As winter nears, every homeowner is wondering what the season will bring. Snowstorms? Cold temperatures? High heating bills?
The 2005-2006 winter outlook from the National Weather Service calls for warmer-than-normal temperatures across much of the central and western United States.
El Niņo, an event that can affect U.S. winter weather, will not be a major player this winter. That will allow other regional processes to control winter weather. One such process, called the North Atlantic Oscillation, periodically shifts the jet stream from north to south, causing periods of cold, then mild, weather. This also prevents long periods of abnormally cold or warm weather from occurring.
A warmer than normal winter season may help by not only lessening the amount of energy needed for heating; but, if over a wide enough area, may also keep supply shortages low.
For updates on winter predictions, visit the National Weather Service Climate Prediction website at www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov.
How do you stay enthusiastic, motivated and focused on your local conservation efforts? For many this may not be a challenge; but, on occasion, treating oneself to an excursion, field trip or tour may be all it takes to keep on track with a theme of environmental awareness that sustains your conservation actions. Hennepin & Hooper Lakes found one site that is sure to recharge your batteries on the east bank of the Illinois River a few miles south of Hennepin, Illinois.
As part of the 2005 Governor's Conference on the Management of the Illinois River sponsored by Heartland Water Resources Council,I toured the site to view the restoration of two backwater lakes. Various "land acts" of the 1800's provided incentive to landowners who farmed this location until a few years ago. This site is now an example of a complex ecosystem that was typical of the pre-settlement Illinois River basin. Hennepin & Hopper Lakes serve as a study model for other large-scale prairie floodplain restoration efforts.
You may have missed most of the fall birding opportunities, but plan to visit this site and climb the observation tower next spring and fall.
- Gary Letterly, Extension educator, natural resources
Native Grasses Show Significant Environmental Benefits
The use of native vegetation for conservation purposes, both on the farm and in home landscapes, has been emphasized during the last several years. As a review, native vegetation are those plants that originated from a particular area and over thousands of years have adapted to the environmental conditions of a region. Native vegetation is basically the opposite of introduced or exotic vegetation.
Native vegetation has a number of ecological benefits when incorporated as part of a conservation plan. Benefits of establishment of native vegetation include the following:
Low maintenance and fertility requirements. Once established, native grasses and forbs are much more resilient than many of the introduced grass species we commonly see in our region. Periodic burning of prairie areas enhances the vigor and growth of the stand and should be conducted every 3-5 years.
Deep and extensive root systems help maintain plant vigor and reduce soil erosion. Compared to cool season grasses such as bluegrass or bromegrass, native grasses and forbs have extremely deep rooting patterns that help the plants access groundwater during times of drought. In addition, the fibrous root systems help hold soil in place and resist the effects of erosion processes.
Native vegetation provides excellent habitat for a number of wildlife species. The overhead protection of tall growing grasses helps to conceal smaller animals from overhead attack. Native plants also tend to hold large populations of soft-bodied insects that are an important source of food for many young animals. The tall growing species of plants also provide important winter cover.
Lastly, the use of native vegetation strips adjacent to rivers, streams and wetlands adds to the buffering effect of these areas by the plants ability to uptake nutrients and filter sediment flowing into the actively growing filter strip. In addition, the deep root system can also assist in excess nutrient uptake from subsurface water flow that could ultimately enter the waterbody.
How much radon is in your home? This colorless, odorless, radioactive gas may be present in high concentrations. You won't know the radon level in your home unless you test for it.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after smoking. Inhaling radon gas is the number one health risk in the home above falling, poisoning, fire and burns, and second-hand smoke. The gas is emitted from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. The gas enters homes and buildings due to pressure and temperature differences between the indoor and outdoor air. Sump pumps, crawl spaces, cracks and openings where the floor and wall meet are common radon entry points. Radon gas is harmless when dispersed in outdoor air, but when trapped in buildings, elevated levels of radon gas can be harmful.
The northern half of Illinois is considered by the U.S. EPA to have a greater potential for high levels of radon concentrations than the lower portion of the state. Still, high radon levels have been discovered in every county in Illinois. Radon is always present in low concentrations in homes and buildings, but it should not exceed 4 pCi/L. If test results reveal high levels, homeowners can contact licensed mitigation professionals to reduce the radon levels. Radon problems can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs, like painting or having a new hot water heater installed. Homeowners should test for radon every two years to ensure good indoor air quality.
Homeowners can conduct their own radon tests or hire a licensed professional. Home testing is recommended during the cooler months when doors and windows are kept closed. For more information about how to test your home for radon, contact a local University of Illinois Extension unit office or visit the radon website: www.TakeActionOnRadon.uiuc.edu. Information is also available at the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Radon Program at 800-325-1245
- Elizabeth K. Haynes, Extension educator, natural resources
Would You Select the Right Wood for your Fireplace?
Fireplaces can provide a cozy atmosphere where family and friends can gather around for a relaxing time during the winter months. However, the most important aspect of a good fire is selecting the right wood. Although any kind of wood may be used as fuel, some woods make better firewood than others. Generally, the heavier hardwoods are considered to be better fuel than the lighter species.
Listed below are some common tree species that are typically used for firewood and some comments relative to their quality of burning.
Ash – difficult to start, easy to split, no heavy smoke, good coals, few sparks, excellent overall rating. Hickory – easy to start, easy to split, no heavy smoke, excellent coals, few sparks, excellent overall rating. Oak – not easy to start, easy to split, no heavy smoke, excellent coals, few sparks, excellent overall rating. Walnut – reasonably easy to start, easy to split, no heavy smoke, good coals, few sparks, good overall rating. Cottonwood – easy to start, easy to split, smoky, good coals, few sparks, fair overall rating. Pines – easy to start, difficult to split, fairly smoky, fair coals, many sparks, fair overall rating. Cedar – easy to start, difficult to split, fairly smoky, good coals, many sparks, fair overall rating.
To add fragrance to the room, consider adding some wood from fruit trees, such as apple, pear, or cherry. Adding a couple handfuls of pine cones or dry evergreen needles may also provide a northwoods atmosphere.
- Bob Frazee, Extension educator, natural resources
A Bird Buffet
A wintertime favorite for many is feeding birds. But anyone who has gone to purchase "bird feed" knows that the selection is plentiful; and, depending upon your choice, expensive.
Bird seed mixes are generally not your best bet. They contain ingredients which are not as appealing to the birds and tend to make more of a mess on the ground than selecting specific feeds. If possible, buy in bulk as it will be cheaper in the long run.
Certain birds are more attracted to certain feeds. If you wish to attract a certain bird, consult the table to determine which bird feed you should purchase.
Bird Feed
Birds Attracted
Cracked Corn
Common Grackle, White Throated Sparrow
White Millet
Brown Headed Cowbird, Morning Dove, Sparrows
Black Oil Sunflower
Finches, Cardinal, Morning Dove, Common Grackle, Tufted Titmouse, Evening Grosbeak
Black Striped Sunflower
American Goldfinch, Blue jay, Cardinal, Chickadee, Scrub Jay, Finches, Common Grackle, Evening Grosbeak
