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 is your trusted resource for current events, reliable science, conservation success, emerging challenges, best practices, and achievements of those who work daily to preserve natural areas.

The meaning of fire 

Long before recorded history, the Karuk Tribe thrived along the riverbanks in California. They relied on the land and the water for their spiritual and physical livelihoods, and developed rich traditions using fire to take care of the land. As those tribal practices evolved so did the landscape— both needed each other, both needed fire. Learn More.

How advocates stopped aerial insecticide spray on 25,000 acres of New Mexico natural areas

The Xerces Society became aware of a proposed insecticide spray in New Mexico this year when a staffer found the contract online. Recognizing the risks it could pose to the area's fragile ecosystem, Xerces quickly contacted their collaborators in New Mexico to form a plan. Learn More.

California's big bloom aids seed collectors as climate change and wildfires threaten desert species

Flowers that haven't been seen in years bloomed across Southern California this spring after massive winter downpours, creating not only colorful landscapes but a boon for conservationists eager to gather desert seeds as an insurance policy against a hotter and drier future. Learn More.

Photo courtesy of A. LaValle/USFWS, Public Domain

Golden paintbrush paints colorful comeback on 50th anniversary of Endangered Species Act

The iconic golden paintbrush (Castilleja levisecta) is decorating the prairies in Washington and Oregon once again. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finalized a rule on July 18, 2023, to delist the previously rare plant because of its recovery. Learn More.

In Other News

As climate warms, the United States allows moving species threatened with extinction as a last resort

Investing in America Agenda funds over $5M for endangered species recovery

New Hanover County in North Carolina has ‘cooked the golden goose,’ conservationists push to protect biodiversity hotspot

Herbivory and nutrients shape grassland soil seed banks

The century-long shadow of fire exclusion: Historical data reveal early and lasting effects of fire regime change on contemporary forest composition

What’s underneath matters just as much as what’s up top

Climate change threatens 771 endangered plant and lichen species

Sand Dune Phacelia (Phacelia argentea) listed as threatened

Studies in the vascular flora of the southeastern United States

Prairies are endangered ecosystems in Iowa. Their remnants map their futures

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service details steps to recovery for endangered Arizona flowering plant

Restoration temporarily supports the resilience of sagebrush?steppe ecosystems subjected to repeated fires

Historically black colleges and universities and the USDA Forest Service team up to fill growing need for firefighters

The Missouri Department of Conservation is restoring wildlife-friendly native grassland habitat at the Bilby Ranch Conservation Area

Challenges and opportunities for grassland restoration: A global perspective of best practices in the era of climate change

Reforestation of high elevation pines: Direct seeding success depends on seed source and sowing environment

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to start forest thinning project to restore prairie habitat near Tenino

Alabama-Coushatta Tribe in Texas uses fire to save a tree that is part of its identity

Extreme heat: Staten Island among New York City spots included in ‘ground-breaking’ national study. These are the findings.

Participatory monitoring drives biodiversity knowledge in global protected areas

Scientists fight to help protect the Florida coral that's dying from heat

Non-native plant species richness and influence of greenhouses and human populations in the conterminous United States

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces availability of draft recovery plan for fleshy-fruit gladecress (Leavenworthia crassa)

Making plant–pollinator data collection cheaper for restoration and monitoring

A rare wild flower is the star of the Florida swamp. But can the ghost orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii) survive?

Clarifying the effect of biodiversity on productivity in natural ecosystems with longitudinal data and methods for causal inference

U.S. Department of the Interior takes action to strengthen endangered species protections

Key private property in Bears Ears National Monument to be protected forever

Funding Opportunities

California Habitat Enhancement and Restoration

Deadline: Ongoing

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Opens Grants Gateway for Fiscal Year 2025

Deadline: Sept. 18, 2023

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