The blog covers issues broadly related to sustainability in Minnesota and the world both from an environmental perspective and from an interpersonal perspective. It also covers issues related to mycology (the study of fungi) with a specific emphasis on the interaction with fungal organisms and buildings.
The CDC interactive home ventilation tool allows home owners to make changes to their home ventilation system and observe how it affects the levels of infectious particles. The fan cycling, filter efficiency, HEPA filters, windows can be changed and the resulting removal efficiency is displayed.
One of the videos recommended for the Minnesota Master Naturalist program at the U of M is a Nebraska Nature Conservancy production as part of the Nature Unites Us Online Learning Series.
Portions of the recommendations suggest altering mask wearing and infection control guidelines based on Community Transmission. The prospect of changing recommendations base on transmission levels can be problematic resulting in confusion. The changes back to a more restrictive guidance are often delayed until after transmission rates are high.
The recommendations suggest adding engineering controls which can reduce transmission.
Today I listened to EPA's webinar on ASHRAE's Guidance for Covid-19 risk management. A recording of the webinar will be made available in the near future.
Coming soon there will be a PesticideSmart website available to the general public to help individuals make informed decisions about pesticide use.
Current concern is focused forest management practices for the Spruce Budworm that cyclically attacks spruce trees in the US and Canada. It is actually a caterpillar and moth that attacks the tree and kills it making it very easy to burn.
The MDH (Minnesota Department of Health( is offering school IAQ plan trainings in fall 2022, in-person statewide and a webinar. This training will discuss the state’s best practices for school IAQ management plans. School staff, service providers, and others are welcome to attend. The training is free. Registration is required. See MDH School IAQ Plan Training for details and registration.
When and Where
Mankato: September 22, 2022 (10:00 am – 2:00 pm) South Central Service Cooperative 2075 Lookout Drive, North Mankato, MN 56001 Directions
St. Cloud: October 11, 2022 (10:00 am – 2:00 pm) Minnesota Department of Health Midtown Square 3333 West Division Street, Suite 212, St. Cloud, MN 56301 Directions
Bemidji: October 12, 2022 (10:00 am – 2:00 pm) Minnesota Department of Health 705 - 5th Street NW, Suite A, Bemidji, MN 56601-2933 Directions
Metro: October 18, 2022 (9:00 am – 12:00 pm) Bethel University Anderson Center, Room 125 2 Pine Tree Drive, Arden Hills, MN 55112 Directions
Metro: November 2, 2022 (1:00 pm– 4:00 pm) Bethel University Anderson Center, Room 125 2 Pine Tree Drive, Arden Hills, MN 55112 Directions
Webinar: November 3, 2022 (1:00 pm – 4:00 pm) (Email with instructions will be sent to webinar registrants.)