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Kind couple reunite homeless man with his family after 20 years apart

“Everyone just stares at me. I’m an educated man, but all they see is a person who doesn’t have a home and doesn’t have anyone to call.”

These were the sad, heartbreaking words Randi Emmans heard as she stepped outside her apartment in Los Angeles to take her dog on a walk. 54-year-old Petro Reid was the man Emmans had just heard talking to himself, and he was in a bad place mentally. 

She called up her boyfriend, John Suazo to jointly hold a conversation with Reid. He was quite surprised at first, because according to him, no one had ever taken interest in him, and he poured out his mind to them. 

For a homeless man, the person they had just held a conversation with was very fluent in expressing himself. 

“He was so impressive,” said Suazo. 

“The whole conversation really touched us.”

From the conversation, they found out that Reid had left his family home in Charleston, S.C., and moved to L.A. in 1999 to live with an aunt. Barely a year later, he found himself going off the rails and homeless due to drug and alcohol addiction. 

He became a popular figure in jail, from where he’d occasionally call home and send letters to his grandmother’s house in Charleston. 

“It was always for petty crimes, usually shoplifting to support my habits, food and things of that nature,” he said. “That cycle continued for years, and whenever I got released, I was right back on the streets.”

For more than two decades, Reid wandered the streets of L.A. in search of his family or some beacon of hope, and for those two decades he didn’t find anything- until Emmans heard him. 

He had lost all hope of living a decent life. He always thought of his family, but the chances of setting eyes on them once again were pretty dim, so he gave up. 

He found Emmans and her boyfriend non-judgmental. They genuinely cared about his situation and that was why he opened up to them. 

“John and Randi saw me as more than what everyone else saw me as — just a homeless person living on the streets,” he said. “They believed in me, despite the situation they found me in.”

After giving him food, water, and other basic human needs, the couple felt they hadn’t done enough to truly take him out of misery and ridicule. Emmans made a post on Facebook, a public plea asking for donations to help cover the costs of a night or two at a hotel, so Reid could get rest up, recuperate, and have decent hot meals. 

Her post received a lot of engagements, and in only 3 days, they were able to raise about $6,500 for Reid. The funds were used to lodge him in a hotel, get him a new mobile phone, and buy him some new clothes. 

Although grateful for all Emmans and Suazo had done, Reid still wanted to find his family. He asked the couple for help and they decided to help him. 

Reid took on the name Franklin Mitchell after an encounter with the police in L.A. He didn’t have his identity card, so the name stood- that was why his family members could never reach him. 

In the search for his family, Reid gave Emmans and Suazo some names he could remember, as well as his grandmother’s address, without knowing if she was still living there or alive at all. 

“Randi and I started plugging away on the Internet, and we were able to find his grandmother’s name associated with the address,” Suazo said. “We called wrong numbers until, finally, we got someone who was his uncle’s ex-wife.” 

This was when all the dominoes started falling in place. 

Reid’s uncle, Pierre Grant was informed by his ex-wife of a certain contact about his nephew and he immediately called the couple to set up a meeting. 

Grant said “For over 20 years, we had been praying and believing that one day we would find him, and the day finally came. This is a miracle.”

He took a flight paid for by Emmans and Suazo to L.A. to link up with his nephew. The amazing couple were also able to pay for a covid-19 test for Reid, Grant, and themselves- all which came back negative. 

The long awaited family reunion came on Friday, August 7. Mia Green, Reid’s cousin was also present for the reunion. It was a touching and soulful moment for Reid as he tightly embraced his cousin and uncle after 20 years of wandering the streets of L.A. 

Now that Reid has finally reunited with his family, he plans to get his life together and back on track. 

“I believe I can help a lot of people that are still in the position that I was in,” said Reid.

He plans to start the next chapter of his education and find himself a stable, paying job.  

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Reviving the Andes: How ‘Cloud Trees’ Are Restoring Ecosystems and Ensuring Water Security

Kelly Taylor

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The Andes Mountains, stretching across South America, are a natural wonder rich in biodiversity. Among the towering peaks roam spectacled bears, pumas, and the mighty Andean condor. Yet, nestled high in these rugged landscapes grow forests of polylepis trees—often called “cloud trees” for their incredible ability to capture and release water. These ancient trees, though lesser-known, are vital to both ecosystems and the millions of people who rely on the Andes’ water sources.

The Unique Role of Polylepis Trees

Polylepis trees thrive at altitudes of up to 5,000 meters, making them the world’s highest-altitude trees. Their significance lies in their ability to absorb moisture from clouds and melting glaciers. The spongy moss that drapes their trunks stores and gradually releases this water, feeding mountain streams and, eventually, the Amazon River’s headwaters.

However, centuries of deforestation, grazing, and development have reduced the once-vast polylepis forests to a fraction of their original range. Today, only around 500,000 hectares remain—estimated to be just 1% to 10% of the historic coverage. The consequences are far-reaching: degraded ecosystems, eroded soil, disrupted water cycles, and increased vulnerability to flooding. For the millions living in the Andean foothills, these changes pose a growing risk to water security.

Reviving the Forests: A Community-Led Effort

One man determined to reverse this decline is Peruvian biologist Constantino Aucca Chutas. Inspired by his indigenous Quechua roots and deep respect for nature, Aucca co-founded Acción Andina in 2018. This ambitious reforestation initiative, in partnership with the US-based nonprofit Global Forest Generation and Peru’s Asociación Ecosistemas Andinos, aims to restore one million hectares of Andean forests by 2045.

“I grew up enjoying rivers and nature,” Aucca reflects. “I thought it would be fantastic if we could pass this to future generations.”

The effort began in Peru but has since expanded to Ecuador, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia. To date, Acción Andina has planted more than 10 million polylepis trees, thanks to the participation of thousands of indigenous families. This collective approach mirrors the Incan concept of Ayni and Minka—working together for the common good.

A Festival of Trees

One of the most striking events in this initiative is the annual Queuña Raymi festival, held in the valleys around Cusco. The festival is a cultural and environmental celebration that begins with traditional music, dances, and rituals to honor Pachamama (Mother Earth). Participants—men, women, and children in colorful traditional attire—then climb the mountains, carrying saplings of native polylepis trees on their backs.

In a single day, communities have planted as many as 100,000 trees using propagation methods that ensure healthy growth. Recognizing the unique adaptations of polylepis trees to their environments, Acción Andina ensures that only local species are planted.

The work doesn’t stop with planting. To safeguard the saplings, the initiative installs protective fencing, develops fire prevention programs, and works closely with local communities to maintain the growing trees.

Benefits for Communities and the Planet

The collaboration extends beyond reforestation. In exchange for their efforts, communities receive support such as improved medical care, solar energy installations, and help securing legal rights to their land. These protections are crucial to preventing exploitation from industries like mining, logging, and oil extraction.

Aucca highlights the importance of indigenous knowledge, noting that locals, who have lived alongside these forests for generations, understand the trees in ways that outsiders cannot. This shared wisdom strengthens the initiative and ensures its long-term success.

“They’ve seen how these trees grow their whole lives,” Aucca explains. “Their knowledge is invaluable.”

Global Recognition and the Power of Collective Action

Acción Andina has become a model for community-driven conservation. In 2022, the initiative earned Aucca the United Nations’ “Champion of the Earth” title. Two years later, it received the prestigious Earthshot Prize, established by Prince William, for its groundbreaking work in restoring nature.

Elizabeth Mrema, Deputy Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme, praised the project’s global significance. “The nature benefits of polylepis forests are immense. They capture moisture, prevent soil erosion, and play a major role in water security,” Mrema told CNN.

The success of Acción Andina highlights the importance of collaboration. By uniting indigenous communities, environmental groups, and policymakers, the initiative demonstrates that large-scale conservation is not only possible but essential.

“Protecting Mother Earth is a responsibility for all of us,” Aucca says. “We cannot do it alone.”

A Future Built on Tradition

The work of Acción Andina reminds us of the wisdom of past generations. The Inca civilization thrived by living in harmony with nature, a philosophy that resonates today. With millions of trees already planted and millions more to come, polylepis forests are slowly being restored, ensuring a sustainable future for the Andes and the people who call them home.

By honoring traditions, empowering communities, and embracing collective action, these ancient cloud trees are once again nurturing life across the mountains—one sapling at a time.

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Beaver Family Released in Scottish Forest Takes First Swim

Kevin Wells

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A family of beavers has been reintroduced to the wild at Loch Ard Forest near Aberfoyle in a heartwarming step for Scotland’s ecosystem restoration efforts. The group, consisting of two adults and three kits, was released into a carefully restored wetland habitat in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. A video of the beavers taking their first swim has captured the imagination of conservationists and nature lovers alike.

A Collaborative Conservation Effort

The release was the result of a partnership between Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), the Beaver Trust, and the Loch Lomond park authority. Over the past 13 months, FLS has relocated 24 beavers to lands it manages, demonstrating its commitment to rewilding and biodiversity.

At the release site, FLS has spent decades creating a wetland environment designed to support diverse wildlife. Katy Anderson, Central Region Environment Forester for FLS, shared the project’s history:

“The ponds we created back in 2006 had already shown their suitability when we successfully introduced water voles to the area in 2008. This mix of extensive wetlands, wet woodland, and new native woodland makes an ideal setting for the beavers to adjust to their new life.”

To make the transition smoother, the team left piles of freshly cut willow—one of the beavers’ favorite foods—by the water’s edge.

The Return of Beavers to Scotland

Beavers were hunted to extinction in Scotland during medieval times, but their reintroduction began in 2009. Since then, their population has steadily grown, and they are increasingly being recognized for their role as ecosystem engineers. By building dams and creating ponds, beavers enhance biodiversity and improve water quality in their habitats.

The area around Duchray Water, where the family was released, features a network of ponds and native woodlands that has been in development for over 30 years. This environment not only benefits the beavers but also supports numerous other species, such as water voles, birds, and aquatic insects.

A Step Toward Ecosystem Recovery

The release of this beaver family is part of broader efforts to restore Scotland’s natural landscapes and wildlife. Wetlands, like the one at Loch Ard, are crucial for mitigating climate change impacts, reducing flooding, and providing habitats for diverse species.

FLS and its partners hope that the beavers will thrive in their new environment and contribute to the ecological recovery of the region. Their presence is a reminder of how nature, given the right conditions, can reclaim its place and flourish once again.

As the beavers settle into their new home, their activities will undoubtedly shape the environment, benefiting a wide range of species and bringing new vitality to the restored wetlands.

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Unbelievable – Good Dogs & Cats Saving Lives As Blood Donors

Kevin Wells

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Not all heroes wear capes—some wag their tails or purr softly after life-saving blood donations. At the DoveLewis blood bank in Portland, Oregon, dogs and cats are quietly helping to save lives by donating blood for pets in need of emergency transfusions.

How Pet Blood Donation Works

Dogs, with their generally cooperative natures, often make excellent blood donors. To qualify, donor dogs must weigh at least 55 pounds, be between 1 and 6 years old, and maintain good health. They also need to tolerate—or even enjoy—the donation process without requiring sedation. Cats, on the other hand, are less willing participants and must be sedated during the procedure, which is why DoveLewis limits its feline donors to those owned by veterinary professionals.

The donation process for dogs involves a quick draw of about a pint of blood from the jugular vein. It takes less than 10 minutes, and donors are comforted with weighted blankets, gentle handling, and plenty of love from their owners.

Rewards for Donors

While dogs like Dolly, a 7-year-old Labrador retriever, may not understand the full impact of their donation, they clearly enjoy the perks. Participating pets receive free annual lab work, discounted parasite prevention medications, and urgent care visits. After each session, they’re rewarded with baby food treats, toys, and trading cards featuring their photos and fun facts.

These cards, shared with the families of recipient pets, highlight the connection between donors and those they save. Dolly’s blood, for instance, has helped a terrier mix with post-birth complications and a border collie poisoned by ibuprofen. Her donations have even traveled as far as Florida and Texas to save lives.

The Growing Need for Pet Blood Banks

Pet blood is vital for treating trauma, anemia, immune diseases, and surgical complications. According to Kelsey Reinauer, DoveLewis’s blood bank manager, there’s a significant shortage of veterinary blood in the U.S., especially for cats.

“Many small practices rely on in-house donors from employees’ pets,” Reinauer explains. “But with dogs having more than a dozen blood types and cats having three, finding the right match can be challenging.”

Universal blood donors are particularly valuable because their blood can stabilize cats in emergencies until a feline donor can be found. Reinauer recalls a case where cat blood was used to stabilize a ferret until another ferret could serve as a donor.

Community Participation and Other Programs

DoveLewis isn’t the only organization welcoming pet donors. Blood banks at VCA Northwest in Clackamas, Willamette Veterinary Hospital in Corvallis, and the Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon in Bend also accept canine and feline donors. These programs provide similar benefits, including free exams, lab work, and discounted medications.

For pet owners, the donation process is more than just a transaction—it’s a partnership. Reinauer emphasizes communication between staff and owners to ensure that pets are comfortable and stress-free.

Why It Matters

Blood donation in pets saves lives and highlights the bond between humans and their animal companions. Whether stabilizing a trauma patient or treating chronic illnesses, the gift of blood extends the lives of countless animals. For owners like Denise Duncan, whose dog Dolly loves the baby food treats and toys, the act of donating is a way to give back to the pet community.

If you’re interested in learning whether your dog qualifies as a donor, visit dovelewis.org to make an appointment. By donating, your pet could join the ranks of these unsung heroes, bringing wagging tails and life-saving blood to those in need.

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Bumblebee Population Surges in Scotland’s Rewilding Success Story

Renee Yates

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In an extraordinary example of ecological recovery, a bumblebee population in Scotland has increased 116-fold in just two years, thanks to a rewilding project in Denmarkfield, near Perth. The effort, which transformed monoculture barley fields into vibrant meadows, highlights the power of nature restoration.

A Dramatic Turnaround for Pollinators

The project, named Rewilding Denmarkfield, spans 90 acres and has been managed by a dedicated team since 2021. Early surveys conducted by the team revealed a mere 35 bumblebees across the fields when they were still dominated by barley. However, by 2023, after rewilding efforts, the bumblebee population had skyrocketed to 4,056. Additionally, the diversity of bumblebee species doubled from five to ten.

The data, gathered through the BeeWalk method—a national bumblebee monitoring scheme run by the Bumblebee Conservation Trust—provides a clear picture of how dramatically biodiversity can rebound when given the opportunity.

The Role of Native Plants and Natural Processes

Ecologist Ellie Corsie, who has led the project since its inception, credited the success to letting nature take the lead.

“Within two years, bare soil and barley stubble were naturally colonized by 84 different plant species,” Corsie explained. “These plants, often dismissed as weeds, like spear thistle and smooth hawk’s-beard, play a critical role in supporting native wildlife.”

Corsie also emphasized the damage caused by intensive farming practices, including years of ploughing and the use of herbicides and pesticides, which had left the area virtually devoid of biodiversity. The transformation from degraded farmland into thriving meadows full of pollinators underscores the potential of rewilding.

A Community Perspective

The project has also won the hearts of local residents. Liz Myhill, a nearby resident, shared her excitement: “Through spring and summer, it’s absolutely joyful to watch it burst into color. It always brings a smile to my face, and we’re fortunate to have this beautiful place for the community.”

Amid increasing urban development around Perth, including the construction of more than 4,000 houses and a city ring road, Rewilding Denmarkfield serves as a critical green space for both wildlife and people.

The Broader Challenge for Bumblebees

Despite this success, bumblebees across the UK face significant challenges. According to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, eight out of 24 native species are conservation priorities due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Efforts like Rewilding Denmarkfield offer a glimpse of hope for reversing these declines.

Expert Endorsement

Renowned ecologist Dave Goulson, founder of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, praised the project:

“At a time when good news about biodiversity is in short supply, Rewilding Denmarkfield is an inspiring example of how wildlife can recover when given space and time.”

A Model for Urban and Agricultural Harmony

Rewilding Denmarkfield demonstrates that even in areas surrounded by urban development and intensive farming, biodiversity can thrive with thoughtful interventions. By restoring natural habitats, the project offers a blueprint for addressing the ecological challenges posed by urban sprawl and modern agriculture.

The sound of traffic and the monotony of barley fields have been replaced by buzzing meadows, wildflowers, and young saplings—a testament to the resilience of nature when given the chance to heal.

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Rescue Dog Leads Police to Injured Owner, Hailed as a “True Hero”

Renee Yates

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A loyal rescue dog named Gita is being celebrated for saving her elderly owner’s life after leading a police officer to a remote cabin where the man lay injured.

In rural Stevens County, Washington, Gita, a 13-year-old rescue dog, refused to leave her owner’s side after he suffered a serious fall. Police were unaware of the situation until Deputy Wright, on a routine patrol two weeks ago, spotted Gita sitting in the middle of the road with no homes in sight.

The Stevens County Sheriff’s Office shared the remarkable story on their Facebook page, emphasizing the critical role Gita played in the rescue. After attempting to coax the dog into his vehicle with no success, Deputy Wright sensed that something was wrong. He searched the nearby area within a mile radius but found nothing and trusted his instincts to keep following Gita.

“Gita is a 13-year-old rescue and best friend to the man in trouble,” the sheriff’s office stated. “Had it not been for her, the outcome could have been much worse. We owe this rescue to Gita’s loyalty and quick thinking.”

When the dog led the officer down a lesser-known roadway, Wright discovered a small summer cabin. It was there, not far from the cabin, that he found the 84-year-old man on the ground, injured and calling for help. The man had fallen, hurt his leg, and required his regular medication due to other health issues.

While the sheriff’s office hasn’t released further details about the man’s condition, they praised both the deputy and Gita for their actions, concluding their post with: “Thank you, Deputy Wright, for your dedication, and thank you Gita, for being a good girl and a true hero.”

A family member of the elderly man shared her gratitude online, noting that he is her 91-year-old mother’s cousin. “We are so thankful to Deputy Wright and the Stevens County Sheriff’s Office. And of course, Gita, for being there when it mattered most.”

The story quickly gained attention, with many applauding both the officer’s instincts and Gita’s heroic behavior.

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