Texas has its fair share of rodents. Typically small, they scurry around with minimal effects on our day-to-day lives. Few, however, are big enough to cause trouble for human engineering endeavors, specifically stormwater collection systems. Many people have seen both beavers and nutrias before but aren’t aware of the problems they can cause for these systems. Known as ecosystem engineers, these flat-tailed rodents create elaborate dam structures that create a sanctuary for other individuals in the community. They are stubborn creatures that hyper-fixate on building their dams in a certain spot and will continue to build even if destroyed. Some Read More »
Spring is a perfect time to reduce your risk: Be Environmentally Vigilant As time goes on, properties with past studies and documentation that establishes their environmental status will have enhanced value, compared to properties with undocumented pasts. Environmental Sites Assessments (ESA) include: The most basic ESA is performed by a professional that meets ASTM Standards. Testing materials or samples obtained at the property are not typically included. An examination of specific concerns identified in Phase I often includes sampling and laboratory analyses and, when necessary, an investigation of the viability of specific cleanup plans. A detailed plan is developed, then Read More »
Educating the public on the importance of conservation efforts is key, and what better place to start than with our community youth. As a parent, I learned that teaching kids starts at home, and environmental awareness is very important as Earth’s population continues to grow and spread. I chose to enlighten my two children at Armand Bayou Nature Center’s Summer EcoCamp. They loved it so much last year that they wanted to participate again this year. Armand Bayou Nature center provides for children ages 4-13 programs that encourage observation, problem-solving and creativeness in the natural setting of the wetlands. ABNC Read More »
SSCI will be celebrating Earth Day tomorrow, April 22, 2017 at the Party for the Planet at Armand Bayou Nature Center. Earth Day is an annual event created to celebrate the planet’s environment and raise public awareness about the environment. The day, marked on April 22, is observed worldwide with rallies, conferences, outdoor activities and service projects. The first Earth Day was in 1970. For more information about the history of Earth Day, visit Live Science. Party for the Planet is being hosted by Armand Bayou Nature Center (ABNC) Board of Trustees. ABNC stands out as one of the largest urban wilderness preserves Read More »
Many people enjoy feeding bits of bread to hungry ducks and geese as their children laugh, squeal, and giggle feeling as if they are part of nature. However, Texas Parks and Wildlife warns that feeding migratory ducks at local ponds and creeks can create problems for the birds and the environment. These problems include: Malnutrition Dependency Disease Environmental Degradation Water Pollution Artificial feeding also attracts birds to human habitats such as parking lots, fast-food restaurants, and retention ponds where they are subject to injury or accidental death. Waterfowl are protected by natural cover in wildlife areas that provide protection from bad Read More »
Community
A bad day of fishing is still better than a good day at the office! A great day of fishing is even better.
SSCI participated in a fishing trip courtesy of Armand Bayou Nature Center (ABNC) and Texas Legacy Outdoors. Captain Dwayne Green navigated the waters of Matagorda Harbor and Matagorda Bay resulting in a successful catch by Helen I. Hodges, President of SSCI. Ms. Hodges with her catch, a Speckled Trout, is pictured with Captain Green on Matagorda Bay on March 18, 2017. ABNC located in Clear Lake, Texas stands out as one of the largest urban wilderness preserves in the United States, providing the community with exceptional educational, recreational, and health benefits of nearby nature. ABNC is planning for the future Read More »