Sierra Nevada snowmelt is vital for California. It provides drinking water for 30% of residents, irrigates key San Joaquin Valley crops, and powers hydroelectric plants supplying 15% of the

Sierra Nevada snowmelt is vital for California. It provides drinking water for 30% of residents, irrigates key San Joaquin Valley crops, and powers hydroelectric plants supplying 15% of the state's electricity.

Scientists Martha Conklin and Tom Harmon (UC Merced) are researching at the Southern Sierra Critical Zone Observatory. They use wireless sensors to accurately measure snowpack and melt, enabling state water managers to make better allocation decisions for this precious resource.

Lake Erie, part of Earth's largest surface freshwater system, provides drinking water for 11 million people. Its water quality is threatened by increased fertilizer-derived

Lake Erie, part of Earth's largest surface freshwater system, provides drinking water for 11 million people. Its water quality is threatened by increased fertilizer-derived nutrients.

Researchers Anna Michalak, Tom Bridgeman, and Pete Richards are studying how farming practices and severe weather contribute to these nutrient levels, which diminish water quality and threaten the lake's ecosystem and public health. This research was published on July 12, 2013.

Kansas farmers, including Stan Townsend and Mitchell Baalman, are depleting the Ogallala aquifer—North America's largest freshwater aquifer—for crop irrigation. Water is being pumped

Kansas farmers, including Stan Townsend and Mitchell Baalman, are depleting the Ogallala aquifer—North America's largest freshwater aquifer—for crop irrigation. Water is being pumped significantly faster than natural replenishment.

Michigan State University scientist David Hyndman is developing a management plan to ensure sustainable farming practices and protect this vital resource.

Thierry Vrain, a retired soil biologist and former head of a molecular biology department, spent his career engineering nematode resistance in crops. In retirement, as a gardener, he gained a

Thierry Vrain, a retired soil biologist and former head of a molecular biology department, spent his career engineering nematode resistance in crops. In retirement, as a gardener, he gained a deeper understanding of soil ecosystems.

Observing public concern about food safety, Vrain, with his expertise in genetic engineering, felt compelled to act. He has joined a campaign to educate consumers about potential health issues reported in recent scientific literature.

More information is available here.

Published on June 7, 2013, this testimony illustrates how a small farmer in El Salvador preserves biodiversity and combats hunger through seed saving and exchange.

This practice aligns

Published on June 7, 2013, this testimony illustrates how a small farmer in El Salvador preserves biodiversity and combats hunger through seed saving and exchange.

This practice aligns with the 2013 commitment of Bajo Lempa communities in El Salvador to agroecology. Their focus encompasses protecting local seeds, defending soil, and preserving water sources.

In this video Jeff Goebel of

In this video Jeff Goebel of Email a Friend