Good News #19
Rare butterfly in Toronto, China's zero carbon island, furniture made with reclaimed urban trees, winner of the 2025 Florida Python Challenge, and a planned tropical forest reserve
Dear friends,
I hope you’re squeezing every last drop out of summer. I’m simultaneously preparing my kids for the first day of school, running “mama camp,” and trying to pretend summer isn’t about to end. Not to mention writing this newsletter — and working on several articles.
I’ve made some great memories — most of which involve nature and the outdoors. There was family camp, time at the cottage, visiting the Toronto Islands, and “bush camp” at the Toronto Zoo. I’ve enjoyed tending to my native plant garden, identifying plants and insects with iNaturalist, and taking a kajillion bird and macro photos. I was even fortunate enough to document a family of Common Nighthawks on a Toronto rooftop (which I’m writing about, of course). I have a lot to be grateful for — including you! Thank you so much for your support.
Now here are my top 5 stories for the week. Enjoy!
Rare butterfly spotted in High Park, Toronto
A rare Zebra Swallowtail (Eurytides marcellus) butterfly was recently observed in Toronto’s High Park, marking its first appearance in the area since 1896. The discovery was made by Crystal Byrne, a steward of the park’s endangered black oak savannah. The species, which relies entirely on the rare Pawpaw plant, has nearly disappeared from the region due to habitat loss and development. In Ontario, the Zebra Swallowtail is classified as “specially protected” under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.
Guatemala, Mexico, and Belize plan to protect 14 million acres of forest
Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize have joined forces to create the Great Mayan Jungle Biocultural Corridor, a vast cross-border reserve covering over 14 million acres of tropical forest. They aim to protect the region from criminal activity, deforestation, and destructive megaprojects like the Maya Train. The plan includes strengthening security, offering local communities economic incentives, and including Indigenous advisory councils in decision-making.
Dachen Island is China’s first zero carbon island
Dachen Island, located about 29 nautical miles off Taizhou, China, is China’s first zero-carbon island, thanks to infrastructure upgrades by the Taizhou Power Supply Company. Today, all facets of life — from cooking and lighting to transportation and public facilities — are powered entirely by wind-generated electricity. The island offers 32 fully electric homestays, features green-plated electric vehicles, and free electric buses. There’s even a “Green Island Rewards Card” system that encourages sustainable behaviours among visitors. Dachen serves as a model for how a complete renewable transition can support both tourism and the environment.
UK furniture maker is giving urban trees a new life
Bruce Saunders, a furniture maker from London, England, once had to drive 70 miles to buy lumber. It didn’t make sense, given London is full of trees — including those that are routinely cut down. Seeing an opportunity, he co-founded Fallen & Felled, a company that salvages trees and turns them into unique, sustainable furniture. The company has prevented hundreds of trees (about 120 in 2023), from being chipped, burned, or landfilled, which would release stored carbon. By using locally reclaimed lumber, Fallen & Felled is reducing transportation-related emissions, as well as reducing the demand for logging.
Woman wins 2025 Florida Python Challenge after removing the most invasive snakes
Taylor Stanberry emerged as the grand-prize winner of the 2025 Florida Python Challenge after humanely removing 60 invasive Burmese Pythons from South Florida during the 10-day competition held from July 11 to 20. Her accomplishment earned her $10,000 and contributed to a record total of 294 snakes removed from the Everglades. 934 people participated, representing 30 U.S. states and Canada. FWC Chair Rodney Barreto hailed the effort as a significant victory for native wildlife, emphasizing the importance of public engagement in combating the python invasion.