Ecosystems


A Garfield County RS 2477 claim in Capitol Reef National Park. (photo copyright Ray Bloxham)

Recent Surge in 'Ghost Roads' Litigation Threatens National Parks and Other Federally Protected Lands

Unfortunately for many existing and proposed federal reserves in Utah and elsewhere, the legal threshold to establish an R.S. 2477 claim is minimal.

Long-Lasting Nitrate in Streams Disturbs Water Quality

Hydrologic researchers from the USGS found that nitrate from fertilizers takes decades to travel through groundwater and into streams, disturbing the water quality of streams and even large rivers for many more years to come.

Billions of Cicadas May Soon Swarm Eastern U.S.

The East Coast of the U.S. may soon be swarmed with billions of cicadas, outnumbering people from North Carolina to Connecticut by 600 to 1. But not to worry, even though the insects may be a nuisance, they’re not a threat to anything but a few shrubs.

Solar-Powered Nanofilters Remove Antibiotics from Waterways

Researchers have developed solar-powered nanofilters that can remove antibiotics from waterways more efficiently than existing practices.

Fourth Season of Upper Hudson Dredging Commences

Dredging in the Upper Hudson River began yesterday, marking the fourth season and halfway point of the cleanup. Portions of the river are being dredged to remove sediment contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a chemical that could cause cancer and neurological damage, especially in children.

Recent Dolphin Deaths Caused by Virus

Veterinary pathologists from the University of Adelaide discovered that a marine virus is responsible for causing the deaths of dolphins that have recently washed up on the shores of South Australia.

Measuring the Floods in Illinois

Crews from the USGS are measuring the floods of rivers and streams in Illinois. It’s estimated that current conditions of the waterways are the highest levels in over 20 years for the state.

New Product Line of Bumble Bee Foods Will Support World Wildlife Fund

Wild Selections, a new line of Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified products has been launched by Bumble Bee Foods, and a portion of the sales will go to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in support of protecting marine life and promoting sustainable fishing practices.



How Pesticides Affect Reproduction of Aquatic Organisms

In a new study conducted by the North Carolina State University, researchers have found that pesticide exposure can affect the reproduction abilities of “water fleas”, causing them to produce more male offspring and creating reproductive issues in females.

National Parks Reduce Waste by Nearly 1/3 and Promote Tap Water for Earth Day

For Earth Day, the National Park Service (NPS) released a status report on its Green Parks Plan. The report found parks have diverted 28 percent of municipal solid waste since 2007 thanks in part to a growing number of parks halting the sale of bottled water.

iOS Game Tilt World Celebrates Earth Day with Free Player Challenge

To celebrate Earth Day this year, Tilt World 1.8, is going free and offering double points, which will allow players to plant twice as many real trees, for Earth Day through the end of April.

Ford Foundation Supports Global Environmental Leaders

Ford Foundation Supports Global Environmental Leaders

IFP has provided access to higher education to over 4,000 people from marginalized communities in 22 countries on their paths to social change, including many who are spearheading innovative solutions to our global environmental problems.

Tennessee Celebrates Earth Day with State Park Hikes

Beginning on Saturday, April 20 and lasting through Sunday, Tennessee State Parks will be sponsoring free, guided hikes at each state park as a way to celebrate Earth Day this year.

Millet Grains Resilient to Climate Change

Because food scarcity is a growing concern across the world, researchers have studies millet grain as a large agricultural contributor due to the grain’s resilience to drought, water scarcity, and the ever-changing climate.

America’s Most Endangered Rivers Announced

American Rivers’ annual list of America’s Most Endangered Rivers has been released today, naming the Colorado River as the most endangered river in the country.

Sierra Nevada Gets Funding for Meadow Restoration

In order to restore two Sierra Nevada meadows, the Sierra Nevada Conservancy will be sending $137,000 grant to American Rivers.

Help Stop the Nuclear Dump at the Great Lakes

Canadian citizens oppose Ontario Power Generation’s plan to bury radioactive nuclear waste approximately 1,300 feet from Lake Huron.

Hawaii Streetlights Threaten Endangered Animals

The Department of Justice is gathering evidence to file criminal charges against the state.

Volcano Studied by Unmanned Aircrafts

Three repurposed and unmanned aircrafts have been modified by NASA researchers in order to study the sulfur dioxide plume of the Turrialba volcano in Costa Rica.

Tiny Sea Creatures Keeping Marine Ecosystems Healthy

In a new study from the Virginia Institute of Science and the USGS, small sea creatures that are about the size of a thumbtack help protect seagrasses and other sea life from an overpopulation of algae.