News
Officials warn of dangerous Algal (algae) blooms in Illinois lakes
June 9, 2022
jbrotton
Illinois officials remind residents to use caution when recreating in Illinois waters and be aware of harmful “Algal Blooms” (Blue Green algae blooms). Algal blooms are the result of a nutrient, like nitrogen or phosphorus from various sources (for example fertilizer runoff or other forms of nutrient pollution), entering the aquatic system and causing excessive growth of algae. An algal bloom affects the whole ecosystem
Read MoreThe Unsettled—and Unsettling—Science of Lawn Chemicals
June 9, 2022
jbrotton
BY TIK ROOT JUNE 9, 2022 9:21 AM EDT For people with yards, keeping grass lush can often feel like a full-time job: planting, treating, mowing, bug-killing, watering—and repeating. Because of the many products and services this entails, the lawn and garden care industry raked in $16.8 billion globally in 2020, according to analytics firm Allied Market Research.
Read MoreAlgae blooms prompt advisories for two NH bodies of water
June 7, 2022
jbrotton
By Adam Sullivan Published: Jun. 6, 2022 at 8:01 AM EDT|Updated: 17 hours ago ENFIELD, N.H. (WCAX) - Cyanobacteria, better known as blue-green algae, can be harmful to both humans and pets. And officials say two recent warnings in the Upper Valley could be a sign of things to come. Floyd Gray and his partner, Miriam, of Canaan, New Hampshire, have been boating on Mascoma Lake in Enfield for years. “This is our favorite lake to go boating on,” Gray said.
Read MoreColorado trying new tools, including phosphorus-free lawns, to combat toxic algae
June 6, 2022
jbrotton
By Jerd Smith Fresh Water News 11 hrs ago Read the label on your lawn fertilizer bag and help save your favorite lake or reservoir from those smelly, pea-green algae blooms that shut down summer watering spots for weeks at a time. That’s the message from water quality officials and city water utilities in Colorado this year as the summer lawn and recreation season gears up.
Read MoreSeagrasses thrive in the Gulf of Mexico while withering elsewhere
June 6, 2022
jbrotton
Florida's offshore marine habitat is in peril. Populations of fish are dwindling in many places, and manatees have been dying in record numbers. The basis for much of this life lies in seagrass just under our boats. We join scientist on a trip into one of the healthiest seagrass meadows in the Gulf of Mexico.
Read MoreCalifornia Court Rules Bees Are ‘Fish’ Protected by Endangered Species Act
June 1, 2022
jbrotton
by PAUL BOIS 31 May 2022185 A three-judge California state appellate court ruled on Tuesday that bees are in fact “fish” protected under the state’s Endangered Species Act.
Read MoreCampbell Vaughn: A look at the nitty gritty on lawn fertilizers
May 31, 2022
jbrotton
Campbell Vaughn Columnist I give advice regularly on how to do something and don’t usually get to see the real results of what I advocate. In Extension, we are constantly giving out recommendations for fertilizer types and rates (especially for lawns) hoping that the product is going to work well and give the client the desired results.
Read MoreFertilizer ban will go into effect for Hillsborough County residents to improve water quality
May 31, 2022
jbrotton
By Catherine Hawley Published May 27, 2022 4:48AM Updated 5:26AM New fertilizer ban coming to Hillsborough County Catherine Hawley reports
Read MoreCape Coral finding new ways to explain upcoming fertilizer ordinance
May 31, 2022
jbrotton
REPORTER: ZACH OLIVERI WRITER: MATTHEW SEAVER PUBLISHED: MAY 25, 2022 3:50 PM EDT CAPE CORAL Preventing harm to our waterways is the goal of Cape Coral’s fertilizer ordinance. You can’t use any fertilizer with nitrogen or phosphorus on your lawn.
Read MoreCaring for our lawn and the environment together
May 31, 2022
jbrotton
Tom Infanti Submitted May 26, 2022 The American lawn has been a sense of pride and commitment to many, and has a long history going back over 200 years. The care of our lawn continues to evolve as we learn more about the science behind it. We also continue to learn how our lawns affect the environment around us. Below are some interesting lawn history facts and some suggestions on how we can make lawn care coexist with the environment we need to protect. 1700s: Landscape designers in England...
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