As late summer approaches, you might notice more news popping up about toxic algae blooms. From Washington to Utah to Vermont, algae blooms were all over the news last summer and this summer’s drought conditions could lead to prime conditions again this year.
Waters across the U.S. are seeing higher incidents of algae blooms, and the Eastern Sierra is no exception. Down south, we saw algae blooms in Crowley Lake near Bishop and Bridgeport Reservoir. In the north, the Truckee River watershed had algae blooms at Virginia Lake in Reno and at Pyramid Lake. These algae blooms prompted local water quality officials and health departments to issue warnings to avoid swimming and recreating in these waterways due to health risks.
Sift through the Cal Fire website, and you’ll see at the bottom of the page their offer of a short and to-the-point “2022 Fire Season Outlook.” Doesn’t look very good:
“Extended dryness originating from January is expected to continue into the spring with little precipitation leaving most of the state in moderate to extreme drought conditions prior to summer. These continued dry conditions with above normal temperatures through Spring will leave fuel moisture levels lower than normal, increasing the potential for wildland fire activity.”
If you get to talking with a soil, plant, or farming nerd about their craft there is a solid chance that the terms “soil food web,” “compost tea” or “compost extract” will come up. Though they may sound a bit distasteful, even witchy, they are definitely worth looking into as they provide a great service to plants and soils. Think of them as the ultimate super food for your garden ecosystem.
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Please join us for a Truckee River Month celebration of and update on the Truckee River Wayfinding Signage Project.
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Spring has sprung in the Truckee Meadows!
And since spring wouldn’t be complete without the cheerful chirping of songbirds, what better way to celebrate spring than by taking a moment to talk about providing for our feathered friends in our River-Friendly Landscapes.
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While winter may seem like a slow time for gardening, there’s still plenty to do to keep your landscape River-Friendly. One thing to consider is deicing salts used on icy paths and driveways. While they help melt ice and make our roads and walking surfaces safer during the winter months, they also can harm our pets and the environment.
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