Houston homeless art project up for $1 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies
‘Airborne’ elephant dangles from a crane by its feet in award-winning photo
As conservationists look on, an elephant is dramatically hoisted feet-first into the air by a truck, its long trunk dangling down towards the ground.
The stunning shot is one of the winners of this year’s Environmental Photography Award — the third annual photo contest hosted by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
Photographer Marcus Westberg, who observed the chaotic scene in Malawi’s Liwonde National Park, was named winner of the Change Makers: Reason for Hope category.
Human settlements are increasingly overlapping with elephant habitats, resulting in problems for both elephants and people. In Liwonde National Park, elephant numbers have risen to almost 600 in the last eight years as a result of better law enforcement and security. The local population, which was increasing at a rate of 10% each year, had been spotted raiding crops in nearby villages. Translocation — in which the animals are moved to a different area away from people — is one solution to mitigate conflict in surrounding villages.
In 2022, after three years of planning, the nonprofit conservation organization African Parks and wildlife translocation specialists Conservation Solutions relocated 263 elephants 220 miles (350 kilometers) from Liwonde in the south of the country to Kasungu National Park in the northwest.
Conservationists identified a suitable herd, darted the animals with tranquilizers from helicopters, and then placed them in trucks using cranes. Meanwhile, a team of specialists worked quickly on the ground, monitoring the elephants’ health to ensure their safety.
Related: Wild African elephants may have domesticated themselves
Although translocation of wild elephants has become common, there are still many difficulties that need to be managed throughout the process, such as the risk of elephants falling or hurting themselves or their calves. Some elephants may have underlying health problems that are not immediately obvious, such as heart conditions, and these can be exacerbated by the general anesthetic that is administered for the translocation. The process can also pose a risk to humans — three men were killed by the elephants after they were relocated because of an unfinished fence, the Guardian reports.
In Malawi, protected areas are fragmented, meaning the rising elephant population can no longer migrate naturally. By moving some of the animals from areas with large populations to areas where there are fewer elephants, experts can safeguard populations and protect the needs of communities.
“Translocations have come to symbolize the mixed feelings I have about our relationship with the natural world,” Westberg said in a statement emailed to Live Science.
“On the one hand, they are an essential tool for strengthening endangered wildlife populations, bringing them back to areas from where they have disappeared. So, they are worth celebrating. On the other hand, they are only necessary because we have relentlessly destroyed habitats, blocked migration corridors and hunted wild animals to the brink of extinction.”
Palm Beach artist designs 32-thousand-pound sculpture to remember Holocaust victims
An art installation by Palm Beach artist Bruce Gendelman is nearing completion, set to memorialize the 1.5 million children who tragically lost their lives during the Holocaust.
NSM Insurance Group Acquires Shield Commercial Insurance Services
Company continues its acquisition spree as part of strategic growth plan
CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., July 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — NSM Insurance Group, the nation’s leading specialty insurance provider with more than $1.5B in premium across 25+ niche insurance programs in the U.S. and U.K., today announced the completion of its acquisition of Shield Commercial Insurance Services. Based in Palm Desert, CA, Shield specializes in insurance solutions for the general contractor and construction liability space.
“We are energized to continue our series of strategic acquisitions in the U.S. and U.K. with Shield,” said Bill McKernan, President of NSM Insurance Group. “Shield is a fast-growing and best-in-class business with exceptional underwriting and a profitable track record. They are a perfect fit for our B2B portfolio of dynamic, specialized businesses. We will accelerate their growth by expanding their geographic footprint and national distribution with our robust network of 15,000+ agent partners across the country.”
Shield is exclusively focused on underwriting business for small and mid-sized contractors, offering coverages for General Liability, Excess Liability, Workers’ Compensation, Inland Marine and Contractors Professional & Pollution Liability.
“We’re thrilled to join the NSM family of specialty insurance brands and further enhance and bolster our offerings to meet the unique needs of contractors,” said Robert Anderson, President and Co-Founder of Shield Commercial Insurance Services. “Over the last two decades, we have delivered innovative products for this niche segment and have built a tremendous reputation with agents and carriers alike — which has fueled our explosive organic growth over the last five years.”
Over the past 33 years, NSM has developed a winning formula for building the industry’s most successful and sustainable programs, consistently outperforming competitors and driving industry-leading growth and profitability over the last four years. This latest acquisition complements NSM’s robust portfolio of specialty insurance programs and brands for the commercial P&C industry and consumer insurance — backed by the company’s state-of-the-art resources, including IT, operations, marketing, HR and finance.
For more information about NSM or for investment opportunities, please visit nsminc.com.
About NSM Insurance Group
NSM Insurance Group is the nation’s leading specialty insurance provider, exclusively focused on building successful insurance programs. For more than 30 years, NSM has been committed to delivering industry-specific insurance programs that help agents meet the unique needs of their customers and fuel market growth through innovative development, underwriting, distribution and claims expertise. The company has built more than $1.5 billion in premium across 25+ specialty insurance programs and brands in the U.S. and U.K. focused on collector cars; pets; social services and behavioral health; addiction treatment; coastal condominiums; towing and garage; trucking; sports and fitness; professional liability for contractors, architects and engineers; habitational; medical stop loss and managed care; staffing; and workers’ compensation. For more information on NSM, visit nsminc.com.
Contact:
Leanne Scott Brown
Head of Marketing & Communications
610.808.9531
[email protected]
SOURCE NSM Insurance Group
Photographer Tanya Marcuse explores growth and decay in nature
VCU painting student blends Latin American colonial themes with his mo
Rising senior Nathan Hosmer finds inspiration and takes initiative from his VCUarts experience, including summer study in Italy.
In ‘An Unflinching Look,’ Benjamin Dimmitt Bears Witness to the Ecological Disaster of Florida’s Wetlands
“Dead palm in creek” (2021). All images © Benjamin Dimmitt, shared with permission
In one photo, dead palm leaves dangle from a desiccated trunk and skim the surface of a creek, making the crispy, lifeless fronds soggy with water. In another, a diptych highlights the same shoreline photographed 18 years apart, the latter sparse and sickly in comparison to its thriving predecessor.
Taken in stark black-and-white, these scenes are a few of many captured by Benjamin Dimmitt during the last three decades. They document the immense ecological changes of Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, approximately 70 miles north of Tampa on Florida’s Gulf Coast, and are now compiled in a forthcoming book that approaches the climate crisis with raw, unwavering honesty.
Slated for release in September from the University of Georgia Press, An Unflinching Look: Elegy for Wetlands highlights how the region has undergone dramatic changes since the 2010s when saltwater began to infiltrate sources of fresh water due to rising sea levels, over-pumping the underground aquifer, and general contamination of the area. “As the climate crisis worsens, my photographs show wetlands that are no longer an ecosystem in transition but now a ruin, a nearly barren, treeless salt marsh,” Dimmitt tells Colossal of his more than three-decade project bearing witness to this destruction. “The only plants thriving now are grasses, salt-loving mangroves, and the toxic algae that has flourished with the increase of phosphates and other fertilizers in the aquifer.”
“View Downstream,” top (2004), bottom (2022)
Although he’s currently based in Asheville, Dimmitt is a Florida native, and his profound respect for the state’s ecosystems and desire to preserve its natural life is evident in his photos. While earlier images show broad swaths of land, today, he primarily focuses on what’s left of the salt-addled forests, zeroing in on the barren limbs and cracked, gnarled roots of downed trees. The images are poignant reminders of the life we’ve already lost due to the climate crisis and that, while much damage has already been done, there’s still more to save.
Pairing more than 90 photos with contributions from scientists and writers, the book is a broad-reaching examination of a damaged ecosystem. It also suggests that what’s happening in Florida is indicative of a much larger problem. “The coastal inundation at the Chassahowitzka is a bellwether for low-lying coasts everywhere,” Dimmitt says. “What I have photographed is happening all around the world. As our planet continues to become warmer, the glacial melting and rising seas will only worsen.”
An exhibition of An Unflinching Look will open the new Wild Space Gallery in St. Petersburg, Florida, for its inaugural show this October and also be on view at Asheville Art Museum in November. Dimmitt will be traveling the southeast U.S. for a book tour this fall, and you can find news about that on his site. Until then, An Unflinching Look: Elegy for Wetlands is available for pre-order.
“Late Sun, Blue Run” (2020)
“View Upstream,” top (2004), bottom (2022)
“Blue Ruin Still Life 2” (2020)
“Diagonal trees in creek” (2021)
“Lower Crawford Creek,” top (1988), bottom (2014)
Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article In ‘An Unflinching Look,’ Benjamin Dimmitt Bears Witness to the Ecological Disaster of Florida’s Wetlands appeared first on Colossal.
Best Hikes in Alaska: 15 Hikes from Easy to Adventurous
Hiking is one of the best ways to experience Alaska’s varied landscapes. Lacing up those hiking boots and venturing out for anything from a short stroll to a multi-day backcountry adventure allows you to slow your pace and truly soak up your surroundings. Notice the wildflowers blooming on the side of the trail, feel small in the presence of towering mountains and glaciers, and enjoy the chance of seeing wildlife like moose, Dall sheep, ptarmigan, and more in their natural habitats.
With countless miles of trails and backcountry routes across the entire state, you’re sure to find a hiking trail that suits your activity level. From easy to challenging, we’ve rounded up some of our top picks for hikes in every region of Alaska.
Easy: Sitka National Historical Park in Sitka
Distance: 1.6 miles roundtrip
As you stroll through the Sitka spruce and western hemlock forest in peaceful Sitka National Historical Park, you’ll encounter 18 beautifully painted Tlingit and Haida totem poles nestled among the trees. The park also features views of the Indian River and beaches along Sitka Sound. You can learn about the local Russian and Tlingit history at the Visitor Center and watch Alaska Native artists demonstrate totem carving and other art forms through their Demonstrating Artists Program.
Also Try: Nugget Falls Trail in Juneau
Moderate: Mendenhall Glacier Trails in Juneau
Distance: Varies
The Mendenhall Glacier area is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Juneau, and for good reason. The impressive Mendenhall Glacier cascades down from the Juneau Icefield surrounded by jagged peaks, terminating in the waters of Mendenhall Lake alongside the rushing Nugget Falls. Several trails of various lengths and difficulty depart from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center to explore this scenic area. Easier trails such as the Nugget Falls Trail and Photo Point Trail stay low alongside the lake, while more challenging trails like the East Glacier Trail and the West Glacier Trail climb on either side of Mendenhall Lake for higher views of the glacier.
Also Try: Indian Falls Trail in Sitka
Challenging: Chilkoot Pass Trail in Skagway
Distance: 33 miles one way
One of the most famous thru-hikes in Alaska, the Chikloot Pass Trail allows you to walk in the historical footsteps of the tens of thousands of Stampeders that hiked from Skagway to the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush. The entire trail takes 3 – 5 days to complete and permits are required to hike the trail between June 1 and September 13. The trail climbs through temperate rainforest, boreal forest, and high alpine terrain, with gold rush artifacts visible along the way. Nine backcountry campgrounds are located along the route with tent platforms, outhouses, and food storage, and some campgrounds feature warming huts and are staffed with Park Rangers to answer questions and provide information on trail conditions.
Also Try: Deer Mountain Trail in Ketchikan
Top Hikes in Interior Alaska
Easy: Creamer’s Field in Fairbanks
Distance: up to 2 miles
Visitors to Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge are treated to several leisurely and peaceful trail options. Short walks through the boreal forest and along the raised walkways and viewing platforms over the area’s wetlands lead to fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities. Keep an eye out for moose and over 60 species of migrating birds that congregate in the former dairy field – including the impressive sandhill cranes that arrive in early summer.
Also Try: Chena Riverwalk in Fairbanks
Moderate: Angel Rocks Trail in Chena River State Recreation Area
Distance: 3.6 miles roundtrip
This loop trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Fairbanks area. The trail begins next to the north fork of the Chena River and then ascends via a short but steep climb through the forest to Angel Rocks. The namesake rocks are unique outcroppings known as tors and provide a great vantage point for taking in panoramic views of the surrounding tundra and mountains. Make sure to bring bug spray if you’re hiking this trail in summer.
Also Try: Savage Alpine Trail in Denali National Park
Challenging: Backcountry hiking in Denali National Park
Distance: As far as your feet will take you
While the iconic Denali National Park is one of the most popular destinations in Alaska, the vast majority of the park is not seen by visitors. Why? Because only one road and a handful of established trails exist in the park. However, the park welcomes off-trail hiking for those with backcountry experience and a sense of adventure. The park’s unique hop-on / hop-off transit buses allow you to start an off-trail hike anywhere along the park road, where you can choose your own route and hike along the vast expanse of tundra, riverbeds, and alpine ridges. When you’re done hiking you simply flag down the next transit bus to take you back to the park entrance. This type of hiking is challenging and only recommended for those who are comfortable with backcountry travel and route finding, and is one of the best opportunities for off-the-beaten-track hiking Alaska.
Also Try: Pinnel Mountain Trail in Central
Easy: Glacier View Loop Trail / Exit Glacier Overlook Trail in Seward
Distance: 1 mile to 2.2 miles roundtrip
Featuring various viewpoints of Exit Glacier cascading down the steep mountainside, these trails are some of only hiking trails in Kenai Fjords National Park. The wheelchair accessible Glacier View Loop Trail starts at the Exit Glacier Nature Center and follows a gentle path through the forest, leading to a viewpoint of the glacier from the outwash plain. If you’re up for a little elevation, continue on to the Exit Glacier Overlook Trail which climbs moderately to an overlook for up-close views of Exit Glacier.
Also Try: Tony Knowles Coastal Trail in Anchorage
Moderate: Winner Creek Trail in Girdwood
Distance: 6 miles roundtrip
Climbing gently through a temperate rainforest, the Winner Creek Trail is a mix of boardwalks, gravel, and dirt trail. Highlights of the trail include the bridge over the rushing Winner Creek as is cascades through the narrow channel and pools of Winner Creek Gorge, and views overlooking Glacier Creek from the platform at the end of the trail. This trail leaves from right behind the Alyeska Resort and is a great spot for blueberry picking in the fall.
Also Try: Portage Pass Trail in Whittier
Challenging: K’esugi Ridge Trail in Denali State Park
Distance: 27.5 miles one way
The K’esugi Ridge Trail follows the spine of a broad ridge overlooking the Chulitna River Valley and features expansive views of Denali and the Alaska and Talkeetna Mountain Ranges. While the trail’s length might sound daunting, several trailheads along the George Parks Highway lead up to the ridge trail, making shorter treks possible if you are able to stage a car at different trailheads. The trail makes for a great 3-4 day backpacking trip or you can plan an out-and-back day hike. Learn more about the southern end and the northern end of the trail system.
Also Try: Reed Lakes Trail in Hatcher Pass
Top Hikes in Southwest Alaska
Easy: Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park in Kodiak
Distance: up to 5 Miles
A network of trails meander through the towering Sitka spruce and mossy green understory, leading to views of the rocky coastline, World War II relics, and wildlife. Over 95 species of birds can be seen in the area and whales can sometimes be spotted from the panoramic ocean viewpoints. The area features some wheelchair accessible trails, interpretive trails, and picnic areas. Stop by the Ranger Station on your way into the park to grab a trail map so you can better navigate the trail system and World War II historical sites in this beautiful park.
Also Try: Near Island Trail System in Kodiak
Moderate: Mt. Ballyhoo Trail in Unalaska
Distance: 3 miles roundtrip
If you’re up for a short but steady climb with breathtaking views overlooking Unalaska / Port of Dutch Harbor and the surrounding islands and mountains, plan a day hike up Mt. Ballyhoo. This trail climbs the tallest peak on Amaknak Island and has two trailheads: one on the north side of the mountain, and one on the south. Please note that the trail is on Ounalaskha Corporations lands and a day-use recreation permit can be purchased online.
Also Try: Dumpling Mountain Trail in Katmai National Park
Challenging: Tanalian Falls Trail / Tanalian Mountain Trail in Port Alsworth
Distance: 5 – 8.6 miles roundtrip
While the Tanalian Falls Trail itself is only a moderately challenging hike, we’ve marked it as challenging due to its remote location. This trail is one of the few established trails in Lake Clark National Park and starts in the remote community of Port Alsworth on the shores of Lake Clark, accessible only by plane. Most visitors arrive by air taxi from Anchorage, Kenai, or Homer. The trail climbs gradually over 2.5 miles up to the cascading Tanalian Falls. If you’d like more of an adventure, continue another .5 miles to the edge of Kontrashibuna Lake, or backtrack about a mile to the intersection with the Tanalian Mountain Trail for a steep climb up the mountain.
Also Try: Pyramid Mountain in Kodiak
Top Hikes in Arctic Alaska
Easy: Interpretive Trails near the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center in Coldfoot
Distance: about 1 mile
The Arctic Interagency Visitor Center is a must-visit for anyone driving the Dalton Highway or visiting the small community of Coldfoot – one of the few communities north of the Arctic Circle accessible by road. This informative visitor center is a partnership between three federal agencies: the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, providing information on the public lands in northern Alaska including Gates of the Arctic National Park, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge. You can learn about these vast Arctic landscapes at the center and then walk the trails leading from the building. Several short interpretive trails wander through the boreal forest for views of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and historic sites.
Also Try: Beach walking in Nome
Moderate: Anvil Mountain in Nome
Distance: Varies depending on starting point
A local’s favorite, Anvil Mountain can be hiked from a few starting points in Nome and along the first couple of miles of the Teller Highway. The trail is notable for the rock outcropping shaped like an anvil on the summit’s west side and the looming White Alice antennas on the summit’s east side – part of a Cold War era communications system. From the top of the mountain you’ll also be treated to panoramic views of the mountains and alpine tundra surrounding Nome.
Also Try: Tom’s Trail in Nome
Challenging: Multi-Day Backpacking in Gates of the Arctic National Park or Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
For some of the most challenging and rewarding hiking in Alaska, consider a multi-day backcountry hike in the Arctic’s vast stretches of public lands. Gates of the Arctic National Park and Arctic National Wildlife Refuge are two remote parks situated around the Brooks Range, a rugged mountain range that extends 700 miles east to west through the heart of Alaska’s Arctic region and into Canada’s Yukon Territory. You won’t find any services, designated camping areas, or established trails in these parks, so hiking here on your own is only recommended for visitors with backcountry and route-finding experience. However, several tour operators offer guided multi-day treks in these areas that explore river valleys, tundra, mountain ridgelines, and wildlife, including the state’s largest caribou herds.
Also Try: Backcountry hiking in Kobuk Valley National Park
Be Prepared and Have Fun!
As with any outdoor adventure in Alaska, make sure to be prepared, give wildlife plenty of distance, respect private property, and practice Leave No Trace principles. Depending on the difficulty and distance of your hike, make sure to pack proper layers, food, water, and know your route before you leave. Check out these Alaska hiking safety guidelines from the National Park Service to learn more.
It’s incredible to see wildlife in their natural habitat and important to keep yourselves and the wildlife safe when encountering them. Make sure to learn about bear and moose safety in Alaska before starting your hike.
Remember that when you are hiking, you are walking on the traditional homelands of Alaska’s Indigenous Peoples. Learn more about the five distinct Alaska Native cultural groups so you can acknowledge their land as you travel through the state, and learn how you can practice Alaska Native values when visiting Alaska.
Explore more hikes in each region along with guided hiking and guided glacier trekking tours. Happy trails!
Rev Up Your Walls: Backdrop + Porsche Unveil Limited Edition Paint Collaboration
Premium paint and wallcoverings brand Backdrop has joined forces with Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA) to create a limited-edition paint collection that pays homage to the iconic Porsche sports cars on their 75th anniversary. The partnership revisits historic Porsche paint colors and brings them into the realm of home interiors for the first time, allowing car or color enthusiasts to infuse their living spaces with the vibrancy and spirit that defines the Porsche legacy.
Color has always been an intrinsic part of the Porsche DNA, as recognizable as the sleek contours of its cars. The selection of the heritage colors for this collaboration was a process between Backdrop’s co-founder and creative director, Natalie Ebel, and the Porsche team. The result is a vivid, four-color series of hues that have historical importance: Ruby Star, Irish Green, Riviera Blue, and Speed Yellow.
Backdrop, founded in 2018 by Natalie and Caleb Ebel, set out to revolutionize the world of home painting, simplifying the arduous task of selecting the perfect color. With a curated palette of over 75+ colors, Backdrop has amassed a devoted following by celebrating bold design, playful style, and unconventional color names that inject a sense of whimsy into the typically arduous painting experience. Their philosophy centers around the belief that paint is not merely a hardware store purchase but a deliberate design choice that has the power to transform spaces and evoke emotions.
From Natalie: “Everything we do at Backdrop centers around our love of color. Naturally, we jumped at the chance to work with an iconic brand like Porsche, which has always been synonymous with its bold, statement-making color palette. It has been an absolute dream come true to collaborate with Porsche, especially during their 75th year, and to be inspired by its rich history. I am incredibly excited to translate our shared love of design and spirit of self-expression into a collection that will take on new life in our homes and on our walls.”
Since its inception in 1948, Porsche has established itself as a global icon, synonymous with cutting-edge technology and visionary design. The brand has long recognized the significance of color and has offered its cars in an astonishing array of shades. Currently offering 180 colors through its Paint to Sample program, Porsche lovers have the freedom to create truly personalized vehicles that reflect their individuality. This parallel focus on customization and self-expression resonates deeply with Backdrop’s belief in the profound impact of color on our personal spaces.
Ayesha Coker, Vice President of Marketing at PCNA, shared: “Individualization is at the core of Porsche. Whether it’s a custom-built Taycan or your home office, we want to inspire all to dream in full color. Together with Backdrop, we’ve curated a series of bright, saturated colors that hold significance to us and are certain to infuse your home interior design with the beloved Porsche aesthetic.”
Ruby Star: Dating back to 1991 and seen on Porsche 911, 928, and 944 models over the years, Ruby Star is a deep magenta red that is distinct, bold and joyous.
Irish Green: First seen in 1964 on a 356C sports car, the dark hunter green shade is also one of the first colors to grace the Porsche 911. It’s a color as timeless as the sports car itself.
Riviera Blue: An electric bright blue, the head-turning and audacious color was developed in 1994 and has been seen on the 911, 928, and 968 models.
Speed Yellow: This vibrant yellow first appeared on the Porsche 911 in 1991. Not for the shy or Sunday driver, the color is distinctly tied to the sports car and the Porsche brand.
Backdrop’s collaboration with Porsche marks another milestone in their remarkable series of sell-out partnerships, from teaming up with Barbie and Dunkin’, to collaborating with New York design shop Coming Soon and introducing an exclusive color line with Madewell.
Backdrop co-founders Natalie and Caleb Ebel
The new, Backdrop x Porsche four-color collection is available in a custom co-branded collectible paint can that retails for $75 per gallon at backdrophome.com.
Photography by Ian Evan Lam.
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Native Pop showcases artists from the Black Hills and beyond
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) – The annual art show “Native Pop” made its way over to Main Street Square and they had collections of art from artists ranging from photography to jewelry making.
Organizers say the purpose of hosting an event like this is to put a spotlight on indigenous artists in the area who they say would not get recognition otherwise. On Saturday they had an awards ceremony for a variety of art categories and a fashion show to display as much of the art as possible.
One artist present says it isn’t just local artists represented at this show either.
”This is a very unique show in the way that we get to not only showcase regional artists but also we have artists from all over the country that come here for a two-day show,” said Jennifer White, an artist present at the event.
White says she has attended the event since it started 11 years ago and has seen it grow from just a few artists to over 50 today.
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