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Have you ever wondered how animals stay cool when the weather heats up?  Check out these creative ways to beat the heat:

Pelicans, cormorants and other birds create “internal fans” by rapidly fluttering their throat pouches.
Pigs wallow in mud to cool off – evaporative cooling occurs as the mud dries; mud also protects pigs’ skin from [...]

Everyone knows that hot, dry weather can be a killer in the garden.  Conserving water isn’t just for desert gardens or times of drought, though – it’s something you can do in any part of the country at any time of the year.
Viewer Tip: The National Wildlife Federation offers these tips to conserve water in [...]

“Heat islands” around urban areas form as vegetation is replaced by asphalt and concrete for roads, buildings and other infrastructure. These hard, dark surfaces absorb rather than reflect incoming heat from the sun, causing overall urban temperatures to rise. During hot weather spells, the heat island effect can raise urban temperatures by two to ten [...]

Did you know that more water is used in July in most states than any other month? The U.S. EPA estimates that up to 50 percent of water used for outdoor irrigation is wasted due to evaporation, wind or overwatering.  Some homes can lose up to 70 gallons per day!
Viewer Tip: July is Smart Irrigation [...]

In a typical year, more fires are reported on Independence Day than any other day – fireworks account for at least half of those fires.  In 2006, an estimated 32,600 reported fires were caused by fireworks, including 1,700 structure fires, 600 vehicle fires and 30,300 fires outdoors.
Viewer Tip: Nearly all of Hawaii is currently experiencing [...]

Mold spores are naturally present in the air at harmless concentrations, but with added moisture can grow to levels that spur allergies and asthma in susceptible individuals.  After heavy rains or when leaks or flooding dampen homes, dormant mold spores can grow expolsively and release enough new spores to sicken people.
Viewer Tip: It is impossible [...]

A special danger during hot weather is a hot car.  With cracked windows, temperatures inside a car can rise by 20 degrees Fahrenheit in the first 10 minutes. After 60 minutes, that temperature can be as much as 43 degrees warmer – in the shade.  Even on a 70 degree day, car interiors can be [...]

Rain in the forecast creates ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, which lay their eggs in standing water.  About 200 species of mosquito have been identified in the U.S., and while not all prefer to get their meals from humans, many mosquito species will breed – and bite – in your backyard.
Viewer Tip: Even the small [...]

Did you know that an average of 1,500 Americans die each year from excessive heat?  This number is more than the deaths from hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and lightning combined, making heat waves America’s most deadly type of hazardous weather.  Heat causes harm by overloading the body’s heat removal system.  When heat gain becomes greater than [...]

Some beneficial insects help farmers and gardeners by pollinating crops, while others prey on destructive pests, keeping their numbers so low that they don’t damage valuable crops and gardens. Attracting beneficial insects to your field—and keeping them there—requires the right plants to feed and house them. “Farmscaping” is the use of hedgerows, insect-hosting plants, cover [...]

In most of North America, over 50 percent of residential water used is applied to landscapes and lawns. But, think of all the woodland flowers you saw thriving last summer during the drought – no one was watering them! If you are planting flowers, shrubs or trees this year, try choosing native plants that are [...]

Groundwater, used by many Americans for household use and drinking water, is replenished mostly by rainwater and snowmelt.  But what if rainwater is acidic?  Most acidic rainwater is neutralized or “buffered” by rocks and soil as it soaks into the ground, but the process is not always completely successful.  Rocks with high amounts of calcium, [...]

As weather warms up, people head to outside to enjoy time with family and friends. This is a good time to remember that trash travels!  The majority of trash in our waters comes from land-based activities like eating fast food and discarding the wrappers, beach trips, picnics, sports and recreation and festivals. Even if you [...]

June 6-14 is National Fishing and Boating Week – the perfect chance to get outside, enjoy nice weather and connect with nature!  The benefits of spending time outside are well known.  Adults and children who spend time outdoors benefit from better mental focus and attention; “green” exercise in a natural setting can reduce anxiety, anger [...]