As farmers age and the number of farms shrinks, new growers struggle to get started in the agriculture industry
WASHINGTON – New farmers struggle to find affordable land and markets for their produce as they try to break into the agriculture industry. The USDA offers programs to address some of the hardships.
Experts, beekeepers weigh in on local honey for seasonal allergies
SCOTTSDALE – The evidence that eating local honey can help with allergies is largely anecdotal; what's not in dispute is that local honey is both tastier and healthier than honey at the supermarket, beekeepers and experts agree.
Sporting a greener future: U.S. arenas, stadiums tackle carbon footprint to score environmental wins
PHOENIX – Sports venues are going green by pioneering sustainable design and retrofitting older stadiums with eco-friendly technologies to reduce their environmental impact.
A plumbing issue at Lake Powell dam could mean big trouble for Western water
Damage to the Glen Canyon Dam’s “river outlet works,” a critical set of small tubes near the bottom of the dam that hold back Lake Powell, are raising new concerns that it may become harder to keep the falling Colorado River flowing downstream.
‘A tangible difference’: Phoenix Zoo scientists work to save native species
PHOENIX – Phoenix Zoo scientists are working to save species under threat. The zoo’s website lists nine native species conservation projects that scientists are working on, including the black-footed ferret, Chiricahua leopard frog, cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl, desert pupfish, narrow-headed gartersnake, Huachuca water umbel, springsnail, Mount Graham red squirrel and Gila topminnow.
Cave Creek business aims to train dogs to avoid rattlesnakes in the summer months
PHOENIX – With rattlesnake season reaching its peak in Arizona, professionals warn hikers and pet owners to proceed with caution outdoors. One business in Cave Creek is taking a proactive step to train dogs to avoid the venomous reptiles.
Salton Sea immigrant community experiences high rates of asthma from inhaling dust from the drying sea bed
NORTH SHORE, California – Childhood asthma rates are disproportionately high for immigrant families who live and work near the Salton Sea in Southern California. Scientists say the alarming rate of respiratory problems comes from inhaling dust of decayed fish that ingested toxic materials flowing into the sea from nearby agricultural sites.
As Arizona shifts into warmer weather, beware of rattlesnakes, experts say
PHOENIX – Hikers and adventurers should be aware of increased encounters between humans and rattlesnakes as temperatures climb above 80 degrees. The serpents make their presence known in rural areas and even in homes, especially from March to October.
‘Mobility, community and open space’: Culdesac in Tempe aims to provide a healthy alternative to suburban living
TEMPE – Culdesac, a walkable, car-free neighborhood in Tempe, aims to support tenants’ healthier lifestyles by allowing them to have quick access to necessities such as stores, restaurants and public transit.
How city of Phoenix, CAP are addressing water supply issues
PHOENIX – State and local agencies are working toward Arizona water supply solutions, including potentially expanding the Bartlett Dam and adding new infrastructure.
‘Absolute beautiful place’: Rockin’ River Ranch State Park opens in Camp Verde
CAMP VERDE – After several setbacks, Rockin’ River Ranch State Park opened on Feb. 9 in Camp Verde. The native wildlife, hiking trails, fishing and picnic areas of the newest state park have already attracted local and international visitors.
Water and power collide in proposed $100 million Colorado River deal
The Shoshone Generating Station is easy to overlook, but it's key to "one of the most interesting ... water rights on the Colorado River” - a deal to spend nearly $100 million for rights to the water that powers the facility and preserve it for western Colorado users.
