Subscribe Now

The 2012 Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) takes place from Friday, February 17 through Monday, February 22. Each year, volunteers across the country tally the birds they see in backyards, parks and natural areas. Last year, GBBC participants racked up more than 11 million observations and identified 596 species! Counting birds during GBBC helps scientists [...]

Many birds stick around for the winter and feeding them at backyard feeders is a fun way to interact with them.  Frequent winter visitors to feeders in the Great Lakes Basin include black capped chickadees, wood peckers and as the weather warms a bit, cardinals.  These birds nutritional needs change with the seasons.  During the [...]

Bald eagles are found throughout North America, and the Northern Mississippi Valley is a great winter viewing spot. Up to 5,000 bald eagles winter on the Mississippi River between Cairo, IL and St. Paul, MN.  Bald eagles prefer habitats near open water where there is an abundance of fish, as well as old-growth forest and [...]

For every two minutes a car idles, it uses about the same amount of fuel it takes to drive one mile. While it may be tempting to idle your car for a few minutes to “warm it up” during winter, 30 seconds is plenty of time to get going. Tailpipe emissions from cars contain pollutants [...]

Most households continue to produce yard waste during the winter season, which can be recycled into compost for use in landscapes and gardens in the spring.  Using compost in the landscape improves the nutrient profile and structure of the soil, and reduces plant diseases and pests.  Healthy soil and plants reduce the need for water, [...]

As you prepare to fire up the wood stove or throw a log in the fireplace, be sure that the firewood you use is local.  Invasive species such as the emerald ash borer can travel from place to place hidden under the bark of firewood.  These beetles and other invasive species can wreak havoc on [...]

Estuaries may seem permanent and unchanging, but they are not. Weather patterns and seasonal cycles shape and affect estuaries. Winter storms and winds lash the coasts, raising waves that stir up and mix nutrients, silt and decaying organic matter in estuaries. Large storm waves carry a lot of energy that is released when the waves [...]

During the winter months, salt and sand applied to our roads, driveways and sidewalks contribute to lake and stream pollution. Fifty pounds of salt – one large bag – can pollute 10,000 gallons of water.  That’s equivalent to one teaspoon of salt in a five-gallon bucket of water. Viewer Tip: Many cities and states are [...]

January is National Radon Action Month. What is radon? Radon is a radioactive gas produced when uranium in soil decays; it can be found all over the United States. Radon gas moves up through the ground into your home through cracks and holes in the foundation, becoming trapped inside. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates [...]

The holiday season is a time for happy gatherings of family and friends. But a house full of guests can also result in higher energy bills, increased water use and stressed septic systems. Try these easy tips for a happy, healthy and environmentally-friendly holiday gathering. Heating Help: Keep everyone warm and save energy at the [...]

In a typical home, up to 20 percent of air that moves through a duct system escapes through leaks and poorly sealed connections! Leaky ducts allow warm air to escape before it reaches heating vents. This can make it difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home and result in bigger energy bills. Viewer [...]

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 when 27 participants counted and identified about 18,500 birds, mostly in the northeastern U.S. Today, volunteers brave snow and chilly temperatures to identify and count [...]

Winter flounder are unique among fishes of the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions. Unlike most coastal marine fishes including salmon, shad and herring, winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) enter estuaries in the late fall and early winter to spawn. These right-eye flat fishes like it cold thanks to an “anti-freeze” protein in their blood that protects [...]

Fall fishing and ice fishing are popular past times for many in the Great Lakes Region.  As you rig your line in hopes of landing that big catch, think twice about what weights your lure.  Lead has been used for weighting fishing tackle for centuries, but this heavy metal poses a hazard to human and [...]

The distinctive smell of wood smoke is a sign of the heating season. It may smell good, but wood smoke can impact indoor air quality and your health. Smoke is a mixture of tiny particles and gases produced when wood burns – the fine particles can get into your eyes and lungs, where they may [...]

According to AAA, nearly 40 million travelers hit the roads over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend! Increased traveling distance and unpredictable weather can result in hazardous driving conditions at this time of year. Here, read about some memorable Thanksgiving weather events and get tips for safe and efficient travel, whether your destination is near or far.

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 [...]

Did you know that the average family spends about 2,200 dollars per year on energy bills? Nearly half of that money goes towards heating and cooling a home or apartment. Viewer Tip: As the weather cools down, try these tips from Energy Star to stay warm while saving energy and money. Get a check-up: Poor [...]

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 [...]

Did you know that commercial and industrial buildings account for up to half of energy use in the United States? Many of the simple energy-saving steps we use at home can be implemented at work, too. Viewer Tip: Every October, government organizations, businesses, associations and individuals observe Energy Awareness Month with activities and programs to [...]