Controlling Lake and Pond Algae

Lakes and ponds are the place we head to for enjoyment to swim, fish or relax. Unfortunately it is also the perfect environment for algae to grow. Where there is sun, water and nutrients pants will grow. And since algae is a very basic and simple form of life, it will be one of the first to establish itself and the quickest to rebound from steps taken to eradicate it such as herbicides.

A pond is a closed system functioning much like an organism with all the life within interacting to create a balance. Algae, rooted plants, zooplankton, fish, birds and so on all have their part and keep the other parts in check and under control. Too often this balance tips and the system spirals out of control. Algae, being the opportunist that it is, is usually the first to take charge. Thick mats of slime or pea green soup-like water are the result.

This is usually a sign of high nutrients and poor water conditions. In the summer and winter months a pond often becomes stagnant and a thermocline forms. As this forms, the water column is cut into two regions. An area of livable water near the surface and a layer of toxic oxygen deficient water closer to the bottom. This upper livable area is susceptible to wild swings in quality as the algae growth spikes and drops, first giving oxygen then sucking it back out as it goes through respiration near dawn or decomposes after a die off. In the spring and fall these two regions will suddenly and violently mix, called a turnover event. It is these turnover events that can trigger a fish kill as the toxins are released to the entire water column stressing all fish contained within the lake or pond.

One very effective technique to prevent this situation is to aerate the water column of the lake or pond. By aeration we mean using laminar flow methodology (bubblers) to move the water from surface to the bottom. Fountains do work in certain situations, such as shallow water areas. But only laminar flow has the ability to completely mix even the deepest of areas to get oxygen down to the sediment-water interface. The thermocline is prevented from ever setting up and the entire water column is improved.

The tiny bubbles pull the water with them as the travel to the surface. The water pulled up from the deep are exposed to the atmosphere and two things happen at the surface. Toxins from the natural bacterial digesting process are released harmlessly to the air while oxygen is absorbed into the water. This oxygen rich water is then pushed back down to the bottom to release the oxygen to the bacteria and move the toxins back to the surface. It functions as a toxin/oxygen conveyor belt that keeps the system in balance.

Once oxygen is in all areas natural bacteria are able to consume nutrients available in that water. Aerobic bacteria, those with oxygen available, can digest nutrients SEVEN times faster than bacteria forced to go through anaerobic, without oxygen, conditions. This reduces the available nutrients for algae to use to grow. It is an indirect method to outcompete the algae for the food they need to survive.

The Effects of Drought on Your Trees

Drought can affect your trees in many different ways. The longer the drought, the more severe the effects on your trees. The effects of drought are considered short-term or long-term, and your trees are more likely to recover from short-term effects.

Short-Term Effects

• Temporary Wilting. As the amount of moisture available in the soil decreases, the leaves on the tree dry out and begin to wilt. The amount of visible tree leaf wilting varies by tree species as well as the amount of soil moisture available. Temporary leaf wilting is usually resolved at night when the leaves are re-hydrated with dew and recover until the next day.

• Leaf Shedding and Coloration. Premature shedding of tree leaves and leaf coloration can be brought on by periods of drought. In many species, leaf mottling or partial browning occurs during droughts. It is quite common for yellow poplar trees to shed leaves during summer droughts, as well as sycamore and buckeye trees. Dogwood leaves wilt and die, rather than being shed during droughts. Summer droughts often cause early autumn leaf coloration, and the needles of conifers may turn yellow and brown.

• Growth Inhibition. Periods of drought decrease the seasonal growth potential of your trees. Drought affects the development of the tree shoots, the width of the annual growth ring in the tree trunk, and the root system. The young roots, which are the major water-absorbers, are the most easily damaged by drought.

Long Term Effects

• Signs of Die Back and Decline. If there is not enough moisture in the soil for an extended period, the roots cannot supply the crown of the tree with enough nutrients and moisture. The result is the crown beginning to die back in order to bring the tree and the root system into a better balance. Leaves, twigs and branches will begin to die, especially in the uppermost areas of the tree.

• Pest Problems. As trees' health decline from long-term drought, they become predisposed to pest attack and infestation. Many pests are unable to survive in healthy trees. However when trees have been deprived of moisture and nutrients for a lengthy period, their response to pest attack is weakened and they have poorer recovery from pest damage.

• Wounds and Disease. Long-term drought weakens the tree's ability to recover from minor wounds, and increases the chances of tree diseases. When a tree is unable to compartmentalize or isolate a small wound, pathogens readily invade and colonize, causing increasing damage. Stem canker disease is a common effect of long drought periods.

The Red Rose Of Lancaster

This ancient red rose, also known as the Red Rose Of Lancashire, is believed to be "Rosa Gallica Officialis", which was understood to be the first cultivated rose. It grew wild in central Asia and was discovered by the Persians and Egyptians. The Romans adopted it and took it to France, where it assumed the name of Rosa Gallica. It is recorded as being cultivated for the courts of Charlemagne in the ninth Century AD for use in medicine and perfume. Other names have included Apothecary's Rose, Old Red Damask and Rose Of Provins. To our eyes it actually appears more bright pink than red, with bright yellow stamens in the centre. They are highly perfumed and their slightly ruffled petals, even when dried retain much of their scent. It is therefore no surprise that they quickly became popular for international trade, especially for their many herbal and medicinal remedies and their suitability, even today for using in potpourris. They have been just as attractive to bees as they have to ourselves. Their tough and hardy bushes grow to about a metre high and they provide masses of blooms towards the end of June and into July. They can thrive in impoverished soils and enjoy full sun. Although they lose their blooms relatively quickly, they certainly perform abundantly each year, after a session of pruning.

The first time the rose was adopted as an emblem or heraldic device was by the English first Earl Of Lancaster and it became the Lancashire Emblem after the Battle Of Bosworth Field in 1485 during the famous Wars Of The Roses. This was a time when signs and symbols spoke louder than words. When Henry Tudor ascended to the throne of England, it merged with the York White Rose to form the Tudor Rose. York and Lancashire were the two fighting factions during The Wars Of The Roses.

The Wars Of The Roses began in 1399 when Henry Bolingbroke, who was the Earl Of Lancaster, overthrew King Richard 11 from the English throne. It wasn't until Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485 when Henry Tudor defeated the Yorkist leader King Richard 111 and claimed the throne, becoming Henry V11. He cemented his claim by marrying Elizabeth of York, the daughter of King Edward 1V. Thus the two houses of Lancaster and York merged, forming the Tudor Dynasty, which had it's emblem of the Tudor Rose.

In more recent times it was worn as a badge during World War 1 by the British 55th (West Lancashire) Division of the army. Their motto was "They win or die who wear the Rose Of Lancaster." It has also been adopted on the cap badge of the Duke Of Lancaster's Regiment since 2006. The American baseball team adopted the name Lancaster Red Roses in 1906, changing their name from The Maroons. Their rival team York White Roses criticized them for this, but many believed that the two teams were named after the historic Wars Of The Roses in British Tudor times.

Love of Life - Nature

To love the natural world of our environment is not difficult in view of the beauties and wonders that abound throughout our home planet. Whether we find a personal affinity with the earth, minerals, agriculture and other aspects of the material element or feel more drawn to the watery worlds of fishing, diving, sailing or aquaculture it is a matter of our own personality and inclinations. All the realms of nature can offer their own unique interest, to warrant our fascination and response of admiration and wonder, enough to maintain our lifelong focus on the exploration and enjoyment of the natural world around us.

The studies of one sphere or another is often associated with our activity of collecting samples. This was more evident in the 19C when collecting included such trophies as birds' eggs, insects and butterflies, and creatures of all kingdoms including animals from all over the far flung colonies of the times. With present understanding and greater sense of responsibility in not interfering with ecological systems this has been largely restricted to museums and research establishments rather than private collections. Public urge to collect natural specimens is discouraged and in many countries is illegal.

A new spirit of appreciation and preservation of natural life has been injected into the educational system of some countries and is applauded even though many scientists consider the effort comes too late to adjust the imbalances that material lifestyles have created through destruction of the environment and pollution problems. There are certainly wider issues beyond the personal activities and interests of individuals.

However, for the moment it is good to be aware of the unlimited range that Nature offers us to observe, to study and to respect as examples of the infinite variety of forms and energies that comprise the natural kingdoms for our hobbies, professional research or for our inspiration.

Many people and philosophies equate Nature with God and natural life as expressions of the cosmic consciousness. When considered synonymous then natural life is perceived as the outer garment of God as the poets, the Bible and many philosophers believe. Naturalists tend to agree that their religious nature finds easiest worship when focussed in the outdoors or in the wilderness rather than in man built churches and make their choices accordingly.

Our spiritual devotions are a private matter but it is clear that we need inspiration and best when we have a means of enhancing our appreciation of the wonders of natural life to avoid becoming imprisoned in the limitations of the man made world where material values dominate and the human ego establishes an artificial 'glass ceiling'.

When we are in direct contact with nature and natural life forms there is a light in the eyes - an eagerness and an innocence unequalled and perceived sometimes in those astronomers who study the stars, or in plant lovers in their gardens, or those who pursue the search for Nature's mysteries and secrets in the spheres of the earth, the air, the waters and the energies of fire. Whether it is by the instrument of the human eye alone or by microscope or telescope we are privileged to be able to perceive the natural wonders that abound.

How To Achieve Self-Sufficiency

It is 'we' who need to initiate things for our own cause; to secure our today and improve our tomorrow without being dependent on any external source.

Here's a quick guide on how to get one step closer to a sustainable living.

First, let's understand what does it mean to become self-sufficient. It is a state of being independent where you no longer need any aid, support, and assistance from anyone else other than yourself to survive and sustain. So, you self-govern yourself because you have all the resources required to lead a happy life. When you achieve the state, you become mentally stress-free (to a large extent), and economically independent.

Now, let's get back to the point, "How to achieve self-sufficiency?" As mentioned earlier, it all starts from within. You need to explore the possibilities of what can you do depending on your abilities and resources available. To start a sustainable living, you need not to step out of your home in search of help. You are the power person and your home is your happy lab.

Start from doing little things, as simple as plant your own vegetables in your own garden and save the useful seeds for future planting, begin rain water harvesting by preserving it naturally, begin worm farming to produce great fertilizers, raise dairy cows to get your daily dairy products, cut tree branches to build your home furniture, use solar panels to meet your home energy requirements, do fishing if you love to, value the effectiveness of renewable resources instead of relying on non-renewable resources.

These are just a few of the many ways self-sufficiency can be achieved. It will take time in understanding, analysing, and practicing these activities, but it will earn you a complete sense of certainty with every passing day.

Practicing the above-mentioned things relieves you from being dependent on any external source. Like when you plant trees, raise cows or begin rain water harvesting, you are no longer dependent on shop or municipality. While you become self-sufficient, you do your bit in improving the ecology. For example, without throwing away the dinner leftovers, when you use them into the worm compost for worm farming, worms eat these; make great fertilizers as well as help in maintaining ecological balance. Thereby, by becoming self-sufficient, you are improving your abilities to raise and grow your own stuffs as well as helping in maintaining an ideal environment where we can breathe trouble-free.

However, is it practical enough to say you can grow all your foods on your own? Do you have enough time and resource to live your daily life without taking anyone's help? Perhaps, this is where the difference between self reliance and self-sufficiency comes. That's the topic of our next article. Don't miss reading.

The Largest Mangrove Forest Of The World

A forest is mainly large areas of land thickly covered with trees. Mangroves on the other hand are tropical trees that grow in mud or at the edge of rivers and have roots that are above ground. Mangrove forest is thus generally forests composed of mainly mangrove tree species. A forest is one of the natural features that make countries natural features and add up to the country's flourish in the amount of green cover. Forests are a great resource as they are a source of fuel, timber, bark and many other useful products and raw materials.

The Sunderland, which is recognized the largest mangrove forest of the world. It is located in the southwest part of an Asian country known as Bangladesh in the greater Khulna district. The forest is also shared by the India republic, though in a very small part. The forest covers an area of about 38,000 square kilometers of land. It is actually a large block of littoral forests put together to form one massive thick forest.

The largest mangrove forest in the world has its greatest beauty lying in its surrounding which is quite rare and unique. Forests are good water catchment areas.The Sundarbans is a part of the world's largest delta formed by rivers Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghan. Many streams, rivers and estuaries have enhanced the charm of the largest mangrove forest in the world.

The lofty tree tops form a complete full well formed canopy that goes unbroken throughout the forest. As you get to the tree trunks your attention is caught by the works of high and ebb tides marked on the soil and them.

Despite being naturally beautiful the largest mangrove forest in the world it is also a habitat to many wild animals that attract a great deal of both national and international tourists to the area and the country in general. The Sundarbans is not only the world's largest mangrove forest but generally a wildlife sanctuary. It is the home to one of the big five animals of the world; the world's famous Royal Bengal Tiger. It also has other animals like the spotted deer, salt water crocodiles, jungle fowl, wild boar, king cobras and many more. Thousands of migrating flying ducks fly over the area and further into the serene natural beauty of the largest mangrove forest of world. The forest has over 260 bird species recorded in it. It has not less than 50 species of reptiles and eight amphibian species. The gangetic river dolphin is found in most of its rivers.

Due to availability of many fish species in the rivers, the gypsy fishing families have also settled in the world's largest mangrove forest making it their home. However not all parts of the biggest forest are suitable for settlement as about a third of the forest is covered with watery marshy areas.

Threats to the Galapagos Environment

The Galapagos Islands, located 1000km off the coast of Ecuador, have been known for their pristine environment and unique wildlife. These remote islands have been privileged with the seclusion that has allowed ecosystems to evolve in a rare and unmatched way.

However, today the islands are experiencing the effects of extreme weather events, introduced species, a fast-growing population and exploding tourism.

The endemic species to the Galapagos have survived in harmony for hundreds of years. In fact, as Darwin noted many species have become so secluded that they have evolved and adapted to the environments of individual islands. Darwin noticed this particularly with the Galapagos Finch, a bird whose beak, color, and size is different on each island.

Today, you can see a large yellow land iguana on one island and a smaller, grayish land iguana on a different island. Recently, however, new species have been introduced to the islands and are disrupting the harmony of the endemic animals.

Rats, goats, and wild dogs are among these species brought to the islands by humans. On Isabela Island, for example, some hundreds of thousands of goats are destroying the tortoise population.

Another threat to the preservation of the islands is overpopulation. Humans have been living on the islands since the early 1800s, but recently the population among several of the islands has exploded.

The four inhabited islands of Isabela, Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, and Floreana are now home to over 40,000 people. Although human settlement is restricted to only 3% of the islands (97% of the archipelago is protected by the National Park), the effect that this growing population has on the islands is becoming perilous.

As the Galapagos Islands gain popularity, more and more visitors grace the archipelago each year. While tourism is a booming industry in the islands, it is also taking its toll on the environment. With airplanes landing and departing the islands' four airports daily, yachts and cruises transporting tourists daily from island to island, and the hundreds of thousands of tourists trekking through the pristine landscape the wear and tear on the islands is increasing.

Extreme weather events have also taken a toll on the wildlife and environment. "El Niño" affects the islands every few years, raising the water temperature and increasing rainfall. Adverse effects of this phenomenon are perilous to marine life.

These threats to the Galapagos environment have become a serious issue and several organizations have now made it their mission to pursue Galapagos conservation projects. The Inter-institutional Committee for the Management and Control of Introduced Species, or CIMEI, is dedicated to controlling domestic animals and introduced species.

In efforts to address the increasing population, Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa and the Ecuadorian government is working on legislation to restrict immigration. So far the government has implemented new travel regulations and begun requiring "visas" for Ecuadorians visiting the islands.

The tourist traffic to the islands is also being regulated. An entrance fee for the Galapagos National Park ranging from $6 for Ecuadorian citizens to $100 for most foreigners is required upon arrival to the islands. Additionally, travelers entering the Galapagos must purchase a Transit Control Card for a fee of $10, which contains a chip, a barcode, and an identifying photograph registering information about the traveler. This card allows the Galapagos National Park to track the number of guests on the island at any given time.

The Galapagos is a natural treasure; however, the beauty of these enchanted islands is in danger of being tarnished.

Read more about conservation efforts before planning your trip to Galapagos. Inquire with trip advisors now to see how to collaborate with the sustainable tourism effort and options for your environmentally friendly trip.

The Galapagos National Park and other organizations are working hard to preserve the integrity, beauty, and immaculacy of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. We can expect to see tighter regulations on immigration and tourism in the near future as measures are taken to protect the islands.