How You Can Do Science In Your Own Back Yard

Project BudBurst 2009 is a way for all of us to contribute data to a serious study on climate change. The National Phenology Network is reaching out to people around the country to record the growth stages of their local flora and report it online.

The advent of technology such as digital cameras, GIS, Google Earth and social networking sites like Facebook have allowed ordinary citizens to be amateur naturalists and take photos of the first flowering of different species and upload them to a database. This will allow scientists to track changes over time of when flowers bloom in different locations and cover a far larger area than the scientists could possibly do by themselves.

So dig out your cameras and join me in searching out the local flora. Together we can make a unique contribution to the science of climate change.

Be On The Lookout For Wet Basements And Crawlspaces

Slowly but surely spring is coming, and with the amount of snow we have this year it could become a problem in your home if it melts too fast. Water can exert tremendous force on your basement walls, and no expensive interior sealant will keep it out if the hydraulic pressure is great enough. With temperatures forecast into the 30's and 40's for the next few days many of us will find out how well our basements and crawlspaces are sealed. Dirt crawlspaces with no poly seal are a particular problem since soil gas and mold spores have direct access to the home, often through leaky ducts.

If you have basement or crawlspace moisture problems call me at 475-2415 ext. 35 or stop in my office at Trust Lands - 27 Store Road. We can determine why the moisture is intruding and give advice on flood cleanup and steps that can prevent future floods. Give me a call!