Alcatraz to install solar panels with stimulus cash

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Rock is going solar. More

Outdoor Notes: March 7-14

Fruit, vegetable and evergreen seedlings for sale - Ulster County Highway Garage, 66 Hurley Ave., Kingston. Seedlings offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County's Master Gardeners. Call Dona Crawford at 845-340-3990 to request an order form or download one from www.cceulster.org. More

Afghanistan protects newly rediscovered rare bird

KABUL — Afghanistan's fledging conservation agency moved recently to protect one of the world's rarest birds after the species was rediscovered in the war-ravaged country's northeast. More

Earth Talk: Fighting traffic congestion

Short of massive efforts to build a public transportation infrastructure, which doesn't appear likely anytime soon, what is being done to address traffic congestion, which is reaching absurd levels almost everywhere? More

Chile earthquake may have shortened Earth’s day

NEW YORK — Earth’s days may have gotten a little bit shorter since the massive earthquake in Chile, but don’t feel bad if you haven’t noticed. More

Biodiversity and human health: Why more species mean fewer cases of Lyme disease

The United Nations has proclaimed 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity. "Biodiversity" is shorthand for the variety of life on Earth, from genes to ecosystems, and is often quantified by the number of species in a specified area. More

Outdoor Notes: Feb. 28-March 7

Fruit, vegetable and evergreen seedlings for sale - Ulster County Highway Garage, 66 Hurley Ave., Kingston. Fresh seedlings offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County's master gardeners. Request an order form by calling Dona Crawford at 845-340-3990 or download one from www.cceulster. More

Earth Talk: What is the potential for nanotubes in batteres?

What is the potential for carbon "nanotubes" in battery technology? I heard them referred to as the biggest battery breakthrough to come along in years. And what else can we expect to see in terms of new battery technology in coming years? More

Olympics host city goes for the green

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — As is normally the case for top city officials during the Olympics, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson has a car and driver assigned to shepherd him through the whirl of the Winter Games. More

Activists question coal's place in Obama's policy

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama, a longtime believer in "clean coal," is launching an ambitious and expensive plan to help the energy industry lock climate-changing gases from coal-fired power plants deep underground. More

Birdseed prices too high? Try growing your own

If you're looking for simple ways to cut household spending, start with the entertainment budget: Consider the cost of keeping those backyard bird feeders busy. More

Kennedy cites obstacles to green U.S.

MILLBROOK — In Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s ideal world, every house would be a green power plant and every homeowner would be an energy entrepreneur. More

Outdoor Notes: Feb. 21-28

Fruit, vegetable and evergreen seedlings for sale - Ulster County Highway Garage, 66 Hurley Ave., Kingston. Fresh seedlings offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County's Master Gardeners. Request an order form by calling Dona Crawford at 845-340-3990 or download one from www. More

Earth Talk: How to dispose of hard plastic

Where do I recycle old ski boots (hard plastic)? My recycling center does not take hard plastic. More

EarthTalk: Green ways to clean linoleum

I have a new linoleum floor, which I chose partly for its eco-friendliness. How do I clean and maintain it without using harsh or toxic chemicals? More

Outdoor Notes: Feb. 14-21

Great Backyard Bird Count - Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, Val-Kill parking lot, Hyde Park. 10 a.m. Feb. 14. Take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count with the National Audubon Society. Help gather data on the birds of Hyde Park and enjoy a short hike. Dress for the weather. More