The Introductions of the Life of Zebra Mussels
March 2, 2010 | Leave a Comment
The zebra muscle is a smaller freshwater types of muscle. They get their name from the stripped pattern which normally adorns their shells, thought not all members in the kinds will bare these marks. They usually measure the size in the regular mussel to be the length of the regular human fingernail but can grow to a highest length of just about two inches. Safely contained within their D shaped shells, zebra muscular tissues possess ’strings’ or byssal threads that emerge from their umbo around the dorsal side.
The shape and framework on the zebra muscle’s shell makes removing a zebra muscle very difficult. The life span of the common zebra muscle is four to five years. The average female muscle will produce between 30,000 and a single million eggs per year. However only two to five percent of zebra muscles stay to maturity, the recent populace explosion has brought zebra muscle tissue into the spotlight being a issue within the waterways on the Midwestern United States.
Zebra muscle tissues originated in bodies of fresh drinking water in southeast Russia. You will discover also native deposits from the kinds from the Black Sea and also the Caspian Sea. They’re an invasive or transplanted species in countless other parts worldwide. The countries being most effected through the encroaching zebra muscle populace are Spain, Sweden, North America and also the British Isles.
It’s generally believed that zebra muscle tissues are inadvertently introduced towards the rivers and lakes of North America in the ballast drinking water of usually ocean dwelling ships who pass to the Midwest by means of the St. Lawrence Seaway.
When the first detection of zebra muscular tissues in the Midwest was in St. Clair in 1988, the populace has spread to become a issue inside Hudson, Ohio, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Cumberland, Missouri and Colorado rivers. Getting no natural predator in North America, the excessive population of zebra muscles goes unchecked; disrupting local ecosystems and killing off nearby muscle varieties.
Zebra muscle tissue also trigger structural harm to harbors and power plants as well as clog drinking water intakes and pipelines. Numerous professionals also believe that the zebra muscle may be 1 of the primary sources on the avian botulism poisoning that has been plaguing the Excellent Lakes area seeing that the late 1990s killing tens of thousands of birds. According to US Coast Guard estimates, the introduction on the zebra muscle to the North American waterways expenses the government around five billion dollars every year.
Learn more about nature by checking out Gunther Hammond’s latest article on the gout cherry juice and learn all about the gout what is it.
Information About Wastewater Treatment And Methods
February 25, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Handling wastewater in a safe way is vitally important for all of us who need water to survive. Wastewater treatment therefore is a viable and important procedure for us to obtain viable and usable water. There are a variety of different methods and disposal of the waste water that is created on a daily basis.
The definition for wastewater treatment would be using known technology to enhance or improve the quality of our water. What is normally done with most waste water is to gather it up and make sure that it is run into a common area for the beginning of its treatment. This is usually your local area wastewater treatment plant.
Water that needs to be treated is generally put through a variety of different processes for complete treatment. When it is large flows of water, then the water will be in a continual flowing state and be treated in than manner. There are times though that certain wastewater treatment is handled in batches.
Even though wastewater is handled with the continuous flow procedure there are times that a batch process is used. This is generally when the water is known to have sludge in it and they need to treat the water and the sludge in a smaller contained area. This is when they will add chemicals to this particular water to try and break down the sludge.
There are three different categories that the procedures can be put into. The first one being physical, the second is chemical and the last one is biological. Some of the wastewater will sometimes need all three categories to process the water properly.
Also certain types of wastewater need specific categories for treatment and not all three. Below are the different categories and what is used in them for the treatment process.
Physical category would use these items for processing; sedimentation, filtration, aeration, floatation, skimming, etc.
Chemical category would tend to use the following; chlorination, neutralization, coagulation, etc.
Biological category would deal with active sludge treatment, trickling filtration, oxidation ponds, aerobic digestion, septic tanks and more.
The physical category means that they use physical objects to help with treatment like screens and filters for example.
The chemical category is when they chemicals to cause chemical reactions in order to change the quality of the water.
The biological category means that they use organisms, especially bacteria that will help decompose items that need to be broken down into organic material.
When using the chemical treatment they make use of units called feed units, mixers and other similar devices.
Treatments have different types of levels, preliminary, primary, secondary and tertiary. Tertiary is the only one that can not be done alone, this generally is added to the secondary treatment.
Preliminary is when they need to remove items that might damage the equipment that is used for treatment. This is done with shredders, screens, grinders, etc.
Primary is when the water is gathered into settling tanks and give the water time for the sediment to drop to the bottom of the tanks.
Secondary treatment is the use of aerobic organisms that will help break down anything that can not be broken down on its own. Some of the items they use in this procedure are filters, sand filters, final settling tanks and stabilization ponds.
Installing septic tanks is an effective and highly recommended method for reducing the ecological impact on the environment. Nowadays, wastewater treatment has innovative technologies such as dispersal pipes and grease trap interceptors.
Safely Throwing Away Spiral Energy Saver Bulbs
February 24, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Slate and Artsmith - Maybe you are saving the world a little bit every time that you purchase one of those energy saver bulbs. They do use less energy, and they last longer, which means that there is less trash from throwing out old bulbs. But there is a hidden secret, a toxic killer which lurks within many of these bulbs. Mercury, 5 milligrams of it, about as much as the tip of a pencil, and it is killing the world.
Well, not really. But it doesn’t help. Every time you throw out one of those bulbs you are adding a toxic element to the environment, however it’s not very much. In fact many household items, such as old time thermostats and thermometers, use much higher amounts of the substance and we have been throwing them out for years. Also, by the very nature of electricity itself, power plants that burn fossil fuels release tons of mercury into the environment each year, so using less electricity can actually offset the mercury in the bulbs.
However the best thing you can do is to just recycle those bulbs and make sure that they never release their toxic innards into environment. The way to do this is to find a CFL recycling center in your neighborhood. Ace Hardware, Home Depot, and Ikea all accept these bulbs for recycling at any of their locations. Additionally, you can search for CFL recycling centers at earth911.org, which will list them by location and proximity to you.
However many people live too far from a recycling center to make this method of disposal efficient. They would end up using so much gas fueling the car to get to the center, that much of the energy saving, and especially the money saving value would be lost. These people have two options, find a for profit company that will accept CFL’s via mail, or save up your bulbs and take them back in bulk.
If your local community doesn’t offer CFL recycling services, then you may want to get creative. Call your local garbage pick up and find out about their CFL recycling policies. Call you local government, and write letters, asking that they institute some sort of program or reform. You can even contact your local news agencies to see if you can get some coverage for your cause.
Honestly, all of this is a pain in the butt. People buy these spiral bulbs because it is an easy way to feel like your saving the environment, and it is a way to save money. Most people won’t take the cause to the next level. I’m not sure that I will necessarily do any of these things. However your level of involvement is directly connected to your commitment to the cause, and those who do go to the next level are to be commended.
This article was written by Jim Slate for PebbleZ.com - An environmentally friendly company specializing in all natural home decor products crafted from mountain born slate, sandstone, marble, and other various types of stone.
Pets Are Fun
February 19, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Animal Summer Camp ? Let your kids play with animals this summer as a part of the fun they can have at summer camp. Find a science camp, or a more broadly defined summer camp that includes animals as a part of their program offerings.
Connecting with animals in a natural setting can put a child at the beginning of a lifelong sense of relationship with nature. A deep respect for nature as an adult often starts with experience as a camper.
Swift Nature Camp, popular as a Wisconsin Summer Camp and as a Minnesota Summer Camp because of its proximity, offers a variety of ways for campers to meet and enjoy daily contact with animals. Nature’s Neighbors is a live animal collection, campers are encouraged to bring their own small animals to live in the camp’s Nature Center, and a unique pond aquarium shows life as a frog sees it.
Children at Swift Nature Camp have the opportunity to understand our environment from hands-on learning experiences. These include field trips to a fish hatchery, to watch goose banding projects and butterfly counts, and even a close encounter with a live wild owl.
Campers are individuals, and Swift Nature Camp has created a voluntary merit program that allows each child to mix skill development and play in ways that suit his or her personality. Experience with animals can be refined into skills in areas like pet care, insects, bird watching and horseback riding.
The joy of discovering nature is the joy of discovering the world we live in. Living in a natural environment with access to animals is a perfect invitation for expansive play. Camp is a place where children can learn about animals as a participant rather than just receiving information. Camp is more fun and less stressful than school, and the world becomes the classroom.
Still looking for the Best Children’s Camp Se SummerCampAdvice.com
Swift Nature Camp is a Summer Youth Camp in Wisconsin. Boys and girls ages 6-15 enjoy traditional summer camp activities while while learning about nature and the environment. at this Summer Science Camp
Camping in Illinois With Kids
February 12, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Children in Illinois these days are spending little time outdoors. Parents need to step up and git their kids outdoors. This outdoor experience may have a long lasting impact on your child. For many this may be your child’s first experience to Illinois natural world. By planning ahead you may tie your outdoor trip to their latest class teachings or just go for a fun play date outside. For all you know you might awaken a passion for the outdoors that will stay with your kid throughout their lifetime. An outdoor field trip is a great educational experience for all involved so go outside and have fun.
Illinois is loaded with parks, natural areas, conservation areas, recreation areas, and fish and wildlife areas. These areas have information on camping, hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, state park lodges and resorts, interpretive programs and many great ideas for places to visit and things to do in Illinois. I like www.dnr.state.il.us
Did you know that Illinois has adopted may natural elements here a few: Illinois State Tree - white oak Illinois State Bird - cardinal Illinois State Fish - bluegill Illinois State Animal - white-tailed deer Illinois State Insect - monarch butterfly
In Illinois here are just a few spots to think about going someday:
1) Truitt Hoff Nature Preserve DuPage County To reach it from Roosevelt Road (Route 38), turn north on Kress Road, then east on Downs Drive, then north on Industruial Drive. Truitt-Hoff Nature Preserve is located in the Morainal Section of the Northeastern Illinois Morainal Natural Division. 120.3 acres in size, the preserve encompasses high-quality mesic prairie, wet-mesic prairie, freshwater marsh, mesic silt loam savanna, and wet prairie natural communities.
2)Kemper Park Nature Preserve Kane County Location and Access: Rt. 68 and 25 in Carpentersville, head north on Rt. 25 for 1.2 miles to Hazard Rd. East (Right) on Hazard until it ends. Kemper Park is a thirteen acre nature preserve is an addition to Helm Woods Nature Preserve, a larger forested tract of dry-mesic upland and northern flatwood forests. Kemper Park Nature Preserve is contiguous to Helm Woods and is comprised of similar plant communities. The dry-mesic upland forest is dominated by white, red and black oaks while the flatwoods are dominated by swamp white oaks, ashes and elms with swamp sedge and fowl manna grass occurring frequently in the understory. Many forbs, especially spring ephemerals, sedges, grasses and shrubs can be found throughout the entire woodland complex. Garlic mustard is a major problem in this preserve. Prescribed burns have been implemented to control this invasive species.
3) Baker’s Lake Nature Preserve Cook County Hwy. 14 southeast about 1 mile. The nature preserve is south of Hillside Avenue and southwest of Hwy. 14. Baker’s Lake Nature Preserve is a 209 acre area containing a 112 acre lake with an island and a stand of mature open-grown oaks. The area provides visitors with an example of a nature preserve which was dedicated primarily to protect a breeding area for rare and endangered birds rather than for its plant communities. The preserve protects a rookery for 4 species of colonial nesting birds; black-crowned night heron, great egret, double crested cormorant and great blue heron. The area also supports common moorhen, yellow-headed blackbird, and black tern. Other species, especially waterfowl, are present during migration.
OK, you’re not an outdoorsy folk but you know you children need to get outside. No problem their are many outdoor programs, classes and Illinois Summer Camps available in and around your home.
Finding Resident Summer Camps has never been easier. SummerCampAdvice.com is a wonderful online source for information.
Learn more about Teen Summer Camp. Stop by the Swift Nature Camp site where you can find out all about this amazing Summer Kids Camp and what it can do for your kids.
Playing With Your Kids
January 11, 2010 | Leave a Comment
At Swift Nature Camp, a summer camp in Northern Wisconsin, children play outside while learning about Nature and Science. Here are some helpful hints parents can do at home
Experts tell us the first step in becoming an environmentalist is noticing what nature offers. Such observation often leads to a desire and commitment to conserve and protect the natural world.
Walking or hiking through the woods is a regular part of Summer Science Camp. However, with out having a purpose many times staff and campers merely walk along the trail without really noticing what is around them. They overlook the sounds, sights, textures and diversity of the ecosystem.
There are several interesting activities that can be done while walking through the woodlands. Simple supplies are needed, so it will take only a few minutes to collect them. Or you can prepare a Woodland Walk Kit ahead of time for supplies, and index cards with directions for the activities.
One you feel you have a feel for these activities invite your children’s friends to come along, I’m sure they too will enjoy being away from their scheduled lives and enjoy the peace of nature,
Make a Rubbing
Supplies: Paper, crayons or charcoal
Ahead of time: It is best to have experience at this before you help others.
Assignment: Search for trees, rocks and logs that have a variety of textures. Put the paper over the surface of the tree, rock or log, hold the charcoal or crayon at an angle, and rub over the paper so that the unique pattern is transferred to the paper.
Conversation: What did you discover by doing these rubbings?
Life is Full of Decay
Supplies: Several magnifying lenses, flashlight
Ahead of time:know that you can find some rotten logs.
Assignment: Find a downed tree in the woods. Examine what is growing on the log, such as moss or mushrooms. Look for any insects living in or on the log. Shine the flashlight inside the log. Is there evidence of any creatures, such as raccoons, opossum or snakes inside? Examine the bark to see what is happening to it. Turn the log over to see what is happening underneath. How is the forest recycling itself? Use the magnifying glass to look closely at anything that interests you.
Conversation: What additional changes would you see next summer?
Sounds of Nature
Supplies: Paper and pencil for each, you can get cds with sounds in the library bird field guide
Ahead of time: Find out what types of birds are native to the woods around, listen to the cd and study the sounds
Assignment: Sit in the woods a slight distance from others, and be quiet Close your eyes and listen. When you hear a sound, see if you can recall the bird calll,
Conversation: What was your favorite sound and why?
We at Swift Nature Camp hope this gave a sample of some of the projects we do out in Nature. If you child is interested in these sorts of activities have them join us next summer.
If this is your first time thinking about Summer Camp look at Summer Camp Advice a free website that helps parents fing the right camp for thier child. Summer Camp
Swift Nature Camp is a non-competitive, coed traditional overnight Summer Kids Camp. Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 enjoy Nature & Animals along with traditional camping activities. Summer Camp Minnesota
Animal Summer Camp
December 26, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Swift Nature Camp, is a Overnight Summer Camp in Wisconsin where children play outside while learning about Nature and Science. Here are some helpful hints parents can do at home
Teachers tell us the first step in becoming an environmentalist is seeing what nature offers. Often this can lead to a desire and commitment to conserve and protect the natural world we live in. THis is one of our fundamental principals at Swift Nature Camp Walking or hiking through the woods is a regular part of Summer Science Camp.
Being in nature is a regular part of our Science Summer Camp at Swift Nature Camp. Yet it is so important that we are intentional so we do not overlook the sounds, sights, textures and diversity of the ecosystem.
There are several interesting activities that can be done while walking through the woodlands. Simple supplies are needed, so it will take only a few minutes to collect them. Or you can prepare a Woodland Walk Kit ahead of time for supplies, and index cards with directions for the activities.
One you feel you have a feel for these activities invite your children’s friends to come along, I’m sure they too will enjoy being away from their scheduled lives and enjoy the peace of nature,
Make a Rubbing Supplies: Paper, crayons or charcoal Ahead of time: It is best to have experience at this before you help others. Assignment: Search for trees, rocks and logs that have a variety of textures. Put the paper over the surface of the tree, rock or log, hold the charcoal or crayon at an angle, and rub over the paper so that the unique pattern is transferred to the paper. Conversation: What did you discover by doing these rubbings?
Changes Supplies: Clipboard and writing utensils Ahead of time: think or research how things would be different if the land was developed Assignment: Stop along the trail and look into the woods. Imagine that the land had sold this plot of land to a developer to build. How would that development change things? What effect would it have on the habitat and food supplies of the animals living there? What would happen to the soil if the trees were cut down? How would the plants in the woods change? How would the threat of erosion increase? Conversation: How have ecosystems near your home been destroyed? What changes have happened to the land?
Sounds of Nature Supplies: Paper and pencil for each, you can get cds with sounds in the library bird field guide Ahead of time: Find out what types of birds are native to the woods around, listen to the cd and study the sounds Assignment: Sit in the woods a slight distance from others, and be quiet Close your eyes and listen. When you hear a sound, see if you can recall the bird call, Conversation: What was your favorite sound and why?
We at Swift Nature Camp hope this gave a sample of some of the projects we do out in Nature. If you child is interested in these sorts of activities have them join us next summer.
If this is your first time thinking about Summer Camp look at Summer Camp Advice a free website that helps parents find the right camp for their child. Summer Camp
About the authors: Lonnie Lorenz is the directors of Swift Nature Camp, a non-competitive, traditional overnight Science Summer Camp. Both Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 enjoy Nature & Animals along with traditional camping activities. As a Summer Youth Camp Swift specializes in programs for the First Time Camper as well as Adventure Teen Camp programs
categories: science summer camp,summer camp,animal summer camp,overnight camp,kids,animals,nature,science,child development,travel,parenting,sports
Project FeederWatch - Make Your Birdwatching Count
November 17, 2009 | Leave a Comment
The many fans of watching local birds can now turn their passion into meaningful research through Project FeederWatch. Facilitated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Project FeederWatch involves volunteers across the nation helping scientists monitor bird life in North America. The final result is a comprehensive report and publication.
The great public bird count is scheduled for November through April each year. Those wanting to take part in a given year must enroll by the end of February, and registration is continuously open. The task involves making a tally of the total birds seen at a specific point in time. This method prevents duplicate counting and avoids constant monitoring of the count area.
There is a $15 annual participation fee which covers the majority of the expense of the entire project. Participants receive a research kit which includes instructions, a bird identification poster, a wall calendar, a resource guide to bird feeding, and a tally sheet. U.S. participants also receive a subscription to the Lab of Ornithology’s newsletter.
Data collected in Project FeederWatch is featured in science publications and frequently used by ornithologists and birdwatchers throughout North America. The count provides a real opportunity to contribute to the well-being and research of birds that share our habitat. Another benefit is finding previously unknown birds in the neighborhood.
FeederWatch is definitely an equal opportunity event. Participants come from every background and walk of life: Retired persons, youth organizations, nature centers, birdwatching clubs, kids, school classes, and individuals. Learning opportunities abound for both groups and families. The bottom line is that anyone who admires birds is welcome to join.
Participants are free to choose how much time they invest. Organizers of the project provide many options for when and how long to count birds. As the main approach is to provide numbers for a set span of time, those with busy schedules and small amounts of recreational time can still provide meaningful results.
Options for the location of birdwatching are flexible but must remain constant. Often a location that includes a feeder is used, but any defined area frequented by birds is acceptable. Birdwatchers by their very nature will know where to find birds. The kit provided by Project FeederWatch will give advice and examples on choosing a good location.
Project FeederWatch is a win-win for those with a love of birdwatching. One can admire these beautiful creatures while providing a meaningful contribution to their well-being. The birding tools provided are also worth the effort.
Use the following link to research a large collection of birdhouses and bird feeders. To read more about Project FeederWatch, visit http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/
Renewable Energy Alert
November 6, 2009 | Leave a Comment
A lot of things in life need energy in order to function. This fore can come from a lot of different basis, some of which are renewable and others are not. In recent years there has been much talk regarding renewable energy and the positive influence that is has. So why should you worry about renewable energy?
Utilizing a supply of energy that is renewable is so cost-effective. As soon as a business or an individual has set up a way to produce their own energy they can wave goodbye to the utility bills. Solar force for instance can be very functional to power the appliances within a home and to generate heating systems.
The natural resources of the world will not be consumed as rapidly if people are using renewable energy. Over time gas, coal and oil are all being run down and this will lead to them becoming non-existent.
Provisions of these naturally occurring substances are not endless and over time they will completely come to an end. Utilizing energy sources which are renewable puts a stop to this event. Using renewable energy aids to keep the air around is fresh and clean. In relationship to using non-renewable forms of energy will produce smoke chemicals which will contaminate the air. Fortunately there is no pollution which is produced from utilizing a source of energy which is renewable.
Harmful and dangerous substances are not made during the production of renewable energy. In any case, Nevertheless using wind, water or solar power to produce electricity does not involve any type of activity which produces by products. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for nuclear energy which is something of a complicated subject some individuals.
Not like non-renewable sources of energy renewable energy will not be consumed eventually. For example, those who utilize solar energy will always be capable to use the energy of the sun. Wind turbines will always be able to use the power of the wind to generate electricity. And the tide will always create enough waves to produce energy which can be easily used.
Jason Myers is a professional writer and he writes mostly about renewable energy news. He’s also interested in renewable energy tips.