HOW A FRAGILE SUPERBLOOM KEEPS BLOOMING

Thursday, May 11, 2023

In today’s newsletter, we try not to destroy a Superbloom, learn how to rescue overheated doggies, discover how Catherine became ‘The Great’ … and sample oozy gouda paninis in Napa.

PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRIS BURKARD STUDIO

The Super Bowl of the natural world is on display right now in California, and officials are urging blissful masses of onlookers not to love it to death.

The Superbloom has led to a rediscovery of rare plants, and expanses of yellow goldfields (above) as thick as a carpet or stretches of daisies and electric blue Phacelia that pillow a valley floor.

Thankfully, there are easy steps not to trample the glorious thickets of flowers and plants—or the lizards and pollinators blossoming alongside them. And here’s how to enjoy it, even from afar.

SEE THE BLOOM

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STORIES WE’RE FOLLOWING

PHOTOGRAPH BY TARA WRAY

How far can you go to protect dogs in hot cars? Depends in which state you live. (Two pups pictured above)

Who owns our trash—and why does it matter?

These genes influence obesity. Here’s what we know.

Microplastics are in our bodies. How much do they harm us?

Title 42: How an obscure 1944 health law became a focus of U.S. immigration policy

This savvy Japanese shogun outlasted his rivals to found his dynasty

7 hormones that control hunger and satiety

Britain’s first Black queen? The real story of Queen Charlotte

From the archives: Child labor worldwide, by the numbers

Stressed? Eat these foods to boost serotonin—and to keep yourself balanced

HOW CATHERINE BECAME ’GREAT’

JOSEE/LEEMAGE/GETTY

Huzzah! This is the coronation portrait of the real Catherine the Great of Russia, not the actress on the Hulu series about the empress. She expanded Russia’s borders and brought about educational reforms—and didn’t hesitate to use harsh measures, Nat Geo reports.

Related: The latest season of “The Great” is premiering tomorrow on Hulu. See the trailer.

LONG BEFORE PUTIN

HOWDY, NEIGHBOR!

PHOTOGRAPH BY COREY ARNOLD

They’re city folk now: Bears know that Thursday is trash day. Coyotes look both ways before crossing the street. And raccoons have learned to undo human traps. Researchers are studying how wild animals continue to adapt to city life—and the findings are surprising. (Above, Janice Husebo says hi to a bear cub through the glass door at her home in Asheville, North Carolina, photographed by Nat Geo Explorer Corey Arnold. Hint: Don’t try this at home.)

BEAR WITH ME

LAST GLIMPSE

PHOTOGRAPH BY RYAN LAHIFF

Venture beyond the vineyards: Along with award-winning wines, Napa is home to local breweries and farm-to-table restaurants. On your next (or first) trip to wine country, explore beyond the grape vines. (Above, a public market in Napa.)

Need summer plans? Try:
Bath, southwest England’s historic spa town
Porthleven: Cornish ice cream, rock pools, and shipwrecks
6 royal destinations in the UK

NAPA BEYOND THE VINES

Today’s soundtrack: Wildflowers, Tom Petty

We hope this newsletter brightened your Thursday! It was curated and edited by David Beard, Hannah Farrow, and Jen Tse. Have a story idea? Let us know here. Know a friend who might want our newsletter in their inbox? Here’s the signup. See you tomorrow!

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HOW A FRAGILE SUPERBLOOM KEEPS BLOOMING

HOW A FRAGILE SUPERBLOOM KEEPS BLOOMING

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