Kazakhstan Plans First Legal Saiga Horn Exports

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://timesca.com/kazakhstan-plans-first-legal-saiga-antler-exports/

The importance of biodiversity cannot be overstated. Protecting our ecosystems ensures a healthier planet for future generations. Let’s take action now to preserve the natural world.

#BiodiversityMatters #ProtectEcosystems #HealthyPlanet #FutureGenerations #NaturePreservation #EcoAction #SustainableFuture #ConservationNow #NaturalWorld #ActForNature (1/1)

I’ve visited Las Vegas several times — the best part of every trip is less than an hour outside the city – AOL

I’ve visited Las Vegas several times — the best part of every trip is less than an hour outside the city

Erin Sanchez

Sat, January 24, 2026 at 6:13 AM PST

• I’ve been to Las Vegas several times, and the city’s access to nature keeps me coming back.
• Nothing beats a day trip from the city to Valley of Fire State Park, less than an hour away.
• Now, whenever I visit Vegas, I trade casinos for quiet trails and sun-soaked desert views.

“One time is enough.”

That’s what I’d heard countless times about visiting Las Vegas before making the trip myself. I’d always wanted to go, if only to have that once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Turns out, one time wasn’t enough. I’ve been five times now, and I have no doubt there will be a sixth. The nightlife and gambling aren’t what keep me coming back, though.

These days, I skip the casinos and explore nature instead — and one of my favorite places is about 45 minutes outside the city: Valley of Fire State Park.

There was no turning back once I found a side of Vegas I didn’t know I was missing

In 2013, I went to Vegas to celebrate surviving grad school with a couple of friends.

Being first-timers, we wanted to see everything the Las Vegas Strip had to offer. About 28,000 steps and a midday shoe change later, we felt we’d seen all we could in a single day.

That first trip was a whirlwind of neon lights and shirtless men dancing on tabletops (they don’t call it “Sin City” for nothing). It was fun, but I wondered if there was even more to experience in the area beyond the sensory overload of the Strip.

Flying into Las Vegas from Seattle, I’d noticed the rugged, desert mountains surrounding the city. Those same mountain ranges also caught my eye from the mayhem of the Strip.

A couple of years later, when I returned to the city with my husband, I’d finally get to see them up close.

After a day on the Strip, the two of us decided to get out of the city and visit the Valley of Fire. We didn’t know much about the park, but the impressive Google images and proximity were enough to convince us to check it out.

We rented a car, then headed northeast of Las Vegas and found ourselves in a sea of sand and rocky red outcroppings within an hour.

Continue/Read Original Article Here: I’ve visited Las Vegas several times — the best part of every trip is less than an hour outside the city – AOL

New Nat Geo "Pole to Pole" series includes new discovery about giant anaconda.

https://cleantechnica.com/2026/01/15/reading-the-food-systems-tea-leaves-through-the-eyes-of-a-giant-snake/

#snakes #nature #naturalworld #wildlife #anaconda #poletopole #disney #hulu #nationalgeographic #natgeo #willsmith #documentaries #travel #exploration #foodsystems #food #foodies #publichealth #pollution

#Maine - #KindlingCollective

"Kindling Collective is a #queer-centered #GearLibrary and education center creating an accessible pathway to #outdoor experiences in Wabanaki Confederacy Territory / #Maine. We aim to build community and support people in growing and sustaining relationships with the #NaturalWorld and each other.

Check out our year-round affinity programming designed by and for BIPOC, queer, and #trans people to get outside and build community. Trips are for people of all skill levels: those who are new to the outdoors as well as experienced adventurers.

Gear Library

Borrow whatever you need for up to two weeks at a time for a seasonal membership that fits your budget. Access to the camping, hiking, backpacking, and canoe tripping gear of your dreams all year round!"

Gear Library memberships are sliding scale, with the lowest rate being $15 for 3 months. Gear includes: camping gear, canoes, life vests, snow equipment and more! [Free memberships are available to #BIPOC folks in need]

FMI - https://www.kindlingcollective.org/

#SolarPunkSunday #SpendTimeInNature #Maine #Hiking #Backpacking #GBLTQ

#CommunityGardens and #Libraries: A Perfect Pairing

Library lawns are growing in popularity as sites for community garden projects

April 14, 2022

"#Libraries are often lucky enough to have a free plot of land to bring garden programming to their community. We will explore what it takes for a library to begin a community garden and some examples of successful community gardens already in place.

"The modern world has created a divide between people and nature. Increasingly, people don't know how or where their food originates. Many people feel #disconnected from the #NaturalWorld, and some have never planted a garden.

"But as author #MichaelPollan puts it, 'the garden suggests there might be a place where we can meet nature halfway.' A community garden can introduce people to #nature, #plants, and #GrowingFood in an approachable way. Engaging with a garden can teach people about the interconnected world and provide a rewarding experience and skillset.

"Libraries are often lucky enough to have a free plot of land to bring garden programming to their community. We will explore what it takes for a library to begin a community garden and some examples of successful community gardens already in place.

Starting a Garden

"A community garden is a piece of land cultivated by a group of people, either individually or collectively. These gardens are commonly found in urban settings, but similar ideas exist in rural communities.

"Libraries offer an excellent setting for a community garden. They already provide books and classes on gardening, so they are a perfect location to experiment with those ideas.

A community garden can range widely in size and scope, depending on the land and resources available by a given library. Gardeners can cultivate even a few square feet into an educational opportunity for the community. Participants can construct a full-scale community garden if a library has more room to spare.

"Constructing a garden might be intimidating to some, but even someone with no prior experience can make it happen with the community's help. Businesses and community members will often donate their time, tools, and labor to help bring a community garden to life. By reaching out to the right people, a single library staff member or community member can organize the implementation of a multi-bed community garden."

FMI - https://action.everylibrary.org/community_gardens_and_libraries_a_perfect_pairing

#SolarPunkSunday #LibrariesRule #TheCommons #MoreGardensLessLawns #growYourOwn #FoodSecurity #BuildingCommunity