Planet Earth Water

Authors: Tunyalee Martin and Cheryl Wilen Italian White Snail Slowly Becoming an Invasive Pest (Again) Sometimes an invasive pest takes a while to become invasive. The Invasive Species Council of California defines an invasive species as “non-native organisms which cause economic or environmental harm.” So, until a species not originally from the area actually causes harm, it doesn’t get the […]

by Tom Damm Spoiler alert!  Everyone wins. A new video is benefiting farmers and regulators alike by taking the mystery out of farm inspections. The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association collaborated with EPA employees to produce a video that demonstrates what poultry and egg farms can expect when EPA or state inspectors come a-knocking. The 14-minute video, featuring Mark Zolandz […]

Summer—it’s a time for swimming, BBQs, camping, and eating invasive species Last week during California Invasive Species Action Week (June 2 – June 10), we highlighted several pests, but there are many more invasive species out there. Now that you know about them, share your knowledge of invasive species with others. And no matter what your summer plans, here are […]

Over the next couple of days here in Orange County, temperatures are expected to rise rapidly. Below are just a few tips and methods to prepare your landscape plants: 1. Give plants that are drought and heat sensitive a nice slow, long drink to properly hydrate them. This will allow the water to properly moisten the soil and roots rather […]

Help save California citrus by identifying and reporting the four leading citrus diseases: citrus greening, citrus black spot, citrus canker, and sweet orange scab using the free app from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). For more information on how to download the app to your device please click here or go to the following link https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/citruscommittee/ and scroll […]

Like most Southern Californians, especially residents of Orange County, there is a good chance that you have been seeing trails of ants searching for water or sugar and looking for a place to nest. Beyond your threshold of frustration? There are methods to treat for this annoying pest that are environmentally sound which can be found at the UC Statewide […]

Linda Haque, a UC Master Gardener from Ventura County, wrote me to suggest our readers try the ‘highly informative, easy to navigate site from Beth Grafton-Cardwell, Ph.D, one of the main UC entomologists in the public educational outreach efforts’ campaign. Dr. Grafton-Cardwell has developed the site at http://ucanr.edu/acp. Her site gives a comprehensive, yet easy to understand, explanation on the […]

 by Tom Damm To fully appreciate why two EPA regions are working to improve the Delaware River Watershed, it helps to experience the area’s natural wonders. I had the opportunity to do so recently on two kayaking day trips. The first was an intimate tour of a county lake that connects with Assunpink Creek and eventually the Delaware River near […]

Are you among the growing group that have taken up beekeeping? Whether you are a backyard hive enthusiast, or operate a large scale production, in honor of National Honey Bee Day 2018 this coming Saturday, August 18th, 2018, be sure to check out the article below which highlights UC’s revised bee resources. National Honey Bee Day 2018: Brush up on […]

Cape May-Lewes ferry, MV Twin Capes  (photo credit: DNREC by Sherilyn Lau Have you ever wondered what’s on the ocean floor?  Or maybe you’ve thought about what type of home supports marine life such as sea whips and mussels? On the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, 26 miles due east of the Indian River Inlet in Delaware, lies a collection […]