Category Archive: Biodiversity

May 22

Multiplying Mussels Attack!

Invasive mussels muscle their way into the Great Lakes—listen up for the scoop on why that’s scarier than it might sound. You might think a creature the size of a dime is no match for a freshwater system the size of Texas, but quagga mussels are prolific breeders. Multiply one by trillions, and you get mussels …

Continue reading »

Permanent link to this article: http://www.currentcast.org/creature-features/multiplying-mussels-attack/

May 21

Why We Should All Swoon for the Common Loon

There’s nothing common about common loons in the Great Lakes—listen up: An ode to the loon With their distinctive red eyes, black-and-white coloring and eerie call, the uncommon loon might be a better moniker for these wonderfully unusual birds. What else is cool about this aquatic migratory creature? Its solid bones make for champion diving, …

Continue reading »

Permanent link to this article: http://www.currentcast.org/creature-features/why-we-should-all-swoon-for-the-common-loon/

May 19

Native and Invasive Crayfish Square Off

Non-native crayfish upset the natural balance in streams: Crayfish are an important part of the food web in streams. But in Pennsylvania, an invasive species called rusty crayfish is taking over. And in some areas, they’re so dense they stack on top of each other. Dave Lieb with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy says rusty crayfish …

Continue reading »

Permanent link to this article: http://www.currentcast.org/creature-features/native-and-invasive-crayfish-square-off/

May 11

Less Lawn, More Native Landscaping

Lakefront landscaping is key to water quality. Listen up: You might like the look of a clean-cut lawn, but if you have lake front property, experts say not to mow all the way to the shoreline. Rozumalski: “The most important thing you can do for your lake is to create a buffer zone, and this …

Continue reading »

Permanent link to this article: http://www.currentcast.org/agricultural-runoff/less-lawn-more-native-landscaping/

May 07

Holding the Invaders at Bay

On the lookout for invasive plants: When a new plant moves into a lake or stream, take note – it could be cause for concern. Sandra Keppner with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says that rapidly spreading invasive plants like water chestnut and hydrilla are causing big problems for New York waters. “We see …

Continue reading »

Permanent link to this article: http://www.currentcast.org/biodiversity/holding-the-invaders-at-bay/

Older posts «