/tags/harvest-public-media Harvest Public Media en-US Copyright © 2024 ÍâÍřĚěĚĂ Mon, 24 Feb 2025 10:00:00 GMT /2025-02-24/plant-libraries-herbaria-closures-climate-change Scientists say amid climate change and biodiversity loss, the world’s herbaria could hold the keys to overcoming the crises in their folders of dried plant specimens. But their future is in question amid cuts to research and education funding. Mon, 24 Feb 2025 10:00:00 GMT /2025-02-24/plant-libraries-herbaria-closures-climate-change Kate Grumke /2025-02-24/wildfires-great-plains-prescribed-burns Wildfires have become more frequent, burning bigger areas during longer seasons thanks to conditions exacerbated by climate change. More people in the Great Plains and Midwest are turning to “prescribed” burns, which can help reduce wildfire risk. Mon, 24 Feb 2025 10:00:00 GMT /2025-02-24/wildfires-great-plains-prescribed-burns Anna Pope /2025-02-18/trumps-freeze-farmers-federal-funds A federal freeze on certain USDA programs has held up billions of dollars for conservation and caused layoffs at a nonprofit in Iowa that supports soil and water quality. Tue, 18 Feb 2025 18:01:42 GMT /2025-02-18/trumps-freeze-farmers-federal-funds Rachel Cramer /2025-02-17/bogs-sink-carbon-dioxide-under-threat Peat bogs sequester a massive amount of the Earth's carbon dioxide. But even as scientists work to better understand bogs' sequestration, the wetlands are under threat. Mon, 17 Feb 2025 10:00:00 GMT /2025-02-17/bogs-sink-carbon-dioxide-under-threat Jess Savage /2025-02-13/usaid-funding-freeze-halts-research The Soybean Innovation Lab based at the University of Illinois has laid off 30 employees and expects to shut down in the spring if funding isn't restored. Lab leaders at other Land Grant universities say they have avoided layoffs, but that could change. Thu, 13 Feb 2025 10:00:00 GMT /2025-02-13/usaid-funding-freeze-halts-research Skyler Rossi /2025-02-12/lake-sturgeon-fishing-back-michigan After a historically warm winter last year canceled several events, Michigan’s sturgeon season came back in full swing earlier this month. It broke records with the most participants and the fastest timing, for what’s already known as the shortest fishing season in the state. Wed, 12 Feb 2025 16:52:34 GMT /2025-02-12/lake-sturgeon-fishing-back-michigan Teresa Homsi /health-science-environment/2025-02-10/global-bird-count-midwest-missouri The annual “Great Backyard Bird Count” asks people to track the birds they see and hear over a few days. The information can help researchers better understand bird populations and whether species are declining. Mon, 10 Feb 2025 19:18:15 GMT /health-science-environment/2025-02-10/global-bird-count-midwest-missouri HĂ©ctor Alejandro Arzate /2025-02-10/forest-carbon-credits-curb-climate-change The U.S. could lose up to 15 million acres of forestland to development by 2060. One effort to keep forests intact is to give landowners a financial incentive through the carbon market. Mon, 10 Feb 2025 10:00:00 GMT /2025-02-10/forest-carbon-credits-curb-climate-change Katie Thoresen /2025-02-06/biofuel-ethanol-biodiesel-midwest Biofuel advocates say the industry is at an inflection point. They’re calling on the new administration to increase ethanol and biodiesel volumes in the country's fuel supply, expand E15 gasoline and clarify tax credits. Thu, 06 Feb 2025 20:23:15 GMT /2025-02-06/biofuel-ethanol-biodiesel-midwest Rachel Cramer /2025-02-03/aronia-berry-chokeberry-native-midwest-market Aronia berry, also known as chokeberry, is a native fruit increasingly known for its health benefits, but producers are having trouble finding demand. Mon, 03 Feb 2025 10:00:00 GMT /2025-02-03/aronia-berry-chokeberry-native-midwest-market HĂ©ctor Alejandro Arzate