Natural Areas Association (NAA) is an association of scientists and practitioners focused on the management of ecologically significant natural landscapes with the intent to protect biodiversity for current and future generations. Natural Areas News is your trusted resource for current events, reliable science, conservation success, emerging challenges, best practices, and achievements of those who work daily to preserve natural areas.

 

 

Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program celebrates 75 years

The Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2026. This program, which is the oldest and largest of its kind in the country, has collaborated with the Department of Natural Resources and over 60 partners to care for nearly 700 sites that protect the state's native landscape. 

 

New agreement supports collaboration on Helene recovery

The Forest Service and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission have launched a new agreement to help heal Helene’s adverse impact on wildlife and outdoor economies. This partnership is the largest good-neighbor agreement ever enacted by the two agencies. 

 

Illinois becomes first in US to legalize 'rewilding' tactic

After federal protections for wetlands were scaled back, Illinois state leaders took action. Now, the state is the first to recognize rewilding as a conservation effort. The law encourages the state's natural resources department to look for ways to restore land to its natural state, and wetlands are a top priority.

 

Something new for you: NAA's Resource Store

Natural Areas Association is proud to announce the launch of its new Resource Store. This offering includes NAA briefs, which translate research, practitioner experience, and emerging topics into clear, actionable guidance. As part of introductory pricing, several briefs are available for free, and others are available for just $9.99.

 

 

In Other News

  • Items with an asterisk may require registration or a paid subscription to view*
  • Items that are italicized represent academic titles
 

Forests are taking over Kansas grasslands

 

More than 5,000 acres surrounding Shenandoah National Park to be protected

 

As a Colorado River deadline passes, reservoirs keep declining

 

California Salmon Strategy Moves Forward with $10 Million for Salmon and Steelhead Habitat Restoration Projects, New 2026 Funding Opportunity

 

The business case for biodiversity

 

Colorado Releases Wolverine Reintroduction Plan

 

Brain responses to wildlife images can forecast online engagement and help conservation messaging

 

Google using AI to preserve the genetic code of endangered species

 

Not If, But When: The Growing Need for Invasive‑Species Research in the Southeast U.S.

 

Utah invasive species grant opens for 2026–27 cycle

 

Virginia bill highlights: Stopping the spread of invasive plants

 

Defenders Stands Against Rejection of Bison Grazing Lands

 

Bill to Create Wisconsin’s First National Park Clears House Committee

 

Opposition to border wall on protected natural areas grows*

 

Rare Ash Meadows plants at center of lawsuit to overturn BLM approval for exploratory drilling

 

From chemistry to regeneration: Agriculture’s next transformation has begun (commentary)

 

Trump Administration to Finalize Protections for 11 South Florida Plants and Animals

 

Investing In Nature’s Intangible Benefits: Assigning Economic Value To Protect Natural Resources*

 

Opinion: No Scientific Justification to Revoke the Endangerment Finding

 

Building Future Indigenous Conservation Leaders

 

Endangered Species Protections Sought for Rare Las Vegas-Area Sunflower (Helianthus devernii)

 

This vanishing Michigan prairie is so rare experts are racing against time to save it

 

Washington tribes could get more say in management of state logging lands*

 

What’s needed to protect sage grouse?*

 

New habitat suitability model to inform decision making and recover rare species in New Mexico

 

A digital twin for real-time biodiversity forecasting with citizen science data

 

Mapping global freshwater ecosystems to guide national restoration targets and nature-based solutions

 

A habitat suitability model for testing and refining the range of Zuni fleabane, a threatened plant species

 

Connecticut Nursery and Landscape Industry: Evolving Viewpoints on the Sale and Use of Invasive Plants

 

Want more content? Check out our Resource List to discover the latest on natural areas.

 

Recent YouTube Releases

 

Short and Long-Term Perspectives of Forest Management Effects on Stream Biota

February 13, 2026

 

Using Prescribed Fire and Grazing to Manage for Biodiversity in the Great Plains

February 6, 2026

 

Ant Community, Diversity, and Seed Interactions in Longleaf Pine Forest Managed with Frequent Fire

January 30, 2026

 

Job Opportunities

 
  • Have a Job Opening? Please remember to post with NAA. 
  • Need a Job? Be sure to stay in touch with the Job Board positions that are being updated regularly. 

Funding Opportunities

 

U.S. National Science Foundation: Long Term Research in Environmental Biology

Deadline: Ongoing

 

Invasive Plant Management with Great Lakes Science Center

Deadline: February 22, 2026

 

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) | Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program (RCAGP)

Deadline: February 26, 2026

 

Atlantic Salmon Habitat Restoration Partnership Grants

Deadline: March 26, 2026

 

RESTORE Act Grant: Strengthening Gulf Coast Ecosystems

Deadline: October 31, 2026

 

National Park Service Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Units (CESU) Master Cooperative Agreements

Deadline: December 31, 2027

 

Natural Areas News curates diverse, timely resources from multiple sources to promote objective and balanced information sharing. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Natural Areas Association.

 


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