Leaf Expert: Fall's Splendor Hinges On September Weather
Over the next three months, tens of thousands of tourists will spend nearly $1 billion during their visits to the mountains of North Carolina, and they're hoping for a vibrant show of fall col
Environment
One Result Of China's Buildup In South China Sea: Environmental Havoc
China has been creating artificial islands out of reefs. Environmentalists say the process is killing off coral and giant clams.
How GMOs Cut The Use Of Pesticides — And Perhaps Boosted It Again
There's new and detailed data on the impact of genetically modified crops on pesticide use. Those crops replaced insecticides, and, at first, some herbicides. But herbicide use has rebounded.
Fast-Growing Idaho Wildfire Could Keep Burning Until October
The Pioneer Fire in the Idaho backcountry has been burning since July, but it exploded in size this week during hot, dry weather. Smoke from the blaze has created a monstrous cloud visible from space.
Obama At Lake Tahoe Praises Conservation Efforts
The president warns that climate change can undermine decades-long conservation efforts. He spoke at an annual summit that brings people together to discuss how to keep Lake Tahoe blue.
African Elephant Population Declines By 30 Percent
A census of African savanna elephants in 15 countries between 2007 and 2014 found the population decreased by 144,000 animals.
Western States Face Challenges Cleaning Up After Coal Mining
Coal companies in the West have mined an area the size of New York City — more than 400 square miles. Now they have to clean it up, and it's given rise to a whole new reclamation economy.
Minnesota Cracks Down On Neonic Pesticides, Promising Aid To Bees
Minnesota's governor has ordered new restrictions on the use of neonicotinoid pesticides, which have been blamed for killing bees. Many details of the plan, however, remain to be worked out.
With Water In Short Supply, One California Farmer Grows Feed Indoors
The extended drought in California has farmers looking for ways to use less water. Among them, growing feed indoors using hydroponics. The new diet is making some Central Valley sheep very happy.
Banned From National Forest, For-Profit Mushroom Pickers Go Underground
Last year's forest fires have produced a bumper crop of coveted morel mushrooms in Montana's northwestern forests. But the Forest Service isn't issuing commercial licenses in some prime picking spots.