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Tidying Up with Kids: Using Marie Kondo’s Method with Littles

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

The famous book written by Marie Kondo has given hope and advice to many. Learning to think about what “sparks joy” in your life and what does not can definitely be life-changing. Netflix has helped bring this advice to life by hosting the “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” show. Marie has been going into people’s homes and helping them experience the magic of tidying. The advice she gives seems like grand advice unless you have kids. You start wondering how you could possibly put any of this into effect with children running around. Is it possible?

Absolutely! Below are just a few ways in which Marie Kondo’s method can help parents.

Everything Needs a Home

Remember that old saying, “A place for everything and everything in its place”? One of Marie Kondo’s lessons is about how important this principle is, and I cannot agree with her enough. When kids are involved, it is even more important. I cannot tell you how many times misplaced items end up cluttering my desk, the dining room table, or the kitchen counters, all because my children do not know where they go. Making a place for everything and teaching your children where that place is will cut down on the clutter immensely.

Allow Your Children to Organize Their Own Space

Every person has their own style and preferences, including kids. If a parent forces their style on a child’s space, it probably will not stay that way. However, if the parent allows the child to participate in the organizational style, there is a higher likelihood of success. When I started allowing my daughters to help organize and decorate their own bedroom, it was easier for them to keep tidy. Because everything is organized in a way that makes sense to them, they do not have to think about where their things go anymore.

Let Your Child Decide What Sparks Joy for Him or Her

It can be so tempting to purge your child’s stuff yourself. If you just got in there while they are not looking, they would not have half as many items left and it would so much neater! They wouldn’t even notice those toys gone, right?

Wrong! They will absolutely notice something missing that they love. Just do not even try it! Our children are individuals, and though we do not always understand them, they love what they love. We have to let them decide what makes them happy and what does not.

My five-year-old has a pair of lime green shorts that I would burn if it were up to me. They are old and faded and, truthfully, the style seems to be from when I was little. One day, I put them in a charity bag while she was not looking, but later, I decided I should talk to her about it. She said she did not want to get rid of them. When I asked why, she answered, “They’re my mint-stealing shorts. I can put your mints into the little pockets on the front!” I laughed because she is constantly grabbing mints off of my desk and hiding them in those shorts. I find them and tickle her until her tummy hurts with laughter. To me, those shorts were worthless, but to her, they are a part of our fun and games. We simply never know what emotional attachment they have to things, so we should let them choose what to get rid of.

Tidy Up In Front of Your Children

There are many grown women who have no clue how to clean or organize. Why? Their parents never taught them. Often, they never even saw the cleaning done- it just happened somehow. Allowing your children to see you tidy up and, hopefully, getting them involved will not only instill the tidying habit but also have them ready to care for their own home.

It’s Okay to Purge Kids’ Artwork

I know it can seem like a huge betrayal to purge those beautiful pieces of art that your kids have created, but rest assured that it is not. Often, kids forget before long that they made it for you. Display new art for a while but then keep only certain ones. Some people take photos of the work and make it a digital photo album. I have a wall in my home where they are allowed to display their work for a time. We then decide together what we want to put away and what we can throw away. Making them part of the decision-making process will cut back on any drama.

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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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