Cyclists assemble in Yerevan, Armenia, for a bike tour to Teghut Forest. Photo by Ruzanna Hovasapyan via ride-earth on Flickr. Armenian environmental activists fighting plans to build a copper mine in an endangered forest got a boost recently when former System of a Down frontman Serj Tankian, surely the world's most famous Armenian-American rock star, sent a me...Read the full story on TreeHugger

Credit: Giant Salamander Protection International It's polite to ask before eating the last cookie, or the last piece of cheese, or the last animal of its kind on Earth. Actually, you can't have permission for that last one: you can't eat endangered species. You're just asking for bad karma if you do. And hopefully guilty indigestion. Some cultures crave species that are disappearing from the planet, however, and groups out there are trying to put a stop to it. Here are seven animals that have the bad luck to be tasty:...Read the full story on TreeHugger

Photo: Wikipedia National anthems are unique in their ability to stir patriotism, create solidarity, and inspire achievement--which makes them hugely important compositions. In fact, although the tradition of creating a national song didn't gain popularity until the 19th century, nearly every nation on earth has an anthem of its own today. And, as with all official, political texts, the lyrics to these anthems were selected deliberately to best embody the best qualities of the national identity: Some national anthems celebrate and praise Read the full story on TreeHugger

Dinosaur crossing sign. Image credit:SignsUp The past two years have witnessed the emergence of a powerful movement opposing the construction of new coal-fired power plants in the United States. Initially led by environmental groups, both national and local, it has since been joined by prominent national political leaders and many state governors. The principal reason for opposing coal plants is that they are changing the earth's climate. There is also the effect of mercury emissions on health and the 23,600 U.S. deaths each year from power plant air pollution....Read the full story on TreeHugger

photo via Webshots, efungus While humans have the reputation of being the most intelligent of Earth's creatures, the higher you go on the food chain the less ability you have to regrow appendages. Yes, it's too bad. Humans can cut themselves and the wound will heal: Cut off a finger or arm, however, and you end up with a stump. Here are 10 creatures that may not have a written language or health insurance, but can regenerate legs, claws and heads when necessary. Take the Skink: Its tail can be "rel...Read the full story on TreeHugger