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Environment Blog Posts

Eastern redcedar needles and berries

December 6, 2024

The Eastern redcedar, scientifically known as Juniperus virginiana, is a versatile and resilient evergreen tree native to North America. 

gifts wrapped in fabric scraps, recycled paper, raffia, and homemade embelishments

December 3, 2024

It’s the holiday season, and many of us like to celebrate this time of year by decorating our homes and gathering with friends and family to enjoy fellowship, food, and gift giving. But it is also a time of increased household waste. These tips can help you have a more sustainable holiday.

Water dripping from faucet

November 15, 2024

Colder weather is just around the corner! Do you have a plan to winterize your home for when freezing temperatures arrive? Preparing your home for the cold not only ensures comfort, but also helps protect your home from damage. 

Ginkgo yellow leaves in the fall

November 4, 2024

The ginkgo tree, scientifically known as Ginkgo biloba, is an incredible species that stands out because of its unique characteristics and beauty.

Black Widow spider

October 25, 2024

It’s spooky season, and there’s nothing as spooky to some people as a creepy-crawly spider! Many people have arachnophobia, or the fear of spiders.

Homemade pumpkin, bat, monster Halloween decor with a toilet paper roll, tin can, and water bottle.

October 18, 2024

Halloween spending is expected to reach $11.6 billion this year, and many of those purchases will become waste. Check out these tips for ways to have a more sustainable holiday.

Sun shining through red maple tree branches

October 4, 2024

In the fall, I love driving down the road to see beautiful trees changing color as they prepare to drop their leaves for the winter. My favorite trees, however, are magnificent, fiery red maple trees. Their color stands so boldly against the yellow and brown background of the other fall colors.

Person applying lime to yard.

September 24, 2024

As summer comes to an end, the time for fall lawn care approaches. Warm-season grass growth is beginning to slow down while temperatures become slightly cooler. 

Sycamore leaves and fruit

September 6, 2024

Next time you’re walking in the woods or in the park, take a moment to look up. If you see a tree that is over 100 ft tall, there is a good chance you are seeing a sycamore tree. 

A pesticide technichian applies a termite treatment around a home foundation.

September 3, 2024

Termites exist all over Mississippi and will eventually infest and damage any structure that contains wood or other cellulose components unless you properly protect those structures.

Irrigation watering system in a garden

August 15, 2024

If there’s one thing that’s important in gardening, it’s proper watering. Vegetable gardens need about 1 inch of water each week.

A person throwing a trash bag into a trash can.

July 31, 2024

If you’ve heard the term “zero waste,” you may be wondering what that is and how it can be possible. Zero waste is aimed at reducing waste throughout the production chain – from the time materials are gathered for production to the time the product is purchased and used by a consumer. Get tips on how to implement the principles into your lifestyle.

Magnolia bloom with dark green leaves.

June 28, 2024

Close your eyes and think back to your childhood.

A well maintained landscape.

June 21, 2024

When it comes to lawn care, summer is one of the busiest times of the year.

Sassafras Tree Leaves

June 3, 2024

This tree is quite a unique specimen. Its qualities – name, oil, habitat, and how it reproduces – make sassafras a tree to marvel at. 

A group of zinnias with the sky in the background.

May 28, 2024

Do you enjoy having cut flowers around the house? With the right preparation and some gardening labor, you can harvest your own blossoms just outside the back door.

White flowers blooming on a tree.

May 7, 2024

We’ve talked about a few trees this year. We hope you’ve learned a thing or two about how to identify different trees! 

Largemouth Bass Fish

April 30, 2024

Fishing is a common pastime in the South. In fact, 4-H fishing clubs are one of the fastest growing 4-H clubs in Mississippi! Do you know the different fish species?

A cucumber leaf with disease lesions rests on a hand.

April 25, 2024

Did you know the Mississippi State University Extension Service has a laboratory that is designated to diagnose plant diseases and nematodes? Yes, it does! Learn how the Mississippi State University Extension Service Plant Diagnostic Laboratory and its scientists protect the crops that provide our food and fiber along with other home and garden crops.

Several types of plastic and other waste surround a green chasing arrows emblem.

April 22, 2024

Whether you recycle or not, you probably are familiar with the “chasing arrows” emblem found on plastic products. But many consumers don’t know that this symbol denotes only the type of plastic an item is made from, not its ability to be recycled. Check out these tips that can help you reduce your plastic waste.

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About Extension for Real Life

Extension for Real Life is a product of the MSU Extension Service’s Office of Agricultural Communications.

That’s a long way of saying we are professional communicators who get to talk about food, families, 4-H, flowers, and farming for a living. Pretty good gig, right?

The three main writers for the blog are Ellen Graves (Seamstress of Social Media Strategy), Susan Collins-Smith (Content Connector) and Keri Lewis (Captain Cat Herder). But we get by with a lot of help from our friends in Ag Comm and Extension!

You can reach us at 662-325-2262 or extreallife@msstate.edu

Recent Posts

Eastern redcedar needles and berries
Known for its aromatic wood and ability to thrive in tough conditions, the Eastern redcedar stands out as an essential part of many landscapes.
Tree of the Month: Eastern redcedar
gifts wrapped in fabric scraps, recycled paper, raffia, and homemade embelishments
Adopting a few sustainable practices this holiday season can help the environment and keep more money in your wallet.
Tips for a Green Holiday
Snowman christmas cookies on wood cutting board
The holiday season is the perfect time to share homemade food gifts, but it’s essential to ensure they’re safe to eat.
Holiday Food Gift Safety