🌞 Solstice, Wildlife Comebacks & Micro-Joys

Happy Friday my friend,

As we welcome the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere (and the shortest day Down Under), it’s a beautiful reminder of Earth’s rhythms and unity. Check out 7 interesting solstice facts from the Farmer’s Almanac.

ECL TRIVIA: Which large mammal helps maintain grassland ecosystems by creating “wallow pits”? (Answer below)

🌎 Planet Health

🐺 WOLF WHISPERERS: California has confirmed three new gray wolf packs—bringing the total to 10—as restoration efforts continue to support this keystone predator. Find out how these wolves are reclaiming their territory.

🐍 PYTHON PICNIC: A licensed snake rescuer in Kerala, India, took in discarded python eggs and successfully hatched 10 babies at home—an inspiring grassroots conservation win that underscores how individual care can support vulnerable wildlife. Read this heartening story. Yes, snakes deserve protection too.

🐊 CROCODILE CONSERVATION MILESTONE: Odisha, India, celebrates 50 years of a pioneering crocodile conservation program that now supports all three native species—saltwater, mugger, and gharial—with stable or increasing populations. Learn how this initiative became a global model.

🧑‍⚕️ Human Health

😌 MICRO-JOYS DAILY: A UCSF–Berkeley study finds that just 5–10 minutes of small, joyful acts—like moments of gratitude or spontaneous fun—daily led to measurable increases in happiness and emotional resilience within a week. Explore this simple path to well-being.

🌲 TWO HOURS OUTSIDE: Canadian researchers report that just two hours a day spent outdoors significantly improves teenagers' mood and life satisfaction—offering a low-cost intervention for youth mental health. Learn how outdoor time makes a difference.

🧘 SURF THERAPY RISING: Surf therapy programs (like those in La Jolla and the UK) are gaining recognition as effective interventions for improving mental health in youth and veterans—through structured, ocean-based activity. Read about this growing wellness trend.

🍋 Your Summer Hydration Upgrade (Without the Junk)

Let’s face it—most so-called “hydration drinks” are loaded with sugar, artificial dyes, and sketchy ingredients. That’s why my wife and I drink LMNT – and serve to guests during a lot of hosting in the summer. It’s a reliable way to replenish and re-energize.

Whether we’re hiking, sauna-sweating, or just dealing with brain fog from a dry summer day, LMNT gives us what we’re really missing: electrolytes that work.

Their new Lemonade Salt flavor? 🔥 Salty, tart, and downright refreshing. I’ve been mixing it with cold water or adding it to iced tea for a Salty Arnold Palmer. Trust me, it’s summer in a glass.

• No sugar. No junk.

• Just sodium, potassium & magnesium in the right ratios.

• Loved by Navy SEALs, Olympic athletes… and, apparently, nature adventurers like us.

👉 [Get a LMNT Sample Pack with any order here] Try it and if it’s not your thing, pass it to a salty friend and get your money back—no questions asked.

Stay hydrated, stay adventurous.

Photo of the week

Trivia Answer:

The bison — When they roll in the dirt, they create shallow depressions that collect rainwater and support biodiversity.

🎥 Soil Minerals Deep Dive - with Toby Hemenway

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...and a healthier planet:

• • Improve health awareness: Deep Dive articles & recipe videos
• • Protect ecosystems: expert video tutorials with leaders around the world
• • Prioritize mental health: custom meditations for relieved stress
• • Camaraderie: likeminded community (app coming soon!)
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