Billionaire Donald Bren led the permanent protection of more than 57,500 acres of California’s historic Irvine Ranch, nearly 60% of the property; almost 40,000 acres later received National Natural Landmark status

Billionaire Donald Bren led the permanent protection of more than 57,500 acres of California’s historic Irvine Ranch, nearly 60% of the property; almost 40,000 acres later received National Natural Landmark status

Billionaire real-estate developer Donald Bren helped turn a significant portion of California’s historic Irvine Ranch into a vast network of protected public lands, with 57,500 acres now preserved as open space and parklands. The scale of the conservation effort has been documented by the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, the City of Irvine and the National Park … Read more

In 1997, two young scientists bought 116 acres beside New Hampshire’s Bear Brook State Park; 25 years later, they placed the entire farm under conservation protection for wetlands, forests and wildlife

In 1997, two young scientists bought 116 acres beside New Hampshire’s Bear Brook State Park; 25 years later, they placed the entire farm under conservation protection for wetlands, forests and wildlife

Bonk and Trowbridge had planned to conserve the property since they bought it Laura Bonk and Phil Trowbridge bought 116 acres of undeveloped land in Allenstown, New Hampshire, in 1997. The couple were young scientists and outdoor enthusiasts at the time. They recognised the importance of the property, which lies along the northern boundary of … Read more

In 2005, a Minnesota couple bought 20 acres beside Montana’s Stillwater River; 17 years later, they had assembled 655 acres and placed the entire property under conservation protection for bears, wolves and elk

In 2005, a Minnesota couple bought 20 acres beside Montana’s Stillwater River; 17 years later, they had assembled 655 acres and placed the entire property under conservation protection for bears, wolves and elk

When Doug and Carolyn Kohrs first visited Montana’s Flathead Valley from their home in Minnesota, they were drawn to the landscape along the Stillwater River. In 2005, they bought 20 acres beside the river, already believing that the land should remain protected. Over the next 17 years, the couple gradually assembled 655 acres of rich … Read more

US House passes Ratepayer Protection Act: What is it, what would it do and who voted against it?

The Ratepayer Protection Bill was first introduced by Rep. Gabe Evans (R-Colorado) and co-sponsored by Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Florida). (Brice Tucker/The Greeley Tribune)

The US House of Representatives on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed the Ratepayer Protection Act (RPA). It is a bipartisan bill designed to shield residential electricity customers from footing the bill for grid upgrades required by large data centers. The Ratepayer Protection Bill was first introduced by Rep. Gabe Evans (R-Colorado) and co-sponsored by Rep. Kathy Castor … Read more

Israel is planning to surround prisons with crocodile-filled moats inspired by Trump’s Alligator Alcatraz; now people are debating wildlife protection and land use

Israel is planning to surround prisons with crocodile-filled moats inspired by Trump's Alligator Alcatraz; now people are debating wildlife protection and land use

A proposal to use crocodile-filled moats around Israeli prison facilities has brought an unusual environmental question into focus: what happens when wildlife conservation, security and land management intersect? The plan, which was first proposed in December 2025 by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, involves using crocodiles around maximum-security prison wings. The idea was reportedly … Read more

In 1842, a North Carolina mission school began on mountain farmland; 184 years later, an 86.7-acre easement completes protection of land stewarded there for 130 years

In 1842, a North Carolina mission school began on mountain farmland; 184 years later, an 86.7-acre easement completes protection of land stewarded there for 130 years

High in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, a quiet story of faith, education and land stewardship has unfolded over nearly two centuries. In 1842, a mission school opened on what was then rugged mountain farmland in the Valle Crucis valley, near present day Boone. For more than 130 years, religious and educational … Read more

In 1995, Clint Eastwood sold a large California property for $3.08 million; the land was placed under permanent conservation protection instead of being developed

In 1995, Clint Eastwood sold a large California property for $3.08 million; the land was placed under permanent conservation protection instead of being developed

In 1995, actor and filmmaker Clint Eastwood sold roughly 280 acres of his California coastal property to Monterey County for $3.08 million, helping ensure that a large stretch of scenic land would remain undeveloped. The property, associated with Eastwood’s long-held Malpaso holdings near Carmel Highlands, was divided into five parcels and was acquired by the … Read more

In 1975, fewer than 800 Aleutian cackling geese remained; fox removal and habitat protection helped the population rebound to around 200,000, and regulated hunting later returned

In 1975, fewer than 800 Aleutian cackling geese remained; fox removal and habitat protection helped the population rebound to around 200,000, and regulated hunting later returned

Fewer than 800 Aleutian cackling geese remained in 1975, with the birds restricted to a single rocky island in Alaska after introduced Arctic foxes destroyed nesting colonies across the Aleutian Islands. Fifty years later, predator removal, the creation of protected wetlands in California and coordinated management along the Pacific Flyway have helped the population recover … Read more

“I deceived people, I lied”: A 37 year old woman pretrended to be a child for years and convinced families she needed protection; now she is convicted of fraud

“I deceived people, I lied”: A 37 year old woman pretrended to be a child for years and convinced families she needed protection; now she  is convicted of fraud

Amanda Maria Souza de Oliveira (Image Credit: Facebook/ @Nate Eaton – Reporter) A bizarre case in Brazil has drawn widespread attention after a woman in her 30s was convicted of fraud and false identity following years of pretending to be a child. Amanda Maria Souza de Oliveira is accused of creating a false identity and … Read more