Drought

There is no denying that southern Wisconsin, as well as many parts of the upper Midwest, is experiencing critical drought conditions with significant and, potentially, long-lasting implications to the success of the farming sector and to those who benefit from its production. 

In response to the various concerns arising from farmers and their communities, the UW-Extension, Cooperative Extension has developed on online guide, Drought 2012.  Visit this guide for news, maps, human health and livestock care.  Consult, additionally, with your Extension agents for advice on how to best manage resources in light of exceptional and challenging circumstances.

Set Sail

Ebling Library plays host this semester to two complementary exhibitions, one featuring the allure of deep-ocean wilderness, the other, a history of maritime health and medicine.

"Beyond the Edge of the Sea", a traveling exhibit from the Muscarelle Museum of Art, features original watercolors that brilliantly capture the deep-ocean diversity observed by those who have descended in the Alvin Submersible.

"Seaworthy" examines a variety of topics in maritime health--from the use of horseshoe crabs to the diagnosis and treatments for scurvy, among other maladies. The materials that comprise this exhibit have been drawn from campus library collections.

A special reception with oceanographer, Dr. Cindy Lee Van Dover, artist, Karen Jacobsen and exhibits curator, Micaela Sullivan-Fowler will be held on Friday, November 11, 2011 (3:00-6:00 PM) in Ebling’s Third Floor Gallery.

Free and open to the public, these exhibitions will run until January 31, 2012 (inaugurated September 28, 2011) in the Historical Reading Room and Third Floor Gallery, Ebling Library (Health Sciences Learning Center).

World Water Day (March 22)

The United Nations, today, dedicates its World Water Day to the theme of water quality--"clean water for a healthy world." In accordance with that theme, its Water Day site supplies links to event calendars, fact-sheets, photos and videos regarding freshwater essentials and efforts by UN organizations to support resource management and sanitation.

Additionally, the UN Water site supplies reports and news regarding water scarcity, water quality, statistics and water policies.

Should you be interested in finding research literature about topics in hydrology, sanitation and water resources, consult with your librarians for assistance and search the following database products:

• Environmental Sciences & Pollution Management

• Geobase

• Water Resources Abstracts

For more suggestions, see the Water Research Guide (Wisconsin’s Water Library).

Mami Wata Exhibition (Oct 18-Jan 11)

“Beautiful and seductive, protective yet dangerous, the African water deity Mami Wata (pidgin English for “Mother Water”) is often portrayed as a mermaid, a snake charmer, or a combination of both. She and related African spirits dwell in rivers, seas, and other bodies of water. Mami Wata: Arts for Water Spirits in Africa and Its Diasporas explores five hundred years of the visual culture and history of Mami Wata, honoring the essential, sacred nature of water.” (from the introduction to the exhibition)

In addition to honoring water in art and folklore, the curator for this exhibition has pulled together a series of speakers and events, from many campus departments and venues, to expand our appreciation for a vital resource. Visit the online exhibitions page or print the flyer to plan your visit.

Mami Wata: Arts for Water Spirits in Africa and its Diasporas
Chazen Museum of Art, October 18, 2008 – January 11, 2009
Brittingham Galleries

Unless otherwise noted, all events are free and open to the public.

World Water Day, March 20

The United Nations, today, celebrates World Water Day with a focus upon issues of sanitation. In accordance with that focus, the Water Day site supplies links to photos, videos and factsheets regarding sanitation essentials and efforts by UN organizations to supply support and remediation.

Additionally, the UN Water site supplies links to reports and news about water scarcity, water quality, statistics and water policies. According to this site, “it is estimated that 88% of the global burden of disease is attributable to unsafe water supply, lack of sanitation and hygiene and is mostly concentrated on children in developing countries. Every day, this contributes to the deaths of 5,000 children from largely preventable causes, including diarrhoeal diseases and parasites.”

Additional links:

International Year of Sanitation

Water Resources Institute, University of Wisconsin

Databases for finding research literature on hydrology, sanitation and water resources (please consult with your librarian for other recommendations):

Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Abstracts

Environmental Sciences & Pollution Management

Geobase

Water Resources Abstracts