The use of land in the United States has been changing the looks of America. The National Resources Inventory gives an idea on what is happening. Of the land available, approximately 71 percentis non-Federal land, that means it is owned or controlled by private citizens, or state and local government. This non-Federal land amounts to about 1.5 billion acres, which is divided into rangeland (27%), forestland (27%), cropland (25%), pastureland (8%), and developed land (urban 7%).

The big concern is the changing use of this land. From 1982-2002, the amount of rural land converted to urban uses increased by 34.5 million acres, or about 1.7 million acres each year was changed to houses and concrete. The rate of land conversion to urban uses has increased about 300 percent. It would appear that the growth and prosperity in the non-agricultural economy has fueled the need for more land to expand. In the coming years, I would expect even that rate of urbanization to increase due to even greater prosperity in the non-agriculture economy.

The concern about the loss of prime agricultural land and the fragmentation of rural areas by developing urban areas has some states passing legislation in order to ensure more undeveloped areas, green space and open areas. Illinois has a program to ensure open green spaces. Local governments can buy areas for parks and recreation and can purchase the development rights from farmers to allow them to get the benefits of development land prices, yet still keep the farm in operation and improve open spaces. This program has greatly benefited land use in some areas.

- Mike Plumer, Extension Educator, Natural Resources

The great outdoors is waiting to be explored, but before you venture out it helps to be more informed about proper attire and items to avoid.

Proper attire for few hours or a day outdoors should include a broad brim hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, loose fitting clothes and closed toe shoes. Items to take along include water, food for snacks, sunscreen, a first aid kit, insect repellent, a Swiss Army knife, cell phone, trail map, compass, camera, spare socks, flashlight and a whistle.

Plants to avoid have three-pointed green leaflets–where the middle leaflet has a much longer stalk than the two side leaves–and a red stem (poison ivy). The leaflet edges can be smooth or toothed but are rarely lobed. The leaves vary greatly in size, from 0.31 to 2.17 inches in length. Another plant to avoid is poison sumac–a shrub where each stem contains seven to 13 leaves that are arranged in pairs. The best prevention against itching and painful rashes from these plants is being able to identify these plants and wear protective clothing (long sleeves, long pants, shoes, and socks) when walking in the woods or other areas where these plants could be growing.

After your hike, wash with soap and water, check for insects and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. If you suspect you have been exposed to poison ivy, carefully remove your clothes, shoes, and gloves, and wash them. Symptoms of poison ivy usually appear within 1-3 days of exposure, but may appear as long asthree weeks later. The first signs of poison ivy are usually redness and itching.

- Susan Meeker, Extension Educator, Natural Resources

As individuals, we often feel that there is little that we can do to help our environment. In reality, if we all work together to do the little things–they add up to an enormous step toward a cleaner, healthier environment. Use the following list as a guide to help you set your priorities for a cleaner environment:

• Consider native plantsthat are adapted to your area. They can withstand temperature as well as drought extremes. Native plants are also disease and insect resistant.
• Water plants and the lawn only when needed. Using the right plants for your climate reduces watering and the time needed for tending to these special plants.
• Mulching conserves moisture in the soil, acts as a weed barrier and helps build organic soil content. Apply mulch around trees and shrubs in addition to your vegetable and flower gardens.
• Read and follow fertilizer and pesticide labels. Leave grass clippings on your lawn after mowing. This is nature's well balanced fertilizer for the lawn, and it's free. Whether its fertilizer or pesticides, remember that if a little is good, a lot is not better! Only apply what is suggested. Fertilizers and pesticides have an adverse affect on humans as well. Do not flush any chemical down the drain. What goes down the drain may come out the faucet. Biological waste degrades, chemical waste often does not. Use it for its intended purpose, give it away or recycle it at the next hazardous waste collection.

Following these simple steps brings us closer to a cleaner, healthier and safer environment and makes us more environmentally responsible.

- Brenda Roedl, Extension Educator, Natural Resources

Developing water quality standards for nutrients is a challenge facing Illinois and most other states. The USEPA published ambient water quality criteria recommendations, but they allowed for individual states to adjust them to better reflect state-specific conditions or adopt other scientifically defensible criteria. In Illinois, a collaborative research program was organized to help provide the basis for standard development. This research is funded by the State of Illinois through the Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research (C-FAR). As part of its research focus, C-FAR established the Strategic Research Initiative (SRI) in water quality.

The SRI is organized into four research teams, each with a slightly different focus. Project components include a detailed analysis of existing IEPA data, intensive sampling at fixed locations, state-wide temporal sampling at 150 sites, investigation of the effects of sediment on phosphorus dynamics in streams, and improvement of the methodology for collecting and analyzing algal samples. The challenge remains for regulators to adopt practical and effective nutrient standards, but developing partnerships with the research community is an important first step.

- George Czapar, Extension Educator, Natural Resources

Healthy watersheds lead to healthy communities. There are many simple, low-cost techniques that individuals can use to improve the health of their watershed.

Clean drinking water is quickly becoming a precious, and expensive, commodity in nearly any watershed. Conserving water within a household reduces water bills and prevents water pollution caused by septic system overflows.

When considering water conservation, the bathroom is an excellent place to start. Bathrooms account for over 60 percentof the water used in an average U.S. family household. That translates into over 27 gallons of water used per individual, per day in the bathroom alone!

Leaky faucets and toilets are common sources of excess water use. To check a faucet for leaks, place a small cup or container under the faucet during a time when the faucet is not in use (at night when everyone is sleeping or during the day if everyone is out of the house). A leaky faucet can waste over 20 gallons a day and can usually be easily fixed by replacing an inexpensive washer.

Leaky toilets are even greater water-wasters. They can waste over 100 gallons of water per day! Toilets can be checked for leaks by placing a small amount of food coloring in the tank. If, without flushing, the color appears in the bowl, the toilet has a leak.

Another great way to conserve water is to place rock-filled containers in the tank. Do not place bricks in toilet tanks as particles may break off and harm the plumbing. This activity can save over half a gallon of water per flush. With each flush of the toilet using 5 to 7 gallons of water, resist the urge to use the toilet as a trash can. Place facial tissue and other similar products in a wastebasket.

Individuals who take showers often use an excess of water. A great way to determine how much water is used during a shower is to plug the drain while showering. At the end of the shower if there is more water in the tub than you would use to take a bath, water is being wasted. Consider shortening the length of the shower or shutting water off while lathering.

Baths, although relaxing, can be a source of excess water use. Instead of allowing the water to run until it reaches the desired temperature and then plugging the drain, plug the drain first and then turn the water on. Water temperature can be adjusted as the tub fills.

Turning the water off while brushing your teeth can save a household over 3,650 gallons of water per year.

Finally, consider installing water-saving devices on existing faucets and showerheads. When building a new home or replacing an old toilet, use "low volume" toilets that use nearly 80 percentless water.

For more healthy watershed ideas, contact your local University of Illinois Extension office or visit the Illinois Watershed Management Clearinghouse web site at http://www.watershed.uiuc.edu.

Information for this publication was taken from the 57 Ways To Protect Your Home Environment (and Yourself) book published by the North Central Extension Region.