Egrets and herons are best known for stalking fish and frogs along shorelines, but these elegant birds are also effective predators of gophers and other small rodents. In gardens, fields, orchards, and open landscapes, they can play a helpful role in naturally reducing rodent populations. Both egrets and herons belong to the family Ardeidae and […]
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Ants marching up and down the trunk of an otherwise healthy-looking fruit tree? Branches or stems that look bumpy and shiny, as if coated with sugar water? These clues often point to a scale insect infestation. Click here to learn more about managing scale.
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Praying mantids are among the most unusual and efficient insect hunters you may encounter. The name mantis comes from Greek, meaning “prophet” or “soothsayer,” inspired by their prayer-like posture. They hold the front of their body upright with enlarged forelegs folded together. The European mantid (Mantis religiosa) is most often seen in gardens, while the
Fascinating Garden Hunters Read More »
Garden fertilizers supply nutrients that plants need to grow, flower, and produce fruit, but not all fertilizers work the same way. Broadly, they fall into two categories: synthetic (chemical) fertilizers and organic fertilizers. Understanding the differences helps gardeners make choices that support both healthy plants and a healthy environment. Chemical fertilizers are manufactured products that
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Many products commonly found in the home are legally considered pesticides, even though they may not be sold in the traditional “bug spray” aisle. A pesticide is any substance used to prevent, destroy, repel, or control pests. Because these materials can affect people, pets, and the indoor environment, safe and informed use is important, especially
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Got problems with rats, mice, or gophers? Interested in environmentally friendly methods to help reduce these pests? It’s easy – support your local owls and encourage them to hang around! These ethereal birds of the night that you’re more likely to hear than see, can be a boost to an overall approach at controlling unwanted
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World Pollution Prevention Day that is observed every year on December 2nd, serves as an urgent reminder for all of us to address the environmental challenges that our planet faces. With human activities continuing to degrade the Earth’s natural resources, pollution has become a pressing issue that necessitates immediate attention. A close look at the
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Marin’s watersheds include more than 3,000 miles of creeks. Some of these water ways flow into our lakes for storage, while others feed into San Francisco Bay and on to the ocean. The Mt. Tamalpais Watershed is one of county’s most valuable natural resources and the source of domestic water for the majority of residents.
How You can Impact our Watershed Read More »
Think before you spray. It sounds good, and makes sense relative to using pesticides. But what does it really mean? In a nutshell, it means that when you have a pest problem, understand what you’re trying to manage before you take action. Know what the pest is, determine how much damage you can tolerate from
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Monarchs, the beloved butterflies in North America, are in trouble. The monarchs that breed in western North America migrate toward the Pacific to overwinter in tree groves scattered along the coast from Mendocino County in California to Baja California in Mexico. For twenty years, counts have been made of overwintering butterflies thanks to volunteers with
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