SUMMARY: Dr. Luke Pearson, a USM alumnus and biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is leading efforts to conserve the alligator snapping turtle, a species potentially facing threats. Collaborating with USM graduate students, Pearson aims to gather accurate data as Mississippi holds the highest density of these turtles. His team addresses challenges like illegal harvesting and nest predation by implementing strategies such as captive egg hatching. By tracking turtle populations with radio technology and tagging hatchlings for future monitoring, Pearson hopes to improve survival rates and understand primary threats to this largest North American freshwater turtle species.

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SUMMARY: Mississippi’s gray skies, misty rain, and chilly temperatures call for cozying up with a warm bowl of soup. While quick options like Campbell’s chicken noodle or bean and bacon are fine, homemade soup is more rewarding. Start with rotisserie chicken: de-bone it, sauté onions, carrots, and celery, then simmer with chicken stock and seasoning. Add the chicken, thicken with roux if needed, and enjoy. Tomato soup is another favorite—sauté onions in butter, add tomatoes, season, and blend if desired. For a treat, try Greenhouse Biloxi’s tomato soup with sweet potato biscuits, perfect for lunch or dinner.

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SUMMARY: As Christmas approaches, consider gifts that inspire children to explore nature. Instead of buying a complete naturalist kit, create a personalized smaller kit with items based on the child’s interests. Start with a simple bug box, which can be any container, and include a brightly-colored magnifier for closer observation. A local field guide, like the affordable Golden Guides, can spark interest in specific animals or plants. As their curiosity grows, you might add a butterfly net, an aquarium net, or binoculars with a guide for bird watching. Prioritize small, engaging gifts to encourage outdoor adventures and discovery.

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