Earth Wise
Climate change and invasive species
There has been much attention paid in recent times to the problem of invasive species and the potential harm that they cause. As a result, we have employed a variety of strategies to control the spread of non-native plants and animals that, in many instances, can disrupt local ecosystems and cause both ecological and economic damage. [Read more…] about Climate change and invasive species
Land snails and forest disturbance
There’s no universally accepted definition of an ‘old growth forest’ – but most scientists agree they’re characterized by large old trees, multi-layered canopies, and dead wood that provides habitat for a variety of animals, from cavity nesting birds to invertebrates. [Read more…] about Land snails and forest disturbance
Corn ethanol and greenhouse gases
Ninety-five percent of all gasoline sold in the United States contains ethanol. This is the result of the Renewable Fuel Standard established by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. These laws require renewable fuel to be blended into transportation fuel in increasing amounts each year through 2022. [Read more…] about Corn ethanol and greenhouse gases
Improving water, improving lives
Add water pollution to the list of ills suffered by under-served urban communities. Economically-depressed neighborhoods are hotspots for water contamination due to aging sewer and storm-water systems. Optimistically, a new study suggests that water cleaning and community greening can go hand-in-hand. [Read more…] about Improving water, improving lives
Dust in the wind
Increasingly, atmospheric chemists are understanding the importance of dust particles—known as aerosols—in our atmosphere. Many aerosols are rather large particles that fall out of the atmosphere fairly quickly. But, some small particles are held aloft and undergo long-distance transport in the atmosphere. Each year winds bring more than 6,000 tons of dust from Asia to the west coast of the United States. [Read more…] about Dust in the wind
Measuring real progress on carbon
International attention on the growing problem of climate change has resulted in a number of agreements regarding carbon emissions, most notably the Kyoto Protocol, originally adopted in 1997. Over the years, 191 nations have been signatories to this accord and its various extensions. But notably, the United States has never ratified it. [Read more…] about Measuring real progress on carbon
The future of woodland pools
Woodland pools are temporary wetlands that provide important habitat to forest wildlife. They also help mitigate floods. While land development is a major threat to woodland pools, there are also subtle changes that undermine their health. [Read more…] about The future of woodland pools
Why woodland pools are worth protecting
Woodland pools are temporary wetlands that provide an array of benefits, from buffering against floods to ensuring future populations of frogs and salamanders. Given their importance, it would be easy to assume they’re protected. Sadly, this is far from true. [Read more…] about Why woodland pools are worth protecting
Woodland pools: Powerhouses of productivity
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Woodland pools are temporary forest wetlands. While they only last a few months, they produce an abundance of wildlife. During the spring breeding season, a single pool can yield thousands of amphibians. That’s a lot of frogs and salamanders. Pools also produce copious amounts of insects, which are essential food for forest animals. [Read more…] about Woodland pools: Powerhouses of productivity
Woodland pools: Brimming with life
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In the forest, small, temporary wetlands provide essential habitat to a variety of animals. Amphibians are the most widely recognized inhabitants of woodland pools. The fish-less water bodies provide them with the perfect place for mating and laying eggs. [Read more…] about Woodland pools: Brimming with life
What is a woodland pool?
While walking through the forest in early spring, you might hear a raucous quacking off in the distance. Make your way toward the sound, and you’ll likely find a small pool of water bustling with activities. [Read more…] about What is a woodland pool?
Clean water for the future
The Clean Water Act was enacted in 1972 with bipartisan support to protect our nation’s waters from pollution and other forms of degradation. [Read more…] about Clean water for the future
Tuning in to the soundscape
The last time you took a walk through the woods or a meadow, you may have admired the towering trees, a boldly patterned butterfly, or a beautifully plumaged bird. But were you aware of the sounds around you—from both wildlife and human sources? [Read more…] about Tuning in to the soundscape
An update on offshore wind
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The planned wind farm in Nantucket Sound known as Cape Wind was the first offshore wind energy project proposed in the United States, back in 2001. Since that time, the project has been through a bewildering permitting, approval, and assessment process involving multiple federal and state agencies. It has also been the subject of numerous lawsuits. [Read more…] about An update on offshore wind
The sound of spring
In the Northeast, one of the first signs of spring is the unmistakable calling of the spring peeper. While this small frog weighs only a few grams, its mating call is louder than that of many songbirds ten times its size. [Read more…] about The sound of spring
Hydroelectric dams and carbon sequestration
One of the key ways of mitigating climate change is to keep carbon away from the atmosphere where it is found as carbon dioxide, a key greenhouse gas. Carbon that is stored in trees and other woody plants, in soils, and in the oceans is said to be sequestered. [Read more…] about Hydroelectric dams and carbon sequestration
A seasonal change we can live without
Spring weather brings with it the unwelcome bloom of roadside litter. Colorful cans, bottles, and wrappers sprout from the melting snow every year at this time. [Read more…] about A seasonal change we can live without
From sap to syrup
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Several sugar maples on my property are currently outfitted with taps and buckets. Their sap is destined to sweeten future breakfasts. Maple sugaring, which dates back to the indigenous peoples of North America, is an elegant mix of biology, physics, and patience. [Read more…] about From sap to syrup
A tale of birds and buildings
