theStearns

A "frog-strangler" in Northwest Houston (photo by Kenn Stearns)

Last weekend the heavens opened and massive amounts of moisture were released. It was the first measurable precipitation since April 17.

Yellow Flag Iris (photo by Kenn Stearns)

The Yellow Flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus ) is an invasive non-native plant. This herbaceous perennial colonizes in large numbers forming dense monotypic stands that serve as impenetrable mats that clog small streams, choke pipes, and crowd out desirable wetland plant species, including those that are an important food source for wildlife. Connecticut, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington have listed the Yellow Flag Iris as a state noxious weed.

Plant species become invasive when they are introduced to an area outside their native range and are free from natural competitors and predators, allowing them to proliferate and persist to the detriment of native species. Second only to direct habitat destruction, invasive non-native species such as the Yellow Flag Iris are the second greatest worldwide threat to native species and ecosystems. Invasive non-native plants can…

• displace native species,
• disrupt ecosystem relationships,
• degrade wildlife habitat,
• impede recreation,
• cause economic damage to forests, agricultural crops and other managed lands
• cost the American public an estimated $138 billion each year
• negatively impact about 42% of the plant and animal species listed by the Federal government as threatened or endangered

Tap'dNY Founder, Craig Zucker (photo by Kenn Stearns)

It takes a special entrepreneur to re-purpose something that’s readily available to everyone and build a business around it. Craig Zucker takes New York City tap water, purifies it, bottles it, and sells it as Tap’dNY. With a tagline like “No glaciers were harmed in the making of this water,” what’s not to like? Perhaps the pinnacle of Tap’dNY fame came when it was included in a Saturday Light Live skit.

Tap'dNY bottled water (photo by Kenn Stearns)

Cabin 9 at Lake Fausse Pointe State Park (photo by Kenn Stearns)

Lake Fausse Pointe State Park is in the middle of nowhere. Which is exactly why it’s worth the trek to this 6,000-acre site. From canoeing and biking to the Atchafalaya Basin and nearby historic areas, this is the epitome of South Louisiana diversity.