Saving our ancient giant redwoods could help save the planet

As the genetics versus Nature controversy rages on, one related issue may prove crucial to the survival of the planet.

Trees have an enormous impact on our planet. They act as natural filters, capturing carbon dioxide, help clean pollution from the air, and provide critical habitat for wildlife. They also contribute to the overall well-being and health of humans, our oceans and all life.

Conservation group planting cloned ancient trees today

Forests used to cover a large majority of land across the globe hundreds of years ago. Today forests cover just 31 percent of the world’s land surface. Deforestation due to logging, for agriculture and pastures as well as harvesting wood for fuel and industrial use have taken a heavy toll, wiping out critical wildlife habitat and releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere.

David Milarch, co-founder of Archangel Ancient Tree Archive, has been striving to help save some of our most ancient treasures – some of the oldest trees still in existence in the world. For the past two decades, Milarch and his two sons have raced against time, snipping branches and seedlings from the world’s biggest and most durable trees and have created clones of them in hopes of restoring ancient forests and helping to fight climate change.

Celebrate International Day of Forests today

A view of the Amazon rainforest, photo by Violeta Villacorta

What better way to celebrate the magnificence of trees! They help protect the earth, clean its air and give homes to so many of Nature’s creatures.  International Day of Forests, a global celebration designated by  the United Nations General Assembly, is meant to raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests and of trees outside forests.

Bald eagle rescued after East Coast blizzard

This story and the footage is remarkable. Humans reaching out to save a very special, in-need bald eagle who was battered almost to death from the recent East Coast blizzard. Kudos to the brave soul who had the courage to rescue this magnificent bird and take it to safety.

Drought tolerant plant resources

A vibrant example of drought-tolerant landscaping

With 2012 noted as the warmest year on record, and so much of the country still in the grip of devastating drought, the idea of landscaping with drought-tolerant plants is gaining popularity.

Here is an excellent “go to” resource for information and lists of where to find those drought-tolerant plants that will save you on water bills and add to the beauty of your surroundings. Don’t be fooled by the misconception that these plants are drab and without color. Many of them sport vibrant colors and flowers and attract such fun characters as butterflies and hummingbirds!

These lists offer sections for what works for different states and climates and will give you useful information to help ease decision-making. And be sure to check the comments below the article for additional information.

Astonishing Glass Sky Walk in China – walk with your fear!

For many, just the mention of heights strikes terror in their soul. Even braver folks may pause when faced with walking on the remarkable glass Skywalk over the Grand Canyon. Not to be outdone, the Glass Sky Walk, one of China’s newest tourist attractions, is clearly not for the faint of heart.

This 70 foot walkway, suspended over the cliff face of the Tianmen Mountain, is made of 2.5 inch crystal-clear glass. It gives brave tourists a magnificent view from 4,700 feet above sea level. To protect the walkway’s glass and keep the glass path clean, tourists are asked to put shoe covers on before beginning their breath-taking walk.

After looking at these pictures and the video, you have to wonder: would you have the courage to not only walk on it but to LOOK DOWN?

World Wildlife Fund and Tropical Forest Challenge innovators

Tropical rainforest, photo by Debra Atlas

World Wildlife Fund Switzerland has announced the winners of the Tropical Forest Challenge. The World Wildlife Fund helps conserve some of the world’s most important natural places – including the largest tropical rain forests and the most remote areas of our planet – as well as endangered species. The objective of the Tropical Forest Challenge is to discover the most innovative for-profit enterprises from around the world that have a positive impact on tropical forest biodiversity.

Iceberg twice the size of Manhattan breaks off Greenland

Climate change deniers have got to be having a tough time of it these days.

Take a look at this 46 square mile chunk of ice that broke off the Petermann Glacier in Greenland recently, then read the great post by Judy Molland and watch the video she posted.

Hard to argue with reality. But you decide.

Park in the Sky: New York’s High Line

The High Line – a jewel overlooking the Big Apple

New York City may be famous for the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and the World Trade Center Memorial, but it is also home to one of the country’s most innovative public parks. The High Line, a 1 1/2-mile-long greenway, runs above ground on what used to be an elevated rail freight line.

For more on this remarkable park in the sky, go to http://bit.ly/KAHJz8.

Devastating effects of ocean plastic debris seen up close

As someone once said, when you throw something away, “away” doesn’t mean it’s gone.

Like the plastic that so many toss without thinking. about it. The consequence of this produces a devastating effect to marine and wildlife that we simply don’t see. And what we don’t see is hard to imagine.

Photographer Chris Jordan has chronicled the impact of plastic in the Pacific Garbage Patch on marine birds on Midway Island, out in the Pacific where no humans are. Check out the video to see the reality of what we are doing and perhaps the next time you think (or don’t really think) about tossing something, stop and consider where it will end up.  Next time, perhaps you’ll make a different choice.