Ecosystems


NREL Transforming Agricultural Waste into Biofuel

The NREL is partnering up with Ecopetrol, an oil company in Colombia, to use residue from palm oil and sugar cane harvesting to make fuel ethanol for blending with gasoline.

Plant Disease and Fungi Experts to Present Research Findings at Meeting

Plant pathologists and mycologists from around the world will gather in Austin, Texas, August 10–14, 2013, for the joint meeting of The American Phytopathological Society (APS) and The Mycological Society of America (MSA).

NOAA Assistant Secretary for Conservation Appointed

Dr. Mark Schaefer's responsibilities including overseeing fisheries management and preserving coastal resources.

Adapting to Climate Change through Local and Regional Approaches

Adapting to Climate Change Through Local and Regional Approaches

Coastal communities need to know just how vulnerable they are to sea level rise. Once they understand the risks, they are in a better position to develop strategic solutions. Battelle, for example, has conducted such assessments on behalf of the U.S. Department of Defense to determine regional vulnerabilities in areas where the U.S. Navy has a strong presence.

Gulf Gas Well Ignited Tuesday Evening, BSEE Confirms

All 44 workers were safely evacuated from Well A-3 after they lost control of it Tuesday morning, and it began leaking natural gas. The gas ignited at 10:50 p.m.

Jet Fuel Made from Invasive Tree Species

Scientists from the Agricultural Research Service in multiple locations across the country are participating in the Accelerated Renewable Jet Fuel project to find new ways to create jet fuel from certain invasive trees such as juniper and pine trees.

U.S. Senate Confirms McCarthy as EPA Administrator

The 59-40 vote confirmed her as the newest chief of the powerful agency.

A kayaker negotiates the Cache la Poudre River near Fort Collins, Colo. (Matt Inden/Miles photo downloaded from the Colorado Tourism Office website)

Recreational In-Channel Diversions In Colorado

An RICD helps to protect the investment Colorado communities make in whitewater parks and the economic benefits associated with those parks.



Invasive Species Program Launched at UT Austin

To combat and manage invasive species such as fire ants and Cactoblastis moths, the Texas Invasive Species Program has been established at The University of Texas at Austin with a $2.7 million donation from the Lee and Ramona Bass Foundation.

Nesting Gulf Loggerheads Face Offshore Risks

The long-range nesting patterns of loggerhead sea turtles reveal their new habitats and the risks involved.

Illinois River Gets Protected for Another 20 Years

The Interior Department has given a 20-year extension on protecting Oregon’s National Wild and Scenic Illinois River from mineral withdrawal.

Five Nominees Win 2013 River Heroes Awards

During the 2013 River Heroes Awards hosted by River Network in St. Louis, 5 individuals were announced as winners for their dedication to improving water quality, environmental justice, education, and volunteering to protect the most important natural resource of all.

Ocean Data Collection Easier with Robotic Probe Launcher

WHOI engineers created an advanced robotic auto-launcher system in order to systematically collect ocean data more efficiently and effectively.

Four Scientists Honored at White House

Four scientists, who lead citizen science groups funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), were honored in a White House ceremony this morning.

IBM to Improve Dutch Flood Control and Water Management Systems

IBM will be using smart information exchange to accelerate water management innovation.

More than $14 Million Awarded in Clean Vessel Act Grants

To help support clean waters and recreational boating, over $14 million in funding has been provided to several U.S. states under the Clean Vessel Act (CVA) grant program.

The Largest Dam Removal in California Begins Today

A groundbreaking ceremony started today at the historic tearing down of the antiquated San Clemente Dam.

Lineup Announced for SXSW Eco 2013 Event

For the third-annual SXSW Eco, Robin Chase, founder and CEO of Buzzcar and former CEO of ZipCar has been added as the keynote speaker for the event.

Musicians Launch Eco-Friendly Tour

The Barenaked Ladies, Ben Folds Five, and Guster have started an environmentally friendly music tour and help promote the Lacey Act.

Resort in Maldives Offers Protection Code for Dolphins

Six Senses Laamu is the first resort in the Maldives to provide a code of conduct for dolphin watching as a way to protect the local spinner and bottlenose dolphins and their future generations.