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Forests Can Help Manage Water as Raleigh Area Grows, Climate Warms

Hydrology and Watershed Management

A river flows over rocks, surrounded by green trees and dense foliage. - Development, Agriculture Present Risks For Drinking Water Quality - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

May 7, 2025

Development, Agriculture Present Risks For Drinking Water Quality

A new study finds that conversion of forests to urban development or agriculture near streams can have harmful effects on water quality downstream, presenting both health concerns and raising the cost of water treatment.
A distant view of a forest fire, with flames and smoke rising against the backdrop - How Do Wildfires Impact the Environment? - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

Feb 21, 2025

How Do Wildfires Impact the Environment?

In addition to altering vegetation patterns and destroying wildlife habitats, wildfires can degrade water and air quality.

A wildfire emits a large plume of smoke near a lake. - How Do Wildfires Impact Water Quality? - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

Jan 23, 2025

How Do Wildfires Impact Water Quality?

High-intensity wildfires can remove vegetation and reduce the ability of soils to take up water, leading to increased runoff of ash and other pollutants into waterways.
A stand of dead trees and stumps along the coast of North Carolina - Natural Resources Students Raise Awareness of Ghost Forests - College of Natural Resources at NC State University

Jan 16, 2025

Study Examines How Climate Change Has Shaped Coastal Forests Over the Last Decade

A new study finds that climate change may have a range of contrasting effects on coastal forests, both slowing and enabling growth in areas where sea levels are rising and storms are more common.
Green trees on a mountain under a blue sky during daytime. - How 'Thirsty' Trees May Make Forests More Vulnerable to Climate Change - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

Dec 11, 2024

How ‘Thirsty’ Trees May Make Forests More Vulnerable to Climate Change

A new study suggests that increased maple populations may leave forests in western North Carolina more vulnerable to extreme weather conditions like flooding and drought.
The Jefferson monument in Washington, D.C. framed by a spectacular cherry blossom display. Focus on the monument background.

Apr 8, 2024

Removal of DC’s Cherry Blossoms Reflects Troubling Future For Coastal Forests

“It’s a great example of where people can see the effects of sea level rise and what’s happening all over the East Coast,” says NC State expert Marcelo Ardón.
A stream at Brown Mountain in western North Carolina - What is a Watershed? - NC State University - College of Natural Resources News

May 23, 2023

What is a Watershed?

NC State professor Katherine Martin breaks down why watersheds are critical to our social, environmental and economic well-being.
A stream in Costa Rica - Tropical Streams Reveal Climate Change Insights - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

Mar 30, 2023

Tropical Streams Reveal Climate Change Insights

NC State's Marcelo Ardón studies streams in in Costa Rica's rainforests to reveal climate change insights.
Shasta Lake during a drought in California - Drought, Heat Waves Worsen West Coast Air Pollution Inequality - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

Mar 27, 2023

Drought, Heat Waves Worsen West Coast Air Pollution Inequality

Drought and heat waves could make air pollution worse for communities that already have a high pollution burden in California, a study led by NC State researchers found.
Rushing stream - Forests Can Help Manage Water as Raleigh Area Grows, Climate Warms - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

Jan 12, 2023

Forests Can Help Manage Water as Raleigh Area Grows, Climate Warms

Riparian buffers could help maintain water levels in parts of the Upper Neuse River Watershed, a study found.