Also in the February 2007 - Isla Earth Radio Series series
Texas Park Has Bad Air Day
(01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
Big Bend National Park has some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States. It's in the boonies of southwest Texas, yet it has the smoggiest air of any of the parks ...
A Tale of Two Birds
(01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
This is a tale of two marsh birds that live on opposite sides of the United States. They belong to the same species, and prefer the same kind of habitat. But while one is ...
Restoring a Fragile Marine Ecosystem
(01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
A study in the journal Nature found that up to 90 percent of the larger specimens of these species have disappeared from the world's oceans.
New Meters Could Help Conserve Energy
(01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
The EPA says that the average home produces more greenhouse gases than the average car.
Understanding Fish Migration Patterns
(01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
Tracking whale sharks is a tricky business. But conservationists have come up with a hi-tech solution, an ingenious new device that allows researchers to track fish ...
Citizen Scientists help Protect Amphibians
(01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
Amphibians have existed for 300 million years. But in recent decades, 168 species are believed to have gone extinct, and almost 2,500 others are disappearing in a hurry.
Merced's new Sustainable Campus
(01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
Colleges and universities are jumping on the green building bandwagon.
Reduce Home Water Use
(01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
Americans use a lot of water. In fact, the average American uses more than 100 gallons every day.
Trees Offsetting Vehicle Emissions
(01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
Filipinos are aiming to improve the quality of the air they breathe by planting trees on the country's roadways.
Creatures in Love
(01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
To celebrate Valentine's Day, we're going to look at the mating habits of three very different creatures.
Related Pieces
Piece Description
Ken Dunn transforms unused urban land into productive gardens. As head of the non-profit Resource Center in Chicago, he's taken urban farming to a whole new level. A great way to "green up" the neighborhood! Dunn leases vacant lots and turns them into farms. First, he puts down a layer of clay as a barrier against toxins that might be in the ground. Then he hauls in fresh soil and compost. And, for the farm's office, storage space, and produce stand, he uses recycled shipping containers. Bales of hay and fencing form a perimeter around the farm, and a canvas covering provides shade and collects rainwater for irrigating and washing the vegetables. Dunn trains homeless and unemployed people to work the farm. And if the property is sold for redevelopment, he pulls up stakes and moves the shipping containers, fencing, and even the soil to a new location. Dunn sells his fresh organic vegetables to high-end restaurants for a tidy profit. Now that sounds delicious. I'll take a Caesar's from Canal and Grand Avenue, please.
