- Playing
- Forests for the Trees
- From
- Pat Maxwell
Midwestern settlers of yesterday would feel unsettled by what they’d see there today. They wouldn’t recognize the forests for the trees. According to a study led by Iowa State assistant professor, Lisa Schulte, “there’s been a shift in the entire ecosystem.” Comparing forest composition from the mid-1850’s with today, the study determined deciduous trees have replaced conifers as the dominant species. Reasons for the reversal include pests, diseases, tree harvesting and an abundance of white-tailed deer that eat saplings...
Also in the May 2009 - Isla Earth Radio Series series
A Green Adhesive
(00:01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
Researchers from the College of Forestry at Oregon State University recently received a Presidential citation for developing an environmentally friendly wood adhesive.
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From: Pat Maxwell
Call it the Manure Mandate. California’s utilities face a state-ordered goal: Provide one-fifth of electricity from renewable resources by 2010. Now, thanks to cows -- and ...
Energy Waves
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From: Pat Maxwell
Can we really harness ocean waves to make electricity? We might actually do more.
Off the Grid
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From: Pat Maxwell
We've all heard of individuals who go, "off the grid." You know, the folks who install solar panels or have their children ride stationary bicycles in order to power some ...
Streetcar Comeback
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From: Pat Maxwell
Remember that old-fashioned mode of transportation -- the trolley, or streetcar? It's making a comeback worldwide.
Before Planting, Check
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From: Pat Maxwell
So, you want to get out and freshen up your garden a tad. Great! But, before you begin planting willy nilly, take a moment and consider if what you’re planting is native, or ...
“Good Onya, Oz”
(00:01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
Think you know how to conserve water? Not like Australia, mate, it's in its worst drought on record. Some toddlers Down Under don't even know what rain looks like.
Junkyard Plastic Revival
(00:01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
A German company has developed a way to get more mileage out of junked cars. Of course they have to shred them to pieces first.
Garbage and Noise
(00:01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
Garbage and noise. Sounds like the latest rock group. But no, turns out the two are much more useful. In fact, garbage and noise are actually being used to clean up polluted ...
Good Riddance to Invasive Algae
(00:01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
Okay, so you’re out in the clear waters of Hawaii and notice that algae are smothering the beautiful coral reefs just below the surface. What’s going on? The algae, called ...
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Piece Description
Midwestern settlers of yesterday would feel unsettled by what they’d see there today. They wouldn’t recognize the forests for the trees. According to a study led by Iowa State assistant professor, Lisa Schulte, “there’s been a shift in the entire ecosystem.” Comparing forest composition from the mid-1850’s with today, the study determined deciduous trees have replaced conifers as the dominant species. Reasons for the reversal include pests, diseases, tree harvesting and an abundance of white-tailed deer that eat saplings...
Additional Credits
Isla Earth is produced by the Catalina Island Conservancy with support from its Fund for a Sustainable Planet.
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