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May is American Wetlands Month! No matter where you live, chances are there’s a wetland nearby that provides important environmental benefits to your community. Wetlands support diverse fish and wildlife species, filter pollutants from rain water runoff, help recharge groundwater supplies, prevent flooding and enhance property values. Despite their many benefits, the United States loses [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Although the drought in Texas and other states in 2011 meant fewer wildflowers bloomed to produce seeds last year, many native plants have a trick up their stems: they produce seeds in plentiful years that  “sit out” lean ones. These seeds can go dormant or lower their metabolism until conditions improve. Fall and winter rains [...]

Nearly half of the United States is experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions. Water scarcity impacts agricultural crops, yards and gardens, water and energy supplies, wildlife and fire weather conditions. Everyone can play a part to avoid intensifying effects of drought by observing water restrictions and taking steps to save water at home. Viewer Tip: [...]

Much of the southern U.S. is experiencing drought conditions. Conserving water at home can help! If you want to save water but don’t have the budget for a bathroom makeover or landscaping redesign, follow these steps to stop pouring money down the drain. Trash your tissues. Don’t flush them—one less flush per day can save [...]

Installing a rain water gauge on your property will help you determine how many inches of rain have fallen.  Knowing the average weekly precipitation amount helps gardeners apply the correct amount of water with automatic irrigation systems.  Drought stress can hurt landscape plants, but over-watering can also kill plants by depriving the roots of oxygen. [...]

Drought is expected to hang around in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and many other states into 2012 according to federal experts.  But gardeners can do many things to help out their outdoor greenery, including watering roots deeply, mulching to insulate the base of plants and replacing water-hogging plants with drought-tolerant options native to their region. [...]

Forests in Central and Eastern Texas have been hit hard by the driest year on record. The drought may also change vistas for decades to come. Some native trees and bushes are doing fine, but others such as Ashe juniper and redberry juniper appear to be dying in the Texas Hill Country. Because these trees [...]

November 13-19 is the National Geographic Society’s Geography Awareness Week.  This year’s theme is “The Adventure in Your Community.”  Geography is all around us and varies from region to region in the United States.  Did you know that geography and weather are very closely linked? Explore some of the connections below. (Click on images or [...]

The current drought that Texas is suffering through is threatening the oysters of Galveston Bay. Galveston Bay needs freshwater to keep the salinity level of the Bay low to protect oyster reefs. Some predators and disease thrive in very salty waters, which can weaken and kill oysters. Oysters are the Bay’s keystone species, providing habitat [...]

Did you know that toilets are by far the main source of water use in the home? They account for nearly 30 percent of your family’s water use indoors! Viewer Tip: If you are searching for ways to save money on your water bill, look for the WaterSense label at your local home improvement store. [...]

About 80 percent of the United States’ pumpkin supply is available in October, but pumpkin makes an appearance year-round in pies, breads and other foods. Weather can have a big impact on the yearly pumpkin harvest. Wet and soggy: Too much rain can cause crops to rot. Mildews, which thrive in wet conditions, can damage [...]

With drought causing wildfires in the west and southwest, researchers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center certified to conduct prescribed burns suggest these safety tips for your home. Viewer Tip: Studies of wildfires suggest wind-borne embers reaching a roof or other flammable material on your house are the biggest threat. Removing leaf litter and [...]

As leaves begin to change color this fall, scientists are studying how trees and forests are affected by weather and climate conditions. Weather and climate conditions impact when leaves emerge, how much foliage grows, and when leaves begin to fall. The timing of these events as they relate to climate is called “phenology.” For example, [...]

Drip irrigation can save up to 50 percent on your outside water usage. Water applied using drip irrigation is applied more slowly than other methods, such as overhead spray and hand-watering.  The water is absorbed into the soil rather than running off onto sidewalks and ultimately into storm drains. Drip irrigation is great for watering [...]

The average household spends as much as $650 per year on its water and sewer bill. But did you know you could save about $200 per year by retrofitting with water-efficient fixtures and incorporating water-saving practices? Viewer Tip: Looking for a little home improvement project this Labor Day weekend? Making some simple changes around the [...]

Many states are experiencing impacts from drought or dry weather, including impacts on agriculture, water and energy supplies, fires and other environmental conditions. While humans cannot prevent droughts from occurring, we can do our part to avoid intensifying their effects through our water usage. Viewer Tip: Conserving water at home doesn’t have to be a chore.  [...]

Peak water use season describes the time of year when communities experience their highest spike in water use—and their biggest water supply challenges. The average home uses 260 gallons of water per day, but that can rise to 1,000 gallons per day during peak watering season, and some homes can use as much as 3,000 [...]