Natural Enquirer N e w s l e t t e r f o r S p r i n g Va l l e y S u p p o r t e r s a n d Vo l u n t e e r s
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In this issue...
Living in the Midwest, we are all accustomed to changes in the weather; however, 2012 brought extreme heat and drought conditions that likely challenged most of our notions of what constitutes ‘normal’ weather for our area. This issue of the Natural Enquirer addresses some of the implications of our extreme weather. While the mild winter, early spring, 100 degree days, and lack of rainfall demanded everyone’s attention, the effects of all of this on the natural world are apparent only through careful observation. The effects on food prices during the next several months will be a stark reminder that our lives do indeed depend on the climate and weather. All indications are that what we saw in 2012 will be a more regular part of our local weather scenarios. We will certainly return to cold weather, snow, and moderation in summer temperatures during many years, but the incidence of extreme weather years has increased during the past 30 years and looks to increase further. This is the new ‘normal’ we will have to adapt to.
Inside Changes................................................................2 Sprouting Through the Drought..........................3 What’s Happenin’.............................................. 4-6 Corn: What an Amazing Crop............................10
Volunteer News Contents Volunteern Want Ads...........................................7 Volunteer Calendar........................................... 8-9
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