Environment | Government Book Talk

World Nature Conservation Day

July 27, 2020

The earth is our home. Regardless of where you live, we all share the same planet. On July 28th, we celebrate 2020 World Nature Conservation Day to focus our efforts on preserving our natural environment and keeping our home, Earth, healthy. The future of life on earth depends on a healthy climate – everything from food production to our favorite vacation spots are affected by the environment.

What can we do today to protect the future?

Support local businesses and help your community thrive by finding a local environmental cause to support, which can make a big impact for yourself and neighbors. What Does the U.S. EPA Do to Protect the Environment? is an activity book for young children outlining the different ways The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protects human health and the environment.
Check your own habits to see how earth-friendly you are on a day-to-day basis. Are you following the three “R’s?”: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. EPA’s Consumer’s Handbook for Reducing Solid Waste describes how people can help solve a growing problem, garbage.
Share a love of nature with your kids, which can make a huge impact on the rest of their lives. Show your passion for protecting our environment with others and create a big change! The National Park Service (NPS) preserves natural and cultural resources in over 400 units for this generation and future generations. Teaching children to become Junior Rangers supports the mission by exploring, learning about, and helping to protect these areas for future generations. The Junior Ranger Activity Book for Utah’s Capitol Reef National Park is a great activity resource to learn about the park and earn a badge.

Nature conservation means protecting our environment and the wildlife it supports. It includes looking after biodiversity and the health of the planet. Logging, loss of milkweed breeding, climate change, and extreme weather are factors that help explain the decline of the best-known butterflies in North America, the monarch (Danaus plexippus). Read the Conservation Status and Ecology of the Monarch Butterfly in the United States report, which briefly summarizes the monarch’s North American distribution, life history, population, current conservation status, and potential causes of decline.

Isn’t it fun to just let time go by while we admire the beauty of nature and the bountiful gifts we receive? Most of us take our natural surroundings and resources for granted. Widespread damage to the environment in the form of reduced green cover, drought, global warming, and unexpected floods can be avoided. On World Nature Conservation Day, let’s rethink our outlook toward the environment and come up with activities and ideas to help nature.

Each year, the NPS conducts an assessment of the agency’s progress in meeting goals and objectives to lessen the NPS’s impact on the environment and improve human welfare. Read how the NPS is on track to achieve its goals in Green Parks Plan (GPP). The plan is framed around the following 10 sustainability categories and sets ambitious agency-wide goals.

Continuously Improve Environmental Performance
Be Climate Friendly and Climate Ready
Be Energy Smart
Be Water Wise
Green Our Rides
Buy Green and Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Preserve Outdoor Experiences, Promote Healthy Engagement
Strengthen Sustainability Partnerships
Foster Sustainability Beyond Our Boundaries
Green Our Grounds

Help raise awareness about the conservation of nature and stress the importance of preserving our natural resources. To ensure the well-being of our future generations, it is important that we work towards sustainable development and take care of our environment.

Today, the world urgently needs a new commitment to nature, especially as we recover from COVID-19. Below are additional suggested U.S. Government publications in support of World Nature Conservation Day.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

For the free resources, click on the links above.

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Visit our Retail Store: To buy or order a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up(s).

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800. Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor BethAnn Telford is part of GPO’s Public Relations office.

Leave a Comment » | Environment, Environmental Protection Agency | Tagged: environment, nature, nature conservation, Nature Conservation Day, World Nature Conservation Day | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

National Fall Foliage Week

September 26, 2019

Fall is finally here, which means the air is crisper, the days are shorter, and the leaves start to change into a myriad of vibrant shades of red and orange. National Fall Foliage Week, which is observed every year on the last Sunday of September, is the perfect time to not only admire these colorful leaves, but the trees that they grow on. Trees improve our daily lives from the furniture we sit and eat on, to the construction of our homes, to the fences that keep our spaces private and secure. Because growing trees take carbon dioxide out of the air and give us oxygen in return, many say trees are the lungs of the earth.

There are lots of ways you and your family can celebrate National Fall Foliage Week. Try making a leaf pile, observing different types of leaves, or collecting some on a nice autumn day.

Or, check out books about trees at the U.S. Government Publishing Office online bookstore. The bookstore offers a number of publications focusing on trees from do-it-yourself publications, such as How to Prune Trees, to publications about monitoring forests like Forest Health Conditions in Alaska and National Individual Tree Species Atlas.

Find more in our Environment & Nature themed collection. As we approach the holidays an insightful resource to ensure the health of your next Christmas tree is the Christmas Tree Pest Manual that outlines how to deal with a number of new pests, many of them found on fir Christmas trees. Written in everyday language, anyone interested in protecting their Christmas tree this year can read it and put it to good use.

Enjoy the beauty of falling leaves this fall. We’ll see you in the midst of our Autumnal bliss!

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Custoer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800. Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication and Information Sales program office.

Leave a Comment » | Agriculture, Environment, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture | Tagged: autumn, fall, Fall Foliage, Fall Foliage Week, fall season, National Fall Foliage Week, trees | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

More Trees Please: Publications for Arbor Day

April 23, 2019

Do you remember planting a tree at school on Arbor Day when you were younger? We sure do! Here’s a little background on the holiday that recognizes some of our most underrated friends – trees!

In 1872, Nebraska newspaper editor and nature-lover J. Sterling Morton proposed a tree-planting holiday called “Arbor Day” at a meeting of the State Board of Agriculture. Morton believed that adding more trees would make the newly formed Nebraska Territory more attractive to settlers. On April 10, 1872, the first Arbor Day celebration took place, and more than one million trees were planted in Nebraska. In 1885, Arbor Day became a legal holiday in Nebraska, and it only felt right that the holiday would be observed on Morton’s birthday, April 22. During the 1870s, other states passed legislation to commemorate Arbor Day, and it became a tradition for school children to plant trees on the day. Today all 50 states celebrate Arbor Day. It is primarily observed on the last Friday in April, but the date varies from state to state depending on what time of year is best to plant trees. Morton went on to serve as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture under President Grover Cleveland, and several U.S. presidents have proclaimed a national Arbor Day during their presidencies.

This Arbor Day, get to know the trees around you and how we can keep them healthy and protected. Read up on tree species, forest ecosystems, and the life cycle of trees with these books that will have you shouting “more trees please!”

Why Would Anyone Cut a Tree Down details the life cycle of trees and explains how trees work as a renewable source. This beautifully illustrated book will help teach kids from a young age to respect and appreciate trees and all they do for us.

The National Individual Tree Species Atlas covers each tree species in the United States and exactly where each species is likely to grow or not grow. This work complete with illustrations will benefit silviculturists, foresters, geneticists, researchers, botanists, wildlife habitat biologists, and landscape ecologists. In other words, this atlas is excellent for anyone involved in natural resources management or monitoring impacts of climate change … or someone who just loves visiting America’s forests and landscapes!

Does your home seem to have some trees that don’t look healthy? You’re not alone. How to Recognize Hazardous Defects in Trees from the Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Forest Service was created to help homeowners and land managers like you recognize hazardous defects in trees. The publication suggests possible corrective actions to restore trees to good health, so the trees on your property continue to live their best lives.

Imagine trying to quantify all the benefits of trees. Doesn’t sound easy, right? Southern forests provide a variety of critical ecosystem services, from the purification of water and air to recreational opportunities for millions of people. Trees at Work is a guide from the Department of Agriculture and U.S. Forest Service that proposes a sound approach to quantifying the services provided by these ecosystems.

On a fruitful note, Fruitful Legacy from the Department of the Interior and National Park Service provides information about the development of the most common types of orchards and fruit trees in the United States.

Whether it’s a pretty pink Japanese Cherry Blossom, a venerable Weeping Willow, or a Giant Sequoia, trees are without a doubt one of the most magnificent parts of our world. Each tree has its own unique purpose on Earth. What’s your favorite type of tree and why? Let us know in the comments below and have a wonderful Arbor Day!

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Cat Goergen is the PR Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations office.

Leave a Comment » | Department of Agriculture, Environment, National Park Service, National Park Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service | Tagged: Arbor Day, Giant Sequoia, hazardous defects in trees, J. Sterling Morton, Japanese Cherry blossom, Redwood National and State Parks, Redwood State Park, Sterling Morton, tree atlas, tree species atlas, trees, trees at work, Weeping Willow | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

GPO’s Gift Guide Series: Books for the Environmental Enthusiast

November 28, 2018

It’s time to make a list and check it twice … so many gifts to buy, so little time! ‘Tis the season for over-crowded malls, stressful shopping sprees, and loads of self-doubt about what to get your family and friends. Before you go all bah, humbug on us, GPO is here to help. Give the gift of reading, knowledge and doing something good for the world this holiday season. From now until the end of the holiday season, we’ll be your little elves, bringing you a holiday gift guide series on our blog with unique ideas for everyone in your life, from the environmental enthusiast to the health nut to the great outdoorsman. Today, we’ll start with ideas for your favorite friend of the planet.

Toys, books, and clothes all make for great gifts for children. But what if your gift could offer that little something extra special … like a way to help save the planet! Pair environmental publications from the GPO Bookstore with other green and eco-friendly toys, games, school supplies and clothes (there are tons of options out there) for a cute, cohesive present that will put a smile on their face and teach them a valuable lesson about caring for our one and only planet. Published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the EPA Activity Book is the perfect educational yet fun holiday gift for kids … the ones who made the nice list, that is. The booklet provides a visual depiction of how the EPA protects our entire environment, the land where we live, and our ecosystems. With crossword games and puzzles, children will be spending their holiday morning educating themselves about good environmental practices. Another publication great for kids that features a favorite Dr. Seuss character is the Join the Lorax to Help Save Energy, Water, and Protect the Planet activity book. This book teaches children how to save energy at home and at school, how to keep pollution out of the air and keep the earth cool! A graphic and simple-to-understand activity book, this publication engages school children in learning and caring about the environment.

Need a gift for someone who is passionate about climate change? NASA and the Environment: The Case of Ozone Depletion published by NASA represents a critical case study in the history of NASA and environmental sciences. And Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the United States from the Department of Commerce and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is a scientific assessment to enhance understanding and inform decisions about the growing threat of climate change to the health and well-being of residents of the United States. The assessment is part of the ongoing efforts of The U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP)’s sustained National Climate Assessment process and was called for under the President’s Climate Action Plan. USGCRP agencies identified human health impacts as a high-priority topic for scientific assessment. This assessment was developed by a team of more than 100 experts from eight U.S. Federal agencies to inform people on the potential negative impact that climate change can have on human health.

Finding the perfect present can be tough. A gift that makes a difference beats even the silkiest pajamas, most pleasant perfumes, or smartest speakers, especially for someone who takes an interest in the health of our planet and its people. And hey, Mother Earth deserves a gift, too! Good luck with your holiday shopping, and stay tuned for more unique holiday gift ideas right here on the Government Book Talk blog. Happy hunting!

Click here to shop our Holiday Gift Guides for everyone on your list.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Shop our Retail Store: Buy a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Cat Goergen is the PR Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations office.

Leave a Comment » | Environment, Environmental Protection Agency | Tagged: Climate Action Plan, Climate and health assessment, Climate change, environment, EPA, global warming, holiday gift guide, Lorax, National Climate Assessment, ozone, ozone depletion, Protect the planet, USGCRP | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Having Fun With Fire Safety

October 9, 2018

Fire Prevention Week 2018 has begun. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has declared this year’s theme “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware – fire can happen anywhere.”

Its website states:

“Through three simple calls-to-action, this year’s theme identifies basic but essential ways people can reduce their risk to fire and be prepared in the event of one:

Look for places fire can start

Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm

Learn two ways out of each room”

According to the NFPA, the majority of fire deaths (four out of five) occur at home each year. The association emphasizes advanced planning as being critical.

And according to Fire Rescue 1, most house fires start in the kitchen from unattended cooking or grease that has become overheated. Candles are also often a culprit of home fires and home fire deaths. Finally, the site also mentions that approximately two-thirds of all fire deaths happen in homes where there’s no working fire alarm. Your chance of dying in a home fire is cut in half if you have a working smoke alarm.

Knowing these facts about fire safety is incredibly important, as is being prepared.

For as far back as I can remember, my family would regularly practice fire drills in our home. My dad would give us specific instructions on what to do and where to go. We practiced getting to safety as quickly as possible, as though a real fire were enveloping our home. I recall being scared thinking about our house potentially catching fire as a child and running through what things from my room I would grab if it happened. But I learned what to do in the event a real fire occurred. And while my parents emphasized the seriousness of the issue, our entire family also had fun doing these drills. I recall laughter and will forever have that memory of something we all did together as a family.

There’s so much to learn about fire safety, and education and preparedness are essential. The Government Publishing Office has resources to help you and your entire family, from children to grandparents, prepare for a fire.

Let’s Have Fun With Fire Safety is a fun activity book that gives children valuable fire safety and prevention tips. My family fire drills are just one example that fire safety doesn’t have to be a drag. Make it fun with resources like this one, and children will be more likely to pay attention and participate.

Kids aren’t the only ones who need to prepare for a fire. Adults age 65 and older are more than twice as likely to die in fires than the Nation’s population as a whole. Individuals 85 and older are more than four times as likely to die in a fire than the general population. Also, older adults have a higher risk of injury from fires. If you are a caregiver to a senior, check out Fire Safety Checklist for Older Adults, designed to help seniors and their caregivers learn about fire safety.

Fire prevention is a serious topic. But practicing drills and getting educated can be a fun opportunity for family bonding. Check out these publications from the U.S. Government Publishing Office, and remember to look, listen and learn this Fire Prevention Week!

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Cat Goergen is the PR Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations office.

Leave a Comment » | Environment, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service | Tagged: fire prevention, Fire Prevention Week, fire safety, National Fire Protection Association | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Psychosocial Issues for Children and Adolescents in Disasters

August 13, 2018

Hurricane season has officially started, which means severe storms can form without warning—potentially causing major devastation in their paths. In the days following a natural disaster such as a hurricane, adults and children alike find themselves thrown into chaos, confusion and heartbreak. Children are particularly vulnerable, which is why Psychosocial Issues for Children and Adolescents in Disasters advocates for increased sensitivity to the emotional vulnerability of children after such events. While presenting insightful strategies to mitigate the effects of disaster, this manual succeeds in fulfilling its purpose: expanding the understanding of the world from a child’s point of view, and the nature of their responses to natural disasters.

The publication is broken down into four categories: The World of Childhood and the Developing Child, Reactions of Children to Disasters, Helping the Child and Family and finally, Guidelines for Caregivers, Mental Health and Human Service Workers; all of which provide compelling insight in how to provide effective care.

For those of us who aren’t well-versed in child psychology, this book explores several child development theories to illustrate the importance of a successful transition into normal day-to-day life after trauma.

These fascinating theories range from the Piaget Theory – stating that the capacity to understand one’s environment increases with growth – to the Attachment Theory as developed by John Bowlby; a phenomenon revealing that children make strong affectional bonds to nurturing figures as a protective method from risk or harm. The Attachment Theory is most significant following a disastrous situation, as these events typically result in long-lasting fear and anxiety if left unaddressed.

Further still, what I have found to be most compelling is the fact that an adult’s reaction to a traumatic event plays a powerful role in a child’s recovery. Experts discovered that children’s symptoms of fear and stress dramatically decrease when adults empathize with them. This is a surefire way to establish a successful transition into well-adjusted adulthood – one where adults develop healthy coping mechanisms rather than developing behaviors that place a strain on their physical and mental health.

Let us not forget that enduring a disaster is no small feat, and the responsibility of helping children recover does not rest on parents alone. Assisting a child through the healing process – whether it be from a natural disaster or a death in the family – will have a lasting, positive effect. Use this source as your guide to being an effective support system to a child (or loved one) in need.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Aubree Driver is an intern in GPO’s Publication and Information Sales office.

Leave a Comment » | Disasters, Emergency Response, Environment, Environmental Protection Agency, FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency | Tagged: hurricane, natural disaster, severe storms, severe weather, weather | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

GPO Summer Travel Series: Beach Health and Safety

July 17, 2018

If you’ve been following our summer travel series thus far, you know we’ve been busy sightseeing, hiking, and exploring National Parks all across the country. Phew, we are exhausted. You’ve earned a break! It’s island time. That is, time to bury our toes in the sand, embrace the ocean breeze, kick back and relax before heading off to our next destination. Make sure you’ve got your flip flops, plenty of sunscreen, a good book and your boogie board. It’s back to the beach for us, our trusty travelers! But first, let’s make sure we’re equipped for a safe and healthy trip.

While the boogie board isn’t a requirement for good times by the Oceanside, that sunscreen sure is! Did you know there’s actually a right way to apply sunblock? And even with sunscreen on, those tricky UV rays can still get through to your skin! According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is by far the most common type of cancer, and the number of skin cancer cases has been on the rise. In fact, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Protect the little beach bums in your life and teach them healthy habits while they’re still young! It’s true. Applying sunscreen can be a messy drag. But GPO and the American Cancer Society are here to tell you this: it really doesn’t have to be all that miserable. Prepared with the support of the American Cancer Society, Mission: Sunwise Activity Book from the GPO Bookstore provides puzzles and pages to color about how to be safe in the sun and how to use sunscreen. It will be so worth it when you avoid that terrible sunburn … owiee … and can keep building as many sandcastles, hunting as many ghost crabs, collecting as many seashells and bobbing over as many waves as you want!

And while it’s important to keep ourselves safe and healthy at the beach, it’s also equally as important to make sure the ocean itself stays safe. According to thankyouocean.org, marine debris is defined as “any man-made, solid material that enters waterways directly through littering or indirectly through rivers, streams and storm drains.” Included in debris are plastic food wrappers, plastic bottle caps, grocery bags, plastic straws, plastic bottles, soda cans, balloons, glass bottles, cigarette butts, and fishing nets. All of these items, and many more, can potentially harm marine life. How? Animals often become entangled in the debris, causing them to have trouble eating, breathing and swimming. Many birds and fish also may mistake the debris for food. For example, plastic bags floating in the water strongly resemble jellyfish. This poses a major problem for the sea turtle, who often mistakes plastic bags for one of his favorite meals! What’s just as gross? This debris can even transfer up the food chain to humans, as we often enjoy fish and other seafood from the ocean. Help children learn about this very serious issue and become passionate about saving our marine life. Understanding Marine Debris is an activity booklet from the Department of Commerce and the National Marine Fisheries Service. A booklet for all ages, it contains an assortment of puzzles, brain-teasers and coloring activities to help children understand the problem of marine debris while having fun at the same time.

With its salty air, crashing waves, ocean spray and wild sunsets, the beach has the potential to create the absolute best memories. But it’s important to protect ourselves and our beaches and oceans while we can. Make your beach vacation a positive experience for the entire family with these publications from the GPO Bookstore. Rest up for now … under the protection of an umbrella, of course. There’s more summertime to come and more adventures to be had.

Three Cheers for Trees

May 15, 2018

It may look like the trees you see every day are just standing around, blowing in the wind and soaking up the sun. But don’t judge a tree by its cover … these amazing perennial plants are a hard-working bunch. Two mature trees can supply enough oxygen annually to support a family of four, and trees absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over the course of their lives. Not to mention, their shade and wind buffering reduces annual heating and cooling costs by $2.1 billion. We could go on and on, but here’s our point. It’s time to thank our trees! Luckily there’s a day for that.

National Love a Tree Day, celebrated annually on May 16, recognizes trees and all they do for us. You know, like give us the air we breathe … no big deal!

So this National Love a Tree Day, help us say three cheers for trees. GPO has lots of different ideas for you to spread the love, including reading some of our favorite publications from the GPO bookstore:

Cozy up to your favorite shaded tree and read a good book. (Keep reading for suggestions).
Calculate the age of a tree.
Climb a tree … just play safely!
Plant or water a tree.
Take a nature walk in your nearby park or woods.
Teach the kid in your life what their state tree is.
Have your kids write a hand-written “thank you” note to our trees. Get creative. They can color pictures of trees. Even better, save a tree and create a card digitally!
Practice tree pose. Namaste.
Take a trip to see some of the oldest trees in the world at Redwood National Park.
Read Why Would Anyone Cut a Tree Down from GPO’s bookstore with a little one. This book details the life cycle of trees and explains how trees work as a renewable resource.
Learn about tree species and which species grow near you in the National Individual Tree Species Atlas from GPO’s bookstore.
Help restore trees to good health when they need it with How To Recognize Hazard Defects in Trees from GPO’s bookstore.

So go on. Take three deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth. Ahhhh. And appreciate that precious oxygen a little more this Wednesday, May 16. We salute you, trees.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN RESOURCES MENTIONED ABOVE?

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Cat Goergen is the PR Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations office.

Leave a Comment » | Agriculture, Department of Agriculture, Environment, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service | Tagged: Forest, forest management, Forestry, forests, Hiking, National Love a Tree Day, trees | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Read Across America – March 2

March 1, 2018

On March 2, 2018, Get involved! The National Education Association’s Read Across America Day is a nationwide reading celebration that takes place annually on March 2—Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Across the country, thousands of schools, libraries, and community centers participate by bringing together kids, teens, and books, and you can too! Incorporate these guides and activities to celebrate reading with young people.

The Federal Government Environmental Protection Agency has a fun and informative children’s activity book featuring beloved Dr. Seuss character, the Lorax (Dr. Seuss TM 2015).

Join the Lorax and ENERGY STAR by doing your part. Save energy at home and at school – to keep pollution out of the air and keep the earth cool! The Lorax can teach us a thing or two, about saving water – that’s a good thing for the earth too.” A graphic and simple-to-understand activity book to engage school children in learning and caring about the environment and how to improve America’s quality of life.

You can purchase this fun booklet online at the U.S. Government Bookstore here.

For more on Dr. Seuss, read “Dr. Seuss, U.S Army” from the early days of Government Book Talk.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication and Information Sales program office.

Leave a Comment » | Consumers, Environment, Environmental Protection Agency | Tagged: Dr. Seuss, Dr. Seuss Birth Day, Dr. Seuss Birthday, Dr. Seuss’s birthday, National Education Association, NEA, Read Across America, Read Across America Day | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Harvey, Irma, and more to come! Be prepared for a busy hurricane season.

September 8, 2017

Agencies of the Federal government are stepping up to do everything possible to help communities in “harm’s way,” with this year’s hurricanes of historic proportion causing devastating impact in Texas, Florida, and other coastal states.

You can become better prepared to face potential new storms through preparedness you can take in advance of any future natural disaster such as hurricanes, with help from the government.

At https://bookstore.gpo.gov there’s a variety of publications available providing expert advice on getting ready prior and better prepared after a storm of serious magnitude hits your community. Guidance for contractors, roofers, property restorers, local and state public officials, volunteers, and individuals to better understand how to rebuild and move to a better tomorrow. Here are a few to consider; or go on https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Disaster Preparedness Manual: Natural Disasters, Man-Made Disasters, Patient Fact Sheets. This manual, comprised of three major sections, summarizes actions that Veterans and their families can take to effectively cope with a disaster. This illustrated reference emphasizes actions designed to prevent or reduce impact of natural or human-caused hazards. Information is also presented to assist those with access and functional needs, including children, people with disabilities, and older adults, as well as pets.

Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, Lightning, Nature’s Most Violent Storms: A Preparedness Guide, Including Tornado Safety Information for Schools an illustrated guide showcases some facts about weather-related events, and suggests life-saving actions you can take if you find yourself in an unexpected situation resulting from a weather-related event.

Psychosocial Issues for Children and Adolescents in Disasters provides information and guidance for individuals concerned with the mental health needs of children who experience major disasters. This background, training, and experience will vary and may include physical and mental health professionals, professional and paraprofessional social service personnel, school and daycare personnel, clergy, volunteers, and parents.

Do yourself, and America, a favor. Be prepared. Be educated. Be ahead of the next natural disaster where you live. Save lives, including your own.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication and Information Sales program office.

Leave a Comment » | Disasters, Emergency Response, Environment, Weather and climate | Tagged: hurricane, Hurricane Harvey, hurricane Irma, hurricane season, hurricanes, natural disaster, natural disasters | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Smart Irrigation Month

July 14, 2017

July is Smart Irrigation Month, a great time to bring awareness to the importance of using water wisely. To help in this effort, Government Book Talk reviews an Army Corps of Engineers publication about water resources and environmental planning.

Harry E. Schwarz and the Development of Water Resources and Environmental Planning: Planning Methods in an Era of Challenge and Change

Harry Schwarz was a devoted photographer of nature and considered the first practitioner in a major Federal agency to adopt and implement many new ideas and methods of water resources and environmental planning pioneered by Professors Arthur Maass and Gilbert White. Schwarz’s contributions relate particularly to water quality, the assessments of environmental impacts, and the visual and cultural aspects of the environment.

This comprehensive resource touches upon the problems with environmental engineering and offers some solutions in water and natural resources planning. Environmental science students, advocates, utilities professionals, and land developers may find this historical view of America’s river basins and information for evaluating structural plans and assessments that can impact environmental and water quality helpful to their research. This narration includes case studies, such as greenhouse effects that may have an effect on drinking water. Within this section, global warming and climate changes on water supplies are introduced, and evaluated. Additionally, this volume covers information about flood frequencies in a Major Drainage Basin, reflections on water and environmental planning, effects of urbanization on streams, the North Atlantic Regional Case Study, and more. You will learn many of Schwarz’s contributions through his government service with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to move science forward, especially in the areas of environmental science, conservation, and natural resources planning.

Industries related to water utilities include local government utilities; water, sewage, and other systems; and water and sewer system construction, natural resource planning, environmental engineering, and more. Project management planning, formula mathematics for chemical compounds, system’s analysis, knowledge of ground water contamination structures, construction engineering, and natural resources planning skill sets may be required for knowledge within these occupational areas.

Multiple appendices are included in this authoritative work to showcase Schwarz’s personal chronology and professional bibliography, his personal memoirs and reflections, oral history interview, and the biographical sketches of Arthur Maass and Gilbert White, pioneer scientists, within this field that may interest other environmental scientists, advocates, and students hoping to follow in Schwarz’s footsteps to pursue a career in water resources planning and operations..

Purchase your personal copy of Harry E. Schwarz and the Development of Water Resources and Environmental Planning today!

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at http://bookstore.gpo.gov.

About the author: This week’s blog contributor is Maureen Whelan, Senior Marketing Team Leader for GPO’s Publication and Information Sales program office in Washington, DC. Maureen oversees print and digital content dissemination strategy and manages third party free and paid content distribution through platforms and vendors, such as Apple iBookstore, Barnes and Noble.com, Google Play eBookstore, Ebscohost databases, Overdrive, and more.

Leave a Comment » | Department of Defense, Environment, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers | Tagged: environment, irrigation, Smart Irrigation Month, water, water management, water resources | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Celebrate Arbor Day

April 27, 2017

Arbor Day celebrates the value of trees in our daily lives. It is a special time set aside for tree planting.

For this Arbor Day, April 28, here are a few tips on how to honor those stately trees in your local parks and suburban landscapes by coming together and enjoy those quiet giant oaks, and even a still growing scruffy pine.

Hold an Arbor Day ceremony to honor the good stewards in your community.
Organize a Largest or Oldest Tree search across your community.
Plant a tree. Host a reception to honor Park or Tree Board members in the community.
Create a story, produce a play, or present a skit about trees.
Choose a public park or downtown area to clean up.
Sponsor a craft show featuring artists engaged in crafts with natural materials.
Schedule classes on tree pruning, tree selection, identification and planting.
Hold a Children’s Read-In at the library.

Best of all…. read a book at home about trees – with your children.

The U.S. Government Bookstore offers publications covering some of the above subjects plus a wide range of “tree hugging” topics depending on your interests. Here a just few examples.

Why Would Anyone Cut a Tree Down?

This delightful book shows children the life cycle of trees, showing that trees are a renewable resource as their seeds can be planted to make new trees grow. It also discusses the need to remove sick, flammable, and other dangerous trees as well as the various uses for wood from cut trees.

National Individual Tree Species Atlas

This reference covers each tree species in the United States and precisely where each species is likely to grow or not grow. Written primarily for horticulturists, the contents are also a wonderful resource for anyone studying America’s tree population: from Boy and Girl Scouts, to landscapers, to forestry professors and guides.

How To Prune Trees

This handy pamphlet provides helpful information on how, when, and why to prune. By following the few simple principles outlined in this publication, you will learn how to produce strong, healthy, attractive plants.

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at http://bookstore.gpo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication and Information Sales program office.

Leave a Comment » | Agriculture, Consumers, Department of Agriculture, Environment, Family | Tagged: Arbor Day, environment, nature, tree planting, trees | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Government Book Talk

World Nature Conservation Day

National Fall Foliage Week

More Trees Please: Publications for Arbor Day

GPO’s Gift Guide Series: Books for the Environmental Enthusiast

Having Fun With Fire Safety

Psychosocial Issues for Children and Adolescents in Disasters

GPO Summer Travel Series: Beach Health and Safety

Three Cheers for Trees

Read Across America – March 2

Harvey, Irma, and more to come! Be prepared for a busy hurricane season.

Smart Irrigation Month

Celebrate Arbor Day

Subscribe to Email Alerts

Search our blog

GPO Blog RSS Feed

Recent Posts

View Posts by Month

View Posts by Topic

I. GPO for the Public & Library Community

II. GPO for Federal Agencies

GPO on Twitter

Top Posts Trending This Week

Most Frequent Tags

SHARE THIS:

Like this:

SHARE THIS:

Like this:

SHARE THIS:

Like this:

SHARE THIS:

Like this:

SHARE THIS:

Like this:

SHARE THIS:

Like this:

SHARE THIS:

Like this:

SHARE THIS:

Like this:

SHARE THIS:

Like this:

SHARE THIS:

Like this:

SHARE THIS:

Like this:

SHARE THIS:

Like this:

Subscribe to Email Alerts

Search our blog

GPO Blog RSS Feed

Recent Posts

View Posts by Month

View Posts by Topic

I. GPO for the Public & Library Community

II. GPO for Federal Agencies

Top Posts Trending This Week

Most Frequent Categories

Most Frequent Tags