BRIANNA RANDALL

Cutting Trees Gives Sage-Grouse Populations a Boost, Scientists Find – A new study in Oregon shows that removing conifers has helped the imperiled bird’s local numbers grow more quickly. Read more >

The Science Behind Cold Water Plunges – People are plunging into icy water for invigoration and health benefits. Are they onto something?  Read more >  

The ultra-marathoner who crosses borders –  Mike Foote is an ultra-marathon champion who concocts elaborate, human-powered adventures through North America to highlight hot-button issues like climate change and immigration.  Read more >

Archaeologists Have Found Prehistoric Rock Structures Under the Great Lakes. Learn what the stones tell us about communal hunting patterns of early humans. Read more >

“Welcome to Polebridge, one of the US’ last frontiers” – For more than a century, settlers have been drawn to this pioneering town because of the sheer beauty of the surrounding wilderness – but residents worry that may soon change. Read more >

The Great Plains prairie needs fire to survive – These ranchers are bringing flames back to the grasslands. Read more >

“Another Consequence of Suppressing Wildfire: Trees Are Invading the Prairie” – Left unburned, woody vegetation is crowding out habitat, but proactive landowners are learning to use fire to restore America’s grasslands.  Read more >

“Ranchers take on cheatgrass fight” – Controlling this invasive weed can protect Western grazing lands. Read more >  

“Dads Experience Postpartum Depression, Too” –  New fathers face many changes after their child’s birth, and need more support, experts say. Read more >>

“Beavers, Trout, and a Changing Climate” – Research seeks to ensure beaver-related stream restoration is a boon rather than a bother for native trout. Read more >

“Noah Strycker is on a mission to bring birding to the masses” – North America has lost nearly 3 billion total birds over the past 50 years, according to recent research. One birder hopes to change that, in part, by attracting new recruits to his lifelong profession and pastime.  Read more >

“Swimming with Hawaii’s charismatic spinner dolphins stirs controversy” – In Hawaii, swimming with wild dolphins is possible and popular — partly because these marine mammals keep showing up near shore to greet their human visitors. But some scientists worry people may be unintentionally harming the dolphins. Read more >>