How Florida Makes Room for Panthers to Roam

by Bridgett McPark, age 13

A designated natural area in Florida is helping protect Florida panthers, an apex predator that is almost extinct.

Historically, Florida panthers ranged in the southeastern United States, but because of modern development like habitat fragmentation and increased infrastructure, it badly affected their habitat. As a result, panthers became isolated and are deeply endangered. The key to survival for Florida panthers is room to roam.

The Florida Wildlife Corridor was specifically built to address the primary threats to panthers such as vehicle traffic, genetic health, and habitat destruction. Florida panthers remain vulnerable to highway mortality and inbreeding due to isolation. They can be taken off the Endangered Species List when there are three separate groups that range to at least 240 panthers each and maintained for around 12 years. [Read More]

Why Are Pumas Hunting Penguins in Patagonia?

by Brooklyn Miller, age 12

Pumas are elusive wild cats, who can easily adapt to a variety of different climates, ecosystems, and prey. While these pumas are located in Patagonia, a region found in South America, pumas can be found generally around South America. However, the behavior of these Patagonian pumas seemed unusual, leading the scientists to conduct further research.

The Patagonian pumas used to be native animals until they were forced out by sheep ranchers in the 20th century. In the pumas’ absence, animals had adapted to the new reduced hunting pressure, specifically a group of Magellanic penguins who, in normal conditions, were usually confined to offshore islands, had established a mainland breeding colony with roughly 40,000 breeding pairs. However, after Monte Leon National Park was established in 2004, the pumas had already started to steadily make their way back. That is when researchers started noticing penguin remains in the pumas’ waste. Researchers dismissively thought it was only a few pumas continuing to eat the penguins, until they noticed that there were many puma sightings near the penguin colony.

The issue is that these pumas, usually solitary cats, had changed their behavior. They were living closer together, tolerating each other more, and having far more social interactions. The pumas mainly hunted these penguins as they were easy prey in breeding season, and even more so with their widening range. The fact that the penguins had only moved offshore when it was breeding season may suggest that the pumas’ descendants had hunted those penguins, so why have their interactions changed now? [Read More]

The Unique Sea Slug Eats Sunlight for Breakfast

by Evelyn Jakubczak, age 13

The leaf slug, also known as a sea sheep or sea slug, is one of the very few animals to photosynthesize – a process in which plants or in this case, animals, convert light into glucose.

As a species of the sacoglossa, the sea sheep feeds on algae. It does a process called kleptoplasty, this occurs when animals embed chloroplasts from food into their bodies, and keeps the chloroplasts from plants in the tissues of its cerata for up to ten days. The sea sheep gets these chloroplasts from a type of algae called avrainvilla, a paddle-shaped seaweed with a silky texture. Avrainvilla is found in areas with soft surfaces, such as silt or sand. This is not only the sea sheep’s food, but also its home. This plant is found just outside coral reefs.

Sea sheep are known to have beady black eyes and rhinophores, a nose used to detect chemicals, food, and potential mates in the water, with black tips like sheep ears. Cerata are leaflike appendages, sort of like an aloe vera plant, on the back of the sea sheep. The sea sheep stores chloroplast, received by munching on Avrainvillea, in its body. It lets the sea sheep’s body soak up sunlight, turning it into energy, also giving the sea sheep its green color. [Read More]

Wisconsin Residents Should Watch for New Invasive Plant

by Brooklynn Miller, age 12

Wildlife experts state that all Southern Wisconsinites should report if they have seen the new, highly invasive plant, Japanese stiltgrass.

Japanese siltgrass, also referred to as Microstegium Vimineum, grows in spread-out mats in forests. It is also known to grow in streams, trails, ditches, and even lawns, however, it is usually found in the eastern and southern U.S.

The invasive plant has already been spotted, but it is spreading rapidly all states east and south of Wisconsin, excluding Maine. These plants are problematic as they choke out native plant species and lack a native predator, thus they grow with no competition. They are also a highly flammable fuel source, encouraging bigger, more intense wildfires. [Read More]

Unusual Orange Shark Discovered Near Costa Rica

by Ruben Becerril, age 13

On the coast of Costa Rica, a group of sport fishers caught a nurse shark, but there was something off about this shark: it was orange.

Nurse sharks are gray-brown, slow-moving, bottom-dwelling fish found in warm, shallow waters of the western Atlantic and eastern Pacific oceans. Nurse sharks typically range between 7.5 and 9.75 feet long, but in rare cases, they can reach up to 14 feet long. These sharks weigh between 200 and 330 pounds. They also have barbels, fleshy appendages that hang below their nostrils, helping them hunt for prey. Unlike normal fish, they don’t need to constantly swim to breathe. Nurse sharks also don’t have typical shark teeth. Instead, they have a jaw and small teeth that allow them to generate suction to capture prey, and the ability to crunch on hard shells like crustaceans.

While nurse sharks are fairly common in the Caribbean Sea, the oddity of an orange shark intrigued scientists. The shade of orange was an obvious sign of xanthism, a rare condition that increases yellow pigmentation in the skin. Marioxis Macías-Cuyare, the study lead author at the Federal University of Rio Grande, said researchers were intrigued to see evidence of xanthism in this species. The shark also showed signs of albinism, which may have contributed to its bright color. [Read More]

Another Moai Statue Discovered on Easter Island

by Niko Sayu, age 12

Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, is an iconic landmass about 2,000 miles off the South Pacific coast of Chile, and is widely known for its massive ancient Moai statues. Scientists and researchers thought they had logged every statue on the island, but another has now been discovered in an unexpected place.

Moai statues were constructed by the island’s native people hundreds of years ago. They are made from tuff—a material composed of soft, compressed volcanic ash, which was easy to shape with the inhabitants' large stone tools. These statues were built to honor important people who had passed away.

The statues were mostly constructed in the island’s statue quarry on its south side, raising questions about how the statues were moved around the island. One of more popular theories is that the vast majority of the Moai statues were built on the south side of the island before being transported by 15 to 18 people across the island to where they stand today. Contrary to popular belief, the Easter Island statues are not just heads; in fact, many of them are mostly, if not fully exposed bodies in some parts of the island. [Read More]

Recent California Wildfires Threaten Sequoia Forests

by Sylvia Hoks, age 11

Over the past few years, numerous wildfires have burned in California. As a result, the smoke from them has spread all across America due to climate change. Many houses have been destroyed, as well as portions of California’s sequoia forests. Lightning-sparked fires, such as the Garnet Fire, have burned down a large number of sequoias. It has scorched mainly rural areas of California, including multiple forests. Authorities are instructing evacuations for thousands of homes because this fire has already spread over 54,000 acres.

Sequoias are majestic, ancient trees; some are estimated to be over 3,000 years old. They are naturally grown in the western part of the Sierra Nevada mountains, in a 260-mile forest line. Sequoias can also grow way taller than 300 feet, towering over many other trees in California. These strong, sturdy, invincible trees have never been burnt down before 2015, but are now being incinerated at a rapid rate. It is estimated that approximately all sequoias four feet in diameter have been destroyed in the fires. Many more were lost when wildfires destroyed 27 groves, which is about a third, in California.

Many wildfires are connected to climate change. Burning fossil fuels, like coal and gas, not only pollute the Earth but also cause temperatures to rise, making wildfires more likely to occur. More droughts, heat waves, and dry lightning are also contributing to wildfires that have led to the destruction of many homes. [Read More]

Mounds View Grassland Is an Amazing Land Trust Nature Preserve in Southwest Wisconsin

by Thea Kaufman, age 10

Mounds View Grassland is not considered a state or national park, but it is a really lovely habitat for endangered species like birds and highly threatened animals like bison. The preserve has been running for at least 35 years. There are numerous activities that people can do including hiking, birdwatching, and cross-country skiing.

The Mounds View Grassland is a 500-acre preserve owned by the Prairie Enthusiasts. In the prairie, there are a couple of oak groves, cold water streams, and areas of dense brush. The Mounds View Grassland is gradually being restored to preserve wildlife and highly threatened ecosystems. There, you can find Wisconsin's state animal: the badger. You can also find animals like coyotes, red-headed woodpeckers, yellow-breasted chats, and more friendly creatures. In the Mounds View Grassland, if you listen carefully, you can hear the whistle of the upland sandpiper. If you were to bring a pair of binoculars, you can see birds and bison in the area. It is located in southwestern Wisconsin near Barneveld and Blue Mounds.

A larger part of Mounds View Grassland, the Military Ridge Prairie Heritage Area (MRPHA), spans over 95,000 acres of grassland in southwest Wisconsin. This area is home to 14 uncommon bird species. It has over 60 prairie remnants, which is one of the most concentrated areas of grasslands in the Midwest. The Mounds View Grassland contains the most important prairie sod and grassland bird habitats inside the MRPHA. Mounds View Grassland protects the regal fritillary butterfly (Speyeria idalia) and other endangered avian species, including the bobolink, upland sandpiper, and the bell’s vireo. [Read More]

The Comb Jelly: An Animal Without a Brain

by Atisse Robins, age 14

Comb jellies, which belong to the family of ctenophores, are often confused with

jellyfish. However, they belong to an entirely separate group and also have their own unique features.

Comb jellies are gelatinous marine animals that live in oceans. They beat in coordinated waves in a shimmering motion. When light hits their cilia it makes a rainbow like color, making it look magical. Genetic studies suggest that comb jellies may be the oldest lingering animals on earth. They lack both a brain and a nervous system, making them interesting to many scientists. [Read More]

On Lake Superior’s Largest Island, a Timeless Drama of Predator and Prey Unfolds

by Owen Ayite-Atayi, age 17

Isle Royale is a large and uninhabited island surrounded by the vast waters of Lake Superior. For many years, the island was a hunting ground for Native Americans from Canada and Minnesota. It more recent years, it has become an island of research.

Isle Royale isn’t just filled with remarkable landscapes, it also has unique wildlife habitats and self-sustaining populations of moose and wolves. The moose and the wolves of Isle Royale are isolated here and linked in a historical drama of predator and prey. It’s a drama that scientists have been watching and analyzing for over 60 years.

Today, the island is designated for scientific research. The location has become an important laboratory for the study of wolves and moose. The ongoing predator-prey relationship between the two species provides unique insights for wildlife scientists. Although the island is now known for scientific research, it has also hosted various human activities throughout its history. [Read More]

The Bald Eagle Population Is Recovering in Wisconsin

by Theodore Morrison, age 18

Bald eagles, perhaps the most significant symbol of the United States, have had a resurgence in Wisconsin, with numbers reaching a modern state record.

Within the 20th century, the population of bald eagles dropped to less than 1,000 in the whole U.S., devastated by hunting, use of chemicals, and poisoning, reaching record lows in Wisconsin within the 1970s. For purposes of preservation, the Endangered Species Act was passed in the 1970s as federal law, and the ban of a particularly harmful chemical, DDT, was enacted in the state of Wisconsin, leading to a 1978 comeback for the eagle population. These progressions have had a notable impact: the Department of Natural Resources tracked 108 bald eagle nests in Wisconsin during the 1970s, and in 2019, they tracked 1,684.

The Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance has been monitoring bald eagles in Wisconsin and tracks important observations regarding the birds and their health. These observations are extensive, totalling 5,997 hours over 585 volunteers and include “egg laying, hatching, chick rearing and fledging” over 267 nests between 46 Wisconsin counties. [Read More]

Forever Chemicals, Lasting Debate

by Jules Da Costa, age 17

As toxic PFAS continue to plague Wisconsin’s water supplies, elected officials are butting heads over who should foot the bill for the damage. While both political parties claim to want to protect innocent landowners, their plans could determine whether polluters or taxpayers should carry the cost.

PFAS or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are “forever chemicals” found in everyday products, such as nonstick cookware, food wrappers, and waterproof clothing. These chemicals don't break down easily and linger in the environment for decades, causing fertility issues, increased risks of cancer, and other health issues. They have recently been found in Wisconsin soil and water, especially in farmland fertilized with sludge from sewage treatment plants. Once on the ground, PFAS can contaminate groundwater and surface water, both vital drinking water sources for humans, raising serious public health concerns. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently monitoring more than 100 PFAS-contaminated sites, with many of them in residential and farmland areas. [Read More]

What Is Climate Change?

by Evelyn Jakubczak, age 12

Human activities have caused the Earth to warm faster than at any other point in time in the last 2,000 years. This phenomenon is called climate change, a term describing long-term changes in temperatures and weather patterns.

Climate change can be caused by natural factors such as the sun and human activities, such as the use of fossil fuels which emit greenhouse gases. Fossil fuels include coal burned in buildings and gasoline used in cars. Some problems that climate change can cause include intense fires, droughts, melting polar ice, and flooding. These problems have led to the relocation of entire communities.

Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, are key drivers of climate change. This is because these gases act like a blanket for the Earth, trapping heat and letting very little out. Earth’s average temperature is about 1.34 °C to 1.41 °C warmer than the early 1800s. [Read More]

New Report Says Milwaukee’s Air Pollution Is Getting Worse

by Edwin Torres, age 13

Milwaukee was rated once again as one of the worst metropolitan areas in the nation for ozone-polluted air, according to the latest American Lung Association (ALA) report.

Ground-level ozone, also known as smog, happens when heat and sunlight mix with gases from smokestacks, cars, and other pollutants. Milwaukee was ranked as the 26th worst of 228 cities for ozone pollution, placed second amongst Wisconsin cities, only behind Sheboygan, which was ranked the 24th worst. The annual report compared metro areas throughout the country by using air quality data gathered between 2021 and 2023. It was discovered that 46% of Americans, equivalent to more than 156 million people, live in places with high levels of particle or ozone pollution. That’s almost 25 million more people compared to last year’s report. [Read More]

The Clever Tricks Flowers Use to Attract Pollinators

by Delia Moreno, age 7

Flowers have adapted in many unique ways to attract pollinators. Some of these characteristics include landing platforms for insects, brightly colored petals, and leaves or structures with special shapes to make sure insects are covered in pollen.

Plants need to spread pollen to reproduce. Pollen is often sticky, and when insects land on a flower, it clings to their bodies. These insects then transfer pollen to another flower, allowing reproduction to occur.

One of many ways flowers attract pollinators is through creating unique platforms for insects to land on. Specifically, on some flowers, petals at the base of the bloom serve as a landing station. When an insect lands, its weight can trigger a spring-like mechanism in the flower, causing the release of pollen. [Read More]

Pheasant Branch Project Aims to Tame Madison’s Floodwaters

by Ayelen Flores, age 15

Since Madison experienced large floods in 2018, city leaders have been searching for a solution. They’ve landed on the Pheasant Branch Project, a series of improvements to solve the flooding events on the far west side of Madison. Engineers and planners have put immense work into the project, and construction is just beginning.

The $8.6 million project started in January of this year. It will include reconstructing a pond, rerouting a sewer and a street, and replanting 200 trees and 370 shrubs to strengthen the ecosystem. It is scheduled to be completed by November 2026 and will lower the 100-year storm flood elevation by four and a half feet. There will also be a larger stormwater channel and a multi-use path with a bridge. The project will enlarge stormwater pipes and channels to grow Madison’s water capacity.

Invasive plants have taken over parts of the watershed, making it harder for water to infiltrate the ground. Deeply rooted native species can infiltrate water better. The purpose of reconstruction is to enhance the waterway’s flood resilience and the preservation of important species. Enabling erosion control with plants will make the ecosystem more stable. [Read More]

Why the Wisconsin River Flows Backward?

by Kevin Chen, age 17

One of Wisconsin’s most familiar rivers may have once flowed in the opposite direction. According to recent geological studies, the Lower Wisconsin River might have originally flowed eastward, not westward toward the Mississippi as it does today. This surprising possibility is changing how geologists interpret the area’s geologic past and reveals how thoroughly rivers can be shaped by natural forces over time. To understand this dramatic shift, researchers have turned to focus on what lies beneath the wider Wisconsin River Valley.

There are numerous signs of a much older landscape throughout the Lower Wisconsin River Valley. A flat layer of rock at the bottom of the valley suggests that a different river once shaped this area. The unusual slope of the buried valley floor points to a flow that moves eastward. Although much of the original surface has been worn away or buried, these underground clues give researchers important insight into the river’s ancient path and larger system. However, the river didn’t change course on its own—something much larger shaped its direction.

During the Ice Age, large glaciers moved across parts of the Midwest and reshaped the land. These massive sheets of ice could block rivers, change their flow, or create entirely new channels. In this region, glaciation likely reversed a river that once moved East to the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. As ice covered and reshaped the land, drainage systems were disrupted, and new routes opened, forming parts of the modern Mississippi River Basin. Though the shift happened gradually, the effects are still visible in the landscape today. To better understand how the river valley formed, scientists needed tools that could look beneath the surface and into the past. [Read More]

Rainbow Eucalyptus Tree Grows Like a Work of Art

by Celestia McPark, age 7

There is a real tree called the rainbow eucalyptus, with rainbow colors on its trunk. The tree’s bark sheds over time and reveals a natural work of art.

The rainbow eucalyptus trunk is multicolored, with areas of purple, brown, orange, blue, and green. They are usually found in regions in Africa and the Philippines. These trees can grow in temperate regions such as places around the equator.

The rainbow eucalyptus can grow up to 190 to 240 feet tall. This tree can grow anywhere between sea level and an elevation of up to 5,900 feet. It is native to rainforests in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. They originate from the island of Mindanao. The rainbow eucalyptus also grows in Brazil as well as warm parts of the United States, like Florida and Hawaii. [Read More]

Shooting Stars Light Up Meadows and Prairies

by Niko Sayu, age 11

The shooting star is a wildflower native to North America, belonging to a group of perennials in the primrose family (Primulaceae). Many variations of the shooting star exist, and all of them have their own unique features.

Shooting stars include several recognized species and cultivated varieties. For example, Dodecatheon meadia, often called the Eastern shooting star, is one of the most widespread. Garden varieties include selections like Alba, which is small with white flowers, and Aphrodite, which produces larger, dark pink flowers with yellow tips. Goliath forms have taller stems with large flowers, while Queen Victoria is noted for its pink blooms with a pronounced white and yellow ring.

Many color variations also exist outside of these cultivated forms. For example, amethyst shooting stars tend to have a blended red-purple color. In the wild, flower color varies by region, with plants in southern habitats often showing paler white or rose hues, while northern populations may have deeper red or purple shades. [Read More]

Recycling Turns Waste Into New Possibilities

by Dellany Onyango, age 10

Every year, Americans generate millions of tons of garbage, which slowly decomposes in landfills and causes pollution of land, water, and air. Recycling is a way to reduce that problem.

Recycling is a process that turns certain household items into new products. Many things can be recycled, including paper, glass, aluminum, and certain plastics. It is cost-effective because the materials can be reused for future products. Recycling also helps preserve natural resources. Composting is a process similar to recycling, as it gives food scraps a second life by turning them into fertilizer that improves soil health.

Items that can be recycled are usually made of metal, plastic, or glass, provided they are clean. For the safety of the workers, recycling facilities encourage the public to avoid putting broken glass in recycling bins. Some unrecyclable items include coated paper products, most Styrofoam, food wrappers, and food-soiled products. [Read More]

Florida Softshell Turtle Relies on Unique Defenses to Survive

by Ermiyas Abiy, age 10

The softshell turtle navigates the wild with a bumpy, flat, and softer outer shell and is often distinguished for its tube-shaped nose protruding from its face. Despite its soft shell, compared to a “typical” turtle, the Florida softshell turtle isn’t less protected, yet it can be more vulnerable to certain threats.

Florida softshells are different sizes depending on their gender. Adult males are about six to eight inches in length, while adult females are nine to eleven inches, making them larger than the males; however, adult male turtles have longer tails. Both the females and the males have leathery, dark brown, soft shells with bumps behind their heads and long necks. They have webbed feet, allowing them to swim, and long noses, helping them breathe, as they can stick them out of the water's surface while staying mostly submerged.

This creature lives in Florida and South Carolina. They like to live in damp areas such as swamps, rivers, and muddy bodies of water. They hibernate in muddy habitats to hide themselves during winter. [Read More]

As Scientists Watch, Underwater Volcano Set to Erupt Later This Year

by Oliver Zink, age 14

A volcano 300 miles off the coast of Oregon is nearing eruption, and no one may realize when it is happening. Scientists at the University of Washington have used a network of sensors on the seafloor to monitor the volcano. In late March and April, sensors detected more than 1,000 earthquakes every day. The volcano is slowly swelling, a sign that it is filling with molten rock. Scientists estimate that it will erupt between now and the end of the year.

It poses no threat to people as it is too far out from shore and a mile below the surface. If you were boating or swimming above it, you may not even notice it erupting. However, it would still be an amazing event with flows of lava 450 feet thick.

The volcano is located on a hotspot. A hotspot is where plumes of molten rock rise from the Earth's mantle into the crust between tectonic plates. This creates underwater volcanoes, which then produce island chains such as Hawaii. [Read More]

Endangered Sea Turtles Fill Key Role in Aquatic Ecosystems

by Layla Calahan, age 12

Sea turtles are very important to ocean ecosystems, and they have lived for 100 million years. Unfortunately, some species of sea turtles are critically endangered.

Sea turtles support the health of seagrass and coral reefs, which helps important species thrive. While they are important for the environment, they also serve cultural significance for humans. For example, people use sea turtles for religious ceremonies and family traditions.

Sea turtles can grow up to two to six feet long. Many sea turtles species live in different habitats. For example, shallow seabeds in the Indian Ocean, open waters, or on coastlines. A species called Kemp’s Ridley lives mainly off the coastline of Texas, eastern Mexico, and the eastern U.S. seaboard. [Read More]

Invasive Mussels Threaten Great Lakes but New Methods Offer Hope

by Will DeFour, age 15

As invasive mussels devastate the Great Lakes, scientists are looking into new ways to combat the threat and protect important parts of the local ecosystem, such as spawning grounds for native fish.

Ten years ago, a group of divers led by Harvey Bootsma researched algae growth and its connection to the invasive zebra and quagga mussels. In their study, they scraped the mussels off a portion of the lakebed near Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan. As the scientists returned over the years, they noticed something odd: the mussels did not grow back. After a decade, there are still a few mussels that have been able to regrow. The mussels struggle to return because an invasive fish, the Round Goby, eats the mussels before they grow big enough to become a problem.

With the help of the Round Goby, marine biologists across the Midwest are trying to push back against the mussel invasion. A team led by Bootsma has cleared a 540-square-foot area by towing a 1,100-pound plate behind a boat to destroy the mussels. Last year, scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), one of the key players in the fight against the mussels, created a tank-like machine to crawl across the lake bed and clear mussels in a 2,000-square-foot area. These projects, if targeted in spawning grounds and other important areas, can greatly benefit native species. However, this federally funded project is facing new threats as the Trump administration's budget cuts are taking funding away from marine organizations, including NOAA. [Read More]

Prescribed Burns in Wisconsin Restore Nature with Fire

by Siheon Park, age 12

Prescribed fires are controlled by the local government in a predetermined area, intended to restore balance to natural communities.

There are several benefits to prescribed fires as they stimulate plant growth, create pockets of water, increase biodiversity, and enrich the soil. Without these burns, organic matter builds up, making the soil worse and putting forests at risk of more intense wildfires. For thousands of years, Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians used fire to support species of plants and animals, including those in Wisconsin which have adapted well to fire. In the 20th century, cultural burning was paused due to government efforts to suppress all fires. Over the past few decades, however, cultural burning has become more widely accepted.

Fire season occurs during the spring or fall, usually starting in March and August. The City of Madison Parks and Engineering Divisions are responsible for conducting prescribed burns in Madison. Before any fire is started, experienced professional staff and contractors who are certified and have permits from the Madison Fire Department must prepare a detailed plan. Residents within 400 feet are notified about the burn, either through an email from their alderperson or a postcard in the mail. Fire managers may spend one or two days preparing before the burn begins. [Read More]

How Flowers Use Color, Scent, and Shape to Attract Pollinators

by Delia Moreno, age 7

Flowers have adapted in many unique ways to attract pollinators. Some of these characteristics include landing platforms for insects, brightly colored flowers, and leaves with special shapes that ensure insects are covered in pollen.

Plants need to spread pollen to reproduce. Pollen is sticky, and when it explodes into the air, it clings onto insects. These insects then transfer pollen to another flower, allowing for reproduction.

One of many ways flowers attract pollinators is by creating unique platforms for insects to land on. Specifically, on some flowers, two petals at the bottom of the stem serve as a landing station. When an insect lands, its weight then triggers a spring on the flower, causing the release of pollen. [Read More]

Invasive Mussels Threaten Lake Ecosystems

by Will DeFour, age 15

A close relative of the highly invasive zebra mussel, known as the quagga mussel, has spread across the Great Lakes, removed valuable nutrients from the water, and even begun moving into smaller lakes across Wisconsin.

The quagga mussel was discovered in 1897 but was ignored for decades until it entered the Great Lakes in 1989. Quaggas can live deeper below water than zebra mussels — up to 130 meters below surface. They can also survive greater temperature extremes and, most alarmingly, can grow and thrive on soft surfaces on the lakebed. Zebra mussels can only grow on piers, rocks, and other hard surfaces. Lakes have few hard surfaces and are mostly covered by soft bottoms. Lake Mendota, for example, is 95% soft bottom. That’s what stopped zebra mussels from destroying the Yahara lakes. However, quaggas dont have the same limits.

Quagga mussels harm lake ecosystems by filtering nutrients that fish and other crustaceans need to survive. The mussels also take in pollutants that are dumped into the lake, and quagga predators are harmed by those chemicals. Lake Erie’s dead zone may be the result of this endless filtration. These mussels harm more than their surrounding environment; quaggas can also build up on piers, beaches, and boats. These mussels also clog pipelines and water treatment plants, which cost millions of dollars to fix annually. [Read More]

Scientists Clone 13,000-year-old Wolf Species

by Will DeFour, age 15

Thousands of years ago, dire wolves were the apex predators of North America. With white fur and a large, muscular build, they could take down the behemoths of the Ice Age. They went extinct long ago, but scientists at Colossal Biosciences are using gene editing technology to recreate something not seen in over 13,000 years, a species they call “dire wolves.”

Colossal was founded in Dallas in 2021, with grand plans to “de-extinct” the Tasmanian tiger, dodo bird, and legendary woolly mammoth. Colossal uses a gene editing technology called CRISPR to make this possible. Their co-founder and head of genetics, George Church, developed the first genomic sequencing technique and helped innovate stem cell engineering and genome editing. He is now a professor at Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Colossal employs over 130 scientists and is valued at $10.2 billion. This value is mainly due to their first great scientific leap, the de-extinction of the dire wolf. [Read More]

Blanchard’s Cricket Frog Listed as Endangered in Wisconsin

by Ermiyas Abiy, age 9

A tiny frog that is native to Wisconsin is getting closer to extinction. This frog is called the Blanchard's cricket frog, and it’s only an inch long!

The Blanchard’s cricket frog typically lives near ponds, lakes, streams, and other bodies of water. You can find these amphibians in the southwest area of Wisconsin. They live in mud flats, marshes, meadows, and other wetlands.

This amphibian can’t dig its holes during winter, so it goes into other existing dwellings. It will go into crayfish burrows, rotted root channels, and tiny mammal burrows. Blanchard’s cricket frogs need to find a dwelling that is at least 33 degrees Fahrenheit because they can’t withstand freezing temperatures. [Read More]

Baby White Rhino Named Nova Brings Hope for Conservation

by Isabella Flores Gonzalez, age 7

A baby white rhino was born in Belgium and named Nova, marking a significant moment for conservation efforts. She was first shown to the public in February 2024.

After her birth, the calf was cared for by the zoo staff. Although Nova was initially nervous, her mother’s presence made her feel at ease.

White rhinos are very large animals and eat about 120 pounds of grass per day. The southern white rhino lives in South Africa and can live up to 50 years. Even though they are called white rhinos, they are usually not white but tend to be gray or brown. They can survive up to five days without drinking water and five to seven days without food. White rhinos are the largest rhino species, growing 12 to 15 feet from head to tail. There are two types of white rhinos, including northern white rhinos and southern white rhinos. [Read More]

Wisconsin State Parks Celebrate 125 Years of Natural Beauty

by Moore Vang, age 16

From vibrant forests and towering rock formations, to picturesque lakes and flourishing wildlife, Wisconsin has preserved some of its natural areas for 125 years. To celebrate this milestone, staff of the parks system are hosting a year-long event to encourage people to enjoy the land and learn about the parks’ history. There are 50 state parks, 44 state trails, 15 state forests, nine state recreation areas, and eight rivers and resource areas. In total, the state park system covers around 307,000 acres.

The first iteration of a state park in Wisconsin came in 1870 when the Legislature set aside 50,000 acres of land in Vilas and Oneida counties known as The State Park. However, the land was sold and did not become official as it was only meant to preserve a piece of land for a limited amount of time.

Following this, citizens of Minnesota and Wisconsin pursued an idea from Harry Baker and George Hazard, residents of St. Croix Falls, were dedicated to preserving the St. Croix River on the border of Wisconsin and Minnesota. The park was approved by Minnesota in 1895, followed by Wisconsin in 1900. This state park would be officially named Interstate State Park. Today, it remains the oldest state park in Wisconsin, containing various attractions such as distinct geology, hiking trails, cliff-top views, canoeing, and kayaking. [Read More]

The Natural Beauty of Pheasant Branch Conservancy

by Dayanara Flores, age 17

Pheasant Branch Conservancy is a calm and quiet natural escape just outside the heart of Madison. The conservancy has a broad view of the Capitol building and downtown Madison. The Pheasant Branch Conservancy includes Pheasant Branch Creek, Pheasant Branch Marsh, the Pheasant Branch Watershed, and the Pheasant Branch Natural Resource Area. Three municipal organizations share ownership of these 682 acres of land and water: Dane County Parks, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the city of Middleton.

People who enjoy nature can visit the Pheasant Branch Conservancy wetlands to hike, bike, bird watch, and enjoy the views. Dane County Parks worked with the DNR to expand the lands to grow the number of people interested in nature. This conservancy includes upland oak savannah and lowland wetland prairies, where Pheasant Branch Creek flows.

The Pheasant Branch Creek flows into the Pheasant Branch Marsh, which supplies millions of gallons of water to Lake Mendota and the Yahara chain of lakes. [Read More]

It’s “World Migratory Bird Day” in Wisconsin

by Sofia Zapata, age 16

May 10 is World Migratory Bird Day in Wisconsin. This is an opportunity to watch our state’s native bird species fly the local skies.

This “opening day” for bird lovers kicks off a series of bird festivals during the next few weeks. World Migratory Bird Day is about the time when bird traffic returning from the South reaches its peak.

The theme for World Migratory Bird Day in 2025 is “Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and communities.” The theme highlights the practice of creating and adapting urban and rural spaces to support migratory bird populations. [Read More]

Plan to Reroute Water from Badger Mill Creek Sparks Concern

by Sedona Afeworki, age 16

Some Dane County residents are displeased that Badger Mill Creek will lose most of its water flow. The Madison Metro Sewerage District (MMSD) plans to reroute the water to Badfish Creek because of high phosphorus levels.

Phosphorus is a chemical element, it is naturally present in our bodies, food, and environment. While it is a necessary element, too much phosphorus can cause problems such as hyperphosphatemia, an electrolyte disorder caused by high intakes of phosphorus in a short amount of time. Badger Mill Creek was previously an area for people to come to enjoy the outdoors and a class II trout stream. Unfortunately, phosphorus levels in the water have exceeded legal limits in Wisconsin, posing risks for surrounding communities.

The legal phosphorus level in Wisconsin is 0.075 trillion parts per gallon of water, yet the level right now in Badger Mill Creek is 0.3. Currently, this water flows to areas such as Madison, Verona, and Upper Sugar River. To protect other waterways and communities, the Madison Metro Sewerage District wants to cut off the creek’s water supply and redirect it into Badfish Creek. While the sewerage district hasn’t finalized this plan, community members are displeased and worried that the Badger Mill Creek will dry up. [Read More]

How to Protect Evergreens From Winter Burn

by Ian Kosharek, age 12

Winter burn is a common problem among evergreen trees. It is caused when evergreens lose more water than they can replenish and it can worsen in low temperatures. Boxwood and Rhododendron evergreens are the most prone to winter burn.

There aren't many symptoms of winter burn, however some of them include browning at branch tips, entirely browned leaves, or dead branches. Foliage facing southwest, west, and south are the most affected by winter burn.

For evergreens with winter burn, simply pruning the dead foliage in mid-spring after the growing season can allow healthy foliage growth. [Read More]

What Happened to the Aral Sea?

by Dulce Vazquez, age 15

The Aral Sea was once the fourth-largest lake in the world but is now practically gone. This sea is located in Central Asia, between southern Kazakhstan and northern Uzbekistan.

The Aral Sea is actually a saltwater lake, as it has no outlet to the ocean. It was formed by water flowing from various rivers and glacial melt. As one of the largest lakes, the Aral provided water and fish, which were crucial to the region. It supported farming, the fishing industry, and even tourism in the area, attracting people from surrounding regions.

However, the Soviet Union initiated a major water diversion project in the 1960s to irrigate cotton fields. Water from the rivers feeding the Aral Sea had been diverted for irrigation by the Soviet Union since the 1920s, but the 1960s saw the beginning of large-scale redirection. The Aral Sea, once deep blue and teeming with fish, had shrunk to half its original size by the end of the 1960s. The decline continued, and by 1987, the lake split into the Northern Aral Sea in Kazakhstan and the Southern Aral Sea in Uzbekistan. [Read More]

Have You Spotted the Bright Red Bird?

by Delia Moreno, age 7

Male and female cardinals have different colors, males are a vibrant red, while females are a warm golden-brown with hints of red on their wings, tail, and crest.

The northern cardinal’s diet includes seeds, fruits, insects, and worms, and they often visit bird feeders, especially during colder months.

Cardinals sit on their eggs to keep them safe and warm. This process is called incubation, and it is usually done by the female. When the eggs hatch, both parents take turns feeding the chicks. Their eggs are typically grayish or brownish with white or dark speckles, and they usually lay two to five eggs at a time. [Read More]

Why Wisconsin’s State Fish Is Called the Fish of 10,000 Casts

by Joseph Zheng, age 10

The muskellunge is the state fish of Wisconsin. This massive fish can grow up to around three feet and weigh about 67 pounds. The scientific name for the muskellunge is Esox masquinongy. However, it has earn the nickname “the fish of 10,000 casts,” because tends to avoid fishing lures and can be unpredictable.

The usual color for the muskellunge is a blend of green to dark green, although it can also be slightly gray. The muskellunge can swim up to 30 miles per hour. Its lifespan is typically about 12 to 18 years, but it can live up to 30 years.

From mid-April to mid-May, the female muskellunge gives birth to between 20,000 to 250,000 eggs. These eggs can stick to woody debris on rocks and sandy bottoms. Parents do not protect the eggs, so most eggs get eaten. [Read More]

More Snowy Owls Spend the Winter in Wisconsin

by Dayanara Flores, age 17

Snowy owls have been seen more in Wisconsin this winter than last, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

As of January, there were 84 snowy owl sightings in Wisconsin during this past winter. the most in several years. In the winter of 2023-24, only 24 snowy owls were seen in our state, the lowest number in the last decade.

But between 2022 and 2023, 36 snowy owls were documented in the state. Surprisingly, 140 were recorded between 2021 and 2022, which is called an irruption, or a big population growth. [Read More]

Winter Finches Are Taking Their Time to Migrate

By John Agbo, age 14

This year’s Winter Finch Forecast released by the Finch Research Network suggests a slower year for migratory birds arriving in Wisconsin.

During the winter, many species of Wisconsin’s migratory songbirds fly South, searching for food sources and warmer temperatures. This season also usually attracts birds from farther north, from Canada, for the same reasons. The number of birds flying to Wisconsin and other states varies every year, depending on the availability of crops and berries. However, recent patterns indicate that many birds hesitate to make this journey. They have remained in their northern habitats longer than usual.

The migration patterns of finches help predict the migratory patterns of other birds and are connected to the availability of food sources in their homes in the boreal forests in Canada. The Finch Research Network has cone crop reporters on the ground who monitor the abundance of cone crops and berries in Canada. Based on their reports, the Winter Finch Forecast is created, analyzing bird movement patterns and preparing residents for roughly how many and which birds to expect. The forecast generally pertains to Ontario and nearby areas, including Wisconsin. [Read More]

From Toys for the Rich, to Tools of Conservation, Zoos Have a Long and Storied History

by Nae McNeail, age 13

People have kept animals in zoos for more than a thousand years. Wealthy people created the first zoos, called menageries, which were private collections to display power. Zoos later became a place for the public to learn about animals, and today serve many purposes, including preserving and studying endangered species.

The word ‘zoo’ comes from ‘zoological park,’ and the first modern zoo was built in 1793 in Paris, France. Earlier zoos resembled museums with live animals in their natural habitat. In the 18th century, during the Age of Enlightenment, public zoos grew in popularity. This was a time in European history when scientific knowledge was emphasized by many leaders. This also applied to zoology, the study of animal behavior. Zookeepers had to care for animals in order for scientists to conduct research on their behavior and anatomy. Zoos serve as educational resources that help humans see how animals live.

Not all zoos are the same. For example, Urban zoos are commonly found in larger cities. There is little room for these zoos to expand since they are in the middle of cities. The tight space means that often, animals are kept in small enclosures. Some argue that keeping animals in urban zoos is cruel due to the habitat conditions, noise, and pollution. [Read More]

Free Seeds at Madison Libraries This Winter!

By Siwoo Park, age 13

Madison libraries are once again giving out free seeds of native Wisconsin plants. Madison Public Library’s Seed Library launched its winter collection on Jan. 13, 2025.

To get a seed, all you have to do is visit a library participating in the seed library project and request one or more seed packets. Then, you can use the seeds to grow beautiful greenery. The library provides a guide for when to plant them. The winter collection includes Black-eyed Susans, Wild Bergamots, Butterfly Weeds, Rattlesnake Masters, Little Bluestems, Smooth Blue aster, Golden Alexanders, and Bottlebrush grass.

The seeds were donated by the Dane County Land & Water Resources Department (DCLWRD), with an honorable mention to Dane County Parks volunteers who collected them. Volunteers prepared more than 5,700 seed packets, but once they run out, they will not be available again until spring. [Read More]

How Barred Owls Threaten Spotted Owls

by Siheon Park, age 11

Spotted owls are threatened carnivores that inhabit forests, as well as wooded and rocky canyons across the American West Coast, the Southwestern United States, and western Mexico.

Male spotted owls weigh up to 1.5 pounds and grow up to 48 centimeters tall. Female spotted owls are slightly larger and taller than the males. They weigh up to 1.7 pounds and are about 48 centimeters tall.

Spotted owls are nocturnal hunters that eat small mammals like squirrels, birds, rats, voles, hares, and other small owls. These owls have competition with close relatives called Barred owls. Barred owls are larger and are more aggressive than spotted owls. Barred owls have begun to displace spotted owls in their natural habitats. [Read More]

Packers, Batteries Plus Partnership to Collect and Recycle Used Batteries

by Dayanara Flores Gonzalez, age 17

The Green Bay Packers recently entered a partnership with Wisconsin-based retailer Batteries Plus. Through this partnership, Batteries Plus is trying hopes to increase the recycling of batteries. They say putting batteries in the trash is easy, but recycling is a far better idea.

Wisconsin-based Batteries Plus stores will be accepting used batteries free of charge. These batteries will be deconstructed, and all the minerals will be recycled and used again. The Green Bay Packers will be encouraging fans to promote this program and donate used batteries.

This program will be paid for in part with $7 million from the Department of Energy. Wisconsin schools are eligible to participate in the battery contest to encourage battery recycling. The winners will get to visit Lambeau Field. [Read More]

St. Louis Zoo Welcomes Red Wolf Cubs, Bolstering Endangered Population

by Sofia Zapata, age 15

Red wolves have been listed as an endangered species since 1967. This species is considered the only large carnivore that is exclusively native to the U.S. It is estimated that fewer than 300 red wolves exist in captivity, with fewer than 25 remaining in the wild. In the past year, four healthy red wolf pups were born at the St. Louis Zoo.

There have been no wild sightings of red wolves in Missouri for more than 70 years. Red wolves are the world's most endangered wolf species, as their population has been drastically reduced by predator control programs and habitat degradation. In 1980, the species was declared extinct in the wild.

Red wolves are highly adaptable and can live in a variety of habitats, as long as there is sufficient food, water, and cover. They typically prey on small mammals, white-tailed deer, and raccoons. Red wolves are capable of traveling up to 20 miles a day in search of food. They have broad heads and tall, pointed ears. They stand about 26 inches tall, are approximately four feet long, and weigh between 45 and 80 pounds. Red wolves are generally wary of humans and tend to avoid human interaction. They live in close-knit packs of five to eight wolves. [Read More]

Three Wisconsin Birds that Weigh Less than an Ounce

by Joseph Zheng, age 10

Wisconsin's smallest birds can weigh less than a pencil. The Downy woodpecker, American goldfinch, and house sparrow are all examples of small birds commonly found in the state.

The Downy woodpecker is 11 to 14 centimeters long and typically weighs around 20 grams. These woodpeckers are frequently seen at bird feeders, where they enjoy suet, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and even peanut butter. Downy woodpeckers are also fond of drinking sugar water. They produce high-pitched calls that are easy to recognize, along with rapid drumming sounds created by tapping their feet during mating displays, which can sound continuous due to their speed.

The American goldfinch, another small bird, is 11 to 14 centimeters long and weighs 11 to 20 grams. These bright yellow birds are common in Wisconsin and are attracted to sunflower and Nyjer seeds. However, they are often intimidated by larger birds and prefer quiet spaces to feed. Goldfinches are strict vegetarians, feeding mainly on seeds—a rarity among birds, as most feed on insects. To ensure their young have enough to eat, goldfinches breed a month later than other birds. Their call is often described as sounding like the words "potato chip" stretched out. [Read More]

Illegal Trade Is threatening Wild Cheetah Populations

by Chelsea Zheng, age 12

Cheetahs are an endangered species that face threats from humans. These beautiful creatures are often captured and sold in the illegal pet trade market. Scientists estimate there are only about 6,600 left in the world.

Cheetahs are exported from regions in eastern Africa, including Ethiopia, Kenya, and the Somali regions. Normally, they live in a range of habitats that include thick shrubs, grassland, dry forests, and the Sahara Desert. Female cheetahs can live up to 14 years while males can live up to ten years.

The cheetah has five different subspecies. Their bodies are slim but muscular. Relatively to other big cat species, cheetahs have long legs and their heads are rounded and small. Along with their flexible spine, deep chest, and grippy feet, cheetahs have a long tail used for balance. [Read More]

New Study Traces Bees Back to Supercontinent Gondwana

by Jules Da Costa, age 16

Bees are vital insects for our natural world, and a recent study shows that they're much older than we previously knew and come from a supercontinent millions of years ago.

Scientists believe that long ago, the land that is now Africa and South America were joined together and formed an ancient supercontinent called Gondwana. This is apparently where bees originated, according to a 2023 study in the journal Current Biology. Researchers Silas Bessert and Eduardo Almeida claim that as the continents split up and new ones formed, the bees followed. They traveled north, spreading flowering plants.

Not only does this new understanding of the origins of bees help researchers understand the insect’s evolution, but it also helps them understand how this evolution affected plants and plant life. The diversity and spread of plants we see today is the work of those bees from long ago. By spreading plant life and collecting pollen, bees allowed plants to adapt to different geographic areas and expand outwards. [Read More]

American Martens Find Unexpected Refuge in Wisconsin's Apostle Islands

by Samuel Garduño Martínez, age 17

The American marten, a state-endangered species, has taken refuge in the Apostle Islands of northern Wisconsin. With a geographic range spanning from Alaska and Canada to the mountains of northern New Mexico, the American marten's presence is a testament to its adaptability in various ecosystems.

The American marten, colloquially known as the "pine" marten, roams as a nocturnal member of the weasel family in the dense forests of northern North America. Preferring the shelter of pine or fir trees, these small, slender mammals exhibit a unique habitat reliance, often crafting their dens inside the hollows of trees. Wisconsin, particularly the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, has become a focal point for the conservation of this species.

Since 1975, the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has had various American marten reintroductions in efforts to safeguard the species. Being Wisconsin's only state-endangered mammal, martens faced the threat of extermination in the 1920s, primarily due to unregulated trapping and habitat loss. Despite the reintroduction of martens within the national forest, it’s being determined whether there has been consistency in the mammal population. [Read More]

The History of Corn From Ancient Mesoamerica to Today

by Edwin Torres, age 13

Corn is an ancient grain with an interesting history that most people have not heard about. Originating in Mesoamerica, specifically Mexico, corn is now widely enjoyed and produced across the world. However, only 40 percent of corn that is grown is consumed by people, while the remaining 60 percent is used as animal feed.

Modern corn as we know it did not exist 10,000 years ago. Instead, its ancestor was a wild grass called teosinte. Teosinte did not look like the corn we know today, but farmers in Mexico began the process of domestication around 9,000 years ago by selecting kernels to plant. While the history of corn is still debated, there is evidence showing that the domestication of corn began in the South Central region of Mexico.

For centuries, corn has been valued as an important crop for people. In fact, corn was so important that indigenous Mesoamericans even worshipped it and believed that it was a gift from the gods. One reason why corn was appreciated so much was that the crop was relatively easy to grow. This made corn an amazing crop for feeding the population and provided the leaders of indigenous civilizations with more power. [Read More]

Deadly Parasite Found in Northern Wisconsin Trout Streams

by Daniel Garduno, age 12

In northern Wisconsin streams, where salmon and trout abound, there is a new and dangerous parasite. Myxobolus cerebralis can be harmful to these fish and perhaps more. The appearance of this parasite has led to new research in Wisconsin.

Myxobolus is an organism found in trout and salmon, is a parasite that is capable of damaging the cartilage and the nervous system of the fish. This results in fish swimming aimlessly around lakes, streams, and rivers. Fish with the parasite have difficulty feeding or avoiding predators. Usually this makes them easy prey, giving them an even lower chance of survival.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommends that fishermen clean their fishing gear, equipment, and boats when leaving one body of water for another. They renewed these guidelines after the parasite was discovered in northern Wisconsin’s Elton Creek. [Read More]

Why Mysterious Giants Live in the Deepest Oceans

by Samuel Garduño Martínez, age 17

When comparing spider crabs on shore to those on the ocean floor, the 13-foot-wide ocean crabs put the meager shore crabs to shame. This trend of going deeper and getting bigger seems common in nature, prompting the creation of the famous adage, “the deeper they go, the bigger they get.” There is scientific data to support this assertion, however, terrestrial animals have also been known to grow to huge sizes. Although aquatic animals aren’t the only ones who have benefited from their larger sizes, gigantism has been a key factor in the survival of creatures in the mighty oceans.

Due to the lack of food at the bottom of the ocean, resourcefulness has played a part in animals’ huge sizes. Larger organisms need less energy per mass than smaller creatures—in other words, they are more energy efficient. Kleiber’s law, a mathematical model, supports this train of thought, equating larger organisms with less food needed per unit of body mass. This is why cats, despite being one hundred times heavier than a mouse, will only need thirty times more calories. In the depths of the dark and cold sea, the ability to get the most out of sparse food, usually found as bits of debris, is essential to survival. Some animals have developed unique characteristics, such as gaping maws or extendable stomachs, to best prepare for their unanticipated mealtimes. Although Kleiber’s law has a good mathematical basis, the energy-to-mass ratio doesn’t show the entire picture. It fails to recognize other environmental and evolutionary factors contributing to such adaptations.

The exact mechanisms behind size and energy conservation are not clear, however, they could be attributed to temperature. Generally, larger creatures will retain more heat because of their size, comparatively losing less heat per unit of body mass. Additionally, their size allows them to conserve more heat from metabolism. [Read More]

Avistamiento poco común de ballena gris en aguas de Massachusetts

por Aria, edad 13

El reciente avistamiento de una ballena gris en el océano Atlántico ha alarmado a científicos. Normalmente, el avistamiento de esta especie, que rara vez se ve, es una buena señal para el océano; las ballenas grises se suelen avistar en el océano Pacífico Norte, no en el océano Atlántico. La especie apenas se ha visto en el océano Atlántico desde que su población se desvaneció en el siglo XVIII.

Afortunadamente, las ballenas grises no están en peligro de extinción. Sin embargo, en los últimos 15 años, solo se han avistado seis ballenas grises en aguas del Atlántico y el Mediterráneo. “No quería decir en voz alta qué era porque me parecía una locura”, dijo Orla O’Brien, investigadora del Centro Anderson Cabot para la Vida Oceánica. En marzo, O’Brien y su compañera de trabajo, Kate Laemmle, avistaron la ballena cerca de Nantucket.

La ballena gris está estrechamente relacionada con las seis especies diferentes de la familia Balaenopteridae. Existen dos poblaciones distintas de ballenas grises en la parte occidental de América del Norte, y la otra está en la costa de Asia, desde Corea del Sur hasta Rusia. Las ballenas grises migran dos veces a lo largo de casi 12.000 millas del océano cada año. A pesar de sus extensas migraciones, todavía no explica por qué esta ballena específica fue avistada cerca de las aguas de Massachusetts, ya que esta no es una zona típica que visitan. "Mi cerebro estaba intentando de procesar lo que estaba viendo porque este animal era algo que no debería existir en estas aguas", dijo Laemmle. [Read More]

Stewart Lake County Park is a Hidden Gem in Dane County's Driftless Area

by Samuel Garduño Martínez, age 17

Just west of Madison near the village of Mt. Horeb lies one of Dane County’s hidden gems—its first official park. Nestled in the Driftless Area, Stewart Lake County Park’s bluffs and valleys are a unique piece of Wisconsin. First and foremost, the topography is breathtakingly special. Unlike other regions in the Midwest, the Driftless Area escaped the flattening effects of thousand-year-old-glaciers.

This summer, students from Simpson Street Free Press embarked on several field trips to the Driftless Area. Our plans are to visit this still-preserved treasure and study its characteristics. On one recent trip, we learned that despite going through much change, Stewart Lake County Park is beloved by the people who use it and know it.

Stewart Lake County Park, formerly known as Lake Park, has been around since the early 20th century, but the site has beautifully carved over thousands of years. The park itself has undergone several drastic transformations since it was designated a park in 1912. [Read More]

Learn About the Mississippi, One of the Longest U.S. Rivers

by Dani Garduño, age 12

When people imagine rivers, they typically think of famous ones like the Nile or Amazon Rivers. However, one of the world's largest river systems runs right along Wisconsin: the Mississippi River. It significantly impacts the United States and its population and continues to show its benefits to humanity every day.

Flowing 2,350 miles from Lake Itasca, the Mississippi River is one of the two longest rivers in North America. Some even consider it the third-longest river system in the world. The reported length of the river may increase or decrease depending on changes in the landscape, time of year, and precipitation. The Mississippi River can reach a pretty surprising width of 11 miles. The surface speed average is 1.2 miles per hour, half as fast as an average walking speed. The river's water speed may vary depending on where you are in the United States. For example, the surface speed in New Orleans increases to three miles per hour. Even though the water speed changes in certain places, all the water leads to the Gulf of Mexico.

The Mississippi River is used for transportation and to supply water to about 50 cities, serving 10 million people. It provides 92% of the U.S. agricultural exports. 60% of American exported grain goes through the Port of South Louisiana and the Port of New Orleans; around 500 million tons of goods are shipped from the South Port of Louisiana. Other goods transported on the river include petroleum, iron, steel, rubber, wood, and coal. [Read More]

Dane County Plans Solar Project at Former Landfill in Verona

by Owen Ayite-Atayi, age 16

Dane County is looking for help developing a solar energy project located near a former landfill in Verona. The site is on land owned by the county.

Dane County plans to install a solar array in the landfill near a site that includes a nursing home, food pantry, and a food service facility.

During the 1990s, natural gas methane from the landfill was used to generate large amounts of electricity. But today, the methane is declining prompting officials to find a better way to repurpose the area. [Read More]

How Dane County Young People Can Protect Pollinator Species

by Camila Cruz, age 16

Spring and early summer is a good time to think about helping pollinator species. And you can do this right in your own backyard.

The Dane County Land and Water Resources Department is encouraging people to act to support our local pollinators. There are several steps you can take that can help. These steps include planting native plants and providing the types of habitats that pollinators need to survive and thrive.

Student reporters from Simpson Street Free Press have been studying and writing about pollinators for several years. These species are essential to our environment because about 87% of flowering plants on Planet Earth depend on pollinators. [Read More]

Tree Kangaroos Face Extinction as Habitats Disappear

by Siheon Park, age 11

Tree kangaroos are an endangered species that are often unheard of or overlooked. Their role in ecosystems and indigenous cultures and diets are threatened by habitat loss.

There are 12 species, two are found in Australia and the rest are mostly found on the island of New Guinea. Scientists estimate that there are less than 2,500 tree kangaroos in the world.

The Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program partnered with National Geographic Society to protect the tree kangaroos by using critter cams to observe how they act in the wild. Researchers captured kangaroos and placed collars that have small cameras in them. The footage records their behavior and diet. After placing the collars, researchers release them back into their natural habitat. [Read More]

Ultrasound Waves Offer a Solution for Microplastics in Water

by Ayelen Flores Ruiz, age 13

Pollution has become a big problem in today’s economy. Microplastics are a type of pollution that is really small and barely visible yet they are found in our bodies, causing a lot of damage. Microplastics can contain toxic chemicals, viruses, and bacteria.

These plastic bits are an issue for humans and wildlife. These plastics are incredibly hard to see, even smaller than a sesame seed, and no more than five millimeters wide. The bits can be found in water, air, and foods leading to their accumulation in human bodies as resources are utilized. The materials within these bits can contain toxic chemicals. Additionally, both bacteria and viruses can attach themselves to the microplastic. Wildlife can also ingest plastic bits through drinking water from rivers or the ocean.[Read More]

Wisconsin Passes $125 Million Bill to Address PFAS Contamination

by Valeria Moreno Lopez, age 17

Dangerous artificial chemicals like PFAS have polluted Wisconsin’s waters and towns for decades. The Wisconsin State Assembly recently passed a $125 million bill to control and test for PFAS contamination in groundwater across the state, yet it could also exempt polluters from liability.

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals in many industry and consumer items, including cookware and water-resistant products. These chemicals are difficult to remove from nature and do not fully decompose. They seep into groundwater and lakes, and ingesting them can lead to a weakened immune system, liver disease, and cancer.

The legislation would offer grants to local governments and private landowners, using $125 million from the state’s budget trust fund to remove PFAS in wells and water treatment plants. Under Wisconsin’s “Spills Law,” anyone who causes or owns a dangerous substance released into the environment must clean it up. However, Democrats say the PFAS bill protects polluters because, in some scenarios, taxpayers would have to clean up the mess. Furthermore, a legislative committee must approve the funding for the legislation before it can help Wisconsinites with contamination. [Read More]

Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula Faces Largest Volcanic Eruption in Decade

by Valeria Moreno Lopez, age 17

Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula has suffered its fourth and largest volcano eruption of the decade. The signs of volcanic activity started on Dec. 18, 2023, in the town of Grindavik, which is best known for its popular geothermal spa, the Blue Lagoon. Following weeks of thousands of earthquakes before the 18th, Grindavik and nearby towns evacuated more than 4,300 people.

A month before the eruption, a 2.5-mile-long fissure, which is a crack formed underneath the Earth, collected a significant amount of magma (molten rock). On Dec. 18, the opening reached the surface and nearly 150 cubic meters of lava flowed out per second for the first few hours. Heavy clouds of smoke and an orange hue covered the night sky in western Iceland. According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, the intensity of the eruption and earthquakes weakened by the next day.

Volcanic activity is not unheard of in Iceland, since it is home to 32 active volcanoes, many of them subglacial. Most eruptions take place in unpopulated areas and don’t interfere with any humans. Often, these volcanic sites become tourist attractions. Iceland is also situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where tectonic plates are frequently moving 2.5 cm apart per year. [Read More]

The Coming Invasion of Wild Pigs

by, Theodore Morrison, age 16

Pork, a delicacy enjoyed by many, is derived from the flesh of pigs. However, some wild pigs prove easier to capture than others. More specifically, a particular crossbreed between a wild Eurasian boar and a domestic swine possesses survival skills, a large body, and extreme fertility, rendering it nearly impossible to eradicate.

These pigs present a significant danger to humans and our food sources. Equipped with strong snouts, they excavate food from the ground. Unfortunately, they are not selective about their diet and are willing to destroy and consume crops, and wildlife, or even pose a threat to humans. Compounding the issue is an estimated population of 6 million of these pigs in the United States, causing concern among state and federal officials. In essence, these pigs pose a severe threat to our agricultural system and must be eradicated.

The United States has not turned a blind eye to these perilous creatures, prompting responses from Montana and Minnesota. Montana has prohibited the raising or transportation of wild pigs while endorsing preventative measures against these specific invasive animals, including surveillance. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has also implemented surveillance to assist in addressing the issue, while Minnesota plans to revise its management plan to better counteract the threat posed by these aggressive pigs. Moreover, many states have banned hunting these pigs due to a low success rate and the resulting increased wariness, causing the pigs to become more nocturnal and harder to track. [Read More]

Dane County Pursues Sustainability with New Solar Projects

by Yani Thoronka, age 16

In November of 2020, County Executive Joe Parisi announced new efforts regarding conservation and sustainability. The goal is for Dane County-owned facilities to run solely on renewable energy.

In his proposal, Parisi spoke of converting about 90 acres of county land near Femrite Road, in Cottage Grove into a solar farm. This new solar farm is almost double the size of a solar field at the Dane County Regional Airport that opened two years ago. The energy produced by the new solar farm will become a primary source of energy for the county and offset current electrical usage. Now, nearly two years later, with the plans officially finalized for the solar farm, construction is set to begin this spring.

In addition to the financial benefit of converting to solar energy, which officials hope will create return on investment in the future, the farm will also be good for stimulating the regional economy. Furthermore, the construction of the solar farm will create local jobs, while simultaneously paving a road forward in the fight against climate change. This standard is one the county seeks to build on, through its current Climate Action Plan Dane. [Read More]

Exploring New Zealand's Southern Alps and Glaciers

by Edwin Torres, age 12

The Southern Alps is a mountain range located on the South Island of New Zealand. The western area of this island is known for its famous glaciers. The highest point is on Mount Cook, which reaches altitudes of about 12,349 feet. It is only 20 miles from the summit westward across the coastal strip to the Pacific Ocean. Toward the east side of where the glacier is located, the land descends about 80 miles across the Canterbury Plains. The winds that blow from the Tasman Sea are loaded with moisture, and when the damp air rises against the mountains, it drops big snowballs. The three most known glaciers are the Fox, Frans Josef, and Tasman. However, they are facing threats of melting due to climate change.

The glaciers on the west side of the mountains are steep and short. On the eastern side, the glaciers are different. The higher parts are rugged and steep. The Franz Josef and Fox glaciers flow on the western side. Both are by the Westland National Park, an area containing glaciers, rivers, lakes, alpine peaks, and snow fields. Lake Matheson shows a famous view of three of its major peaks which are Tasman, La Perouse, and Cook.

The Tasman Glacier flows down Mount Cook; it is also the largest in New Zealand. The glacier creates a narrow part of ice 17 miles long that widens in places as much as two miles, moving about 20 to 25 inches per day. Although its fast speed is incredible, the glacier is starting to retreat; its lowest end is at 2,500 feet above sea level. [Read More]

The Fox River Cleanup, A Battle Against Decades of Pollution

by Sofia Zapata, age 14

The Fox River flows across central and east-central Wisconsin to Green Bay and was contaminated with cancer-causing chemicals during the mid-20th century It took almost 17 years to clean the entire river.

Between the 1950s and 1970s, the Fox River began to be contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, created by seven Fox River Valley paper companies. This chemical compound causes various harmful effects such as cancer and other health conditions. In addition, this substance can cause liver damage, acne-like skin, and neurobehavioral and immunological abnormalities in children.

There were many debates around the cleanup of the Fox River. One of them was about who would pay for the cleanup. Environmental activists said that the seven companies should pay to clean the river because they were the ones who contaminated it. However, the seven companies argued that taxpayers should also have to pay some of the cost. At the end of this argument, everyone decided that the seven paper companies responsible had to pay all the costs with a total estimated $1.3 billion. [Read More]

Railroad Merger Could Mean More Hazardous Materials Will Cross the Mississippi River

by Oliver Zink, age 13

A new railroad along the Mississippi River will carry hazardous materials through communities and important geological areas with lots of wildlife. If any spills occur, wildlife and land will be damaged. The new railroad system will increase the carloads of two railroad companies by 41,000. There are significant concerns about increasing the chances of oil and gas spills.

The Canadian Pacific and the Kansas City Southern railroad companies are merging to create the first railroad stretching from Canada to Mexico. In case of an emergency, crews are on standby to clean up any spills using 66 different collections of equipment. The companies respond to their spills with qualified contractors. However, with the increase of loads, the chance of spills has risen and the need to increase the amount of this equipment has gone up as well. In some areas, it will be a challenge to clean up spills due to possible spring floods in the area.

Nothing is preventing the construction of this railroad as it would cost money and more time. The trains will carry hazardous materials such as crude oil and petrol gas. Since the companies are common carriers, they are obligated to accept any good offer. [Read More]

Public Health Officials Issue PFAS Updates for Dane County Fisheries

by Amelia Pearson, age 13

In 2023, there was an updated per-and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) warning enforced by the Dane County Public Health due to concerns about the 2023 fishing season. PFAS are harmful human-made chemicals that are used in a vast variety of products from firefighting foams to something as simple as fast-food wrapping.

One major concern centers around PFAS found in fish. Due to this, the Department of Natural Resource (DNR) and Department of Health Services (DHS) suggest a limit on the number of certain fish people should consume, such as Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, and White Bass, which was recently added to the list. The DNR and DHS recommend only one meal including any of these four types of fish a month.

Due to the outcome of the fish sampling in 2020, the DNR heavily recommended new PFAS-based fish consumption advisories for Yahara Chain waters in Dane and Rock county. There was also a raised level of perfluoro octane sulfonic acid (PFOS), a type of PFAS found in various species of fish collected in lakes Monona, Kegonsa and Waubesa. [Read More]

Himalayan Glaciers Face up to 80% Ice Loss by 2100 Amid Rising Temperatures

By Valeria Moreno Lopez, age 16

Scientists believe that nearly a quarter of the world's population could face severe natural disasters by 2100 due to the alarming rate at which the Himalayan glaciers are melting. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), based in Nepal, has warned that the glaciers could lose up to 80% of their volume if worldwide temperatures increase by 3 degrees Celsius or more.

ICIMOD, which aims to preserve life and biodiversity in mountain and downstream populations, has reported that one-third of the glaciers from Afghanistan to Myanmar could disappear even in the best-case scenario. However, over the years, the calculations have changed. If worldwide temperatures rise between 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius, less than half of the volume will be lost by 2100. Moreover, these temperatures could also exacerbate global droughts, wildfires, extreme floods, and food shortages. Professor Saleemul Huq, director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development, has stated, "In all three pillars of climate action - mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage - we are at a standstill or going the wrong way, while the consequences of inaction are accelerating by the day." [Read More]

Nature's Lumberjacks: How Beavers Shape Ecosystems and Cultivate Harmony

by Dayanis Cruz, age 13

Beavers are one of the greatest engineers in the world. They make improvements to their habitat by creating waterways, dams, and lodges. They can cause conflict with farmers by eating their crops, or by building a lodge near a pond or a river.

A lodge is a dome that is made out of sticks and mud. There are underwater entries that lead to greenery above the water levels. To make a peaceful pond, beavers create dam walls that stop the current of water systems. Many peer groups of beavers share dams for several generations, but sometimes the ponds will fill up with dirt, forcing beavers to find a new location.

Beavers feed and build new lodges in their environment at night. Through winter, they hardly ever emerge from their lodge since it keeps them warm, making it perfect for the winter season. [Read More]

The Pink Amazon River Dolphin Faces Growing Environmental Threats

by Dani Garduño, age 12

When people think of animals in the Amazon, most usually think of pythons, toucans, or parrots. Yet, fewer people know about the Amazon River dolphin. The Amazon River dolphin is a strange-looking dolphin that has an effective way of navigating the Amazon River. This dolphin is found in South America up to the basins of the Orinoco River as well as in the northern part of the Madeira River.

The Amazon River dolphin has a unique body that can grow up to two or three meters long. They usually weigh up to 140-160 kilograms. What makes these dolphins unique is their color-changing skin that varies with their age. At a young age, their skin color is usually gray. However, when they start to mature, they begin to turn pink. These dolphins' eyes are small, yet their eyesight is very bold. Their beak is very long and is designed to hunt prey. Other dolphins have uniform dorsal fins and fin sizes, but the Amazon River dolphins do not have one. Instead, they have a hump that grows larger as they age. [Read More]

Rare Black Bears from Mexico Move into South Texas

by Aria, age 13

Scientists have found that East Mexican black bears are moving from Mexico to southern Texas. Although these creatures are at risk of extinction, there is hope because their numbers are increasing, leading to bears spreading into Texas.

The numbers of bears moving to southern Texas are unknown, but they are often found in forests around Texas and moving along the Rio Grande in Mexico. Black bears in Texas are on the endangered species list; in Mexico, they are listed as ‘in danger of extinction’. Fortunately, Mexican black bears can adapt to live in many different environments like forests or mountains.

These bears like to scavenge for their food and their behavior is driven by their excellent sense of smell. That's also why they prefer to live near humans as it’s easy to access garbage, pet food, and fruit in the wild black bears like to hunt. They often have a wide diet of pine nuts, acorns, insects, and small mammals. [Read More]

Learn How to Help Wisconsin Pollinator Populations for a Blooming Ecosystem

by Camila Cruz, age 15

Many people undervalue our pollinators, but about 87% of flowering plants worldwide depend on them. And there are many ways we can help support them, from letting lawns grow to avoiding pesticides.

Pollinators are creatures that go from plant to plant to consume nectar and pollen. In doing this, they spread the pollen, helping plants reproduce. Pollen is necessary to fertilize plants. Some of the most popular pollinators in North America are hummingbirds, moths, flower flies, beetles, bees, butterflies, and, in the southwestern parts of the U.S. and Mexico, nectar-feeding bats.

Pollinators are very important to the environment and ecosystem. In the U.S., around 150 food crops depend on pollinators. Unfortunately, the population of pollinators is decreasing because of habitat loss, pests, nutritional deficiency, insecticides, and extreme weather events. [Read More]

Non-Native Honeybee Pollination May Decrease the Quality of Seeds Over Time

by Ayelen Flores Ruiz, age 13

Recently, researchers have observed that the quality of seeds from flowers pollinated by honeybees is decreasing. Pollinators hunt for flowers in search of nectar and pollen. They are important to the food system since they help produce seeds for the ecosystem.

The seeds’ poor outcome could be because honeybees tend to spend their time going from flower to flower within the same plant, transferring pollen back into itself and resulting in inbred seeds. The study was conducted by ecologists Joshua Kohn and Dillion Travis from the University of California.

The bees that were most prominent in the study were honeybees that are not native to the United States. Non-native species are outnumbering native species of pollinators. The study showed that non-native pollinators took pollen away from native plant species and spread it to other plants of the same species, resulting in negative outcomes for native plants. [Read More]

Secrets of the Ice: Archaeologists Discover Ancient Arrowhead inside a Melting Glacier

by Camila Cruz, age 15

As glaciers begin to melt, archaeologists in Scandinavia are discovering artifacts that help them learn more about the past. Recently, researchers found a well-preserved 1,500-year-old arrow, in what they believe is an ancient hunting ground.

The archaeologists who discovered the arrow are part of “Secrets Of The Ice”, a group of scientists and glacial archaeologists in Norway who explore and pinpoint glaciers. This arrow is not just any arrow. Not only is it believed to be older than the Vikings that inhabited the land from roughly 800-1100 AD, but it is also extremely well preserved.

The arrow was found between two rocks in Norway in an area where ancient people likely hunted reindeer. The archeologists think that the arrow was lost in the snow when one of the hunters missed a shot. Archaeologists believe the arrow was frozen into a glacier, and when the glacier melted it made its way down to where it was found. The fletching which helps stabilize the arrow while it’s flying is gone, but the arrowhead is still attached to the shaft, which is a unique discovery. [Read More]

Climate Change and Habitat Loss Unveil Causes of Virus Spread from Bats to Humans

by Ayelen Flores Ruiz, age 13

Recently a disease that jumped from wild bats to humans came to be known as COVID-19. When it was first diagnosed, people suspected the disease arose from bats and as time progressed, some even falsely accused Asian populations of spreading the disease. It was unclear what started the pandemic, and because of this, scientists started attempting to discover and understand the real cause.

Scientists have learned that animals carry viruses but usually, they have no effect on other animals or humans. This is because the species has already had the virus multiple times and their immune system knows it like a best friend. The virus can then find a new species and, if its immune system does not recognize it, the virus can trigger a disease occurrence. With this information, it makes it helpful to know where, when, and why viruses pass from animals to humans. Alison Peel, a Canadian specialist in wild diseases said, “It is not easy to track when viruses jump from their wild host to a new one.” [Read More]

Dane County Land Purchase Protects 14 Acres Along Black Earth Creek

by Kaleab Afeworki, age 11

Dane County recently purchased 14.6 acres of land along Black Earth Creek to preserve its “beloved natural resources,” according to Dane County Executive Joe Parisi.

Black Earth Creek, which runs through the village of Black Earth, Wisconsin, is a trout fishery that provides residents with a place for outdoor exploration. The property not only features a wide variety of green valleys but also serves as a trail connector for the Black Earth Creek Trail.

Parisi announced the proposal in March 2023, the Dane County Board approved a purchase price of $11,000 per acre the next month. This new purchase will work to preserve cropland and trout streams, along with expanding “outdoor recreation opportunities for Dane County residents and visitors,” Parisi added. [Read More]

Children of Color in Wisconsin More Likely to Test Positive for Lead Poisoning

by Hanna Eyobed, age 18

Low-income communities and children of color in Milwaukee are disproportionately harmed by lead poisoning. Affecting one of eight children across most regions of Milwaukee, lead poisoning is a prevalent problem with serious health effects that raise concerns.

Black children are four times more likely to be victims of lead poisoning than white children, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. With lead poisoning rates of 6.5%, Black children lead in the city of Milwaukee, followed by: Native American (3.2%), Asian American & Pacific Islander (3%), Hispanic (2.6%), and white (1.6%) children. The city has the highest lead poisoning rate for children under the age of six in Wisconsin. Lead poisoning can cause damage to the brain and nervous system along with halting development and growth in children. Fortunately, the percentage of children found with hazardous amounts of lead in their blood (5mgc/dl) has gradually decreased since 2001. [Read More]

Wisconsin DNR Proposes New Rules for Endangered Species

by Lah’Nylah Bivens, age 15

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is planning to change the rules for handling endangered species.

The department is preparing to offer a blanket permit for “incidental takings” of endangered species, such as when surveys are being taken or when breeding is needed to regulate the population.

The blanket permit would allow people to handle endangered species, by removing or relocating animals and plants. These species would only be removed when they are in danger or when something is built that is disturbing the environment. [Read More]

Parasite Manipulation Alters Gray Wolf Behavior

by Amare Smith, age 19

There is a parasite called “Toxoplasma gondii” that changes the behaviors of gray wolves. The infected wolves make bolder decisions compared to the uninfected ones. Infected wolves are more prone to taking risks, and therefore there is a higher chance that they will leave their pack, create their own, or kill other wolves.

Research revealed that these parasites can negatively alter the wolves’ fate. For example, wolves leaving their pack or becoming leaders can cause them to starve or fight other wolves more frequently.

After analyzing 26 years' worth of data from 299 wolves in Yellowstone National Park, researchers have found that the cougar is also at high risk of contracting Toxoplasma gondii. It is believed that a feedback loop has been created in which infected wolves lead members of their pack into areas where cougars reside and therefore get more wolves infected. However, more research is needed to confirm this phenomenon. It was also determined that this parasite can control other smaller animals like mice. [Read More]

3M Manufacturing Company Contaminates Mississippi River with Forever Chemicals

by Alan Cruz, age 19

In the late 2000s, it became evident that "forever chemicals" were present in the bloodstream of almost every American. As a result, officials in Minnesota pressed 3M to lessen pollutants spilled into the Mississippi River at its manufacturing facility southeast of the Twin Cities. 3M is a global conglomerate that created these extremely toxic chemicals for use in their wide range of products, from adhesives to medical, building materials, and home cleaning supplies. Lawsuits spurred 3M to reduce pollution and clean up forever chemicals at locations close to another of its factories. These chemicals are known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS). In Illinois, it’s a different story. A 3M facility on the Mississippi River roughly 15 miles from the Quad Cities has been contaminating the air and water for more than a decade. Illinois state regulators have repeatedly failed to hold the company responsible. [Read More]

Endangered Bird Species Makes a Comeback in Wisconsin

by Sofia Zapata, age 13

The Kirtland’s Warbler was one of the first birds that were on the endangered species list, created in 1973. This type of bird is a gray and yellow songbird, they are a beautiful and unique species.

The habitat of the Kirtland’s Warbler is in forests and grassy areas located in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Canada. During winter, these birds migrate to sunny places like the Bahamas. When they fly back to the U.S., they stop to rest in forests and marshes.

The primary conservation concerns are habitat loss or degradation and parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds. Partners in Flight, a conservation organization for birds, estimates the global breeding population at 4,800 individuals and rates the species a 16 out of 20 on the Continental Concern Score, which is a rating given to endangered species. The group lists Kirtland's Warbler on the Yellow Watch List for species with restricted ranges. [Read More]

The Lifecycle of a Wolf Pup

by Joseph Zheng, age 9

In spring, females wolves give birth to newborn pups in dens after nine weeks of pregnancy.

One adult wolf fits perfectly into a single den, which is dug ten feet long prior to pregnancy. During the first month after the pups are born, the mother takes full responsibility for the wolf pack.

The puppies remain in their dens for the first few weeks to stay warm and protected as they are initially deaf. Each pup weighs about one pound. Their mother will start to breastfeed them until they are old enough to eat meat. After their first month, the responsibility of survival shifts from solely the mother to the entire pack. This caretaking method helps form a bond between the newest members and the rest of the pack. [Read More]

Invasive Carp Enter the Wisconsin River

by Sofia Zapata, age 13

An invasive carp species that originates from Europe and Asia has been affecting many rivers in the United States, including our own Wisconsin River. If scientists don't resolve this issue or find ways to control the populations, this could be very dangerous for the existing 98 different species that reside in the Wisconsin River.

For over 100 years, the Asian carp has invaded the United States. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says that the carp are traveling from Asia to the Mississippi River and followed by the Wisconsin River. This carp can be very dangerous for our rivers because they are really aggressive hunters, which initiates competition for other species.

Asian carp may live up to 20 years and as they grow, they mature between four to eight years in their life. They are an interesting species because of their jumping ability, however this can be dangerous to boaters. Specifically, adult Asian carp weighing 40-60 pounds can jump up to 10 feet above the water’s surface, unlike any other common species. [Read More]

Scientists Say Invasive Species of Crayfish Might Leave Wisconsin on its Own

by Lah’Nylah Bivens, age 15

The rusty crayfish appeared in Wisconsin 50 years ago. Since this crayfish is not native to Wisconsin it is considered an invasive species. The rusty crayfish pushed native crayfish out of their dens and ate the native aquatic plants, causing harm to the lakes. This harmed the local spawning grounds, leaving fish unprotected.

Rusty crayfish may have found their way to Wisconsin by traveling in buckets to be used as bait. These crayfish are native to Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and the streams of the Ohio River Basin states. They also can be found in New Mexico, Northeastern states, areas in Ontario, Canada, and states surrounding Wisconsin.

Crayfish reproduce at alarming rates due to the female rusty crayfish laying around 80 to 575 eggs at a time. It takes about three to six weeks, depending on the temperature of the water, for the eggs to hatch. Scientists have studied these crayfish over the years and have found that the population can die off naturally. Due to destroying their own habitats and fungal diseases, recent studies have shown that the rusty crayfish population has dropped to zero. [Read More]