"Buresh Blog": Autumn arrives! - Sept. 21st

Sept. 21, 2016 — "Talking the Tropics With Mike" updated every day ** here **.....

So autumn is here!  The sun's rays are just about straight on the equator.  In otherwords, there is about an equal amount of daylight for both hemispheres.  Recall that our seasons are driven by the tilt of the earth toward (summer) or away (winter) from the sun.  See the illustration below from NOAA:

Now it usually takes a while for the First Coast to truly feel autumn.... at least for any length of time.  Avg. temps. (low / high):

Sept. 22: 68 /86

Oct. 1: 66 / 84

Oct. 31: 55 / 77

Nov. 30: 47 / 70

Dec. 20 (last day of fall): 43 / 66

A simple explainer for kids about fall foliage at SciJinks.

Fall foliage info. from NOAA -- including the Smoky Mountains --  ** here **.... handy-dandy mapping ** here **.  Map below from Storm Fax:

The Arctic sea ice summer melt minimum has occurred as of Sept. 10th & was tied -- at 1.60 million miles -- with 2007 as the 2nd lowest within the satellite era.  The average going back to 1979 is 2.59 million square miles.  The map below is courtesy the National Snow & Ice Data Center:

The Salvation Army is now seeking volunteers for holiday programs!: 

Immediate needs include kettle bell ringers, holiday assistance registrars, and canned food drives 

JACKSONVILLE, FL, September 16, 2016 – While it may be a little early to get your Christmas decorations out, The Salvation Army of Northeast Florida is seeking volunteers now to help make possible the organization's holiday programs that touch the lives of thousands in our local community every year. 

Red Kettle bell ringers 
The Salvation Army is perhaps best known for its international Red Kettle campaign, which raises funds for holiday assistance to those in need in our community as well as life-giving programs year round. Bell ringers are needed for Publix and Winn Dixie locations across Jacksonville Mondays through Saturdays from November 10 through Christmas Eve. Contact Kathy DeSiena at 904-301-4852 or at kathydesiena@uss.salvationarmy.org to reserve your preferred date and location. 

Holiday assistance registrars 
Volunteers are needed in the month of October to help register applicants for The Salvation Army's holiday assistance, which includes Thanksgiving food baskets and the Angel Tree program that provides toys and clothing to children in need. Help is needed weekdays in October from 8am-12pm, plus Saturday October 8 and Saturday October 22^nd from 8am-12pm. Interested volunteers should contact Stephanie Arnold at 904-301-4846 or atstephanie.arnold@uss.salvationarmy.org.   

Can-U-Care food drive 
The Salvation Army provides Thanksgiving food baskets to more than 1,600 Northeast Florida families each year on average. This is made possible in part through businesses, schools, and churches that hold canned food drives. The Salvation Army will take care of drop off and pick up of collection barrels. A limited number of barrels are available. To participate call 904-301-4782 or email fla.jaxss@uss.salvationarmy.org. 

Major Rob Vincent, Area Commander for The Salvation Army of Northeast Florida commented, "Volunteers are always the lifeblood of The Salvation Army, but we feel it the most during the holiday season. Many in our community are stretched thin or hurting this time of year, so we hope that those who have plenty will consider giving a little of their time to help those who need it most." 

EARTH GAUGE (NEEF).... Celebrate National Public Lands Day!......

National Public Lands Day is Saturday, September 24, 2016! This annual event has been celebrated across the country for over two decades, and today it’s the largest single-day volunteer event for public lands in the country. Join friends and neighbors in educational, recreational, and volunteer events on public lands large and small, from national parks and forests, wildlife refuges, historic sites, state parks, and local and regional parks and gardens. Public lands make up 30% of the land in the country, so no matter where you live, there’s a good chance that there’s a great place nearby to get outside and take part.

Whether it’s taking a geology hike, helping in an ecological restoration project, or enjoying a group kayaking trip, there are events planned for people of all ages and interests. National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is also a fee-free day on many federally managed public lands, so if there’s a park you’ve been eyeing, NPLD is a great time to visit a new spot, or to revisit an old favorite. Get outside and celebrate the public lands we all enjoy!

Find out what’s happening where you live. Visit the National Public Lands Day map to search for events by state or zip code. Most events take place rain or shine, so check the First Alert Forecast and prepare for all kinds of weather.

Cox Media Group