“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.
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…
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.
Knox County, Mo, 2003. Photo provided by St. Louis National Weather Service.
Tornadoes get people’s attention in a way that a discussion of global warming just cannot do. However, what if a hotter climate means more energy in the atmosphere and more violent weather as a result? Like tornadic storms? This is one of the topics I was able to discuss with scientists at the National Weather Service in October. The visit was part of the Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ) Conference and inspired this column in the Webster-Kirkwood Times and South County Times.
Pictured: Patricia Schuba. Photo provided by Patricia Schuba.
This week, Don Corrigan speaks with Patricia Schuba, president of the Labadie Environmental Organization, on “Behind the Editor’s Curtain.” Their conversation talks about the hazards of coal ash from coal-fired electricity plants, about the organization’s beginnings from a local women’s book club, the long process of getting results for environmental concerns, and the importance of community collaboration.
Pictured Above: Eddy Harris
Pictured above: Dawn Chapman (Left) and Karen Nickel, co-founders of Just Moms STL. Picture provided by Just Moms STL.
Don Corrigan interviews Dawn Chapman and Karen Nickel, co-founders of Just Moms STL, in this edition of “Behind The Editor’s Curtain.” The duo shares their insight, research, perspectives, updates, and history about the issues surrounding the West Lake Landfill and their struggle to protect their kids, their family, and their community.
“The hardest thing is not getting people to action, but getting people not to lose hope,” Just Moms STL said. “The bureaucracy in this issue is huge and it’s so disgusting that people lose heart and say that nobody is going to come in and save us.”
Don Corrigan’s new article in the Gateway Journalism Review has hit the newsstand!
A podcast featuring Dawn Chapman and Karen Nickel, the founders of Just Moms STL, will be posted on Environmental Echo soon – be sure to check back for this exciting interview by Don Corrigan.
Corrigan’s article is entitled, “Media Cover — And Uncover — Environmental Problems in St. Louis.” The article takes a close look at news media coverage of the dangers of radioactive waste at the West Lake Landfill in Bridgeton, Missouri, west of Lambert International Airport for St. Louis.
Corrigan spent time with Just Moms STL as part of his study and the community group’s interactions with the news media. Corrigan found that national coverage of the contaminated site has often exceeded the amount of local media attention to what some scientists view as a potential radioactive threat to a large area of the St. Louis region.
To read the article CLICK HERE.
Local Event: Don Corrigan talks about his book, “Environmental Missouri” Wednesday, November 4, 2015.
Webster Groves Nature Study Society will host Don Corrigan on Wednesday evening, Nov. 4, as part of the regular meeting of WGNSS. Corrigan will speak on his book, “Environmental Missouri.” For details, go to the website, WGNSS.org or contact Rich Thoma at: <thomarkas4@sbcglobal.net>
Environmental Echo 