DEC Grants Over $530K for Capital Region Land Trusts
The DEC provided over $530,000 in land‑trust grants to Capital Region groups on Oct. 3, 2026, to support local conservation projects.
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Joshua Tree Conservation Projects Halted After Funding Block
The Trump administration’s funding block of $25 million in 2026 led to the cancellation of Joshua tree conservation projects in California, halting a larger protection initiative.
State Gives Over $530K to Capital Region Land Trusts
The DEC awarded over $2 million in land‑trust grants, including more than $530,000 for Capital Region trusts, to help safeguard open space and natural resources.
Olive Ridley Turtle Eggs Relocated to Long Beach Aquarium
Aquarium of the Pacific staff transferred eggs from two olive ridley turtle nests on Orange County beaches to their Long Beach facility on September 25, 2026, due to high surf and tide risks, aiming to protect the endangered species' embryos.
Conservationists Release Dozens of Terrapins at Fresh Kills
Dozens of diamondback terrapins were released into Fresh Kills Park creeks on September 22, 2026, as part of a head‑start program aimed at improving the species' survival in New York City.
Olive Ridley Turtles Nest on Huntington and Seal Beaches
Two olive ridley turtles nested on Huntington Beach and Seal Beach on September 22, 2026, marking the first documented West Coast nesting for the species. The find expands the known breeding range of olive ridleys and will guide future conservation efforts.
Good Samaritan Saves 11 Turtle Hatchlings After Mother’s Death
A Good Samaritan rescued eleven turtle hatchlings after their mother died on a Wildwood beach, turning them over to a New Jersey wildlife refuge for care and eventual release.
Saratoga PLAN Adds 75 Acres of Farmland to Conservation
Saratoga PLAN, in partnership with the Butler family, secured a 75‑acre farmland easement in Saratoga County in September 2026, protecting it from development and preserving open space as part of expanding local conservation efforts.
Saratoga PLAN Adds 75 Acres to Farmland Conservation
Saratoga PLAN added 75 acres of farmland to its conservation easement portfolio in Saratoga County, preserving the land for agricultural use and open space as part of a regional effort.
National Zoo Breaks Ground on First U.S. Arabian Leopard Exhibit
On Sept. 15, 2026, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute broke ground on the United States’ first Arabian leopard exhibit, attended by about 120 people. The exhibit will be the only public display of the endangered species outside its native Arabian Peninsula and will support a new conservation program.
Quebec Government Declines SNAP Québec Protected‑Area Targets
On September 1, 2026, Quebec's government said it would not adopt SNAP Québec's proposed regional protected‑area targets, even as the province continues to expand its protected‑land network.
Endangered Montagu’s Harrier Achieves First Successful Chick Rearing
An endangered Montagu’s harrier successfully raised chicks at a secret site in August 2026, marking a key conservation milestone and highlighting the impact of protected breeding programs.
Researchers Hunt for Quebec's Oldest White Pine in Lanaudière
Researchers are surveying Lanaudière to see if it hosts Quebec’s oldest white pine, a tree that could shed light on the province’s natural heritage.
Shedd Aquarium Takes in 30 Beluga Whales from Canada
Shedd Aquarium in Chicago has taken in thirty beluga whales rescued from a closed Canadian marine park, joining a national effort to relocate marine mammals after the park’s shutdown.
Community Mural Celebrates Land Conservation at Galway Preserve
A mural celebrating the three pillars of land conservation was unveiled at Galway Nature Preserve on August 13, 2026, through a collaboration of community members, Saratoga Arts, and Saratoga PLAN to raise local environmental awareness.
Community Mural Celebrates Land Stewardship at Galway Preserve
A community mural honoring the three pillars of land conservation was unveiled on August 11, 2026 at Galway Nature Preserve, funded by a Saratoga Arts grant. The artwork reflects a partnership between local residents and the arts organization to promote stewardship of the natural area.
New Mural Celebrates Land Stewardship at Galway Preserve
A grant‑backed mural honoring land stewardship and the three pillars of conservation was unveiled at Galway Nature Preserve on August 13, 2026, by community members, Saratoga Arts, and Saratoga PLAN.
Community Mural Unveiled at Galway Nature Preserve Celebrates Stewardship
A grant‑funded mural celebrating conservation pillars was unveiled at Galway Nature Preserve on August 13, 2026, with community members, Saratoga Arts, and PLAN stewardship resource center participating. The artwork aims to raise public awareness of local environmental stewardship efforts.
New Mural Celebrates Conservation at Galway Nature Preserve
Community volunteers, Saratoga Arts, and the Saratoga PLAN stewardship center unveiled a grant‑funded mural at Galway Nature Preserve on August 11, 2026, celebrating the three pillars of land conservation.
Brockville Aquatarium Adds Three New Otter Pups
Brockville Aquatarium announced the arrival of three North American river otter pups, bringing its otter collection to eight alongside five rescued otters from the United States.
