May is American Wetlands Month created in 1991 by the EPA and its governmental and private sector partners to acknowledge the importance of wetlands to our ecological, economic and social health. There is much to be learned about the value of the wetlands to our very existence on this Earth. One of … [Read more...]
Archives for May 2016
Phosphorus
Yesterday I noticed by neighbor spreading fertilizer on his lawn which prompted me to write about America's overuse of phosphorus as a soil amendment for our lawns, gardens and crops. Use of phosphorus gives a boost to the growth of our food, our perennials, our lawns -- but it also comes at a … [Read more...]
Ortho Drops Neonic Chemical
In the words of former Wild Ones Journal Editor Maryann Whitman, "I’m gobsmacked." Ortho, a division of Scotts Miracle-Gro Company says it will stop using neonicotinoids in their lawn care products. Neonicotinoids often called just neonics are a class of chemicals that harm bees and other insects … [Read more...]
Home Storm Water Management – Rain Barrels
Spring typically brings the rain needed to maintain healthy vegetation throughout the summer, so I thought it would be a good time to discuss home storm water management. Home storm water management through the use of rain barrels provides a water source for those thirsty planters and gardens and … [Read more...]
Wisconsin Citizen-Based Monitoring Partnership Program RFP
The Wisconsin Citizen-Based Monitoring Partnership Program hosted by WDNR is now accepting applications for funding and assistance for projects focused on a variety of priorities. All priorities focus on biodiversity, of course. Many focus on pollinators and other insects and birds, and a couple … [Read more...]
Cinco de Mayo May 5th
Tomorrow, May 5th, Cinco de Mayo is a day many schools and communities celebrate here in the USA as well as in Mexico. Often mistaken as Mexico's celebration of independence, it actually is intended to celebrate the Battle of Puebla. It has, however, become more of a fun holiday which celebrates the … [Read more...]