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 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.

 

Photo courtesy of Gary Peeples/USFWS, Public Domain

Plants species in the U.S. are dying at an alarming rate

Since the enactment of the 1973 Endangered Species Act, professional botanists, federal agencies, state and local governments, conservation organizations, and private citizens have been surveying and monitoring rare plant populations. However, there is not sufficient prioritization or staff to monitor the many rare species.

 

The mental health impacts of scientific fieldwork

Fieldwork is often physically and emotionally exhausting, with limited support systems that highlight the urgent need for better mental health resources. Many roles are underpaid and require extended isolation in unfamiliar, often remote environments with unreliable Wi-Fi and poor cell service, conditions that can severely impact emotional well-being.

Photo courtesy of USFWS, Public Domain

New York to protect vernal pools for the first time

Vernal pools will now be protected in New York as proposed wetland regulatory changes include first-time protections for these seasonal wetlands. Before 2022, the The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) had no tools to protect these rare habitats, unless there was a critically endangered species present.

 

Accelerating Conservation Via Data Sharing: A Case Study

Join NAA and Heather Schneider, Ph.D., for a webinar that will explore a case study from the California Channel Islands. Learn how the California Islands Biodiversity Information System gathers occurrence data for all life forms across the archipelago into an online portal, expanding the system to house detailed rare plant survey data. 

In Other News

 

Missouri House passes invasive plant bill

 

To Safeguard Threatened Plants, Scientists Must Master the Tricky Art of Seed Banking

 

Nearly 4,000 Hill Country acres set aside for new natural area in Texas

 

House Democrats introduce bill to empower Tribal Nations in land management

 

Trump swings budget ax at USGS biology research*

 

Lost federal funding hits Tribal wildlife management

 

Invasive weed threatens Southern California’s deserts

 

Study Lays Out Scientific Path to Recouping Climate Costs

 

Indigenous tribes pitted against each other over a state bill to redefine land protection in California

 

Restoring the American Chaffseed (Schwalbea americana): Reviving One of New Jersey’s Rarest Plants With Support From PSEG
 

Tree deaths in New Mexico doubled from 2023 to 2024, report says

 

The crusade to end federal public lands in New Mexico*

 

Controlled burns reduce wildfire risk, but they require trained staff and funding − this could be a rough year

 

Trump Administration Moves to End Major Conservation Rule

 

Critical update on Climate Adaptation Science Centers and The Northeast Regional Invasive Species & Climate Change (NE RISCC) Management Network statement of support

 

State plans to protect Washougal White Oaks Natural Area*

 

Proposed Hughes ballot measure might impact Fort Collins' funding for future Northern Colorado natural area properties

 

Announcing the Launch of Project 435 – A New Tool to Combat Aquatic Invasive Species

 

Illinois’ Rare Plants Have a Fighting Chance of Survival Thanks to This Volunteer Monitoring Program

 

Bowdoin Pines forest management plan set to remove invasive species to protect indigenous trees

 

More logging in Georgia’s national forests? It’s possible under a new directive

 

The Eastern Shoshone are reclassifying buffalo as wildlife instead of livestock*

 

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and partners award 14 grants to watershed groups to help improve local rivers and streams

 

Washington County Watershed Alliance working to preserve natural resources*

 

Endangered Species Protection Sought for Rare Willamette Valley Plant (Lathyrus holochlorus)

 

Long-term field experiment shows combined approach can maximize benefits of grassland restoration

 

Simulated biodiversity hotspots from traditional ecological knowledge and Western metrics do not always overlap

 

AI has untapped potential to advance biodiversity conservation

 

Multiple targeted grassland restoration interventions enhance ecosystem service multifunctionality

 
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Want more content? Check out our Resource List to discover the latest on natural areas.

 

Recent YouTube Releases

 

Unearthing Old Fields' Potentials Biodiversity, Carbon Capture and Stability

May 16, 2025

 

A Horizon of Opportunity: Preparing for Collaboration as Sustainability Initiatives Take Root

May 9, 2025

 

Why Do LTERs Matter to Natural Areas Practitioners?

May 2, 2025
 

Job Opportunities

 
  • Have a Job Opening? Please remember to post with NAA. 
  • Need a Job? Be sure to stay in touch with the Job Board positions that are being updated regularly. 

Funding Opportunities

 

Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship Grant Program

Deadline: June 13, 2025

 

Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund

Deadline: July 15, 2025

 

Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program and Recreational Trails Program

Deadline: October 17, 2025

 

Vermont Biodiversity Protection Fund

Deadline: November 15, 2025

 


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