How many great blue heron rookeries are there along the Hudson River? Where are the unusual landscapes and rare species that merit protection in nature preserves. We field such questions frequently. In an era of increasing specialization, of modeling complex systems and analyzing large amounts of data, we invite readers to remember the value of basic natural history and field biology. And to consider how we can better understand our often conflicted relationship with the natural world through literature and art.

Sharing the knowledge of our wondrous species and the work they do is one of the reasons we do what we do.