Butterflies declined by 22% in just 2 decades across the US – there are ways you can help save them

The causes involve more than just habitat loss, but there are steps you can take to help save these delicate creatures

Eliza Grames, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, State University of New York • conversation
March 6, 2025 • ~9 min

Butterflies declined by 22% in just 2 decades across the US

The causes involve more than just habitat loss, but there are steps you can take to help save these delicate creatures

Eliza Grames, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, State University of New York • conversation
March 6, 2025 • ~9 min

Planning for spring’s garden? Bees like variety and don’t care about your neighbors’ yards

A biologist explains what to focus on if you’re designing a garden with pollinators in mind − and what you don’t need to worry about.

Laura Russo, Assistant Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee • conversation
Jan. 7, 2025 • ~7 min

Plants get a GMO glow-up: Genetically modified varieties are coming out of the lab and into homes and gardens

Lose the prickles. Add bioluminescence. Up the nutrients without the bitter flavor. CRISPR gene editing is opening a new world of genetically modified plants for home growers.

James W. Satterlee, Postdoctoral Fellow in Plant Genetics, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory • conversation
Sept. 16, 2024 • ~6 min

Fewer bees and other pollinating insects lead to shrinking crops

Perhaps 90% of flowering plants require animal pollinators – and most of them are insects. But it’s not just bees doing this important work.

Rachel Mallinger, Professor of Entomology, University of Florida • conversation
July 19, 2024 • ~8 min

As No Mow May ends, here’s why we should keep patches of lawn permanently wild

A little corner of the garden set aside for wildlife can make a huge difference, if we all do it.

Philip Donkersley, Senior Research Associate in Entomology, Lancaster University • conversation
May 30, 2024 • ~7 min

Hedges beat garden fences as wildlife havens and flood barriers – that’s why I’m taking them to the Chelsea Flower Show

Public engagement through school projects and the RHS Chelsea Flower Show play a vital role in educating the public about the myriad of environmental benefits provided by the humble garden hedge.

Tijana Blanusa, Principal Horticultural Scientist (RHS)/RHS Fellow, University of Reading • conversation
May 20, 2024 • ~6 min

Urban agriculture isn't as climate-friendly as it seems – but these best practices can transform gardens and city farms

A study of dozens of city gardens and urban farms across the US and Europe found several ways to boost their benefits, not just for their neighborhoods, but for the planet.

Joshua Newell, Professor of Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan • conversation
Jan. 22, 2024 • ~7 min

Curious Kids: what is snail slime – and why is it shiny?

Snails use their slime to help them move, stop them drying out and to scare off predators.

Alan Gunn, Principal Lecturer in Invertebrate Biology, Liverpool John Moores University • conversation
Oct. 27, 2022 • ~5 min

Five ways to help wildlife in heatwaves

If you’re hot, so are your four-legged neighbours.

Sarah Papworth, Senior Lecturer in Conservation Biology, Royal Holloway University of London • conversation
July 18, 2022 • ~6 min

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