Viewer Tip: Home gardens in urban, suburban and rural areas can play an important role in providing habitat for pollinators and protecting them from threats. During National Pollinator Week, June 17-23, 2013, use these tips to create a pollinator-friendly garden habitat.

• Plant a variety of plants that bloom from early spring to late fall. Planting in clumps will help pollinators find plants. Choose plants that are native to your region (find regional planting guides here), meaning that they are adapted to local climate, soil and pollinator species. Including plants that bloom at night will attract bats and moths.
• Reduce or eliminate pesticide use. If you must use a pesticide in your yard or garden, use the least toxic product possible. Pesticides can be particularly harmful to bees, so read the product label carefully and apply it at night, when bees and many other pollinators are not active.
• Create bee habitat. Leaving a dead tree or tree limb in your yard provides nesting habitat for bees (make sure dead trees/limbs are not safety hazards for people working below them). You can also create a “bee condo” by drilling holes of various sizes about three to five inches deep in a piece of scrap lumber. Mount the lumber to a post or under eaves with southern exposure.
• Provide nectar for hummingbirds. Make nectar by combining four parts water to one part table sugar (do not use honey, artificial sweeteners or fruit juices). Add something red to the feeder to attract hummingbirds, and be sure to clean the feeder with hot, soapy water twice a week.
• Learn more about pollinators. Visit The Pollinator Partnership website to learn more about National Pollinator Week, get fast facts about pollinators, access garden guides and more.

Photo courtesy of Rob Flynn, USDA.

(Sources: The Pollinator Partnership. “Garden Guide for Pollinators.” http://pollinator.org/PDFs/NPW/Garden%20Guide%20for%20Pollinators%20%283%29.pdf; “Fast Facts for Gardeners.” http://pollinator.org/PDFs/NPW/Pollination%20Fast%20Facts%20-%20Gardeners.pdf)

Viewer Tip: June is National Rivers Month, the perfect time to protect and enjoy our rivers.

Protect water quality at home. Pollutants that are carried away from yards and streets with rain water – like fertilizers, pesticides, oil and pet waste – can go right into our rivers and streams, untreated. Taking simple steps at home, like waiting for dry weather before applying fertilizer and always picking up after your pet, can go a long way in protecting water quality.

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Conserve fresh water supplies. The average American household wastes more than 10,000 gallons of water every year from easy-to-fix household leaks – that’s the amount of water it takes to wash 270 loads of laundry! Avoid wasting water outside by checking your sprinkler system for leaks and misdirected sprinkler heads. Inside, fix leaky faucets and shower heads or replace them with water-efficient WaterSense fixtures.

Discover the outdoors. Rivers and streams offer ample opportunities for enjoying time outdoors wildlife watching, fishing and boating. Find places to boat and fish in Maryland.

(Sources: National Wild & Scenic Rivers, “River and Water Trivia”, http://www.rivers.gov/waterfacts.html; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  “Act: In Your Yard.” http://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/whatyoucando/act_inyard.html; EPA WaterSense Program, www.epa.gov/watersense; Take Me Fishing, www.takemefishing.org)

Viewer Tip: June is National Rivers Month, the perfect time to protect and enjoy our rivers.

Protect water quality at home. Pollutants that are carried away from yards and streets with rain water – like fertilizers, pesticides, oil and pet waste – can go right into our rivers and streams, untreated. Taking simple steps at home, like waiting for dry weather before applying fertilizer and always picking up after your pet, can go a long way in protecting water quality.

Download image in high resolution
(1920×1080 jpg file)

Download image in low resolution
(640×360 jpg file)

Conserve fresh water supplies. The average American household wastes more than 10,000 gallons of water every year from easy-to-fix household leaks – that’s the amount of water it takes to wash 270 loads of laundry! Avoid wasting water outside by checking your sprinkler system for leaks and misdirected sprinkler heads. Inside, fix leaky faucets and shower heads or replace them with water-efficient WaterSense fixtures.

Discover the outdoors. Rivers and streams offer ample opportunities for enjoying time outdoors wildlife watching, fishing and boating. Find places to boat and fish in Pennsylvania.

(Sources: National Wild & Scenic Rivers, “River and Water Trivia”, http://www.rivers.gov/waterfacts.html; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  “Act: In Your Yard.” http://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/whatyoucando/act_inyard.html; EPA WaterSense Program, www.epa.gov/watersense; Take Me Fishing, www.takemefishing.org)

Viewer Tip: June is National Rivers Month, the perfect time to protect and enjoy our rivers.

Protect water quality at home. Pollutants that are carried away from yards and streets with rain water – like fertilizers, pesticides, oil and pet waste – can go right into our rivers and streams, untreated. Taking simple steps at home, like waiting for dry weather before applying fertilizer and always picking up after your pet, can go a long way in protecting water quality.

Download image in high resolution
(1920×1080 jpg file)

Download image in low resolution
(640×360 jpg file)

Conserve fresh water supplies. The average American household wastes more than 10,000 gallons of water every year from easy-to-fix household leaks – that’s the amount of water it takes to wash 270 loads of laundry! Avoid wasting water outside by checking your sprinkler system for leaks and misdirected sprinkler heads. Inside, fix leaky faucets and shower heads or replace them with water-efficient WaterSense fixtures.

Discover the outdoors. Rivers and streams offer ample opportunities for enjoying time outdoors wildlife watching, fishing and boating. Find places to boat and fish in DC, Maryland and Virginia.

(Sources: National Wild & Scenic Rivers, “River and Water Trivia”, http://www.rivers.gov/waterfacts.html; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  “Act: In Your Yard.” http://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/whatyoucando/act_inyard.html; EPA WaterSense Program, www.epa.gov/watersense; Take Me Fishing, www.takemefishing.org)

Viewer Tip: June is National Rivers Month, the perfect time to protect and enjoy our rivers.

Protect water quality at home. Pollutants that are carried away from yards and streets with rain water – like fertilizers, pesticides, oil and pet waste – can go right into our rivers and streams, untreated. Taking simple steps at home, like waiting for dry weather before applying fertilizer and always picking up after your pet, can go a long way in protecting water quality.

Download image in high resolution
(1920×1080 jpg file)

Download image in low resolution
(640×360 jpg file)

Conserve fresh water supplies. The average American household wastes more than 10,000 gallons of water every year from easy-to-fix household leaks – that’s the amount of water it takes to wash 270 loads of laundry! Avoid wasting water outside by checking your sprinkler system for leaks and misdirected sprinkler heads. Inside, fix leaky faucets and shower heads or replace them with water-efficient WaterSense fixtures.

Discover the outdoors. Rivers and streams offer ample opportunities for enjoying time outdoors wildlife watching, fishing and boating. Find places to boat and fish in West Virginia.

(Sources: National Wild & Scenic Rivers, “River and Water Trivia”, http://www.rivers.gov/waterfacts.html; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  “Act: In Your Yard.” http://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/whatyoucando/act_inyard.html; EPA WaterSense Program, www.epa.gov/watersense; Take Me Fishing, www.takemefishing.org)

Viewer Tip: June is National Rivers Month, the perfect time to protect and enjoy our rivers.

Protect water quality at home. Pollutants that are carried away from yards and streets with rain water – like fertilizers, pesticides, oil and pet waste – can go right into our rivers and streams, untreated. Taking simple steps at home, like waiting for dry weather before applying fertilizer and always picking up after your pet, can go a long way in protecting water quality.

Download image in high resolution
(1920×1080 jpg file)

Download image in low resolution
(640×360 jpg file)

Conserve fresh water supplies. The average American household wastes more than 10,000 gallons of water every year from easy-to-fix household leaks – that’s the amount of water it takes to wash 270 loads of laundry! Avoid wasting water outside by checking your sprinkler system for leaks and misdirected sprinkler heads. Inside, fix leaky faucets and shower heads or replace them with water-efficient WaterSense fixtures.

Discover the outdoors. Rivers and streams offer ample opportunities for enjoying time outdoors wildlife watching, fishing and boating. Find places to boat and fish in Virginia.

(Sources: National Wild & Scenic Rivers, “River and Water Trivia”, http://www.rivers.gov/waterfacts.html; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  “Act: In Your Yard.” http://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/whatyoucando/act_inyard.html; EPA WaterSense Program, www.epa.gov/watersense; Take Me Fishing, www.takemefishing.org)

Viewer Tip: The best way to stay safe and informed during a severe storm is to listen to your local media or NOAA Weather Radio for warnings. Keep an eye out for”clues” to an approaching storm – darker skies, lightning and increasing winds. Before the storm, secure or bring outdoor items inside that may be damaged or become dangerous if they blow away – children’s toys, gardening tools, lawn furniture, firewood, and other items. If you keep animals on your property, make sure that corrals, pastures and shelters are protected, and try to bring livestock and horses into a barn. Bring pets inside, close doors to your home securely and draw blinds and shades over windows to protect yourself in the event that glass breaks.

(Sources: National Disaster Education Coalition, Washington, DC. 2004. “Talking About Disaster: Guide for Standard Messages.” http://www.disastereducation.org/)

Viewer Tip: Try biking to work or school just one day this week. Research has shown that the length of about half of all car trips – three miles – can be covered as quickly on a bike when parking and traffic delays are taken into account. These resources will help you on your way:

• Find events for National Bike Month and Bike to Work Week  in your community.
• Plan a bike route using Google Maps.
• Get cyclist and pedestrian safety tips from the Federal Highway Administration.

Image courtesy of EPA.

(Sources: League of American Bicyclists. “May is National Bike Month!” http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/; Bikes Belong, “Stats and Research,” http://www.bikesbelong.org/resources/stats-and-research/statistics/; Texas A&M Urban Transportation Institute, “As Traffic Jams Worsen, Commuters Allowing Extra Time for Urgent Trips.” http://www.bikesbelong.org/resources/stats-and-research/statistics)

Birds that migrate short distances – such as waterfowl that migrate within the U.S. – learn migration routes  from older individuals who are more experienced, usually family members.  Most long-distance migrants are genetically programmed to head in a specific direction for a specific distance.  A bird’s first long-distance migration is completely genetically determined, but more experienced birds may incorporate information learned on past journeys – for example, they may use learned information to return to an especially good breeding location in future years.

Viewer Tip: The spring migrants you will see depend on where you live, the time of year and weather conditions. BirdCast provides regional, real-time migration forecasts that take weather conditions into account. Widespread precipitation east of the Mississippi River will likely shut down migration this week, whereas clear skies west of the Mississippi will allow for movement. Birds you may spot in the Gulf Coast and Southeast this week include White-rumped sandpiper, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Olive-sided flycatcher, and Warblers (Wilson’s, Mourning and Magnolia).

Check BirdCast for weekly regional updates on weather and migration forecasts.

Wilson’s Warbler
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (click for high-res photo)

(Source: Deinlein, M. “Neotropical Migratory Bird Basics.” Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Migratory Bird Center. http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/MigratoryBirds/Fact_Sheets/default.cfm?fxsht=9; eBird. BirdCast Migration Forecast: 4-11 May, 2013, http://birdcast.info/forecast/regional-migration-forecast-4-11-may-2013/)

Birds that migrate short distances – such as waterfowl that migrate within the U.S. – learn migration routes from older individuals who are more experienced, usually family members.  Most long-distance migrants are genetically programmed to head in a specific direction for a specific distance.  A bird’s first long-distance migration is completely genetically determined, but more experienced birds may incorporate information learned on past journeys – for example, they may use learned information to return to an especially good breeding location in future years.

Viewer Tip: The spring migrants you will see depend on where you live, the time of year and weather conditions. BirdCast provides regional, real-time migration forecasts that take weather conditions into account.

The Upper Midwest and Northeast will see moderate to heavy bird movement this week, although precipitation later in the week will stall movement. In areas where there is precipitation, birds may “fall out” and concentrate – a good opportunity for bird spotting. Waterbirds and waterfowl may concentrate on inland water bodies later this week. Birds to look for in the Upper Midwest and Northeast this week include Acadian and Least Flycatchers, Eastern Kingbird, Wood Thrush, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Scarlet Tanager and Warblers (Veery, Magnolia, Chestnut-sided, Wilson’s and Black-throated).

Check BirdCast for weekly regional updates on weather and migration forecasts.

Wood Thrush
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (click for high-res photo)

(Source: Deinlein, M. “Neotropical Migratory Bird Basics.” Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Migratory Bird Center. http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/MigratoryBirds/Fact_Sheets/default.cfm?fxsht=9; eBird. BirdCast Migration Forecast: 4-11 May, 2013, http://birdcast.info/forecast/regional-migration-forecast-4-11-may-2013/)

Viewer Tip: It is impossible to completely get rid of mold spores indoors, but by making sure all cloth, paper and wool inside your home stays dry, you can prevent mold growth.  To do so, keep indoor humidity no higher than 60 percent by using dehumidifiers and air conditioning units; properly ventilate all shower, laundry and cooking areas; and make sure any exhaust fans empty outside your home, not in the attic or other interior spaces.

What should you do if you experience a mold growth problem?

• Clean the mold from hard surfaces with soap, detergent or bleach mixed in water within the first 48 hours after growth.
• Replace any carpet and upholstery that can’t be dried within the first 48 hours of moisture-caused mold growth.
• Immediately repair any windows, roofs, leaks or pipes that allowed excessive moisture into your home to prevent a recurring mold problem.

This information is from Weather and Health, an online course developed by NEEF and the COMET Program.  Access it free online.

Viewer Tip: You can perform a cooling system check-up yourself or ask a professional for help. According to EPA’s Energy Star program, a typical check-up should include:

• Tightening electrical connections. Faulty connections can be unsafe and reduce the life of your system.
• Lubricating moving parts. This reduces friction in motors and increases energy efficiency.
• Checking the condensate drain. A plugged drain can affect indoor humidity levels and cause water damage in your home.
• Checking system controls for safe operation. Make sure your system starts, stops and operates as it should.
• Cleaning air conditioning coils. This increases energy efficiency and prolongs the life of the equipment.
• Checking refrigerant level and adjusting if necessary. Too much or too little refrigerant can affect system efficiency.
• Cleaning and adjusting blower components for good airflow. Problems with airflow can reduce an air conditioning system’s efficiency by up to 15 percent!

(Source: Energy Star. “Maintenance Checklist.” http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_maintenance)

Learn more about Flood Safety Awareness Week at www.floodsafety.noaa.gov.

Viewer Tip: Take a few minutes during spring cleaning to make sure you’re properly storing and disposing of household hazardous wastes.

• Store products in their original containers with labels to avoid misuse or accidental ingestion.
• Never mix leftovers with other products – this may cause reactions or explosions. Mixing products may also make it so they cannot be recycled.
• If you no longer need a product, take it to a local household hazardous waste collection program. Many communities hold regular waste collection events and have hazardous waste drop-off centers. Never dump household waste outside or in a storm drain.

Photo courtesy of EPA.

(Sources: U.S. EPA. “Household Hazardous Waste.” http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials/hhw.htm; http://www.epa.gov/region9/waste/solid/house.html)

Viewer Tip: In 2012, the United States experienced ten hurricanes, 936 reported tornadoes, numerous devastating wildfires and many other natural disasters. Some storms, such as tornadoes, can strike quickly and without warning. Being prepared can save lives. Visit NOAA’s Weather-Ready Nation website for severe weather preparedness tips and resources to encourage your social network to prepare by texting, tweeting or posting a Facebook status update.

For state-by-state severe weather preparedness information visit Ready.gov.

(Sources: NOAA, “Weather-Ready Nation,” http://www.nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation/force.html; FEMA, http://www.ready.gov/today)

Viewer Tip: Know how to prepare before, during and after severe weather to keep yourself and your family safe. Visit www.ready.gov/pennsylvania for more details on severe weather in Pennsylvania and information on how to be prepared. Consider building or updating your family emergency preparedness kit this week with a first-aid kit, flashlight with batteries, extra glasses and prescription medications, blankets, toiletries and a battery-operated radio.  For tips on how to update your emergency kit, visit www.ready.gov/maintaining-your-kit.

March 3-9, 2013 is also National Severe Weather Preparedness Week.  NOAA is asking you to “Be a Force of Nature” by not only preparing yourself, but also encouraging your social network to prepare by texting, tweeting, or posting a Facebook status update.

(Source: National Weather Service, “Weather Awareness Events Calendar,” http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/severeweather/severewxcal.shtml; FEMA, “These are the days when we needed a plan,” http://www.ready.gov/today)

Image courtesy of UCAR.

Viewer Tip: In most areas, you can report potholes to your city streets department or the state transportation department for repair.  If you hit a pothole in your vehicle and notice steering problems, low tire pressure or visible bulges or blisters on your tires, it is a good idea to have a professional check your vehicle for damage and make any necessary repairs.

Video from Utah Department of Transportation:

(Sources: Virginia Department of Transportation. “Getting to the Bottom: How do Potholes Form?” and Reuters, January 2008. “Beware of Potholes, Says Car Coucil.” http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS161904+28-Jan-2008+PRN20080128)

Viewer Tip: Use these “best burn practices” at home to minimize wood smoke and protect your health:

• Before you burn, make sure your chimney is clean. A clean chimney provides a good draft and reduces the risk of a chimney fire. Have your chimney inspected by a professional at least once per year and regularly clean ashes from your fireplace or wood-burning stove to increase efficiency.
• Only use seasoned wood for burning. Seasoned wood looks darker, has cracks in the ends and sounds hollow if smacked against another piece of wood.
• Use newspaper and dry kindling to start a fire. Never use gasoline, kerosene, charcoal starter or propane.
• Build hot fires, which are more safe and efficient than smoldering fires.
• Never burn garbage or cardboard, coated or painted wood, particle board, plywood or wood with glue on it.  Burning these materials can release harmful chemicals into the air inside your home.

If you burn wood at home – even occasionally – install a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector to keep you and your family safe. If you already have detectors, check the batteries to make sure they are working properly.

(Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Burn Wise: Consumers – Best Burn Practices. http://www.epa.gov/burnwise/bestburn.html)

Viewer Tip: If just 10 percent of the estimated 65 million garage-owners in the United States cut idling by five minutes per day, we’d save about 84.5 million gallons of gas in a year! Remember that driving your car is the best way to warm it up. Excessive idling can actually damage your car’s engine, but frequently restarting the engine has little impact. Cut-down on idling even more by turning off the engine if you are sitting in a drive-through or school pick-up line for more than 10 seconds – 10 seconds of idling uses more fuel than restarting the engine.

This information is provided by Living Lands and Waters.  Learn more at www.livinglandsandwaters.org.

(Sources: California Energy Commission Consumer Energy Center: Should I Shut off the Motor When I’m Idling my Car? 2006-2011.  http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/myths/idling.html; Rogers, Elizabeth and Thomas M. Kostigen. The Green Book. 2007.)

Viewer Tip: Keep your eyes peeled when the following conditions happen in your backyard this winter:

• In wet conditions, look for American Tree Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, Northern Cardinals, and House Finches.
• When the morning low is below the seasonal average, watch for White-throated Sparrows and Carolina Wrens.  Most of the birds in this study were more likely to visit bird feeders in abnormally cold conditions
• If you live in an urban area, Mourning Doves, Northern Cardinals and House Sparrows are more likely to visit your feeders in general.

Don’t have a feeder? Add one! There are many types of feeders available at all price levels. If you don’t have a yard, you can still feed the birds – hang a feeder on a patio or balcony, or attach a window feeder for winter viewing.

Photo of House Finch, courtesy of US FWS.

(Source: Zuckerberg, Benjamin et al. 2011, “Climatic constraints on wintering bird distributions are modified by urbanization and weather,” Journal of Animal Ecology, 80, 403-314, doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2656.2010.01780.x)