Hurricane Sandy was just one of 11 billion-dollar disasters hitting the U.S. in 2012, NOAA reports. The superstorm was the year’s most expensive disaster, causing $65 billion in damage in seven east coast states. Last year’s drought/heatwave in the western half of the country was the second-most expensive at $30 billion. Rounding out the list …
I have an intense hatred of plastic bags. I have learned that it is not very hard to remember to bring a reusable tote with you to the store. You can stash one in your purse, because they roll up to nothing. You can keep one in your car, if you have a car. You …
The National Trust for Historic Places just released its 26th annual Most Endangered Historic Places List, a yearly collection of America’s heritage sites at risk. Some are in coastal areas with ties to America’s nautical heritage, from a Massachusetts lighthouse to a salmon cannery in Alaska, all with fascinating historical import. To wit: Gay Head …
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I can name a handful of close-up encounters with nature that have changed my life. One was snorkeling off the coast of Maui in 1998, where a green sea turtle sidled up to my face mask and seemed to want to get to know me. Another was going on my first whale watching trip from …
Read more “Whale Watching Leads to More Concern for Marine Conservation”
Shannon Leigh O’Neil and I relaxed for a few hours at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden one spring weekend. The cherries and Japanese Garden are the most photogenic and classically beautiful areas of the park. I happened to discover the native flora garden, a semi-wild plot of upland woods, bog plants, ferns and wildflowers. While our …