(InvestigateTV) — A dramatic decline in bird populations across North America has scientists sounding the alarm about a deepening environmental crisis.
Nearly a third of all bird species are now considered high or moderate conservation concern, with 112 “tipping point” species having lost more than half their populations over the last 50 years.
Despite the grim statistics, conservation efforts are showing promise. At Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C., seventh graders from Sacred Heart School are working hands-on to protect migratory bird habitat.
In this episode of InvestigateTV+, we examine:
How a group of seventh graders works to protect migratory bird habitats by removing invasive species in Rock Creek Park
Cancer patients face deadly fungal infections when treatments weaken their immune systems
Urban farms in food deserts provide fresh produce access to underserved communities
Snowcat groomers are the unsung heroes of Mt. Hood, quietly shaping the slopes in the dark, night after night.
Struggle To Survive: Conservationist research reveals decline in bird populations nationwide
Birds play a vital role in our ecosystems, spreading seeds, pollinating plants, and controlling pests that affect many of the foods we eat. But experts say the steep population declines often signal broader environmental problems that could ultimately impact human communities.
The North American Bird Conservation Initiative’s recent report found that more than 200 bird species require urgent action. Since 1970, species like the Allen’s Hummingbird, Tri-colored Blackbird, and Saltmarsh Sparrow have all lost more than 50% of their populations.
The biggest declines have occurred among grassland and arid land birds, but even duck populations—once considered a conservation success story—have trended downward in recent years.
“We can’t become complacent,” Rodewald said, emphasizing that continued vigilance is essential even for species that have previously recovered.
Read our full investigation by clicking here.
Young girl battling leukemia dies due to fungal infection while immunocompromised
As the temperatures across the country rise, doctors are warning about an increasing number of deadly fungal infections. In Northern Arizona, a family is mourning the loss of their 6-year-old daughter Lola, who was battling leukemia and recently died from such an infection.
“She was very sassy and determined,” said Alyssa Aguilar, Lola’s mom.
Lola was a happy and healthy kindergartener who loved to play with her little sister, Phoebe. Her parents said everything changed on Halloween.
“We were heading out the door to go trick-or-treating and she collapsed,” said Drew Zimmer, Lola’s dad.
The Flagstaff family soon learned Lola had leukemia. They said she was immediately flown to Phoenix Children’s Hospital and battled the cancer with grace.
“It was admirable as strong as my daughter was,” said Zimmer.
“She was our inspiration. She really was,” said Aguilar.
After months of grueling treatments and hospital admissions, there was light at the end of the tunnel. Two weeks ago, Lola finished up the second phase of chemotherapy.
“All the doctors and us too were very hopeful and optimistic that she would have reached remission,” said Zimmer.
“We were very convinced that she was going to beat cancer,” said Aguilar. But they never found out if she was cancer-free.
The day after the final round of chemo, Lola went back to the hospital because she had a fever, which turned out to be from a fungal infection.
“Within 24 hours our daughter’s heart stopped and she couldn’t breathe on her own,” said Zimmer. “Seeing your daughter on life support unresponsive is really hard and then having the doctors tell you that the fungal infection she has is untreatable and having to say goodbye, it’s traumatic.”
Aguilar said the chemo destroyed Lola’s immune system. Read the full story here.
How this nonprofit farm is reimagining food access in South Carolina
From farm to table, one North Charleston nonprofit is reimagining what food accessibility looks like.
The team at Fresh Future Farm is working to bring healthy options to North Charleston through food activism.
“There’s a lot of collard greens, kale, mustard greens, arugula, broccoli, just like all your winter crops, and then we also have a good bit of herbs,” Tamazha North said, who serves as the co-director of food systems and finance.
“We grow, probably over the life of the farm, at least a hundred different crops,” North said.
North is part of the six-person staff at the Black-led nonprofit farm and grocery store, working alongside community volunteers to make accessibility happen.
“We’re on a mission to grow the quality of life our neighbors deserve, and we’re doing that through our urban farm and grocery store space, but also education as well,” she said.
Shaping the slopes: Behind the scenes with snowcat groomers on Mt. Hood
Oregon’s highest peak is a skier and snowboarder’s paradise, but it wouldn’t be without snowcat groomers.
Snowcat groomers are the unsung heroes of Mt. Hood.
They quietly shape the slopes in the dark, night after night.
Learn more about this team by clicking the above image.