A judge dismissed neighbors' challenge to Petaluma's plan for Lafferty Ranch, clearing a legal hurdle for docent‑led access to the 270‑acre preserve.

Supporters are pressing to protect roughly 32,000 acres east of Las Vegas, citing rare geology, tribal sites and the endangered Las Vegas bear poppy. They say a monument would also secure free outdoor access for east-side neighborhoods.

A $10M Bezos Earth Fund award will fund cleanups, 2,400 trees and pocket parks on about 600 vacant East Side lots across Hough and St. Clair‑Superior. Work will be staged over the next three years.

The City of Atlanta paid $7.8M to acquire the 30‑acre Lucinda Bunnen estate in Buckhead, preserving mature forest, creekside habitat and a mid‑century home.

A nightly swarm of more than 100,000 endangered gray bats filled the sky over Nickajack Reservoir.

The U.S. Forest Service has banned tents and pop‑up campers at West Winnie Campground from July 1–Oct. 13, 2026, citing frequent black bear activity; fines apply.

A tiny American mink wandered into a Healdsburg yard and was rescued by animal control before being transferred to Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue. Rehabilitators say the young mink will need time to recover and relearn hunting skills before it returns to the river.

Two titan arums at The Huntington may bloom between July 10 and midweek, offering a fleeting, pungent spectacle. The conservatory will host in‑person viewing and a 24‑hour livestream.

Oakland County’s multimillion-dollar overhaul expands Pontiac Oaks with new trails, a boardwalk, ADA kayak access and an 18‑hole disc golf course.

A trail camera at the Springs Preserve recorded a lone Woodhouse’s toad calling in the Cienega — the first recorded toad at the site since the 1960s.

Two coyotes were photographed in West Seattle neighborhoods within an hour Thursday morning. Wildlife officials urge humane hazing and securing pets and garbage.

A federal judge in Sacramento paused BLM’s plan to remove about 850 wild horses from three Northern California herd areas, saying the agency relied on flawed population assumptions. The injunction stops September gathers while the case proceeds.

Oakland Zoo has taken in Sitara, a 13‑year‑old tiger rescued from the Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation. She’s undergoing rehabilitation and is not yet on public view.