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natural environment

Study finds oak trees delay leaves to outwit hungry caterpillars

Study finds oak trees delay leaves to outwit hungry caterpillars

By Stephen Beech Oak trees deliberately delay sprouting leaves by three days to avoid being infested by hungry caterpillars, reveals new research. The trees' clever tactic to outwit potentially deadly predators was detected by scientists in Germany using data from satellite. They found that many insects, particularly caterpillars, hatch

House approves 2026 Farm Bill, which would bypass 2015 'Cottonwood Decision'

WASHINGTON D.C., – The U.S. House of Representatives voted 224-200 to pass the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026, known as the Farm Bill. Included in the bill is an act reducing oversight of the U.S. Forest Service by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife

State agencies release updated PFAS advisories for fish

State agencies release updated PFAS advisories for fish

Montanans who consume fish from many of its waterways should take care when doing so, a combined statement from three state agencies says. The state released updated guidance because per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been found in fish across the state. Updated guidelines, including which areas to take particular

Drivers help study road-trip mystery: what became of bug splats?

Drivers help study road-trip mystery: what became of bug splats?

Long an emblem of the summer road trip, squashed bugs on the car have become less numerous over the years, many people say -- causing concern about the health of the world's insect populations. While drivers may be happy to have less yuckiness to clean from their windscreens, a

Volatile Weather Damages Our Mental Health

Volatile Weather Damages Our Mental Health

In 2024, I experienced my first Christmas Day without snow in both Bozeman and my hometown of Polson. A year later, I witnessed falling snow in June while digging up dinosaurs. These rapid changes in weather patterns are a sign of climate change — a sign that I dreaded seeing. As

Local chapter of Wild Montana to host annual volunteer program

Local chapter of Wild Montana to host annual volunteer program

The Madison-Gallatin chapter of Wild Montana will host its annual Trail Work Program again this June, bringing volunteers together to protect and maintain local recreation areas. Wild Montana was founded in 1958 by Bozeman locals Ken and Florence Baldwin. The organization works to bring people and communities together around

Eco-Friendly Travel Is Growing Across Virginia as Demand Rises

Eco-Friendly Travel Is Growing Across Virginia as Demand Rises

Sustainable travel is shaping how people plan their trips. About 83% of global travelers say it matters, and roughly 75% plan to travel in a greener way in the next year. About 81% are willing to adjust their behavior to reduce their environmental impact. Travelers are thinking more about impact,