Nature & Outdoors
Bug Alert
A larva of a tree-killing beetle was found in Cranston last week in a shipment of firewood from Worcester. The perp, known as the Asian Longhorned Beetle, is an exotic pest that threatens a wide variety of hardwood trees in North America, including maples, boxelder and willows. The entire city of Worcester has been designated an official Regulated Area, which is essentially prohibits the transport of any tree matter out of the city limits.
Rhode Island environmental officials are asking residents not to transport firewood from other states – in order to limit the spread of the beetle.
Official USDA advice on Asian Longhorned Beetle control, hosted by the RI Natural History Survey.
Info from the University of Vermont.
Common beetles that look like the Asian Longhorned Beetle, but are OK.
Info on the Worcester outbreak.
Image courtesy of the US Department of Agriculture.
[where: 02910]Comment
Friday August 27, 2010
The Season of Bugs
So if you live anywhere near a tree, a garden or a patch of grass, you probably hear what reminds you of a soundtrack to a jungle movie outside your window. They're bugs, and they're great. They really get rolling in the humid August weather and then crescendo towards the end of the month. You possibly also hear your neighbors. They're not in this guide. Re-posted from last year. more
Sunday June 6, 2010
Rough Weather Later Today
The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, says the weather could get all Wizard of Oz this afternoon. If you’re lounging in the kiddie pool or making divots on the links – respect the thunder and head to shelter. Along with the threat of wind and hail, Rhode Island is also... more
Thursday June 3, 2010
This Weekend: Kill Plants
Most nature walks demand a reverence for plants. A special nature walk this Saturday encourages you to smash them. More from Steve Stycos: Unusual Hike A little known pond full of spadderdock, Cranston’s finest graffiti, signs of the flood and a chance to smash invasive species will all be part of a... more
Wednesday May 19, 2010
Bike to Work Day, 2010
Bike to Work Day Bike to Work Day, organized by the Rhode Island Bicycle Coalition , takes place on Friday, May 21. Pedal to Market Square in Providence between 6:30 and 8:30 am for food and speeches, and return to the square between 4:30 and 6 pm for bike workshops and... more
Thursday April 29, 2010
The National Weather Service Needs Flood Photographs
The National Weather Service in Taunton is looking for photographs to help them document and study the impacts of the recent historic floods: Can you help us to help your community? The National Weather Service in Taunton, Mass., is looking for photographs to visually document the March 2010... more