Could your grandparents exposure to DDT make you fat?
DDT and your grandparents- how it affects youInteresting new research was published this month (October 2013) that implicates exposure of humans to DDT (a pesticide) with a large increase in obesity...
View ArticleTurning dandelions into rubber and a new crop for farmers
Farmers are always looking for new crops that can provide additional income for them and it doesn’t hurt when that crop is easy to grow and harvest and virtually pest free. Dandelions used to be...
View ArticleIf guns don't kill will someone take responsibility?
There’s a small town called Marlette in Sanilac County, Michigan. It’s a largely rural area in Michigan’s thumb. Hunting is common in this area as are guns in the home. ...
View ArticleWhat you need to know about squirrels
Squirrels are one of the most common critters that share our yards and gardens. We notice them more than most other animals because they are active throughout the day like we are. Squirrels can be...
View ArticleFind a low-cost fresh Christmas tree at a National Forest
You can have a great family outing and get a low cost, beautiful fresh cut Christmas tree if you are willing to do a little work for it. Most people don’t realize that many National Forests can...
View ArticleHow to treat frostbite in chickens and other poultry
In many parts of the United States this has been one of the coldest winters on record. If you are a chicken keeper you may be wondering how this cold weather affects your flock. Chickens will lay...
View ArticleWhats living under the snow?
The deep snow we have this year doesn’t seem to have any advantages and other than insulating our favorite garden plants it probably doesn’t help us humans much. But under that insulating snow pack...
View ArticleShould we allow 2-4-D resistant crops?
In the next few weeks the USDA will decide whether or not to allow corn and soybeans genetically modified to resist the effects of the weed killer 2-4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid). The makers...
View ArticleHow to help save the Monarch butterfly
Researchers and naturalists are very worried about the future of the monarch butterfly. Their numbers have been falling each year but this year the numbers of butterflies overwintering in Mexico has...
View ArticleMichigan's sugar harvest and how your sugar is made
If you live in the Saginaw valley or thumb area of Michigan you generally know when sugar beet harvest begins. Huge trucks rumble down the roads piled high with muddy beets on their way to the...
View ArticleInteresting facts about rattlesnakes and their venom
There are 13 species of rattlesnakes in the US. Many are now rare and the government is indicating that the Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake will soon be listed as an endangered species. Rattlesnakes...
View ArticleGroundhog Day and all about groundhogs, woodchucks and whistle pigs
Groundhog Day is fast approaching, (Monday, February 2) and according to legend if the groundhog sees his shadow there will be 6 more weeks of winter. There are several groundhogs kept in captivity...
View ArticleAre nanoparticles a threat to our health and environment?
Forget GMO modified food- there’s something happening to our food supply that’s scarier and probably more dangerous. Nanoparticles are the new concern. Nanoparticles are infinitesimally small pieces...
View ArticleFixing Michigan roads- some better ideas
Having good roads is important to rural and urban citizens and it looks like Michigan citizens will be voting on a confusing, complicated sales tax increase this spring to pay for fixing our roads and...
View ArticleEaster, it's not just for Christians
Easter is a wonderful holiday, one anyone, regardless of religion, can enjoy and celebrate. Easter signifies re-birth, new life and promise. Every historical human culture we can study has had a...
View ArticleWarning- Avian Flu outbreak- protect your flock.
As the season for bird swaps and livestock sales gets underway this spring backyard flock owners and small poultry farms need to be especially vigilant to prevent Avian Flu. There have been numerous...
View ArticleDo urban farmers markets actually offer healthier foods?
While farm markets are certainly great for finding local foods and introducing them into what are known as urban food deserts, researchers are beginning to question just how much better food at a farm...
View ArticleWhy you should keep feeding the birds in the spring and summer
Don’t put away the bird feeders as it gets warmer. If you aren’t feeding the birds through the spring and summer months you are missing out on seeing some interesting birds that only visit in the...
View ArticleAvian Flu in Michigan, what small flock owners need to know
The “bird flu” has reached Michigan and while there have been no human cases of the disease in the US there is always the slight risk of human cases, which can be deadly. The H5N2 virus strain...
View ArticleHow to properly display the US flag
With the Fourth of July approaching many people like to decorate with the US flag and decorations of red, white and blue to show their patriotism. But did you know that there are laws on how to...
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