Issue Nº 503

Monday

In today’s issue, we’ll take a look at:

• Why deer don’t hibernate in the cold

• What makes wetlands so important to the Earth?

• Start your language journey today

• Sunset of the Day

• Ditch the dinnertime drama

• 15 best foods to freeze, a lighting hack, and 2024’s best photos

True or False?

Sea otters hold hands when they sleep to avoid drifting apart.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

Why Deer Don’t Hibernate in the Cold

Have you ever wondered how deer manage to stay warm during harsh winters?

Despite their slender frames and short fur, deer are built to withstand the cold through some clever natural adaptations. Unlike bears, deer don’t hibernate. Instead, they remain active throughout winter, relying on their unique physical traits and behaviors to survive freezing temperatures.

1. A Built-In Winter Coat: Deer grow a special winter coat that includes a dense underlayer for insulation and longer guard hairs to trap heat. This natural design keeps their body warmth in, helping them endure even subzero temperatures without needing to retreat for the season.

2. Packing on Winter Pounds: To prepare for food scarcity, deer bulk up in the fall by feasting on calorie-rich nuts and berries. This extra fat provides insulation and acts as an energy reserve, sustaining them when food is harder to find.

3. Sheltering Smartly: Because they don’t hibernate, deer must actively seek out shelter during storms and cold snaps. They bed down in thickets, under evergreens, or in brushy areas that block icy winds. When snow piles up, they even use their antlers to clear it away from their resting spots and food sources.

By adapting their diet, behavior, and habitat, deer thrive in winter’s harshest conditions and show us just how resilient animals can be.

What Makes Wetlands So Important to the Earth?

Every February 2nd, we celebrate World Wetlands Day, a moment to recognize the incredible role wetlands play in keeping our planet healthy.

Wetlands—like marshes, swamps, and rivers—are areas where water shapes the land, creating habitats for countless species. While they often go unnoticed, these ecosystems are vital to life on Earth.

Wetlands are home to 40% of the world’s plant and animal species, making them a biodiversity hotspot. They act like natural sponges, soaking up floodwaters and filtering pollutants to keep our water clean. Wetlands even absorb carbon dioxide, helping fight climate change while keeping the air healthier to breathe.

But wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests due to pollution, development, and climate change. That’s why World Wetlands Day is a call to action.

Small steps can make a big impact: Conserve water by fixing leaks and turning off taps, use eco-friendly products to reduce pollution, and limit fertilizers and pesticides that harm nearby ecosystems. You can also join local cleanups or support restoration projects that protect and rebuild wetlands.

These natural wonders are essential to the planet’s balance—and they need our help. How will you honor wetlands this year? Share your ideas and actions with us!

Start Your Journey Today – A New Language, A New You

What if you could confidently chat with locals at a Parisian café or navigate bustling markets in Tokyo—without a translation app?

Babbel’s bite-sized lessons and AI Conversation Partner let you practice real-world conversations, giving you instant feedback tailored to your needs. It’s not just about learning words—it’s about building confidence for every situation.

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Sunset of the Day

Today’s amazing sunset comes from The Canopy reader Cal, who captured this tranquil moment during a visit to friends in Northern Idaho.

Stepping onto the patio, she was met with this breathtaking view, a perfect reminder of nature’s quiet beauty.

Thank you, Cal, for sharing this peaceful scene with us. Have a sunset that made you stop in awe? Send it our way—we’d love to feature your view in The Canopy!

Ditch the Dinner Drama

Debating what to eat. Trekking to the store. Searching high and low for ingredients. Overcooking the salmon (…again). Time to ditch the dinner drama and turn mealtime into me time.

With Tovala, you’ll get chef-crafted meals delivered to your door that are cooked to perfection in just 20 minutes. That’s 20 minutes back in your day to…

Finish that wordle

Get those steps in

Or, rediscover your favorite
boy band

(they’re on tour, y’know…)

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Quick Picks:

This week’s Quick Picks are here to inspire—smart ways to reduce food waste, a sustainable lighting hack, and awe-inspiring science photography!

• 🥶 15 Best Foods to Freeze: Reduce food waste and save money by freezing these commonly overlooked items. Perfect for keeping your kitchen stocked sustainably! Check out the list here.

• 💡 Sustainable Lighting Hack: Learn how to make your home cozier and more energy-efficient with this creative lighting tip. Easy, eco-friendly, and budget-friendly! Watch it here.

• 📸 Top Science Photos of 2024: Marvel at this year’s most breathtaking science images—from stunning space shots to incredible wildlife captures. See them all here.

Reflections:

🌎 Did You Know: True, sea otters do hold hands when sleeping to avoid drifting apart! It’s both adorable and practical for staying together.

🌅 Sunset Of The Day: The sun can provide the most beautiful photography. That's why we're eager to see your favorite sunrise or sunset photos. Reply to this email with your best sun-based pictures for a chance to be featured!