Bad Tree!

October 15, 2008
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Who knew that, in some parts of Oregon, Juniper trees are an invasive species and more of a nuisance than part of the landscape?

Well, it’s news to us and one reason why we found an article in the Blue Mountain Eagle so interesting.

According to the Eagle, the Juniper has spread from about 1.5 million acres in the 1930s to about 6.5 million acres in 2005. The reason is that we’re now putting out more wildfires that, in the past, would prevent the tree from spreading. Plus, when Junipers move into new territory they take up way more than their fair share of soil moisture from native plants.

Removing Junipers is very expensive and while there’s government help available, it really doesn’t come close to covering the full cost.

So…some really smart guys have figured out ways to make money off the Juniper, including flooring, furniture and even houses built entirely out of the tree.

The photo of a stone fireplace with a juniper mantel is beautiful and worth a peak even if you don’t want to read the full article.

Blue Mountain Eagle: Taming A Western Invader

City Help For Ecoroofs

October 15, 2008
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If you’ve ever thought about getting an ecoroof, then this might be one of the best times.

The city of Portland is giving away money help people install ecoroofs. Maybe “giving away” money is little unfair. It’s a grant program and you have to apply and meet certain standards, so on and so forth… But still, it’s actual dollars that’ll help you get started.

The announcement doesn’t say how much money is available, only that you can get up to $5 per square foot. It’s not clear if the grants are available for just businesses, or if private homes also qualify.

For more information check out this website:
Portland Ecoroof Grant Program

And if you’re really curious, there’s a day long seminar coming up on Wednesday, October 22.
Ecoroof Seminar

OSU: One Step Closer To Wave Power

October 13, 2008
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Scientists at Oregon State say they may be only a couple of years away from installing the state’s first commercial wave energy project off the coast.

They’re feeling optimistic after a successful month-long test of a wave energy device they deployed near Newport. Associate Professor Ted Brekken says, in a news release, that the test went “exceedingly well”. Brekken says the buoy produced lots of power, worked about as well as they expected, and gave them lots of data for further study. OSU has been testing several designs that use a direct-drive system.

OSU isn’t the only group to conduct such test. Finavera Renewable of Vancouver, BC tested a wave energy buoy for almost two months off the coast near Agate Beach. About a week before they were going to retrieve the buoy, it sank to the bottom of the ocean and wasn’t salvaged until July. Still, Finavera says it collected useful data while the buoy was in operation.

OSU News Release: Successful Ocean Test Advances Wave Energy Research
OSU Video Link: Wave Energy Generator Deployment