Past Contributions

• Texas Waters Plagued by Invasive Plants

  By Carol Flake Dec. 15, 2015

  The discovery last month of giant salvinia in the waters of Lake Fork, the state's famous largemouth bass fishery, has highlighted the growing problem of invasive non-native plants taking hold in the state's freshwater ecosystems. Full Story 

• Researchers Say Combining Salt and Tap Water May Be Toxic Recipe

  By Carol Flake Dec. 15, 2015

  Researchers have reported that combining iodized table salt with chloraminated tap water (water to which the disinfectant chloramine has been added) in cooking may result in a toxin known as hypoiodous acid. Full Story 

• Legal Battle Over Seabed Off Texas Coast Heats Up

  By Carol Flake Dec. 1, 2015

  The oyster beds off the Texas coast are spawning a legal battle among commercial operators, state regulators and a small local agency. Full Story 

• Researchers Say Beavers Can Reduce Algae Growth in Estuaries

  By Carol Flake Dec. 1, 2015

  A new study says that beavers can reduce algae growth in ponds by slowing the pace of water movement, thus lowering the nitrogen content of the water. Full Story 

• Colorado Adopts Water Plan

  By Carol Flake Dec. 1, 2015

  Colorado, which is facing huge water deficits, has adopted a state water plan, following a decade of negotiations. Full Story 

• Scientists Map Earth's Groundwater

  By Carol Flake Dec. 1, 2015

  Researchers, including a team at the University of Texas, calculated that the earth contains a total volume of around 5.5 million cubic miles of groundwater. Full Story 

• Tributes to Texas Rivers in Song

  By Carol Flake Dec. 1, 2015

  Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine recounts the history and meaning behind several songs about Texas rivers. Full Story 

• California Marine Ecosystem Contaminated by Toxin

  By Carol Flake Nov. 17, 2015

  A toxin produced by algae has contaminated the marine ecosystem off the coast of California, poisoning marine mammals and leading authorities to advise people against eating crabs. Full Story 

• Septic Systems Seen as Culprit in Long Island Water Pollution

  By Carol Flake Nov. 17, 2015

  Thousands of dead fish and turtles washed ashore in Long Island, N.Y., as a result of toxic waters that have been attributed to the runoff from septic systems on the island. Full Story 

• Texans Wonder If Wild Weather Is The New Norm

  By Carol Flake Nov. 17, 2015

  Climatologists are studying whether the wild swings in weather patterns in Texas this year are unique or bode a "new normal" resulting from climate change. Full Story