CHELSEA – It was odd seeing ducks and geese today, next to Highway 30, swimming in farm fields. I traveled to my uncle’s farm near Chelsea, in Tama County. I’m grateful that the past generations of my family chose to settle on high grounds in the rolling hills of East-central Iowa, but even that land […]
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Category: Environment
Flash flood warning in effect in Eastern...
The National Weather Service issued the following on Sunday, May 26, 2013: A Flash Flood Warning remains in effect until 1:45 am CDT for Southwestern Cedar, Southern Benton, Iowa, Johnson, Southwestern Linn and Northwestern Muscatine counties. At 7:57 pm CDT, National Weather Service Doppler radar indicated that the heavy rain producing
Ethanol and diesel from derailed train l...
UPDATE: This information was sent from the DNR, with the discovery of a second leaking ethanol car. Here is more sent Wednesday, May 22, 2013: CHARLES CITY – The Canadian Pacific Railroad’s attempts to recover three ethanol cars and three locomotives east of Charles City were hampered by soggy, unstable ground Tuesday night.
Greenscaping your lawn
Should something this green be bad for the environment? I mowed today for the first time this year and only because my front yard was quickly becoming a sea of yellow. I don’t mind dandelions as much as some people do, but when you have neighbors, you need to be considerate,
New record set for Iowa precipitation
Sure, we’re tired of the wet, cold weather, but at least it’s taken most of the state out of drought status. Here is the latest update, as of May 2, 2013, from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources:
Three Kings frost warning
Even though we’ve enjoyed temperatures in the 70s and 80s this week, I hope you weren’t tempted to plant your peppers, tomatoes or other tender plants outside. I brought my tomato seedlings indoors in case temps dip below freezing in the next few days. Your perennials should be fine, but as a precaution, you might […]
Book Review: America’s Climate Century
I’ve heard our own state Senator, Rob Hogg, describe the challenge of climate change as he speaks to groups about his new book. Hogg, a Democrat from Cedar Rapids, compares it to the challenges his parents’ generation faced in winning World War II and fighting the Cold War. “In the climate century, we will not […]
Happy Earth Day!
My hyacinth and daffodils seemed to be biding their time this spring, but finally opened today, in time for Earth Day. The Lenten rose that I thought succumbed to the elements also was found to be in bloom. I’ve felt behind on my planting, but thought it was appropriate to start that on Earth Day, […]
Julia “Butterfly” Hill calls on people t
HIAWATHA – For someone who spent two years living in a tree, Julia “Butterfly” Hill appears quite down-to-earth. “If people want to call me a tree-hugger, that’s great,” said Hill, 39, who was given the nickname “Butterfly” as a child. “I’m a proud tree-hugger.” Best known for the 738 days she lived on a platform […]
Weekend photo gallery: Eco-Fest in Cedar...
Many volunteers and environmental groups joined together Saturday, April 20, for Eco-Fest 2013. Events were held throughout the New Bohemia district in southeast Cedar Rapids, including NewBo City Market, CSPS and the Cherry Building. After a week of rain and cold temperatures, the sun made an appearance, just in time for this early celebration of […]