Nature & Outdoors
Bug Alert
A larva of a tree-killing beetle was found in Cranston last week in a shipment of firewood from Worcester. The perp, known as the Asian Longhorned Beetle, is an exotic pest that threatens a wide variety of hardwood trees in North America, including maples, boxelder and willows. The entire city of Worcester has been designated an official Regulated Area, which is essentially prohibits the transport of any tree matter out of the city limits.
Rhode Island environmental officials are asking residents not to transport firewood from other states – in order to limit the spread of the beetle.
Official USDA advice on Asian Longhorned Beetle control, hosted by the RI Natural History Survey.
Info from the University of Vermont.
Common beetles that look like the Asian Longhorned Beetle, but are OK.
Info on the Worcester outbreak.
Image courtesy of the US Department of Agriculture.
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Sunday June 6, 2010
Rough Weather Later Today
The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, says the weather could get all Wizard of Oz this afternoon. If you’re lounging in the kiddie pool or making divots on the links – respect the thunder and head to shelter.
moreThursday June 3, 2010
This Weekend: Kill Plants
Most nature walks demand a reverence for plants. A special nature walk this Saturday encourages you to smash them. More from Steve Stycos:
moreWednesday May 19, 2010
Bike to Work Day, 2010
Bike to Work Day, organized by the Rhode Island Bicycle Coalition , falls on Friday, May 21. Pedal to Market Square in Providence between 6:30 and 8:30 am for food and speeches, and return to the square between 4:30 and 6 pm for bike workshops and a blasting by What Cheer Brigade.
moreThursday April 29, 2010
The National Weather Service Needs Flood Photographs
The National Weather Service in Taunton is looking for photographs to help them document and study the impacts of the recent historic floods: Can you help us to help your community? The National Weather Service in Taunton, Mass., is looking for photographs to visually document the March 2010... more
Monday April 12, 2010
Spring Cleanups in Cranston
“Rising concern about the “environmental crisis” is sweeping the nation’s campuses with an intensity that may be on its way to eclipsing student discontent over the war in Vietnam…a national day of observance of environmental problems, analogous to the mass demonstrations on Vietnam, is being planned for next spring, when... more