In a groundbreaking move, Illinois officials are launching a robust ecological restoration project at Dutch Gap Forest Preserve with a budget of $15 million. The plan encompasses the rejuvenation of approximately 800 acres of land, focusing on eliminating agricultural drainage systems while revitalizing wetlands, streams, and prairies. Local support will enhance the federally funded project, with future plans to develop public trails following habitat stabilization.

Visitors at Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway have been causing harm by placing coins in its rock formations. The National Trust recently removed over 20 kilos of coins due to the damage they caused. Experts highlighted that oxidization of the coins led to the disintegration of the ancient basalt columns. New measures have been implemented, including signs and donation boxes for visitors.

Western snowy plovers have returned to nesting at California’s Coal Oil Point Reserve after about 40 years. A conservation programme involving the Santa Barbara Zoo, UC Santa Barbara and the US Fish and Wildlife Service has released 212 birds since 2016. This year, 11 released plovers were fitted with radio and Bluetooth tracking devices to monitor their movements and survival.