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Farmers and ranchers throughout the United States are using solar power to pump water for their livestock and irrigation.  Solar pumping works anywhere the sun shines and most parts of the United States have plenty of sunlight to run these pumping systems. Solar pumping is a natural match for summer grazing applications, since the solar [...]

As we move into the warmest months of the year, it is important to pay attention to the amount of moisture available to plants in your garden. Heavy rains in the spring can be followed by the driest of summers. Plant selection becomes even more crucial in areas prone to drought. Check the drought trends [...]

When we think about oil pollution in estuaries and along the coasts, many of us think of the giant oil rigs and big spills like the Deepwater Horizon spill last year. But most oil pollution is generally the result of small spills and leaks from boats and ships. When oil comes into shallow waters and [...]

That’s what the old timers would say and it meant you could dig for the many types of clams that make Puget Sound world famous for its good shellfish. But make sure you check local health advisories before digging for clams or harvesting oysters and mussels to eat. Some beaches are closed to harvesting due [...]

Did you know that animals can burn in the sun just like humans? Some animals like a hippopotamus, elephant and pig use nature’s sunscreen to help protect from the sun. Elephants use their trunks to cover themselves in dust to protect their skin from the sun. Hippos and pigs cover themselves in mud, which acts [...]

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 [...]

With much of Texas in a drought and hot days ahead, consider helping your plants through the sweltering summer season. Plants can cool off by shedding water from leaf surfaces through evapotranspiration. But even evapotranspiration might not protect them from unusually hot weather. Viewer Tip: If you have been careful to fill your sunny spots [...]

June 5-11, 2011 is Rip Current Awareness Week, when NOAA’s National Weather Service reminds you to “Break the Grip of the Rip!” Rip currents are channels of fast-moving water that may pull swimmers away from the shore. While the speeds of rips currents vary, some have exceeded five miles per hour, which is faster than [...]

June 5-11 is Rip Current Awareness Week, when NOAA’s National Weather Service reminds us to “Break the Grip of the Rip!” Rip currents are strong narrow channels of water moving from the shoreline out to deeper water.  The speed of a rip current can be faster than an Olympic swimmer can swim, making swimming directly [...]

What does cold-blooded really mean? Unlike warm-blooded humans, cold-blooded animals do not generate their own body heat and must rely on the environment to regulate body temperature. On a cool day, cold-blooded animals like turtles or snakes may be found lying directly in the sun to raise their body temperature. Warmer days may have them [...]

The average family in the United States spends about 1,900 dollars each year on home utility bills.  Heating and cooling systems account for nearly half of those costs. Viewer Tip: No matter how you cool and ventilate your home, there are easy ways to save energy and stay comfortable as the temperature rises. If you [...]

Millions of people head outside over Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer. As the temperature rises, so does the risk for skin damage from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. More than one million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in the U.S.  The good news is that skin cancer is highly curable [...]

Each spring looks a little different because rainfall and temperatures are a huge influence on which wildflowers thrive.  Get up to speed on your local wildflowers and learn how plants interact with climate by looking for changes each year. Viewer Tip: Visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center website and give wildflower identification a try [...]

The U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and NOAA’s National Weather Service are encouraging Americans to “Be Air Aware” this week as part of Air Quality Awareness Week.  Concentrations of air pollution tend to increase on the tail end of high pressure systems, after the center of the high passes by.  High pressure systems affect a [...]

Friday, April 29 is National Arbor Day.  Trees not only add beauty and value to our landscape, they also provide many environmental benefits.  In a year, a single healthy tree: Has the same cooling effect as ten room-sized air conditioners running continually. Absorbs 750 gallons of stormwater, preventing erosion and protecting water quality. Filters 60 [...]

Even if you only have a small patio or window box to work with, you can still add some green to your outdoor space this spring. For gardeners that don’t have the room or the patience to manage large gardens, container gardens are a great alternative. Considering the wide variety of native plants available, you [...]

Spring is the perfect time of year to give your home cooling equipment a check-up.  Fixing any problems now will help you avoid air-conditioning problems when hot weather arrives.  And, well-maintained air conditioning systems cool more efficiently, saving energy and money. Viewer Tip: You can perform a cooling system check-up yourself or ask a professional [...]

Planting trees that provide shade will not only save you money on your energy bill, but will prove to be a long term investment that can improve the look of your home.  In most parts of the country,  it is good to plant deciduous trees on the west and south sides of the house to [...]

Pools and spas are a great addition to anyone’s home, but when they are drained and cleaned improperly they can pollute lakes, creeks and bays.  Copper is a pollutant that affects aquatic life and is used as an algaecide (a chemical treatment that kills algae) in pools and spas.  Draining pool water into storm drains [...]

Did you know that up to 50 percent of the water you sprinkle on your lawn and garden could be wasted from evaporation and runoff? July and August are peak water use months because so many people water outdoors. Viewer Tip: Remember that if you water wisely, you can save a lot of blue while [...]