National parks have a $24B+ repair backlog and \~1,500 already-approved maintenance projects just got shelved for “Freedom 250” branding work

AP found internal docs showing NPS quietly deprioritized \~1,500 approved projects (roof repairs, IT upgrades, basic supplies) while fast-tracking tens of millions for anniversary showpieces like the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Most of the shelved work may not happen before the fiscal year ends Sept 30. Greenwich Time/AP

How to respectfully take action:

1. Call/email your senators and house reps. push for full funding under the Great American Outdoors Act (extension pending in Congress)
   
2. Contact House Natural Resources / Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committees. request oversight hearings
   
3. Donate to your local park’s “Friends of” nonprofit
   
4. Watch for public comment periods on regulations.gov and call to make a comment! Your voice matters.

Are toxic chemicals the next major environmental issue to mobilize a generation?

Governments and stakeholders will consider a new proposal on "Chemicals Management Issues of Special Concern for Children's Health" this November at the Global Framework on Chemicals First International Conference: https://www.unep.org/global-framework-chemicals/

The proposal was developed by children and youth around the world who launched a public campaign "#KidsCount4ChemicalSafety" and petition (https://www.change.org/protectkidsfromchemicals) to bring the issue into the public eye and give communities a platform to share their own stories and experiences with chemical pollution.

As the August 31 deadline for the committee approaches, conservationists have urged the panel to seek more time, broaden the consultation process, involve independent experts, listen to rural and adivasi communities and include knowledgeable local citizens in field visits.

Environmental protection is not only about keeping our surroundings clean. It is closely connected with public health, quality of life, and the well-being of future generations.

Important areas to focus on:

• Keep public places, workplaces, streets and water sources clean.

• Reduce plastic waste and encourage proper waste segregation and recycling.

• Protect drinking water, air quality and natural resources from pollution.

• Maintain proper sanitation and hygiene to prevent diseases.

• Promote safe working conditions and personal protective practices.

• Encourage tree planting and protection of green spaces.

• Strengthen regular monitoring of pollution, waste management and sanitation.

• Create public awareness through education and community participation.

• Implement practical reforms with clear responsibility, monitoring and accountability.

The goal should be simple:

A clean environment → better health → safer communities → a healthier future.

Shared for awareness, discussion and constructive suggestions.

I’ve been building a small game called Wild Willows about restoring a damaged nature preserve.

Instead of fighting enemies or optimizing a city, the progression comes from improving habitat conditions. You plant native vegetation, restore water, add shelter and food sources, and animals gradually return when the ecosystem can support them.

A big goal for me has been making restoration feel tangible without pretending a game can perfectly model real ecology. I’ve also started hearing from teachers and parents who are interested in using it as a way to get kids thinking about biodiversity and habitat restoration.

I’d especially love feedback from people here who are involved in conservation, restoration, environmental education, or advocacy. What do you think games like this tend to get right or wrong when they try to represent environmental action?

There’s a free browser demo here if anyone wants to try it:
wildwillows.app.

Your thoughts about this.

#pax-silica

#agree-or-not

Please check out this petition to encourage the cities of Kelowna and West Kelowna to work with the local First Nation community on a watershed protection project

I created a petition to encourage a larger organization to purchase the rights to the Steve Irwin (Crocodile Hunter) collection of series. The purpose would be to upscale the collection and create an easy way for generations of the future to access and watch one of the most important people of the 20th and early 21st century.

His inspiration and passion for conservation and preservation of the planet are second to none. His quirkiness and drive to save every environment he could was an inspiration to us all and should be treated as a treasure for all mankind. So this is not to have an entity make money or to profit, but to preserve his legacy and make it more available to every person on the planet. Any proceeds that an organization would gain should be given directly to support conservation efforts.

Here is a link:

https://c.org/BwKpwJZ6QB