Fun Fungus Facts The kingdom Fungi comprises some of the most important organisms, environmentally and ecologically. They are responsible for decomposition of dead organic material and most vascular plants rely on symbiotic relationships with fungi for their survival and success. And while many fungal species cause disease in both plants and animals, others are used…
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New Found in Newfoundland Scientists have discovered honeybee colonies in Newfoundland, Canada, which are free from the parasites affecting hives in the U.S., affording a unique research opportunity. Fungal parasites such as Nosema ceranae and viral vectors like the mite, Varroa destructor are ravaging honeybee populations throughout the U.S. and around the world making research into their…
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Weevils and White Grubs …oh my! In the northern parts of the region Annual Bluegrass Weevils are just reaching their larval stage while the southern areas should have already incurred the worst of the primary generation. The damage should not have been too severe as the first stage occurred during the earlier part of June…
DetailsThe US EPA, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and the Chesapeake Bay Trust recently partnered to provide $3.7 million in grants to 34 organizations through the Green Streets, Green Towns, Green Jobs Initiative (G3). The purpose of the G3 grant program is to help add green space and reduce stormwater runoff by using green…
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Anabrus simplex The Mormon cricket, Anabrus simplex, is a large insect, growing up to 8 cm in length and so-called due to the near destruction of Utah settlers’ crops in 1848. These insects are not true crickets but belong to the shieldbacked katydid family, Tettigoniidae. They live throughout the American northwest, beginning in southern Canada and ranging south…
DetailsCurrent Conditions The last couple of weeks in June were dry across the region, receiving only a fraction (0.05 inches) of the average expected rainfall for the month. Daytime high temperatures have been seasonal, night time lows are consistently below average. While the warm, dry weather is pleasant, lack of rainfall with increasing temperatures will cause…
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Lead Liability In the early days of gasoline production lead was added to gas because it was found to improve automobile performance, but as technology improved and the health hazards of lead were discovered the use of lead as an additive was phased out. Unfortunately, 50 years of car emissions containing lead has remained in the environment.…
DetailsMany jurisdictions now have ordinances the require calculation of pre- and post-development tree canopy cover and consequent mitigation requirements if certain thresholds are not reached. The Consulting Group at SavATree can create quantitative data on trees and stands on the desktop: We then visit the site in the field to add qualitative information on tree…
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Current Conditions Weather for the middle of June has actually been quite pleasant and mild, mostly dry with humidity rising and a couple of fronts coming through in the last couple of days. Most of the region is experiencing near-drought like conditions with less than an inch of accumulated rainfall, there were localized thunderstorms and showers,…
DetailsSITES v2, the most comprehensive tool for planning, designing, and building sustainable projects is now available. With focus areas related to Water, Soil + Vegetation, Materials, and Human Health, SITES v2 can help you create sustainable landscapes. You can download the SITES v2 rating system and related tools here. The Sustainable Sites Initiative™ (SITES™) program…
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