I was at the AGM last evening. It was a good meeting, and Lori Blackburn from the Nova Scotia government tourism dept. was there and spoke. There are a variety of programs available in that branch, and you can contact her or that dept. to get more details, but I thought I'd put it out here that she mentioned that *they can do an area environmental assessment from a tourism point of view*.
I haven't got a phone number for her, but she can be reached thru NS Heritage, Culture and Tourism and/or novascotia.com
There is also money available for festivals and events and "product enhancement".
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Low Tech Solutions Return Us to Work WITH Mother Nature
One-billion-tree planting to cut emissions : Gusti Quotes SBY
Wednesday, May 5, 2010 06:17 WIB | National | | Viewed 460 time(s)
Bogor, W Java (ANTARA News) - Environment Minister Gusti Muhammad Hatta said on Tuesday the government is committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 26 percent through a one-billion-tree planting campaign.
The trees would be planted on 1.6 million hectares of land nationwide, he said.
"President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono himself wants 1 billion trees planted across Indonesia in 2010. The move is aimed at achieving the government`s target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 26 percent," he said.
Gusti said his office would always monitor the realization of the program in each region until the number of trees planted reached one billion.
He called on regional governments to ensure the success of the program by launching one-man-one-tree campaigns. If a province had a population of 50 million there would be 50 million new trees.
"We will monitor the program and record any tree-planting activities in regions to see if the number of new trees has reached 1 billion," he said.
He said the campaigns were effective to cut greenhouse gas emissions because trees functions as emission absorbents.
The current increase in greenhouse gas emissions was contributed not only by greenhouse effect but also by deforestation, he said. (*)
Wednesday, May 5, 2010 06:17 WIB | National | | Viewed 460 time(s)
Bogor, W Java (ANTARA News) - Environment Minister Gusti Muhammad Hatta said on Tuesday the government is committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 26 percent through a one-billion-tree planting campaign.
The trees would be planted on 1.6 million hectares of land nationwide, he said.
"President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono himself wants 1 billion trees planted across Indonesia in 2010. The move is aimed at achieving the government`s target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 26 percent," he said.
Gusti said his office would always monitor the realization of the program in each region until the number of trees planted reached one billion.
He called on regional governments to ensure the success of the program by launching one-man-one-tree campaigns. If a province had a population of 50 million there would be 50 million new trees.
"We will monitor the program and record any tree-planting activities in regions to see if the number of new trees has reached 1 billion," he said.
He said the campaigns were effective to cut greenhouse gas emissions because trees functions as emission absorbents.
The current increase in greenhouse gas emissions was contributed not only by greenhouse effect but also by deforestation, he said. (*)
Candu Might Cango
Blogger's Note: Who knew Toshiba and G.E. were/are nuclear giants?! I didn't.
OTTAWA — The federal government is now expected to sell its entire stake in the Candu reactor division of Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd., a move that could have profound implications for Canada's nuclear industry and billions of dollars in plant refurbishments across the country.
When the government announced in December that it was formally inviting bids for the Candu division, federal officials said Ottawa was open to a range of investment options, including a 100 per cent takeover. A spokesperson at Natural Resources Canada says that remains the government's official position.
But stakeholders who have been briefed by investment bank Rothschild, which is overseeing the bidding process, have been told the government has now decided to unload its entire stake.
"We had always been led to believe . . . that this would be some form of public-private partnership with some government control," said Michael Ivanco, vice-president of the Society of Professional Engineers and Associates, a union that represents AECL engineers and scientists.
Without the government retaining at least some ownership, it's difficult to see how the Candu technology will survive, said Ivanco. Companies such as French-owned AREVA have expressed interest in acquiring the division, but it's more likely they would look to sell their own reactors, rather than continue to develop next-generation Candu technology.
"It's quite likely that it would die. I can't imagine a scenario a 100 per cent private Canadian player can compete with the big players in this game," said Ivanco.
The government first revealed last summer that it planned to split AECL and sell off the Candu division. The sale will not affect AECL's Chalk River, Ont., labs, which produce medical isotopes.
The government concluded the division was simply too small to compete with global nuclear giants such as AREVA, Toshiba and General Electric.
Some industry insiders argue that government involvement is key to building a globally competitive nuclear technology firm. They point to companies such as AREVA, which is majority owned by the French government, and AtomEnergoProm, which is controlled by Russia.
"The nuclear industry is very big, it's very strategic, and it's very long term. And typically, you find some government backstopping that activity," said Neil Alexander, president of the Organization of Candu Industries, which represents firms that supply Candu reactors in Canada and abroad.
The government has pumped $434 million into the development of next-generation Candu reactors since 2003. However, it appears the government has grown weary of bankrolling AECL, which has received $1.74 billion in public funding since 2006.
The Candu division lost $331 million in its last fiscal year, even after receiving $124 million in parliamentary appropriations.
A 100 per cent private takeover would make things interesting for several big nuclear-plant refurbishments, since the Candu division includes the group that manages those projects. In Canada, AECL has been contracted to repair the Bruce Power A plant in Ontario, the Gentilly-2 in Quebec, and the Point Lepreau in New Brunswick.
Neither the government nor Rothschild would comment on the bidding process. But sources say Rothschild has developed a short list of bidders and has opened a "data room" with confidential financial information for the bidders.
The Conservatives recently introduced legislative amendments that would give cabinet the authority to sell part or all of AECL without seeking further parliamentary approval. The changes were included in a bill that implements budget measures, meaning the opposition couldn't block the move without triggering an election.
Unless the government falls in the next few weeks, the bill should pass before the House breaks for the summer on June 9. Alexander says his organization is concerned the government is trying to push through the sale without adequate consultation.
"Yeah, it has to be done quickly, but they need to understand the issues, and they need to find the right partners to allow the industry to sustain itself," he said.
OTTAWA — The federal government is now expected to sell its entire stake in the Candu reactor division of Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd., a move that could have profound implications for Canada's nuclear industry and billions of dollars in plant refurbishments across the country.
When the government announced in December that it was formally inviting bids for the Candu division, federal officials said Ottawa was open to a range of investment options, including a 100 per cent takeover. A spokesperson at Natural Resources Canada says that remains the government's official position.
But stakeholders who have been briefed by investment bank Rothschild, which is overseeing the bidding process, have been told the government has now decided to unload its entire stake.
"We had always been led to believe . . . that this would be some form of public-private partnership with some government control," said Michael Ivanco, vice-president of the Society of Professional Engineers and Associates, a union that represents AECL engineers and scientists.
Without the government retaining at least some ownership, it's difficult to see how the Candu technology will survive, said Ivanco. Companies such as French-owned AREVA have expressed interest in acquiring the division, but it's more likely they would look to sell their own reactors, rather than continue to develop next-generation Candu technology.
"It's quite likely that it would die. I can't imagine a scenario a 100 per cent private Canadian player can compete with the big players in this game," said Ivanco.
The government first revealed last summer that it planned to split AECL and sell off the Candu division. The sale will not affect AECL's Chalk River, Ont., labs, which produce medical isotopes.
The government concluded the division was simply too small to compete with global nuclear giants such as AREVA, Toshiba and General Electric.
Some industry insiders argue that government involvement is key to building a globally competitive nuclear technology firm. They point to companies such as AREVA, which is majority owned by the French government, and AtomEnergoProm, which is controlled by Russia.
"The nuclear industry is very big, it's very strategic, and it's very long term. And typically, you find some government backstopping that activity," said Neil Alexander, president of the Organization of Candu Industries, which represents firms that supply Candu reactors in Canada and abroad.
The government has pumped $434 million into the development of next-generation Candu reactors since 2003. However, it appears the government has grown weary of bankrolling AECL, which has received $1.74 billion in public funding since 2006.
The Candu division lost $331 million in its last fiscal year, even after receiving $124 million in parliamentary appropriations.
A 100 per cent private takeover would make things interesting for several big nuclear-plant refurbishments, since the Candu division includes the group that manages those projects. In Canada, AECL has been contracted to repair the Bruce Power A plant in Ontario, the Gentilly-2 in Quebec, and the Point Lepreau in New Brunswick.
Neither the government nor Rothschild would comment on the bidding process. But sources say Rothschild has developed a short list of bidders and has opened a "data room" with confidential financial information for the bidders.
The Conservatives recently introduced legislative amendments that would give cabinet the authority to sell part or all of AECL without seeking further parliamentary approval. The changes were included in a bill that implements budget measures, meaning the opposition couldn't block the move without triggering an election.
Unless the government falls in the next few weeks, the bill should pass before the House breaks for the summer on June 9. Alexander says his organization is concerned the government is trying to push through the sale without adequate consultation.
"Yeah, it has to be done quickly, but they need to understand the issues, and they need to find the right partners to allow the industry to sustain itself," he said.
Labels:
nuclear power
Potluck Picnic
Family Potluck Picnic - Sun May 8.10
Flora Doehler | May 5, 2010 at 12:25 pm | Categories: Bear River, Rebekah Music Hall, community event, gardening
Celebrate Mother's Day with family and friends. Bring a food item to share, your own dishes, and a blanket or chairs. Explore the improvements underway at the park and stay to help out with weeding the gardens if you like! Sunday May 9, 2010. 1 - 3 pm at the Bear River Peace gardens on the waterfront.
Flora Doehler | May 5, 2010 at 12:25 pm | Categories: Bear River, Rebekah Music Hall, community event, gardening
Celebrate Mother's Day with family and friends. Bring a food item to share, your own dishes, and a blanket or chairs. Explore the improvements underway at the park and stay to help out with weeding the gardens if you like! Sunday May 9, 2010. 1 - 3 pm at the Bear River Peace gardens on the waterfront.
Labels:
Bear River
Low Lobster Prices
NS: Low prices “killing” fishermen, says union head
By Sherry Martell, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Truro Daily News, May 5, 2010
[TONEY RIVER, NS] — Increased lobster landings early in the season could spell disaster for Nova Scotia’s Northumberland Strait fishermen concerned about dropping prices.
While most of the fishing fleet was grounded by strong winds on Tuesday, the third day of the season, those that braved the choppy waters were paid $3.25 for canner-size and $3.75 for market-size lobster.
“I think P.E.I. is to blame for the price we are receiving right now,” said Darryl MacIvor, Lismore fisherman and president of the local Maritime Fisherman’s Union.
He said fishermen in the neighbouring province are creating a glut on the market, bringing in catches so large processors can’t keep up with the supply.
“They are calling our buyers and offering to sell it to them at a lower price than what they are paying us because they can’t handle the volume going in over there,” he said. “That is the reality. Fishermen here are concerned about price and the possibility that they may not be able to sell their lobsters to buyers at the end of the week.”
Another issue compounding the concern is traditionally prices drop following Mother’s Day when lobster is in great demand.
During opening week in 2009 fishermen were paid $4.50 per pound for market lobsters and about $7 per pound the previous year.
MacIvor said fishermen in the Lismore area landed between 800 to 1,200 pounds of lobster on Monday following a double soak, or two-day set in the Strait.
Fishermen from Big Island east to the Canso Causeway have voluntarily reduced the number of traps used this season from 300 to 275.
They have also voluntarily increased the minimum size of canner lobsters one millimetre to 74 millimetres to promote conservation. The minimum size of a market-size lobster is 81 millimetres.
“We knew this low price was coming so we voluntarily increased the size because if we’re not getting paid for the little ones, why bring them in?” said the president.
Catches are up from last year all along the coast from Ballantyne’s Cove to Wallace but MacIvor said the low price is “killing” fishermen who are landing catches less than 300 pounds a day.
“It’s better than they have been getting but the price is really hurting them,” he said. “It’s disastrous.”
By Sherry Martell, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Truro Daily News, May 5, 2010
[TONEY RIVER, NS] — Increased lobster landings early in the season could spell disaster for Nova Scotia’s Northumberland Strait fishermen concerned about dropping prices.
While most of the fishing fleet was grounded by strong winds on Tuesday, the third day of the season, those that braved the choppy waters were paid $3.25 for canner-size and $3.75 for market-size lobster.
“I think P.E.I. is to blame for the price we are receiving right now,” said Darryl MacIvor, Lismore fisherman and president of the local Maritime Fisherman’s Union.
He said fishermen in the neighbouring province are creating a glut on the market, bringing in catches so large processors can’t keep up with the supply.
“They are calling our buyers and offering to sell it to them at a lower price than what they are paying us because they can’t handle the volume going in over there,” he said. “That is the reality. Fishermen here are concerned about price and the possibility that they may not be able to sell their lobsters to buyers at the end of the week.”
Another issue compounding the concern is traditionally prices drop following Mother’s Day when lobster is in great demand.
During opening week in 2009 fishermen were paid $4.50 per pound for market lobsters and about $7 per pound the previous year.
MacIvor said fishermen in the Lismore area landed between 800 to 1,200 pounds of lobster on Monday following a double soak, or two-day set in the Strait.
Fishermen from Big Island east to the Canso Causeway have voluntarily reduced the number of traps used this season from 300 to 275.
They have also voluntarily increased the minimum size of canner lobsters one millimetre to 74 millimetres to promote conservation. The minimum size of a market-size lobster is 81 millimetres.
“We knew this low price was coming so we voluntarily increased the size because if we’re not getting paid for the little ones, why bring them in?” said the president.
Catches are up from last year all along the coast from Ballantyne’s Cove to Wallace but MacIvor said the low price is “killing” fishermen who are landing catches less than 300 pounds a day.
“It’s better than they have been getting but the price is really hurting them,” he said. “It’s disastrous.”
Labels:
lobster Nova Scotia PEI
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Cod May Be an Endangered Wildlife Species
Atlantic cod among endangered wildlife: Committee
By Margaret Munro, Canwest News Service May 3, 2010 Comments (5)
StoryPhotos ( 2 )
More Images » Atlantic cod fish.Photograph by: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images, Canwest News ServiceAtlantic cod, an Ontario bumblebee and a western pine tree should be added to Canada's grim list of endangered species, says a national committee that tracks more than 600 wildlife species at risk across the country.
Decades of unsustainable harvesting have depleted three of the four cod stocks in Atlantic Canada by 90 per cent or more since the 1960s, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada said Monday, announcing it will recommend to the federal government that cod and several other species be listed as endangered.
Long the economic and dietary mainstay of Maritime communities, cod is in danger from Labrador South to Nova Scotia, the committee said.
"Continuing directed fisheries and bycatch, combined with major changes in marine food webs in some areas, have significantly reduced the ability of cod populations south of Baffin Island to rebuild," said COSEWIC, which has just completed an assessment of the dwindling stocks.
"Except along the northeast of Newfoundland, cod stocks continue to decline, some in the absence of fishing, and others are still being fished and not being allowed to rebuild," said Jeffrey Hutchings, a fisheries biologist at Dalhousie University and outgoing COSEWIC chair.
"Every cod stock is below — and some of them way below — their conservation limits right now," he said in an interview.
The "scariest part" of the assessment dealt with cod in the southern Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Hutchings said. It was the largest cod stock in the world in mid-80s and is now predicted to be potentially gone within 40 years — even if harvesting stops.
"The fishing has pushed the cod to such a low level they have passed their tipping point," said Hutchings.
He said the situation has worsened since 2003, when COSEWIC recommended the government list one cod "unit" as endangered; now all four "units" from Labrador south are in danger.
The government usually acts on COSEWIC's recommendations when it comes to birds and bees — but not when it comes to commercially harvested creatures like cod. In fact, the government rejected a 2003 recommendation to list the cod as endangered because of "socio-economic" concerns.
Hutchings noted that listing cod as endangered would legally require the federal government to develop and implement a recovery strategy.
"That would be a big advantage," he said.
COSEWIC — which met in late April to assess 51 species — said a once-common bumblebee is also endangered.
The Rusty-Patched Bumblebee was once an important pollinator, especially for early- and late-flowering native plants in southern Ontario, but has now all but vanished. "Despite extensive surveys over the past decade, only three individuals of this distinctive bee have been found, all at one site," the committee said.
The reason remains a mystery but pesticides, disease, parasites, and loss of habitat appear to be affecting pollinators worldwide, it said.
The committee said climate change is increasing the risk of extinction for many species in Western Canada, such as the Whitebark Pine that grows at high elevations in the Pacific Coast and Rocky Mountain ranges.
"The principal threat to this tree is an infectious fungus called blister rust, but the cumulative impacts of climate change, mountain pine beetle infestations and fire suppression have all contributed to an ongoing population reduction of 70 per cent," said the committee, which has assessed the Whitebark Pine as endangered.
"Climate change is also a contributing factor in the loss of habitat for the charismatic Flammulated Owl, a small bird dependent on the mature coniferous forests of British Columbia's interior regions," it said.
The mountain pine beetle, no longer kept in check by cold winters, is reducing the owl's habitat. "This, in combination with ongoing logging of mature trees and the potential for an increase in catastrophic forest fires, led to a designation of special concern for the owl."
On a more positive note, the committee said the whooping crane is slowing coming back from the brink of extinction. There were only 14 of the birds left in 1938, but close to 250 of the cranes will be heading to its nesting site in Wood Buffalo National Park this year.
While the committee said the crane is still endangered, Hutchings said there is hope it will be "secure" within 10 years.
The crane still faces multiple threats including ongoing degradation of over-wintering habitat along the coast of Texas.
Hutchings couldn't say if the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico will compound that risk.
COSEWIC, which is composed of wildlife specialists from across the country, will submit its full assessments to the federal environment minister this summer. There are now 602 wildlife species in various COSEWIC categories, including 262 endangered, 151 threatened, 166 of special concern, and 23 extirpated and no longer found in Canada's wild.
By Margaret Munro, Canwest News Service May 3, 2010 Comments (5)
StoryPhotos ( 2 )
More Images » Atlantic cod fish.Photograph by: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images, Canwest News ServiceAtlantic cod, an Ontario bumblebee and a western pine tree should be added to Canada's grim list of endangered species, says a national committee that tracks more than 600 wildlife species at risk across the country.
Decades of unsustainable harvesting have depleted three of the four cod stocks in Atlantic Canada by 90 per cent or more since the 1960s, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada said Monday, announcing it will recommend to the federal government that cod and several other species be listed as endangered.
Long the economic and dietary mainstay of Maritime communities, cod is in danger from Labrador South to Nova Scotia, the committee said.
"Continuing directed fisheries and bycatch, combined with major changes in marine food webs in some areas, have significantly reduced the ability of cod populations south of Baffin Island to rebuild," said COSEWIC, which has just completed an assessment of the dwindling stocks.
"Except along the northeast of Newfoundland, cod stocks continue to decline, some in the absence of fishing, and others are still being fished and not being allowed to rebuild," said Jeffrey Hutchings, a fisheries biologist at Dalhousie University and outgoing COSEWIC chair.
"Every cod stock is below — and some of them way below — their conservation limits right now," he said in an interview.
The "scariest part" of the assessment dealt with cod in the southern Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Hutchings said. It was the largest cod stock in the world in mid-80s and is now predicted to be potentially gone within 40 years — even if harvesting stops.
"The fishing has pushed the cod to such a low level they have passed their tipping point," said Hutchings.
He said the situation has worsened since 2003, when COSEWIC recommended the government list one cod "unit" as endangered; now all four "units" from Labrador south are in danger.
The government usually acts on COSEWIC's recommendations when it comes to birds and bees — but not when it comes to commercially harvested creatures like cod. In fact, the government rejected a 2003 recommendation to list the cod as endangered because of "socio-economic" concerns.
Hutchings noted that listing cod as endangered would legally require the federal government to develop and implement a recovery strategy.
"That would be a big advantage," he said.
COSEWIC — which met in late April to assess 51 species — said a once-common bumblebee is also endangered.
The Rusty-Patched Bumblebee was once an important pollinator, especially for early- and late-flowering native plants in southern Ontario, but has now all but vanished. "Despite extensive surveys over the past decade, only three individuals of this distinctive bee have been found, all at one site," the committee said.
The reason remains a mystery but pesticides, disease, parasites, and loss of habitat appear to be affecting pollinators worldwide, it said.
The committee said climate change is increasing the risk of extinction for many species in Western Canada, such as the Whitebark Pine that grows at high elevations in the Pacific Coast and Rocky Mountain ranges.
"The principal threat to this tree is an infectious fungus called blister rust, but the cumulative impacts of climate change, mountain pine beetle infestations and fire suppression have all contributed to an ongoing population reduction of 70 per cent," said the committee, which has assessed the Whitebark Pine as endangered.
"Climate change is also a contributing factor in the loss of habitat for the charismatic Flammulated Owl, a small bird dependent on the mature coniferous forests of British Columbia's interior regions," it said.
The mountain pine beetle, no longer kept in check by cold winters, is reducing the owl's habitat. "This, in combination with ongoing logging of mature trees and the potential for an increase in catastrophic forest fires, led to a designation of special concern for the owl."
On a more positive note, the committee said the whooping crane is slowing coming back from the brink of extinction. There were only 14 of the birds left in 1938, but close to 250 of the cranes will be heading to its nesting site in Wood Buffalo National Park this year.
While the committee said the crane is still endangered, Hutchings said there is hope it will be "secure" within 10 years.
The crane still faces multiple threats including ongoing degradation of over-wintering habitat along the coast of Texas.
Hutchings couldn't say if the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico will compound that risk.
COSEWIC, which is composed of wildlife specialists from across the country, will submit its full assessments to the federal environment minister this summer. There are now 602 wildlife species in various COSEWIC categories, including 262 endangered, 151 threatened, 166 of special concern, and 23 extirpated and no longer found in Canada's wild.
Labels:
Atlantic cod wildlife
Pests Plaguing Your Garden?
From the Chicago Tribune
If slugs and snails and assorted bugs are making a hash of your garden, call in some web-footed enforcers. (TMS photo / April 26, 2010)
By Sean Conway
Tribune Media Services
May 3, 2010
E-mail Print Share Text Size
When I was a kid, whenever it rained my mother would always say, "It's a good day for ducks." Nowadays, I actually own a small flock of ducks, and I can tell you it's true: They don't mind a rainy day at all.
Ducks have other singular attributes as well. Anyone who owns them will tell you that ducks are excellent to have around the garden because they eat a variety of insects and other pests, including the mortal enemies of every gardener: slugs and snails.
My property has a stream on one side and a pond on another, and consequently is a haven for slugs. The first few years after I moved there, it seemed every plant I put in the ground was shredded to bits. That all changed shortly after I got my ducks.
Ducks are easy to keep. They are quieter than chickens, and don't require a lot of space. They also won't scratch up a garden as chickens will, and they're really quite comical to watch as they roam around the yard searching for tasty slugs! Plus, their eggs are wonderful to cook with.
You don't need a pond to keep ducks, as long as you provide them with ample water. Guests to my garden always ask me where I got my ducks, and most are surprised to learn I ordered them through the mail. (For more information about mail-order ducks, visit cultivatinglife.com and learn how easy it is to raise a few ducks of your own.)
Before you commit to purchasing ducks for your property, make sure there is no ordinance where you live barring you from actually owning ducks.
Ducks come in all shapes and a range of colors. If you live near wetlands or a pond, you might try luring some of the most attractive wild ducks to your neighborhood by putting up a nesting box for wood ducks. Wood ducks' range extends up and down both coasts of the United States and throughout the South. Their nesting range extends from the east coast of Nova Scotia west to the north central United States.
Unlike most of their web-footed relatives, wood ducks prefer to nest in tree cavities and will readily accept nesting boxes. These boxes are easy to make, and they're making a difference in restoring the population of this extraordinarily beautiful duck. Mike Tucker of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island demonstrated how easy it is to make a nesting box suitable for wood ducks. (You can view the project on the Web site too.)
The best design is a long upright box fastened at the back panel to a post or tree. Use durable 1-by-12 cedar board cut to 24 inches for the front and sides. Cut the board at 32 inches for the back; cut the bottom board to fit inside the sideboards and the top board at 16 inches for a little overhang. Fasten the boards with galvanized screws, and attach the roof with hinges to the backboard. Attach a screw eye and hook to a sideboard and the roof edge to secure the roof.
The most important dimension in the nesting box is the entry hole. Using a jigsaw, cut an elliptical hole in the front board, 3 inches high and 4 inches wide. This allows the wood ducks to get in and keeps predators out. Attach quarter-inch hardware inside the box under the hole. Fill the box with wood shavings and attach 10 to 30 feet high on a tree or post.
With luck, beautiful wood ducks will pay you annual visits for years to come.
Sean Conway is host of the TV show "Cultivating Life," which airs on Saturdays on WGN-America and on CLTV at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sundays. His Web site is cultivatinglife.com.
If slugs and snails and assorted bugs are making a hash of your garden, call in some web-footed enforcers. (TMS photo / April 26, 2010)
By Sean Conway
Tribune Media Services
May 3, 2010
E-mail Print Share Text Size
When I was a kid, whenever it rained my mother would always say, "It's a good day for ducks." Nowadays, I actually own a small flock of ducks, and I can tell you it's true: They don't mind a rainy day at all.
Ducks have other singular attributes as well. Anyone who owns them will tell you that ducks are excellent to have around the garden because they eat a variety of insects and other pests, including the mortal enemies of every gardener: slugs and snails.
My property has a stream on one side and a pond on another, and consequently is a haven for slugs. The first few years after I moved there, it seemed every plant I put in the ground was shredded to bits. That all changed shortly after I got my ducks.
Ducks are easy to keep. They are quieter than chickens, and don't require a lot of space. They also won't scratch up a garden as chickens will, and they're really quite comical to watch as they roam around the yard searching for tasty slugs! Plus, their eggs are wonderful to cook with.
You don't need a pond to keep ducks, as long as you provide them with ample water. Guests to my garden always ask me where I got my ducks, and most are surprised to learn I ordered them through the mail. (For more information about mail-order ducks, visit cultivatinglife.com and learn how easy it is to raise a few ducks of your own.)
Before you commit to purchasing ducks for your property, make sure there is no ordinance where you live barring you from actually owning ducks.
Ducks come in all shapes and a range of colors. If you live near wetlands or a pond, you might try luring some of the most attractive wild ducks to your neighborhood by putting up a nesting box for wood ducks. Wood ducks' range extends up and down both coasts of the United States and throughout the South. Their nesting range extends from the east coast of Nova Scotia west to the north central United States.
Unlike most of their web-footed relatives, wood ducks prefer to nest in tree cavities and will readily accept nesting boxes. These boxes are easy to make, and they're making a difference in restoring the population of this extraordinarily beautiful duck. Mike Tucker of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island demonstrated how easy it is to make a nesting box suitable for wood ducks. (You can view the project on the Web site too.)
The best design is a long upright box fastened at the back panel to a post or tree. Use durable 1-by-12 cedar board cut to 24 inches for the front and sides. Cut the board at 32 inches for the back; cut the bottom board to fit inside the sideboards and the top board at 16 inches for a little overhang. Fasten the boards with galvanized screws, and attach the roof with hinges to the backboard. Attach a screw eye and hook to a sideboard and the roof edge to secure the roof.
The most important dimension in the nesting box is the entry hole. Using a jigsaw, cut an elliptical hole in the front board, 3 inches high and 4 inches wide. This allows the wood ducks to get in and keeps predators out. Attach quarter-inch hardware inside the box under the hole. Fill the box with wood shavings and attach 10 to 30 feet high on a tree or post.
With luck, beautiful wood ducks will pay you annual visits for years to come.
Sean Conway is host of the TV show "Cultivating Life," which airs on Saturdays on WGN-America and on CLTV at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sundays. His Web site is cultivatinglife.com.
Labels:
nature gardens ducks
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