Environment

In late 2015, Cincinnati Parks starred in the documentary Trees in Trouble. The film describes the threat posed to forests by insects and highlights the Parks' efforts to respond to the Emerald Ash Borer crisis. It also explores the history of urban forestry in the U.S. and Cincinnati’s unique leadership dating back to its hosting of the United States' first Urban Forestry Congress in 1882.

The impacts of global climate change are already being felt and are only projected to intensify. That's the conclusion of a U.S. government report that was supposed to come out in December. The Trump administration chose instead to release the report on Black Friday.

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden will present its annual Native Plant Symposium Saturday, November 10. Because native plants are adapted to our local environment, they require far less water and maintenance than plants not meant to grow in our area, saving time, money and water.

Fall is starting off with a drop in temperatures and heavy rains so working in your yard and garden could prove more of a chore over the next couple of weeks.

Greater Cincinnati not only has a vibrant and growing arts, cultural and entertainment scene, it's also an amazing place to discover life in the great outdoors. And the 15th annual Great Outdoor Weekend, September 29 and 30, is the perfect opportunity to explore all our region has to offer.

Local gardeners may still be busy picking the peppers, tomatoes and zucchini started back in June, but now is the time to plant crops that will be ready to harvest throughout the fall and next spring.

Author Rick Bass is renowned for his writing on the environment and for his environmental activism. In his latest book, The Traveling Feast: On the Road and at the Table with My Heroes, Bass goes on a journey to thank the writers he considers his mentors, visiting and preparing those who accept his offer an elaborate meal. Joining him in his travels are some of his past and current writing students, and through the sharing of food, experiences and conversation, he connects his mentors and mentees.

We typically refer to it as the Cincinnati Zoo, but its proper name is the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. And while the animals are the main attraction, you might be surprised at how much you can learn by turning your attention to the thousands of plants, trees and shrubs that make up the zoo's various habitats and specialty gardens.

China is a top global importer of many of the world's recyclable materials, but the country has begun banning dozens of these goods from several countries, including the United States. The move could mean the U.S. will have to ramp up its domestic recycling program.