Using Phytoremediation for Environmental Cleanup

The world is “going green”, and phytoremediation is an environmental cleanup technique that means going green literally as well as figuratively. According to the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, phytoremediation is “the use of green plants to remove pollutants from the environment or render them harmless.” ARS plant physiologist Leon Kochian commented, “Contaminated soils and waters […]

Strengthening Boy Scouts’ Youth Citizenship Through Creeklife

As young adventurers, the Boy Scouts of America develop their characters within nature, while simultaneously improving physical fitness through outdoor activities. More importantly, boy scouts learn about land and wildlife conservation and share their skills, research, and information with their communities. Stressing citizenship alongside character, the boy scouts can learn a lot from environmental action. […]

Watershed Coordinators: Unique Challenges, Common Goals [Part 3]

Picking up from where we left off. . . Although an assortment of people tools allow a watershed coordinator to really make a difference in local environmental health, even the best people tools can only do so much to sustain a healthy watershed into the future. Connections with officials, business leaders, science leaders, and community […]

Watershed Coordinators: Unique Challenges, Common Goals [Part 2]

Although watersheds’ needs vary with the watersheds themselves, the most important tools of watershed management are nearly universal. A watershed coordinator in Oregon can use them as easily as a watershed coordinator in Arizona, even though the two coordinators are dealing with vastly different environmental and political climates. One might think that these tools include […]

Watershed Coordinators: Unique Challenges, Common Goals [Part 1]

The field of watershed management has evolved to serve the needs of some of our most vital ecosystems. Whether a watershed primarily faces the challenge of industrial pollution, habitat destruction, or excessive diversion, a watershed coordinator can develop and lead efforts to keep the local watershed and its ecosystems healthy for years to come. Illustration […]

How to Lead An Environmental Cleanup

Environmental cleanup begins with the big picture of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, which takes responsibility for cleanup of hazardous materials at various sites throughout the country. This includes superfund sites, federal facilities, and Brownsfields properties. The EPA Cleanups in My Community program provides maps and specific information about these cleanup projects. There are many other cleanup […]