A North American Beaver - Castor Canadensis - sitting in the grass grooming itself

Beaver Politics in Oregon

Reintroduction of the beaver may help mitigate the effects of climate change, but the obstacles between these toothy rodents and their ponds are many.
ZIP code promotional sign with "Mr. ZIP" on a hotel letter drop.

Where Did Zip Codes Come From?

How a plan for getting the mail delivered faster allowed targeted marketing to grow.
wildfires are getting worse

West Coast Infernos, Midday Mudslides, and the Little Cool Beans that Might Save the World

Wildfires and public health, predicting floods, and substituting beans for beef were top stories in environmental news this week.
A fox stands next to a car in a parking lot

Uptown Fox: On Wildlife in Cities

Urban environments are harsh, with only fragmentary remains of natural habitat. But human activity has driven a rise of wildlife in cities.
Mt. Washburn from across Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, Wyo.

Do National Parks and Monuments Make Economic Sense?

National parks and monuments can harm local economies in some situations, but in other situations they can substantially boost local economies. 
Oil spill in the ocean

History Repeats Itself in a Santa Barbara Oil Spill

Two pieces look at a 1969 oil spill in California