The Redwoods forests are a magnificent part of Yurok heritage and present day life. (Photo: Michael Schweppe via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED)

Towering Redwood trees cover much of what is now northern California. Old growth groves can boast trees over 20 feet wide that have stood on that spot over 2,000 years. These ancient plants have always been critical to the culture and provision of Indigenous people local to the region, among them the prominent Yurok Tribe. While this connection to the Redwoods remains strong today, most Yurok and neighboring Indigenous lands were stolen away in greed for gold and lumber over the years. Now, a historic memorandum signed on March 19, 2024, agrees to transfer an important 125-acre parcel known as ‘O Rew back to the Yurok Tribe, who will co-manage a “gateway” to the state and National Parks with these respective park services.

The agreement is signed by the Tribe, the Save the Redwoods League, the National Park Service, and California State Parks. The Save the Redwoods League is a non-profit who currently owns the land, which they purchased in 2013 with the purpose of restoring it. It had previously been paved and its natural stream obstructed by a lumber company. In a statement, Joseph L. James, the chairman of the Yurok Tribe, announced, “On behalf of the Yurok people, I want to sincerely thank Save the Redwoods League for committing to repatriate this critical part of our homeland. We are also appreciative of Redwood National and State Parks’ participation in this truly one-of-a-kind partnership. Together, we are creating a new conservation model that recognizes the value of Tribal land management.”

The Tribe will soon be the official owners of the land which will serve as a “gateway” to the magnificent redwood parks. ‘O Rew will connect to trails within the parks, allowing access. The Tribe is working to restore native plant life be reseeding thousands of plants. They are continuing their partnership with Save the Redwoods to restore Prairie Creek, which runs through ‘O Rew and was once a salmon habitat. A new channel has been cut with ponds. Frogs, salamanders, and salmon have already begun to return in impressive numbers.

In addition to the restoration of the natural landscape, the Tribe and the other signatories have planned educational and cultural sites. A visitor center will welcome, while a cultural center will display artifacts repatriated to the Tribe. Traditional plank houses and a sweat lodge will also give insight into how Yurok past and present have been influenced by the Redwoods. Armando Quintero, director of California State Parks, said, “This historic agreement provides a pathway for the addition of Indigenous lands to the suite of values employed in co-managing and protecting Redwood National and State Parks lands for the enjoyment of public and Indigenous peoples in the region.”

There is a growing Land Back movement to return stolen lands to Indigenous tribes, particularly the National Parks. The transfer of ‘O Rew hopefully foresees transfers to come, and it will help steward the Redwoods into the future.

A portion of land which serves as a gateway to the Redwood National and State Parks will be returned to the Indigenous ownership of the Yurok Tribe, who will co-manage with the park services.

A reconstructed, traditional Yurok plank house using Redwood boards. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain)

h/t: [The Guardian]

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READ: Yurok Becomes First Tribe to Co-Manage Land With National Park Service

 

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Una publicación compartida por Lærke Luna (@laerke_luna)

Nature has provided us with some unusual friendships, but arguably none as cute as Russell the crow and a 2-year-old boy named Otto. Though Russell is a wild bird, he visits Otto and his family often. When the toddler is at home, he sits patiently by the window, waiting to be let in and watch TV with his human friend. When Otto is at school, the crow sits on the roof of the family home, waiting for his pal to return.

Their adventures together have been documented by Otto's mom, Lærke Luna. While she has been happy to see her son develop a magical bond with the bird, she never leaves them unsupervised. This has also meant that Russell enjoys being around Luna, unabashedly landing on her shoulder and playing with her hair.

Russell's love for Otto and his family seems to date back to when Luna's boyfriend spotted him, really thin and in distress. After trying to reach out to a wildlife rehabilitator, they couldn't find one in the vicinity. Not willing to give up on the crow, they took him in and nursed him back to health. And so, Russell has been around ever since, getting treats and bringing little trinkets in return.

But as much as he enjoys the family's company, Russell seems to only have eyes for Otto. Luna has captured him following the toddler around on walks and tricycle rides—much to the little boy’s delight, who smiles whenever he turns around to see his friend. The friendly crow also seems to enjoy watching Otto play with his toy trucks, whether inside or outside the house. The toddler's mom also shares that Russell only accepts pets from Otto, as he gets away from anyone else that tries to touch him. As for the family's furry friends, Luna describes their relationship as “love-hate,” as the bird loves to tease their cats and dogs.

“Living with Russell means there's never a dull moment in our life,” Luna tells The Dodo. “He allows us to interact with nature in a way that most people are not able to. We're his flock.” To stay up to date with Otto's adventures with Russell, you can follow Luna on Instagram.

Few friendships are as cute as the bond between Russell the crow and a 2-year-old named Otto.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Lærke Luna (@laerke_luna)

Russell loves to follow Otto on walks and tricycle rides, much to the delight of the toddler, who always smiles when he turns to see his friend.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Lærke Luna (@laerke_luna)

“Living with Russell means there's never a dull moment in our life,” says Lærke Luna, Otto's mom.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Lærke Luna (@laerke_luna)

Lærke Luna: Instagram
h/t: [The Dodo]

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READ: Wild Crow Waits for 2-Year-Old Human Best Friend to Come Home From School Every Day

Photo: Lihana111/Depositphotos

There are approximately 15,500 golf courses located in the United States, and they tend to have negative effects on the environment. Between land being cleared for the fairway and the excessive amount of water and pesticides needed to keep the grass looking green and lush, it is no surprise that golf courses have come under increasing scrutiny from environmental agencies and activists in recent years. However, in certain locations, there may be a silver lining, as abandoned golf courses are being reclaimed by nature.

The number of golf course closures have outweighed openings every year since 2006. Conservation agencies have a vested interest in acquiring these abandoned golf courses and restoring them to their original landscapes to combat the effects of climate change. From locations on the west coast in California to places in the Midwest such as Ohio, these efforts are nationwide. Some former golf courses in the United Kingdom and Australia have also been part of the revitalization process as well.

Some of the strategies that conservationists have employed involve reintroducing native plants and animals to the golf courses, combining golf courses with already existing parks, and restoring wetlands and swamps. All of this is part of an effort to restore biodiversity and, hopefully, restore these swaths of land to what they looked like before they were cleared.

Abandoned golf courses in the United States are being reclaimed by nature, thanks to the efforts of conservationists.

Photo: ejkrouse/Depositphotos

h/t: [Reddit]

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READ: Abandoned Golf Courses Are Being Reclaimed by Nature Thanks to Conservation Groups

There are two sides to every coin, and this year the United States Mint will continue to celebrate various female figures throughout history by placing them on one side of the U.S. quarter. From Civil War era surgeon Dr. Mary Edwards Walker to salsa sensation Celia Cruz, this year will highlight impactful representations of women who have played significant roles in enacting positive change. These carefully designed portraits that depict five different women on U.S. quarters emphasize the way imagery shapes our understanding of people. These coins are “pocket portraits” that can inspire people to continue making a positive impact in their communities.

Peeling back the layers of these images emphasizes the importance of accurate visual representations of historical figures. As the perfect pocket portraits, hopefully these images of strong women spark an encouraging spirit to find ways of positively impacting the world.

The proof set of the 2024 American Women Quarters is now available for $23. Scroll down to learn a bit more about each woman.

The United States Mint has unveiled new U.S. quarter designs in honor of five pioneering women in various fields.

Dr. Mary Edwards Walker

Dr. Mary Edwards Walker's posture emits a sense of strength in the way that she confronts the viewer. The only female to earn such a high achievement, she is featured with her Medal of Honor. Born in New York, her family valued education. Dr. Edwards continued her education at the Syracuse Medical School where she earned her degree. At the inception of the Civil War, Dr. Edwards dedicated herself to providing medical assistance to those injured in war. She also founded the Women's Relief Organization, which supported families of soldiers wounded in action.

Pauli Muray

Pauli Muray was a reverend and established poet who passionately fought for civil rights. Born in Baltimore, Murray earned her degree from the Harvard University law program with a focus on civil rights law. Later in her career, Reverend Murray co-founded the National Organization for Women. Her dedication to improving the quality of life for all continues to live on in this design. Her portrait spans across the capitalized word “HOPE,” her face framed by the curved line of the letter “O.” Murray believed deeply that hope acts as a cornerstone for positive social changes. Her incredible efforts motivate people to act with the intention of a bright future.

Patsy Takemoto Mink

The etching of Patsy Takemoto Mink represents her unwavering faith in equal opportunity education, gender and racial equality, and care for the environment fueled her to enact hopeful change. Takemoto Mink achieved her degree from the University of Chicago in the early 1950s. Her graduating class included her and one other female, immediately speaking to her concern for gender equality. The life and efforts of Takemoto Mink inspire people to achieve the goals you set out for yourself, which is highlighted in her appearance on the U.S. quarter. She is depicted as a woman of action, writing legislation in front of a government building. This scene features her with a Hawaiian lei gracefully draped around her neck, emphasizing her environmentally conscious efforts.

Zitkala-Ša (“Red Bird”)

Native American figure Zitkala-Ša's composition includes her figure, holding a book and looking off into the distance. There is a sun in the background with a bird flying off to the left of the frame. She wears traditional Native American clothing and is accompanied by the words “Author. Activist. Composer.” Zitkala-Ša, Red Bird, was raised by her mother and on a reservation in South Dakota, until she was taken to Indiana by Quaker missionaries. There, she briefly attended the White's Indiana Manual Labor Institute. Her life experiences fueled her desire to actively encourage social change through her writing and music. This composition uses visual imagery to inspire viewers to dig deeper and achieve even greater feats of positivity.

Celia Cruz

The lively spirit of Cuban salsa dancer and singer Celia Cruz comes to life in this composition that celebrates her zesty personality. Growing up in Havana, Cruz was surrounded by the vibrant nature of Cuban music. Eventually, the pursuit of her singing career led her to move to the United States after the Cuban Revolution in the 1950s. As if you can hear the beat of the music, this tiny portrait evokes movement as the fabric of her garb flows across the coin. Cruz wears a joyful smile on her face, perhaps inspiring people to embody a similar energy.

h/t [Fast Company]

All images via the United States Mint.

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READ: 5 Trailblazers Will Be Featured on U.S. Quarters To Celebrate Women Throughout History

Last year, a video of construction workers filling a boy's toy truck with dirt from their excavator went viral. The internet absolutely adored the video because of its wholesome nature and the attitude of the adults involved, as they played along with the boy and performed a good deed that absolutely made his day. Recently, another video has surfaced of a separate set of outdoor laborers doing the same thing for a little boy.

The video starts with a young boy excitedly running up to a pair of construction workers with his yellow toy dump truck. The working men wave at him before a woman, who is presumably his mother, comes into the frame and pulls him back from the construction zone. Then, the boy waits with him mom on the sidelines as the construction workers carefully scoop up some dirt with their excavator and deposit it in the back of the toy dump truck. The boy watches, visibly overjoyed, as he gestures at the workers and jumps happily.

The video ends with the construction workers pushing the toy truck back towards the boy, as one of them bends down and shakes his hand. The boy's joy is contagious, and it's hard not to be filled with the same level of happiness as you watch the video. As one Redditor put it, “That kid will be on his deathbed telling that story to anyone who’ll listen. He will never forget that memory.”

A construction crew taking a break from their work decided to fill a little boy's toy dump truck with dirt from an excavator. Redditors were delighted by the wholesome video.

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h/t: [Reddit]

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READ: Construction Workers Bring a Smile to a Boy’s Face by Filling His Dump Truck With Dirt From an Excavator

@dmonte_fashion My niece called me out to do her talent show with herwe killed it I got hired by a 3rd grader anything for the youth❤️❤️ #kidzbop #kid #kids #kidsoftiktok #kidsactivities #kidsshow #kidsbelike #kidscomedy #happy #family #fashion #style #explore #nike #jordans #Prada #dolceandgabbana #Mercede #Lamborghini ♬ original sound – Dmonte_fashion

Few things make children as happy as seeing their families supporting them at school recitals. This means not only showing up on their big day, but also helping them with preparations. For one uncle, this meant responding to his niece's call to be her back up dancer. Not only did he agree, but he actually enhanced the girl's performance with an amazing dance routine.

The video was shared by the uncle himself, Dmonte Young (aka @dmonte_fashion), who is a dancer known simply as Dmonte. “My niece called me out to do her talent show with her. We killed it,” he wrote in the caption, before joking about being hired by a third grader. On Instagram, the uncle even liked one of his commenters who wrote, “Love will make you do some crazy things bro.”

In the clip, Dmonte appears behind his niece, who is singing “Dance Monkey” by Australian singer Tones and I. Meanwhile, the supportive uncle is giving a professional-level performance behind her, swaying and moonwalking to the song. All of the kids in the audience are clearly excited by the entire performance and can be seen cheerfully clapping and singing along.

Viewers of the video say that Dmonte is worthy of the “Uncle of the Year” award, while comparing his silky smooth moves to Usher. Additionally, they've praised the niece's savviness for bringing her uncle along for one stellar presentation. And while this performance has been a sweeping success, it’s safe to say the uncle and niece have surely made a memory for a lifetime—one that'll remind the girl that her uncle will always be there for her.

h/t: [Reddit]

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@alibrookea 60 years and he still looks at her like that ❤️ #GoForTheHandful #GetCrocd #weddingtiktok #weddingdresses ♬ It's Been A Long Long Time – Harry James

For many lucky couples that have gotten to grow old together, their love is as strong as it was on the day they said, “I do.” And while they may no longer look like they did in their old wedding photos, they still share the same attraction and adoration for one another. Just look at the way this grandpa looks at his wife, who tried on her wedding dress 60 years after walking down the aisle.

The moment was captured by Ali Odom, the couple's granddaughter, and shared on TikTok. In the clip, the grandma proudly steps out wearing her vintage wedding dress. The gown still fits her perfectly, as though no time has passed at all. She then approaches her husband, who is sitting on the other side of the room. Once he sets his eyes on her, his eyes light up. While she plays around with the dress, he can't help but stare at her with a wide, loving smile.

“60 years and he still looks at her like that,” Odom captioned the clip. As if proof was needed that that was indeed her grandma's timeless dress, the granddaughter also shared a couple of images from her grandparents' wedding. Moved by their sweet exchange, Odom's followers asked her to share more pictures of her grandparents. The woman happily obliged, presenting pictures of the couple—now in color–welcoming a baby, lounging in chairs, and celebrating anniversaries. The proud granddaughter simply captioned the video: “I want a love like this. 63 years & counting.”

A grandma tried on her wedding dress 60 years after walking down the aisle, and her husband's reaction is heartwarming.

@alibrookea Reply to @mtredeau I want a love like this. 63 years & counting #loveyou #weddingtiktok #couple ♬ Sunday Kind of Love – Etta James

h/t: [Reddit]

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READ: Grandma Tries on Her Wedding Dress After 60 Years of Marriage and Grandpa Can’t Take His Eyes off of Her

It's common for people to get a little nervous when they meet their in-laws for the first time. It can be especially daunting when you don't share the same language or culture. Fortunately, bonds can usually be built with time. Claire and Peter, a couple of travel bloggers, recently visited China, where Claire's grandparents live. There, they documented the process of her grandma slowly warming up to Peter with adorable results.

The short video shows the day Claire introduced Peter to her grandmother. The older woman stares at him from the other side of the table with a serious look on her face. A week later, the grandma still looks unimpressed by Peter, and the needle doesn't seem to be moving in the right direction. When asked whether she likes him despite him not being Chinese, she says, “As long as he's a good person, that's all that matters.”

Luckily, by the third week, the grandmother seems to have gotten to know him better. She can be seen smiling wide at Peter, squeezing his arm, and giving him big hug. As it finally comes time to say goodbye, the look on the grandma's face visibly shows her sadness to see them go as she waves from behind the gate. For all the heartbreak of the parting, it's heartwarming to see that Peter eventually grew on her.

Meanwhile, Claire's grandpa seems to have held him in high regard since the first day. When his granddaughter asks him if he likes Peter despite not being Chinese, he replies that he likes him very much. The grandpa even commends that Peter likes to eat Chinese food and listens to Claire. “I wouldn't like him if he smoked,” he adds. “I don't like smokers.”

To stay up to date with Claire and Peter, you can subscribe to their YouTube channel.

Claire and Peter, a couple of travel bloggers, recently visited China, where Claire's grandparents live. There, they documented the process of her grandma slowly warming up to Peter.

 

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Una publicación compartida por CLAIRE & PETER (@claireandpeter)

Meanwhile, Claire's grandpa seems to have held him in high regard since the first day.

h/t: [Good]

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Those pianos sitting in public places are beacons of beautiful music. You never know whether a famous musician or a prolific pedestrian will stop and play a few notes for passersby. Being blessed with an exciting performance on your daily commute is a treat on its own, but some lucky travelers were regaled with a festive piano and violin duet, courtesy of pianist Aurélien Froissart and a talented 9-year-old named Dina Mourard.

The encounter was shared by Froissart on social media. In the video, the pianist is approached by a girl in pigtails, who asks him if he can play “Carol of the Bells.” After confirming that he can, Dina takes her violin out of its case and gets ready to play. Following his lead, she jumps right into the song, eliciting confused and delighted looks from the commuters around them.

For all the smiles and nods of approval they get, the viewer who appears most thrilled by the performance is Dina's little sister, who dances along to the music. At first, she sways on a bench, but soon she is seen twirling among the crowd. By the end, she is so excited, that she rushes to hug Dina. By then, everyone is enthralled by the show, and clap for both musicians at the end.

To watch more of Froissart's performances, visit his YouTube channel. To stay up to date with Dina's promising future, be sure to follow her on Instagram.

Aurélien Froissart: YouTube | TikTok
Dina Mourard: Instagram | TikTok

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Una publicación compartida por Meegan Rubin (@crochetobey)

What do you do on a long flight? Some people watch movies, others listen to music or play mobile games, and many opt to take a nap. For craft enthusiast Meegan Rubin, a flight home gave her the perfect opportunity to catch up on her crocheting. As she worked, she caught the eye of an unlikely admirer—a months-old baby named Romey, staring at her from across the aisle. Moved by her attention and noticing her yarn matched the baby's outfit, she decided to make a little wooly gift for her new fan.

With an hour left on the flight, Rubin worked against the clock on a little beanie, which she handed to Romey's parents when they landed. “Never seen someone work so fast in my life. I had no idea it was for us,” the baby's mom told to Good Morning America. “What a cool way to just do something nice for a stranger, and in turn, light up everyone else’s day.” The tender encounter was chronicled by Romey's parents on TikTok, who showed the baby wearing the beanie and called their followers to follow Rubin to pay it forward.

Rubin also shared the story on her Instagram. “I made some cool new friends on flight home from Mexico this past weekend,” she wrote. The crocheter recalled that while other kids were crying and distraught, Romey remained calm and entertained by Rubin's crochet work. “My heart melted,” the crafter admits. “She was adorable and deserving of a custom beanie!”

Little Romey has continued to wear her little beanie in the comfort of her home. Not only does she boast a big smile as she poses with her new favorite accessory, but her story even caught the attention of former First Lady Michelle Obama, who commended Rubin's work. “As someone who loves knitting, this story made my day,” Obama commented. “Beautiful stitches, Meegan—Romey looks adorable in her new beanie!”

While Rubin only began crocheting during the pandemic, she has quickly elevated her craft. This inspired her to launch a business called Crochet Obey, where she offers crocheted garments for all seasons. To see more of her work and stay up to date on what she has coming up, you can follow Rubin on Instagram.

Meegan Rubin noticed a baby named Romey looking at her as she worked on her crochet on a flight. Moved by her attention, she decided to make a beanie for the little one.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Meegan Rubin (@crochetobey)

Watch Romey wearing her new hat in the video below:

@kellyryan49 Good people are the best #babies #babiesoftiktok #flyingwithkids #payitforward #goodnews #goodnewsmovement #firstflight #flyinghacks #united @United Airlines ♬ Gods creation – daniel.mp3

Meegan Rubin (Crochet Obey): Instagram
h/t: [Good News Network]

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READ: Woman on Airplane Quickly Crochets Beanie for Baby Watching Her Needlework During Flight