Disney Nature films--what happened to 2013?

Earth Day is approaching, and we're already in "Earth Month," for those of you who don't think everyday is Earth Day. The past few years, DisneyNature has put out a nature-inspired documentary. Last year it was Chimpanzee, in 2011 it was African Cats, they did Ocean another year. But nothing is on the slate for this year! Say what you want about the Walt Disney company, but they know how to make movies and they reach a huge audience. So I am disappointed there is no blockbuster wildlife documentary this year. According to wikipedia, a movie called "Pollen" that came out in France in 2011 is scheduled for a US release this month, but I'm not sure if that's true. After all, it is Wikipedia.

I have to admit I'm pretty excited about next year's movie about grizzly bears. I very much admire bears from afar (let's not go all Grizzly Man here) and I'm looking forward to observing them from the safety of a movie theater. So until then, just think natureful thoughts...

Out of my control

Dealing with nature's wily ways is one of the challenges of being an ecologist. I am supposed to be leaving for Panama in two weeks, for a short and efficient trip to set up an experiment. In this experiment, I will plant baby mangroves and see if they can survive and grow in places they don't usually grow. To be able to do this, however, I need propagules (aka seeds). This year Panama has had some crazy weather, and had so much rain the canal was closed in December due to flooding. So the trees might not be producing propagules at the same time they usually do, meaning when I go there won't be any seeds. Of course it would be a waste for me to fly down there if there is nothing for me to plant, but if I push the trip back I risk missing the fruits. I'm anxiously awaiting news from my acquaintances in Panama who are checking the status of the trees...