Special Report

Planet Positive

From stories about rebounding endangered species to others about innovations that reduce our carbon footprint, these Smithsonian magazine dispatches show what's working in wildlife and environmental conservation.

A sadhill crane flies over the San Luis Valley. AAron Ontiveroz / The Denver Post via Getty Images

A Togo slippery frog rests in grass.

It Takes a Village to Save a Frog

Íris Dröfn Guðmundsdóttir (left) and her cousin Anton Ingi Eiríksson release pufflings from the Hamarinn sea cliff on the Icelandic island of Heimaey.

An Icelandic Town Goes All Out to Save Baby Puffins

Saylor Flett, left, fans flames ignited by Jeff Greef. Air quality, weather and even bird migration affect when it’s safe to conduct a burn.

Fighting Fire With Fire in California

More Science and Conservation Coverage

The Colorado River's Glen Canyon Dam, which creates Lake Powell.

States Propose Landmark Deal to Conserve the Colorado River

Before they made their big flight to the South Pacific, the snails were adorned with dots of red, UV-reflective paint to help conservationists find them in the dark.

Scientists Reintroduce 5,000 Snails to French Polynesian Islands

The lioness, photographed by a trail camera in February, is likely around five years old.

First Lion Spotted in Chad National Park in 20 Years Is 'Beautiful' and 'Healthy'

The submersible Alvin collects samples from rocky outcrop in the newly discovered coral reef.

See the Pristine Coral Reefs Found off the Galápagos Islands

Margaret Osborne

Electric cars from Tesla, photographed in 2018

EPA Proposes Tightest-Ever Emissions Limits for Cars

A person clears snow off their car in February 2023 after a snowstorm in Provo, Utah.

Utah Shatters Snowpack Records, but Its Drought Remains

Margaret Osborne

"AquaReinas," or costumed mermaid messengers with the Mermaid Society of Texas, participate in the 2022 Mermaid Capital of Texas Fest parade in San Marcos, Texas.

The Texas City Where Mermaids Inspire River Conservation

A monk seal in southern Greece. Females tended to give birth on beaches before human hostility drove them into hiding.

The Mediterranean Monk Seal Is Making a Comeback

By Jennie Rothenberg Gritz
Photograph by Bruno D’Amicis

A sadhill crane flies over the San Luis Valley.

Planet Positive

Smithsonian magazine

Saylor Flett, left, fans flames ignited by Jeff Greef. Air quality, weather and even bird migration affect when it’s safe to conduct a burn.

Fighting Fire With Fire in California

Photographs and text by Andria Hautamaki