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The sun emits radiation in the form of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation is at its highest when and where the sun’s rays are the strongest. This means that UV levels will be highest around noon on a clear sunny day, as well as during the summer months. UV levels will also be highest near [...]

Warm summer days mean lots of people head out to the Great Lakes to go boating and fishing. While you’re on the water, it is important to keep an eye out for silver and bighead carp, which are invasive fish that pose a threat to native Great Lakes species and even boaters. These fish were [...]

Summer fun can sometimes be hindered by pesky insects such as mosquitoes. Often our defense for this bothersome biter is to apply lotions and sprays or ignite repellant-infused candles. This is an effective way to deter the current mosquito population, but taking the time to prevent breeding and repopulation can significantly increase your summertime enjoyment. [...]

In the United States, more fires are reported on the Fourth of July each year than any other day. In 2009, fireworks ignited an estimated 18,000 fires, many of which were outdoor grass and brush fires. These fires can spread quickly, especially in areas that are experiencing dry weather or drought. Viewer Tip: The best [...]

When we think about oil pollution in estuaries and along the coasts, many of us think of the giant oil rigs and big spills like the Deepwater Horizon spill last year. But most oil pollution is generally the result of small spills and leaks from boats and ships. When oil comes into shallow waters and [...]

That’s what the old timers would say and it meant you could dig for the many types of clams that make Puget Sound world famous for its good shellfish. But make sure you check local health advisories before digging for clams or harvesting oysters and mussels to eat. Some beaches are closed to harvesting due [...]

June 5-11, 2011 is Rip Current Awareness Week, when NOAA’s National Weather Service reminds you to “Break the Grip of the Rip!” Rip currents are channels of fast-moving water that may pull swimmers away from the shore. While the speeds of rips currents vary, some have exceeded five miles per hour, which is faster than [...]

June 5-11 is Rip Current Awareness Week, when NOAA’s National Weather Service reminds us to “Break the Grip of the Rip!” Rip currents are strong narrow channels of water moving from the shoreline out to deeper water.  The speed of a rip current can be faster than an Olympic swimmer can swim, making swimming directly [...]

Millions of people head outside over Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer. As the temperature rises, so does the risk for skin damage from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. More than one million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in the U.S.  The good news is that skin cancer is highly curable [...]

Each spring looks a little different because rainfall and temperatures are a huge influence on which wildflowers thrive.  Get up to speed on your local wildflowers and learn how plants interact with climate by looking for changes each year. Viewer Tip: Visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center website and give wildflower identification a try [...]

When thinking of the sights and sounds of springtime, do you think warbler? Spotting a warbler is a sure sign that spring is here. During the spring these beautiful birds migrate to North America from South and Central America. These spirited creatures are a treat for any birdwatcher. Noticing their cheerful calls can lead you [...]

This week (April 10-17, 2011) 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 “Ocean Connections,” highlighting that no [...]

National Public Health Week takes place from April 4-10, 2011.  This year’s theme is “Safety is NO Accident: Live Injury Free.” Safety from weather events is central to keeping people well.  A 2009 NOAA study found that floods, extreme heat and rip currents are leading causes of weather-related fatalities. Common causes of weather-related injuries are [...]

Texas’ highways and roads are a perfect excuse to enjoy beautiful spring weather while taking in the fabulous wildflowers native to the state. Initial signs suggest the early spring bloomers such as Indian paintbrush and Texas bluebonnets won’t be as plentiful as last year’s exceptional crop. However, last year’s bumper crop of flowers provided lots [...]

When winter storms come through the Chesapeake, they can be spectacular, with howling winds, cold rain and occasionally, heavy snow.  In between, though, the weather is often quiet.  With water temperatures dipping into the 30s, cold-blooded Bay creatures slow way down and usually seek the warmest, most stable conditions they can find.  Most blue crabs, [...]

Even after the lightest snowfall, the activity of our unseen neighbors can be found the next day by observing their tracks. Squirrels, rabbits, voles, fox, owls, coyotes, deer and neighborhood pets are all active in the dead of winter and leave evidence of their travels. Often the trails criss-cross and stories can abound in the [...]

As Florida’s coastal waters begin to cool, a “quiet migration” gets underway. Florida’s manatees start their long swim toward warmer waters in south Florida. From roughly November through March, manatees cluster around warm-water sources, including shallow bays, estuaries, springs and even warm-water discharges from power plants like the Tampa Electric Company and Florida Power and [...]

December 14 marks the beginning of Audubon’s annual Christmas Bird Count. The Count runs through January 5, 2011. The first Christmas Bird Count (CBC) took place on December 25, 1900 – 27 participants counted and identified about 18,500 birds, mostly in the northeastern U.S. Today, CBC volunteers brave snow and chilly temperatures to identify and [...]

If you’ve been to the beach, chances are good you’ve been on a barrier island. Barrier islands are among the United States’ most important coastal features. Running more than 3,500 miles along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, these islands are invaluable buffers, protecting vulnerable shores and inland areas from violent storms and waves. They also [...]

Have you been outside today? Whether it’s a visit to a neighborhood park or Yellowstone, spending time in nature provides big health benefits, especially for kids. Spending time outside increases levels of physical activity and may help reduce the prevalence of obesity. Contact with nature helps lower levels of stress in children and can mitigate [...]