Amazing Animal Stories - Animal Behavior edition

A Dolphin saved the lives of two whales - yes, no kidding. As much as I can get all warm and fizzy about animals, I still tow the hard line. I try not to get too carried away with the stories of animal heroism or villainy. But this is a documented case. Watch this video by BBC Sci/Tech News about Moko the dolphin .







Crabs have personality - yeah it's true. Research in personality or individual differences in behavior is becoming quite popular. I do similar research, too. In this case, the researcher is studying the differences in how individual hermit crabs respond to stress or being flipped on their backs. Test after after, individual crabs consistently behaved similarly across tests - this indicates that an animal as a distinct behavior from other individuals -- a personality of sorts. photo credit: preciouscritters.wetpaint.com

Cheating and Corrupt Societies - of Ants! Ant colonies are comprised of only females. The Queen lays eggs and most of the eggs develop in to females. (There are males; but the queens only lay a few male eggs compared to the thousands or more female eggs. Males mate, then die. That's pretty much it for them. Let's get back to the main point.) Females can become worker ants or a few can become royal or queen ants and later set off to start their own colony. Now back to the males -- Males are rare and short-lived, but important. To up the ante seems most of the Queens come from a particularly line - Royal descendants - it seems. Certain lines of males have managed, some how, - let;s call them Royal Daddies -to pack a punch and their daughters are more likely to become queens than offspring of Average Joe males. photo credit: http://www.richard-seaman.com/

Women in Science - Part 2

Here's more Women's History Month Fodder for you.

The Association for Women in Science is a national organization that promotes science careers for girls and women. Chapters throughout the nation host events and fairs to introduce school-age girls and young undergraduate co-eds to women scientists and engineers.

Getting Women Scientists to the Top - this is an article I came across at Science magazine.

The National Academies has an interactive site Women's Adventures in Science

Enjoy.

Science Writing for Highlights Magazine

I was sitting in the Dr.'s office and was thumbing through an issue of Highlights. I was instantly taken to my childhood. I loved those activity maganzines and I loved the TimberToes. Iwas such a nerd, even now.

I was looking through this issue and say a familiar name in the author section of an article. "I know this author" I thought. I met her. She's a Ph.D. ecologists and accomplish popular science writer. I scanned her article about snakes for young readers and I thought "I could submit articles to this youth magazine."

Though I am still green, I like knowing there are venues. So, I am researching all of the outreach possibilities. Highlights has a pretty impressive science section and a Science Editor. Heck, even most majoy newspapers no longer have science editors. Any way, there are several submission options and I'll start looking into it soon.

Wish me luck.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - the Green Trifecta

Do you recycle? A Better Question: Do you Reduce and Reuse? Do you and your family try your hardest to use as little as possible for as long as possible? When something becomes worn, broken or damaged, do you repair it or toss it? When it's time to discard something, have you considered using it again or donating it to a teacher's scrap center to be used for another purpose? Do you recycle your soda cans and bottles? I sincerely hop you do. Did you know one of the biggest environmental problems today is plastic waste? Yes, plastic. Once regarded as the saviour of material science, it is now a nuisance. Check out this article from Tree Hugger and see one reason why plastic is such a mess.

It's Women's History Month - Celebrate Science and Women Achievers

All year is great time to learn more about science and the people who make the discoveries. But the month of March offers a unique opportunity to learn about the achievements of Women throughout history and from different cultures in the sciences.

To get you started, I have listed links to some great on-line research resources.
Women's History Month Educational Resources & Ideas - by Education World
4000 Years of Women in Science Biographical Listing - this is a long alphabetical list of women who have contributed to science and medical discoveries
Women in Science - by the San Diego SuperComputer Center, lists great women in science from almost every field.

The Past and the Present: A Spotlight on Two Women in the Life Sciences
Dr. Roger Arliner Young - don't let the name fool you, she is a woman. I just learned about Dr. Young myself. She is the first African-American Woman to receive a doctorate in zoology. In my efforts to share more with the rest of the world, I've learned something myself. I'm so glad to have discovered Dr. Young. As an African-American female who is on the cusp of receiving my doctorate in zoology, she is my Shero, a pioneer to other young women like me and Dr. Andrade.

Dr. Maydianne Andrade is an Evolutionary Biologist who studies mating systems in spiders. I'm featuring her because I have the great pleasure of knowing her. She is a wonderful person and an awesome researcher. Her studies of spider mating systems (the males will actually sacrifice their lives and let females kill and eat them while mating) are the phenomenal.

If you're teacher or youth leader, I hope you encourage your students to do a report on women scientists. Please use this site as a resource and springboard.

Happy Reading
~DNLee

News from the People Could Fly Project

Kalimah (sister 2 of 5) just screened The People Could Fly documentary this past Friday (Feb 22) at the Dumas Arts Festival in Roanoke, VA - which showcases local African American talent. S
he was also interviewed on a radio station in that area. Listen! to Kalimah's radio interview with Studio Virginia 89.1FM Regional arts and culture news magazine, hosted by Gene Marrano & Cara Modisett. When you visit the site that's her in the picture!! She is talking about the PEOPLE COULD FLY DOCUMENTARY - the why and how and what REALLY we're doing.
For those of you still kind of wondering what this is really all about here's a good way to get it straight from the source. Listen here.
And you can also hear and see more from Djibouti and other places at thepeoplecouldfly.blogspot.com

Thanks again,
Intisar (sister 1 of 5)

Wolves making a comeback - and an impact

When I was in college I LOVED wolves. I had 6 posters of wolves on my dorm room walls. I just *knew* I would be a veterinarian. My interest in wolves were mainly sparked by concern about this animal being threatened with extinction.
Well, I didn't become a veterinarian. But I did become something better suited for me - an ecologist. As an ecologist I join a long list of other life scientists (including veterinarians) who work to keep animals safe and off of the endangered species list.

In reference to my love of wolves and my interest in promoting their protection I'm sharing these interesting links.
A rare video of wolves in Canada's Arctic region: Elusive wolves caught on camera
A quick read about wolves helping more aspen trees grow in Yellowstone Park:
Aspens Return to Yellowstone, With Help From Some Wolves. (If you can't get this, but want it, let me know and I can email it to you.

Space Camp for Middle School Girls

I MUST share this link with you. SISTER - Summer Institute in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Research Camp (Think NASA Space Camp, except for middle school girls).
This is perfect opportunity for anyone who knows, teaches, parents, or mentors young people.
The Link comes from CT Herd. Thanks.

Spread the word.

Sharing Science - Lusty Voles

Related to my last post on a new way to share science with the public, here is a percet example.
A team of researchers had a quick science news article released on ScienceBlog about their research on voles: Lusty voles, mindless of danger, mate like rabbits. Now this article interests me for 2 reasons. One, I work with voles, so here I am engrossed in the story. Two, I'm thining to myself, I know who did this research. There are only a handful of vole researchers, in this case prairie vole researchers, and we all know one another. And sure enough, I see some familiar names - Alex Ophir - a buddy of mine from waay back - hanging out at conferences and we've actually studied at the same institution but not at the same time. Check it out and enjoy. Scary how similarly lusty people and voles are, eh?

photo credit: www.gpnc.org

The New Way to Share Science with the Public

Scan through your local newspaper or favorite news magazine. Notice anything missing? Perhaps its the science section. Over the years, the science section of periodicals has been shrinking. In some major cities with large paper circulations, the staff science writer(s) have been eliminated. There are fewer and fewer science journalists today, than say 25 years ago. But sharing science with the public is still a public service. So with the expanding use, popularity, and dependence, the internet is become a great place for people to receive the science news. With that in mind, I had to link to this article Framing Science An Early Look at the Future of Science Journalism. Also check out the comments. They are worth a read.

America's Greenest Cities

Do you live in one of these Urban Oasis? Popular Science Magazine ranked America's 50 Greenest (or Eco-friendly) Cities. Cities on the west coast, specifically the Pacific Northwest top the list. That's no surprise, I've visited Oregon and Washington and the citizens in those states are SO environmentally progressive.

I bet the Urban Ecology and wildlife appreciate such considerate human neighbors.

6 word memoirs - The Green Life

Smith Magazine and Treehugger are hosting contest -- Six Word Memoirs: The Green Life. I entered the Green Life 6 word memoir. contest and decided to use something I'd created already that summed things up nicely. I submitted my name.


About the Contest
What can you say about yourself in just six words? In its new book, Not Quite What I was Planning: Six Word Memoirs from Writers Famous and Obscure, SMITH Magazine offers hundreds of minuscule yet insightful life stories. And now the short, short life story sensation is going green.
SMITH and TreeHugger challenge you to define your green life in just six words. Got a swell philosophy? Traveled a strange path? Fall off the eco-wagon often? Lay your tiny tale on us and you could win a copy of SMITH's new book, a Planet Earth DVD set, or even an iPod nano (personalized with your winning submission, of course). Everyone on this big, blue marble has a green story. So, what's yours?

Great Blogs I am recommending

Thanks to my every popular and fantastic cousins at The People Could Fly Project, they tagged this site as one of their favorite blogs. Thanks girls.

Here are some of my favorite blogs to read & I think are worth sharing. Check them out.

1. Planning and Preparing for College. This is a GREAT resource for my readers. Paying for college is no walk in the park. It's getting more expensive and the colleges/universities are offereing fewer full rides. And please know, the days of the minority scholarship are dead. It's better to receive scholarships from multiple foundations. That way you can take your money anywhere.

2. Science To Life. Graduate student Karen V. posts the latest in science and medical news. News you can use. I don't think alot of people know about ScienceBlogs (people in the Black Blog-o-sphere, that is) and that's a shame. Her posts are really informative and I think we may see her on TV one day, the medical/science commentator on CNN, MSNBC or something.

3. Young Black Professional Guide. It is a great place to catch up with a little bit of everything...professional tips, financial literacy, tech updates, politics. social commentary, a little gossip. Just enough of everything without being overwhelming. They also produce rsspect.org - directory of black blogs. It's worth checking out. It's where I discovered my recommended blogs #1 and #4.

4. Science, Education, and Society. This blog is a commentary about how more and better science education and literacy are needed within the Black community. I hold-heartedly agree. Also includes some political and socioeconomic commentary that can get a little irreverant.

5. Jessie's Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory Adventures. It is is wonderful blog, full of great photos and descriptions of wildlife and landscapes in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The page is defunct, but the posts and beautiful upclose photos of the area's wildlife are worth a share. My friend Jessie did a summer research internship there and she talks about the research, too. Ecology Rocks!!

Honorable Mention:
LiveScience.com. I like how it is organized. You can check out news stories about the environment, animals, technogy, more. It's all tabbed. Plus there are always some cool top ten lists. They have a blog site that features some great commentaries on the stories. It's a great way to stay up.

**********************

"The rules are like this:“This link loving in 2008 came from Not Much More Than This. I have randomly selected 5 of you below to be tagged and I hope that you will similarly publish this post in your blog. You will have to tag 5 other bloggers and just keep adding on to the list. (Do not replace, just keep on adding! Yes we hope it will be a long list!). It’s real easy! Tag others and see your Technorati Authority increase exponentially!

The benefits of Viral Linking:- One of the fastest ways to see your technorati authority explode!- Increase your Google PageRank fast- Attract large volume of new traffic to your site- Build your community- Make new friends!"Now, add/tag 5 of your friends blogs…The Strategist Notebook Link Addiction Ardour of the Heart When Life Becomes a Book The Malaysian Life Yogatta.com What goes under the sun Roshidan’s Cyber Station Sasha says Arts of Physics And the legend lives My View, My Life A Simple Life What Women REALLY Think Not Much More Than This Jayedee Jenn Beth Christie Marla Cailin Simone FlipFlopMom Katrina Gill’s Jottings Work of a Poet WakelaModern Day GoddessLivin With Me A Simple Life Verb Random Thoughts I’m Running to Win Two Regina’s Family Seasons Lifesong The Laughs Will Go OnMilitary MomTheVasquez3Brik-See-Us Five Dollar Shake , My Three Wisemans , You Better Recognize , Miscellaneous Matters , Opinionated Black Woman, The Happy Go Lucky Bachelor, Slausin-Ass Slaus, Word On The Street, Invisible Woman, Darkbrotha, The Black Actor, The Happy Go Lucky Bachelor, The People Who Could Fly Project , The Luscious Librarian, Sincere Thoughts Urban Science, Black Girl on Mars, The Global South, Brooklyn Circus, She Real Cool,
Planning and Preparing for College Science To Life Young Black Professional Guide Science, Education, and Society Jessie's Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory Adventures LiveScience.com blog site

Come on out the weather is nice.

Are Americans Afraid of the Outdoors? I hope not. But that's what recent research on visitation rates of natural areas like national parks has found. Getting outside is good for you. Perfect for exercise, recreation, and nature walking.

But this makes having urban outdoor adventures even more important. Enjoy the nature in your immediate vicinity. Then venture further, to the park, a state park or nature preserve. Notice the variety of plants and animals and the change in landscape. So let's get out there more. Plan a day trip or afternoon outing with friends and family. Need quiet time to yourself? Visit your local natural area for a morning walk or an after work/school unwind.







photo credits: upload.wikimedia.org and http://www.britannica.com/

Physics is Fun!

I was listening to NPR, (Sunday) Morning Edition and heard this amazing interview with a retired Physics professor, Russell Stannard, who now writes children books about physics. I turned the radio up and listened closely. He wrote books that would not only better relate to youngsters, but also taught them key concepts about theoretical physics. Listen to the show, To the Best of our Knowledge, Program on Future Physics, Segment 3.

The main characters are a little girl and her uncle, Albert Einstein. She has a very active imagination and can actually live out her fantasies of chasing light and visiting black holes. The book series is exciting to science educators because it actually relates true and accurate physics concepts that everyone can understand.

Check the Uncle Albert Books out at your local library or book store. Perfect for youth and adults.

Local actions have global impacts - Urbanization & Global Warming

"Cities are substantive ecosystems in their own right, replete with complex human-environmental interactions and increasing and far-reaching impacts," Grimm and co-authors write.
from the National Science Foundation Press Release on the Effects of Urbanization Extend to the Global Scale

Urban areas have an amazing impact on the environment. On a local scale, we can see how removing forests and laying asphalt and building skyscrapers can change how everything looks. But it also changes the environment itself. The grass and trees are gone. So too are the squirrels, rabbits, insects, and many of the birds. The average temperature changes, because there is no more shade from the trees and no more grass for dew to collect upon. And when it rains, there's no ground to soak it up, it just runs to the nearest drain and disappears from our thoughts. More and more people are living in cities. More land is being converted from natural and agricultural lands to urban purposes (apartment buildings, parking lots, large buildings, factories, etc.)

The world is changing.

Celebrate International Polar Year

Again, continuing with posts that related to this week's Black History Month Feature on Matthew Henson - Arctic Explorer, here is an opprtunity to learn more about Arctic/Polar Ecosystems.

2007-2008 is International Polar Year. Yes, 2 years, one year each to celebrate the unique and important polar ecosystems at each of our world's poles.

For educational activities and ideas, check out their resources for Educators and Students.
Another IPY Website
Educators' Icy IPY Activities
IPY Blogs

Study at the North Pole

As a follow-up to the Black History Month Feature on Matthew Henson - Arctic Explorer, here is your opportunity to become an Arctic Explorer. (For College Students)

FIELD COURSE IN ARCTIC SCIENCE 2008

The hands-on "Field Course in Arctic Science" will be offered through Summer Sessions at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and the students will have the unique opportunity to travel from the boreal forest in Interior Alaska past the alpine environment of the Brooks Range to the arctic tundra at the Beaufort Sea. The students will learn about the ecology of the arctic and boreal systems through daily lectures delivered by a variety of scientists, active participation in field sampling, and discussions of the relevant science literature. This exciting course will span a broad range of disciplines, including local natural history, fire ecology, snow ecology, plant ecology, invertebrate and mammal biology, carbon budgets, and the implications of a warming climate. The students will gain a firm background in the structure and function of the ecosystems in northern Alaska and become familiar with the tools and techniques useful to ecological field research.

The four-week, 5-credit field course will be taught both at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and at the Toolik Field Station in northern Alaska from May 20 to June 13, 2008. The course is limited to ten advanced undergraduate or starting graduate students. The cost of food at Toolik Field Station, lodging, and travel between the field sites will be covered, and students are expected to pay for in-state tuition and their travel to Fairbanks, Alaska. The students will need to bring all-weather clothing including winter jackets, rubber boots, and a warm sleeping bag.Interested students should submit a current curriculum vitae and a cover letter stating their experience and how the course would benefit them to Anja Kade.

Anja Kade
Alaska Geobotany Center PhD Candidate
email: anja_kade@yahoo.com phone.907-474-2459 fax.907-474-6967
mailing address:Institute of Arctic Biology, 311 Irving PO Box 757000, Fairbanks, AK 99775

Black History Feature: Matthew Henson - Arctic Explorer

Arctic Explorer and African-American Matthew Henson is considered a great figure in science and history. History records him as the first Black Man to reach the North Pole, along with Robert Peary, and 11 others in that brave expedition. The year was 1909 and they overcame amazing odds against nature to survive the journey and return to document their findings. He is considered a national hero and is buried at Arlington National Cemetary. But a very important science discovery and moment in Black History very well lose all significance and context.

Why? Fewer that 100 years since that team's arrival to the Artic, our generation may actually witness the sad loss of this special and important ecosystem. Arctic (and Antartic Ice) is melting...way too fast. Some researchers sadly predict that the summer Artic ice may be completely gone by 2012, much faster than predictions made only a few years ago. That's only 4 years from now!!! That is alarming. And if you thought that film footage of the exhaused polar bear on Planet Earth was heartbreaking, then get ready to buy more tissues. Polar Bear habitat is at risk..from global warming and human economic activities.

Let's get educated, become aware, and act!!

photo credit: http://www.britannica.com/

Environmental Health Internship for College Students

Here is perfect opportuntity for students interested in a career in applied environmenal studies....

Collegiate Leaders In Environmental Health: Summer Undergraduate Internship 2008

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) invites qualified applicants to apply for a ten (10) week summer program for in Environmental Public Health at the National Center for Environmental Health /Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (NCEH/ATSDR) in Atlanta , Georgia . This is a 10 week paid summer internship for undergraduate students passionate about the environment, about health, and about the link between the two—this opportunity is for students majoring in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Studies, or related fields. This is a full time summer opportunity for rising collegiate juniors and seniors to get real-world experience in Environmental Public Health activities at the federal level. Students will assist with projects and be paired with mentors to gain experience in the fascinating field of Environmental Public Health.

Students that are majoring in Environmental Sciences/Studies or related fields are encouraged to visit our website at http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/cleh.

Deadline for application: March 4, 2008
Program dates: June 4 -August 8, 2008

For questions concerning this announcement, please contact Cory Moore at CMoore3@cdc.gov

Good Luck!

DNLee

Blogging While Brown: the Science Side of things

Partly fueled by vanity, and also my interest and dedication to share science with people of color (ok, that still vanity, cut me slack), I have submitted this site to Villager's Black Blog Ranking (BBR). Urban Science Adventures! (c)wasn't included on the February Ranking list, but I asked Villager what the site's ranking was and they replied back -- #609 out of 761. Hey, that's great news.

I thank YBPGuide for listing this site on the Jan 13 posting about Great Black Blogs and also being included on the rsspect.org lineup. I am truly honored and grateful. Thanks.
I was also checking out other ranking systems like the Black Weblog Awards. They have a Best Science/Technology category. Yeah!! Okay, I'm gonna be picky. Can we see about splitting these categories into 2? Just scanning the BBR and I'm sure there are at least a dozen and a half technology weblogs alone. They deserve their own category. And it looks like science (alone) is burgeoning). It's a great way to showcase Black Blogging talent and intellectual diversity... But honestly, I am glad, very glad there is a category that recognizes science and tech.

Another site is Black Web Awards. I first learned about this ranking site because a distant relative had our family's family reunion site nominated for an award. So I checked to see if there were appropriae categories for sites like this one. I didn't see any categories related to best science site or best education site, heck I didn't see anything about technology or gadgets, either.
There is a Blogging While Brown Conference this summer. Any chance these issues can get hashed out then?

Happy Black History Month - Celebrate Science and African-American Achievements

All year is great time to learn more about science and the people who make the discoveries. But February offers a unique opportuntity to learn about the achievements of African-Americans (and others from the African Diaspora) in the sciences.





In St. Louis, Missouri, the Missouri Botanical Garden has a special George Washington Carver Garden. It is open all year and features a statue in his likeness and presentations about this contributions to botanical, agriculture and plant sciences. In celebration of Black History Month, the world-reknowned institution is hosting Carver Days.




Saturday-Monday, February 16 through 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A three-day weekend of family fun with a focus on George Washington Carver, one of America's great scientists and educators.

Activities include:
Story-telling with KMOV-TV anchor Vickie Newton. Saturday, 11 a.m.
“The ABC’s of George Washington Carver,” where children may ask questions of this famous man. Sunday and Monday at 11 a.m.
“Listening to the Still Small Voice,” an award-winning one-man live performance about Carver’s life. Sunday and Monday at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Throughout the weekend:
Visit the “Jesup Wagon,” Carver’s movable school where kids are invited to explore and experiment in Carver’s footsteps.Ride the free shuttle to the Carver Garden (weather permitting).Eat Carver-inspired sweet potato and peanut dishes, available for purchase in Sassafras.

Activities are included with Garden admission. Visit us online for more information.

Check out what your local science center, zoo, conservation area or even area colleges are doing to celebrate Science & African-American Achievements.

New Adhesive will let you climb up the wall

First there was Velcro (R), now there is Gecko!

Seriously, the wonders and joys of biomimicry are at it again.



The new adhesive is first to mimic quick catch and rapid release traits of a gecko's foot



A gecko sits atop a glass surface in this image from the NIRT laboratory. Credit and Larger Version

The National Science Foundation has released a press release all about this wonderful and potentially very useful technology. Check it out!

Science News Stories

It's a bit a bit of a smorgasborg, but here are 3 interesting links.

1. The Mississippi River is a little under the weather. Why? Way too much cabon dioxide and it's all being dumped into the Gulf of Mexico. Too much CO2 in the ocean throws off the pH and affects the living organisms there -- all of them from the microscopic plankton and algae to complex organism like coral reefs. Just like terrestial systems, too much CO2 in the air, throw off plant life and everything else in the food chain lives off the plants.

2. Understanding science, especially about your body and nutrition can help you become healthier. So this article reminds us all to mind our eating habits. Too much meat and fast food eating can have negative consequences on not only your weight, but affects heart health and diabetes risk too.

3. Finally, there's nothing like an industrious teen. Check out this article about this kid who made a fully-functional bicycle from wood. It's neat.

Interactive Science Lesson - Cancer

Okay, it's not urban ecology, but it is an important matter -- your health. Cancer is a comm0n disease that affects every living creature (yes, any kind of animal or plant can get cancer) and every tissue (any part of your body can get cancer). Not all cancers are fatal, but it can really bring you down. One important thing to understand about cancer is that it is based on a completely natural biological process - Mitosis. Any student who has taken high school biology or higher has heard it. Quick and dirty: Mitosis is the way a cell divides & reproduces. It's how we get new skin cells and other tissue cells to keep our bodies going. But with cancer, the cells don't stop reproducing and things just get all our of hand.

Children's Hospital Boston has a great interactive website about how cancer grows and spreads.
It's a perfect way to introduce a science lesson about cancer or supplement a mitosis or disease physiology lesson.

Teens, Sex, and Technology

My intended audience for this site are teens and families. Though the main purpose is to share urban ecology and urban wildlife science, I sometimes feel compelled to share information I think would be generally useful for young people. I post about human behavior sometimes, usually in the context of 'what we can do to have a lesser impact on nature'. But I also care about young people being safe and ready for adulthood. I have worked with and mentored many young people (middle school and high school age) and I am very concerned about their perception of sex and the quality of sex education they receive. I know too many teen girls and boys who are parents and/or who have had to treat a STI.

It is for this reason that I am sharing the following links with you all. Please visit them and share with others, especially the young people in your lives.

Fresh Focus Video Contest: Why Is Sex So Interesting and Sex Ed So Boring?
There are 10 Sex Ed Video Contest short films. These shorts were produced by young people. They film their Sex ed experiences and how inadequate the lessons were and what they wished their parents, teachers, and other adults had taught them about sex. Great conversation starters and sex education tools for young people. Check out their videos and vote for your favorites. You have until January 16th to vote. Winners will be announced January 22nd. I'm partial to Video 9 I must admit. My cousin, a film school student and new intern for Spike Lee, produced it and her younger sister is the main character in the . I am so proud and I am shamelessly asking you to vote for it. But many of the others are great, too.

Sex::Tech Conference Focus on Youth
This organization seems to be a great online resource with real talk answers about sex and technology aimed at young people. They are even sponsoring a conference on STD/HIV Prevention for Teens in San Francisco.

Stay informed. Stay Safe. Let's all work together to help young people become healthy adults.

Cool New Science Discoveries

Discovery #1: Photosynthesis...not just for plants and algae anymore.
Well, something like that. A new discovery has found that a species of clam can actually gulp air and covert it to protein. Yes, using microbes that live in its gut, the clam can covert the Nitrogen in the air and make protein. Proteins are to animals what carbohydrates are the plants -- the main building blocks for tissue growth. Plant tissues are mostly made of carbon and Animal tissues are mostly made of Nitrogen. For both plants and the shipworm, they can take inert, non-active carbon and nitrogen in the air and create building blocks. Check out the full story.

Discovery #2: Skating on thin, short-lived ice.
Particularly in the northern US and Canada, ice skating on the river and lakes are apart of local traditions. But with recent concern over climate change, a team of scientists looked into records of lake and river freezes over the lst 150 years. The deep freeze season is getting shorter. Lakes and rivers are freezing later and the thaw comes sooner each year. This means a short ice skating season. Plus, there is a record of air temperatures increasing a little more than 1 degree Celsius over the last 100 year. I know it doesn't seem like much, but it adds up. Check out the full story.

Book Review: Little Lost Bat

Each year the Animal Behavior Society selects an Outstanding Children's Book that accurately presents animal behavior and behavior ecology in literature for children in grades 3-5.
The following title was one of the finalist for the 2007 Award. This book was my personal favorite. I even cried at the end.

Animal Behavior for Kids: Children’s Book Award Book Review

Title: Little Lost Bat
Author: Sandra Markle
Illustrated by Alan Marks
Published by Charlesbridge, Watertown, MA

The author and illustrator create a touching and accurate image of the birth and care of an infant Mexican free-tailed bat. The story depicts realistic accounts of the ups and downs of the life of a young bat – the struggle to stay warm, clinging to the safety of the cave ceiling, and the daily ritual of locating its mother by call among the other thousands of bat calls. The students were most impressed with the description of the birth of the baby bat, noting how the mother curls her body into a hammock shape while hanging upside-down. Students were able to relate the care and attention the mother bat provided her baby to the care and attention their own mothers provide to them and their siblings. The story also tells of loss and survival and how caring and affection exist among all animals, not just humans. I, like many of the students, would recommend this book to friends.

Urban Wildlife Watch - Earthworms

During hot summer days, my younger sibling often tryies to rescue poor little earthworms trying to cross the hot sidewalk. It's as if the little guys started out early that morning, when the day was fresh and cool and still moist with dew at the edge of the walk. They were inching their way ever so steadfast across the walk. Creep. creep. creep.
And then, the sun began to rise higher in the sky, and the dew evaporated. The side walk warmed. A few passer-bys squished a worm here. there. A robin snagged a few plumped snacks.
The sun is high in the sky. And the poor worm is getting ever so dry and parched. And by 2 pm, the hottest part of the day, the little guy is dry. Withered away and stuck to piping hot concrete. Only inches away from the soil on the other side of the walk.

Poor little worms, my sibling would remark. But, you may also notice more earthworms when you're doing yard work, tilling soil, planting grass or trees or shrubs. Their thick, juicy, moist bodies peak through the soil here and there. You may have also noticed more earthworms following a rain shower. LiveScience.com has posted this great little reader about why
Earthworms come out when it rains.

Enjoy looking out for Earthworms -- the oft overlooked urban wildlife.

photo credit: buntysbanter.sulekha.com

Science.TV

Guess what I just learned about...ScienceTV, an online video-sharing website for people interested in science. It was just recently launched, but it includes channels and categories of science topics and target groups.
It's been a while since I've thougt again about creating a show, but this seems like such a great time to get back in the saddle.

I'll start getting my stuff together.
Wish me luck and I look forward to sharing my Urban Science Adventures with you.

Urban Ecology and wildlife watching in the Big Apple

Okay, think of the most populated city in the United States. What images come to mide? Lots of tall skyscrapers. Millions of people huddled and massed, walking down busy side walks? Lots of cars and trucks honking and blaring 24 hours a day? Hardly sounds like a place jumping with authentic wildlife, does it?

But it is! In fact, the Guidebook to NYC Nature is jammed pack with lots of amazing creatures and natural sites to see and observe. Most of the entries live in parks -- yes, a nother reason why urban parks are SO GREAT. Think of them as little wildlife nature refuges or preserves. And you can go on a Safari anytime -- for free.

What an exciting Urban Science Adventure. Go explore your urban nature preserve, too.

Urban Forestry

Think about your last visit to your neighborhood park. Did you notice the green grass and tall trees? Well, depending on where you live, your park may include many trees scattered across the landscape. Here in the Midwest, tree lined entrances are common and several trees all along the landscape. Unlike the woods or forest, trees in an urban park are often more spread apart from each other with a nicely cared-for lawn. In woods, the trees and saplings are often close together and in the summer time the leaves shade the ground. Typically, grass does not grow in the woods. But urban parks are still very nice places - for people and wildlife.

Though most people don't think about it, cities (like those in the Midwest) were built in the middle of the forest. Buildings were put up and many trees were removed. But from the sky, many cities are really fragmented forests - a patch of trees here, a patch there, and most connected by a few lines of tree-lined streets. Your neighborhood IS a forest -- an Urban Forest.

And like any ecosystem, the habitat will attract certain types of wildlife. Depending on your geographic location, you like have wild neighbors that include raccoons, opossums, squirrels, birds such as robins, mocking birds, crows, starlings, pigeons, cardinals, finches, sparrows, woodpeckers, and doves, insects such as bees, butterflies, beetles, grasshoppers, and dragonflies, plus lizards, toads, and frogs. This is a forest ecosystem, but modified because of human occupation. But think about it, we can and do live with the wild creatures and some species are actually very good at living near human populations.

There are things you an do to learn more about the "Forest Where You Live" and help the forest, the wildlife, and the people enjoy it better.

So go on outside and take inventory of your local forest.

Urban Wildlife and Human Interactions

Monday, December 24 2007 USA Today reports:

Anchorage, Alaska - The Army restricted recreational activities at Fort Richardson because of recent wolf attacks on dogs. All training areas west and north of the Artillery Road area are off limits. Three women running with dogs encountered at least seven wolves. A dog on a chain was killed a few miles away. Two other dogs were killed in the area in the past month.

Comment: This are sad and regretable incidents. Wolves are ecologically important creatures. As top predators they serve an important role by keeping populations of deer, moose, and caribou in check. Alaska is a very open and compared to the lower 48 states, is less densely populated. I have a friend and colleague who teaches for the University of Alaska and she says there are parts of Alaska so untouched that some wild animals still haven't really suffered from human interactions. But I do commend the military administrators for taking action. Restricting opportunities for humans (and their companion animals) to interact with wildlife (and I emphasize WILD) is one of the best solutions. Typically, wildlife managers do their very best to avoid a solution that results in removing the problem animals. And by removing I mean relocation or death. And wolf hunting in Alaska is a real and legal activity. I'm not anti-hunting, but I don't like the idea of hunting top predators. I'm biased, I'll admit it. On a final note, I do extend my sympathies to the families of the pet dogs who were killed by wolves. I don't doubt that these animals were trying to protect their families from their wild cousins.

Hartford, Conneticut - Bird lovers are battling over the fate of mute swans in the state. The Connecticut Audubon Society wants the state to remove the swans from critical marine habitats, claiming the graceful birds are invaders that cause environmental harm. But the swans are protected in Connecticut, and defenders say any move against the birds is unacceptable.

Comment: This is hard one because it is two important ecological issues that are in conflict with one another. In this situation ecologists are concerned for 2 important matters. Issue 1: Protect at-risk habitats so that the plant and wildlife that call that place home can establish or keep its balance. Issue 2: There are laws that protect some wildlife species. In this case it is the mute swan. Like many other waterfowl there are laws (federal and state) that make it absolutely unacceptable to mess with an animal almost any circumstance. But the problem is the mute swan is an unwanted animal in this at-risk habitat. The mute swan is actually the problem - in this case. Sometimes (and I hope things work out), exceptions can and have been made. There are cases where wildlife officers will demonstrate that they can safely remove animals and certain times of year so that the habitat can be restored and the birds are not harmed. And since the Audobon Society is a well-respected organization and usually does this in the most proper and scientific and legal way, I feel sure they will work toward a feasible solution to deal with both issues

What my name means

Okay, I attended a workshop: Certified Interpretive Guide Training. It is training presented by the National Association for Interpreters. The Association and the training is designed for anyone interested in enhancing their skills to present natural resources or heritage programs for the public. In other words for people who present at museums or national parks or tour guides or even historical re-enactors. I'm interested in environment and natural resources.

Anyway, one of the training program's exercises was to come up with an acronym for your name. I couldn't. But now I have.
DNLEE: Demystifying nature, letting everyone experience.

It's a start.

More on whale ancestry

Here's more coverage about whale ancestors. It's also a quick reader. Content-wise it's better for college students and advanced high school curriculum. This one was posted on the National Science Foundation's News Line. here. The story appears in Nature.

Happy supplemental reading.
DNLee

Fox-sized deer is whale's closet relative

Credit and Larger Version

Okay, I had to share this reader as well. Online (and perhaps print, too) Scientific American announces that the world's largest mammal - the whale - is most closely related to a . No kidding. Check out the quick read here.

Share with others. Perfect for middle & high schoolers - interestning reads OR for college students studying evolution, taxonomy, cladistics, or systematics.

photo credit: upload.wikimedia.org

Nucleus is for Us

Okay, I'm cheesy and nerdy. But I love this one-page reader all about the Nuclues: Journey to the center of the cell. I came across it in Science Magazine. It's a perfect little punch about what the nuclues is. And it gives teasers and links to other research articles that go more in depth about nuclues function.
I recommend the summary for all science educators (high school and college) to share with students. This is a perfect * short * co-curriculum article. And for the college students, the links to the other articles are perfect ways to introduce them to primary literature and encourage them to test out how well they comprehend some key cellular biology vocabulary.

photo credit: www.public.iastate.edu

Social Learning and Promoting Sustainability

I'm sharing information I have come across on ECOLOG - an online ecology listserve.

Dear colleagues,
The policies being used to address ecological issues around the concept ofsustainability increasingly demonstrate how their impact goes beyond theenvironment to influence things such as public health, jobs, workingconditions, and incomes. This means a more multi-stakeholder approach isrequired to the negotiation and implementation of environmental policieswithin and across sectors, and at local, regional, national andinternational levels. Inevitably, the reality is that whatever aims arefinally chosen, implementing the solutions to reach them will involve a longprocess of difficult dealings with a great variety of individuals, groups,and institutions who can make them fail or succeed.

The Learning for Sustainability site - http://learningforsustainability.net- has been substantially revised and updated over the past few months as aguide to on-line resources for government agency staff, NGOs and othercommunity leaders working to support social learning and collective actionaround the environment and sustainability. A central section of this sitelinks the reader to a range of guides, tools and checklists that can bedrawn upon for guidance in this area to address issues such as participationand engagement. Other pages here highlight the lessons that have emergedfrom researchers and practitioners in different sectors. These includelessons from the HIV/AIDS sector, public health, and protected naturalareas. They are shown on their different pages to highlight the fact thateach sector is looking at similar human dimensions practice change lessons,and that the more we can learn across sectors the better. A new page in thissection now covers tools, tips and techniques for facilitators and othersocial engagement specialists.

Other pages provide links to best and emerging practice in social learningareas including networking, dialogue, adaptive management, and knowledgemanagement. Evaluation is given its own section which covers key topics suchas participation, empowerment, logic models and scale. A research methodsand approaches section has links to action research resources, material ondoing integrated and interdisciplinary research, a listing of on-linejournals in these areas, and it hosts the IntSci (Integrated Science forsustainability) discussion network. New pages link to resources onunderpinning social research methods including systems thinking and actionresearch. One page lists on-line resources for both post-graduate researchstudents and their supervisors. Topics include thinking about thesupervisory team, as well as tips for structuring and writing a thesis ordissertation.The The Learning for Sustainability site -http://learningforsustainability.net - also manages additional pages onfinding volunteering and job opportunities in the environment andsustainability sectors. These are directly accessible from the main siteindexing system. As with the rest of the site these sections bring links tolot of on-line resources together in one easy to access site, each link isannotated to provide a guide to its contents.Please feel free to pass this posting on to colleagues and friends who maybe interested in this content.

Regards,
Dr. Will Allen

Who-Who's There? Owls in the City

Yesterday, my charges & I went on an "urban nature walk" in a local city park. We were looking for signs of wildlife in the heart of the city. Well, squirrels obvious. Lots of squirrels everywhere. But there were signs of other wildlife. Lots of hollows in trees, mounded heaps of earth. But it was hard to really locate these signs. But wildlife does thrive in cities. Sometimes, you just have to visit at the right time -- at night or dusk/dawn. At that very same park, I've seen 2 young raccoons. Good thing observing the botanical wildlife keep us busy. There were a variety of grasses, fungi, trees, and shrubs. We're still trying to learn all of them.

In meantime, enjoy this article about owls: Barred Owls respond well to city life. This is good news because owls are top predators. They prey on squirrels, mice, pigeons, sparrows and other small animals. Predators keep the system balanced and especially in urban environments it can be challeging to keep things in check. So look out for owls in your local park.

photo credit: www.tooter4kids.com

Keep having Urban Science Adventures!
DNLee

Arctic Ice decline is modifying animals behavior

Melting Ice Drives Walrus Ashore. Okay this matter of climate change and the ice caps melting is very serious. Things are changing so much that now the movement and seasonal patterns of animals are being modified. Walruses are predators and when the predators move, that signals a pretty big thing is going on in the ecological community.

Think about the typical food chain. As a predator the walrus depends on primary consumers like fish species and mussels. These creatures consume plant material or microbes. This is also another example of how abiotic factors (like weather, climate, land, and water) can influence biotic systems (plants and animals). No doubt the unexpected presence of walrus in Alaska this time of year will have ripple effect on those local ecosystems.

NC Science Blogging Conference

Okay, I'm really thinking about going to the NC Science Blogging Conference. I really can't afford it and I do have a job. But this sounds SO attractive. Great Professional Development. but who would pay for it. Even more, which friends can I convince to join me there??? Maybe I can convice the job (or the fiduciary agency) to cover some of the costs. After all I am trying to get my subordinates to Blog their learning and service experiences - all of which are science related. A long shot.

Dangit, the Conference Program is terribly attractive, too. And I'm thinking of applying for the AAAS Mass Media Fellowship. If I get accepted the job house will so hate me. Oh, well.

Tagged on ScienceBlogs!

I have been Blog Rolled on ScienceBlogs.com by A Blog Around the Clock. It is a real treat to be mentioned by anyone, especially a well-respected science site like ScienceBlogs.
Thanks, Coturnix.

ScienceBlogs is a growing online community of science bloggers. These scientists blog about every possible science discipline and society issues that stem from or are affected by scientific enterprise.

Oh, and if I'm not too far off, the community is sponsored by the publishers of SEED Magazine.
SEED Magazine is this century's popular science news magazine. I love it. I encourage everyone to get a copy, especially teachers, youth group leaders, and public libary custodians. It includes thought provoking essays, interviews with scientists and science policy makers, and it even includes science crib sheets! That Rocks!
So, please subscribe. Why? Well of the most popular science news magazines (intended for general audiences) like Discover, Popular Science, Popular Mechanics - the average reader is a white male, age 51, college-educated, with a middle income or better. That means there are a LOT of other people not reading about science. Let's see if we can do something about that.

My next recommendation is to check out ScienceBlogs.com and check out some of the essays. The writing style and links may be a little to thick for most of my target audience (teens and young adults) but by all means give it a try. Even I can't make out every word of the blogs about chemistry, space science, and microbiology. So don't feel intimidated.

If you come across something that even remotely touches on something you've covered in class. Print it off. Impress your teachers.

Happy science adventures!
DNLee

Vote Urban Science Adventures ! (c) as your favorite science blog

Hey there,

The Scientist magazine is accepting nominations for favorite life science blog. Vote this blog as your favorite life science blog and help spread the word about this blog to others!

Thanks so much.
DNLee

Two scoops please. Arctic Ice is melting, too!

Related to yesterday's post, The North Pole is melting, too. This is very said. I hope there's enough of it left to celebrate International Polar Year until March 2009, when it ends. If you thought those heart-breaking pictures of the polar bears swimming and dying were bad....it's sure to get worse.

Antarctic Ice: hurry up and get a scoop before it's gone!

2007 is International Polar Year celebrating the beautiful, complex, and woefully not-fully comprehended ecosystem of the the Poles. But unfortunately our planet's largest continent and most frozen land mass is loosing its character. Antarctic snow is melting as reported by LiveScience, the matter of climate change is altering our entire planet and the most unique ecosystem.

More Cute Stuff

Okay, I like small rodents - microtines to be exact. Why? Well, because I've worked with them for nearly ten years. So, I couldn't help but share this with you all - the British Vole Appreciation Society. I've worked with meadow voles and prairie voles, so I'm quite partial.

Also, the Missouri Department has a blog now - Fresh Afield. I thought I had a blogroll, but I don't. Sorry about that. I'll add one and include MDC's blog in the line up.

Keep having fun outside!
DNLee

Urban Wildlife Watch - Coyotes

Coyotes conjure up a lot of different images: Wil E Coyote of Looney Toons or evil bandits that attack sheep and other livestock. But the Coyote, scientific name Canis latrans, are a mixed bag. We typically think of predators species like coyotes as living in rural or big open area nature areas (like pasture ranges, national parks, deserts) but they are capable of living in almost any environment. Coyotes have made a tremendous comeback and populations are spreading far and wide. But interestingly coyote populations don't grow as well when their ranges overlap with wolves - a bigger, badder predator. Coyotes live everywhere, throughout the entire North American continent. They even live in cities, and are sometimes regarded as a nuisance. They are opportunistic. They are great hunters, but they will scavenge a cheap or free meal like trash, road kill, or unsuspecting family pets.

Even in very large, dense urban areas coyotes can survive - well. You may have even have seen one. Doubt it? Although, coyotes look alot like German shepards, there are some differnces. For one, coyotes are much smaller. In fact, coyotes usually weight only 35-40 pounds. Second, coyotes are pretty much light in color all over - a mix of grizzled gray and buff; they don't typically have a dark colored back like most German shepards. But one of the best ways you can you tell the difference between a coyote and dog is to look very closely at how it runs. When a coyote runs, its tail sticks out straight so that the tail is not curled or curved. Second, the tip of the coyote's tail is black. German shepards are not only bigger, but have a curved tail and the tip of the tail is buff color.

Keep your eyes open for these 'top predators' in your neighborhood. But be careful. Never attempt to pet or approach any wild animal, especially a smart predator like the coyote. And keep your pets safe and avoid leaving unsued pet food (or any food) out. Remember, coyotes are in the dog family - so being wild animals, they are likely to carry dog diseases that could make your family pets very ill. Plus, it's best to see these great animals from afar.
photo credit: www.thegeminiweb.com

Keep having Urban Science Adventures! (c)

Cool science articles I wanted to share

Okay, these are some really cool science articles - about everything from hunting eels to mental health, to environmentalism.

Check them out!

Moray eels
Diversity & the U.S. Environmentalism Movement
The Cause & Cure of Nail biting
Schizophrenia Genes may also provide developmental advantages

International Polar Year

It is International Ploar Year! And to celebrate I will periodically share with you all some interesing things about the North and South Poles. I'll include research update, historical events, and snippets about arctic and antarctice wildlife and ecosystems.

Here's the first item, a news release about the AMAZING research at the poles funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Antarctic Icebergs: Unlikely Oases for Ocean Life.

Continue your Urban Science Adventures! ©

“I can tell by just looking at her.”

"I can tell by just looking at her.”
You may have heard this statement before. It’s often said by older women (mothers, aunties, grandmothers, and the like) in reference to a girl they believe has recently lost her virginity. Though such conclusions can’t be definitively confirmed, there are many in our community who place a lot of stock in such deductions. And according to some interesting research being done on adolescent psychology and behavior, our grannies may have been right all along.

One thing that these wise mothers may be cluing into is how a young maiden who has “lost her innocence” behaves and carries herself upon gaining sexual experience. Sex makes teens feel older; and it seems to be especially true for girls. Plus, a teen girl who is dating an older boy or an adult man, tends to rate herself as much more mature than her peers.

Coral Reefs are in trouble

Seems the herp isn't just for humans anymore. Herpes Virus Killing Coral Reefs an article from Live Science.com. But that's not all that's got Coral Reefs singing the blues. Marine Ecosytems around the world are in some serious trouble. In fact, they're very existence is threatened and it coral reefs are destroyed, then the rest of the marine and neighboring terrestrial systems are in trouble, too.

In fact, Scientists who student marine and coral ecosystems are at high alert and have issued a call to action alert. They need signatures NOW for the Scientists’ statement on the reauthorization of the US Coral Reef Conservation Act. Visit the Marine Conservation Blog for more information or find out how you can help.

Urban Wildlife Watch - The Buzz about Bees

Bees are perhaps one of the most interesting urban wildlife creatures. Bees are invertebrate insects belonging to the order Hymenoptera. Hymenoptera include all bees, wasps, hornets, and ants.

Bees like other Hymenopterans are comprised of female-dominated societies. If you’ve ever been stung by one of these creatures it was a female. That’s because the stinger of a bee is a modified ovipositor – or egg laying structure.

In urban areas, most people occasionally encounter bees at the park, open fields, and flower gardens. They can be pesky and even dangerous if you are allergic to bee stings. But bees are also important environmental engineers. Bees help pollinate flowers, trees, and crop plants. When you observe bees buzzing around a field or flowered tree they are doing an important job. Unlike animals, plants can’t move or travel in order to find mates. Bees carry pollen from one flower to another. Pollen is equivalent to sperm of animals. The bees collect nectar of plans and the yellow pollen attaches to their fuzzy abdomen and prickly legs. When they visit the next flower, some of the pollen gets left behind and they pick up new pollen. It’s like an unintentional delivery service for plants.

This seemingly innocent act of transferring pollen is no light matter. Some species plants depend almost entirely on bees for reproduction. That’s why the news of dwindling native bee species is such an alarm. If there are fewer bees or no bees, then we’re in trouble, too. Farmers who grow important crops like wheat, corn, and other grains depend on this simple act of Mother Nature to keep things going. Plus, honey is an important and delicious agriculture product.

So, the next you're outside enjoying the fresh air, keep an eye out for bees. And let me know about your Urban Science Adventures!©

photo credit: www.bloglifetime.com

Amazing Animal Stories

Check this out! Scientists are learning new info about all kinds of creatures everyday.
Below, is just a little of what we’re learning about animals from all over the world.

Story 1. On the Hoof
Learn more about 4-legged creatures at the Ultimate Ungulate online Activity website: http://www.ultimateungulate.com/

Story 2: Birds, Bats and Bar Codes
New Bats have been discovered in Guyana, South America. I've visited Guyana annd it is such a beautiful country..Lots of biodiversity and a perfect place for ecovisits. In fact, I'll share some of my pictures and adventures from Guyana on the site at a later date. In the meantime, molecular and genetic research is now being put to use to help scientist identify new and well-known species of animals using Genetic Bar Codes. Yes, you read right. DNA of species can read much like in a bar code for items you purchase at the grocery story.
Science magazine features these 2 short articles about Amazing Animal research: Read here to learn more.

photo credits: stamp-search.com and www.brighamandwomens.org

Chicago Public School Students to Assist in Archaeological Dig in Kenya

Two ninth graders from the Chicago Public School District were chosen to work along side archaeologists from the Field Museum of Chicago in Kenya this summer. The trip is being sponsored by Ernst & Young, the major benefactor of the charter school the students attend.
Read more.

Now, I know this isn't urban ecology, but it's just as GREAT! These inner-city students will be doing Science and working alongside college students, graduate students, and professors. This program gives amazing and unique opportuntities to under-served adn under-reprsented students to explore a science career.

I wish them much luck and success.
Science Rocks!

Listening for Bird Songs...At Night

Recently, the Washington, DC. Audubon Society reported that many birds are more active at night than they ever have been before. Why? Urban areas are always full of activity, noise and light. Yes, light and noise pollution maybe signalling to birds that the day is longer than it actually is. Read the full account here.

Invasive Species - Definitely Foe, no Friend

Invasive species are typically non-native or foriegn organisms that have taken up residence in a new place and environment and their growth and spread are out of control.

Why are invasive species a problem?
No Checks & Balances
Species within a given ecosystem depend on each other for survival & population control. When a ‘new resident’ comes into the system, they may not fit in and can throw the whole system off.

Changes the Natural Habitat
Foriegn species alter the abiotic & biotic environment and changes the ability of some organisms to survive
Examples: new trees that native animals can’t live in or eat from, they lose their homes, die or move away
Examples: zebra mussels taking up too much oxygen in the water.

Out-compete Native Species
The alien plant consumes resources faster or takes up space before similar native species do.

Cross-breeding
Alien plant species might genetically mix with native species and change the entire make-up and ecological role of the native plant.

Why Should we care?
•Decrease local Biodiversity
–When foreign plants invade a new area, these species displace or may even harm native species. The foreign plant may cause larger environmental problems, including extinction. •
–Impacts natural resources like water, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries
•It costs lots of money to get rid of foreign species and the seeds/pollen from these plants may impact local food chain and food supply dynamics.


What can be done to stop invaders?
Biological Control
–Using Natural Enemies to keep the invade population growth in check.

• Mechanical Control
–Physically removing or destroying the invaders.
–

What else can be done?

Regulation
–International, Federal, & State Agencies

What can I do?
• Education
–Community Outreach, Public Service Campaigns••

Action Items:
Tell others about Invasive Plant Species and the problems they cause.
Work to promote planting and gardening native plants, flowers, and trees in your neighborhood.
Create a Public Service Annoucement Poster to educate your neighbors and friends about invasive plant species.

•Tell your audience:
–WHO are the players - the name of the invasive plant species.
–WHAT is the problem - the problems caused by invasive species.
–WHY they should care.
–HOW they can help solve the problem.

When you're done, your WANTED poster might look something the one created by one of my students involved with an After-school Program at Normandy Senior High School in St. Louis, Missouri.

Science news: Lizards are dwindling, too.

Lizards join frogs in rapid decline
The precipitous loss of amphibians in recent years has been blamed on habitat loss, global warming, fungal infections, and pesticides.
Read more about how our we changing our planet -- and not always in a good way.

Urban Parks are great!!

Urban parks an answer to global warming?

Scientists looking at the effect global warming will have on our major cities say a modest increase in the number of urban parks and street trees could offset decades of predicted temperature rises. The University of Manchester study has calculated that a mere 10% increase in the amount of green space in built-up centres would reduce urban surface temperatures by as much as 4°C.

from http://www.scienceblog.com/

Celebrate Arbor Day

Happy Arbor Day everyone.

With all of the talk about Global Warming and Human responsibility, here's something you can do: Plant a tree. The National Arbor Day Foundation has been encouraging responsible environmental stewardship for over 100 years.
Plant a tree and breathe well.

For more information about the history of Arbor Day click here.
For celebration ideas click here.

Animal Behavior in the City

People make many distinctions between City life and Rural life. So it seems that birds do, too - at the the Great Tit does. Great tits are small birds that live in rural, suburban and urban areas throughout the U.S. Science Magazine's online service ScienceNOW Daily News features an interesting story about the contrasting singing behavior of these birds that live in different habitats. Check it out here.