Ecosystems


Recycled Christmas Trees to Aid Coastal Marshes

"Together, we can save thousands of trees from being thrown out to waste and also provide critical support to help preserve our wetlands," New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said.

Costa Concordia Removal Planned by Fall 2013

The task of uprighting and refloating the stranded cruise ship involves about 400 workers and a seven-days-a-week schedule, the salvors reported Dec. 23.

Landsat 5 Decommissioned

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has announced the decommissioning of Landsat 5 after 29 years in orbit, the longest operating Earth observing satellite in history.

Peatland Bacteria Feeds on Greenhouse Gas

Researchers from the Radboud University Nijmegen have discovered that new bacteria found in the soil beneath a peatland reserve in the Netherlands actually consume methane.

Thousands Protest Against Coal Export in Seattle

Waterkeepers attend a public hearing about a proposed coal export terminal in Seattle, which would be constructed in an area next to an aquatic reserve.

New Environmental Assessment Model for Estuaries in Tasmania

Researchers have begun working on a new computer model that will allow communities and aquaculture industries to better assess the human and environmental impacts on estuarine and marine ecosystems in Tasmania.

'Coldest Journey' Under Way

Lloyd's and other insurers have written a custom policy covering a team's bid to traverse Antarctica in winter for the first time and raise millions of a dollars for a charity trying to prevent blindness.

Environmental Education Grant Awarded to Utah Society

The EPA has provided a $25,000 grant to the Utah Society, which will help enhance the environmental justice program at the University of Utah.



Arctic Report Card Details Big Changes

“The Arctic is an extremely sensitive part of the world and with the warming scientists have observed, we see the results with less snow and sea ice, greater ice sheet melt, and changing vegetation," NOAA's administrator said.

Ameresco Expands Market Share in Ohio with New Energy Efficiency Project

Lorain County Joint Vocational School will save over $4.5 million during a 15-year contract that includes energy conservation measures and infrastructure upgrades.

Applications Open for 2013 Cohort of Kinship Conservation Fellows

Applications are now being accepted for the Kinship Conservation program until Jan. 26. The event will run from June 29 – July 26, 2013.

2013 Python Challenge in Florida

On Jan. 12, 2013, the Python Challenge will begin as a way to raise public awareness about Burmese pythons in Florida and how the species is a threat to the Everglades ecosystem. Those who harvest the most and the largest pythons will be awarded cash prizes.

ArborGen Donates Pine Seedlings to College of Charleston Foundation's Forest Restoration

ArborGen’s partnership and donation to the College of Charleston will bolster efforts to establish an ecosystem that will help educate and inspire the community through historic preservation.

NASA to Hold International Scientific Meeting in January

On Jan. 10-14, 2013 Karunya University will be hosting the International Regional Scientific Meeting, which focuses on land-use, land-cover, and water resources in South Asia.

Antarctic Glaciers Melting as Sea Water Warms

The ice sheet in West Antarctica is melting faster than expected, causing oceanographers to find ways to improve predictions of future changes in ice sheet mass.

Mercury in Coastal Fog Linked to Deep Ocean Water

According to researchers, coastal fog in California contains elevated mercury levels, which may be the result of upwelling deep ocean water along the coasts. Upwelling processes bring mercury to the surface of the water, where it enters the atmosphere and is absorbed by fog.

Soot from Arctic Wildfires Hover Over Greenland

Recent observations from satellites have shown that the smoke from Arctic wildfires is drifting over the Greenland ice sheet, settling on the ice as soot and making it more likely to melt under the sun.

New Smithsonian Exhibit Highlights Worldwide Waterways

The Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum presents its groundbreaking exhibition "Reclaiming the Edge: Urban Waterways and Civic Engagement" on view through Sept. 15, 2013, which examines the consequences of the abuse of waterways worldwide and the efforts by communities to restore them.

Artificial Watershed Gets First Rain

The world’s only artificial watershed inside the Biosphere 2 at the University of Arizona receives its first rain, giving researchers the first opportunity to study how water, soil, plants, and microbes interact in a realistic setting; this rare chance could help improve future global climate models.

Upper Llano Watershed Coordination Committee to Hold Meeting in December

On Dec.11, a new group that hopes to protect and improve water quality and flows of North and South Llano Rivers will be holding a meeting. Local residents are encouraged to attend.