Backyard Bird Diverstiy Requires Green Corridors

Photo by Kurt Roehlke; Photo editing by Roger Meissen

Human activities like agriculture, rural development and urbanization can create islands of green areas surrounded by cropland, pastures or pavement. This isolates birds and mammals, eventually causing their downfall.  By understanding how wildlife use forest corridors, agriculture, rural areas and cities can continue to grow while maintaining healthy animal populations for future generations.


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When Temperatures Climb Your Body Needs More Water

Photo by Gokhan Okur

Soaring summer temperatures and high humidity means your body will need more fluids to keep it working properly, to maintain a healthy body temperature, and to avoid feeling fatigued.








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Synthetic Turf on Playing Fields Carries Hidden Dangers

During the hot, humid days of summer, playing fields covered with synthetic turf can bring unseen dangers.






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Brown Patches in Your Lawn Could be a Fungal Disease, Not a Lack of Water

You're out in your yard and you notice several patches of brown grass in your lawn.  Your first impulse may be to grab the garden hose and douse the area with water.  But, instead of helping, you could be making things much worse.






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Exercise Safely in the Summer Heat

Photo By Ana Fernandez

Hot, humid days can put you at risk if you're working or playing outdoors.





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Hot and Wet Summer - Watch Out for Mold and Mildew

Some areas in the U.S. have seen a lot of rain this summer. Add warm temperatures to moisture and you have the perfect environment for mold and mildew.  For people with allergies, mold can be life-threatening. However, even if you don't suffer from allergies, mold can cause headaches and make you feel generally uncomfortable.

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Attack of the Bed Bugs

They come out at night to suck your blood.  No, I'm not referring to Van Helsing's foe. I'm talking about bed bugs, brown, flat fly-sized parasites that wait until your sleeping to feed on you. Their numbers are rapidly growing out of control. In cities like New York, Columbus and Toronto these creepy-crawlies have shut down clothing stores, libraries, movie theaters and even dentist offices.  After nearly eliminating them in the 60s, bed bugs are back with a vengeance. 
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