By Silas Sativarius
The cannabis industry is without question on the absolute cutting edge of plant nutrient science. While the perfect nutrient combination may have a greater effect on Cannabis yield than other crops, there is no concrete evidence of that. But the real reason nutrient research and products are booming in the Cannabis cultivation industry is simply the vast amount of money Cannabis growers are willing to spend on nutrients compared to ANY other commercial crop. The difference is literally ten fold higher than any other crop bar none.
And with this willingness to spend for the “best” has come a plethora of exaggerated claims to support this huge market. I will not try to evaluate any specific products or claims in this article, but instead I will attempt to help you understand the basics of how to best use your expensive and high tech nutrients.
Nutrient Concentrations and Feeding
Let’s start with the fact that overfeeding or excessive nutrient ppm levels is THE most common mistake inexperienced or ambitious growers make. One misconception that can lead to this mistake is the idea that the maximum level of ppms a plant can handle continues to go up proportionally as the plants growth rate increases. In reality, the maximum PPM level a plant can tolerate, or better, that is optimum (they aren’t the same) is based on a very complex relationship of factors in the root zone far too complicated to discuss here. But the bottom line is, the optimum is relatively static within a narrow range and does NOT increase proportionally with plant growth. So how does the plant get more nutrients as it grows faster? Water transpiration.
Water transpiration is the amount of water that literally flows through the plant from the roots to the leaves and out into the atmosphere. There are strict limitations on the concentration of minerals in the water flowing through the Xylem (the plants vascular system) So the more water transpiring, the more nutrients are transported. This is the most important factor in nutrient uptake. And it depends on several factors.
The higher the temperature, the faster the plant will transpire water to cool the plant. CO2 intake also increases. See 3 Keys for Maximizing.. for more details on Co2 and Temp. Higher temperatures also increase evaporation rates.
The lower the relative humidity (RH) i.e. the dryer the air, the less resistance to evaporation and the easier it is for the plant to evaporate water from the vacuoles in the leaves. The more water taken IN, the more must go OUT, so decreasing humidity helps facilitate water transpiration and prevents the potential for water condensation on the leaves which further restricts transpiration and makes the plant vulnerable to fungi like mildew.
3) Root capacity
The more root capacity the plant has, which literally comes down to the total surface area of the entire root system, the faster water/nutrients can be absorbed. Root surface area can be dramatically increased in two ways, optimizing air space in the soil, and Mycorrhiza.
• Air space – in general, the optimum ratio of air to water in the root zone is 50/50. Soil porosity or the amount of air space in the root zone throughout the life of the plant is CRITICAL to root function, and lot’s of air space creates “feathery” roots with high surface area.
• Mycorrhiza – Mycorrhiza are a variety of fungi that grow on the root surface creating a webbing network that not only dramatically increase the functional surface area of the root, but also helps break down and make more available certain nutrient compounds. More on Mycorrhiza in the upcoming Root Zone article.
4) Osmotic pressure
Osmotic pressure is created by the ratios of solutes (minerals) between the exterior and interior of the root. It is here that nutrient PPM really comes into play because lower PPM’s decrease Osmotic pressure, but too high will stop transport completely. So for this reason, unless you suspect you have excessive nutrient levels in the root zone or salt buildup, plants should never be watered with pure Reverse Osmosis (RO) water, for it can negatively impact transpiration.
So you can see that keeping the root zone conditions optimal is ESSENTIAL to both nutrient and water uptake.
Evaporation in this context is the root zone moisture that is evaporated away from the roots without being used by the plant. When this moisture evaporates, it leaves the dissolved nutrients behind, initially just increasing the nutrient ppm level in the root zone, but ultimately, if the root zone gets too dry, usually towards the top, the nutes will dry completely and oxidize into salts, which are difficult to redissolve and create unhealthy conditions in the root zone.
There are 2 environmental factors that effect evaporation. Air and/or root-zone temperature, and air relative humidity (RH). Both an increase in temp and /or a decrease in RH will increase evaporation. Also, the “airier” or more porous the media and/or container, the faster the evaporation.
To compensate for this loss of unused water in the root zone, nutrient levels have to be reduced to effectively keep the existing root zone nutrient ppms consistent. This can be accomplished by either lowering feed water ppms on-going, or by periodically watering with 1/4 to 1/3 strength normal nutrient mix. The amount of reduction depends on the level of evaporation, but a good way to test this is to water the plants starting with a 10-20% reduction and measure the ppms of the nutrient run off coming out of the media. Adjust the feeding nutrient ppm until you get roughly the same coming out (or within 100ppm or so) as going in, each feeding. And remember. The harder you push the plant, i.e. the closer you run it to that maximum threshold, the less headroom you have for environmental fluctuations.
LED vs HPS/MH
As mentioned in Tips and Tricks for LED’s, LEDs produce no Infra Red (IR) and consequently require higher ambient air temperatures to achieve similar plant metabolism rates to that achieved with HPS, all other factors being equal. With this increase in air temp comes an increase in evaporation, so it is extra important when using LED’s to adjust your ppm schedule to accommodate these changes.
There is another factor that has a big impact on both the ability of the plant to absorb nutrients, and consequently your optimum levels of nutrient ppm. It is Chelation.
Chelates are compounds that react with the more stable nutrient molecules found in fertilizers (so they can stay unchanged in the package) and make them less stable, but far more absorbable by the plant. Chelates can also break down harmful salts, turning them back into absorbable nutrients. EDTA, Humic Acid, and Fulvic acid are the most common Chelates used in fertilizers. EDTA and other Chelates are also the active ingredient in most “Final Flush” type additives, (such as Advance’s Final Phase) advertised for use in the last two weeks of flower because they break down salt residue preventing nute lock up in the crucial final weeks.
Chelates are maybe the one nutrient ingredient that really can have a significant impact on growth rate because they make the nutrients more easily absorbed. There really isn’t any toxic threshold for these compounds, but the more you use of them, the less actual nutrients you can add to maintain a safe PPM level, so it is a balancing act.
TIP FROM SILAS – I personally use Liquid Karma (and no they don’t pay me to say this, I just love the stuff) as my organic Humic / Folic acid chelation agent (as well as providing some vitamins) through all phases of growth and I have found that while I may adjust the ratios of the various nutrients –nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus etc—for the different stages, i.e. veg, pre-flower, flower, and ripening, I slowly increase the ratio of Karma to Nutrients from 1 tsp/ gal Karma in Veg, to as high as 4tsp/gallon Karma at peak flower. Do it and WATCH what happens! I will give more details of this and all topics discussed on this site in my “Secrets to Massive Cannabis Yields” book coming out soon. There are many other sources besides Karma for organic Humic /Folic acid chelation additives so take your pick, but Karma is the only nute I have used religiously for almost a decade. I also add a little EDTA additive (1/4 label) anytime I use chemical nutes or flower boosters.
Because chelates make the dissolved nutrients (and salts) suddenly more absorbable to the plant, they can take a perfectly safe ppm level and make it toxic. Thus, whenever you use Chelation additives, you should reduce the nutrient ppm levels by 20% or so and then increase them slowly over time. And never use an EDTA flushing agent at full strength immediately after feeding with nutrients at full strength. Always flush with clear water at least once prior to using these additives at label strength. However, they are actually more effective if used throughout the grow cycle at roughly ¼ label strength, but nutrient PPMS must be adjusted accordingly. As with any changes in nutrient PPM, start low, say 6-700ppm and gradually increase and watch carefully. The fastest way to detect nutrient toxicity is a rapid browning of the normally white stamens of the flower, (Literally over-night) anytime before the last week of flower. This will happen before the leaves may show any symptoms. Spraying of flowers can have the same effect however. Also, browning of the leaf tips can be a sign of longer term excessive nutrient levels.
As roots grow, they slough off their outer skin like a snake. This skin, is a carbohydrate material and can accumulate and reduce the water /nutrient uptake of the root. In organic humus based soil, there are naturally occurring bacteria such as Bacillus Subtilis and Bacillus Cereus, that eat (breakdown) the organic material in the soil as well as the carbohydrates shed by the roots. These are the same bacteria that break down plant matter in a compost pile.
However, in wet or soiless hydro, healthy root bacteria (flora) do not occur naturally. You have to add the bacteria and then provide them food ongoing, because most hydroponic nutrients do not have significant organic components that could provide food for these organisms, and they will quickly reproduce beyond the amount of food the roots are producing and then begin to die off. And without them, the root system will not be able to uptake water or nutrients efficiently, or breakdown any extra organic material from organic based nutrients that can accumulate and dense up soiless medias, reducing the oxygen present.
So it is important for proper nutrient uptake, that from the first week in veg, you supply periodic doses of healthy bacteria through supplements or compost teas to keep the roots and media clean and healthy, and it is strongly advised that you include a small amount of simple sugar (Glucose or Fructose) to feed the existing bacteria when the root detritus runs low (i.e your roots are clean). ¼ the label recommendation of most sugar products is plenty, but don’t worry, if the sugars are simple forms like glucose or fructose, they can be absorbed by the roots (and leaves) and thus can replace some of the sugars the plant normally has to produce through photosynthesis. Feeding sugar will also replace a small part of the nitrogen requirements. But DO NOT use excessive sugars in the nutrients because it can cause unhealthy conditions in the root zone. Less is more, and 50 (normal) to 100ppm (late flower) is a safe upper limit for sugar supplementation. People go WAY overboard with sugar, let me be clear, sugar DOES NOT translate directly into fragrance or resin. Phosphorus drives resin production. I will discuss this more in future articles.
Normally when plants grow in organic soil with all that good humus being acted on by countless bacteria and fungi, the soil will naturally stabilize around a PH of 6.0-6.5. This is adequate for proper absorption of organic forms of nutrients which are more stable and slightly less bio-available, and watering with simple PH7 water like rain does not alter the PH of this system virtually at all.
But when you are growing in a Hydroponic environment, both wet, aeroponic, or soil-less (peat, rockwool, etc..) the media the plant is growing in has no organic material except what you add in the nutrients. For this reason, it is very difficult to establish prolific enough flora (bacteria etc..) to really buffer the PH conditions. Thus YOU have to adjust your PH on every feeding to the correct level.
Different minerals (nutrients) favor different PH ranges, but when you distill it all down with the dozen or so minerals really essential to an optimally healthy plant, the sweet spot for all hydroponics (not Soil) turns out to be PH 5.7- 6.0. Phosphorus is the most sensitive nute to PH above 6.0 and it is ESSENTIAL to high quality Cannabis. And if you want optimum growth, and you are not using exclusively organic nutrients, you had better keep your PH between 5.7 and 6.0 ALL THE TIME. I’m not going to try to explain it here, but look at the chart above and suffice to say, you need to keep your PH in that range EVERY TIME you feed. Not just when you mix the tank. Every time you feed, RECHECK IT. Be diligent, and you will notice the difference.
And buy a GOOD PH meter and keep a back up meter as a reference, because when they fail, they don’t tell you. They just give you incorrect readings and you won’t know till it’s too late and your wondering why everything is SH*T. And it can only take a couple feedings that are PH 6.2 or higher, especially during the CRUCIAL first 2-3 weeks of flower, and especially if your using chemical nutes, to ruin an entire crop from Phosphorus deficiency. In those first weeks, the plants aren’t sucking up the nutes as fast, so it sits there longer, and often there is a bunch of fresh clean media (Peat, etc..) from a recent re-pot to a larger media, so there’s just not much resident organic residue and bacteria to help buffer the PH, so it has lots of time to mess with your plants. And it will RUIN an entire crop. Oh the plants will still grow, but they will never be optimal, and there is no fixing it.
You can protect yourself from PH issues somewhat by always using an organic Base nutrient. Also, bacterial treatments help as well. Organic nutes are less PH sensitive and over time leave behind material that will set this natural PH buffer mentioned previously. But this material also slowly clogs up the media, so if you use organics with soil-less media, increase the aeration in your starting media with additional perlite etc.. But ask any pro grower, organics nutes are safer and easier, and make for a little better taste and smell etc.. but plants grow much faster and bigger with high quality chelated chemical nutes. So it is a tradeoff. For Wet Hydro, organics will simply clog your jets and kill things, so you have to be very careful in avoiding nutes with organic particulates, which is in almost all of them. I will get into more detail in future publications.
But spend the money, spend the time, and watch your PH like a HAWK. 5.8-6.0. 6.0 for the first 2-3 weeks to favor Nitrogen and keep them good and green, then you can slowly begin to slide it down towards 5.8 during ripening to favor Phosphorus and Potassium absorption for flower production. Doing so will make the sun leaves begin to yellow, but don’t worry, that’s ok, they are less important at this stage than high phosphorus absorption.
TIP FROM SILAS: Ammonium based nutrients will slowly decrease the media PH, most other forms of nutrients will slowly increase media PH. So ammonium based nutes will be less sensitive to excess (>6.0) PH levels because the absorption at the root naturally creates free hydrogen that drops the PH. If your media or soil PH is too low (exp. general leaf yellowing from nitrogen starvation), use non-ammonium based nutrients to correct.
I hope I have not sacrificed too much literal accuracy (my disclaimer for all you PHD plant biologists out there) in the interest of simplification here, but I think you can see that optimizing nutrient uptake is a very complex system that requires careful and gradual adjustments to find the optimal levels for your plant and environment. And the most important thing to remember is — of the core factors in plant metabolism (growth rate), namely Light, CO2, Temperature, Water, and Nutrients — Nutrients are the LEAST important factor in optimizing yield, and the most problematic. Ppm levels DO NOT need to be raised significantly as plant metabolism goes up, because the plant naturally increases the amount of water and nutrients taken up into the plant proportionally with the metabolism. You are better served by optimizing the other elements that facilitate water transpiration, namely temp, humidity, and root health. Increasing nutrients should be the last consideration in trying to optimize yield, and you should always be conservative. There is little downside to running conservative PPM’s and LOTS of potential downside to running too much.
To those who grow, we salute you!


The southern half of California’s vast San Joaquin Valley is almost never depicted as a desert nor is it officially classified as one. But it clearly is a desert by climatological criteria. Most of the San Joaquin Valley gets less than 10 inches of precipitation a year, with much of the southern valley receiving less than seven, and it has an extremely high rate of evaporation from late spring through early autumn. But with abundant water flowing from the adjacent Sierra Nevada range, the southern San Joaquin Valley is a verdant, intensely cultivated land. Before the late 1800s, it was the site of the third largest freshwater lake entirely within the United States (as measured by surface area). But when the rivers that formerly flowed into Tulare Lake were diverted into canals to irrigate crops, the huge lake disappeared. Today, the former lakebed is highly productive farmland with only a few small seasonal wetlands providing natural habitat.
As the paired maps posted below indicates, the extent of Tulare Lake varies greatly in different cartographic depictions. This is because the lake itself varied significantly in size on both a seasonal and multi-year basis. As Tulare Lake did not drain in most years, it would expand in winter and spring and then contract through summer and early fall. It would also grow to an especially large size in wet years and shrink dramatically in dry ones. In particularly wet years, the lake would rise high enough to drain to the sea through the San Joaquin River, thus flushing out any accumulated salt and ensuring that its water remained fresh.
A shallow and nutrient-rich lake, Tulare was extremely productive. The Yokuts people who lived around its shores were reputed to have had one of the highest levels of population density of any indigenous American ethnic group. For several decades after the gold rush, Tulare’s aquatic resources from were shipped in huge quantities to San Francisco. As the Wikipedia article on the lake notes:
Even well after California became a state, Tulare Lake and its extensive marshes supported an important fishery: In 1888, in one three-month period, 73,500 pounds of fish were shipped through Hanford to San Francisco. It was also the source of a regional favorite, western pod turtles, which were relished as terrapin soup in San Francisco and elsewhere.
Turtles in Tulare Lake were so abundant that they were even fed to hogs. Today the western pond turtle is classified as a vulnerable species, suffering from competition with invasive exotic turtle species and undermined by the loss of habitat.
Environmentalists occasionally dream about bringing back Tulare Lake, emphasizing the vital habitat that it once provided and contending that its revival would be a relatively easy way for California to store excess runoff. Such a scenario, however, is extremely unlikely. Not only is the former lakebed highly productive farmland, but it also contains the city of Corcoran, home to some 22,000 residents.
But regardless of human plans and desires, Tulare Lake will probably reappear this spring, if only for a short period, owing to the extremely heavy precipitation that has been experienced this winter in the southern Sierra. Tulare County has already seen levee-breaks and the flooding of several towns, and water is now beginning to accumulate in the old lakebed. Local flooding could easily persist as snowmelt begins in April or May. Noting such factors, a recent article by Dan Walters claims that “It’s almost certain that Tulare Lake will once again spring to life.” Walters concludes by arguing that, “the probability is generating some hopeful, if unrealistic, speculation that state and or federal governments could buy up the lakebeds fields and bring back to Tulare lake permanently.”
This season’s reborn Tulare Lake will probably evaporate over the course of the summer, which will almost certainly be hot and bone dry – as is always is in the San Joaquin Valley. But if California enters a multiyear wet cycle, which is possible although not probable, winter and spring drainage could become a big problem for the farms and towns of the Tulare Basin. The city of Corcoran well known for its continual subsidence, dropping in elevation by about two feet a year due to the overuse of groundwater. Subsidence has already created major headaches for Corcoran. As noted in The Science Times,
The town levee had to be reconstructed for $10 million after the casings of drinking-water wells were crushed, flood areas changed, and the town levee had to be rebuilt. The situation has increased homeowners’ property tax bills by around $200 a year for three years.
Another powerful storm is slated to slam into California on Tuesday, March 21. Like most of this year’s major storms, it will be most pronounced in central and southern California, largely missing the normally much-wetter northern third of the state. More than 48 inches of additional snow is expected in the southern Sierra, which drains into the Tulare Basin. Thus far this winter, the southern Sierra has received an astounding 268 percent of average annual snowfall.
As can be seen on the map posted above, the northern and central parts of the Sierra have also received much higher-than-average amounts of snow this winter, but not to the same extent as the south. This pattern is highly unusual and was not expected. Until recently, the eastern Pacific was under La Niña conditions, which usually means a drier than average wet season, especially in Southern California. By winter 2024, El Niño conditions may assert themselves, which usually means a wetter than average winter for southern and central California. If so, Tulare Lake might fill up yet again.


Drain Fly Controller
DrainGel is a highly-concentrated gel used to reduce noxious odors and control drain fly infestations in drains, pipes, cracks, crevices and other hard-to-access non-drain sites. DrainGel drain fly controller contains specialized microorganisms in combination with biological support ingredients and essential growth factors which cause the degradation of organic materials in both aerobic and anaerobic environments. DrainGel is safe for all types of plumbing and is biodegradable, non-toxic, non-pathogenic, and non-caustic.
For drains, apply 4 oz. of DrainGel drain fly controller daily for 5-7 days or as necessary. For non drain sites, first remove loose or heavy surface organic matter and spray DrainGel until the area is wet. Repeat daily for 5-7 days or as necessary. May also be applied regularly for maintenance, every 1 to 2 weeks.


Rail News: Safety
The technology uses an electrical field to generate a wave of ionized particles that destroy airborne viruses, bacteria and particulate matter, including COVID-19, MTA officials said in a press release.
The air filtration and purification system — being developed under patent by Knorr Brake Co. LLC and its subsidiary Merak North America LLC — is incorporated into the railroads’ existing ventilation systems, and can replace the air inside a rail car 12 times an hour.
Metro-North installed the technology in two HVAC units of a Metro-North rail car on Oct. 7, and LIRR will install the system on a rail car by Oct. 31. The railroads will evaluate the technology’s effectiveness and its ability to scale up for installation throughout their fleets, agency officials said.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency researchers also will test the technology.
MTA is the first North American transit agency to test the technology, MTA officials said.
More News from 10/16/2020


In recent years, the landscape of outdoor illumination has undergone a significant transformation, with flood lighting innovations at the forefront of this evolution. These innovations are not merely about brightening up exterior spaces but also about enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and aesthetics. One notable trend shaping outdoor illumination is the widespread adoption of LED technology. Light Emitting Diodes LEDs have revolutionized flood lighting by providing a more energy-efficient and longer-lasting alternative to traditional lighting sources. LED floodlights are not only capable of producing intense brightness but also offer flexibility in color temperature, allowing for customized lighting solutions to suit various environments. Another key trend in flood lighting is the integration of smart technology. The advent of the Internet of Things IoT has enabled the development of intelligent lighting systems that can be controlled remotely. These smart floodlights can be programmed to adjust brightness levels, change colors, and even respond to external factors such as motion or ambient light conditions. This not only enhances user convenience but also contributes to energy savings by ensuring that lights are only in use when and where needed.
Sustainability is a growing concern in outdoor lighting design, and manufacturers are responding by incorporating eco-friendly features into their products. Solar-powered floodlights, for example, harness energy from the sun during the day and use it to power the lights at night, reducing reliance on conventional power sources. Additionally, the use of materials with lower environmental impact and the implementation of energy-efficient design principles contribute to the overall eco-friendliness of modern flood lighting solutions. Design aesthetics are also playing a crucial role in the evolution of outdoor illumination. Contemporary floodlights are not just functional but also serve as design elements, contributing to the overall visual appeal of outdoor spaces. Sleek and minimalist designs, and fixtures that blend seamlessly with the natural environment, are gaining popularity. Furthermore, customizable lighting options allow for the creation of dramatic effects, accentuating architectural features or landscaping elements.
Enhanced durability and resilience are essential considerations in outdoor lighting, given the exposure to various weather conditions. Recent advancements in materials and construction techniques have led to the development of floodlights that are not only weather-resistant but also capable of withstanding harsh environmental elements and go now. This increased durability ensures a longer lifespan for outdoor lighting installations, reducing maintenance requirements and associated costs. In conclusion, flood lighting innovations are shaping the future of outdoor illumination by incorporating LED technology, smart functionality, sustainability features, design aesthetics, and enhanced durability. As these trends continue to evolve, outdoor spaces will benefit from lighting solutions that are not only efficient and functional but also contribute to the overall well-being of the environment and the communities they illuminate.


As winter approaches and rain turns to snow, it is still important to consider stormwater pollution. Pollutants such as soaps, fertilizers, automotive fluids, and pet waste can collect in the snow pack, accumulating until a thaw suddenly dumps them into the storm water system. Contaminants that end up in the storm drains are carried off, untreated, to streams and larger bodies of water that are used for drinking, swimming, or fishing. Here are a few helpful habits to reduce the amount of harmful pollutants entering storm drains this winter season:
• Winterizing vehicles: Check that your car is not leaking oil or other fluids. It takes only a small amount of motor oil to pollute thousands of gallons of water. Also, dispose of drained fluids properly. Many service stations will collect used motor oil and recycle it.
• Washing vehicles: On a warm winter day, you may be tempted to break out the hose and bucket to get some of the road grime off of your car. Take a moment to see where that runoff is going. Does it wash down the driveway and into the storm drain? If so, all that salt and dirt will enter a stream or pond. Using a car wash facility may cost a few dollars more, but the water will be treated before being released into the watershed.
• De-icing driveways and sidewalks: While it may be habit to stock up on salt for the winter, many people would not consider dumping a bucket of salt on their lawn in the summer. But the results are similar. Salt runs off of your sidewalk and onto the surrounding soil. Consider more environmentally-friendly deicing products.
Help Keep Winter Salt and Sand Out of Walnut Creek!
At your home, you can prevent pollution to the river and backwaters by limiting the amount of salt and deicers you use on your driveways and sidewalks. One teaspoon of salt can contaminate five gallons of water!
- As a rule of thumb, if there is a layer of salt remaining on your driveway after the ice melts, you used too much salt. If you do have excess sand or salt, sweep it up and throw it away so that it is not washed into the storm sewer.
- The earlier you shovel after a snowfall, the less likely you are to need salt.
- Consider using an anti-icing agent before it snows. It will prevent the snow from bonding with the pavement and speed the melting process.
When mowing your yard, make certain that you do not blow grass clippings into the street. When mowing, make the first few passes with the lawnmower blowing the grass clippings into the lawn NOT the street. If there are grass clippings on the street or sidewalk, use a broom or leaf blower to blow them back into the lawn. Do not use a hose to wash them into the street or storm drains. Grass clippings that are blown into the street eventually enter the street storm drain. The grass clippings can form blockages in the storm drains or flow down Walnut Creek. Grass clippings contribute nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous, which cause unwanted and uncontrolled growth of algae and aquatic weeds in the waterways.
Also, please remember that City Code requires the growth of grass or weeds can be not be over 6 inches in height!
With autumn here, leaves are falling from the trees. Residents are asked to help keep the stormwater intakes free and clear of leaves and grass clippings by please
avoiding raking leaves into the street. This is because leaves in the street eventually end up in the storm sewer, clogging pipes and causing flooded streets. Windsor Heights stormwater flows to underground culverts and creeks, and eventually find its way to the Raccoon River, which is the source for all drinking water. Clean stormwater runoff not only helps keep drinking water clean and safe, it also helps protect aquatic life.
MANAGING STORM WATER IN OUR COMMUNITY
Storm water can pose a risk to our water resources.
Pollutants in stormwater can impact lakes, streams and
rivers. New programs to control storm water pollution are
being adopted by our community.
WHAT IS STORM WATER RUNOFF?
Storm water runoff is rainfall or snowmelt that runs off
impervious surfaces like roads, buildings, and compacted
soils. Storm water runoff is collected and conveyed
through storm sewers directly into streams, rivers, and
lakes without being treated.
Pollutants accumulate on impervious surfaces between
rainfall events. Frequent, small rains wash pollutants into
streams, rivers, and lakes. These pollutants negatively
impact water quality.
As communities grow, impervious areas increase.
Greater impervious surfaces cause the volume and rate of
stormwater runoff to increase. This can result in flooding,
stream channel degradation, and increased water pollution
in our surface waters.
STORM WATER MANAGEMENT
The traditional approach to storm water management
focuses primarily on flood control. Today, our city is
required to manage for both water quality and quantity by
using practices that infiltrate more rainfall and reduce the
volume of storm water runoff.
STORM WATER REGULATIONS IN OUR CITY
To comply with new federal regulations, our city is
required to implement a new storm water management
program. Some requirements include:
1. Managing storm water runoff for water quality protection,
2. Reducing sediment loss from construction sites,
3. Developing ordinances to meet program goals,
4. Inspecting storm drain outlets for unwanted discharges,
5. Providing public education and involvement.
AWARENESS & RESPONSIBILITY
Daily activities can impact water quality. Most rainfall
drains untreated to streams and lakes through storm
drains in neighborhoods. There are many ways you can
prevent storm water pollution:
1. Wash your car at a carwash or on the lawn, not the
2. Re-direct roof drains to gardens or other vegetated
3. Properly dispose of all hazardous household waste
4. Minimize use of fertilizers, and
5. Clean up after your pets.
HOW CAN TREES PROTECT WATER QUALITY AND OUR STREAMS?
Trees play an incredible role in reducing stormwater in several ways and removing or filtering pollutants that would otherwise wind up in our waterways.
Interception Tree canopies intercept and capture rainfall, reducing the amount that reaches the ground. In urban and suburban settings, a single deciduous tree can intercept between 500 and 760 gallons per year, while a mature evergreen can intercept over 4,000 per year.
Soil Infiltration Tree roots allow for better infiltration of rainfall with rates of up to 15 inches per hour. The leaf acts as a sponge, allowing for slow infiltration into soils before releasing it to natural channels and recharging ground water.
Evapotranspiration Trees consume stormwater through a process called evapotranspiration. Water is taken up by roots and move up through the tree until it is transpired back into the atmosphere as water vapor. A single mature oak tree can consume (transpire) over 40,000 gallons of water each year.
Phytoremediation Trees are very good at removing pollutants such as nitrates & phosphates; and other contaminates such as heavy metals, pesticides, solvents, oils, and hydrocarbons that are found in stormwater.
Riparian Buffers Trees protect and buffer streams and are critical to maintaining healthy, clean streams. Tree roots provide streambank stability, reducing erosion, filter out sediments, remove nutrients, shade and cool the water, provide habitat for many different species, and provide the primary food source for aquatic insects that are a critical part of the aquatic food chain.


Nature is very busy as the days get longer and warmer
March • April • May
Summer is the season with the longest and warmest days
June • July • August
Woodland areas are full of nuts and berries at this time of year
September • October • November
When the trees have no leaves it's much easier to spot birds and other wildlife
December • January • February
Learning Resource for Teachers Of EYFS, Key Stage 1 & Key Stage 2
Choose a Season to access Activity Downloads
Every Season Outdoors
As trees start to grow in spring, their sap rises. If you hold a stethoscope to the trunk you can actually hear it gurgling!
It is believed the word “autumn” came from the Etruscan (an ancient Italian civilization) word “autu”, meaning change of season.
Most animals are active in the summer, rearing young. Squirrels begin to gather and hide nuts in late summer for the winter.
The word ‘winter’ comes from the German word ‘winter’ which is derived from wed meaning ‘wet’ or ‘water’.


Expanded perlite in the production of agricultural products (hydroponics, growing media):
- provides good aeration and optimum moisture retention for plant growth (high porosity)
- regulates drainage rate
- has a reasonably stable pH
- is sterile (high temperatures used for expansion)
- can be recycled
In hydroponic cultivation (growing of plants in a non-soil, supporting media) either in green-houses or in grow-bags filled with expanded perlite, it allows delivery of controlled amounts of water and specific nutrients to the plants and retains more air than the other materials, optimizing root development.
Regarding expanded perlite in growing media, a typical soil mixture with perlite (20-40% by volume) will have a pH 5.9-6.7, moisture content 10-45% and apparent density 90-150 kg/m3 (0,09-0,15g/ml).


As the largest developing country in the world, with a population of nearly 1.4 billion, China consumes more energy than any other country. It is now determined to develop a green economy, pushing for sustainable economic growth within the red-line environmental limits.
Yet economic growth is not possible without a fundamental transformation of the energy sector. The “four revolutions and one cooperation” called for by President Xi Jinping aim to transform both energy consumption and energy supply, develop new clean technologies and strengthen close international cooperation on energy security.
The direction for the revolution is also clear. China will build a clean, low-carbon, safe and efficient energy system with a strong emphasis on energy security. President Xi Jinping stresses that “low-carbon energy system directs human future” and emission reductions are key to reach the global goals set by the Paris agreement.
Renewable energy is one of the key technologies in the energy system of the future. China introduced a Renewable Energy Law in 2005, and since then the promotion of wind and solar energy has been a cornerstone of China’s energy strategy. China and Europe have been frontrunners in the massive deployment of these technologies, and in the huge cost reductions the world has experienced in the past decade. Many wind and solar power projects are already competitive with fossil fuel projects; in the coming years renewable energy is set to be the cheapest global energy solution.
There remain, however, a number of challenges which could hamper the future deployment and integration of renewable energy. Two of the three reports from ECECP, “Supporting
the construction of renewable generation in the EU and China” and “Integration of variable renewables in the energy system of the EU and China”, highlight the challenges ahead and offer possible solutions as country leaders weigh up the next step forward in the transition to low-carbon energy systems. Many of the lessons already learnt are similar and relevant both to China and the EU, although future measures must be tailormade to the specific Chinese and
European contexts. Investors require a stable policy framework, clear and ambitious targets for deployment and risk-mitigation. At the same time, power system flexibility and efficient power market design, with a level playing field for all technologies, are important prerequisites for the integration of renewable energy into the power systems.
These reports are important milestones in EU-China energy cooperation. Policy decision makers should study and learn from the experiences from the two frontrunners. The lessons learnt may also inspire other countries and regions to accelerate the development and integration of renewable energy in the drive towards a global low-carbon economy.
Energy Research Institute of NDRC
In China, the installation and utilisation of hydropower and more recently PV and wind power have been increasing year on year. Although renewable energy sources (mainly PV and wind) have achieved double digit growth, their share in overall consumption, apart from hydropower, is still negligible. China’s energy system is still dominated by coal (accounting for 57% of energy use in 2019). China is now the world’s largest market for wind and solar power, yet non-electric renewables, mainly from biomass fuels, are still at the very early stage, with no clear pattern of development.
China and Europe are together struggling to manage the transition to green energy. The European Green Deal, recently issued by the EU Commission, sets Europe on an unprecedented and irreversible path within a very diversified political and technological environment represented by 27 different member states. Nevertheless, EU energy policies, a well-integrated grid and regulation of production, together with a transparent and open market, allow Europe to exploit renewable sources to their utmost and foster their growth.
The development of renewable sources is a key priority for both China and Europe; they each firmly support the move towards decarbonisation of their economies and at present they are the most credible and leading political and economic systems pressing for full decarbonisation of industry, society, transport and the overall economy.
Although Europe and China have very different political, economic, geographical and historical systems, a mutual exchange of their experiences over the past decades could result in an enhanced range of political and technical choices for the benefit of global energy transition trends. Europe has an historical timing advantage over China in terms of technology and policy models, with different results across member states and a political and geographical complexity at least on a par with that of China, if not greater. Hence, China may be able to take this opportunity to learn from Europe’s choices, mistakes and successes and as well as from the consequences of its political and technological strategies.
Recent history demonstrates that Europe has been successful not only in integrating renewables, but also in planning an energy system that will support sustained economic growth. Evidence of that success is that the average EU-27 primary energy intensity – i.e. the ratio of energy consumption to GDP – is the lowest in the world and half that of China.
In spite of the significant differences between Europe and China, as very effectively outlined
in this report and in its conclusions and recommendations, a comparison of the two energy systems offers clear conclusions. Europe’s experience shines a light on the areas that China will need to consider when planning its energy transition over the coming years.
The first area relates to the need to tackle renewable energy development within a comprehensive, holistic and visionary energy system, taking into account technologies, security, sustainability, and energy intensity reduction across the whole energy value chain and energy sectors (electricity, heating, fuel).
The second lesson from Europe – which has been able to harmonise the complexity of 27 different countries with a variety of policies, a multitude of energy systems and a range of dominant fuels (France with nuclear, Poland with coal, Italy with gas, Scandinavia with
renewable, etc.) – is the value of flexibility and distributed energy production, with approaches aimed at optimising the whole system rather than single technological segments. In this aspect the role of grid regulation and flexibility, cogeneration and prioritising renewables over fossil
fuels are key success factors that China may wish to take into account, carefully adopting UHV solutions that are fully integrated into a distributed power production system.
The third key aspect is market transparency. The focus should be on the end-user who should be able to make a direct contribution to the decarbonisation trend with ‘green’ choices, while bearing higher energy costs for electricity, heating and fuels. Private, commercial and industrial end-users should be given an active role and be offered a choice of energy sources, with appropriate education and awareness of their options. Empowering the consumer will lead to more rapid decarbonisation.
The fourth area of European experience relates to bioenergy and hydrogen. These new technologies, already piloted and adopted in Europe, would mitigate the intermittency of renewable sources, strengthen China’s energy security, contribute to a circular economy, and enhance efforts to reduce emissions through the exploitation of biomasses for producing biogas, biomethane, second generation biofuels, etc. Biogas and hydrogen are the ultimate solutions for decarbonisation of transport, increasing flexibility in the energy system and accelerating the move away from coal while contributing to, and even anticipating, fulfilment of the commitments taken in Paris in 2015.
The fifth, final, and perhaps most pressing point for discussion is the advisability of a genuine opening of China’s market to European companies allowing them to operate in China on a level playing field, as well as through innovative pilot schemes and joint collaborations. This approach could prove the best way to harmonise European and Chinese experience on the ground and on joint projects where European companies can transfer knowledge while developing their business operations in China. This would boost China’s energy transition effort by involving European technologies, processes and regulations and drawing on European companies’ readiness to adapt proven solutions to the Chinese market.
This study provides an excellent basis for understanding the key differences between the power markets in China and Europe and offers a clear depiction of the lessons learned from European and Chinese experiences. It achieves this through a very careful comparative approach that advocates solutions only after considering whether local differences might render them unworkable.
I am absolutely convinced that this report will consolidate and further strengthen cooperation between China and Europe in the context of the EU-China Energy Cooperation Platform. The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China and its energy related members are fully and proactively supportive of the ECECP, in the hope and expectation that it will strengthen mutual cooperation between China and the EU and open up mutually beneficial business opportunities.
Guido D. Giacconi
National Chair of EUCCC Energy Working Group
Chairman of In3act Business Strategy Consulting (Beijing)
This report was prepared by
Monique Voogt, SQ Consult BV, and
SHI Jingli and ZHONG Caifu, Energy Research Institute of National Development and Reform Commission


Last week I had the opportunity to conduct a workshop with the 2013 Tech Award laureates. The Tech Awards is an international program that honors innovators from around the world who are applying technology to benefit humanity. Technologies are selected based on their impact in four main categories; environment, education, economic development and health. ”They are the best of the best serving the poorest of the poor,” Father Michael Engh recited at the awards gala.
Spending just a short period of time with these passionate entrepreneurs was a sharp reminder of the power and responsibility all enterprising technologists shoulder.
While most of us will not have the opportunity to pioneer initiatives that win global technology awards or change the world, we each have the ability to make a difference at a global scale by impacting our world around us. Here are three memorable moments from the Tech awards to help you continue impacting your world to make a difference.
1. Contribute to a tipping point.
Wecyclers is a company fueling the grassroots recycling effort to push Africa past its recycling tipping point. They report that “By some estimates only 10% of solid waste in Africa is collected”. It is hard for many of us to imagine such a low recycling adoption rate. Having grown up in the United States during the 1970s, I remember a time when everything went in “one can” or to a big city dump. It was not until the early 1970s when the first recycling mill was built and the first city Woodbury, NJ mandated recycling. An entire 60s generation of young passionate people committed their energy toward creating the environmental movement, but it wasn’t until years later that the cause reached its tipping point. These millions of activists didn’t directly profit from the industry, but each of their individual efforts contributed to the tipping point.
Be aware of the potential long-term horizon of causes and initiative that consume your precious time, but focus your passion on the belief that you can be a contributor to an historic tipping point. Continue reading


Indoor air quality (IAQ) may not be the first thing that comes to mind when homeowners thing of flooring installations, but choosing natural wood flooring and materials can actually make quite a difference. Other types of floors are frequently responsible for trapping dust, pet fur and other particulate that may reduce IAQ to uncomfortable levels. Installing new floors can go a long way towards ensuring issues with IAQ are able to be addressed.
1. Carpets May Harbor Numerous Allergens
Even when cleaned regularly, carpet fibers may contain high quantities of pollutants. A dirty carpet or rug can cause no end of problems, especially for those who may suffer from a respiratory ailment. Removing carpeting and installing natural wood flooring can improve the aesthetic, create a more comfortable space and help to reduce the volume of dust and other airborne particulate that may circulating within an interior environment.
2. Eliminate Debris Trapped in Grout Lines
While tiled or stone floors may be a better bet than carpet, they may still leave a great deal to be desired. The nooks, crannies and grout lines typical of such installations may trap and collect debris tracked in from outside the home. Replacing these installations with wood floors can greatly reduce the time and effort that may be required to remove dirt, dust and even other pollutants that might cause problems.
3. Laminates May Be Difficult to Clean
At first glance, laminates and other synthetic materials may seem to be on par with wood flooring. Laminate floors that are more easily damaged can be notoriously difficult to maintain. Failing to sweep or mop regularly for fear of the wear and tear that floor may suffer can be the source of many IAQ problems within the home. Wood floors are tough enough to withstand the more vigorous and ongoing cleaning efforts needed to create a more ideal environment.
4. Hardwood Materials Ensure Ease of Maintenance
Kicking up dust while vacuuming carpets is a very common problem. Cleaning laminate floors may also have a negative impact on comfort levels due to the use of specialized products, agents and other chemicals which may be involved. Dealing with lingering odors whenever the floors are cleaned can quickly become a source of discomfort and frustration. The ease of maintenance, greater durability and overall value that only wood flooring can provide makes natural wood the material of choice for households that are concerned with their IAQ.


Hocking Hills State Park is an Ohio state park located in the Hocking Hills region of Hocking County in southeastern Ohio, just outside of Columbus. In some areas the park adjoins the Hocking State Forest. Within the park are over 25 miles of hiking trails, rock formations, waterfalls, and recess caves. While there are many options for lodging, the closest cities are Logan and Lancaster.
The park has a rich history and was once the home to several Native American tribes in the mid-1700s. There are seven separate hiking areas for various skill levels, including Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave, Cantwell Cliffs, Conkle's Hollow (nature preserve), Cedar Falls, Rock House and Hemlock Bridge Trail to Whispering Cave. Ziplining, canoeing, rock climbing, and horseback riding are offered by independent businesses in the area. Camping facilities are also available, and the John Glenn Astronomy Park offers the perfect place for stargazing.
The trails are open from dawn to dusk, all year round, including holidays. The state park and the hiking trails are free without entrance fees for walking the trails or for parking. You must stay on the designated trails. Naturalist-led hikes, programs, and special events are all free.
Many of the water features are seasonal and are more pronounced during the spring after a rain.
Below is a list along with descriptions, GPS coordinates, interactive maps that can provide directions, and our photographs of what we feel are the most photogenic locations.
All photos copyright John Hultgren.
Old Man's Cave
Parking: N 39°26.1354', W 082°32.4696'
Old Man's Cave is a large recess cave that is named for the hermit Richard Rowe who lived there. Rowe and his family came to the Ohio River Valley around 1796 to establish a trading post and he traveled throughout Ohio in search of game. Rowe is buried beneath the ledge of the cave. Earlier residents of the cave were two brothers, Nathaniel and Pat Rayon, who came to the area in 1795 and built a cabin 30 feet north of the cave entrance. Both brothers are buried in or near the cave and their cabin was later dismantled. There is evidence that a few Native American tribes occupied the area in the 1600s and 1700s.
The Old Man’s Cave hiking area is at the north end of Hocking Hills State Park and is made up of eight major trail routes. The main trail route in the area is Grandma Gatewood Trail to Gorge Exit Trail and, depending on where you exit, it is 1 or 1-½ miles long. Access to other trails is available along this path.
Many of the trails in this park are one-way.
Start exploring at the Visitor's Center adjacent to the parking lot.
Upper Falls and Stone Bridge over the falls
Upper Falls is a photogenic waterfall with a bridge over the top.
Here at the Upper Falls, the Grandma Gatewood Trail begins its six-mile course connecting three of the park's areas: Old Man's Cave to Cedar Falls to Ash Cave. This same trail has been designated as part of Ohio's Buckeye Trail as well as part of two national systems — the North Country Scenic Trail and America's Discovery Trail.
Along the length of the trail, the gorge cuts through the entire 150-foot thickness of the Black Hand sandstone. The full distance of the gorge is approximately one half mile.
The Upper Falls can be viewed in two sections.
Upper Falls spirals into a bathtub shaped basin.
Devil’s Bathtub has been said to go all the way to Hades, and the sign next to it says climbing out is “virtually impossible”.
Old Man’s Cave
Old Man's Cave is a large recess structure naturally carved into rock in the gorge, with a waterfall, and it is the most popular of all the Hocking areas.
The recess of Old Man’s Cave is the most unique feature in this park and it sits 75 feet above the stream and measures 250 feet long. The scenery leading up to the cave is the prettiest in the whole park.
From the trail, cross over the bridge to get to the stone steps leading up to the cave, then walk through it and come out the other side.
A single 25-foot waterfall with a large pool beside large boulders.
Past the bridge that continues to Old Man's Cave, the trail continues to Lower Falls on the Grandma Gatewood Trail.
Bridge By Lower Falls
A stone bridge opposite the falls with the creek running under it. The gorge trail is about a half mile long.
6 GPS: N 39°25.9440', W 082°32.8020
Broken Rock Falls
Broken Rock Falls spills down a tributary that flows into the creek downstream from the Lower Falls. The waterfall received its name because it looks like it's cutting a giant rock in half.
Parking: N 39°25.1340', W 082°31.4418'
A scenic waterfall that has the largest volume of water flow in the park. The falls split into multiple streams around a rock and then come together again. The trail is 0.3 miles and the falls are close, only 2.1 miles, from Old Man’s Cave.
The trail leading to Cedar Falls passes through a remote, primitive chasm laden with hemlock and bound by steep rock walls and their accompanying grottos and waterfalls. The falls were misnamed by early settlers who mistook the hemlocks for cedars.
Parking: N 39°23.7456', W 082°32.7432'
Ash Cave is the largest, most impressive recess cave in Ohio. This is a large cave structure with a waterfall flowing from the top. There is a one way loop trail (hikers with mobility restrictions are allowed to return to the parking lot against hiking traffic on a level paved path) and after reaching the falls the return trail will take you up near the top of the waterfall where you can get a good photograph of the falls and cave.
The approach to Ash Cave is along a level paved trail through a narrow gorge lined with hemlocks, beech trees, and various other hardwoods. The valley floor offers brilliant displays of wildflowers in all seasons including large flowered trillium, Dutchman's breeches, trout lily, Jack-in-the Pulpit and jewelweed. The narrow gorge is approximately a quarter mile in length and gives way to the tremendous overhanging ledge and cave shelter.
The horseshoe-shaped cave measures 700-feet from end to end, 100-feet deep with the rim rising 90 feet high. A small tributary of the East Fork of Queer Creek cascades over the rim into a small plunge pool below. The cave was formed like the others in this region; the middle layer of the Black Hand sandstone has been weathered or eroded while the more resistant upper and lower zones have remained intact.
Ash Cave is named after the huge pile of ashes found under the shelter by early settlers. The largest pile was recorded as being 100 feet long, 30 feet wide and 3 feet deep. The source of the ashes is unknown but is believed to be from Indian campfires built up over hundreds of years. One other belief is that the Indians were smelting silver or lead from the rocks. Still another theory claims that saltpeter was made in the cave. Several thousand bushels of ashes were ultimately found. A test excavation of the ashes in 1877 revealed sticks, arrows, stalks of coarse grasses, animal bones in great variety, bits of pottery, flints and corn cobs.
Parking: N 39°27.1800', W 082°34.3260'
Conkle’s Hollow is a narrow gorge with Black Hand sandstone cliffs rising 200-feet on either side. Seasonal waterfalls flow from the cliffs at many sites with their streams joining to form Pine Creek on the valley floor. The rocky gorge is considered to be one of the deepest in Ohio.
There are three trails accessible from the parking lot. The main photography attraction is the lower falls located at the very end of the middle trail, which is mostly flat and paved. Keep going a short distance after the paved trail ends, crossing the creek. The falls are seasonal and depend on rainfall.
Parking: N 39°29.7840', W 082°36.8760’
10 GPS: N 39°29.7791', W 082°36.9836'
A smaller cave structure with small openings in the cave. From the parking area to Rock House is a 0.9 mile hike that is fairly steep in some areas.
Rock House is the only true cave in the park and is a tunnel-like corridor situated midway up a 150-foot cliff of Black Hand sandstone. Rock House has a ceiling 25 feet high with a main corridor that is 200 feet long and 20 to 30 feet wide. The cavern was eroded out of the middle zone of the Black Hand sandstone. The resistant upper zone forms the roof and the lower zone forms the floor. Leaking water caused the hollowing of the corridor and this main joint or crack is very visible in the ceiling. A small series of joints run north to south at right angles to the main joint. Enlargement of this series of joints formed the window-like openings of Rock House.
There are seven Gothic-arched windows and great sandstone columns which bear its massive roof. Over the years Rock house has been used for shelter by past visitors. Hominy holes, small recesses in the rear wall of Rock House, served as baking ovens for Native Americans using the cave. By building a fire in the small recesses, the rock became heated on all sides, and food could be baked. Chiseled-out troughs or holding tanks can be found in the stone floor. When rainfall is abundant, springs of water permeate through the porous sandstone and flow into these troughs and, when full, continue across the floor and out of the windows, creating a water supply. According to local folklore, some of the "not-so-welcome" past visitors included robbers, horse thieves, murderers and even bootleggers, earning Rock House its reputation as Robbers Roost.
11 GPS: N 39°32.3280', W 082°27.1620'
A picturesque little lake near the town of Logan. This is a good spot for fall landscape photos. In the morning you can get composition photos from the marina, fishing pier and the beach and then go to the western side of the lake for sunset photos.
Lake Logan State Park is an Ohio state park located in Hocking County. Lake Logan Dam is directly accessible off State Route 664 just southwest of the county seat of Logan. The park lies in the Hocking Valley, formed by the Hocking River and was created in 1955 with the construction of the Lake Logan Dam on Clear Fork Creek, a tributary of the Hocking River. Lake Logan is a 400-acre lake and is open to fishing, boating, ice fishing, ice boating and swimming.
Parking: N 39°33.9762', W 082°29.9604'
12 GPS: N 39°34.5930', W 082°30.1062’
Rockbridge (also known as Rock Bridge) is a small scenic nature preserve in the Hocking Hills area containing a natural stone arch. It is the longest arch of about a dozen stone arches in the state. Rockbridge is a state nature preserve rather than a park and there's a small public parking area, but no restrooms or picnic tables. Pets are not permitted in the preserve.
Rockbridge is a 100-foot long natural rock bridge with a waterfall. There is a short trail that leads down to the bottom where there is a small roped off photography area under the bridge. There is a one-mile long natural trail to the bridge and a longer 2.75 mile trail system at Rockbridge. Take the trail where it branches off to the left (marked with red blazes) for the shortest path to the bridge.
The bridge was originally a recess cave with a seasonal stream dropping through the cave roof. Eventually part of the roof collapsed but a length of the former cave ceiling remained as the stone arch. The trail continues and forks with one trail terminating at the base of the arch and the other leading to the bank of the nearby Hocking River. You can walk across the stone arch to the other side but be careful because there may be slippery mud on the bridge.
Clear Creek Metro Park
13 GPS: N 39°35.8680', W 082°32.9760'
Clear Creek Metro Park
A scenic metro park close to Logan with several old cabins and barns. Written Rock is a large colorful rock on the road just west of the park headquarters. Centuries of flooding by glacial meltwater have cut the present gorge area through Black Hand sandstone, leaving behind scenic cliffs and rugged formations overlooking Clear Creek. The park extends the length of the Clear Creek Valley, extending from the confluence of Clear Creek and the Hocking River in the East, and the town of Revenge in the West.
Johnston Covered Bridgee
14 GPS: N 39°36.8280', W 082°39.5340'
Johnston Covered Bridge
Also known as the Johnson Covered Bridge and the Terry Mill Covered Bridge, this covered bridge is located in Two Glaciers Park just a few miles west of Clear Creek Metro Park.
Built in 1887, this is a Howe Truss bridge that extends 98-feet with a 5-foot overhang on each end, 15-feet wide and 14-feet in height. In the 1930s, two full-length windows and canopies were added to allow visibility of oncoming traffic. The bridge remained in service until about 1990, when it was bypassed.


Via Pontica Tours Ltd. is the tourism company of the “Via Pontica 2000” Foundation. The aims of the Foundation are the protection of the nature and the promotion of ecotourism in Bulgaria. Part of the incomes of its tourist activity goes to help several projects of protection of nature in Bulgaria.
Via Pontica Tours organizes a variety of wildlife and cultural tours in Bulgaria. Our philosophy is to promote a tourist product for small groups and decrease the impact on the nature and the local population. We also organize different tailor-made tours according to the preferences of our clients.
Via Pontica Tours has obtained a national tour-operator license No: 05610 issued by the Bulgarian Agency of Tourism.
Via Pontica Tours is operated by professionals in the field of tourism. All our guides are graduated and have many years of experience.


Fast-acting response from Integrated Services helps residents affected by floods in South Tyneside
20 June 2013
In the wake of the Environment Agency's report that one in every five days last year saw flooding in the UK1, one success story has emerged loud and clear.
The fast response and high-quality service of supply chain and procurement specialist Integrated Services helped residents of South Tyneside to quickly move back into their properties following significant flooding in the region.
South Tyneside Homes is an organisation created by South Tyneside Council to manage, maintain and improve its council homes and estates, covering approximately 19,000 homes. Integrated Services worked closely with Supply UK, a leading tool and access equipment hire company, to provide more than 600 specialist pieces of equipment to the social housing group, after properties were damaged by flooding caused by intense rainfall.
Having received the emergency call from South Tynside Homes at approximately 11.00am one morning, an extensive range of dehumidifiers, fans and residual-current devices were specified and delivered by 7pm the same day, ensuring the needs of its residents were met quickly and efficiently. A technical expert from both Integrated Services and Supply UK visited houses affected by the flooding the next day, offering advice on how to quickly dry the homes while also managing the allocation of the specialist equipment across the range of properties.
Steve Selfe, Sales Manager at Integrated Services, explained: “Our constantly changing climate has made weather patterns difficult to predict, as highlighted by the Environment Agency recently, but no-one could have foreseen the flooding that the South Shields area was subjected to last year. Flooding at the properties ranged from water entering households and damaging skirting boards, to water levels being so high that it was almost at ceiling height. Our collaborative relationship with Supply UK enabled us to act fast, delivering the right equipment to provide an effective solution to homes which had been affected by the floods.
“The supply solution included the Dri-Eaz dehumidifier, which efficiently reduces humidity in an area by removing water vapour in the air, and a range of Sahara fan blowers to generate air movement that - in turn - speeds up the drying process.
“Meeting with residents and concerned parties played a key role in enabling us to advise on how to dry the properties as quickly as possible. While the floods were upsetting for the local residents concerned, the incident does demonstrate what can be achieved when dedicated teams work together to solve a problem that requires fast and efficient action.”
In the Environment Agency's recent report, Chairman Lord Chris Smith said: “The extremes of weather that we saw last year highlight the urgent need to plan for a changing climate,” demonstrating the importance of having a trusted supply partner to meet the pressing demands flooding places on everyday lives.
1 The Environment Agency, ‘Britain must act now to deal with more extreme weather’,


A generous gift from Ann O. Thomson provides supplementary project support for up to two American Fulbrighters in Finland every year, in cooperation with the Fulbright Finland Foundation. The 2023 award went to Timothy Sowa and Irina Wang.
Timothy Sowa was selected for his project on Sustainable Digital Education. He will use the award to travel and expand his engagement with Finnish educators, researchers and students on how social sciences and technology can work together to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. He is currently working on his Master’s degree in Social Science with the Sustainable Digital Life program at Tampere University. He intends to return to the United States to work as an education technology consultant and help schools build ethical and sustainable digital platforms.
Irina Wang was selected for her project on Visualizing Indigenous Perspectives on Arctic Climate Change. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, she will use the award to develop gameplay materials to facilitate conversations with and among herders on the impact of climate change on reindeer husbandry in collaboration with colleagues from CHARTER (Drivers and Feedbacks of Changes in Arctic Terrestrial Biodiversity), a research project focused on the processes driving rapid climate and land use changes in the Arctic. Upon returning to the United States, she intends to establish a design studio and apply her skills to the development and implementation of equitable climate policy.
For a complete list of recipients of the Project Support Award for work in Finland, please consult Finland Project Alumni.


This conference offers a learning opportunity for everyone involved in the solid waste management field. EPA Region 8 is very excited to bring this free event to our Tribes and States. Here are just a few highlights of the conference:
For general information contact Ron Lillich
by telephone at 303-312-6149
via e-mail at email@example.com
- Superb technical sessions brought to you by experts in the field including such topics such as cleaning up contaminated groundwater around an old landfill, use of alternative caps for closure of landfills, and how to use coal combustion products and industrial waste evaluation models.
- Unique one on one opportunity to meet with your Tribal and State solid waste peers and explore opportunities for collaboration
- Listen to the top recycling experts in the country. Explore with the panel how recycling may work in your area.
- Attend a free mixer sponsored by the State of Montana
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She calls to you, cool and tempting.
Framed in the soft orange glow of a setting sun, her scent speaks of sea foam. You touch and feel her firm, yet gentle curves that bespeak a streamlined grace. You bring her closer and she whispers tasty images.
The siren song is irresistible.
You lay down your dollars and buy the filet.
The label reads: “Fresh Atlantic Salmon”.
But what exactly have you bought?
If it says Atlantic salmon, it is not wild. Since true Atlantic salmon is critically endangered, the Atlantic salmon sold in the United States is farmed. It may also be genetically modified (GMO), because current labeling laws to not require any disclosure on that front. It is estimated that approximately 70% of all processed foods contain GMOs in one form or another. A great place for governmental transparency to start would be the grocery store.
If it is not wild caught, then what exactly have you bought?
It is farmed, but the real question is it also pharm’d?
Population pressures and consumer predilections continue to drive the farming aquaculture. China is currently the world leader and produces about 70% of the world’s aquaculture. Initially, the bulk of farmed fish were fed a diet of wild caught smaller fish; following the natural law that big fish eat little fish. Approximately one third of all the small wild fish caught are used to produce fish meal and fish oil which is used not only to support aquaculture, but also used in the pursuit of terrestrial animal husbandry.
However, since approximately 50% of the world’s seafood is now the product of aquaculture, producers are now looking to cheaper alternatives. This has caused a shift in the feeding practices from the traditional diets of these animals to one that is based on more plant based material and commercial feeds.
These feeds are predominately manufactured from major crops such as soy and corn. The fish oils that have been replaced are the industrially processed vegetable oils primarily made from soy, canola, palm, and sunflower sources. The top five crops used in commercial aquaculture feeds are canola, soybean, corn, nuts and wheat; canola and soy alone account for over 50% of all the oils used.
This practice brings to the forefront two important considerations. Firstly, by replacing the natural fish oils with plant based alternatives; the balance of critically important polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is thrown askew. The result is a product that is often deficient in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) compared to its wild-based alternative. Such PUFAs are responsible for many of the health benefits associated with seafood consumption.
Such practices also serve to lower the absolute amounts of omega-3 PUFAs that also contribute to the healthful benefits we observe in diets rich in marine sourced comestibles. The result is a food source that is significantly higher in its omega 6:3 ratio. This is a characteristic of the many adulterated and processed foods found in the modern Western diet. Such a diet exhibits an obscenely elevated omega 6:3 ratio. There is evidence that this favors the development of a pro-inflammatory environment from which the disabilities and diseases associated with the standard American diet are linked.
The final consideration is the raw ingredients used in the creation of the commercial feeds. Almost 99% of the soy grown, and approximately 90% of the corn and canola raised, are GMO varieties. These GMO variants have been produced to be resistant to the herbicide Round-up. The finale in your filet is accumulation of a recognized potential carcinogen (recent World Health Organization declaration, 2015) in the fish. Forget the tarragon Hollandaise, you just got a free side of glyphosate.
All of which serves to highlight the critical importance of proper sourcing of ingredients. What on the surface may appear to be succulently, tastefully, tempting and healthful beyond measure may prove to be a siren song of obfuscation and illusion. Approach with trepidation and a weather eye the labels accompanying our contemporary comestibles. For as Odysseus himself observed; “Skepticism is as much the result of knowledge, as knowledge is of skepticism.”
Bittman, M. (2008, November 15). A Seafood Snob Ponders the Future of Fish. Retrieved from New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/16/weekinreview/16bittman.html?scp=1&sq=bittman%20farm-raised&st=cse
Bittman, M. (2009, April 10). The Bottom Line on Salmon. Retrieved from The New York Times: https://dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/10/the-bottom-line-on-salmon/?_r=0
Fry, J. P., Love, D. C., MacDonald, G. K., West, P. C., Engstrom, P. M., Nachman, K. E., & Lawrence, R. S. (2016). Environmental health impacts of feeding crops to farmed fish. Environmental International, 91:201-214.
Thompson, M. (2015, March 29). WHO: Long-cleared Round-up Ingredient ‘Probably’ Causes Cancer. Retrieved from pbs.org: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/roundup-ingredient-probably-carcinogenic-humans/
Washington State Department of Health. (2017, January 23). Farmed versus wild salmon. Retrieved from Washington State Department of Health: http://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Food/Fish/FarmedSalmon


Siwa Organics presents Siwa, a family of organic products, including extra virgin olive oil, green and black pickled olives, olive jam, olive paste, semi-dried dates, date syrup, date paste, date ingots and sycamore jam, lovingly harvested by Siwan hands, and irrigated by the natural springs of one of the world’s last surviving pristine oases.
Free of chemical fertilizers and untouched by herbicides and pesticides, the fertile land of Siwa is fed by the Nubian aquifer through 230 natural freshwater springs. The farmers who grow Siwa produce continue to cultivate and harvest their crops as their forefathers did for many millennia. The result is a range of flavors as pure as Siwa.
Struggling Against Market Pressures
Agriculture has always been the mainstay of Siwa’s economy, and Siwan farmers still export the oasis’ two main crops, dates and olives, to traders in Alexandria as they have for generations. But in recent years, the prices those traders pay has dropped, and Siwan farmers are falling into debts that can take years to settle, or worse, that force them to sell precious pieces of land.
The Price of Purity
Remarkably, in an age of corporate agro-giants and genetically engineered super-crops, nearly all Siwan land remains uncontaminated by chemicals, thanks to its isolation from the outside world. But with farmers under pressure to squeeze more from their land using chemical fertilizers, it is not likely to remain so pristine.
The Promise of Sustainability
To address these imbalances, EQI works with local farmers to develop organic agricultural products, and promotes them in foreign markets where demand is greater. Siwa aims to introduce the world to these delicacies, raising revenue for Siwan farmers without polluting their land, and spreading the message that Siwan land is a treasure worthprotecting.
Information on Purchasing Siwa products
Visit the Siwa Shop in Cairo at:
17 Ahmad Heshmat
Contact: Mounir Nakhla


The fifth symposium of the Wadden Academy was held from 8-10 December 2010 in 'It Aljemint' in Leeuwarden. The symposium 'Towards a trilateral research agenda' was the first international symposium of the Wadden Academy. It was organised together with partners from Germany and Denmark. The major aims of this trilateral scientific symposium were:
The symposium has led to the publication of a special issue on the Wadden Sea of the scientific journal ‘Ocean and Coastal Management’. In this issue research is published in the domains Geosciences, Climate and Water, Ecology and Heritage, Society and Tourism. Special attention is given to interdisciplinary research and to the improvement of the science-policy interface in the Wadden Sea Region. The papers in the special issue can be downloaded here.


Molly’s Gardens provides garden design, consultation, installation, and maintenance in the St. Paul area. Services include colorful perennial gardens, seasonal plantings, and beautiful container gardens. We use no toxic chemicals, compost yard waste, and focus on using native plants to create low-maintenance, sustainable landscapes.
A standard consultation includes a visit to your garden; plant recommendations; suggestions for what to keep, move, add, and eliminate; and pointers to sources of materials and information.
We can create a garden plan that includes sketches, plant lists, and other recommendations. This service is appropriate for new gardens or expansions of existing gardens. We can also install and maintain your new garden.
Renovating messy gardens is our specialty! We can refresh your existing garden. This includes:
- clean up
- pruning overgrown plants
- dividing crowded perennials
- planting new perennials and shrubs
- planting seasonal annuals
- container gardening
We can also visit your garden regularly to weed, mulch, and trim as necessary. We support the use of organic products to build a healthy soil and garden. Our goal is the long-term, sustainable health and happiness of you and your garden.


Italian brand Diesel is especially known for their jeans, and the importance of sustainable production is also pressing in that part of the clothing industry.
Diesel’s new summer collection introduces a number of jeans carrying the ‘Made in Italy’ label, but they are not just made in Italy.
Diesel has used a number of innovative techniques that significantly reduce the amount of water and chemicals in the denim production process, two elements that are among the biggest culprits when it comes to climate-friendly jeans production.
The amount of water in production has been reduced by 40% compared to conventional production methods, and the chemicals for post-treatment have been reduced – and only GreenScreen certified products are used in the process.
The sustainable jeans are launched with two men’s models and one for women
Photos: Diesel / Instagram


Walvis Bay, Namibia
Writer : Brady Gilchrist
James woke me at 0400 to see something truly spectacular on our passage from Mercury Island to Walvis Bay. It was a totally starless and moonless night. The sea was black velvet. The air was chilled and in the sea was a sight Ill never forget. Dolphins swimming in our bow wave - dolphins that were glowing in the dark. When you disturb certain types of phytoplankton they give off light called bio-luminescence. Last night we saw something that was mind blowing. We could not take a picture of it because there are some things that even the sophisticated camera gear on board STARSHIP cant capture. Sometimes only the human eye is sensitive enough to capture a scene. Ill try to share the experience by painting a picture for your minds eye.
The sea was relatively calm. Dolphins use bow waves to surf from one location to another, it is a way for them to conserve energy. The plankton must have been rich in these waters last night. Because of the bio-luminescence we could see life just about everywhere, even the smallest fish near the surface glowed, the bulbous bow of STARSHIP glowed, the spray from our bow cutting the surface glowed but, nothing glowed like the dolphins. Perhaps you have seen those chemical light sticks, the ones with two chemicals inside. You break a small inner tube, the chemicals mix and a ghostly green-yellow light comes out. Imagine the silhouette of a dolphin painted with a think line of that chemical light and a lighter coating over the body. The light show constantly changed as the dolphins moved through the water. As they would speed up, the eddies in the ocean left by their wake would also glow in this eerie green.
This may have been one the most dramatic observations of dolphins we have had. Last night we were able to see them perfectly down to a depth of about 3 metres. We were truly invited closer into their world than I have seen before. We were able to observe how they feed in the bow wave. We saw how closely they grouped together. We were traveling about 10 knots and at certain points one would fall behind and rocket out in front doing perhaps double our speed. They would simply take fish that happened to be in our path. They rarely deviated far away so that they would stay in the bow wave. One of our guests leaped from the ocean, the splash from its return hit my face, bringing me firmly back from hypnotizing nature of there perfectly synchronized feeding ballet.
As we moved through the ocean we could see small schools of fish everywhere. It was like the ocean was covered here and there with glowing mats. The life in our midst is a tribute to the richness of the Benguela current. As STARSHIP ploughed through one of these mats, the glow would grow much brighter as the fish struggled to get away from the feeding dolphins. The light created by the movement of the small fish so bright you could see individuals running for their lives beneath the surface. The dolphins danced in this ethereal light for over three hours before leaving us and going to that mysterious place in the deep where only they know for certain how their days pass.
The other thing that made this moment so striking is that these were Heaviside dolphins, a species whose behaviour is relatively unknown and only recently actually photographed. It feels like a moment of discovery, a moment of pioneering insight - something that I wish we could have photographed. It was other worldly and possibly an experience that will never happen again, not because we wont look for it but rather because nature grants these gifts once in our short lifetime.
The dolphins were gone by 0500 this morning. There seems to be a pattern, they show around 0200 and vanish again within three hours. The remainder of the watch was uneventful, until we arrived just outside of Walvis Bay to the sight of a burning trawler being towed to sea by a tug, perhaps being lead to its final resting place. The smoke was intense. Walvis Bay is very flat. As we approached at 1000h the only structures visible were the docks and the fish processing stations. We still see the sand dunes in the distance which has become for us a Namibian trade mark.
After spending most of the day working on the boat we had a wonderful tour of Walvis Bay by our agent Louis Reichert and his wife Christa. They gave us a great overview of this city by taking us everywhere so that we could determine where we to spend time during the next week. There is a wide diversity of culture, wildlife and natural beauty to see here. The flamingo population is massive and Dune 7 will be a spectacular climb. Walvis Bays major economic sector is commercial fishing. We are looking forward to exploring many of the diverse areas to be found here.
We say goodbye to Norma today - it was a pleasure meeting you - you are a person who radiates the energy of life.
Fair winds, calm seas.
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