Let’s talk science: Columbia River holds strong as 2nd largest river in the U.S., if you measure right

By Brook Beeler, communication manager



I think those of us in the Northwest are pretty darn proud
of our mighty Columbia River. We boast about many of its facts. At its mouth on
the Pacific Ocean the river is known as “the graveyard of the Pacific.” Its scenic
gorge was scoured by the Great Missoula Floods. Famed Lewis and Clark explorers
camped along its banks among the region’s native

“Ecology for Scientists" website serves niche audience

By Sandy Howard, communication manager, Environmental Assessment Program

We’ve got a new online presence that shows off Ecology’s most current environmental studies and reports, as well as new, related information.

We call it Ecology for Scientists.

We hope this web resource helps scientists tap into our state’s growing body of environmental knowledge.

Visit Ecology for Scientists to find

Let’s Talk Science! Technology behind monitoring fine particle pollution

By Brook Beeler, environmental educator, Office of Communication and Education

Why do we monitor air quality in Washington state? Why, it’s a little thing called the Clean Air Act. We have an extensive network of monitors across the state to help us keep tabs on the seven air pollutants outlined by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. These standards for carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide

Let’s Talk Science! Field scientist studies biocontrols in lake systems

by Joye Redfield-Wilder, communications manager, Central Regional Office

Aquatic plant specialist Jenifer Parsons has a unique position in Ecology. Jenifer’s interest in science sent her on a path to receive a bachelor’s degree is in biology from Boise State and a master’s in environmental science with an emphasis in aquatic ecology from Western Washington University. Aquatic plants and aquatic

Let’s Talk Science: Breaking down decomposers

By Brook Beeler, environmental educator, Office of Communication and Education

Nitrogen and phosphorus are essential building blocks for living organisms. These elements and others, like carbon, allow organisms to create cells, tissue, and provide energy to complete their life processes. Nitrogen and phosphorus, also known as “nutrients”, are an integral part of living organisms. These nutrients

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Check out the 2012 Seattle Science Festival

By Sandy Howard, communication manager, Environmental Assessment Program



As Seattle marks the 50th anniversary of the 1962 Seattle World's Fair, the Department of Ecology is joining along with our region's schools, universities, cultural institutions, research centers and businesses to celebrate the importance of science and technology in the 2012 Seattle Science Festival, which kicks off this

Let’s Talk Science! Cycle through our Ecology for Scientists web portal

By Brook Beeler, Environmental Educator, Office of Communication and Education

Did you know that Ecology has a web portal for all you hard core science types? It is a one stop shop for links to our monitoring databases, mapping and spatial data, and the most recent scientific reports and articles. Good science provides the foundation for credible decision-making. And we want you to have access.

Let’s Talk Science! Gravity, the moon, and all this talk of King Tides

By Brook Beeler, Environmental Educator, Office of Communication and EducationHere at Ecology we are dedicated to understanding the effects of climate change in Washington. One of the ways to visualize what sea level rise could look like is to document high tides. Spring tides occur naturally when the sun and the moon align, causing an increased gravitational pull on the Earth’s oceans. Note that

Let's Talk Science! A new column focused on science at Ecology

By Brook Beeler, Environmental Educator, Office of Communication and EducationScience is cool! We think it’s important to have an understanding of the big concepts in life, Earth, and physical science. It’s important not only because our work is based on these concepts, but also because our environment’s behavior is based on basic scientific principles.It’s not just our scientists who need a good