UGA HOLDS ANNUAL HONEYBEE CENSUS
If your tomato plant yields have been a little lackluster this year, it could be because there’s a shrinking population of insects that pollinate plants across the country.
On Friday and Saturday, you can help find out by joining the Great Georgia Pollinator Census — A University of Georgia program that counts bees, butterflies, wasps and other insects. Learn more here.
The statewide science experiment conducted by the UGA Extension Service helps researchers learn about the numbers of pollination helpers in the Peach State and where they live. The idea is to create or add to sustainable pollinator habitat across Georgia, data vital to the state’s farmers as well as honey lovers.
If you want to help, there are three events in Coastal Georgia for all ages:
- Camden County: 9 a.m. to Noon Aug. 20, Camden County Extension Office, 1408 Georgia Ave., Woodbine. Free, but registration preferred.
- Liberty County: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 20 and Aug. 21, Cay Creek Wetlands Interpretive Center in Midway. Brief training at 10, but participants may drop in during the event to count and record. Call 229-420-1183 to complete registration.
- McIntosh County: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 20 and 21, Florabundance Gardens in Darien. RSVP to florabundancegardens@gmail.com or call 912-217-4892.
PARK SERVICE FIRES BACK AT FAA SPACEPORT STATEMENT
The National Park Service stood up in opposition to Spaceport Camden this week with a letter to the FAA.
Following the Environmental Impact Statement from the Federal Aviation Administration that Spaceport Camden would make an “acceptable alternative” location for rocket launches, the National Park Service responded saying that plan would present a risk of “fires, explosions, or releases of propellants or other hazardous materials” to federally protected Cumberland Island.
Camden County has spent nine years and $10 million seeking permission to build what would be the nation’s 13th licensed commercial spaceport.
BEACH ADVISORIES: As of this writing, there are several bacteria-related warnings. On Jekyll Island, North Beach at Dexter Lane from Tallu Fish Lane to Brice Lane; and Middle Beach at the Convention Center from the beach pavilion to Corsair Beach Park. Swimmers and fishers should also remain alert for possible oil in the water and shoreline around Jekyll and St. Simons Islands.
Before you head to the beach, check the link for updated notices.
JUDGE ENCOURAGES END TO WATER WARS
A federal judge has ruled on the latest skirmish between Alabama and Georgia over water usage and rights in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint river basin. The area is crucial to Georgia because it provides drinking water for Atlanta and water for crops in southwest Georgia. Alabama had challenged the latest water-sharing plan by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, but the judge disagreed with Alabama, Florida and some environmentalists and said the plan provided balance between the lower basin’s needs and the demand for water in growing metro Atlanta. The ruling may not end the fight, but the judge put it on record that he thought it should.
ICYMI: UN REPORT HOLDS COASTAL WARNINGS
Our friends at Inside Climate News took at look at last week’s United Nations report on climate change with an eye toward coastlines in a hurricane zone. The Intergovernmental Panel On Climate Change said we can expect more tropical cyclones that are windier and wetter. For your planning purposes, check our their 6 takeaways related specifically to our part of the planet.
BREAKING NEWS! Veteran environmental reporter Mary Landers is joining The Current next month. An award-winning investigative reporter, Landers will be covering environment news across Coastal Georgia after 24 years at the Savannah Morning News. You can reach her after Labor Day at mary.thecurrent@gmail.com.
Support non-partisan, solutions-based investigative journalism without bias, fear or favor on issues affecting Savannah and Coastal Georgia.
WITH GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM
You must be logged in to post a comment.