Natural Areas Association (NAA) is an association of scientists and practitioners focused on the management of ecologically significant natural landscapes with the intent to protect biodiversity for current and future generations. Natural Areas News is just one of the ways NAA shares current events, reliable science, emerging challenges, best practices, and achievements of those who work daily to preserve natural areas.

Senators reintroduce landmark conservation bill

The re-introduced Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA) will invest up to $1.4 billion each year into proactive, voluntary, locally-led conservation efforts. RAWA will recover at-risk plant and wildlife species and help prevent extinctions. Learn More.

Photo courtesy of Ohio DNR

A once federally endangered plant now a historic success in Ohio

The rare Running Buffalo Clover (Trifolium stoloniferum), once considered an extinct plant species, is now flourishing thanks to decades of hard work and dedication by the Ohio DNR and its partners. Learn More.

Proposed rule kicks off Endangered Species Act (ESA) anniversary celebration

NAA and the ESA both celebrate their 50th anniversaries in 2023. The ESA is celebrating after a rule was proposed to strengthen voluntary conservation opportunities. Learn More.

Photo courtesy of North Carolina DCR

State signs agreements to preserve natural areas in

eastern North Carolina

A new agreement will protect more than 1,600 acres of environmentally rich land across eastern North Carolina to conserve rare species and natural communities. Learn More.

Photo courtesy of Cheryl Birker

Rare daisy imperiled by gold mining moves closer to federal protection

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that the rare Inyo rock daisy (Perityle inyoensis) may require federal protection, kicking off a year-long review of threats to the plant. Learn More.

Photo courtesy of Keir Morse

The un-extinction of the Mendocino Bush-Mallow (Malacothamnus mendocinensis)

In 2016, Jim Xerogeanes had no idea that chasing his dog would lead him to find a plant that hadn’t been seen since 1939. A few years later, that plant would no longer be presumed extinct. Learn More.

Graphic courtesy of Esri

Monitoring the health of North America’s ecosystems with Esri

The Red List of Ecosystems (RLE) documents the conservation status of ecosystems throughout the world. NatureServe used ArcGIS Pro, in combination with other GIS software, to implement the RLE standard. Learn More.

In Other News

Nonprofits using AI to battle invasive rats that threaten SoCal island's pristine ecosystem

EPA: Sulfoxaflor insecticide likely puts 63 endangered species in jeopardy of extinction

Invasive species change plant community composition of preserved prairie pothole wetlands

Pa. considers boosting forest biodiversity — and cuteness — with reintroduction of American marten

Protections sought for rare Mojave Desert wildflower, Penstemon albomarginatus, threatened by urban sprawl, energy development

Nevada bill would let state wildlife agency conserve monarchs, other pollinators

Plant blindness represents the loss of generational knowledge and cultural identity

Michigan marks progress against invasive species, considers ways to meet new threats

Dr. Glenn Juday honored with certificate of distinction

Assessing the reproductive ecology of a rare mint, Macbridea alba, an Endangered Species Act protected species

Botanic garden assists research network known as the Rare Plant RaMP (Research & Mentoring for Postbaccalaureates in Biological Sciences) program