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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 affects 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 [...]

Local wildlife – such as birds and small mammals – need a supply of clean water to survive periods of extreme heat and drought. Small animals often seen in our backyards typically don’t have large ranges, meaning that having fresh water close-by is extremely important for survival. Viewer Tip: You can lend a hand to [...]

Although we tend to use more water outdoors during the summer months, up to 70 percent of the water we need at home is used indoors. Viewer Tip: Weather keeping you inside? Keep these water-saving tips in mind: Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of letting the faucet run until the [...]

How many gallons of water can you save in a day?  Saving water at home can be as easy as turning the water off while brushing your teeth, which saves up to eight gallons of water per day – and almost 3,000 gallons for the whole year.  That’s enough water to run an Energy Star [...]

How many gallons of water can you save in a day?  Saving water at home can be as easy as turning the water off while brushing your teeth, which saves up to eight gallons of water per day – and almost 3,000 gallons for the whole year.  That’s enough water to run an Energy Star [...]

March 14 through 20 is the third annual Fix a Leak Week, sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Leaks can account for more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted in the average home every year—enough to fill a backyard swimming pool. But stopping leaks is as easy as “check, twist, replace.” Check for leaks. [...]

Currently, nearly 95 percent of the southeastern United States is experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions. The spring months – March through May – are a time of increased wildfire risk in this part of the country. Wildfire risk can be especially high in areas where homes and buildings are located adjacent to woodlands, parks [...]