Howdy Earthlings! Today's Earthy Thursday post at the PaganNewsBeagle celebrates pingos; aging hikers; sexy hellbenders; Superfund refuges; and native bees.

What's a pingo? And why might they be endangered due to climate change?

Hiking in the deep wilderness isn't just for youngsters in the upcoming movie "Wild." In this essay from Outside, 69-year old writer (and hiker) Barry Lopez explores what wilderness means to all of us at any age.

Can you guess what a hellbender is? And why ecologists are studying its sex life?

One in six Americans live near a Superfund (toxic waste) site. Do you? You might not be able to recognize it if you do -- since many reclaimed sites are now unusual wildlife refuges.

Not all bees are equal: check out this article on North American *native* bees.