WASHINGTON, D.C. – Woodsy Owl shares his timeless motto — just in time for Earth Day — in the Natural Inquirer’s newest journal, The Woodsy Owl Edition: Lend a Hand — Care for the Land!

Designed for learners from middle school to adulthood, Natural Inquirer journals — which visitor centers, Research Stations and anyone can order for free —translate science into accessible language and provide background information, glossaries, reflection questions, maps and web connections to clarify difficult concepts. “FACTivities” accompanying each article engage readers in hands-on experiences.

In this journal, readers are first introduced to scientists in the Sacramento Mountains of New Mexico. These researchers investigate how warmer air temperatures might impact the Mexican spotted owl, a threatened species.

“I vividly remember the first time I found a nesting pair of Mexican spotted owls,” said  Joe Ganey, a retired Rocky Mountain Research Station wildlife ecologist. “… this experience inspired me to spend the next four decades as a scientist.”

Readers next travel to where the sidewalk ends in New York City. Here, scientists analyze how and why visitors interact with the landscaped and natural areas in urban parks.

“I love to learn more about the ways people connect to nature, create meaning and build a sense of place and community,” said Northern Research Station social scientist Lindsay Campbell.

Afterwards, readers visit scientists in the Sierra Nevada in California. These people study the habitat of the west coast fisher, a forest-dwelling member of the weasel family. Forest Service scientists are working to better understand fishers and their habitat need.

“My best day in the field ever was when I climbed to a fisher den and extracted two kits [babies] to be measured and marked for future identification,” said Pacific Southwest Research Station wildlife biologist Kathryn Purcell. “When they were ready to be put back into the den cavity, they didn’t want to let go of my hand!”

Lastly, readers land in the Pacific Northwest, where scientists assess how landowner decisions might affect wildlife and carbon storage. These scientists wonder whether paying people to plant species of trees better at storing carbon could improve ecosystems.

“I want to know more about plants and animals,” said Pacific Northwest Research Station environmental economist Jeff Kline, “how they are influenced by and interact with each other, and how topography and the presence or lack of water help to determine what species thrive where.”

Download or order free copies of The Woodsy Owl Edition today!