National Wildlife Federation Blog

Did you know you can practice forest bathing in any natural environment, such as your backyard, a local park, or a Certified Wildlife Habitat® garden? Read this blog to learn more about the practice of forest bathing and to access tips and resources on how to level up your outdoor events this summer through forest bathing, nature appreciation, and wildlife education. Forest bathing, at its core, is the practice of blending mindfulness and nature appreciation.

People gaze at me with a puzzled expression when I explain that a nesting loggerhead sea turtle helped build our family. It is the truth. On a darkened, windswept beach along the coast of Georgia, a sea turtle nested as we struggled to build our family. The magic, the miracle she shared with us that evening, still resonates through our family today. When my wife and I adopted our children, it was wild and natural shared experiences that bonded us as a family in those fragile early days.

| Elephant seal. Credit: Alice Cahill This Plastic Free July, take the time to learn more about how plastic pollution in the oceans of the world harms marine life and consider action steps you can take to reduce your plastic waste footprint.

The Rev. Fred Morris, then the president of the Florida Council of Churches, once observed that losing a species to extinction was akin to “tearing a page from the Book of Genesis.” As a person of faith, I take these words to heart. One morning this past spring, I pondered this thought while I was out looking for birds and all the magic and joy they bring us. My trusty binoculars hung from my neck.

If you’ve planted milkweed for monarchs in the US Southwest and started noticing big, iridescent blue wasps with bright orange wings working in the flowers (or worse, rocketing straight toward you!), it’s understandable if your first reaction is alarm. These are tarantula hawk wasps, and they have a bad reputation for their sting, which is rated at the top of the entomological pain scale second only to bullet ants.

Luna moth. Credit: Dean Morley Butterflies are incredible insects, but let’s be honest, moths need some love. They just aren’t as popular as butterflies, and they certainly should be! Both belong to the large order of insects, Lepidoptera, which refers to the tiny scales covering most moth and butterfly wings.

Summer is here, and we are all on the go. We are headed to the beach to visit family and friends, going out into nature on a camping trip, and the list goes on. This means we reach for the easy and convenient options as we head out the door, pack our bags and cars for long rides, or head out to that picnic in the park. The prepackaged snacks, the travel-size toiletries, that plastic to-go container from our favorite restaurant. Summer doesn’t mean we need to neglect nature to have fun in the sun.

“The YSC provides a place for students who are passionate about climate change to meet and learn. The program helps students see all the possibilities they have through activism and guest speakers. Every student deserves a place to connect with people who share similar values. Connection, organizing, activism, and education is crucial for climate progress. I have learned so much from the YSC about climate, but also about myself and what I want to do in the future.

As of May 2026, more than half the country had experienced drought this year—the worst spring drought recorded in decades. Unfortunately, these drought conditions have been increasing for years. From 2020 to early 2023, more than 40 percent of the continental United States remained under some level of drought for extended periods.

Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom and the National Wildlife Federation continue their partnership to inspire and support the efforts of the next generation of conservation leadership. We are collaborating on a series of grants that support colleges and universities in showcasing and funding innovative, solutions-based programs that help protect threatened and endangered wildlife and their habitats.