Nature
Latest Stories

Washington’s outdoor school programs reel from state funding cuts
Grants that help pay for fifth- and sixth-grade students to attend were eliminated in the latest budget.

Indigenous youth complete 310-mile Klamath River journey
Over a hundred family and community members gathered on the sand spit shore below Requa Village on the Yurok Reservation, where the Klamath River meets the Pacific Ocean, to welcome 120 Indigenous youth kayakers who made history as the first people to descend over 310 miles down the free-flowing Klamath River.

Science & Environment
Climate change may be fueling tree pest outbreaks in Oregon
Annual cold snaps have kept some invasive tree pests in check, but outbreaks could become more common with warming temperatures.

Gray whales along the West Coast appear to be in trouble
Scientists have noted an alarming increase in gray whale strandings along the west coast this year, with 47 reported so far, significantly higher than last year's total.

Science & Environment
Restoring the river’s memory: Quartz Creek project reconnects river for habitat and water quality
A major earth-moving project is underway along the McKenzie Highway east of Eugene-Springfield. The work is meant to restore the McKenzie River to its more meandering character to improve wildlife habitat and water quality.

Science & Environment
Allergy season is accelerating in the Willamette Valley
Pollen counts are in the moderate range this week for trees and grass, according to Dr. Kraig Jacobson with Oregon Allergy Associates. He said warm, dry weather has sped up deciduous tree development.
Science & Environment
Invasive emerald ash borer could wipe out Oregon’s ash trees. Here’s how you can help
“Right now is a good time to identify if you have an ash tree because they are leafing out right now,” says an invasive species specialist. “It’s OK if you don’t even know what an ash tree is. We have a guide.”

Think Out Loud
Washington State University-led study reveals 20-year loss of butterfly populations across US
A new study reveals that butterfly populations in the U.S. declined by more than 20% from 2000 to 2020.

Culture
Volunteers sniff around Tacoma for a book exploring smellscapes
The exploration is called “Tacoma Aroma: From Stigma to Discovery.” The free "smell walks" take volunteers through different parts of Tacoma, and are broken into three parts: catching, hunting and exploring.
Arts
Watercolor artist Lindsey Fox captures Oregon’s natural beauty in her own abstract way
Portland watercolor artist Lindsey Fox paints much of Oregon’s natural landscape as abstract art that delves into the patterns of nature. Her work offers a unique way for people to view and appreciate the natural world.