Billion Oyster Project is working to engage 1 million New Yorkers in an ambitious goal: to re-establish oyster reefs in New York Harbor. The nonprofit aims to introduce 1 billion oysters by 2035, enough to filter all the water in the harbor every three days. Thus far, Billion Oyster Project has returned 122 million oysters to New York City’s waters. It plans to add another 84 million this year.

(For The Chronicle of Philanthropy)

While invertebrates and amphibians that use vernal pools do not have to contend with fish, they do face the threat of many other predators. “Anything will eat a little baby salamander,” said Kevin Tolan, staff biologist at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies. Raccoons, minks, and skunks will happily snack on egg masses. Tolan has even seen pet dogs chowing down on amphibian eggs.

(For Northern Woodlands)

A raven’s intellect is essential in winter when insects, bird eggs, berries, and other desirable foods are scarce. Ravens must be dogged in pursuit of the calories they need to make it to spring. Carcasses, including those of animals killed by cars, illness, or injury, are prized resources in winter. The trouble is, there’s no telling where a raven may come across a carcass, and odds are it could be in another raven’s territory.

(For Northern Woodlands)

A few ledges along the Connecticut River are home to a rare plant commonly known as Jesup’s milk-vetch (Astragalus robbinsii var. jesupii). In fact, this species, which has been listed as federally endangered since 1987, only grows at six sites along a 16-mile stretch of the river in New Hampshire and Vermont. But conservationists are working to boost the plant’s presence.

(For Northern Woodlands)

In the starkness of winter, squirrel dreys reveal themselves in the tree canopy. They’ve been there all along — just screened by trees’ leafy crowns for much of the year. Dreys are shaggy masses of leaves nestled against a tree trunk or cupped in a fork of branches 20 to 40 feet above the ground. Squirrels not only rear their kits in them but also use them as shelter during many months of the year.

(For Northern Woodlands)

As the height-of-summer floral abundance fades, goldenrods and asters fill the landscape with hits of yellow, purple, pink, and white. Beyond the beauty they provide, these late bloomers are a critical food source for several native species of wild bees.

(For Northern Woodlands)

Concerns about the rise of “karoshi” — which means “death from overwork” — as well as high rates of suicide and an increasingly urban population led Japanese researchers back to the connection with nature that has been prominent throughout their country’s culture and history.

With its abundance of public parks and stretches of forests, D.C. is an ideal place to try to bridge the gap between the stress of city life and the expansiveness of nature.

(For 730DC)

International aid groups, social service organizations, advocacy nonprofits and others are all doing what they can to ensure vaccines get to people of color, the homeless, and other people in need.

(For the Associated Press)

The Fistula Foundation makes grants to hospitals in 26 countries to fund surgeries and recovery care for a condition caused by obstructed, often dayslong labor during childbirth.

(For The Chronicle of Philanthropy)

Organizations are offering the spiritual care and community that many once found in religion. “This group feels like my church,” one participant said.

(For The Chronicle of Philanthropy)

“Gardening is always such a hopeful act,” says Lisa Bagwell, manager of Kula Urban Farm, a project of the social-services nonprofit Interfaith Neighbors, which serves Monmouth County, N.J. Sprawling across formerly abandoned lots in Asbury Park, the farm offers a jobs program, educational opportunities, and free produce to the local community.

(For The Chronicle of Philanthropy)

Colleges and universities saw the biggest growth in giving since 2000 — 4.7 percent — raising nearly $60 billion from organizations and individuals during the 2022 financial year.

(For The Chronicle of Higher Education)

Philanthropy creates an outlet for a group of men serving life and long-term sentences to help restore their relationship with society.

(For The Chronicle of Philanthropy & Associated Press)

International aid was the only cause that raised enough to beat inflation, as individual donors contributed 13 percent less than 2021.

(For The Chronicle of Philanthropy)

Nonprofit leaders are overworked, struggling to retain top talent, and facing budgetary shortfalls. In Nonprofits Now: Leading Today — the flagship podcast of the Chronicle of Philanthropy — host and Chronicle CEO Stacy Palmer interviews innovative leaders who have developed smart solutions to common, tough challenges.

(Apple Podcasts)

To solve the problem, some groups are offering bonuses, giving fundraisers more decision-making power, and more.

(For The Chronicle of Philanthropy)

Unfamiliarity with the physical signs of stress and burnout can prevent fundraisers from taking the breaks they need to recover.

(For The Chronicle of Philanthropy)

Sanctioned time off (with pay) has been growing among nonprofits and could help stop turnover and improve effectiveness.

(For The Chronicle of Philanthropy)

Nonprofit managers should check in with fundraisers early and often and show appreciation for their achievements.

(For The Chronicle of Philanthropy)