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University of Michigan Study Reveals Dicamba's Unforeseen Ecological Impacts on Weeds

University of Michigan Study Reveals Dicamba's Unforeseen Ecological Impacts on Weeds

A study conducted by the University of Michigan has uncovered unexpected ecological effects of the herbicide dicamba on wood sorrel, a common weed. The research, produced in partnership with Harvest Public Media, indicates that while dicamba is designed to kill weeds at normal application rates, drift from the herbicide can alter plant growth and influence ecological interactions even without directly killing the plants. Dicamba, which has been used in agriculture since the 1960s, became more widely applied directly to soybean plants after dicamba-tolerant soybeans were introduced in 2016. This increased usage led to more apparent issues with herbicide drift, as dicamba can vaporize at temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit and travel several miles, affecting non-resistant crops and surrounding plant communities. Bob Hartzler, a retired weed scientist from the University of Iowa, described the widespread adoption of dicamba as a 'big black eye for agriculture' due to its lethal effects on non-resistant s...

Environmental Group Sues Boulder County Over Aerial Herbicide Spraying Plans

Environmental Group Sues Boulder County Over Aerial Herbicide Spraying Plans

Grounds for Action, an environmental group, has filed a lawsuit against Boulder County, Colorado, seeking to halt the county's plans for aerial herbicide applications at three open space properties: Heil Valley Ranch’s Red Hill area, Hall Ranch, and Rabbit Mountain. The lawsuit, filed under the Endangered Species Act, names the Boulder County commissioners and Boulder County Parks and Open Space Director Jason Seuc as defendants. The group is concerned about the potential harm to the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse, a species protected under the Endangered Species Act. The county plans to use drones to apply indaziflam, an herbicide, to target invasive cheatgrass, which county staff describe as a widespread weed that can suppress native species and create a fire hazard. Grounds for Action is requesting a 90-day suspension of the program to allow the court to hear the case, and if denied, plans to seek an emergency order to pause applications. The lawsuit alleges that indaziflam remains active in the soil for...

Dr. Nico Tillie to Present on Urban Ecosystems and Design at OPENspace Research Seminar

Dr. Nico Tillie to Present on Urban Ecosystems and Design at OPENspace Research Seminar

Dr. Nico Tillie, a landscape architect, botanist, and urban ecologist from Delft University of Technology, is scheduled to deliver a seminar at OPENspace. The lecture will focus on positioning urban ecosystems as a foundational element for spatial planning and design. Dr. Tillie will introduce Urban Ecology Design, which applies ecological principles to create living environments that are biodiverse, regenerative, and resilient. This approach involves a layered understanding of cities, incorporating natural, urban, and social dimensions. A three-tier framework—System–Habitat–Species—will be proposed, advocating for interventions in underlying processes, the creation of ecological networks and habitats, and active support for target species. The TU Delft ECOcampus will be presented as a practical example, showcasing how elements like cooling, water retention, biodiversity, and spatial quality can be integrated and monitored. The seminar will also draw on international examples and graduate research to demon...

New Study Reveals Dicamba Herbicide Causes Unusual Flowering in Wood Sorrel, Raising Ecological Concerns

New Study Reveals Dicamba Herbicide Causes Unusual Flowering in Wood Sorrel, Raising Ecological Concerns

A recent study from the University of Michigan has found that the herbicide dicamba, known for its tendency to drift, causes an unusual reaction in wood sorrel, a common weed. While many plants show damage from low doses of dicamba, wood sorrel produces more, albeit smaller, flowers. This phenomenon is a hormetic response, where low doses of a substance can have a beneficial effect. Researchers exposed wood sorrel to low doses of dicamba for two years, observing increased flowering and sometimes more seeds. This finding adds to a growing body of research indicating that dicamba, a widely used agricultural herbicide, may be incrementally altering ecosystems across the U.S. Dicamba has been used since the 1960s but its application directly to soybean plants became widespread after dicamba-tolerant soybeans were introduced in 2016, leading to increased issues with drift. The herbicide turns into a vapor at temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing it to travel miles and affect non-resistant crops and...

Ohio Reports Surge in Black Bear Sightings, Signaling Potential Comeback for the Species

Ohio Reports Surge in Black Bear Sightings, Signaling Potential Comeback for the Species

Ohio is experiencing a significant increase in black bear sightings, suggesting a potential comeback for the species after nearly disappearing from the state in the mid-1800s. Since 2022, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has received over 1,500 bear sighting reports. The 2026 Ohio Black Bear Monitoring Report indicates a sharp rise in sightings starting in 2022, with 537 sightings in 69 counties in 2025 alone, marking the highest on record. While many sightings involve 'wandering bears,' typically young males expanding from growing populations in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, there is also evidence of reproducing female bears in northeastern and southeastern Ohio. For instance, sows with cubs have been consistently sighted in Ashtabula County since 2016 and in Geauga County in recent years. Researchers are utilizing satellite GPS collars and public reports to track bear movements and gather more data on their recolonization efforts.

European LIFE Program Showcases Green Infrastructure for Climate Resilience in Cities

European LIFE Program Showcases Green Infrastructure for Climate Resilience in Cities

The 12th World Green Infrastructure Congress, organized by the University of Lleida, highlighted practical and scalable solutions for greener cities through the European LIFE Programme. CINEA Director Paloma Aba Garrote emphasized that LIFE projects translate policy ambitions into practical actions, addressing issues like heatwaves, flooding, biodiversity loss, and air pollution. The BIG4LIFE project, for instance, utilizes Building Integrated Greenery (BIG) systems such as green roofs and living façades to transform urban spaces and reduce temperatures. This project has demonstrated up to an 80% reduction in water consumption through innovative energy and irrigation management systems, a significant benefit for Mediterranean cities facing water stress. The Pérez-Iborra School in Barcelona features a green roof garden with biodiversity elements, a vegetable garden, rainwater harvesting, and solar panels, serving as an outdoor classroom for sustainability education. Additionally, the LIFE Ebro Resilience pr...

Soil Ecologist Jordan King Explores Florida Everglades' Invasive Species and Ecosystem Changes

Soil Ecologist Jordan King Explores Florida Everglades' Invasive Species and Ecosystem Changes

Soil ecologist Jordan King, known as Kid Flames online, is actively engaged in exploring the Florida Everglades at night, focusing on invasive reptile species such as green iguanas and basilisk lizards. King, accompanied by Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, conducts 'herping' expeditions to locate and observe these creatures. During their nocturnal searches, they encountered several invasive species, including a green iguana and multiple basilisk lizards. King emphasizes that while his professional work is in soil ecology, his passion for wildlife, particularly reptiles, drives these explorations. He also highlights the significant presence of invasive species in Florida, many of which were introduced through the exotic pet trade or accidental means. The expeditions also shed light on the ongoing transformation and degradation of the Everglades due to human development, noting that much of South Florida was once part of this unique ecosystem.

Podcast Discusses 'Climateflation' and Potential Return of Famines Amidst Biodiversity Failures

Podcast Discusses 'Climateflation' and Potential Return of Famines Amidst Biodiversity Failures

A podcast episode titled "Le Dernier Vert #2 / Biodiversité 4/4 'Climateflation': vers le retour des famines ? (avec Bill François)" from 'Baleine sous Gravillon' is addressing the concept of 'climateflation.' This term refers to the economic phenomenon where climate change directly contributes to an increase in food prices. The discussion within the podcast links this rise in prices to the broader context of failed climate negotiations and the inability to meet biodiversity protection goals. The episode explores the potential for these factors to lead to a return of famines, highlighting the severe implications for global food security. The podcast is part of a collection of nature and animal-themed podcasts, suggesting a focus on environmental issues and their societal impacts.

Everglades Restoration Accelerates, Faces Water Quality and Staffing Challenges

Everglades Restoration Accelerates, Faces Water Quality and Staffing Challenges

The restoration of Florida's Everglades is progressing at an accelerated pace, marked by improved collaboration between federal and state governments and a significant increase in funding. A recent report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine indicates that several key projects are complete, and benefits are beginning to be observed on the ground, such as improved dry season water flows in certain areas. However, the report also highlights critical challenges, including inconsistent scientific analysis of these benefits, which hinders a comprehensive understanding of the restoration's effectiveness. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the loss of federal staff responsible for Endangered Species Act protections, which could impede future progress. A major hurdle remains the failure to meet the Water Quality-Based Effluent Limitation (WQBEL) for nutrient pollution, a standard crucial for the full operation of the massive reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee, a centerpiece o...

Arkansas Game Fish Commission Expands Permit-Based Waterfowl Hunting Opportunities to Enhance Hunter Experience

Arkansas Game Fish Commission Expands Permit-Based Waterfowl Hunting Opportunities to Enhance Hunter Experience

The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission (AGFC) has expanded its permit-based waterfowl hunting opportunities to several new locations, including Buckingham Flats Greentree Reservoir on George H. Dunklin Jr. Bayou Meto Wildlife Management Area, the Wiville West Tract at Rex Hancock Black Swamp WMA, Prairie Bayou WMA, the new Pat Fitts Oakwood WMA, and a portion of St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA. This initiative aims to reduce user conflicts and hunting pressure on historically popular areas, thereby increasing the quality of the hunting experience for those who draw permits. The first application period for these permits began on November 12. Brett Leach, AGFC Waterfowl Program coordinator, noted that Buckingham Flats will be the first draw-based permit hunt for waterfowl in a greentree reservoir managed by the AGFC, reserving 639 acres for permitted hunting parties. This expansion is intended to provide less competitive environments, making it more accessible for new or young hunters.

Oregon Department of Agriculture Confirms First Detection of Invasive Hydrilla verticillata in Jackson County

Oregon Department of Agriculture Confirms First Detection of Invasive Hydrilla verticillata in Jackson County

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) has confirmed the first-ever presence of Hydrilla verticillata, an invasive aquatic weed, in Oregon. The plant was discovered on private property in Jackson County in October. Hydrilla verticillata, often referred to as water thyme, is recognized as one of the most problematic invasive species globally. It forms dense mats of vegetation with long, slender branches and serrated leaves, which can obstruct waterways and displace native ecosystems. Troy Abercrombie, program manager for ODA's noxious weed control, described it as 'the worst invasive weed in the world' and noted its status as a federally listed noxious weed. The ODA considers this an early detection, as the plant is currently isolated to small ponds. In Oregon, it is classified as an A-rated invasive species, indicating it is not widespread and is a target for eradication using herbicides. The department is consulting with experts from Florida, a state that has invested hundreds of millions of dollars o...

New Jersey's Wharton State Forest Implements Atlantic White Cedar Restoration Plan Amidst Concerns

New Jersey's Wharton State Forest Implements Atlantic White Cedar Restoration Plan Amidst Concerns

New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Forest Service has filed an application with the Pinelands Commission for a 10-year, 10,000-acre Atlantic White Cedar Restoration Project in Wharton State Forest. This initiative aims to restore Atlantic white cedar, a species that once covered approximately 115,000 acres in New Jersey but has dwindled to less than 30,000 acres. The plan for a 171-acre tract in Waterford Township includes selective harvesting with cedar retention, site preparation through mowing, drum chopping, and disking, and the use of herbicides via aerial broadcast and targeted spot treatment. Additionally, conditional deer fencing will be installed if annual monitoring shows fewer than 800 cedar seedlings per acre, a threshold indicating regeneration failure. The Pinelands Alliance has expressed concerns regarding the plan's use of herbicides, potential impact on threatened and endangered species, clear-cutting practices, and the perceived lack of adequate deer management, p...