Enviva’s Post

Explore the remarkable transformation of mine lands in Central Appalachia! Discover how initiatives led by The Nature Conservancy and partners are restoring biodiversity and revitalizing local economies. From innovative reclamation methods to fostering nature-friendly economic development, uncover the journey of turning degraded landscapes into flourishing forests. Dive into the article to learn more about this inspiring conservation success story.🌱🏞️ Learn more HERE: https://bit.ly/3VaQZaA

Cenchrus ciliaris is the Latin binomial for a non-native grass, common name buffelgrass, that has colonized large areas of the Sonoran Desert since about 1980. I think the ecological impacts were first noticed in the 1990's. For one thing, buffelgrass has a lot more biomass than most native grasses in the Sonoran, and burns hot. Most of the native vegetation, including the saguaro cactus, is not adapted to these hot fires. Pictured is the west facing slope of Tumamoc Hill, where some buffelgrass plants are chest high, especially along small washes. It's a weird sight, to see the rocky desert habitat being transformed into a grassland. Many of the saguaros co-existing with this dense buffelgrass colony are older, and have extensive damage near the base, probably because the buffelgrass provides cover for pack rats to gnaw away at the saguaro stems. We are witnessing rapid changes in long-established desert ecosystems.

Noticing changes in your stormwater control measures? This blog post explains two common occurrences this time of year.

Meet the mangrove rockstar: The Littoraria scabra Did you know there are snails that live on mangrove trees? The aptly named #MangrovePeriwinkle (Littoraria scabra) isn't your average mollusk! This superstar of the intertidal zone clings to the roots and trunks of mangrove trees, bracing the changing tides. These hardy creatures have a rough, patterned shell that helps them camouflage and survive in the harsh environment. They're also expert grazers, using their long radula to scrape algae off the mangrove surface, what a symbiotic relationship between the two! #NatureIsAmazing. The Littoraria scabra plays a vital role in the mangrove ecosystem, contributing to the nutrient cycling and providing a food source for crabs and birds. #BiodiversityRocks Next time you see mangrove forest, take a closer look - you might just spot these fascinating creatures clinging on! #ScienceFacts #MarineLife. Ceriops Environmental Research Organization

This new article by Cat Wilding from The Marine Biological Association and Hannah Earp from Newcastle University discusses research that could help regenerate our UK kelp forests. Kelp plays the same function as trees on land, absorbing carbon and creating habitats for all types of life. Photographing this work has helped restore my hope, so enjoy this article: https://lnkd.in/ekhQNgu3

Ruderal sounds like a special kind of insult in habitat description terms. And looking at UKHab, I was feeling a bit uncertain about what it actually means. So in my wayward diversion to find out, I came across this article on their potential value in restoration of man-made habitats. These are the plants along the journey to the desired late-stage successional species/habitat. And they include those tricksome and prolific willowherbs. Maybe we should pay them a bit more respect. https://lnkd.in/eiMaGa7s

Rewild. Almost everything.

Solar panel fields can boost both flora and fauna at the same time.

Large solar farms contribute to bird diversity. A study reveals bird species richness, diversity, and invertebrate-eater species richness and abundance were higher in the solar parks than in the control plots. Among the reasons provided by the research group is the food availability for insectivorous birds, as the PV panels attract various species of water-seeking aquatic insects. #birdlife #solarprojects #ipp #epc #natureconservation https://lnkd.in/d-xAmpAs

Did you know that only 5% of remaining grasslands worldwide are protected? This makes grasslands the planet’s most imperiled landscape.   The Nature Conservancy Global Board Chair, Bill Frist, M.D., just penned another powerful piece for Forbes this week.  This article highlights how grassland restoration work happening globally is reversing the decline of these viral habitats. Prioritizing these unique ecosystems is central to the health and well-being of our people, our native species, and our planet.    If you’re curious about grasslands and restoration efforts, we encourage you to read Senator Frist’s article. It provides insights into this critical work happening on the ground here in Tennessee and beyond.    #thenatureconservancy #conservation #grasslands #grasslandrestoration https://lnkd.in/eGx6VTGW