Scientists say nature therapies don’t just feel good — they save trillions in health costs The impact can feel immediate. Anecdotally, walking outside and into sunshine feels reinvigorating. Science has long proven this to be true: Research shows that time spent outdoors can reduce stress, improve cognition and increase sleep quality. Now, a new study has put a dollar value on the improvement in well-being due to park visits.
Continue reading →Bottom Line Conclusion: In boreal forests, the organic matter consumed by earthworms means a reduction in available nutrients for other organisms, reduction in fungi, and reduction in soil moisture. A new study by a large team of researchers from around the world has looked at global earthworm diversity patterns that are influenced by climate to try and help anticipate how these valuable animals might be affected in a warming world. The study covered 57 countries, including Canada, and gathered data from nearly 7,000 sites. But a Canadian researcher who … Continue reading →
There is an invasive species alert in BC for two very damaging introductions, the American Bullfrog and the Red-Eared Slider turtle. American Bullfrog American Bullfrogs were originally introduced into B.C. by humans wanting to farm them for their meaty legs. They were also imported by aquatic garden supply companies for stocking backyard ponds. Populations can increase rapidly as females are able to lay up to 20,000 eggs per year. American Bullfrog dispersal is aided by their abilities to migrate over land, feed on a wide range of prey, thrive in … Continue reading →
For the third year, KNC members volunteered their time to raise money for the club by acting as tour guides for visiting students in TRU World’s programs. This year we hosted eight groups, seven from Jakarta, Indonesia and one from Kyoto, Japan. With group sizes ranging from 20 to 25, this comprised a total of 162 students. The club will receive $2,430. We spend about two hours with each group learning about the ecology of the Tranquille creek area and finishing with gold panning in the creek. On two of … Continue reading →
Canada’s Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas Program is a science-based initiative to identify, conserve, and monitor a network of sites that provide essential habitat for Canada’s bird populations. Canada is part of a global network consisting of over 12,000 sites in 200 countries. There are about 600 sites in Canada and 83 in BC. There are two IBAs in our area. These are the South Thompson River IBA and the Douglas Lake Plateau IBA. Rick Howie has been the caretaker for the South Thompson River IBA for many years. The … Continue reading →
With the continuing rain, the fall mushroom season is progressing rapidly. A good place to start looking for wild mushrooms is in your yard and pastures. There are numerous interesting species that grow in grass. Here are a few of the many. Coprinus comatus (Shaggy Mane) Shaggy mane is one of the easiest wild mushrooms to identify and a great beginning species if you are tempted to try eating your first wild mushroom. Most people say they are delicious. Cut them lengthwise to be sure they are young and pure … Continue reading →