| Title |
Excerpt |
Author |
Date |
| Snagging the Interest of Oklahoma Anglers |
It looks like a dinosaur. It has the body composition of a shark. Its nose is about a third the length of its body. And, it will give you the fight of your life. Snagging a paddlefish, or spoonbill depending on where you are from, in select Oklahoma river systems… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
05/16/13 |
| Prescribed Burning in Growing Season Training Scheduled |
It might sound crazy, but prescribed burning during the summer months is just as, if not more, effective than the traditional spring burns. To help people understand how growing season burns are not actually crazy at all, Oklahoma State University’s Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management is hosting a… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
05/16/13 |
| Eastern Redcedar Landowner Workshop Slated May 18 |
Eastern redcedar trees are everywhere in Oklahoma. Left uncontrolled, the species can quickly take over. However, once trees are established, landowners have an opportunity to provide quality wood products utilized for furniture, fences, cabinets, decking and much more. Because the eastern redcedar market tends to be quite sporadic, landowners often… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
05/09/13 |
| Older Bucks Coming Through Oklahoma Check Stations |
The management of the deer population falls squarely on the shoulders of the more than 250,000 licensed hunters in Oklahoma, and they have been doing a great job. Check stations throughout the state have seen increasing numbers of older bucks being harvested. The Quality Deer Management Association reported, from 2011… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
04/18/13 |
| The Many Purposes of Firebreaks |
A good land management plan should include prescribed fire, and no prescribed fire should burn without adequate firebreaks. These breaks define the burn unit perimeter and provide access to burn units, however, they can serve another purpose, said Dwayne Elmore, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension wildlife specialist. “They also can… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
02/15/13 |
| A Taste of the Water Debate |
It is safer. It is more pure and tastes better. These are a few of the common perceptions about bottled water. The fact that it is more expensive is the major divider between municipal water and most bottled water. “There is not much assurance the bottled water is better,” said… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
02/07/13 |
| Prescribed Fire Training Dates Scheduled for January |
The recent wet weather has not dampened the burning urge Oklahoma State University researchers have to speak about prescribed fire. The first of two planned Prescribed Fire Training seminars is scheduled Jan. 11-12 in Stillwater for prescribed burn association members, agency personnel and landowners. John Weir, rangeland ecology and management… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
01/10/13 |
| Feral Hogs Running Wild Throughout the State |
While they are not native to the United States, feral hogs have made Oklahoma their home, and farmers and ranchers have the damage on their property to prove it. Much like white-tailed deer, hogs are quite secretive, making population estimates difficult. However, the Noble Foundation initiated a survey in 2007,… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
12/14/12 |
| Increasing Deer Population Leads to Ornamental and Garden Plant Damage |
With more than a half million white-tailed deer in Oklahoma, many landowners experience nature in its purest sense as the deer can be viewed at close range. However, this has become a problem over the years as the deer population has increased, forcing thousands of these animals into peripheral suburban… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
12/07/12 |
| From the Living Room to the Yard, Christmas Trees Used for Landscape |
Christmas trees come in all shapes and sizes. Some are harvested and used for just one season, while others are purchased with a longer time frame in mind. No matter which tree you choose for this season, it is sure to add to everyone’s holiday spirit. To keep that spirit… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
12/07/12 |
| Introducing Biofuels Education at the Secondary Level in Oklahoma |
Every year in high schools across the country students learn about the Pythagorean theorem, mathematical equations and formulas. They are then asked to regurgitate the information in a classroom setting. Helping students find practical uses for these theories, formulas and equations is one of the goals of Shane Robinson, associate… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
11/21/12 |
| Research on OK Black Bears Shows Much Higher Population Estimates |
Winnie the Pooh loves honey, but the black bears in Oklahoma prefer glazed donuts. According to researchers in the Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (FWRU), day-old donuts are the bait of choice when trapping bears in the eastern part of the state. The trapping began in 2000 after… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
11/01/12 |
| Blue Tongue Disease Reported in Several Oklahoma Deer |
Reports of deer exhibiting lethargy, blue tongues and ulcers and lesions on the tongue and palate have been filed in portions of Oklahoma. These are all symptoms Blue Tongue, one of a group of viruses collectively called hemorrhagic disease. “These viruses are one of the primary diseases that infect deer… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
10/11/12 |
| Lead is Threatening to More Than Just Humans |
Because it can cause anemia, neurological impairment and immune system impairment, lead was banned from paint in 1977, plumbing used for drinking water in 1986 and gasoline in 1996. However, it is still widely used in other applications such as ammunition and weights for fishing tackle. “While lead has been… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
09/05/12 |
| Conditions Just Right for Cricket Invasion |
Chirp, chirp. Chirp, chirp. Oklahomans have been hearing plenty of chirping going on lately as field crickets are taking advantage of the weather conditions and spreading like wildfire. “These outbreaks seem to occur after periods of prolonged dry weather in spring and early summer followed by rainfall in July and… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
08/29/12 |
| The Good and Bad of Pocket Gophers |
They construct and live in underground tunnels and leave mounds of soil in evidence of their excavation efforts. While sometimes considered a pest, pocket gophers can be valuable because they contribute to the formation and conditioning of the soil, and provide food for larger predators. However, controlling pocket gophers may… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
08/29/12 |
| Helping with Low Oxygen Problems in Ponds |
A dense green-colored pond with fish swimming near the surface is a tell-tale sign of oxygen deprivation. “By the time most pond owners notice the problem, it’s too late to do much,” said Marley Beem, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension aquaculture specialist. “Pond owners who regularly check their ponds early… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
08/21/12 |
| Career Opportunities are Available in Agriculture |
Some students know the exact career path they want to take upon high school graduation, while others have no clue. Yet other students know what field they want to go into, but are not sure of the career possibilities in that area. This is where Amy Gazaway and Kelsey Lee,… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
08/21/12 |
| Protecting Your Home From Wildfire |
The recent wildfires throughout Oklahoma have sparked the interest of homeowners who have watched houses go up in flames too many times this summer. To increase your house’s chances of surviving the next wildfire, Terry Bidwell, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension rangeland ecology and management specialist, said to start with… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
08/21/12 |
| A Low Intensity, No-Feed Approach to Water Garden Management |
With proper planning and management, water gardens are relaxing and beautiful additions to any landscape. There are several misconceptions about water gardens that can lead to problems in water garden management. The first of which is assuming that a water garden must be managed the same way as an aquarium,… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
07/19/12 |
| Forest Regeneration Workshop Slated for June 22 |
Forest landowners and managers along with forestry professionals are invited to a Forest Regeneration Workshop hosted by the Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension and Oklahoma Forestry Services. The workshop will familiarize attendees with various aspects of forest regeneration. Experts from around the state will be on hand to give their… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
06/14/12 |
| Quail Symposium to Discuss Declining Populations |
For anyone who has an interest in Northern bobwhite quail and their declining populations across Oklahoma and the United States, the Mini-symposium on Northern Bobwhites is the place to be. Free and open to the public, the meeting features a star-studded lineup of experts in the field discussing various topics… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
05/18/12 |
| Tips to Help Manage Property for Turkeys in Oklahoma |
It won’t be long until their eggs hatch and poults will be leaving their nest sites to start their lives as wild turkeys in Oklahoma. These birds will have a large home range so their management can be a bit tricky. However, Dwayne Elmore, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension wildlife specialist, has… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
05/15/12 |
| Looking for Ethanol from Eastern Redcedar Trees |
The nuisance of Eastern redcedar trees has been well documented in Oklahoma and surrounding states during the past several years. They are a fire danger, an over-powering competitor for water among surrounding plants and are incredibly invasive. However, researchers at Oklahoma State University are looking for a way to use… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
11/08/11 |
| Benefits of Removing Redcedar Demonstrated by OSU |
It looks like a war zone when one ignites in the middle of a wildfire. An impressive explosion on the leading edge of a wildfire typically means an Eastern redcedar just caught, especially in Oklahoma. Through a grant administered by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Oklahoma State… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
09/20/11 |
| OSU Researchers Awarded $2.7 Million Grant for Quail Research |
There are several factors at play as to why Northern bobwhite quail populations have dwindled statewide, and Oklahoma State University is conducting research to get to the root of the problem. “Loss and degradation of habitats have certainly played a significant role in the decline of quail populations throughout their… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
08/31/11 |
| Armadillo Damage Heating Up |
Four-legged, armored and football shaped, armadillos are the cause of many headaches for residents of Oklahoma every summer. So much for your well manicured lawn. “One of the most common wildlife damage complaints during the summer months concerns armadillos,” said Dwayne Elmore, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension wildlife specialist. “Armadillos… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
06/22/11 |
| Moist Hay, Hot Temperatures Mix for Combustion and Destruction |
It might sound strange, but with no apparent ignition source, hay bales can burst into flames and cause much damage to storage facilities or cause a raging wildfire. Low wind speeds, high humidity, moist hay and hot temperatures is a recipe for disaster. With this set of circumstances, tightly stacked… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
05/31/11 |
| Composting Helps Save Landfills While Providing Environmental Benefits |
Landfills are filling up fast, unfortunately with many items that don’t belong there. Composting is a natural form of recycling and has many environmental benefits, said Gina Peek, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension design, housing and merchandising specialist. “Composting reduces the amount of chemical fertilizers needed by adding plant nutrients… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
04/14/11 |
| Dead Fuel Already is Dead |
It is fire season in Oklahoma. About this time every year, Oklahomans watch thousands upon thousands of acres of land burn up in wildfires. So far, in 2011, much of the state has been on high alert, and more than 20 counties currently have burn bans. This is done, in… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
03/08/11 |
| OSU to Share Forestry Expertise |
Oklahoma State University will be well represented at this year’s Tri-State Forestry on the Grow Conference in Idabel March 9-12. The conference, which had taken place in Wagoner each of its first 14 years, has been moved to the heart of Oklahoma’s forestry region and expanded to include Northeast Texas… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
02/11/11 |
| Staying Hydrated During Winter Months |
It is hard to imagine going into heat exhaustion when you can see your frozen breath as you exhale during a long winter workday. However, this thought can become a reality if proper steps are not taken to stay hydrated. “It only takes a five percent loss in body water… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
01/19/11 |
| OSU Advises Oklahomans to Test Their Well Water |
An unusual taste, odor or appearance of drinking water is an obvious indication of its lack of quality. However, how do you know if what you are drinking is safe if these signs are not so obvious? “A glass of water may contain dissolved minerals, organic compounds or even live… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
01/12/11 |
| The Good and the Bad of Low Pond Levels |
Much of Oklahoma has experienced near drought conditions over the past several months, leading many pond owners to scratch their heads about what to do to maintain the integrity of their ponds. “At this point we are just planning for the year that’s coming,” said Marley Beem, Oklahoma State University… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
01/12/11 |
| Picking Out the Christmas Tree Can Be Family Experience |
The Griswold’s understood the significance of picking out the family Christmas tree, as do many Oklahomans about this time of year. Visiting one of Oklahoma’s “choose-and-cut” tree farms is a good way to jumpstart the Christmas spirit. “Choose-and-cut is a family experience,” said Craig McKinley, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
12/21/10 |
| Bringing Resources Into the Classroom |
The department of natural resource ecology and management at Oklahoma State University is in its first semester of offering a new introductory course for freshman and transfer students. “The goal is to expose them to professions in natural resources, to help them decide if they are in the right field… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
11/18/10 |
| Rain Helps Answer Questions |
The recent rainstorms that came through Oklahoma and surrounding states have been the answer to many pondowners’ concerns. As water levels continued to drop over the past couple months, Oklahomans were looking for answers as to what their options were to refill their ponds. “Generally if you have around four… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
11/18/10 |
| If You Think Your Oak is Going to Croak, Contact OK State |
About this time every year, Damon Smith answers call after call about the same topic. Oklahomans have been concerned about why their oak trees are dying. When Oklahoma State University assistant professor of entomology and plant pathology, Smith, tells them he is not sure what is causing the tree decline,… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
10/07/10 |
| Meeting Scheduled to Discuss Benefits of Redcedar |
Oklahoma has a long history with eastern redcedar trees. This species is unique in the fact that not only is it invasive, but is also native. An easy fix for control is to burn areas infested with eastern redcedar, but those interested in turning a profit can turn to the… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
09/30/10 |
| Preparation Key for Winter Pond Management |
It is that time of year when ponds are steaming early in the mornings with a visible fog that unmistakably signals that fall is upon us. As the pond cools with the chill in the air, pondowners have some preparation work necessary to be able to enjoy a well-deserved winter’s… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
09/30/10 |
| Turns Out Lead Isn’t Good for Wildlife Either |
Americans have known for a long time about the harmful effects of lead. Because it can cause anemia, neurological impairment and immune system impairment, lead was banned from paint in 1977, plumbing used for drinking water in 1986 and gasoline in 1996. However, it is still widely used in other… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
08/05/10 |
| Searching for a Use for the Invasive Eastern Redcedar |
More than seven million acres of Oklahoma lands are infested with Eastern redcedar trees. These indigenous conifers are of low quality as a raw material in lumber manufacturing, and due to their irregular growth pattern, and their ability to rapidly overrun pastures and deplete plant nutrients in the soil and… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
06/10/10 |
| New Restrictions May Lead to More Trophy Blue Catfish |
Landing that trophy fish is a major influence for the popularity of fishing in Oklahoma. However, it is pretty rare that an angler can proudly display a trophy-size blue catfish. Over several years of collecting information on blue catfish, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation has made a change to… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
05/21/10 |
| Getting Started in Aquaculture |
Many entrepreneurs are diving head first into the world of aquaculture. Fish farming has the potential of being a profitable and interesting farm enterprise, but there are some problems of which to be aware before making a significant investment. Any fish or aquatic animal can be economically raised on a… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
04/20/10 |
| OK-FIRE Planner Benefits Oklahoma Residents, Communities |
Millions of acres of Oklahoma land are burned every year through prescribed burning and wildfires. As a program of the Oklahoma Mesonet, the state’s automated weather station network, OK-FIRE provides a tool that is beneficial for all types of fires. The Fire Prescription Planner is one of the many products… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
03/16/10 |
| Students Get a Look at What it Takes to be a Game Warden |
There is a lot more to being a game warden than writing citations for fishing without a license. “On the surface, the warden’s job may seem glamorous and easy, but they are some of the hardest working, most dedicated officers around,” reads a statement on the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
02/23/10 |
| Safety is the Name of the Game When Dealing with Chain Saws |
As Oklahomans clean up after the recent ice storm that left tree limbs shattered or lying around, care should be taken to ensure protection against unintentionally risking an arm or leg being added to the toll. “To prepare yourself, carefully study the operator’s manual so that you’re thoroughly familiar with… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
02/09/10 |
| Planning is Essential for Pond Management |
Oklahoma is not known for its ice fishing, so pond management tends to be somewhat ignored throughout the state during the winter months. However, having a plan in place will allow pond owners to hit the ground running when spring rolls around. “Oklahoma has a large number of ponds, but… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
01/28/10 |
| Learning the Hot Topics of Prescribed Burning at OSU |
Oklahoma State University has a strong reputation in the world of fire. This has led the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to select OSU to teach its national fire school for more than 20 years. Thirteen NRCS employees from around the country spent a week with OSU’s Division of Agricultural… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
01/19/10 |
| From the Stand to the Yard: Real Christmas Tree Transplants |
Many people will purchase a “balled and burlapped” Christmas tree for the purpose of replanting the tree as an ornamental after the holidays are over. This can be effective and result in a beautiful addition to your landscape, but there are a few guidelines that should be followed for the… |
Sean Hubbard, Oklahoma State |
12/22/09 |