Each weekday morning, OurAmazingPlanet takes the pulse of the Earth, reporting on natural phenomena and exploration news from around the globe.

Arroyo Toad: In Southern California, the home of the endangered Arroyo toad is getting some protection from the Federal Wildlife Service.

Cool, Dry January: Last month was colder and drier (whaaa?) than average across the United States, according to the latest data from the National Climatic Data Center.

Noise-Free Forest: About 7 percent of Michigan's Huron-Manistee National Forest may soon be off-limits to firearm hunting and snowmobiling, giving visitors some peace and quiet.

Previously on Our Daily Planet: Shark Attacks and Toxic Algae Blooms

Reach OurAmazingPlanet staff writer Brett Israel at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @btisrael.