Most reforestation conversations focus on the usual suspects: climate change, soil degradation, invasive species. Deer rarely make the list. A long-term study out of Cornell University, published in PLOS One on February 16, 2026, suggests that’s a serious oversight. Researchers tracked 12 experimental plots on abandoned agricultural plots near Ithaca, NY for 18 years — […]
Environment
Sprinter Trees Are Taking Over Forests (And That’s Bad News)
On the surface, things look pretty good for the world’s forests. We’re seeing more canopy coverage, faster growth, and more green spreading across satellite maps. You’d be forgiven for thinking we’re turning a corner. But a landmark study published in February 2026 tells a very different story. Forests aren’t getting stronger. They’re actually becoming more […]
Charlottesville Begins Urban Forest Restoration Work
Targeted Invasive Plant Control Supports Tree Health Charlottesville, Virginia has launched a focused urban forest restoration effort aimed at strengthening tree health across public green spaces. The initiative runs from January 27 through February 17, 2026 and centers on reducing invasive vegetation that competes with native growth. According to a public notice from the city’s […]
Shrinking Tree Cover at California Schools Raises Health Issues
Tree Canopy Decline Across More Than 7,000 Campuses A recent study of over 7,000 California public schools reveals a troubling trend: roughly 85% of campuses lost tree canopy between 2018 and 2022, with some losing more than 40% of their shade cover. Many of these schools already had low canopy to begin with, especially in […]
Urban Trees Need Smarter Planting
Urban trees face some of the toughest growing conditions on the planet. Between compacted soil, limited root space, and constant exposure to pollution, many don’t survive their early years. Research shows that nearly 7% of city-planted trees die within their first five years, often from infrastructure issues or lack of water and oxygen at the […]
