Carolina Bays are among the most mysterious and ecologically unique natural formations in the southeastern United States. These elliptical depressions—found throughout the Carolinas and parts of Georgia—are home to rare wetland ecosystems filled with specialized plants, amphibians, migratory birds, and invertebrates. Unfortunately, many Carolina Bays have been drained, farmed, filled, or altered, leading to the …

The Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra of Alaska is one of the most extreme ecosystems on Earth. With permafrost beneath the soil, fierce winds, long winters, and short growing seasons, this landscape challenges every form of life. Yet, despite these harsh conditions, the Alaskan tundra hosts a breathtaking array of hardy plant species that have evolved …

Every spring, Arizona’s deserts erupt into a breathtaking tapestry of color—brilliant oranges, vivid yellows, cool purples, and delicate pinks scattered across a harsh, sunbaked landscape. This explosion of life, known as the Southwest desert spring bloom, is one of the most iconic natural spectacles in North America. Yet many people don’t realize that several of …