Environment

Murray State's Hutson School of Agriculture teams up with the University of Kentucky agriculture equine program to host A Western Kentucky Equine Farm and Facilities Expo this week Murray State University. The event is open to anyone involved with horses or interested in them. Barn Manager Alysia Conover joins Sounds Good today to talk about the the expo and shares some insight into Murray State's Equine Center.

Hear the conversation:

Carbon emissions in Tennessee dropped by a third over five years, according to a new study. It says the closure of coal-fired plants and the historically low price of natural gas are driving the trend.

“That has meant a less carbon-intensive fleet of electric-generating facilities within the state,” said Christopher Van Atten, the study’s lead author.

A new report on U.S. power plant emissions says Kentucky has the highest rate of carbon dioxide emissions in the nation.

Memorial Day weekend marked the opening of Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park's season for special events for not only Park guests, but also day visitors from around the region. The park features a white sandy beach along Pennyrile Lake and trails in the woods, along which you're bound to see some critters. Naturalist Rebecca Clark joins Kate on Sounds Good to talk about the park's environment.

Hear the conversation:

Tammy Horn will join the State Department of Agriculture in just over a week as Kentucky's new state apiarist.

Horn is a senior researcher at Eastern Kentucky University and nationally known beekeeping authority.  Significant bee loss problems have caused great concern for honey makers for several years.  While there has been a slight improvement in bee numbers in pocketed areas, Horn says it's still a tough situation.
                            
"My role as a state apiarist is very simple, I have to increase bees and I have to increase beekeepers because I am trying to make sure that if there are food 

UPDATE: We've added the complete "Snakes of Western Kentucky and Neighboring States" slideshow presentation compiled by Dr. Ed Zimmerer.

Seen a sneaky snake lately? This year's lush spring/summer weather may mean lots of biological activity - including snakes, though it doesn't necessarily mean we're in for a 'snake-y summer.' To explain, local snake expert and Murray State Jones College of Science Engineering and Technology Professor Dr. Ed Zimmerer joins us on Sounds Good to talk about all things snakes.

The National Weather Service reported the storm system that passed through Western Kentucky Wednesday produced high winds  that blew walls and roofs off several buildings and downed powerlines. Most of the damage occurred in Christian County, northeast of Hopkinsville between 4 and 5pm.

Today we met Lil Girl, a sprightly 7-week-old border collie/basset hound mix. She was very friendly to everyone who came to greet her at the station, even the mailman! Several remarked on how pretty her paws are. Lil girl is already very well socialized, currently living with a foster family that includes children and other pets. She is also up-to-date on vaccinations and is microchipped. She and her siblings are up for adoption at the Humane Society of Calloway County. Hear the interview from Sounds Good: