By Jeff Fair, Lazy Mountain, Alaska
Encounters with Owls
The first owl I encountered as a young lad back in Palmdale, Pennsylvania, was the Great Horned Owl that haunted my grandparents’ attic. It had arrived there, likely from a tree near the chicken coop, by way of my grandfather’s 12-gauge and a taxidermist’s ministrations. Its musty silence I expected. What freaked me out was the way the black pupils of that dead, stiff, stuffed bird’s yellow marble eyes followed me wherever I walked within its gaze.. Read the full article here
BRI 25 Year Anniversary Video
Links to BRI Centers
o Conservation and Climate Change
o Waterbirds
o Research on Offshore Wind and the
Environment
o Mercury Studies
View the One Drop of Water Archive here.
We protect what we love, and we love what we know.
What do you see in one drop of water? Is it full of life, or is it insignificant? Conservation is not a singular idea, or effort, or obligation. A common misconception is that small efforts don’t matter. This e-magazine offers a new perspective. As Desmond Tutu once said, “… if we remember that the sea is actually made up of drops of water and each drop counts, each one of us can do our little bit where we are. Those little bits can come together and almost overwhelm the world.”
Vol. 3 Issue 1.
Since its inception, BRI has prioritized the advancement of natural resource sciences in response to pressing ecological threats such as contaminants, habitat loss, climate change, and renewable energy development. We have cultivated the expertise and resources needed to develop innovative study designs, achieve more precise analysis, and maintain objective and informative interpretation.
The True Cost of Gold
By Deborah McKew, Communications and Publications Director
A tragic hero, a mythical ram, an impossible task. Could this be the origin story of small-scale gold mining? The Greek myth of the Golden Fleece, inspired by an actual voyage that took place more than 3,500 years ago, provides clues. Read the full article here. (Photo © Lauren diBiccari) .
BRI is well known for the integrity of our scientific study; this is in large part due to the people behind the science. For most, their work is not a job, but a deliberate way of life. Our staff members are hardy souls who endure long hours in all manner of weather and conditions. In this section, we will bring you the stories of the people behind the science.
A Growing Team for a Growing Mission
By Allison Foster, Science Communications Coordinator
In 2020, BRI employed 27 full-time staff. At the start of 2025, that number more than doubled to 62 full-time employees, with more open spots to fill! Read the full article here.
What is climate change resiliency? How do wildfires in Africa affect us in North America? Why do we care if a particular species becomes extinct? How is my small effort to recycle going to save the planet? What does art have to do with science? These are questions we will explore in this section of our ezine.
As the Seasons Change
By Allison Foster, Science Communications Coordinator
Growing up in Florida, my white winters consisted of sand from the Gulf of Mexico beaches. I always joke that I’m a reverse snowbird, moving from the warm beaches to the frigid winters of Maine. Living in New England has awakened my appreciation for seasonality, and its relationship to our stages of life. Read the full article here. (Photo: Allison Foster)
BRI has made great strides in bringing emerging ecological issues to the forefront of our nation’s and the world’s consciousness. Our scientific findings are imperative to those who make decisions about environmental policy and land use management. Stories here will focus on the critical intersection where science informs policy.
Bridging Science and Sustainability: BRI’s Role in Renewable Energy and Environmental Conservation
By Eleanor Eckel, Science Policy Coordinator
The future of renewable energy in the United States is more than a technical challenge—it’s a story of people, expertise, and collaboration. As the demand for clean energy surges, the need for environmental consulting has never been greater. It’s a space where science, policy, and purpose converge. Read the full article here.
