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Did you know that groundwater is the source of drinking water supplies for nearly two million people in Kentucky?  Additionally, more than 400,000 Kentucky residents rely on private water wells for drinking water and other water uses.  Not only does groundwater quench our thirst, but it is also important in protecting water quality and quantity [...]

It is estimated that there are up to two million dogs in the Chicago viewing area!  While it’s not a pleasant subject, these animals collectively create thousands of pounds of waste each day.  Pet waste left outside can be washed into storm drains and ditches during rain storms, eventually ending up in local rivers, streams, [...]

Did you know that there are aboutt 80,000 dogs registered in the City of Albuquerque?  While it’s not a pleasant subject, these animals collectively create more than 20 tons of waste each day!  Pet waste left outside can be washed into storm drains and ditches during rain storms, eventually ending up in the Rio Grande.  [...]

Over the past 200 years, North Carolina, Florida, and Texas have lost more than 50 percent of their wetland habitat!  Wetlands perform important environmental services, including absorbing and filtering pollutants from rain water runoff, reducing erosion along shorelines and streambanks, replenishing groundwater supplies, and providing vital habitat for numerous fish and waterfowl species. Viewer Tip:  [...]

Acre-by-acre, U.S. freshwater habitats (lakes, rivers, and streams) have more wildlife species than land or ocean habitats!  Unfortunately, freshwater habitats have also lost a larger proportion of fish and other animals that depend on them, partially because about 25 percent of these areas have urban or agricultural activities taking place within 100 feet of the [...]

During the summer, excess nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) from septic systems, pet waste, and runoff from gardens and yards in the Chesapeake Bay watershed can create “dead zones” in the water, where no oxygen is present.  Dead zones occur when these extra nutrients cause algae to grow faster than oysters and other filter feeders can [...]

In one study of water quality in the U.S., scientists found that more than 50 percent of shallow wells, and more than 90 percent of water and fish sampled in streams had traces of at least one pesticide.  Pesticides – including herbicides (weed killers) – can sicken or kill wildlife, alter aquatic habitats by reducing [...]

During the warmer spring and summer months, Americans use significantly more water, with much of the water use taking place outdoors! Landscape watering can be one of the largest home water guzzlers, but there are simple ways to reduce your outdoor water use while still keeping a healthy lawn and garden. Viewer Tip:  It can [...]

Aquifers (large, natural groundwater storage areas found underneath the earth’s surface) are the major source of fresh drinking water in Central Florida, providing water to 90 percent of the 17 million people in the region.  Not only does groundwater quench our thirst, but it is also important in protecting water quality and quantity in surface [...]

Water hyacinth, Hydrilla, Northern Snakehead, and Chinese Mitten Crab are all plants and animals that are not native to Maryland waters.  These species have traits that allow them to dominate the water body they are introduced to, impairing ecological, recreational, and economic values.  For this reason, these fish and plants are considered Aquatic Nuisance Species [...]

The Round Goby, Carp, Goldfish, Ruffe, and Rudd are all fish species that are either not native to Iowa or were only native to certain parts of the state and were transported elsewhere by people’s activities. These species have traits that allow them to dominate the water body they are introduced to and thus destroy [...]

The spring and summer seasons mark the arrival of newborn and young wildlife – newly hatched birds, fawns, and others.  As it becomes more common for developed areas to be near natural areas, young wildlife sightings are increasing.  While many people are tempted to “help” young animals they encounter, it is important to remember that [...]

A study by the US Geological Survey and Texas Tech University indicates that artificial outdoor light at night may actually contribute to the decline of some reptile species!  In Southern California, declines in the populations of two different nocturnal snakes – the California glossy snake and the western long-nosed snake – may be linked to [...]

The National Audubon Society recently looked at 40 years of data about bird populations, finding that many of the United States’ common bird* populations are in decline.  For instance, the northern bobwhite population, robin-sized birds with striped faces, has declined by 82 percent – from 31 million to 5.5 million individuals.  Many of the declining [...]

The National Audubon Society recently looked at 40 years of data about bird populations, finding that many of the United States’ common bird* populations are in decline.  For instance, the loggerhead shrike population, gray robin-sized birds with black wings, has declined by 70 percent – from 10 million to three million individuals.  Many of the [...]

The National Audubon Society recently looked at 40 years of data about bird populations, finding that many of the United States’ common bird* populations are in decline.  For instance, the field sparrow population, small brown birds with pink beaks, has declined by 68 percent – from 18 million to 5.8 million individuals.  Many of the [...]

The National Audubon Society recently looked at 40 years of data about bird populations, finding that many of the United States’ common bird* populations are in decline.  For instance, the evening grosbeak population, black-and-yellow robin-sized birds, has declined by 78 percent – from 17 million to 3.8 million individuals.  Many of the declining bird populations [...]

The National Audubon Society recently looked at 40 years of data about bird populations, finding that many of the United States’ common bird* populations are in decline.  For instance, the eastern meadowlark population, robin-sized birds with yellow breasts, has declined by 72 percent – from 24 million to seven million individuals.  Many of the declining [...]

The National Audubon Society recently looked at 40 years of data about bird populations, finding that many of the United States’ common bird* populations are in decline.  For instance, the northern pintail population (“puddle ducks” – males have gray bodies, brown heads, and long black tails) has declined by 77 percent – from 16 million [...]

Before European settlement, about 18 million acres in Minnesota were covered by prairie grasses and flowers – today, less than one percent (about 1.8 million acres) remain.  As prairie habitat is lost, the wildlife and plant communities that are part of the prairie ecosystem are also lost. Viewer Tip: Prairie wildflowers begin to bloom in [...]