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AWF Outdoor Classroom EXPO & Workshop registration is now open

AWF Outdoor Classroom EXPO & Workshop registration is now open

Alabama Wildlife Federation's Outdoor Classroom EXPO is set for October 11-12 at the AWF headquarters in Millbrook.

The AWF Outdoor Classroom Expo provides activity ideas, learning station project plans, and resources to help educators use and sustain Outdoor Classroom for hands-on, minds-on learning opportunities. 

Expo Sessions will begin at 10 a.m.

Attorney General Luther Strange reacts to EPA ruling

Attorney General Luther Strange reacts to EPA ruling

Attorney General Luther Strange said he is pleased by a federal court ruling today that struck down what he called “an intrusive and overreaching” rule of the Environmental Protection Agency regarding air emissions across states. 

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia invalidated the EPA’s Cross State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), ruling in the case of EME Homer City Generation L.P. v.

Alabama's Scenic River Trail receives National Water Trails designation

Alabama's Scenic River Trail receives National Water Trails designation

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today designated three National Water Trails in Alabama, Georgia and Missouri, committing to work with state and local partners to increase water-based outdoor recreation, encourage community stewardship, and promote tourism that fuels local economies.

“Restoring our nation’s rivers and expanding outdoor recreational activities on them is one of the major goals of President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors Initiative,” Salazar said.

AU researcher finds oil spill damage to tiny creatures

Recently published research co-authored by an Auburn University professor shows the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico was severely detrimental to microscopic organisms dwelling in coastal sands... Read More

Heat safety tips for seniors

Heat safety tips for seniors

Alabama's high heat is particularly dangerous for older citizens.  The Alabama Department of Senior Services is encouraging seniors and their caregivers to take necessary precautions. 

Below are some safety tips that you may find helpful in preparing to battle the heat.  This would be a good time to check on your elderly neighbors, friends and family.

Some senior centers will be staying open additional hours to provide a place to stay cool.  To find a “cool zone” near you call your local Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-AGE-LINE (1-800-243-5463). 

HOT WEATHER SAFETY TIPS FOR SENIORS
 

  • Stay inside in an air conditioned facility as much as possible.
  • Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day.
  • Some medications and health conditions can cause inability to tolerate heat.  Discuss these with your doctor.
  • Call your friends and check on them and hav

Fire safety urged during 4th of July celebrations

Fire safety urged during 4th of July celebrations

As we approach the 4th of July holiday, State Forester Linda Casey is urging everyone to use caution when burning outdoors. “We want everyone to enjoy their celebration, but we also urge the use of extreme caution with all debris burning and outdoor fires, including campfires and fireworks,” said Casey. “It is very dry in parts of the state, and the tornadoes of 2011 left thousands of acres of downed and damaged trees in their wake, creating a wildfire hazard in much of North Alabama. Conditions are such that any fire can quickly spread out of control, threatening lives and property.”

For those who plan to celebrate with cookouts and fireworks, the Alabama Forestry Commission, State Fire Marshal, and U.S. Forest Service encourage extra safety precautions due to the dry conditions over much of the state.

Avoid shooting fireworks in or near dry grass, leaves, or other combustible materials.

USDA offers food safety tips in advance of this season's hurricanes

USDA offers food safety tips in advance of this season's hurricanes

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is urging residents of coastal states to plan ahead this hurricane season and minimize the potential for foodborne illness in the event of power outages, flooding, and other problems that could be associated with weather emergencies.

“As you prepare your home for hurricane season, remember to protect food from being exposed to contaminated water or unsafe storage temperatures in a power outage,” USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Elisabeth Hagen said. “When it comes to emergencies of any kind, planning ahead is always the best strategy to help reduce the risk of foodborne illness.”

FSIS encourages those living in coastal areas to be prepared, particularly when it comes to ensuring access to safe food and water after weather emergencies. Families should have an emergency plan in place that includes food and water safety precautions.