Only 1% Left: Why the Future of Food Starts with the Soil

biodiversity, ecosystems, Farming, nature conservation, soil health


We live on a planet where 70% of the surface is water. That leaves just 30% as land—our home, our farms, our forests, our communities.

Now here’s where it gets sobering:
Roughly one-third of that land is used for agriculture. But half of that agricultural land is degraded. In practical terms, that means only about 5% of the Earth’s surface is currently available to grow the food that feeds the global population.

And it’s getting worse.
If current trends continue, by 2050, just 1% of the Earth’s surface will remain productive and nutritious enough to grow food. One percent—to feed an estimated 10 billion people.

That math doesn’t work.

I know it sounds dramatic. But this isn’t fiction. It’s the real and fast-approaching future unless we act—decisively and urgently—to restore the land that sustains us.

Why This Matters More Than Anything Else

95% of our food comes from the soil. Without healthy soil, there is no agriculture. Without agriculture, there is no food. Without food, well—there’s no business, no economy, no stability, no peace.

We can’t invent our way around dead soil. No amount of money can buy food that doesn’t exist.
No soil = No us.

The health of people is directly tied to the health of our planet’s soil. Nutrient-rich soil means nutrient-rich food. When soil degrades, our health degrades with it.

What Do We Do?

This is not just a problem for farmers or environmentalists—it’s a challenge for all of us. We need to:

  • Restore degraded lands through conservation practices and regenerative agriculture.

  • Support local, sustainable food systems that value soil health over short-term yields.

  • Protect remaining productive land from erosion, pollution, and overuse.

  • Educate others about how our choices—what we eat, how we grow it, and where it comes from—directly impact the future of food and the health of the Earth.

The Bottom Line

We don’t get another planet. This one comes with limits. And we are pushing those limits hard.

The land isn’t just where we grow crops. It’s where we live, where we walk, where we build our lives. And unless we learn to care for it, we will find ourselves with no food, no stability—and no future.

It’s time to treat soil like the sacred resource it is. Because the truth is simple: no healthy soil, no healthy us.

By Ron Dodson | The Nature of Things

The Big Beautiful Bill? Or a Blueprint for Undermining What Really Matters?

Wildlife & Plants

What if a piece of legislation, wrapped in patriotic language and promises of tax relief, was quietly dismantling the very foundations of democracy, community, and environmental stewardship?

That’s exactly what many of us believe is happening with the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (H.R. 1), passed by the House this May. It’s been called beautiful. Bold. Even historic. But let’s be honest—when you peel back the layers, this bill is a full-scale blueprint for weakening the role of local communities, eroding environmental protections, and concentrating power in ways that run counter to everything I’ve spent my life advocating for.

1. It Rolls Back Environmental Progress

This bill guts clean energy programs and pours billions into fossil fuel exploration. It undermines climate resilience and cancels out incentives that helped communities transition toward sustainable practices. Conservation entrepreneurs, like myself and many of you reading this, know that protecting the land and using it wisely isn’t just good for nature—it’s good business. This bill turns its back on that truth.

2. It Punishes the People Closest to the Land

Farm workers, local food producers, and the people who take care of our natural resources—many of them immigrants or low-income families—are hit hard. The bill cuts access to basic programs like Medicaid and SNAP, adds punitive work requirements, and punishes states that support immigrant populations, even when they’re here legally.

If we want to build thriving conservation communities, we need to support the people doing the work. This bill does the opposite.

3. It Undermines the Courts and Our Ability to Push Back

One of the most dangerous aspects of the bill is that it limits the ability of federal courts to check executive overreach. That might sound procedural, but it’s not. Our courts have been critical to defending public land, clean water, and environmental justice. Without them, the door opens wide for top-down control with little accountability.

4. It Uses Populist Language to Mask Authoritarian Goals

Eliminating taxes on tips. Creating MAGA investment accounts. These might sound like wins for working people, but they’re just shiny distractions. The real impact? Massive tax cuts for the wealthy, reduced funding for social programs, and a deeper divide between those who have and those who don’t.

Authoritarian systems often use feel-good slogans to get people cheering while they quietly consolidate power. That’s what’s happening here.

5. It Undermines Local Resilience and Conservation Entrepreneurship

The heart of my work—whether through The Conservation Company, my writing, or local food and landscape initiatives—is about helping communities build resilience. This bill strips resources from towns, ties the hands of local leaders, and puts decision-making in the hands of a few powerful voices in Washington.

It’s the opposite of what we need.

Final Thoughts: This Isn’t Just Policy—It’s a Test of Our Values

We have a choice. Do we allow this kind of top-down, extractive, and regressive legislation to shape our future? Or do we push back with real solutions rooted in conservation, education, and democratic values?

The so-called Big Beautiful Bill is not beautiful. It’s a warning.

Let’s take it seriously.

—
Ron Dodson
Founder, The Conservation Company
Publisher, The Nature of Things

The Cleanup Crew: Why Crows Were Flipping Over Leaves in Your Yard

Home Landscapes, , , , , , , ,

My wife Theresa recently noticed a group of crows in our front yard flipping over a pile of leaves left from winter, you might have wondered what they were up to. While it may have looked like mischief, those crows were actually on a purposeful mission—one rooted in survival, intelligence, and nature’s built-in clean-up crew. It is the nature of things.

Crows: The Clever Foragers

Crows (part of the corvid family) are among the most intelligent birds in the world. They have problem-solving skills, can use tools, and often work together in groups to find food. During the colder months, food can be scarce, so crows take advantage of any opportunity to scavenge for meals, especially in early spring when nature is waking back up.

A pile of leaves that has sat through the winter becomes an all-you-can-eat buffet for these resourceful birds. Here’s why:

What’s Hiding Under the Leaves?

Over the winter, leaves create a damp, warm environment, perfect for insects, worms, and other small creatures to take shelter. As the weather warms, these hidden critters become more active, and crows know that turning over leaves will expose a feast of:

  • Grubs and Beetles – Many beetle species lay their eggs in the soil in fall, and by spring, their larvae (grubs) are plump and ready for a crow’s meal.
  • Earthworms – Moist leaf litter keeps the ground underneath from drying out too quickly, making it a hotspot for worms.
  • Spiders and Small Invertebrates – Many tiny creatures use leaf piles for winter shelter, and when crows start digging, they have nowhere to hide.

Crows have excellent memories and strong observational skills, so if they’ve found food in leaf piles before, they’ll keep checking similar spots in the future.

Crows and the Natural Cleanup Process

While their foraging may look like a bit of a mess, crows are actually helping your yard. By flipping over and scattering old leaves, they:

  • Aerate the Soil – Loosening compacted leaf piles allows moisture and oxygen to reach the ground, benefiting plant growth.
  • Control Pests – By eating grubs and insects, they reduce populations of lawn and garden pests, like Japanese beetle larvae.
  • Speed Up Decomposition – Their movement helps break up the leaves, allowing them to decompose faster and return nutrients to the soil.

Essentially, crows are doing a natural job that mimics what gardeners do when they turn compost or rake leaves to enrich their soil.

Should You Let Them Do Their Work?

If you don’t mind a little temporary mess, letting crows sift through your leaf piles can be beneficial. They’re performing natural pest control and soil enrichment for free! However, if you prefer to keep things tidier, consider:

  • Spreading out the leaves yourself – This can help accelerate decomposition while still providing food for birds.
  • Composting them – A contained compost pile will still attract beneficial insects but won’t be as much of a visual mess.
  • Letting nature take its course – Crows will finish their foraging quickly and move on.

Crows: Not Just Scavengers, But Ecosystem Helpers

While some people see crows as nuisance birds, they play an important role in ecosystems. They clean up roadkill, disperse seeds, control insect populations, and even recognize individual humans—sometimes leaving small “gifts” in return for kindness.

So, the next time you see a group of crows turning over your leaves, take a moment to appreciate them as nature’s cleanup crew. They’re just making a living—while helping your yard in the process.

The Winding Path

Wildlife & Plants

Down the road from where you dwell,

The trees arch high, their branches swell.

Winter’s whispers brush the air,

Bare limbs reach skyward, sparse and bare.

The asphalt curves, a gentle bend,

A ribbon stretched to journey’s end.

The golden light of morning gleams,

Awakening quiet country dreams.

Electric wires trace the skies,

A modern thread where nature lies.

Yet harmony flows through this space,

Where time moves slow, a steady pace.

Each step you take, the earth reveals

The quiet song the season seals.

A road that’s more than just a way,

It holds the stories of the day.

Breathe deep the air, the moment stays,

A fleeting glimpse of fleeting days.

For down this road, as seasons turn,

There’s always something new to learn.

A Warm Winter Walk on Waldenmaier Road

biodiversity, ecosystems, Home Landscapes, nature conservation, Neighborhoods, , ,

December 29, 2024

There’s something special about walking down Waldenmaier Road on a mild winter day. Today was one of those days when nature seemed to take a deep breath and pause between seasons, blurring the lines of winter’s reign. My wife and I decided to stroll despite the drizzle and the low clouds that scuttled across the sky, blowing steadily from south to north.

The road felt quiet but not empty. Beside our home stretches the 50-acre field we’ve known so well. It was cloaked in a clean, white sheet of snow for weeks, reflecting the light of shorter days and colder nights. But the recent rains and unseasonably warm 50-degree temperatures have stripped it bare, leaving behind a patchwork of brown and gold grass, damp and glistening under the overcast sky. It’s the kind of winter brown that reminds you the earth is resting, not lifeless—preparing itself for the blooms of spring.

As we walked, the view of the Helderberg Escarpment unfolded before us, hazy and mystical in the distance. It’s one of my favorite sights, no matter the season. Today, the escarpment was wrapped in low-hanging clouds that seemed to drift like veils over the peaks, partially hiding the majesty of John B. Thacher State Park. The cliffs appeared darker than usual, as if the rain had deepened their hue, but they stood steadfast, a reminder of time and resilience.

Even in the stillness of winter, nature abounds. Along the roadside, tufts of hardy grasses pushed through the damp soil. Birds—mostly sparrows and juncos—flitted in and out of the bare hedgerows, their feathers puffed against the cool, wet breeze. A red-tailed hawk soared above the field, its broad wings cutting through the layers of gray sky, scanning the ground for movement. The hawk reminded me that life doesn’t stop just because the earth is quieter and colder. It adapts and carries on.

The wind began to blow steadily as we walked, but it didn’t bother us. There’s comfort in the rhythm of the few remaining brown leaves hanging from the trees. My wife and I talked about everything and nothing, savoring the simplicity of the moment. It’s amazing how a walk can make the world feel bigger and smaller all at once.

We paused near the edge of the field, where the road bends slightly, offering a better view of the escarpment. I found myself grateful for days like this. Even in the heart of winter, the landscape hums with quiet vitality. The field, the hills, the trees—everything is alive, even if it’s resting or waiting.

As we turned back toward home, I caught a glimpse of a flock of geese flying low, their honks echoing faintly through the misty air. I smiled, thinking how they were following their rhythms, adjusting to the weather, just as we all do.

Back at our door, with damp coats and warm hearts, I realized that this walk was more than just a stroll. It reminded us how deeply we’re connected to the place we call home and the seasons that shape our days. Even on a warm winter day like this, with its soft rains and muted colors, nature has a way of speaking—if we take the time to listen.

A Late Afternoon Walk Through Hollyhock Hollow Sanctuary

biodiversity, birds, ecosystems, nature conservation

Yesterday, Theresa and I took advantage of the unseasonably warm weather and headed out for a late afternoon walk through Hollyhock Hollow Sanctuary. The Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy manages this 138-acre preserved wilderness, which has always been one of our favorite places to connect with nature and unwind. During my working life, my office was at Hollyhock Hollow from 1990-2013.

As we began our walk, it was clear that autumn’s peak had already passed. Most of the trees had shed their leaves, leaving a gentle rustling underfoot as we moved along the trails. But the oaks were still holding onto some of their leaves, although their once-brilliant colors had faded to muted browns and tans. There’s something bittersweet about those last leaves hanging on; they seemed to mark the quiet end of fall, standing as one of the season’s final touches before winter settles in.

The sanctuary felt very still today, almost like the warmth had lulled it into a lazy, end-of-season nap. Here and there, we spotted a few Black-capped Chickadees and Tufted Titmice flitting around, breaking the silence with their tiny chirps and rustling wings. They also seemed to enjoy the unexpected warmth, hopping from branch to branch in little bursts of energy.

One of the most fascinating parts of Hollyhock Hollow is the Onesquethaw Creek, a main drainage of the Helderberg Mountains. Today, in many spots, the creek was completely dry, a reminder of how adaptable nature is to the Karst geology here. In some places, the water had simply disappeared, finding its way underground, only to resurface farther along, creating pools of running water scattered throughout. It was surreal to walk along sections where the creek bed was dry, then suddenly come upon a small pool, its surface gently rippling as the underground water emerged.

Theresa and I stopped a few times to listen and just take in the serenity of the place. I don’t think we heard more than a handful of birds, and otherwise, it was just us, the oaks, and the creek, a quiet refuge away from the busy pace of daily life. There’s something restorative about walking through a place that’s both familiar and ever-changing. It was a peaceful reminder of how beautiful even the quieter, less colorful moments of fall can be.

As we headed back to the trailhead, we felt grateful for spaces like Hollyhock Hollow, where we can enjoy the rhythms of the natural world and find a moment of peace together.

Embracing Nature’s Tapestry: The Shag Bark Hickory

biodiversity, ecosystems, Wildlife & Plants, , ,

In the heart of our forests, a silent guardian stands tall, its unique features weaving tales of history and ecological importance. The Shag Bark Hickory, native to North America, is a remarkable tree that deserves a closer look for its distinctive characteristics and the vital role it plays in our ecosystems. I photographed this one recently on a walk down the road where we live.

A Historical Tapestry

The Shag Bark Hickory, scientifically known as Carya ovata, has been witness to centuries of change. Indigenous communities revered it for its versatile uses, from crafting tools and weapons to utilizing its nutritious nuts as a valuable food source. Early American settlers, too, recognized its significance, incorporating its strong and flexible wood into their daily lives.

The Unique Shaggy Bark

What sets this tree apart is its striking, shaggy bark – long, vertical strips peeling away to reveal a mosaic of grays, browns, and creams. This distinctive feature not only provides the tree with protection from wildfires but also adds a touch of character to the woodland landscape.

Nutrient-Rich Bounty

Come fall, the Shag Bark Hickory generously bestows its bounty upon the forest floor in the form of large, edible nuts. These nuts, prized by both wildlife and humans, contribute to the ecological web by providing sustenance for various species, including squirrels, deer, and birds. The tree’s seeds, encased in a hard shell, ensure the continuation of its lineage.

Ecological Harmony

As a deciduous hardwood tree, the Shag Bark Hickory plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Its expansive root system prevents soil erosion, while its dense canopy offers shade to understory plants. Furthermore, the shedding of its leaves enriches the soil, fostering a nutrient cycle that sustains life in the forest ecosystem.

Conservation Considerations Despite its resilience, the Shag Bark Hickory faces challenges, including habitat loss and changing climate conditions. Conservation efforts play a vital role in ensuring the continued presence of this majestic tree, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all living beings.

In conclusion, the Shag Bark Hickory stands not just as a tree but as a living testament to the intricate dance of nature. Its historical significance, unique appearance, and ecological contributions make it a symbol of harmony in our forests. Let us celebrate and appreciate Shag Bark Hickory, ensuring that its story continues to be written for generations to come.

A Roadside Stream

biodiversity

As I strolled along the quiet road in Feura Bush, NY, on this gray December day, the gentle murmur of a roadside stream caught my attention. The water, tinted with reflections of the overcast sky, flowed gracefully between frosted rocks and patches of brown vegetation. The air held a crisp chill, but the stream seemed undeterred, its melody harmonizing with the occasional rustle of dry leaves in the brisk breeze. Nature’s quiet resilience transformed the mundane into a tranquil escape, reminding me that even in December’s somber hues, there’s a serene beauty waiting to be discovered by those who pause to listen.

 

Discover the Delightful Little Wood Satyr

biodiversity, ecosystems, Wildlife & Plants, ,

Welcome nature enthusiasts and butterfly lovers! While we try and take as many hikes as we can in local nature preserves, we often find ourselves taking a walk down the road where we live. This was the case a few days ago, and Theresa noticed a small little butterfly sitting on the road. Although we see butterflies while strolling along most nature trails, seeing one sitting in the middle of an asphalt road was worth taking a closer look at. The species that she found was a delicate little beauty. Upon closer examination, we discovered that it was a Little Wood Satyr.

The Little Wood Satyr (Megisto cymela) is a small-sized butterfly species belonging to the family Nymphalidae. With its distinct wing pattern and gentle demeanor, this butterfly is a true gem of the forest.

The Little Wood Satyr boasts a wingspan of approximately 1.5 to 2 inches (4-5 cm), making it a modest-sized butterfly. Its upper wings feature a combination of earthy hues, including shades of brown, tan, and subtle hints of orange. These patterns cleverly camouflage the butterfly among the woodland foliage, providing excellent protection against predators.

The Little Wood Satyr butterfly is primarily found in the eastern regions of North America. Its range spans from southern Canada down to the Gulf Coast states of the United States, including parts of Texas. This species thrives in a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, meadows, and edges of forests.

Like other butterflies, the Little Wood Satyr undergoes a fascinating life cycle consisting of four stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult butterfly. Females lay their eggs on grass blades or the undersides of leaves. The caterpillars feed on grasses, sedges, and other herbaceous plants, growing in size before pupating and transforming into adult butterflies.

The Little Wood Satyr is known for its slow and graceful flight, rarely venturing far from its preferred habitat. It tends to stay close to the ground, occasionally perching on low foliage or flowers to bask in the sun.

While the Little Wood Satyr butterfly is not currently considered endangered or threatened, it does face challenges due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Conservation efforts play a crucial role in preserving the delicate balance of ecosystems and ensuring the survival of this beautiful species. By protecting its natural habitat and supporting initiatives that promote biodiversity, we can contribute to the continued existence of these delightful creatures.

The Little Wood Satyr butterfly invites us into a realm of natural wonder and beauty. Its graceful flight and subtle charm make it a delight to observe in the wild. By appreciating and learning about these incredible creatures, we deepen our connection to the natural world and inspire future generations to cherish and protect our diverse ecosystems.

So, let us embrace the spirit of exploration, lace up our hiking boots, and venture into the  forests (or walk down your road!) to witness the magical dance of the Little Wood Satyr butterfly firsthand. Happy butterfly spotting!

The Eastern Eyed Click Beetle

Wildlife & Plants

Greetings, nature enthusiasts! This weekend we went to an old-fashioned ice cream social hosted by the Bethlehem Historical Association. While sitting outside the museum enjoying our ice cream, I noticed a large insect flying across the landscape, landing on the back of someone’s shirt who was sitting at the next table. This caused folks to jump and hop for a bit, but when the insect finally made it to the ground, (pictured above) everyone gathered around to see what this strange-looking creature was. Being the nature enthusiast that I am, I had to wander over and investigate. What I saw was an awesome Eastern Eyed Click Beetle. But, instead of simply saying what the insect was, I demonstrated the use of the iNaturalist APP. And what do you know, it was an Eastern Eyed Click Beetle.

The Eastern Eyed Click Beetle, a captivating creature found in various regions of North America, boasts a distinctive and captivating feature—its mesmerizing “eyespots.” Resembling large, luminous eyes on its thorax, these spots evoke curiosity and intrigue.

But there’s more to this remarkable beetle than meets the eye. When threatened or disturbed, it can perform an extraordinary acrobatic feat—propelling itself into the air with an audible click sound. It’s a defense mechanism designed to startle predators and ensure its survival.

While the Eastern Eyed Click Beetle’s life cycle and behaviors remains a bit of a mystery, one thing is certain: this insect is a testament to the wonders of the natural world. So, keep your eyes peeled for this captivating creature and marvel at the secrets it holds. Nature never ceases to amaze us!

The Eastern Eyed Click Beetle (Alaus oculatus) is native to various regions of North America. Its range spans across the eastern United States, including states such as Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Texas, as well as parts of Canada. These fascinating beetles can be found in diverse habitats, including forests, woodlands, and grasslands. While their specific distribution may vary within their native range, their captivating presence adds to the rich biodiversity of North America.