The warmer than normal winter in California meant a longer flowering time for cherry trees. These flowers were then repeatedly damaged by frost, and the consequence to the cherry crops are just beginning. UW climate research is mentioned. Read more here.
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Part of the Skagit River, Fisher Slough has been drained and plumbed extensively to create some of the most productive farmland in the country: More than 100,000 acres are farmed by over 1,200 operations in the Skagit Valley. The Skagit River is also the last to support wild populations of all five species of Pacific salmon, one of which — the Puget Sound chinook — was federally listed as threatened in 1999. These facts frame the challenge and progress of restoring the Fisher Slough, as described in this article. SAFS‘ Charles Simenstad is quoted. Solar-powered. Wireless. Data-driven. You might not think of these terms when describing waste collection, but this traditionally low-tech field is about to become less dirty and more digital thanks to a new program at UW. Read more here. A report released earlier this week by the 13-member Lenfest Forage Fish Task Force – which includes UW scientists Tim Essington (School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences) and Dee Boersma (Biology) – details the importance of forage fish to commercially valuable fish species and other’s dependent upon them as a food source. Check out the report’s executive summary, or read about it in the Washington Post. Also, check out this coverage in ScienceInsider! Within the next few years, a stretch of sloping land along an arterial in Beacon Hill will be transformed into the Beacon Food Forest. A food forest is an instance of “permaculture“, made up of primarily perennial plants. Such projects are taking place across the nation — and Beacon Food Forest may be the largest so far. Read Grist’s coverage of this exciting project here! Scientists map how ag fertilizers can flow through groundwater to waterways – South Puget Sound NewsUSGS studies that took place in Maryland, Nebraska, Indiana, California and Washington are shedding light on the way that agricultural fertilizers make their way through aquifers to nearby waterways. According to USGS scientists, nutrient transport from agricultural fields, including nitrogen and phosphorus compounds, is one of the most serious environmental problems throughout the world because it can cause adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems and/or drinking water supplies. Read more here. A Geoduck Research Symposium sponsored by Washington Sea Grant and the Washington State Department of Ecology will feature the latest findings by scientists from the University of Washington and other research institutions. The geoduck (Panopea generosa) is North America’s largest burrowing clam. It is found in soft intertidal and subtidal marine habitats in the northeast Pacific Ocean to depths of more than 200 feet. In Washington state, this large clam has been cultured for enhancement of wild stocks since 1991 and on a commercial scale since 1996. However, there was little scientific information available on the ecological impacts of applicable culture practices. In 2007, at the direction of the State Legislature, Washington Sea Grant, based at the University of Washington, established a six-year research program to assess possible effects of geoduck aquaculture on the Puget Sound and Strait of Juan de Fuca environments. The symposium is scheduled for Tuesday, March 6, 1:30-5 p.m., at the Alderbrook Resort and Spa, 7101 E. State Route 106, Union. Researchers will present their latest findings from the following projects: The symposium will also include a panel discussion following the research presentations. Admission is free, but space is limited, so registration is required. Early registration is recommended. Contact Janis McNeal at wsgcanal@uw.edu or 360.432.3054. |
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