tools: time, attention, and tradition. We’re only just now swinging back around to the idea that seasonal knowledge matters — especially in the face of climate change. But we’ve got a long way to go. Ancient Egypt might be just the reminder we need. Field Tip: Become Your Own Ancient Naturalist Try this for a month: Track the first and last light of your day. Watch what birds are around — and which disappear. Note which wildflowers bloom, and when. Look for the moon. Every night. Seriously.

Tomb Raiders vs. Caretakers: Who Gets to Protect the Past? I wanted to be an archaeologist. Like, badly. As a kid, I was fascinated by ruins, mummies, artifacts — the whole dusty, mysterious puzzle of the past. My favorite college class? Anthropology. Total nerd alert. When I was little, I told my mom I wanted to be buried when I died so that people could dig me up one day and learn about our culture from my burial. (I’ve since changed my mind. Cremation for me, thanks.) My grandparents had visited Egypt and filled their home with relics and replicas that fueled my obsession — miniature pyramids, papyrus scrolls, and little carved scarabs that I would sneak off the shelf and pretend were ancient treasures. And when Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark hit theaters in 1981, I was only five, but my aunt and uncle took me anyway. My mom thought I was too young — and to be fair, melting Nazi faces probably was a little intense for kindergarten. But I was hooked. Adventures! Treasures! Tombs! But now, decades later, wandering through the King Tut Immersive Experience , I see things a little differently. Because for all the gold and glory, there’s a complicated question buried underneath it all: Who gets to protect the past — and who gets to profit from it? A Short, Messy History of Tomb Raiding Let’s start with the facts: Tomb raiding wasn’t some modern scandal — it started while the paint was still drying. Ancient Egyptians looted each other’s tombs for wealth, power, and even political sabotage. When Howard Carter discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, it was one of the few that hadn’t been (completely) ransacked. But Carter’s excavation methods were… let’s just say aggressively colonial. Thousands of Tut’s treasures were boxed up and shipped to Europe. Some made their way back to Egypt. Many didn’t. That kind of extraction wasn’t just about preserving history — it was about control. About deciding who gets to tell the story, and who doesn’t. Sound Familiar? Conservation Has the Same Issues Just like archaeology, modern conservation has had a bumpy ethical track record. Swap sarcophagi for national parks, and you’ll find the same core tensions: “Protecting” land by removing the people who’ve lived there for centuries. Conservation programs that ignore Indigenous knowledge systems. Eco-tourism that treats wild places like playgrounds instead of sacred ground. Natural history museums filled with animal specimens taken without consent or context. The big question is the same: Who gets to decide what’s worth saving — and how? Toward Repatriation and Shared Stewardship Thankfully, both fields are evolving: Museums are increasingly returning artifacts to their countries of origin. Archaeologists are working alongside local and Indigenous communities to study — and protect — sites more collaboratively. Conservation efforts are shifting from fortress-style “no humans allowed” models to co-management practices rooted in community wisdom. Because preserving something is only part of the story. Honoring it — and who it belongs to — is the real goal. What to Look for at the Tut Exhibit If you visit the King Tut Immersive Experience, here’s your ethical side-quest: Read the room: Who’s telling the story? Who’s missing from the narrative? Look at the objects: Do they feel like museum pieces, or sacred remnants? Consider place: The original items were buried in the desert to stay buried. What does it mean that we’ve moved them into exhibits and replicated them for gift shops? It’s not about shame. It’s about curiosity — the kind that digs deeper than gold and glory. Whether you’re in a museum, a forest, or a faraway archaeological site: Who originally lived here? Who is protecting it now? Who profits from it being “preserved”? Who’s missing from this story? Because the past isn’t dead, it’s just waiting for us to ask the right questions.

Lost in the Stars: Escaping the Glow to Find the Best Night Skies Where to go when the city lights are killing your constellation game. Ever stood outside squinting at the sky and thought, “Is that a star or a plane or… nope, just a cell tower?” Light pollution is the real party crasher of the cosmos. But the good news? You don’t have to go full astronaut to find a better view of the galaxy. You just need to get lost in the right direction. Dark sky tourism is booming—for good reason. The chance to stargaze under a truly dark sky isn’t just rare, it’s straight-up magical. Milky Way? Meteor showers? Saturn’s rings in real-time? Here’s how (and where) to chase the cosmos. What’s the Big Deal with Dark Skies? Thanks to artificial light, more than 80% of Americans can’t see the Milky Way from where they live. That’s a bummer—not just for stargazing, but for wildlife, ecosystems, and even our sleep. Dark Sky places , designated by organizations like DarkSky International , are natural refuges from the glare. They’re some of the last spots on Earth where the stars still show off—and they’re worth the trek. Where to Wander: Top Spots to See the Night Sky 1. Great Basin National Park, Nevada Remote, rugged, and wildly underrated. Great Basin is an official Dark Sky Park where you can stargaze at 7,000+ feet—and maybe even hear owls while you’re at it. 2. Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania East Coasters, rejoice. This is one of the best stargazing spots east of the Mississippi . They even have astro-friendly campsites and regular public programs. 3. Big Bend National Park, Texas Big stars, big skies, no big cities nearby. Big Bend has some of the darkest skies in the Lower 48. Catch a ranger-led night hike or just spread a blanket and look up. 4. Cosmic Campground, New Mexico Not just a cool name—it’s the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary in North America . No lights for miles. Just you, your headlamp (on red mode), and the galaxy. 5. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota A true paddler’s paradise with pristine skies. Plus, if you time it right, you might catch the northern lights. Field Tip: Stargazing Smarts • Red light only:  Use a red flashlight to preserve your night vision (and your neighbors’). • Ditch the phone:  Or at least the screen glow. Apps like Sky Guide or Stellarium are great—just dim the brightness. • Layer up: Even in summer, nights in remote spots can get chilly. • Pack a blanket or camp chair: Neck cramps are not a vibe. • Stay late or overnight: The later it gets, the better the show. The author of this post is a DarkSky advocate. This story is part of The 89 Percent Project, an initiative of the global journalism collaboration Covering Climate Now.

Click Me, Capitalism: A Confession from Prime Days I’ll go first: I broke my Amazon boycott. Yup, Prime Days are here. The siren song of deals so good, they practically cart themselves. And here I am, watching The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel “reruns” on a free Prime trial I swore I wouldn’t activate, and one-clicking a birthday gift I didn’t plan ahead for. And it’s forty percent off. Can you blame me? I mean, maybe you can. But also…  maybe don’t ? The Road to Good Intentions Is Paved with Deals I’ve had an on-again, off-again relationship with Amazon for years. I want to do better. I support my local outdoor gear shop, the independent bookstore, that little handmade gift place with the overpriced candles. But life’s complicated. We are a one-vehicle household, I work from home, and often a week (sometimes two) can go by where I don’t drive anything except the electric golf cart or my bike. Errands? Groceries? The Post Office? My husband takes care of all of those on his way home from work (thanks, babe). Sometimes there are things that I want to choose for myself. And, the reality is, since I left my corporate gig, money is tighter. Sometimes 40% off or two-day shipping saves my butt (or at least I justify the slip by believing so). I’m trying to be mindful of my money in a wildly unpredictable economy where a grocery run feels like a splurge. I’m not proud of it—but I’m also not alone. (Right?!) Why We Click I’ve spent my whole career in the marketing world in one way or another. I know the science behind why we click. It’s not just convenience. Or speed. It’s the dopamine rush of a “deal.” The not-so-subtle language of “only 3 left” and “today only” and “people like you also bought…” It’s psychological warfare — masquerading as retail. And when your brain is already juggling work deadlines, school schedules, rising costs, and the guilt of trying to be a conscious consumer, the idea of researching alternatives can sometimes feel… exhausting. But here’s the kicker: buying from Amazon doesn’t make you a bad person. It makes you human in a broken system. So… Do We Get a Pass? I think the answer is yes. And no. Yes, if you’re living paycheck to paycheck and that Prime Day deal means you can finally afford the school backpack, the pantry staples, the rain jacket your kid needs before camp—then by all means, take it. There’s no guilt in survival. Yes, if you’re doing your best most of the time, and this one purchase helps you stress less, move faster, feel a little more prepared. We all need that sometimes. But no, if we stop asking the hard questions. If we stop looking for better ways. If we let the comfort of convenience keep us from at least trying to shift our habits. Better-Than-Nothing Moves If you’re going to buy during Prime Days or from other big box stores when they are having deals (online or otherwise), here are a few small ways to do it better: Check the brand’s own website first. Many companies match deals on their own sites—and your purchase goes more directly to the source. Choose longer shipping windows. Fewer trucks, fewer emissions. Worth the extra couple of days. Batch your orders. One box instead of three. Less packaging waste. Bonus points for avoiding those maddening plastic air pillows. Go guilty with a friend. If your neighbor or your sister is buying at the same time, combine your purchases to help reduce shipping costs (for you and the planet). Use Amazon Smile alternatives. Smile may be gone, but browser plug-ins like DoneGood  or apps like GoodBuy  can help redirect your dollars to values-aligned shops when you’re not in a rush. Support locals when you can. Even if it’s not every time. That boutique will still cheer for your occasional visit. For small businesses, every sale really does make a difference. Final Thought: Hold the Guilt, Keep the Questions I don’t think shame is the answer. But neither is apathy. So maybe we don’t need to beat ourselves up every time we click “add to cart”—but we do need to stay curious, stay honest, and keep pushing for better options, more transparency, and a system that doesn’t make it so hard to shop with our values.

Storms and Scapegoats: Did Cloud Seeding Drown Texas? No, a tech bro didn’t summon the flood. But climate change might’ve. When disaster hits, it’s human nature to search for a cause—something we can point to and say, “There. That’s the problem.” But when it comes to the deadly floods in Texas, the real problem isn’t a young tech founder or a weather plane—it’s climate change. And it’s been coming for a long time. Still, conspiracy theories are quick to rise when emotions are high and answers feel unsatisfying. Lately, a new scapegoat has emerged: cloud seeding. Let’s break down why cloud seeding didn’t cause the Texas floods—and why believing it did is more dangerous than it seems. What the Heck Is Cloud Seeding? Yeah, I had never heard of it either. According to the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), cloud seeding is a form of weather modification, not weather creation. In simple terms, it involves spraying particles—usually silver iodide or calcium chloride—into existing clouds to encourage rain or snow to form. These particles act as nuclei that water vapor can condense around, sometimes boosting precipitation by 5 to 15% under ideal conditions. But here’s the catch: it only works when moisture is already in the atmosphere. No clouds? No seeding. No storm system? No dice. “Cloud seeding does not create clouds. It can only enhance existing precipitation,” says a representative from NSF’s National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). It’s been used since the 1940s to enhance snowfall in ski resorts, reduce hail damage on farms, or attempt to wring a little more rain out of drought-stricken skies. It is not capable of generating multi-day, multi-county weather systems. It’s a nudge, not a lever. Does that mean there are no ethical, political, or environmental concerns regarding cloud seeding? No. But that is a story for another time. So What Actually Happened in Texas? Central and southeastern Texas has experienced catastrophic flooding. Rain totals in some areas topped 15 inches, overwhelming rivers, roads, and entire towns. People have been displaced, homes have been lost, and communities are left underwater. People have died. Two days prior to the storms, a small startup called Rainmaker reportedly conducted a brief cloud seeding operation—about 20 minutes—over Karnes County, Texas. One small-scale weather enhancement flight in one location. This was enough for conspiracy theories to explode online: accusations of “weather tampering,” “geoengineering,” and “climate manipulation” began trending across social platforms. That single flight got blamed for flooding across hundreds of miles. The Science Doesn’t Back It Up Here’s why the cloud seeding conspiracy doesn’t hold water: Scale matters: Cloud seeding is highly localized and works on a very small scale—one part of one cloud, not entire states. It doesn’t create storms: There were already massive storm systems forming across Texas due to atmospheric conditions well beyond anyone’s control. There’s no scientific evidence linking that flight to any increased rainfall in the days that followed. Even in ideal conditions, cloud seeding often fails to yield measurable results, which is why its effectiveness remains debated among meteorologists and researchers. Why the Real Danger Is Misdirection Cloud seeding is not a dangerous conspiracy—it’s a modest weather management tool. But hyping it up as the cause of major disasters is both scientifically wrong and dangerously distracting. Why? Because it pulls our focus away from the real, evidence-backed culprit: climate change. The Earth is getting warmer. Warmer air holds more moisture. That means when storms form, they can dump significantly more rain than they did in decades past. This is especially true in the Gulf South, where warming oceans and intense heat waves are supercharging the storm systems that move inland. When we blame floods on shadowy weather experiments instead of fossil fuels, outdated infrastructure, and decades of deregulation, we let the true drivers off the hook. Field Tip:  If you hear someone blaming cloud seeding for natural disasters, ask them for peer-reviewed science, not screenshots. And remind them: just because something sounds shady doesn’t make it the reason communities flooded. We don’t fix the climate crisis by chasing shadows. We fix it by facing facts. This story is part of The 89 Percent Project, an initiative of the global journalism collaboration Covering Climate Now.

Your Field Trip Just Got a Dress Code Field Trip Outfitters shop is open! Remember when you said, “Hey, I’d totally rock a Field Trip tee”? We heard you—and then went full gear-nerd.   Why You’ll Love Our Merch Sustainability built in. 100% cotton tees, recycled-bottle sweatshirts, and eco-ink prints, all produced through Bonfire’s low-waste model. Head-to-toe options. Tees and muscle tanks, cozy crews, sling bags, camp-ready mugs, printed hats, and more to come. Planet first—literally. Field Trip is a proud 1% for the Planet member, so at least 1% of profits from every Outfitters  purchase support conservation organizations. (Bonfire handles the printing; we handle the giving.)   Thanks for taking Field Trip from screen to IRL—and for giving your closet a little conservation cred while you’re at it. You look good in sustainability.   See you outside (we’ll be the ones in matching tees), The Field Trip Crew

Preserved for Eternity: What Mummies Can Teach Us About Conservation I can’t stop thinking about how careful they were. At the King Tut Immersive Experience , there’s this moment where the lighting shifts and you’re surrounded by these intricate burial items — golden shrines, ceremonial oils, linens folded with almost ridiculous precision. You realize: this wasn’t just a burial. It was a process. A ritual. A whole logistical operation to keep one body intact for eternity. The Egyptians didn’t do anything halfway. They preserved what mattered — bodies, stories, sacred animals, and even royal flip-flops (no joke) — because they believed the future depended on remembering the past. And I can’t help but think: That’s conservation. Mummification: The Original Long-Term Storage Solution Let’s break it down. The process of mummification wasn’t just about drying out a body. It was a meticulous, spiritual act involving: Organ removal (but saved in little jars, because you might need them later) Salting and drying with natron, a naturally occurring mineral blend Wrapping in layers of linen — often with charms, amulets, or prayers between folds Placement in protective coffins — sometimes nested like a Matryoshka doll of sarcophagi Burial with goods for the next life — food, clothing, furniture, even a favorite board game It wasn’t fast. It wasn’t cheap. But it was intentional. They were preserving something — or someone — they believed mattered. What Does That Have to Do with Today? We might not be wrapping up falcons in linen anymore (at least, I hope we’re not), but the idea of preserving what we value? Still super relevant. Modern conservation is basically nature’s version of mummification: Protecting habitats so ecosystems stay intact Archiving seeds in vaults for future generations Tagging and tracking species so we don’t lose them entirely Even restoring ancient grasslands or fire regimes to keep the balance It’s all a kind of long-term bet. Just like the Egyptians were making. Legacy Isn’t Just for Pharaohs The whole reason Egyptians went to such great lengths to preserve their dead? They believed the afterlife required memory. If no one remembered your name, if your body didn’t survive…you didn’t either. Which kind of hits hard. Whether we’re talking about species loss, disappearing languages, or melting glaciers, so much of what we’re trying to protect today is about not forgetting. So yeah — maybe King Tut didn’t know he’d inspire eco-anxiety in 2025, but here we are. And I, for one, think we should take the hint: What we preserve today shapes what’s possible tomorrow. Field Tip: Leave Your Own Legacy You don’t need a tomb to make your mark. Here are a few modern, non-creepy ways to preserve what matters: Plant a native tree. It might outlive you. Keep a nature journal for your kids or future self. Help document biodiversity through citizen science projects (like iNaturalist ). Support land trusts or organizations preserving open space in your area. Because one day, someone might stumble across your field notes — and feel the same awe we do standing in front of Tut’s golden mask. This story is part of The 89 Percent Project, an initiative of the global journalism collaboration Covering Climate Now.

Bats: Why Your Yard Needs These Winged Wonders and How to Roll Out the Welcome Mat Bats. You’ve heard all the myths, but here’s the truth: bats are garden superheroes and your backyard’s best friend. These night-flying wonders do more than put on a spectacular twilight show; they’re nature’s top insect exterminators and key pollinators that help keep our ecosystems thriving. With a few simple steps and some bat-friendly additions, you can turn your yard into a bat sanctuary, helping these critters survive—and benefit your garden in the process. Why Bats Matter Let’s start with the basics. Bats munch on hundreds of mosquitoes, beetles, and moths every night, which means fewer bugs bugging you. They’re like a natural pest control service, keeping our environment balanced without the need for chemicals. Plus, bats play a vital role in pollinating plants and dispersing seeds, which keeps our landscapes (and even our food supply) healthy and diverse. But bats face some tough challenges—habitat loss, diseases like white-nose syndrome, and climate change are pushing many species to the brink. They are also largely misunderstood by humans and, therefore, not often seen as worthy of our protection. By giving bats a place to hang (literally), you’re helping to protect them and support the incredible work they do for our environment. How to Make Your Yard a Bat Paradise Ready to invite some bats for a sleepover? Here are a few easy steps to create a bat-friendly garden. 1. Go Native with Plants Planting native flowers, shrubs, and trees is like setting the table for bats. Night-blooming plants like evening primrose and moonflower attract moths and other insects that bats love to snack on. Native species also offer safe, familiar shelter, giving bats and other local wildlife a cozy environment. (Planting native plants is a good idea, regardless if you are looking to attract bats to your yard.) The National Wildlife Federation has a wonderful Native Plant Finder  that we love. 2. Limit Outdoor Lighting Bats aren’t big fans of bright lights—they’re creatures of the night, after all. Reducing or shielding outdoor lights can help make your yard more bat-friendly, as it draws fewer insects away from them. Bonus: reduced light pollution means you’ll also see the nighttime sky with much more clarity. 3. Keep Water Nearby A small pond or birdbath can be a big draw for bats. Just like us, they need water, and having a clean, shallow water source gives them a reason to visit your yard more often. 4. Plant a Bat Buffet Want bats to visit regularly? Attracting insects they eat is the way to go! Try planting herbs like dill and marjoram, which attract small moths, or colorful native flowers to draw in a variety of night-flying bugs. Build or Buy a Bat House One of the best ways to help bats is by providing them with a proper roosting spot. A bat house mimics the crevices they’d find in trees or cliffs, giving them a safe place to rest during the day and a launchpad for nightly insect hunts. We love the bat houses offered by BatBnB . These houses are designed to attract bats and provide a safe, cozy space that protects them from predators and the elements. They were designed with the help of Merlin Tuttle, the godfather of modern bat conservation. If you choose to build your own or purchase bat houses from another source, do your research. Some bat houses and house plans can do more harm than good. There is truly an art to building a bat house. Look for bat houses or DIY designs that are Merlin Tuttle-approved. Bat houses are fairly complicated when done right, so if you find one for cheap, that is a red flag that it may not be up to par. Install Your Bat House Properly Placement is Key: Position your bat house at least 10–15 feet above the ground on a pole or side of a building, away from lights and disturbances. Never install bat houses on trees, as it makes bat colonies susceptible to predators. Sunshine Matters:  Bats love warmth, so place the house where it gets plenty of sunlight, ideally on a south-facing wall. Check the Neighborhood:  Bats tend to like areas near water and trees, so if you have both, your bat house could become a five-star bat resort in no time. Do your homework:  Bat house placement can be tricky, and bats can be finicky about their residences. Ready to Make a Difference? Bats are incredible creatures that need our help. By welcoming them into your yard, you’re doing more than boosting your garden’s pest control; you’re helping support a species that plays a crucial role in our environment. So, choose a bat house, roll out the red carpet, and let’s give these winged wonders a safe, cozy home. This story is part of The 89 Percent Project, an initiative of the global journalism collaboration Covering Climate Now.

Pitch a Blanket, Not a Tent: Camp-Inspired Picnics for the Day Because sometimes a picnic is just a low-commitment campout. Can’t swing a camping trip soon, but are itching to get out in the wilderness? No worries—July is National Picnic Month, and that means you’ve got the perfect excuse to pack up your cooler and head for the nearest patch of nature. Turns out, a well-planned picnic can scratch a lot of the same itches as a night in the woods: fresh air, no screens, maybe a bug or two (for that authentic experience). Here’s how to plan a camp-inspired picnic that brings all the outdoorsy feels—no tent or campground reservation required. Pack It Like a Pro (a.k.a. Light Gear, Big Vibes) The secret to a great picnic? Treat it like a mini day campout. Keep it light, but lean into the comfort. Bring: • A soft, waterproof picnic blanket or lightweight ground tarp • Camp chairs if you don’t want to sit on the ground • A hammock if there are trees nearby (seriously underrated picnic addition) • A picnic basket stocked with simple, prepped-ahead food • Reusable dishes, cups, and cutlery (extra points for enamel camp mugs) Field Tip:  Keep a “day camp kit” stashed in your trunk for spontaneous escapes. Include sunscreen, bug spray, napkins, and a reusable trash bag for easy clean-up. Trail-to-Table Picnic Food You don’t need a camp stove to make it feel like camp food. Think hand-held, make-ahead, and a little indulgent. Try: • Wraps or pita pockets filled with grilled veggies, hummus, or leftover chicken Pasta salad or couscous with roasted veggies (easy to eat cold) Skewers—fruit, cheese, or pre-cooked kebabs • Trail mix, dried fruit, jerky • Skillet cookies or s’mores bars for dessert (bonus: warm them up on a sunny rock) Psst… want it hot? Bring an insulated food jar for soup or chili, or pack a mini portable grill for fire-legal areas. Make It Wild (Even If It’s Nearby) Location is everything—but it doesn’t have to be remote. Look for places that feel wild, even if they’re in your zip code. Ideas: • State parks with shaded picnic spots • Hidden nooks in your local arboretum or botanical garden • Trails with overlooks or creekside clearings • Beachfront bluffs or dunes during golden hour • Your own backyard—with a tent or hammock for extra camp cred Add a Little Nature Magic The best part of camping isn’t always the tent—it’s what happens around it. So bring that energy to your picnic. Try this: • Bring a birding guide and binoculars and see what you find • Set up a “nature bingo” card for the kids (or the kids-at-heart) • Pack a book, journal, or sketchpad • Stay past sunset for stargazing or fireflies—especially if you’re near a dark-sky pocket

Leave No Trace—Even at Home: Tracking Your Carbon Footprint with Purpose Because sustainability isn’t just for the trail. You’ve heard “Leave No Trace” on the trail. But what about in your kitchen? Your commute? Your laundry routine? Yup—our carbon footprints follow us home, and if we’re not careful, they stomp all over the planet. Good news: You don’t need to live off-grid in a yurt (unless you want to—no judgment). Tracking your carbon footprint can be a simple, powerful way to align your daily life with the outdoorsy values you care about. It’s not about guilt. It’s about being curious, setting intentions, and choosing the better option when possible. What Even Is a Carbon Footprint? In short: It’s the total amount of greenhouse gases (like CO₂ and methane) your lifestyle generates, directly and indirectly. Think: • The gas in your car • The electricity powering your AC • The shipping for that late-night impulse buy If it burns, ships, flies, or gets tossed—it probably counts. How to Track It (Without Losing Your Mind) There are plenty of free tools that make it easy, like: • CoolClimate Calculator  from UC Berkeley • Carbon Footprint Calculator • Wren  for tracking and offsetting They’ll ask about your home energy use, travel habits, food choices, and more. The goal? Spot where your biggest emissions come from—and where you’ve got room to pivot. Field Tip: 5 Low-Lift Ways to Lower Your Footprint 1. Power down and green up Switch to LEDs. Unplug stuff when it’s not in use. Explore renewable energy programs offered by your utility (many utilities provide them). 2. Eat more plants, waste less food You don’t have to go full vegan. Even cutting back on meat a few days a week makes a dent. Bonus points for composting and buying local. 3. Re-think your ride Can you bike? Bus? Combine errands? If a car swap is on the horizon, check out hybrids or EVs. 4. Shop smarter Before you buy: pause. Ask if you could borrow, thrift, or repurpose instead. And when you do buy, support companies with real sustainability goals. 5. Offset what you can’t avoid Carbon offsets aren’t a free pass, but they can help. Support credible reforestation or renewable energy projects through sites like Cool Effect . Home Is the New Trailhead We’ve learned to pack out our trash in the woods. Now it’s time to bring that ethic home. Small changes stack up—and the ripple effect is real. When you live your values in everyday ways, people notice. They ask questions. They start making swaps of their own. This story is part of The 89 Percent Project, an initiative of the global journalism collaboration Covering Climate Now.