The Stinging Truth About the Ant You Don’t Want to Meet—But Likely Will Ever bent over to plant seeds or wash a tarp and felt a sudden, sharp sting? That might’ve been an Asian needle ant—an invasive species that’s creeping into gardens, forests, and campsites across America. What Are Asian Needle Ants and Where Are They Now? • Species:  Brachyponera chinensis—small (about 5 mm), shiny, dark brown with orangey legs. • U.S. presence:  First spotted in the Southeast in 1932. Now confirmed in 19–20 states, from Florida and Georgia up through New England, and west to Kentucky, Wisconsin, Washington, and Texas. • Habitat:  They nest under logs, stones, in leaf litter, mulch, plant pots—almost any moist, shady spot. Citizen scientists can help track invasive species such as the Asian Stinging Ant on iNaturalist. Do They Sting, and Why? These ants are not aggressive, but their sting is real—and unpleasant: • When they sting:  Typically when disturbed or trapped—like under clothing or boots.    • Human impact: The sting hurts (like a wasp), and about 2 % of people experience anaphylaxis, a potentially deadly allergic reaction. • On pets: Yes—dogs, cats, and small critters can be stung. Pets can also experience allergic reactions, although severe cases are less frequently documented. Still, immediate veterinary care is wise if swelling, difficulty breathing, or extreme restlessness appear. Other Stinging Invaders to Watch • Red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta):  Build mounds in lawns and pastures. Their swarm stings can be painful and cause anaphylaxis, and they also harm wildlife and infrastructure. •  Little fire ants (Wasmannia auropunctata):  Tiny but powerful—be on alert for these if you’re camping in the Pacific or southern parts of the U.S. Why They’re Spreading Fast 1. Temperature tolerant:  Asian needle ants thrive in cool and warm temps—so they expand from Southeast through Midwest and to the West Coast. 2. Hidden hitchhikers: They travel in plant pots, soil, landscape mulch, firewood, and even in gear. 3. Sneaky nesters: They don’t build big mounds. They do blend into leaf litter and mulch, and can go unnoticed until they sting. Campgrounds & the Firewood Rule Ever wondered why campsites ban your out-of-state firewood? It’s not a sales gimmick—it’s a vital rule to prevent invasive species like these ants from hitchhiking across regions. Asian needle ants can nest in wood—so when you bring that pile from home, you might be bringing them, or other invasive species along for the ride. What Are Warning Signs You Need Immediate Help Look out for these red flags after a sting: Humans: Swelling beyond 2 inches from the sting site Hives or rash away from the sting Trouble breathing, chest tightness, dizziness Rapid heartbeat If any show up—use an EpiPen (if prescribed) and head to the ER—stat. Pets: Excessive paw licking, vomiting Difficulty breathing or collapse The emergency vet—not Google—should be your next call. How to Stop the Spread & Avoid Stings Gear and Camping Inspect firewood, mulch, and plant pots before moving or buying them. Clean gear—boots, tents, and tools—between trips, especially when traveling to other regions. Pack a brush and a sealable bag for muddy or leafy gear—and clean up after each use. Home and Garden Keep mulch away from building foundations, maintain a 6-inch mulch-free zone. Remove wood debris regularly. Seal cracks in sheds, trailers, and foundations where ants can nest. Community Action Report new sightings to state extension offices or university entomology programs. Participate in invasive species clean-up days or citizen science monitoring. Why It Matters to You (and the Outdoors) You don’t want to be known as the person who brought stinging ants to the campsite or introduced an invasive species to your favorite trail. These ants hurt biodiversity—everyone from plants to birds can feel the impact. By following simple checks and campfire rules, you’re helping protect ecosystems—and your family’s comfort, too.

Campfires and Kickoffs: Gear That Scores for Both Tailgating and Fall Camping Sponsored by brands we actually use and love. Fall weekends hit different—crisp air, smoky grills, flannel layers, and a whole lot of cheers (from the woods or the stands). Whether you’re posted up at a campground or parked in a stadium lot, the right gear makes it all better. Here’s our handpicked lineup of fall MVPs that pull double-duty for both tailgating and camping. Tested by us, loved by us, and ready for your next weekend adventure. Ampure Go: Your Back Pocket Power Move EV road-trippers, meet your new co-pilot. The Ampure Go portable EV charger   keeps your EV (or RV) juiced up wherever the road leads. Rain? Snow? It’s built for it. More stadiums and parks are adding EV stations, but this little beast takes the stress out of the “where’s the plug?” question. Field Tip: Keep it stashed in your trunk for peace-of-mind charging when you’re deep in the wild—or just stuck in a long tailgate line. Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho Down: Cozy Up in Style Wearable sleeping bag. Enough said. The Honcho Poncho Down wraps you in 650-fill downy warmth, shrugs off spills and drizzles, and folds into itself to become a pillow. It’s a tailgate throne, a stargazing cloak, a golf cart blanket—basically, your cold-weather MVP. Field Tip: Keep it in the car. You’ll reach for it more than you think. The Morning Dram: Brewed for Adventure Whiskey vibes, no buzz. The Morning Dram roasts beans aged in bourbon and rye barrels for a coffee that’s rich, smooth, and a little smoky—perfect for foggy camp mornings or early kickoff tailgates. Field Tip: Grab their Starter Kit—it’s got everything you need for a top-notch pour-over anywhere, anytime. Bonus points if you spike it. SER!OUS BEAN CO: Big Flavor for Big Days These beans don’t play backup. From Dr Pepper Sweet & Sassy to Hot Honey (our house fave), SER!OUS BEAN CO   brings serious flavor to your grill game. Heat them up on the camp stove or turn them into a next-level chili. Field Tip: Pull-top cans = one less thing to pack. Several flavors are vegan, too. Pinter: Brew Like a Pro Fresh beer. Zero bottles. Pinter lets you brew your own craft beer (or seltzer, or cider) in just a few days. It’s compact, easy to use, and an instant tailgate flex. Field Tip: Keep an eye on our Holiday Gift Guide—you might win one, or at least score a sweet deal. HERO Grill: Grill Like a Pro Grill like you mean it—without lugging a full-sized rig. The HERO Grill uses plant-based charcoal pods and is ready to cook in minutes. Cleanup’s easy, too (hi, dishwasher-safe parts). Field Tip: It fits in a tote. Yes, really. Tailgate tested and campsite approved. Gregory Alpaca Gear Wagon: Haul It All Load it up. Firewood, coolers, chairs, snacks—the Gregory Alpaca Gear Wagon rolls it all in one go, with chunky all-terrain wheels and a waterproof cover. Field Tip: Collapse it when you’re done. Your trunk will thank you. Pirani Life: Sip Sustainably Reusable. Insulated. Fun colors. Pirani’s tumblers keep your drinks at the right temp and look good doing it. Bonus: they’re stackable, lidded, and way better for the planet than solo cups. Field Tip: Ounce markings = built-in mixologist assistant. Handzies Soap + Water Wipes: Your Best Defense Against Dirt Sticky ribs? S’mores fingers? No faucet? No problem. Handzies Soap + Water Wipes are made with real castile soap, essential oils, and water. No weird stuff. No waste guilt. Field Tip: Keep a pack in your glovebox. You’ll be glad you did. Whether you’re pitching a tent or setting up a folding chair in Lot C, this gear makes fall weekends easier, cozier, and a lot more fun. Pack smarter. Snack better. Soak it all in. This content is sponsored by the brands featured in this article. Field Trip always tests products before recommending them to our readers. We genuinely love and trust the brands you find featured on our platform.

Uninvited, Underrated, and Up All Night: Meet the Real Pollinator Party Crew Bees get all the glory, but they’re not the only ones pollinating your plants. Meet the weird, wild, and nocturnal guests keeping nature buzzing. Pollinator Week Is June 16-22, 2025. Let’s Give the Bugs (and Bats and Beetles) Some Credit. Every June, Pollinator Week rolls around — and like clockwork, the spotlight shines on honeybees and monarchs. And yeah, they totally deserve it. But if we’re throwing a real-deal pollinator party? We need to widen the guest list. Because behind the scenes — and sometimes after the sun sets — there’s a whole crew of overlooked, underappreciated, and somewhat bizarre pollinators doing the work. Some are strange. Some are winged. Some arrive dressed like bees but are definitely not. The A-List: Famous Pollinators Who Still Deserve Your Attention Okay, honeybees and butterflies are the Beyoncés and Taylors of the pollinator world. Everyone knows them. Everyone loves them. But they’re also facing real trouble. • Honeybees (the European kind, anyway) are not native to North America, but they still play a big role in agriculture. The catch? They’re dealing with colony collapse, pesticides, parasites — basically, a buffet of bad news. • Monarch butterflies are literal migration champs, flying thousands of miles from Mexico to Canada and back. But habitat loss and climate shifts are shrinking their range and food supply. • Native bees (like bumblebees, mason bees, and leafcutter bees) are actually way more efficient at pollination than honeybees — but they get way less press. Some species are now listed as endangered. Bottom line: the A-listers still need our help. But they’re not the only ones working the pollination scene. The Underdogs: Pollinators You’ve Totally Overlooked Now we’re getting to the real fun — the weirdos doing big work with zero fame. • Beetles were the original pollinators, cruising through magnolias before bees were even a thing. They’re messy, often smelly, and not exactly delicate — but they’re essential for many native plants. • Hoverflies look like bees in disguise but are actually harmless fly cousins. They’re ace pollinators and their larvae eat aphids. Heroes, honestly. • Wasps get a bad rap, but many are low-key pollinators. Fig wasps even have a whole mutual love story with fig trees (seriously, look it up — it’s wild). • Ants aren’t super efficient, but in dry, sandy ecosystems, they help pollinate ground-level flowers while they’re out foraging. • Midges — tiny, gnat-like insects — are the reason we have chocolate. No midges = no cacao pollination. No chocolate = no fun. The Night Shift: Pollinators That Party After Dark When the sun goes down, a different kind of pollinator party begins. • Moths are like butterflies’ goth cousins. Many species are major pollinators, especially for night-blooming flowers like evening primrose or yucca. Their fuzzy bodies are great for pollen transfer, and some have tongues longer than their bodies. • Bats are crucial pollinators in desert and tropical ecosystems. They help pollinate agave, bananas, guava, and mangoes — which means we basically owe tequila to bats. Cheers. • Nocturnal beetles and other crawlers also get in on the action, particularly in damp or tropical environments. Want to see the night crew in action? Try sitting quietly in your yard just after dusk near a patch of white or pale-colored flowers. Field Tip: Don’t Just Save the Bees — Host the Whole Party If you want to make your yard or balcony more pollinator-friendly this summer, think big. Or rather, think diverse. Here’s how to set the vibe: • Plant variety = pollinator buffet.  Choose native flowers that bloom at different times, in different shapes and heights. Diversity means everyone gets a seat at the table. • Leave the leaves. That messy corner of your yard might be perfect habitat for moths, beetles, or solitary bees. • Add white or pale flowers. Night pollinators are drawn to lighter blooms that reflect moonlight. • Don’t use pesticides. Even “organic” ones can mess with the bugs you want to attract. • Let some stuff go wild. A little chaos is good. Aster, goldenrod, milkweed — these plants are like neon signs for all kinds of pollinators. So yeah — bees are (way) cool. But the pollinator world is way bigger, weirder, and more wonderful than most people realize. This week, lift a glass (of bat-pollinated agave, maybe?) to the whole crew — the beetles, the wasps, the winged night shift and all. Because biodiversity doesn’t just look good — it works hard.

Solstice Magic: What Nature’s Doing (and How to Join In) Curious what actually happens in nature during the summer solstice? Here’s what’s going on — and how to celebrate like the wild things do. The sun’s doing something weird. And wonderful. Every June, like clockwork, I get this sudden urge to stay outside all day. Wake up with the birds, make dinner over a fire, chase the last light until the stars show up. It’s not just seasonal FOMO — it’s the summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. In 2025, it lands on Friday, June 20, and I say we milk every golden minute. But here’s the thing: this isn’t just a time for flower crowns and bonfires (though I’m pro both). Nature itself is doing something wild right now. The whole outdoors is in overdrive — birds, bees, blooms, all peaking in their own way. So what is actually going on during the solstice? And how can we join in without flying to Stonehenge or, you know, building a giant sundial in our backyard? The Sun Stands Still (Sort Of) “Solstice” comes from the Latin solstitium, which literally means “sun standing still.” And while it’s not hitting the brakes exactly, it is reaching its highest point in the sky — meaning we get the most daylight we’ll see all year. That happens because Earth’s axis is tilted about 23.5 degrees. In June, the Northern Hemisphere leans as close to the sun as we’ll get. After this day, the light slowly starts slipping away again — just a few seconds at first, then faster come fall. Yup, the solstice is both a peak and a pivot. What the Wild’s Up To While you’re deciding if it’s too early for watermelon (never), here’s what the natural world is busy doing: • Birds are still nesting — Some songbirds are hatching their second (or even third) broods of the season. Watch for fledglings awkwardly learning to fly and parents frantically ferrying bugs. • Plants are photosynthesizing like champs  — Long daylight = more time to soak up the sun and grow like crazy. This is peak productivity for many native species. • Pollinators are working overtime  — Bees, butterflies, and beetles are feasting on midsummer blooms. If you’ve planted milkweed, you might even spot monarch eggs or caterpillars. (Psst… Pollinator Week is June 16–22 this year — find out how you can roll out the welcome mat.) • Fireflies are doing their thing  — Warm evenings + tall grass = one of summer’s best light shows. • Nocturnal sounds get louder  — Frogs, owls, crickets… dusk is alive right now. Linger outside and listen. Better yet, camp out overnight. How Humans Have Marked the Light We’re certainly not the first to notice this turning point in the calendar. Cultures around the world have been celebrating the solstice for thousands of years — with dances, rituals, and a fair amount of fire. Here are a few traditions that’ve stood the test of time: • Sweden:  Midsummer maypoles, wildflower wreaths, singing, and outdoor feasting. It’s one of the country’s biggest holidays. • United Kingdom: Every year, thousands gather at Stonehenge, where the rising sun aligns with the ancient stones. (Yes, druids. Yes, drum circles.) • Indigenous cultures: From the Hopi of the American Southwest to First Nations in Canada, summer solstice is often honored with fire ceremonies, sunrise gatherings, and community dances. • Ancient Rome: The festival of Vestalia honored Vesta, goddess of the hearth, and involved keeping sacred fires lit during the transition of seasons. • Ancient Egypt: The sun god Ra was everything. Pharaohs (including Tutankhamun) were considered literal descendants of Ra. Many temples were built to align with the solstices and the equinoxes, tracking the light. King Tut’s golden mask? Think of it as both bling and a solar passport to the afterlife. Try This: Backyard Solstice Rituals You don’t need a pyramid or a plane ticket to celebrate. Here are a few tiny-but-mighty ways to mark the solstice, Field Trip–style: • Watch the sunrise.  Coffee optional, awe required. •  Make a flower crown.  Or just go on a wildflower walk and clip a few for your table. • Eat outside.  Breakfast, dinner, whatever — just get your plate and eat in the light. • Light a fire.  Even a candle counts. The symbolism’s the same. • Set an intention.  Not in a cheesy way. Just take five minutes to think: what do I want more of this season? • Stay out ‘til the stars show up.  Because on this day, they’re fashionably late. Nature doesn’t mark the solstice with a calendar alert. It just follows the light — blooms when it’s time, nests when it’s time, rests when the days grow dark again. You can do that too. Let this longest day be your reminder: to slow down, look around, and maybe make a little ritual out of noticing things. It’s not about doing more — it’s about being here for it.

Tombs, Totems, and Time Travel: What King Tut’s World Says About Ours What does an ancient boy-king have to do with animals, ecosystems, and legacy? A lot more than I expected. If you’d asked me at age nine what I wanted to be when I grew up, the answer was easy: an archaeologist. Preferably one who wore a wide-brimmed hat and discovered secret tombs by torchlight. In particular, I loved learning about ancient Egypt — the gods with animal heads, the treasure-packed burial chambers, the sheer mystery of it all. My grandparents had traveled to Egypt, and their house was full of decor from there that I was not supposed to touch (but absolutely did). Papyrus prints, tiny scarab beetles, a bust of Nefertiti. Their living room felt like a museum, and I wanted in. Somewhere along the way, I swapped pyramids for public lands, and field notes for trail maps. But recently, that old obsession came roaring back — thanks to a visit to " Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures ," an immersive exhibit at the Biltmore in Asheville, NC. I expected gold. Glitz. Maybe a good air-conditioned break from the North Carolina humidity. What I didn’t expect? That deep, awe-struck, can’t-shake-it feeling. You know the one — where you feel tiny and ancient at the same time? And as I wandered through the tomb replica, something clicked. Sure, ancient Egypt might seem like a weird fit for an outdoorsy site. But the more I dug in (archaeology pun fully intended), the more connections I saw — between sacred landscapes and seasonal cycles, between animal symbolism and wildlife reverence, between what they chose to preserve… and what we choose to protect. So over the next few Field Trip newsletters, I’ll be geeking out with you on all things Tut’s tomb. Promise it’s not just history class. We’re talking: • Creature gods and sacred beasts  — how the Egyptians mythologized animals and what that says about our relationship with wildlife today • Preserved for eternity  — why mummification is a master class in long-term thinking (and what it means for how we protect ecosystems now) • Tomb raiders vs. caretakers  — what modern conservation can learn from the fights over who owns ancient artifacts • Ancient field science  — how Egyptian astronomers and naturalists tracked seasons and species without ever using the word “data” You don’t need to be a history buff to get something out of it. Just curious. Outdoorsy. And maybe a little obsessed with the idea of legacy — both human and wild. If You Go (and You Should) " Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures " is a traveling exhibit, so even if you’re not near the Biltmore, there’s a good chance it may come your way . And if you do go, keep an eye out for these Field Trip–worthy details: • Animal symbolism:  From falcon-headed Horus to sacred scarabs, animals were more than mascots — they were gods. • What they chose to preserve:  Everything from honey to footstools made the afterlife packing list. It says a lot. • Landscape and celestial ties:  Their gods, calendars, and rituals all synced to the land and stars. A reminder that ancient people lived seasonally — something we’re just now rediscovering. • Material culture = meaning: The stuff left behind wasn’t just decorative. It was chosen. Intentionally. And isn’t that what we talk about with conservation all the time? Choose what you want to last. If you can’t make it to the exhibit (or even if you can), join me over the next few weeks. We’ll dig deep, get nerdy, and uncover what a 3,000-year-old civilization can still teach us about nature, culture, and what we choose to leave behind.

89% of Us Want Climate Action — So Why Are We So Quiet About It? Field Trip Joins The 89 Percent Project to Amplify the Climate Majority Here’s a wild stat: between 80 and 89% of people around the world want their governments to do more about climate change. That’s not a fringe opinion — it’s the overwhelming  majority. But here’s the kicker: most of us don’t realize we’re in the majority. We think we’re alone in caring. And that silence? It’s costing us. That’s why Field Trip is thrilled to announce our partnership with The 89 Percent Project , a global journalism initiative from Covering Climate Now . This year-long collaboration aims to break the “spiral of silence” and spotlight the voices of the climate-concerned majority — people like you and me who want change but aren’t always sure how to speak up or who’s listening. What Is The 89 Percent Project? Launched in April 2025, The 89 Percent Project brings together major media outlets — think The Guardian, TIME, Rolling Stone, Deutsche Welle, and more — to tell the stories of the global climate majority. It’s not just about reporting on disasters or political gridlock. It’s about asking: Who are the 89%? What do they want? What’s stopping them from being heard? Why Field Trip Is Getting Involved At Field Trip, we believe the outdoors is political — not in a partisan way, but in the sense that access, equity, and environmental health are all connected. We’re not just about gear reviews and trail guides (though we love those too). We’re about helping people see the bigger picture. And that’s exactly what The 89 Percent Project is doing. As co-founder Mark Hertsgaard puts it, “We want to break the spiral of silence that’s muffling public demand for bold climate action.” By partnering with The 89 Percent Project, we’re committing to: • Telling stories that reflect the values and voices of the climate majority. • Highlighting actions you can take to push for stronger climate policies. • Connecting the dots between outdoor recreation and climate advocacy. Because if most of us want change, maybe it’s time we start acting like it. What You Can Expect Don’t worry — we’re not suddenly putting on a necktie and going full newsroom. We’ve been covering climate change since day one, and this is just a louder, more global version of the same ol’ Field Trip you know and trust. Over the coming months, look out for: • Deep dives into how climate change is affecting our favorite outdoor spaces. • Actionable tips for reducing your carbon footprint and influencing policy. • Collaborative pieces with other 89 Percent Project partners, bringing global perspectives to local issues. Join the Movement Feeling fired up? Good. Here’s how you can get involved: •  Share our upcoming 89 Percent stories with your network. • Talk to friends and family about the climate majority — chances are, they’re part of it too. • Sign up for our newslette r to stay updated on our coverage. Together, we can turn the silent majority into a vocal force for change. This story is part of The 89 Percent Project, an initiative of the global journalism collaboration Covering Climate Now.

The Grass Isn’t Always Greener: Lawn Chemicals and the Cancer Risk for Dogs Yup, lawn chemicals can pose real risks to your pup. Here’s what the science says — and how to keep your dog safer outside. Sniffing Out Trouble in the Backyard If you’ve ever watched your dog roll around in the grass like it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to them, same. There’s something about a fresh lawn that seems to scream “playground” to our four-legged friends. But here’s the kicker: that same lush, green yard might be hiding something more sinister — a potential cancer risk. I didn’t realize this until I dug into some sobering science. Turns out, those pro-level lawn treatments? They might be more than just annoying to pollinators — they could actually be hazardous to your dog’s health. Paws and Pesticides: What the Research Really Says A growing body of research is connecting common lawn chemicals with cancer risks in dogs, especially malignant lymphoma and certain types of bladder cancer. Let’s break it down: A 70% higher risk of lymphoma. One study published in Environmental Research found that dogs living in homes where lawn pesticides were professionally applied were 70% more likely to develop canine malignant lymphoma (CML) than dogs in untreated homes. 70%! That’s not a small bump — that’s a serious red flag. The herbicide 2,4-D is a repeat offender. This widely used weed-killer — short for 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid — has been specifically linked to increased bladder cancer risks in dogs, especially small dogs. Chemical traces in dog urine. Another study found that dogs exposed to treated lawns had detectable levels of herbicides like 2,4-D in their urine after contact — proof that chemicals are being absorbed through their skin or ingested when they lick their paws. Altogether, these studies paint a pretty consistent picture. While researchers stop short of saying these chemicals definitely cause cancer, the repeated associations are enough to make any dog lover pause. Why Dogs Are Extra Vulnerable Here’s the thing — dogs interact with the outdoors very differently than we do. They roll, sniff, dig, and lick, well… everything . They’re basically nature’s Roombas, with noses. So it makes sense that they’re more likely to absorb or ingest whatever’s hanging out on your lawn. And because they spend more time closer to the ground — and love a good grass bath — dogs can end up with a higher exposure to those residues than humans ever would. No Dog? Still Your Problem. Don’t have a pup of your own? This still affects you. Lawn chemicals don’t stay neatly in your yard — they run off into waterways, drift onto neighboring properties, and stick around in soil and air longer than you’d think. They can harm pollinators, birds, and even barefoot humans (especially kids). So even if you’re dog-free, going chemical-free is a kindness to the ecosystem—and your whole community. Want to help? Choose safer lawn care, talk to your neighbors, and support public green spaces that put health over appearances. Every patch counts. Field Tip: Safer Yards for Your Pup (and You) So, what can you actually do? You don’t have to give up on having a nice yard — but you can be smarter about how it’s maintained. Avoid chemical treatments altogether (especially 2,4-D-based herbicides). Go organic or try a more hands-on, pet-safe approach to weed control. Steer clear of treated lawns for at least 48 hours after application. If you’ve got a neighbor who loves their green grass a little too much, do the neighborly thing and— Keep Off The Grass! Wipe down paws and fur after outdoor time, especially if you’ve been in parks, neighborhoods, or fields that may have been sprayed. Consider alternative landscaping — like clover, native grasses, or low-mow meadows — that need fewer chemicals in the first place. Let’s Rethink the Perfect Lawn Here’s the real kicker: Most of us aren’t growing golf courses. We don’t need that ultra-manicured, chemical-dependent grass. What we do need is a safer space for our pets, our kids, and ourselves. And if your yard isn’t chemical-free yet, don’t panic. This isn’t about shame — it’s about small shifts. Start with the patch by the back door. Learn what’s in your weed killer. Read the fine print. Ask questions. Because honestly, I’d rather have a slightly scruffy yard than a dog with a cancer diagnosis. Wouldn’t you?

Snap the Stars: Capture the Dark 2025 Is Open for Entries If you’ve ever fumbled with a tripod under the stars or tried (and failed) to get your phone to do justice to a firefly-filled forest, this one’s for you: Capture the Dark 2025  is officially open. This contest is as dazzling as it sounds. Run by DarkSky International , the folks championing natural night skies around the globe, Capture the Dark invites photographers of all skill levels to submit images that celebrate and protect the night. Whether you’re wielding a DSLR or just tapping your phone screen, there’s a category for you—including shots of dark sky-friendly lighting, wildlife, and the very real impact of light pollution. Key Dates: • Entries are open: May 1–June 30, 2025 • Public voting: July 1–21, 2025 • Awards announced: August 2025 Why it matters: This isn’t just about pretty pictures (though trust me, there will be many). It’s about using photography as a form of advocacy—helping more people see what we’re losing as light pollution spreads. (When was the last time you saw the Milky Way from your backyard?) Bonus points:  The contest is totally free to enter. You can submit up to three photos per category, and there are categories just for youth photographers and mobile shooters. So grab your camera, find your favorite patch of darkness, and join the global crew of stargazers, storytellers, and sky-lovers helping to #CaptureTheDark. Enter the contest: https://capturethedark.us.launchpad6.com/contest2025 This author is a proud DarkSky Advocate, which means I care deeply about preserving our night skies as wild and wonder-filled as possible. I wasn’t paid to promote this contest—I just think it’s one of the coolest ways to turn your lens into a tool for change. Plus, who doesn’t love an excuse to stay up late under the stars?

Ecosia Is the Tree-Planting Search Engine You Didn’t Know You Needed Meet Ecosia, the search engine that plants trees every time you click. Yup, you can save the planet without leaving your browser. Click, Search, Grow Some people doomscroll. Me? I tree-scroll. ecosia.org , a free search engine that uses its ad revenue to plant trees in biodiversity hotspots around the world. I know — it sounds a little too feel-good to be true. But Ecosia isn’t just greenwashing your browser bar. This Berlin-based, not-for-profit company is the real deal, and it’s quietly turning your daily internet habits into reforestation fuel. How Ecosia Works Here’s the nutshell: 1. You search the internet using Ecosia (same way you’d use Google or Bing). 2. Ecosia makes money from search ads. 3. They use that money to fund tree-planting projects. On average, it takes about 45 searches to fund one tree. Ecosia even publishes transparent financial reports and tree-planting receipts — yes, that’s a thing — so you can see where the money goes. To date, they’ve helped plant over 225 million trees in countries like Brazil, Indonesia, and Burkina Faso. What Makes It Different They’re climate active, not just carbon neutral. Ecosia’s servers run on 100% renewable energy, and every search actually removes CO₂ from the atmosphere. They support local communities, working with grassroots partners to grow native, climate-resilient species that support people, wildlife, and soil health. They don’t sell your data or create personal profiles. No creepy targeted ads. No third-party trackers. So… Is It Good? Short answer: yes. Ecosia’s search is powered by Bing (plus their own algorithms), so the results are solid for most everyday stuff. Will it beat Google’s AI-powered black hole? Maybe not. But if you’re just looking up camping recipes or directions to the trailhead, it gets the job done — and does good in the process. Field Tip: Set It and Tree-get It Make Ecosia your default search engine (you can do this in most browsers in under 30 seconds). Then just… search like usual. You’ll see a little tree counter tick up in the corner, and boom — you’re officially a digital tree-hugger. Not Sponsored, Just Stoked Ecosia didn’t pay me to write this—I just genuinely think it’s cool when your internet rabbit holes can sprout actual trees. Use it, don’t use it. But if you do, you might help reforest part of the planet. That’s pretty cool.

Biodiversity Isn’t Just About the Rainforest (But Let’s Start There) Biological diversity is more than just pretty plants and exotic animals. Here’s what it actually means—and what we can do to protect it. Let’s clear the air (and the underbrush) When you hear the word biodiversity, do you picture a lush jungle brimming with toucans and tree frogs? Same. But biological diversity—aka biodiversity—isn’t just about tropical ecosystems or endangered animals. It’s about all the living stuff on Earth: from backyard bees to microscopic fungi to the bacteria in your gut (truly). What is biological diversity, exactly? Biological diversity is the variety of life on Earth. Not just how many species exist, but also how they interact. That includes: •Genetic diversity (differences within species—think heirloom tomatoes vs. supermarket ones) •Species diversity (the different plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms) •Ecosystem diversity (the variety of habitats like forests, wetlands, deserts, grasslands, and coral reefs) In short, biodiversity is what makes nature complex, resilient, and full of surprise cameos (hi, armadillo in my neighborhood). What it isn’t It’s not just a numbers game. Biodiversity isn’t about “saving animals” in a vacuum—it’s about balance. We need wolves to keep deer populations in check. We need fungi to break down dead stuff. We even need bacteria to keep soil healthy, so we can grow our food. Also? It’s not just “over there.” Biodiversity is local. It’s your community garden, your city park, your compost pile. If you’ve got weeds and worms, congrats—you’re hosting a biodiverse block party. Why it matters (even if you’re not a biologist) Biodiversity isn’t just nice to look at—it literally keeps us alive. It: •Cleans our air and water •Pollinates crops (shoutout to bees, butterflies, and bats) •Regulates climate •Provides medicine (hello, aspirin and penicillin) •Protects against pests and diseases (the more diverse a system, the harder it is for invaders to take over) When biodiversity declines, so does our safety net. Fewer species means more fragile ecosystems—which can lead to food shortages, disease outbreaks, and ecosystems that can’t bounce back from storms, droughts, or wildfires. So… what can we do? Glad you asked. You don’t need to be a conservation biologist to support biodiversity. You just need to care enough to act. A few easy(ish) wins: Plant native species. Native plants support local pollinators and wildlife better than imported ornamentals. Avoid pesticides and herbicides. They kill more than pests—and can wreck the food web from the ground up. Support local conservation. Vote for green space funding. Back land trusts. Show up to town hall when the wetlands are on the chopping block. Let your yard get (at least a little) wild.  Leave the leaves. Build a brush pile. Skip mowing for a while. Wildlife will thank you. Stay curious. The more you learn about the web of life, the more magical and worth protecting it feels. (Bonus: you’ll be really good at trivia.)

Pretty Things, Better Choices Jewelry doesn’t have to cost the earth. Here’s how to make beautiful, meaningful, planet-friendly choices. How This Came Up (No Pressure, Son… Seriously) This article was prompted by a conversation I had with my 20-year-old daughter the other day. We were talking (completely hypothetically) about my oldest son and his girlfriend — whom we absolutely adore — and speculating whether a proposal might be in the cards someday. Would he take the traditional route with a ring? Would we get to help him choose it? No pressure, of course, dear boy. (Really. Maybe. Sort of.) That’s when my daughter said, “I think people my age are thinking outside of the diamond, honestly.” And she’s right. More and more people are reconsidering what it means to wear or give something meaningful—and how to do it without compromising their values. Funnily enough, it’s a conversation I had a few years ago with my now-husband — before he proposed. I told him that I didn’t need (or want) a diamond mined from halfway around the world. I wanted something that meant something. What he chose couldn’t have been more perfect: a pale green amethyst shaped like a lotus (our motto: “No Mud, No Lotus”), flanked by lab-grown diamonds. Beautiful. Symbolic. Ethical. All the good stuff. And it reminded me: the things we choose to wear — especially when they’re meant to last a lifetime — can be just as kind as they are beautiful. Let’s Talk Sparkle—and What Comes With It Here’s the thing: I love jewelry. I’ve got a little box of baubles that I open like it’s a treasure chest, carefully selecting the perfect piece to make an outfit pop or bring a little intention into the day. But I also know this: many traditional gemstones come with baggage heavier than your favorite overnight pack. Diamond mining alone can lead to ecological destruction, unsafe labor, and even child exploitation. And most supply chains? They're about as transparent as a mud puddle. There is progress toward improved industry standards — transparency laws, cleaner sourcing, and greater accountability. However, we’re not quite there yet. In the meantime, it’s up to us to ask better questions and make wiser choices when we can. What do you do when you want to adorn yourself (or someone else) while also staying aligned with your values? You get creative. You get curious. And you remember that what you wear can be both beautiful and better. The Hidden Cost of Shine Here’s the unvarnished truth about conventional gemstones: •Diamond mining is rough (in more ways than one). It displaces land, pollutes water, and often occurs in countries with shaky (at best) labor protections. •Gemstone sourcing is notoriously opaque. Even “conflict-free” isn’t always conflict-free — the label can be more marketing than meaningful. •Metal mining is also an issue. Gold, silver, and other metals used in settings often come from open-pit mines with serious environmental consequences. But here’s the good news: you’ve got options. Better ones. Field Tip: Beautiful Alternatives That Don’t Suck 1. Heirloom or Estate Jewelry Reuse > Remove. Vintage pieces not only come with built-in character, they also skip the new-extraction mess entirely. Whether it’s grandma’s engagement ring or a flea market find, there’s nothing more sustainable than what already exists. 2. Lab-Grown Diamonds & Gemstones Same sparkle, less destruction. Lab-created stones are chemically identical to their mined counterparts, often at a lower price point and lower environmental impact. Bonus: Most reputable lab-grown options are fully traceable. 3. Responsible Jewelers Seek out makers who are transparent about their sourcing and committed to fair trade, recycled materials, or traceable supply chains. 4. Go Natural (Literally) Wooden bands, stone-carved pendants, even sea glass. Earth-made doesn’t have to mean earth-harming. Look for materials like sustainably harvested wood, clay, or even botanicals sealed in resin. They’re especially meaningful if you find or make them yourself. What’s Coming: Transparency Laws on the Horizon While the U.S. isn’t quite there yet, there’s buzz in the jewelry industry about pending legislation that would require better supply chain disclosure and sourcing transparency. Some countries and certifying bodies are already leading the charge (shoutout to the Kimberley Process, even if it has its flaws). Until those protections are standard, it’s up to us to ask better questions, seek out reputable sources, and vote with our wallets. That means shopping small, reading the fine print, and saying no when something feels off. No Shine Without Substance At the end of the day, jewelry is storytelling. The ring you propose with. The necklace you wear every day. The bracelet passed down for generations. These things should make you feel more connected — to the people, places, and values you care about. Already Have the Sparkle? Here’s What to Do If you already have a diamond — or any piece of jewelry that may not have the most ethical origin story — don’t beat yourself up. Seriously. Guilt doesn’t grow anything. What matters is what you do moving forward. You can still honor the meaning behind your gem while choosing more conscious options in the future. Maybe you’ll have it reset with recycled metals. Maybe you’ll use your next jewelry purchase to support a small maker with sustainable practices. Maybe you’ll just share what you’ve learned with a friend who’s starting their own ring search. (And if that friend is my son, tell him Mama wants in on that shopping trip!) Jewelry is about love, memory, beauty, and connection. That doesn’t change. Better choices do exist. And they look good on you. That’s where the real shine is.

Don’t Be That Hiker An unofficial but extremely official guide to not being the worst on the trail The sun’s out, the trailheads are packed, and you’ve finally remembered where your hiking boots are. Welcome to peak season — aka the time of year when the trails are busy, the wildflowers are blooming, and the potential for awkward encounters with other hikers is… high. So before you shoulder your pack and cue up your “Forest Vibes” playlist, take a minute to brush up on the unsaid (and sometimes very said) rules of the trail. Because while the wilderness might not care what you do, the rest of us definitely do. 1. Yield Like You Mean It Let’s get this one out of the way: Uphill hikers have the right of way. Why? Because they’re working harder, seeing less, and generally more likely to lose momentum. Step aside, give a smile, and let them grunt in peace. Other trail rules of the road: •Bikers yield to hikers and horses •Hikers yield to horses (because no one wants to spook a thousand-pound animal) •Groups yield to solo hikers when practical When in doubt, just be cool and communicate. 2. Turn Down for What Are You Doing We all love a trail soundtrack. But nobody came out here to hear your Bluetooth speaker blasting vibes from three switchbacks away. If music helps your pace, stick with earbuds — and even then, leave one out so you can hear wildlife, bikes, or someone trying to pass you with a polite “on your left.” Think of it like being at a party where the host is a hawk and the DJ is wind through the trees. No aux cord required. 3. Dog Goals: Leashed and Loved We’re all for trail dogs. We’re not for dogs off-leash where leashes are required, or dogs whose recall is as spotty as your cell service. Here’s the deal: •Leash your dog unless a sign says otherwise •Pack out poop — yes, even in the backcountry (More poop scoop below.) •Don’t assume every hiker wants to meet your pup (especially if they’re carrying jerky) Some public lands, like National Parks, have strict pet rules. Local trails might be more lenient, but that doesn’t mean free-for-all. Respect the space, the wildlife, and your fellow hikers. 4. Poop Happens. Don’t Leave It Behind. We need to talk about you-know-what. If you’re not near a toilet, follow Leave No Trace guidelines: •Dig a cathole 6–8 inches deep, 200 feet from water, trail, and camp •Pack out your TP (yep, even the “biodegradable” stuff) •In high-use areas, especially deserts and alpine zones, use a wag bag Human waste is more than gross — it’s a health risk to other hikers, wildlife, and water systems. You gotta go? You gotta do it right. 5. Stay on the Trail, Even If the Flowers Are Calling Those meadows full of wildflowers? Not your personal photo studio. Even a few steps off-trail can crush fragile plants and create social trails that lead to erosion and long-term damage. •Stick to established trails, even if it’s muddy •Step through or over puddles, not around them •Resist the urge to scramble up that cool-looking slope just because it’s there Want wildflowers for your feed? Zoom in, don’t trample. 6. Be a Steward, Not a Spectator Part of not being that hiker means being this hiker — the kind who: •Picks up trash (yes, that includes the corners of energy bar wrappers) •Offers trail beta to newbies •Moves over for faster hikers •Leaves nature exactly as they found it (or better) And if you see someone breaking the rules? A friendly, non-confrontational “Hey, just FYI…” can go a long way. We’re all still learning. Trail Etiquette Is Conservation The trails you love don’t take care of themselves — and when they’re crowded, the impact adds up fast. Practicing trail etiquette isn’t just polite, it’s protective. It helps ensure that the alpine lakes, shaded canyons, and scenic overlooks stay wild and accessible for everyone.