As I write this NASA is preparing to fly the Ingenuity helicopter in the skies of Mars. The Ingenuity helicopter is a “technology demonstration” designed to show that controlled flight is possible in the thin atmosphere of Mars. Credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech Ingenuity had to be custom built to make this possible but it was made with... Read More
This year and last year, as temperatures start to warm toward the end of winter and early spring, I have kept busy and gotten outside by making my own maple syrup. From tapping the trees to collecting the sap to boiling the sap down to syrup and lastly canning the final product, it is a... Read More
As mentioned in our recent post on eating plant-based, food is a major component of individuals’ environmental footprints. The choices we make while buying food can also be important for our health and for supporting local businesses and farmers. However, the food choices that are available to shoppers can be limited by what grocery stores... Read More
It surprised me when I first learned that for many people, one of the most significant ways to reduce our individual carbon footprint is to eat less meat and dairy products. Our carbon footprints include all of the things we use or activities we do that generate greenhouse gas emissions – heating and lighting our... Read More
A little known fact about the Lehigh Valley is that it is the site of the highest recorded indoor level of radon in the world (in a home in Center Valley), and often sees dangerously high levels of this naturally occurring radioactive gas. Despite its pervasiveness, many people are not aware that radon is the... Read More
February is Black History Month, so we have compiled a list of books that address, in a variety of ways, the history of African Americans and the environment. This includes often overlooked contributions to the environmental movement such as shaping our national park system and campaigning to stop harmful pollution, and explorations of the varied... Read More
Have you ever seen a new development bring disruptive levels of traffic to a particular street, enjoyed a community event or festival, had a question about policing in your community, or even simply noticed that a nearby streetlight is out? These are just some of the topics that local governments at the county and municipal... Read More
In 2017, Minsi Lake was drained for repairs to its dam and spillway, sparking an extensive effort to improve habitat and recreational opportunities in this special place. Draining the lake “was kind of a once in a lifetime opportunity” to undertake these projects, says Jim Wilson, Recreation Specialist for Northampton County Parks and Recreation. Since... Read More
Last spring and summer, there were many reports of increased use of trails, state and local parks, and other outdoor assets as people sought out activities that were safe during a pandemic. Beyond the fact that they were among the only recreation sites open at some points in the last 9 months, there is good... Read More
Don’t miss the great conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in the evening sky on the 21st. Dubbed by some as the “Christmas star”, this rare alignment will occur on the evening of the winter solstice and is visible to the unaided eye. The solstice is the longest night of the year and is a consequence... Read More