washington — Read — FIELDNOTES

Tweets over Traffic: Noise Pollution in the Seattle Arboretum

To many, the Washington Park Arboretum is a sanctuary outside the stress of the Seattle city. Scientists now know that birds don’t have that luxury and are facing challenges due to traffic on the 520 bridge.

FieldNotesFebruary 27, 2025seattle, washington, birding, birds, noise pollution, pollution, arboretum Comment

Restoring the Path: Culvert Replacement and its Implications for the “Salmon People"

State agencies are racing against time to restore salmon passages and culverts. What does this mean for the future of salmon and the tribes that depend on it?

To Net-Pen or Not to Net-Pen? Debates Over Industry Termination in Washington State

Net-penning has been a long-contested issue, as advocates for its promotion of local jobs and economies clash with those exhibiting concern for marine ecosystem health.

FieldNotesFebruary 13, 2025net pen, aquaculture, ecology, salmon, fish, indigenous, indigenous peoples, puget sound, washington, seattle, washington stateComment

The Buzz About Colony Collapse: What's Killing Washington's Honeybees?

Colony Collapse Disorder and a multitude of other factors are plaguing honeybee colonies, and researchers are trying to figure out how to mitigate their impacts.

Perpetual Smoke in the Methow Valley

Drier conditions and rising temperatures are driving more wildfires in the North Cascades, and local communities are finding ways to combat the worsening air quality.

Igniting Cultural Sovereignty: The Need for Tribal Collaboration While Conducting Prescribed Burns Throughout Washington State

Controlled burns in Washington State are being conducted without tribal collaboration – a concerning decision due to the practice’s roots in Indigenous science.

Washington's PFAS Problem: Grappling With Issues Of “Forever Chemicals” In Drinking Water

The use of “forever chemicals” has created serious problems for cities across Washington State, impacting both human and environmental health.

FieldNotesMay 16, 2024pfas, forever chemicals, fire, washington, pnw, environmental health, environmentComment

Environmentally Smart or Socio-ecologically Misguided? The Controversial Nature of Hydroelectric Infrastructure on the Snake River

Since their construction, the Snake River Dams have sparked controversy. As the need for renewable energy infrastructure grows, however, scientists, politicians, and civilians continue to debate over the sustainability and ethicality of these dams and their impacts on Indigenous sovereignty.

Could Bat Boxes be the New Bird Houses?

If you think birds are boring, and bees have made you blue, then bats may be your new best beau for a biological backyard habitat.

FieldNotesMay 14, 2021bats, backyard, washington