ABOUT ECO-USA Eco-USA.net launched with the new millennium in January 2000. However, its origins as the local website EcoIndiana date back to May 1996. It began as a repository for information about Indiana's superfund sites and the contaminants found within them. In EcoIndiana's earliest days, most of that information was not yet available elsewhere on the web. Since then, the site gradually expanded to cover neighboring states, environmental organizations, and images of various plants and animals. I don't know what the future holds for this site, but I aim to have fun with it, and hope that you enjoy your visit. Regards, Mike Habeck ALMANAC When they first emerge from the ground, May Apples look like tightly rolled green cigars. However, it doesn't take them long to unfurl their umbrella-like leaf or leaves. Mays with two leaves soon flower, while those with a single leaf do not bloom. The large (2 inch) white flower remains open for several days. Eventually a green fruit about the size of a golf ball appears. Old-timers say suitably ripe May Apple fruits are edible when cooked. I've never tried one, and in any case forest animals usually get to them first. No doubt they need them more than I do. NOTABLE Long Distance Trails Invasive pythons are wreaking havoc in South Florida. USDA has revised their Plant Hardiness Zone Map to reflect warmer temperatures. Germany leads the way on solar, and we all benefit. I've started a long-term project to offer information on a few dozen toxic chemicals in French, German, Italian, Portugese, and Spanish. It's going to take a while. If you read none of the other links on this page, at least read this from the pages of Orion Magazine: Why personal change does not equal political change Help me Get Rid of Stuff QUOTE Americans are shopping themselves out of jobs while Wal-Marts everyday low price does not include the costs of climate change or the costs of the destruction of China's land, water, and air. ~Vandana Shiva ~ MYSTERY PIX Do you know what this is? I don't. Can you help me put a name on it? Click on the image for more details...