Wildfire risk typically higher through May; burning debris is the No. 1 cause of wildfires The N.C. Forest Service is urging residents across the state to think safety and exercise caution during the spring fire season, which typically lasts from March to May. “Burning debris is the No. 1 cuase of wildfires,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “If you’re thinking about burning debris, contact your county forest ranger first. The ranger can offer technical advice and explain the best options …
Category: Environment
NCDA&CS activates hotline to help farmers impacted by Hurricane Irma
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has activated its hotline to connect farmers with resources that can assist with agricultural emergencies. The toll-free number is 1-866-645-9403. The hotline operates 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. “There is still uncertainty about how Hurricane Irma will affect our state,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We anticipate impacts to farms could include power outages, damage to crops and agricultural buildings, and animal health emergencies. We are prepared to work with our state …
Tips For Making Donations to Help Hurricane Victims
Hurricanes are something we know far too much about. From Hazel (back in the day), to Fran, and Sandy and Floyd, and countless others, there have been far too many times when we’ve been hit hard, and needed the help of others. Hurricane Harvey tugs at us, because we know what it’s like. But before you make that donation to help, make sure you know where your money is going! (The following is from the Office of Attorney General Josh …
The World Is Not Coming To An End
In case you hadn’t heard … there’s a solar eclipse happening today. I don’t know how anyone could NOT hear about it, but it’s always a possibility. And in case you’re wondering what time you need to tell your boss that you need to leave the office for this once in a lifetime event (it’s really not, but more on that later), it will begin at 1:16 PM, peak at 2:44pm and it’s all over and done with at 4:06pm. …
Irrigate Correctly to Keep Plants Healthy
As we progress into summer, it won’t be long before it’s time to pull out the irrigation equipment. Most plants, including turf, vegetable gardens, flowers and shrubs need about one inch of water each week (perhaps a bit more in late July and August). The most effective approach is to apply the whole amount in one day so the soil get saturated deeply (this encourages deep root growth). Soil applied irrigation (e.g. soaker hose or drip system) reduces disease incidence …
Pesticide Disposal Day, May 25th
Do you have lawn, garden or farm chemicals you no longer need? Do you have products more than three years old? Protect your family, your pets and the environment by bringing unneeded chemicals to our pesticide disposal day. This event will be held on Thursday, May 25th, 10 am to 2 pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market (210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC). We will accept all pesticide products, including herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, etc. in original, labeled containers. Both …
Spring Cleaning Kicks Off With Statewide Litter Sweep
Campaign Runs April 15-29 RALEIGH – Groups of volunteers from across North Carolina are donning safety vests and gloves as they prepare for some spring cleaning – outside. The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Adopt-A-Highway program kicks off its Spring Litter Sweep on April 15. It’s not too late to sign up for the upcoming cleanup drive. Interested groups can contact the Litter Sweep Hotline at 1-800-331-5864 or visit the website for more information. Volunteers from local businesses, schools, non-profits and …
Spring Litter Sweep Week, April 24-29, and the Recycling Day Event Saturday, April 29
The Vance County Appearance Commission is joining with officials from Vance County and the City of Henderson again this year to sponsor the Henderson-Vance Spring Litter Sweep Week, April 24-29, and the Recycling Day Event on Saturday, April 29, at the City Operations Center on Beckford Drive in Henderson. Citizens throughout Vance County are urged to make special efforts to clean up around their homes, businesses, churches, schools and any blighted areas they know about during the Spring Litter Sweep …
Vance County Appearance Commission Promotes Recycling
The Vance County Appearance Commission is seeking increased participation from residents across the county in efforts to recycle household items and other materials that can be reused. Local participation in recycling by residents is less than 30 percent across Vance County. Members of the County Appearance Commission want more residents to recycle. Recycling in Henderson and throughout Vance County is easy. In the city of Henderson, all recyclable items can be placed in the plastic bins provided by the city. …
Biodiesel 4 Schools Donations to Vance County Schools
The Biodiesel 4 Schools Program has donated $460 to Vance County Schools since June. The school system entered a partnership with the program in January of 2015. Dean Price of Green Circle N.C., administers the program that partners with public school systems across this region of North Carolina to turn used cooking oil from local businesses into biodiesel fuel used in certain motor vehicles. The program then provides the school system with a percentage of the funds collected each quarter …