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A Mammoth Treat, Ozark Oranges

Hedge ball. Photos provided by Dan and Sharon Perry.

Hedge ball. Photos provided by Dan and Sharon Perry.

Excursion Notes by Don Corrigan…
After a great house tour in Elsah, Illinois, on Dec. 5, I took a bike ride on the river trail between Elsa, Grafton and Peres Marquette, I was almost thrown off my mount after riding over several “Ozark Oranges,” also known around these parts as hedge balls.  Do you have any hedge ball stories? They can be dangerous.

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Crude Oil Trains Spark Safety, Enviro-Concerns

In 2007, there were about 6,000 rail cars in the United States carrying crude oil. By 2013, the number of cars carrying crude oil jumped to 400,000. photo by Ursula Ruhl, Webster-Kirkwood Times.

In 2007, there were about 6,000 rail cars in the United States carrying crude oil. By 2013, the number of cars carrying crude oil jumped to 400,000. Photo by Ursula Ruhl, Webster-Kirkwood Times.

Tim Christian, from the St. Louis for Safe Trains organization, is the interview guest with Don Corrigan on this edition of “Behind the Editor’s Curtain.”

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Environmental Echo Is Now On Pinterest

 

Don’t forget to follow us – CLICK HERE TO VISIT US ON PINTEREST!

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Local Scientist Talks Paris Climate Summit Importance

Jeff DePew (right) and Julia Gabbert, former Webster University student , are pictured above. Photo provided by Jeff DePew.

Jeff DePew (right) and Julia Gabbert, former Webster University student, are pictured above. Photo provided by Jeff DePew.

Jeff DePew, a wetland and climate change scientist, talks to Don Corrigan about his viewpoints, thoughts, and opinions on the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Paris on this week’s “Behind The Editor’s Curtain” podcast.

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It Was A Packed House At The “Can You Dig This” Premiere

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By Holly Shanks

The St. Louis screening of “Can You Dig This” was a packed house. The film followed several community members of an often violent, gang inhabited, and poverty stricken, South Central Los Angeles neighborhood. The common factor between the characters revolved around the often harsh daily realities they face, and the positive influence of urban gardens.

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Jill Moon Shares Insight On Asian Carp Invasion

On the Illinois River summer 2012. Photo by Jill Moon/The Telegraph, Alton, IL

On the Illinois River summer 2012. Photo by Jill Moon/The Telegraph, Alton, IL

The invasive Asian Carp is the topic of discussion on this week’s “Behind The Editor’s Curtain.” For the last several years, Jill Moon, a reporter and editor for The Telegraph, Alton, IL, has followed the Asian carp issue.

Moon talks with Don Corrigan about the carp invasion, the environmental and economic issues they create, and a few of the efforts underway to curb their spread.

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Local Event: “Can You Dig This” St. Louis Premiere

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“I put a carrot in the ground and all hell broke loose” – Ron Finley

In South Los Angeles, a handful of “gangster gardeners” started something beautiful where beauty was in short supply. They planted vegetables in abandoned spaces, along  curbs, and in other unused spaces. What grew out of the ground was a whole lot more than fresh produce.

 

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The Eagles Are Coming

A Bald Eagle takes a flight early in a morning in searching for fish along Mississippi river in Clarksville, MO. Photo by Noppadol Paothong, courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation.

A Bald Eagle takes a flight early in a morning in searching for fish along Mississippi river in Clarksville, MO. Photo by Noppadol Paothong, courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eagles were almost wiped out in the last century by destruction of their habitat, excessive hunting, and use of harmful chemicals such as DDT. Major efforts by scientists, wildlife experts and environmentalists have brought the eagle population back from precariously low numbers.

We may not be able to smell the roses in the Midwest this time of year, but we should sure take time out to eye the eagles and appreciate that they have made a comeback…

 

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Woody With A Side Of Stuffing

Bird-Be-Gone
By Don Corrigan
Most outdoor/environmental types love woodpeckers. So did I, until one persistent woodpecker started dismantling my house this fall. Here is my column in the Nov. 20th Webster-Kirkwood Times and South County Times about my problems with noisy Woody pecking apart my house.
If you have a solution for my Woody, please share it in the comment section at the bottom of this post. 

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UPDATED: Saint Louis Zoo Association Announces Opportunity to Purchase Grant’s Farm

The preliminary concept of a “night zoo” to see nocturnal animals would allow the Saint Louis Zoo and Grant’s Farm to reach more people with conservation messages and provide opportunities for people to connect with nature. Photo credit: Night Safari in Singapore

The preliminary concept of a “night zoo” to see nocturnal animals would allow the Saint Louis Zoo and Grant’s Farm to reach more people with conservation messages and provide opportunities for people to connect with nature. Photo credit: Night Safari in Singapore

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UPDATE: Article from the Webster-Kirkwood Times with more information on the Grant’s Farm possible acquisition.

Read the article HERE.

Environmental Echo is ecstatic about the idea of the St. Louis Zoo establishing another presence in the St. Louis area at Grant’s Farm.

The St. Louis Zoo has been a leader on so many fronts, from promoting science education to protecting the environment. In recent years, it has been a leader in warning about the impact of climate change and the imperative of addressing global warming.

The St. Louis Zoo — what better match for Grant’s Farm?

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