Clark County, Nevada – The steady outward push of development from Las Vegas has begun to alter the desert floor in measurable ways. Western burrowing owls, which rely on existing underground tunnels for nesting, now encounter fewer suitable sites as open land gives way to new construction. This shift has already contributed to population declines...
A long-awaited visit to Lotusland in Montecito, California, finally checked off a prominent entry on one gardener’s bucket list this month. The 37-acre estate, located about 95 miles north of Los Angeles, stands out even in a region known for celebrity residents and striking landscapes. Created over decades by a former opera singer, the garden...
Lake Tahoe residents have grown used to unexpected visitors rummaging through trash or even wandering into homes and pools. As black bears have returned to western Nevada in greater numbers, some have lost their natural caution around humans and the food sources people leave behind. Nevada wildlife officials now rely on a small team of...
A broad heat dome has settled across the central United States, locking in elevated temperatures that affect millions of residents and their outdoor landscapes alike. The atmospheric pattern prevents cooler air from moving in, allowing heat to build day after day. Gardeners in the region now confront the same conditions that create widespread discomfort, only...
Public health officials are tracking a sustained and historic resurgence of measles across the United States. The disease, once considered eliminated in the country, has now posted its second consecutive year of record case counts. This latest milestone places the total at a level not seen in 35 years. A Disease Once Thought Conquered Measles...
Merced County residents received welcome news this week when local authorities downgraded mandatory evacuation orders tied to the Fields Fire. Sheriff Vern Warnke announced the change as crews made steady progress bringing the blaze under control. The update marks a shift from the heightened alert that had prompted residents to leave their properties in affected...
A jar of gochujang sits on the counter after dinner, its lid slightly domed from built-up pressure. Many cooks assume the paste has turned and reach for the trash. In reality, that bulge often signals the condiment is doing exactly what it was designed to do. The Science Behind Its Staying Power Gochujang draws stability...
Dana Point Harbor has long anchored memories for generations of Orange County residents. Wind & Sea, the waterfront restaurant that opened in 1972, will serve its final meals on September 15. The closure marks the end of more than five decades of seafood dinners and signature cocktails at the same location. Revitalization Drives Timeline The...
A recent Cyclospora outbreak tied to certain bagged and shredded lettuce products has left many home cooks rethinking their usual raw salads. Public health alerts and a voluntary recall have heightened caution around fresh produce, even as the precise source continues to be investigated. Yet the same leafy greens that raise concerns when eaten cold...
Ash trees have long appealed to landscapers for their delicate, feathery foliage and their ability to adapt to spaces of many scales. Some varieties reach well over 100 feet and serve as commanding shade providers, while others stay compact at under 15 feet and suit smaller yards. Yet the emerald ash borer has already devastated...
Home gardeners often face an abundance of zucchini and leeks by midsummer. A straightforward roast chicken recipe from Ali Slagle addresses that surplus with minimal effort. The method relies on just five ingredients total and produces caramelized vegetables alongside tender meat. Practical Solution for Seasonal Overload Zucchini plants produce rapidly once established. Leeks add mild...
Chicago – WGN’s Plant Daddy segment recently turned attention to wildfire smoke and its effects on home gardens, a topic drawing increased interest as smoke events become more frequent across parts of the country. The discussion focused on practical questions about how smoke interacts with plants and whether produce remains safe to harvest and eat....
