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Did you know that a dead zone the size of the state of New Jersey forms in the northern Gulf of Mexico every spring? A dead zone is an area of low-oxygen water that gets its name because aquatic wildlife either leaves the area or dies. One contributor to the formation of dead zones is [...]

Nitrogen is an important element for life on the Earth – it supports aquatic ecosystems by helping algae and aquatic plants grow, which provide food and habitat for fish, shellfish and other animals that live in streams, rivers and lakes.  But, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. Too much nitrogen in [...]

With drought continuing in many states, now is a great time to analyze water use in your yard. Every day in the United States, more than seven billion gallons of drinking water is used to irrigate landscapes, at least half of which may be wasted! Viewer Tip: Reduce water waste with  an in-ground hose system [...]

You probably know that failing to maintain your septic tank could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs – just ask Jack and Greg from “Meet the Parents.”  But did you know that excess nitrogen, phosphorus and other toxins from leaky septic tanks can be washed into our waterways and oceans, where they can sicken [...]

National Wildflower Week is May 6-13 — it’s the perfect time to visit a botanic garden or park where you can see spring blooms of the native variety. With hundreds of public gardens throughout the country, there is sure to be one near you. An increasing number of them have sections devoted to wildflowers and [...]

What is a nitrogen footprint and why is it so important?  Well, just like a carbon footprint, a nitrogen footprint approximates how much nitrogen your daily activities produce over a period of time. Nitrogen is important because it builds our DNA, amino acids and proteins that grow the tissues of all living things.  Farmers use [...]

Designing a new landscape can be exciting – and with a bit of planning, it can yield a water-efficient garden of your dreams.  Spring is a great time to design and plant a new landscape and it is important to know the water needs of the types of plants you intend to grow to maximize [...]

Did you know that sunlight helps aquatic plants grow, too?  Sunlight is an important element for photosynthesis, the process by which plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide and water to create energy to grow and live.  Sunlight entering the water can be blocked by algal blooms – accumulations of algae that form when there is too [...]

The texture of naturally occurring soils in the greater Southwestern United States can range from clay to sandy, both of which are often devoid of oxygen, organic matter and nitrogen – elements which are all needed for plant growth.  Clay soils can be so compact that very little water is able to penetrate, whereas sandy [...]

What does driving have to do with water pollution? Fuels burned while driving create nitrogen oxides that are released through a car’s tailpipe into the air. Nitrogen is the most abundant element in the air we breathe and essential to plant and animal life – but too much of it can contribute to the formation [...]

The Mississippi River is the largest river in the United States – and one of the largest in the world! The Mississippi River Watershed covers over 1,245,000 square miles and drains all or part of 31 states, many of which are home to important agricultural areas. Nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients in fertilizers applied to agricultural [...]

Friday, April 27 is National Arbor Day.  Trees not only add beauty and value to our landscape, they also provide many environmental benefits.  In a year, a single healthy tree: Has the same cooling effect as ten room-sized air conditioners running continually. Absorbs 750 gallons of stormwater, preventing erosion and protecting water quality. Filters 60 [...]

Are you unknowingly harboring tiny hitch-hikers? One of the ways pests, diseases and harmful weeds spread is by hitching a ride with humans, pets and vehicles. An invasive pest is one that is introduced to areas that are not part of its natural range, where it may not have any natural enemies to keep its [...]

Are you unknowingly harboring tiny hitch-hikers? One of the ways pests, diseases and harmful weeds spread is by hitching a ride with humans, pets and vehicles. An invasive pest is one that is introduced to areas that are not part of its natural range, where it may not have any natural enemies to keep its [...]

Are you unknowingly harboring tiny hitch-hikers? One of the ways pests, diseases and harmful weeds spread is by hitching a ride with humans, pets and vehicles. An invasive pest is one that is introduced to areas that are not part of its natural range, where it may not have any natural enemies to keep its [...]

Are you unknowingly harboring tiny hitch-hikers? One of the ways pests, diseases and harmful weeds spread is by hitching a ride with humans, pets and vehicles. An invasive pest is one that is introduced to areas that are not part of its natural range, where it may not have any natural enemies to keep its [...]

Are you unknowingly harboring tiny hitch-hikers? One of the ways pests, diseases and harmful weeds spread is by hitching a ride with humans, pets and vehicles. An invasive pest is one that is introduced to areas that are not part of its natural range, where it may not have any natural enemies to keep its [...]

Are you unknowingly harboring tiny hitch-hikers? One of the ways pests, diseases and harmful weeds spread is by hitching a ride with humans, pets and vehicles. An invasive pest is one that is introduced to areas that are not part of its natural range, where it may not have any natural enemies to keep its [...]

Are you unknowingly harboring tiny hitch-hikers? One of the ways pests, diseases and harmful weeds spread is by hitching a ride with humans, pets and vehicles. An invasive pest is one that is introduced to areas that are not part of its natural range, where it may not have any natural enemies to keep its [...]

This week (April 15-21, 2012) is National Environmental Education Week (EE Week – a sister program of Earth Gauge), the nation’s largest environmental education event held each year the week before Earth Day to inspire environmental learning and stewardship among students and the public. This year’s EE Week theme is Greening STEM: The Environment as [...]