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Village of Fox Point Implements Green Infrastructure to Enhance Water Management and Environmental Quality

Village of Fox Point Implements Green Infrastructure to Enhance Water Management and Environmental Quality

The Village of Fox Point has been actively integrating green infrastructure (G.I.) into its community development since 2009. These G.I. structures are designed to improve groundwater infiltration, filter pollutants from entering local rivers and lakes, reduce runoff, and create temporary rainwater storage areas. Examples of these initiatives include the Indian Creek bio-retention pond, rain gardens situated in front of the Police Building and Village Hall, the Greenvale Road bio-retention pond, and dry ponds at Bradley Road and Lake Drive. The Village also encourages residents to adopt similar practices on their properties, such as installing rain gardens, pervious pavement, rain barrels, and native, water-loving plantings. Furthermore, residents may be eligible for a one-time stormwater credit for implementing these green infrastructure solutions, as part of the Village’s Stormwater Utility program.

Southern California Conference to Explore Green Infrastructure Solutions for Stormwater Management and Urban Heat

Southern California Conference to Explore Green Infrastructure Solutions for Stormwater Management and Urban Heat

A conference titled 'SoCal Grey to Green' is scheduled for Thursday, December 3, 2026, in Costa Mesa, California. This event will bring together researchers and industry professionals to discuss practical methods for integrating green infrastructure into the local landscape of Southern California. The conference aims to address the region's significant stormwater challenges and explore how solutions like green roofs, living walls, permeable landscapes, and rooftop solar can manage stormwater, reduce urban heat, support biodiversity, create jobs, and enhance climate resilience. Speakers will present on topics such as rooftop agrivoltaics, green roofs in Mediterranean climates, and green infrastructure in Southern California, focusing on adapting these strategies to the region's specific climate considerations, including water conservation and extreme heat.

San Diego City on Track to Eliminate Historic General Fund Deficit, Report Shows

San Diego City on Track to Eliminate Historic General Fund Deficit, Report Shows

The City of San Diego is projected to eliminate its historic structural budget deficit, according to a new Five-Year Financial Outlook report released by the City’s Department of Finance. Mayor Todd Gloria, Chief Financial Officer Rolando Charvel, and Chief Operating Officer Bethany Bezak announced that the city will enter the next fiscal year with a balanced budget, avoiding further cuts to services and programs. This positive financial outlook is attributed to approximately $323 million in ongoing annual improvements, which include $180 million in cuts from departmental consolidations, position reductions, and service level adjustments over the past two years. Additionally, $80 million in new annual revenue comes from a trash collection fee approved by San Diego voters through Measure B, and about $63 million annually is generated from Measure C hotel tax, other tourism-tax revenue, and opioid settlement funds. For the first time in years, the city's ongoing General Fund revenues are expected to cover it...

New York State DEC Region 4 Announces $14 Million in Water Quality Improvement Grants for Capital Region

New York State DEC Region 4 Announces $14 Million in Water Quality Improvement Grants for Capital Region

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 4 has announced nearly $14 million in state grants to support 18 water quality improvement projects across the Capital Region. These grants are part of a larger statewide initiative by Governor Kathy Hochul, which has awarded over $249 million for 181 projects aimed at protecting drinking water, upgrading aging water infrastructure, reducing harmful algal blooms, and improving aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Specific projects in Region 4 include $75,000 for the City of Watervliet to assess stream conditions in its reservoir watershed and $50,000 for the Village of Margaretville to conduct a green infrastructure feasibility study. Additionally, over $422,455 will fund four projects through the Non-Agricultural Nonpoint Source and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Planning Grant (NPG) program, focusing on initial planning for water quality improvements and climate change resilience. The funding is primarily sourced from the 2022 C...

Ivory Coast Cocoa Farms Hold Over 1 Billion Wild Trees, Offering Forest Restoration Potential

Ivory Coast Cocoa Farms Hold Over 1 Billion Wild Trees, Offering Forest Restoration Potential

A recent study conducted by scientists from CIRAD and Félix Houphouët-Boigny University in southern Ivory Coast estimates that at least 1.05 billion young wild trees are growing within the country's cocoa farms. Field inventories identified 272 species among these trees, which primarily originated from seeds dispersed by animals and wind. This discovery highlights a previously underrecognized natural resource that could play a significant role in restoring Ivory Coast's forest cover. The country has experienced substantial deforestation, with its forest cover shrinking from approximately 16 million hectares in the early 20th century to less than 3 million hectares today, largely due to agricultural expansion. The study suggests that existing reforestation programs, which typically involve nursery-grown plants, could be supplemented by leveraging this natural regeneration within cocoa plantings.

Gresham Urban Forestry Subcommittee Schedules Special Work Session for Tree Code Update

Gresham Urban Forestry Subcommittee Schedules Special Work Session for Tree Code Update

The Urban Forestry Subcommittee in Gresham, Oregon, has scheduled a special work session for Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The session, which will be held online via Zoom, is dedicated to the Tree Code Update Project. This subcommittee plays a crucial role in advising the City of Gresham on various urban forestry matters, including the urban tree canopy, tree preservation, the Urban Forestry Management Plan, and the selection of tree species for the City's approved street tree list and significant tree list. The meeting agenda, which will include log-in and call-in information, will be available on the Urban Forestry Subcommittee page. Individuals unable to access the meeting via Zoom are advised to contact Torrey Lindbo 24 hours in advance for alternative arrangements.

The Best New Restaurants in and Around San Diego, November 2026

The Best New Restaurants in and Around San Diego, November 2026

Where to eat right now in San Diego

Kenyan Waste Pickers Face Severe Health Risks Amidst Global Plastic Crisis

Kenyan Waste Pickers Face Severe Health Risks Amidst Global Plastic Crisis

In Nairobi, Kenya, thousands of waste pickers at the Dandora landfill site are enduring severe health risks while attempting to salvage recyclable materials from the 2,000 tonnes of waste dumped daily. These vulnerable workers frequently suffer injuries from sharp objects and are exposed to toxic fumes, highlighting the human cost of recycling in a country where the industry is still developing. Globally, 460 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually, yet only 9% of this total is recycled, according to the United Nations. Kenya, a pioneer in banning plastic bags on the African continent, faces a significant challenge in managing its waste, with only 7% of the plastic at Dandora being successfully recycled despite the immense efforts of these workers.

University of Michigan and Michigan State Compete in 'Piss Off' Urine Collection Event for Fertilizer Production

University of Michigan and Michigan State Compete in 'Piss Off' Urine Collection Event for Fertilizer Production

The University of Michigan and Michigan State University are hosting a 'Piss Off' event in Ann Arbor this Saturday, coinciding with their annual rivalry football game. Wastewater research scientists from both institutions are competing to see which school can collect the most urine. Two yurts will be set up at the Ann Arbor Golf Club, across from the Big House, where volunteers will direct fans and tailgaters to contribute based on their university loyalties. The initiative, known as 'peecycling,' aims to collect urine for conversion into nutrient-rich fertilizer. According to Michigan State Associate Professor of Sociology Stephen Gasteyer, the event serves a dual purpose: to gather raw material for fertilizer production and to educate the public about the potential of urine as a natural nutrient source. The project is partly funded by a University Research Council Grant awarded to Gasteyer and Sociology Assistant Professor Saleh Amed.

Zero Waste Europe to Present Methane Reduction Solutions at COP31

Zero Waste Europe to Present Methane Reduction Solutions at COP31

Zero Waste Europe (ZWE), as part of a larger delegation from the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), will participate in COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye. ZWE plans to showcase its solutions and evidence for reducing methane emissions from the waste sector. Their focus will be on food waste prevention, collection, treatment, and biological stabilization, including Mechanical Recovery and Biological Treatment (MRBT) and Landfill BREF standards. The organization will present its findings and insights at several events throughout the two-week conference. One key session, 'Closing the gap: Climate-smart solutions for residual waste and plastics,' will discuss practical approaches for managing mixed residual waste, which significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane from landfills and fossil CO2 from burning plastics. This session will bring together various stakeholders, including a philanthropic funder, a systems-change consultancy, and civil society organizations, to s...

COP31 in Antalya to Feature 60% Meat-Free Catering and Plant-Based Cafes

COP31 in Antalya to Feature 60% Meat-Free Catering and Plant-Based Cafes

The upcoming COP31 climate conference in Antalya, Turkey, is set to implement a significant shift in its catering policy, aiming for 60% meat-free meals. This initiative also includes the presence of two fully plant-based cafes on-site and the participation of two local vegan businesses in the food court. According to the Food & Climate Action Group, a coalition of over 20 non-profits, this move is a cause for celebration. The hosts will also prioritize clearer labeling, providing ingredient and nutritional information to help delegates make informed choices. This decision follows a UN-backed report indicating that most countries are unlikely to meet 2030 food system goals, particularly concerning greenhouse gas emission reductions, which require annual reductions exceeding 60%.

San Diego Unified School District Committee Prepares Technology Use Recommendations, Restricting AI and Streaming for Students

San Diego Unified School District Committee Prepares Technology Use Recommendations, Restricting AI and Streaming for Students

The Learner-Centered Technology Use Committee of the San Diego Unified School District is actively working on developing guidelines for student technology use, having held its third meeting in November. The committee, comprising 20 members, is focusing on identifying priorities, conducting research, and exploring opportunities for community input. A key area of immediate concern is clarifying the availability and restrictions of technological tools for students. Currently, students using district-issued Chromebooks are limited to district-approved educational applications. This includes strict prohibitions on generative artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, and the 'Ask Gemini' feature. Video-streaming platforms such as YouTube are inaccessible for elementary and middle school students unless specifically enabled by educators for instructional activities. Non-instructional gaming platforms are also blocked on district devices. Chromebooks are issued to students in grades 2-12, with K...