Celia Llopis-Jepsen

Some rivers are success stories where wildlife is bouncing back from heavy pollution. But environmental groups say progress hasn't happened across the board and backsliding remains possible.

Lawns are great surfaces for throwing a football or laying out a picnic.

These ranchers tried to protect grassland from trees and shrubs in all the traditional ways. It didn't work. So they brought in hungry goats that turned woody plants into a cash stream.

Listen To This Story Alex McKiernan and Chloe Diegel have plenty of reasons to keep their more than 800 acres near the Nebraska-Kansas border from turning into shrubland and woods.

Pesticide pollution is a problem especially in the middle of the country. And sometimes there's enough of it to possibly hurt aquatic plants and animals.

U.S. farms use hundreds of millions of pounds of insect, weed and fungus killers each year and the runoff washes into waterways — especially in the middle of the country, where commodity crops are king.

Traditional lawns may be green, but that doesn't mean they're good for the environment. The team at NPR's Life Kit podcast report on one lawn alternative that's gaining popularity.

Half a century ago, a series of landmark federal laws started reining in water pollution. As a result, some rivers across the country are bouncing back to life, but threats to clean rivers remain.

Half a century ago, a series of landmark federal laws started reining in water pollution. As a result, some rivers across the country are bouncing back to life, but threats to clean rivers remain.

Justin was terrified of snakes – until he learned they’re scared of him, too. Tay’s fear was soothed after discovering the Internet’s affection for “nope ropes” and “danger noodles.” Can we ease our discomfort around critters by getting to know the animals? We spoke with psychologists, who offer their tips for overcoming phobias.