Photo by Carlton Ward

>> Spunky sparrows: On the grassy prairies of central Florida, biologists are racing to save North America’s most endangered bird, the tiny Florida grasshopper sparrow, through a last-ditch captive breeding effort. Earlier this month, they released the 501st captive-bred bird, signaling that there still might be a future for the species. “You go out in the morning to this dry prairie and you hear these birds buzzing, calling, looking for a mate, and they’re part of the Florida landscape,” says Juan Oteyza, the lead sparrow research scientist for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. We can’t lose them, because losing them would be losing part of Florida.” Read more about the efforts here.

>> Still cool: Fifty-five years ago, when the film Cool Hand Luke premiered, audiences first heard that now-famous line: “What we’ve got here is failure to communicate.” They also met one of the coolest Paul Newman characters of all time, Luke, a smooth convict at a Florida prison who scoffs at authority. G&G contributor John Meroney muses on the film’s lasting presence—and shares the salad recipe that Newman perfected on set. Read more here.

>> Wide open spaces: Framed by the Ohio River and the Appalachian Mountains, the Kentucky countryside looks like a landscape painting come to life. The bluegrass that lends the state its nickname graces the famed pastures on which Thoroughbreds and saddlebreds roam—especially in Lexington, “Horse Capital of the World,” where many of the hundreds of working horse farms are open for tours. The state offers other stunning panoramas: expansive caverns, rugged gorges, hidden waterfalls, and some of the South’s largest lakes. Soak up the sun or bike through the woods, then end the day with a bourbon tasting at one of many iconic distilleries. Get inspired for your next trip by requesting your free Kentucky Official Visitor’s Guide.

We recently asked, “What’s on your summer bucket list?” Here are some of your responses:

I would like a road trip with my teenage granddaughters. We have been to Charlottesville and Asheville. Maybe Nashville will be next. —Terrill M.

Catch more tripletail (locally “blackfish”) under buoys in Mobile Bay. —David B

Moving to a house with some AC! —Ann W

Learn to fly fish way up in Maine. —Pamela S.

Waiting for the first crop of raw green peanuts to boil. —Bob K.

At the top of my list was seeing my two grandsons who live in Alaska, whom I had not seen in person in three years due to Covid. Last week the family came for a visit, and we had a glorious time. Can’t top that! —Rachel C.

Keeping my cucumbers and tomatoes alive. —Irene J.

Modeling my Buc-ee’s swimsuit, floating in my pool drinking the champagne of beers. —Kate M.

I need to learn how to dock and trailer my skiff this summer. I can get it to Cape Lookout once my husband gets it in the water. —Missy M.

“How do you season your corn on the cob?”