Although it may seem counterintuitive for gardeners and farmers to attract insects, the trend of planting companion crops for attracting beneficial insects and repelling undesirable ones is gaining ground. Under guidance from the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Florida A&M University (FAMU) a few smaller growers in the Tallahassee area are undertaking this option…
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The goldspotted oak borer, Agrilus auroguttatus, (GSOB) is an invasive pest found currently contributing to oak mortality in San Diego County, CA. This flatheaded borer is newly introduced to California yet poses a significant risk to its oak tree population. The pest is actually naturally occurring in southeastern Arizona, and a related species can be found…
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During this year’s Christmas Bird Count (http://birds.audubon.org/get-involved-christmas-bird-count-find-count-near-you), put on annually by the Audubon Society running 12/14/2014-1/15/2015, scientists at the Nature Conservancy ask citizen scientists for help identifying signs of damage from invasive tree pests such as the emerald ash borer and Asian longhorned beetle, among others. Invasive insects are often preyed upon by woodpeckers which…
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Apparently, an ongoing debate rages; is it best to stack firewood bark up or bark down? While Norwegians seem evenly split 50/50 on the topic, some say it is all semantics and still others are evaluating the psychology of a person based on which way their firewood is stacked, the direction of the bark really…
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Winter weather extremes can be difficult for plants, wildlife and humans. Landscape plants can incur extensive damage and require appropriate care preceding, during and following an intense winter season. Damage from wildlife, browning and desiccation are the most common issues afflicting plants and trees due to winter weather. Deep snow cover in place for an…
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The first record of a decorated Christmas tree was found in Riga, Latvia in 1510 where men of the local guild of merchants decorated an evergreen tree in the town square with artificial roses and then set fire to it. The next time the historical record mentions the intentional selection of trees which were subsequently brought…
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In a dramatic, but satisfying, twist of fate, the Karner blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) has almost recovered from the brink of extinction. Named for its initial location of discovery and beautiful coloration the Karner blue butterfly relies on unique inland wetland pine barrens found east of Minnesota and along the eastern seaboard. Historically the blue’s range was a…
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The future of building has arrived and apparently the new, exciting, desirable, sustainable product is wood. Contractors and architects are going back to basics by returning to the renewable, durable, multi-purpose material after years where it was fashionable to design and build with steel and concrete. Nowhere was this message clearer than at this year’s Wood Solutions fair…
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In a world moving towards sustainability, improving urban tree cover can provide numerous benefits both environmental and social. Tree canopy in an urban environment will reduce summer peak temperatures, increase efficiency of heating and cooling buildings, improve water quality and curtail erosion. Additionally, lush urban tree cover increases aesthetic appeal and value; all of these factors…
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Beginning on December 14th 2014 and running through January 5th 2015 the Audubon’s Annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is the longest running citizen science survey in the world. Thousands of volunteers across the country will contribute critical data on winter bird population trends. This data is entered into the database and is vital to the…
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