Water Resilience/Management Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Land-Grant Impacts

Topic

storm over farmland

Preparing for extreme weather

Extreme weather can affect communities, farms, businesses and livelihoods. These weather events, such as drought, wildfires and flooding can pose harm to people, livestock, plants and water quality. As extreme weather becomes more frequent and more intense, land-grant universities are equipping farmers, ranchers and communities with the proper tools to be prepared for and recover from its impacts. Here are [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Summary 2026, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Arkansas, Community Development/Engagement, Cornell University, Crop Management, Ecosystem Services, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Extension, Forest Protection and Management, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, New York, North Central, Northeast, Research, Rural Communities/Health, Soil Health, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, University of Arkansas, University of Vermont, University of Wisconsin, Utah, Utah State University, Vermont, Water Resilience/Management, Western, Wildlife, Wisconsin

a purple flowering plant

Research provides more sustainable pest management options

Agricultural land and natural ecosystems face growing threats from invasive and noxious grasses and weeds, feral animals, pests and diseases that impair ecosystem services and agricultural productivity. Chemical pesticides can pose human and environmental health risks. Land-grant university research had led to findings, tools and strategies for managing pests more sustainably. Here are a few examples of that work: Research and [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Summary 2025, Arizona, Arkansas, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Crop Management, Ecosystem Services, Fiber Systems, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Forest Protection and Management, Guam, Invasive Species, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, North Central, Pest Management, Precision Agriculture, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Southern, University of Arizona, University of Arkansas, University of Guam, University of Wisconsin, Water Resilience/Management, Western, Wildlife, Wisconsin

view of tree canopy from below

Private land stewardship protects environment and communities

Practicing good stewardship of private lands is important for the health of our ecosystems and communities. Researchers, Extension professionals and educators at land-grant universities across the United States provide training, tools and other resources to help private landowners manage their land in ways that are environmentally friendly and economically sustainable. Here are a few examples of that work: Extension professionals in [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Summary 1890, 2025, Arkansas, Community Development/Engagement, Delaware, Economic Development, Ecosystem Services, Extension, Food Security, Forest Protection and Management, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State University, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, North Central, Northeast, Profitability/Competitiveness, Purdue University, Research, Soil Health, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of Delaware, University of Maryland, University of Wyoming, Water Resilience/Management, Western, Wyoming, Youth Development/4-H

ducks

Protecting biodiversity for healthy ecosystems and communities

Biodiversity supports healthy ecosystems and recreation around the world. A diverse range of species ensures stability and resilience in the face of environmental changes. Protecting biodiversity also preserves the opportunity for new discoveries, such as species that can be used as biological pest control agents or medicines. Land-grant university researchers and Extension professionals are working to protect the biodiversity [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Summary 2025, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Cornell University, Ecosystem Services, Extension, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Food Security, Food Systems, Forest Protection and Management, Guam, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Invasive Species, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, New York, North Carolina, North Carolina State University, North Central, Northeast, Oregon, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania, Pest Management, Research, Rural Communities/Health, Soil Health, Southern, Tennessee, The Pennsylvania State University, University of Guam, University of Maryland, University of New Hampshire, University of Tennessee, University of Vermont, Vermont, Washington, Washington State University, Water Resilience/Management, Western, Wildlife

a creek through the woods

Precision monitoring aids decision makers and stakeholders in protecting key watersheds

Nutrient pollution, biodiversity losses and weather variability pose extraordinary challenges for the sustainability of natural ecosystems and the species that inhabit them. Land-grant universities are developing and applying emerging technologies that can help to more efficiently, accurately and safely monitor, measure and precisely manage these systems with minimal environmental impact. Here are a few examples of that work: To better understand [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Summary 1890, 2025, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Central State University, Crop Management, Ecosystem Services, Extension, Invasive Species, Kentucky, Michigan, Michigan State University, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Nebraska, North Central, Ohio, Organic Agriculture, Precision Agriculture, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), Soil Health, Southern, Specialty Crops, University of Kentucky, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Wisconsin, Waste Management, Water Resilience/Management, Wisconsin

flowering plants growing in the desert

Extension programs help producers, communities manage pests sustainably

Agricultural land and natural ecosystems face growing threats from invasive and noxious grasses and weeds, feral animals, pests and diseases that impair ecosystem services and agricultural productivity. Chemical pesticides can pose human and environmental health risks. Extension educators at land-grant universities help agricultural producers and communities develop and implement pest management strategies that are cost-effective but also minimize risks. Here [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Summary 2025, Alaska, Biofuels/Bioproducts, California, Community Development/Engagement, Cornell University, Crop Management, Ecosystem Services, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Forest Protection and Management, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Invasive Species, Michigan, Michigan State University, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Missouri, Nevada, New York, North Central, Northeast, Oregon, Oregon State University, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Soil Health, Southern, Specialty Crops, Texas, Texas A&M University, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of California, University of Missouri, University of Nevada Reno, University of Vermont, University of Wyoming, Vermont, Water Resilience/Management, Western, Wildlife, Workforce Development and Readiness, Wyoming

a small body of water

Protecting valuable water resources

Water resources that sustain agriculture and communities continue to face critical challenges. Land-grant universities are working to discover new ways to increase water use efficiency, reduce water use and protect water quality. Here are a few examples of that work: Researchers at Cornell University in New York engineered novel enzymes that can break down microplastics into small products that can be [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Summary 2025, Cornell University, Crop Management, Ecosystem Services, Extension, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Food Systems, Indiana, Maryland, New York, North Central, Northeast, Oregon, Oregon State University, Organic Agriculture, Purdue University, Research, Rural Communities/Health, Soil Health, University of Maryland, University of Vermont, University of Wisconsin, Vermont, Waste Management, Water Resilience/Management, Western, Wildlife, Wisconsin

two people sawing a tree

Volunteers help protect and restore local environments

Land-grant universities across the United States are finding ways to engage the public in science and stewardship that address real-world problems in their communities. With training and tools, volunteers are able to collect important data that help scientists, natural resource organizations, community members and the government protect and restore land, air and water resources — and the ecosystem services [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Summary 2025, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, California, Colorado, Colorado State University, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Cornell University, Ecosystem Services, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, Florida, Forest Protection and Management, Invasive Species, Master Gardener/Master Naturalist, Michigan, Michigan State University, New York, North Central, Northeast, Pest Management, Soil Health, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, University of California, University of Connecticut, University of Florida, University of Vermont, University of Wisconsin, Urban Agriculture, Vermont, Water Resilience/Management, Western, Wildlife, Wisconsin

an experimental setup for plant growth

Land-grant university research creates sustainable domestic products from agricultural waste and biomass

Petroleum and other nonrenewable materials are widely used for daily products, but many of these items can be made from biomass, including food and agricultural wastes. Bioproducts enhance energy, food and national security while reducing fossil fuel reliance and emissions. They also create jobs, boost the economy, provide farmers with extra income and reduce harmful disposal methods. Here are a [...]

Energy and Bioproducts, Summary 2025, Alaska, Biofuels/Bioproducts, Crop Management, Ecosystem Services, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Indiana, Iowa, Iowa State University, Maryland, Minnesota, North Central, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Purdue University, Research, Soil Health, Specialty Crops, The Pennsylvania State University, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Maryland, University of Minnesota, Waste Management, Water Resilience/Management, Western

cup being filled with water from a sink tap

Water resiliency programs directly help individual households

Water quality is a growing concern due to pollutants in streams, ponds, wetlands and groundwater. Extension programs in Pennsylvania and New Hampshire have successfully raised awareness and promoted remediation. The Pennsylvania State University Water Resources Extension Team created the Safe Drinking Water Clinic, reaching 4,800 people annually. These clinics help identify health and aesthetic standards violations, leading to long-term cost [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2025, Community Development/Engagement, Ecosystem Services, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, New Hampshire, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Research, The Pennsylvania State University, University of New Hampshire, Water Resilience/Management

two scientists smile next to samples of dairy byproducts

Upcycling a problematic food waste offers a safe food additive and new market for farmers

Acid whey, a byproduct of Greek yogurt, is a major contributor to food waste and can have a negative environmental impact if not properly managed. In recent years, the production of Greek yogurt and acid-coagulated cheeses has grown, but the acid whey waste that results is not easily disposable, causing challenges for water treatment and lowering oxygen levels in [...]

Food Security, Story 2025, Economic Development, Food Security, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Missouri, North Central, Research, University of Missouri, Waste Management, Water Resilience/Management

a group of students an instructor work on a project together

Using a floating classroom to inspire future stewards

The Lake Champlain basin is home to nearly 500,000 people in Vermont and New York, with almost half of this population relying on the lake for their drinking water. The lake also supports the region’s economy through jobs, recreation and enjoyment, all of which rely on current and future generations to maintain and protect the water’s quality and access. University [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Story 2025, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Northeast, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), University of Vermont, Vermont, Water Resilience/Management, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

European frog-bit, an invasive species of aquatic plant

Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species in Michigan

Hobbies such as aquarium keeping and water gardening can bring nature into homes but can also inadvertently contribute to the introduction and spread of invasive species into local lakes and streams. These invaders, often characterized by hardiness and rapid growth, can threaten ecosystems and native species. Because hobbyists rely on retailers for guidance on disposing of unwanted aquatic plants [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Story 2025, Ecosystem Services, Extension, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Invasive Species, Pest Management, Water Resilience/Management, Wildlife

aerial view of a Wisconsin lake

Research explores freshwater lake microbiomes

Freshwater lakes are an important drinking water source. People use these lakes for recreation and fishing. But they’re also vital ecosystems to some aquatic communities. Each lake has its own community of microorganisms, called a microbiome. Certain factors, such as precipitation and nutrient runoff, can affect whether there are more “good” bacteria or “bad” toxin-producing bacteria in a lake. Unfortunately, [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Story 2025, Ecosystem Services, Invasive Species, North Central, Research, University of Wisconsin, Water Resilience/Management, Wisconsin

Illinois researchers use designer biochar to tackle nutrient pollution

Farmers apply fertilizer to crops to help them grow, but nitrogen and phosphorus in those fertilizers can seep from fields into adjacent waterways and degrade water quality. Once in waterways, nitrogen and phosphorus pose threats to drinking water supplies and to habitat for aquatic organisms. They can also contribute to harmful algal blooms in the Gulf of Mexico. Researchers at [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Story 2025, Biofuels/Bioproducts, Illinois, North Central, Research, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Water Resilience/Management

irrigation on a wheat field

Tennessee farmers increase irrigation for higher crop yields

When adopting irrigation, Tennessee row-crop producers must make appropriate choices of when and where to place it because the cost is high, varying from $1,500 to $2,500 per acre in a region where rainfall and good water-holding soils often provide a majority of the crop’s water requirement. University of Tennessee researchers and educators held on-farm research demonstrations, webinars and educational [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2025, Crop Management, Extension, Food Systems, Profitability/Competitiveness, Southern, Tennessee, University of Tennessee, Water Resilience/Management

two scientists take a sample

Land-grant universities drive sustainability through innovative agricultural practices

The 1890 land-grant universities are dedicated to improving the well-being of economically challenged communities. By focusing on sustainable practices, these institutions help address key challenges like food security, environmental stewardship and economic resilience. Through research, Extension and education, they equip farmers and communities with innovative techniques that preserve resources for future generations. Here are a few examples of that work: Researchers [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 1890, 2025, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Alabama, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Arkansas, Central State University, Crop Management, Extension, Food Security, Food Systems, Fort Valley State University, Georgia, Langston University, Maryland, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, Ohio, Oklahoma, Prairie View A&M University, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Rural Communities/Health, Soil Health, Specialty Crops, Tennessee, Tennessee State University, Texas, Tuskegee University, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Urban Agriculture, Water Resilience/Management, West Virginia, West Virginia State University, Workforce Development and Readiness

black and white cow in a field

Research identifies antibiotic resistance markers that make meat and milk safer

The World Health Organization (WHO) named resistance to antimicrobials one of the top 10 global public health threats because it decreases the effectiveness of medicines and makes infections more difficult to treat. The degree of threat this poses to the food supply is still unclear. Researchers at Pennsylvania State University led an international team that found that dairy cows [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2024, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Food Safety, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, International/Global, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Research, The Pennsylvania State University, Water Resilience/Management

a body of water covered in lotus plants

Managing invasive species

Invasive species are organisms that are non-native to an ecosystem and whose introduction causes economic, social or environmental harm. Nearly every terrestrial, wetland and aquatic ecosystem in the United States has been invaded by non-native species, with economic losses estimated at $137 billion per year. Land-grant universities are leading the battle against invasive species. Here are a few examples of [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Summary 2024, Arkansas, Cornell University, Ecosystem Services, Extension, Indiana, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, New York, North Central, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Pest Management, Purdue University, Research, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, The Pennsylvania State University, University of Arkansas, Water Resilience/Management

chicken in a field

Small acreage and new landowner education

Texas is experiencing rapid population growth in urban areas and, increasingly, in rural and urban-adjacent lands. This has created a rapid increase in first-time landowners and small-acreage landowners across the state. These landowners often lack knowledge on basic land management and conservation, leading to poor and varied management outcomes. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension developed a network of programs across Texas, [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Story 2024, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, Water Resilience/Management

waterfall into a body of water

Improving water quality in Ohio watersheds

Non-point-source nutrient runoff in agricultural watersheds, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, continues to threaten the quality of surface and groundwater in Ohio watersheds. Impaired water quality detrimentally affects drinking water quality, recreational water use and aquatic life. Improving soil health and, consequently, water quality through best agricultural management practices is critical for achieving the twin goal of sustainable agricultural production [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Story 1890, 2024, Central State University, Ecosystem Services, Ohio, Research, Water Resilience/Management

the Chesapeake Bay

Critical moments to improve Chesapeake water quality

A study by Pennsylvania State University researchers concluded that the vast majority of nutrients and sediment washed into streams flowing into the Chesapeake Bay are picked up by deluges from severe storms that occur on relatively few days of the year. The researchers say this offers clues for cleaning up the impaired estuary. A small percentage of locations and events [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Story 2024, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Research, Soil Health, The Pennsylvania State University, Water Resilience/Management

a Michigan lake with plants growing on the water and around the shore

Online course increases lake literacy and protects Michigan’s waterways

Michigan’s 11,000 inland lakes are complex ecosystems, and communities often struggle to protect and manage them in a way that incorporates the best available knowledge and resources. To increase lake literacy and create peer and resource connections to help property owners, community leaders and concerned citizens address management concerns, Michigan State University Extension educators created an Introduction to Lakes Online [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Story 2024, Ecosystem Services, Extension, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Central, Water Resilience/Management

nature trail surrounded by native Nevada plants

Trainings aim to reduce pesticide contamination in urban waterways

Nevada’s population is growing significantly, particularly in urban regions. Pesticide residue in waterways – especially from products used for nonagricultural purposes – underscores the need for education among landscape professionals, pesticide applicators and residents controlling pests in urban areas. Over the last decade, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension has developed integrated pest management (IPM) education that has led to a [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Story 2024, Extension, Nevada, Pest Management, University of Nevada Reno, Waste Management, Water Resilience/Management, Western

A tractor sprays pesticides in an orchard

Safer, more sustainable pest management

Managing pests is essential to healthy, safe and productive agricultural, urban, residential and natural areas. But pesticides can cause air and water pollution and unintended harm to nontarget organisms. Pesticide exposure has also been linked to human health problems. In addition, many pests eventually develop resistance to commonly used chemicals, rendering those chemicals ineffective. Researchers and Extension educators across [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Summary 1890, 2024, California, Crop Management, Extension, Food Security, Food Systems, Fort Valley State University, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, North Central, Northeast, Oregon, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania, Pest Management, Research, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, The Pennsylvania State University, The University of Georgia, University of California, University of Minnesota, University of Nevada Reno, University of Vermont, University of Wisconsin, Vermont, Washington, Washington State University, Water Resilience/Management, West Virginia, West Virginia University, Western, Wisconsin