Possible algal bloom in Canada's Bowman Bay (Photo by Pierre Nordique) It seems there are still mysteries to solve on this planet. Following the recent discovery of the "Alaskan blob" (insert your own Sarah Palin joke here ... ), there's been a flurry of news stories covering the explosion of colonies of microorganisms on both sides of North America. The furry-looking slick located off the shores of northern Alaskan has so far baffled scientists as to why it's appeared where it has. It's something generations of locals have never seen before, and whether it will hurt the local wildlife and eco-systems or not is something they can't yet answer. Just a simple news search on "algae bloom" gives you the skinny on who's dealing with harmful algal blooms (or HABs, for short) at this very moment. In June, there was an algae bloom in Tampa that stretched for more than a dozen miles, and which could still cause a large fish kill. And off the entire coast of Maine, a red tide has virtually shut down clam-digging and other local fishing industries. As of last week, the most current research vessels on the scene have concluded that the bloom is finally ending, though. And these examples represent just saltwater occurrences, we haven't even begun to touch on the freshwater bacteria that can wreak all sorts of havoc ... something that visitors to Vancouver Lake in Washington found out about last weekend. And now that we've got you worried about that, what's up with those big globs of oil washing up on the beaches in Texas? Suggested Sites... National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service - investigating the ocean algae blooms with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Harmful Algae: Red Tide - comprehensive resource for information about harmful algal blooms. The Bioluminescence Web Page - some varieties of algal blooms can produce a ghostly glow in the dark. The Biotech Weblog - researchers find a diatom that can reduce the toxicity of a red tide.

Directory categories: Harmful Algal Blooms, Phycology, Microorganisms, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Archived under: Alaska, Bacteria, Beaches, Biology, Canada, Environment, Fish, Fishing, Mysteries, Nature, Science, Scientists, Underwater, Weird Stuff

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The view from Ravens Roost If you're itching for a different kind of road trip this summer, motor down South to the Blue Ridge Parkway. This scenic drive along the crest of the Blue Ridge mountains in Virginia and North Carolina started as a Depression-era project to put people back to work. Its 469 miles of pure motoring pleasure wind through spectacular mountain vistas, wildflowers, trails, and waterfalls. Designed by landscape architect Stanley William Abbott, this is a drive that's all about the journey -- not the destination. Discover Native American settlements and old farmsteads, as well as handicrafts inspired by over 200 years of Appalachian culture. Take some time to explore the Linville Caverns or hike across the mile-high bridge on Grandfather Mountain. Fuel up on the homemade apple pie at Famous Louise's Rock House restaurant, or pick up supplies at a country general store. Most importantly, when you're on the Blue Ridge Parkway, take your time and enjoy the drive. Suggested Sites... The Blue Ridge Parkway - Parkway map and things to see and do every mile of the way. Cherokee, North Carolina - the end of the trail on the south end. Check out Oconaluftee Indian Village. Virginia's Explore Park - living history demos, outdoor recreation, and historic Brugh Tavern. National Park Service: Blue Ridge Parkway - get the scoop on the most visited unit of America's National Park System.

Directory categories: Blue Ridge Parkway, Road Trips, Scenic Highways and Byways, Desitnation Guides, Travel

Archived under: Autos, Conservation, Driving, Environment, Hiking, History, Outdoors, Parks, Recreation and Travel, Roads, Roadside Attractions, Small Towns, Tourist Attractions, Travel, United States, Vacations

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"Say 'cheese!'" (Photo by Robert Mann) Summer is nearly here, so it’s time to officially come out of hibernation. For those of you who have an itchy shutter finger, today is an especially good day to venture out and about with your camera. June 15th is Nature Photography Day -- a great excuse to pause and observe the wild world and contemplate its conservation. Fortunately, you don't need to be the next Franz Lanting in order to participate in this event, or even to plan a trip to an exotic location. The North American Nature Photography Association has a very low-pressure approach. They'll be posting members’ photos in their newsletter, but they offer a few rules to follow. The main rule is that your photographs must be taken within walking or biking distance of wherever you are on June 15. This provides you with an opportunity to find the glimpses of nature that you might otherwise miss amid your ordinary day-to-day routines. You might see the sidewalk in a new way, or gain an appreciation for backyard visitors. Maybe you won’t end up with a print you want to frame at the end of the day. That’s fine. Stopping to "snap the roses" is its own reward. On the other hand, maybe you’ll be inspired to develop your skills as a photographer. The next challenge: kids! Suggested Sites... Wildlife Theater - pics taken in one suburban back yard. Wild Light - Rick Lieder's images of the birds and the bees. A Walk Through Durham Township, Pennsylvania - corn in morning fog, and other cool things. The photo.net Nature Photography Pages - guides, equipment reviews, field ethics, and much more. Nature Photography Day on Flickr - public Flickr group.

Directory categories: Nature Photography, Personal Nature Photography Exhibits, Resources for Photographers, Photo Contests, Nature Photography For Purchase

Archived under: Animals, Arts, Cameras, Conservation, Environment, Events, Hobbies, Home and Garden, Photography, Wildlife

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Rachel Carson in 1940 A couple of months ago, First Lady Michelle Obama planted a vegetable garden at the White House with the help of some students. Hers is the first such garden at the White House since Eleanor Roosevelt's during World War II. Her efforts reflect the nation's growing interest in organic foods, but some agronomic professionals seem to fear that Mrs. Obama does not recognize the benefits of pesticides and fertilizers for our modern food supply. In fact, the Mid America CropLife Association (MACA) addressed a letter to her detailing the important role conventional agriculture plays in "feeding the ever-increasing population, contributing to the U.S. economy, and providing a safe and economical food supply." They also hasten to mention that "children are unaware that the jeans they put on in the morning … are available because of America’s farmers and ranchers." MACA's letter most likely will not change Mrs. Obama’s gardening methods, but they get points for trying. Whatever the reason for the rise in popularity of organically-grown foods, suspicion of chemical pesticides and new technologies in agriculture is nothing new. More than fifty years ago, in fact, a seed was planted in the mind of marine biologist Rachel Carson when a friend wrote her a letter out of concern that a number of birds near her home were dying, apparently as a result of aerial spraying of the pesticide DDT. Although Carson was already concerned about this issue, her friend's letter highlighted the need for action. The seed from that letter would grow into "Silent Spring," her famous book that was first sampled in serial form in "The New Yorker" in June of 1962 and harvested -- er -- published in the fall of that year. Carson's exploration of the potentially harmful effects of DDT on animals, the environment, and humans was of immeasurable benefit to the modern environmental movement. While her book was immensely popular from the start, it was not met with universal acclaim. One former former chemical industry spokesman claimed that if Carson's teachings were followed, "insects and diseases and vermin would once again inherit the earth." DDT has been banned in American agriculture for some time now, but as technology presses on, new chemicals are being created, and with them come new problems. A pesticide that was sprayed in communities on the central coast of California was blamed for bird deaths and human health problems. Use of that particular chemical appears to have been shelved -- at least for the moment. Wherever you stand on the issue of spraying crops, you may be one of the many people who are currently putting together a backyard vegetable garden. Here at Yahoo!, we recently saw a surge in web searches by folks seeking information on how to start their own home gardens. Inspired by Michelle Obama? Avoiding the bug sprays but not wanting to shell out for pricey organics? Heck -- not wanting to shell out for pricey conventionals? Whatever your reason, we have many resources for you in our Directory, whether you want to compost and raise chickens, or just want to grow some tomatoes in a pot. Bon Appétit! Suggested Sites... HGTV - Vegetables - videos and articles with ideas for your veggie garden. Companion Planting - guide helps solve garden problems without chemicals. Path to Freedom - a journal for urban homesteaders. Rachel Carson Homestead - learn about Carson's legacy - you can even buy a pound of Rachel Carson coffee! "A Tale of Six Cities" by John F. Lauerman - read about the history of laws that protect public health.

Directory categories: Rachel Carson, Environmentalism, Vegetable Gardening, Organic Gardening, Crop Protection

Archived under: 1960s, American History, Authors, Biographies, Books, DIY, Environment, First Ladies, Food and Drink, Gardening, Green Living, Home and Garden, Insects, Pollution, Scientists, Society and Culture, The New Yorker, Vegetables

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Fresh farm food like this nearby? (Courtesy of USDA.gov Photo by Scott Bauer) When you're cooking dinner, you probably consider the tastiness of the meal, the healthiness of the ingredients, the calories, and the cost -- but do you consider the mileage? The local food movement is all about eating closer to home. The philosophy is simple: Food that is shipped long distances isn't as fresh, and therefore isn't as flavorful or healthy. Such foods also have a bigger carbon footprint than those produced locally. Each ingredient on a North American's plate typically travels 1,500 miles to get from field to table. To help reverse that trend, and to get more in tune with the local ecosystem, local food advocates -- or locavores -- look closer to home: often a 100-mile radius from where they live and eat. The movement is also about community responsibility. Buying from local farmers and food producers supports local economies instead of corporations that run factory farms and long-haul shipping lines. Many shoppers also find big discounts at local farmers' markets -- or save even more by eating homegrown veggies from backyard gardens. And foodies know that the fresher the ingredients, the tastier the meal. Gourmet restaurants featuring local menus are cropping up all over. Obviously, there are challenges and limitations to eating local produce. You're not likely to grow avocados in Alberta or produce maple syrup in Arizona. Some locavores make exceptions for region-specific foods, or to supplement limited midwinter diets. In the spirit of health and moral spending, they'll pick organic non-local foods if they can't buy local, family farm products over corporate, and local retailers over supermarket chains. Whether you're a hippie, a foodie, or just a frugal shopper, making an effort to put more local products on your table can have a positive impact on your community, the environment -- and your taste buds. Suggested Sites... 10 Reasons to Eat Local Food - from the environmental to the epicurean. Locavores - a group of Bay Area foodies and environmentalists who attempt to eat only foods produced within a 100-mile radius of San Francisco. Seeing Red: Eating Locally and Debunking the Red-Blue Divide - Barbara Kingsolver, author and avid gardener, recounts her family's efforts to eat only local food for a year. Local Harvest - find local and organic foods close to home.

Directory categories: Local Food, Bioregionalism, Environmental Movements and Philosophies, Sustainable Eating, Sustainable Development

Archived under: Cooking, Environment, Food and Drink, Global Warming, Health, Issues and Causes, Locavores, Recipes, Sustainability

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