Things We Heart – June 2018
We’ve rounded up some of the best tree stuff on the web for your enjoyment. Check out this month’s highlights below:
Biodiesel made from trees?
Significant scientific advances have been made in the exploration and creation of renewable fuel resources. As a result, we have access to biodiesel, a clean-burning renewable fuel made from vegetable oil, animal fat or recycled restaurant grease for use in diesel vehicles or any equipment that operates on diesel fuel. Now, scientists are looking to convert old almond and walnut trees into transportation fuel. Read more about it the California-based company making tree-based biodiesel a reality.
“Airbnb” for birds of prey?
A Salt Lake City, Utah, auto-recycling yard was planning to expand its footprint, and in doing so would result in taking down a few cottonwood trees. Thanks to the concerned owner of a neighboring animal sanctuary, these trees will remain on property and continue to function as a temporary home for red-tailed hawks and great horned owls. Read more about the new plans for saving the trees.
A tree-DNA database to combat illegal logging?
It’s no secret that forests around the world are disappearing at an alarming rate. Even trees that are protected from logging, such as the bigleaf maple, are being cut down simply because their wood is highly coveted. The Norwegian government, which is jointly funding the effort with the United States Forest Service’s international program, is working with US west coast-based volunteers from Adventure Scientists, a non-profit organization, to collect samples for the DNA database. Read more about the database and its goals.
Image Credits:
Walnut Tree – Horst J. Meuter, Wikimedia Commons
Red-tailed Hawk – Brent Meyers, Wikimedia Commons
