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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According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 6,000 babies are born with Down syndrome in the U.S each year. Although the outlook for people with this condition has improved drastically over the last few decades, the assumptions around what they can and can't do continue to hamper their quality of life. To challenge these ideas, Coor Down, an Italian Down syndrome organization, launched a campaign titled “Assume That I Can” ahead of World Down Syndrome Awareness Day.

The pillar of this campaign is an ad starring Canadian actress Madison Tevlin. In the video, the 22-year-old addresses the camera, asking people in her life, from a bartender to her own parents, why they think she can't do certain things, like ordering a margarita or learning Shakespeare.

“Your assumption becomes reality,” Tevlin says, before exemplifying how. As an example, she posits that if her boxing coach assumes she can't hit harder, he won't train her to hit harder, and ultimately she won't hit harder—a vision that drips down to all other aspects of herself, and furthers the infantilization of people with Down syndrome.

“But hey!” she later interjects. “If your assumptions become reality, then assume I can drink a margarita. So you serve me a margarita, so I drink a margarita.” She goes on to list other activities like living on her own, having a job, and having sex. “Assume that I can, so maybe I will,” the spot concludes.

According to the National Down Syndrome Society, all people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is “mild to moderate” and not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses. They write, “People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, have meaningful relationships, vote, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways.”

Aiming to spotlight all the things people with Down syndrome can do, Coor Down also created shorter spots they've been sharing on Instagram. The clips show people with Down syndrome performing a myriad of activities, from surfing to running their own businesses. “This campaign was also born from listening to the people we represent,” says Antonella Falugiani, president of CoorDown ODV. “15 years after the ratification of the UN convention, their stories and experiences highlight how many prejudices and preconceptions limit and, sometimes, prevent people with Down syndrome from asserting themselves and achieving their dreams.”

Tevlin herself knows how these assumptions can hurt, having dealt with them her whole life. “When I was born, the doctor told my mom and dad that life would be really hard for me, saying that I can’t talk, or walk, or dance, or model, or act—or drinking or getting married—any of this stuff that’s part of normal life, and it’s so much fun proving people wrong.” she told CNN. “I always say that I have Down syndrome, and it’s the least interesting thing about me. The part of who I am, well it’s not all of me. We should all celebrate our differences in our own special and unique ways.”

To challenge the ideas around people with Down syndrome, Coor Down launched a campaign titled “Assume That I Can” ahead of World Down Syndrome Awareness Day.

 

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Una publicación compartida por CoorDown (@coordown)

The pillar of the campaign is a now-viral ad that stars 22-year-old Canadian actress Madison Tevlin.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Madison Tevlin (@madisontevlin)

Aiming to spotlight all the things people with Down syndrome can do, Coor Down also spotlights people performing a myriad of activities, from surfing to running their own businesess.

 

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Una publicación compartida por CoorDown (@coordown)

CoorDown: Website | Instagram
h/t: [CNN]

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READ: Powerful Ad Challenges Assumptions About People With Down Syndrome

 

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As Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” This certainly applies to New York-born competitive sailor Cole Brauer, the first American woman to competitively sail solo around the world. Her even keel personality and highly informed knowledge of the sport are the perfect recipe for success, as Brauer serves as a pillar in this industry. The 29-year-old began the Global Solo Challenge departing from A Coruña, Spain, in October 2023. Finally, she made her way back to land in March 2024, aboard her vessel named First Light. This competition is for sailors who desire a challenge to circumnavigate the sea, sharpening their skills with each wave they leave behind them.

Throughout her months at sea, Brauer was not phased by the wildly unpredictable behaviors of Mother Nature. She worked tirelessly towards achieving her incredible feat. Along the way, the determined competitor chronicled her 130-day journey at sea on Instagram. In addition to documenting her experiences, Brauer also educates her viewers on various sailing terminology and the application of different sailing techniques. For example, she references the term “reefing” the sail. This means to lower your sail to accommodate increases in wind, allowing the vessel to maintain a manageable speed that allows its captain to have more controlled steering.

As a former student of the University of Hawai'i, Brauer achieved many academic and athletic achievements. From earning the 2017 Jack Bonham Award for academic and athletic performance to being a part of the Intercollegiate Sailing Association Academic All-American Team twice, she continues to raise the bar. And with this latest challenge, Brauer had opportunities to refine her skills in the unique backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.

As the youngest competitor in the Global Solo Challenge, Brauer overcame the intense gales of the open sea. Even as water began to pile into her vessel, she quickly decided to use the pump to eliminate the excess. Extreme temperature changes, intense turbulence, and the uncertainty of what the next day would hold did not stop her from persevering. Thinking quickly on her feet, Brauer also made repairs to her vessel during the race. In an Instagram clip, Brauer addresses how her hydro generator was not functioning properly. She calmly identifies the problem and makes a plan to fix it. Ultimately, she is responsible for navigating the vessel and making any necessary repairs along the way. Through her social media videos, Brauer shows vulnerability by sharing the difficulties that she encountered throughout this challenge, while maintaining her composure.

As she circumnavigated from Spain to South Africa and Australia, Brauer finally crossed the Atlantic Ocean back to her starting point—A Coruña. Her dedicated spirit, enthusiasm for life, and desire to inspire young women to pursue their dreams shone through her expedition.

To stay up to date with Brauer’s future adventures, you can follow her on Instagram.

Cole Brauer has made history as the first American woman to race a sailboat solo around the world.

 

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A post shared by James Tomlinson Photography (@_jamestomlinson_)

She spent 130 days at sea as she circumnavigated around the world.

 

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A post shared by James Tomlinson Photography (@_jamestomlinson_)

Each day, sailing on the ocean brought daylight and a fresh horizon for Brauer.

 

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She approached life at sea with an open mind and joyful spirit.

 

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A post shared by North Sails (@northsails)

Brauer relished in the breathtaking scenery that accompanied her expedition.

 

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She also made sure to spend time recharging her battery with a little self care.

 

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Along the way, Brauer shared her journey with her followers, marking how far she'd traveled and how much was left.

 

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In the end, the inspiring young woman completed her journey by earning second place in the Global Solo Challenge.

 

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A post shared by James Tomlinson Photography (@_jamestomlinson_)

Cole Brauer: Facebook | Instagram
h/t: [Good News Network]

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READ: 29-Year-Old Becomes First American Woman To Complete Solo Sailing Race Around the World

 

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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.

 

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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

 

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In 2018, when Hemesh Chadalavada was 12 years old, his grandmother forgot to turn off the gas after she made herself a cup of tea. This experience caused Hemesh to spend hours on YouTube learning about robotics in order to figure out if he could create a device that would detect these accidents in case he wasn't there. The research ultimately led the teenager to invent the ALpha Monitor, a badge-like device designed for dementia patients that sends out an alert if the person wearing it falls or wanders off.

Hemesh developed the device with information from a care center run by the Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India. In 2022, he beat 18,000 other entries and won a $120,000 grant in a Samsung-sponsored science fair. This resulted in the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, posting on X (formerly Twitter) that he “really admired” Hemesh.

Even though Hemesh's grandmother, Jayasree, passed away in 2023 from Alzheimer's, the young inventor's ALpha Monitor has the potential to improve the lives of the more than 55 million people living with dementia today. The teenager will finish the exam season in March and then will devote all of his time to getting the ALpha Monitor on the market by September. After the device is for sale, Hemesh plans to go abroad to study robotics.

Those interested in keeping up with the ALpha Monitor's production and Hemesh's career can visit his website and follow him on Instagram.

A teenager named Hemesh Chadalavada has invented a badge-like device for dementia patients that will send out an alert if the patient falls or wanders off.

 

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A post shared by Hemesh Chadalavada (@hemeshch)

Here he is in 2020, introducing the ALpha Monitor.

His innovative prototype made him a top 10 finalist of the competitive Samsung's Solve for Tomorrow Challenge

 

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A post shared by Hemesh Chadalavada (@hemeshch)

In fact, Hemesh beat out 18,000 applicants and won the whole competition.

 

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A post shared by Hemesh Chadalavada (@hemeshch)

Hemesh Chadalavada: Website | Instagram | YouTube
h/t: [Good News Network]

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READ: Teen Invents Gadget To Help Dementia Patients Like His Grandmother

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.

Related Articles:

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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

I missed the #Oscars2024
This is how some of the artists' community members done in solidarity with people of #Gaza (on first day of #Ramadan , they spent five months of forcibly fasting).#Artists4Ceasefire #Oscars pic.twitter.com/IaH5T0FCwY

— Fadi Al-Qadi (@fqadi) March 11, 2024

On Oscar night, aside from celebrating the winners, most people are eyeing the fashion worn by celebrities. And anyone with a keen eye might have spotted several of them sporting a red pin. This pin, which also features the black outline of an orange hand with a heart, is part of the Artists4Ceasefire initiative.

Created by a collective of artists and advocates, Artists4Ceasefire uses the platforms of musicians, actors, and other creators to call for a ceasefire in the conflict between Palestine and Israel. In October 2023, the organization sent an open letter to President Biden asking him and members of the U.S. Congress to call for de-escalation and cease-fire in Gaza and Israel.

According to news sources, more than 400 artists have signed onto the initiative, including Billie Eilish, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Lopez, Ava DuVernay, and America Ferrara.

 

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The pin was designed to promote the organization's motto that people need to lead with love. According to its website, “The orange hand conveys the beautiful community of people from all backgrounds that have come together in support of centering our shared humanity. The heart being cradled in the center of the hand is an invitation for us to lead with our hearts, always, to lead with love.”

#PoorThings star Ramy Youssef talks to THR about his Artists4Ceasefire pin while on the red carpet at the #Oscars pic.twitter.com/ACzHyd7xnm

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 10, 2024

Actor Ramy Youssef, who stars in Poor Things, discussed the meaning behind the pin with The Hollywood Reporter while on the red carpet.

“We have so many artists here tonight wearing it,” Youssef shared. “We’re all calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. We’re calling for the safety of everyone involved.”

This isn't the first time that celebrities have adorned the Artists4Ceasefire pin for an important event. Members of Boygenius wore the pins during February's Grammys, an evening that saw them win four awards. Singer Annie Lennox also mentioned Artists4Ceasefire at the end of her moving tribute to Sinéad O'Connor.

 

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Artists4Ceasefire: Website | 
h/t: [ABC Action News]

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READ: Here’s Why Many Celebrities Wore Red Pins to the 2024 Oscars

Photo: chormail@hotmail.com/Depositphotos

If you were to turn 102 years old, how would you celebrate? A woman from Iowa who just reached this age came up with a unique celebration. In honor of her 102nd birthday, Trudy Handleman asked for 102 canned goods to be collected and donated to a local food pantry. The response from her community was so positive that, in the end, over 400 items were given to charity.

“We’ve gotten such a wonderful response. It’s been just great,” said Handleman to KWQC. But requesting the donations wasn't the end of it. She then joined the staff of Quartet Senior Living, the nursing home she lives at, to drop off all the collected goods at Friendly House Food Pantry in Davenport in her name. “I want to be part of that final step when we actually put the things where they’ll be used,” the woman added.

On top of running a food pantry, Friendly House also serves the community by providing affordable childcare, senior and family services, shelter, food pantry access, and tax filing assistance. Since donations are always needed for their food pantry, Handleman's effort turned out to be priceless.

“We serve mostly our neighborhood but ironically we were literally just in the pantry looking to a food order and kind of see what we need to do, and in the food order, a donation came in so it was very nice,” said Friendly House’s Executive Director, Terry Hendershott. Their food pantry typically serve 65-100 families a month, and the woman's donation can help up to 30 families.

“No matter how large or how small the project, if you put your heart into it and you really care, you get so many followers, friends, and those are long away and they all want to join you,” Handleman added. Aware that people in her community may be struggling, she hopes her birthday celebration inspires others to help those in need.

“It’s more fun to give than to receive,” the woman concluded. That’s an old cliché, and that sounds a little corny, but you know it’s true. It’s true and the older you get, the more you do, the more you appreciate it yourself, as well as the people to whom you give on this food.”

Photo: AndrewTovstyzhenko/Depositphotos

Photo: belchonock/Depositphotos

h/t: [KWQC]

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READ: 102-Year-Old Woman Asks for Donations to a Local Food Pantry for Her Birthday and Her Community Delivers