By Caty Franco
Welcome to this week’s Friday Links, where we wrap up your week with a selection of engaging stories from the native plant world and beyond. From groundbreaking conservation efforts to intriguing ecological insights, there’s something here to inspire, inform, and amuse. Dive in and enjoy the read!
- The Yurok Tribe is reclaiming their lands and addressing climate change by dismantling dams and restoring ecosystems, blending cultural preservation with environmental action. (Salon)
- From death comes life: Cemeteries, often overlooked, are crucial urban green spaces that support diverse species and contribute to conservation efforts. (Botany One)
- In a bold move to safeguard Earth’s biodiversity, scientists are exploring the possibility of storing genetic material on the Moon. Could frigid lunar temperatures offer the perfect conditions for a global backup plan? (Anthropocene Magazine)
- California grape (Vitis californica) might be too sour for your taste, but birds can’t get enough of it. This vigorous vine can grow over 30 feet, and it’s a tough survivor that even played a role in saving the wine industry. (Waterwise Community Center)
- Botanists just voted to rename over 200 plant species to erase racial slurs—a major step in making scientific names more inclusive. (NPR)
- How do plants make life-and-death decisions? New research uncovers how plants decide their fate under stress, with the discovery of two key proteins that could lead to more climate-resilient crops. (Earth.com)
- The goldspotted oak borer is hitting Southern California oaks hard, but the La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians is turning to traditional burns for a hopeful solution. (LAist)
- Go Go Park Rangers! Nature meets 90’s nostalgia with a hilarious Power Ranger/Park Ranger crossover video—watch below. (Yosemite National Park)
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