OST Environmental Protection Program

10/08/2026

2026 Environmental Health Technical Team Conference

09/25/2026

🍂 When should you apply your final lawn fertilizer before winter?

Timing matters more than you might think. Apply too early, and you may encourage unnecessary growth. Wait too long, and your lawn may already be shutting down for the season.

And because fall arrives at very different times across the country, the best window can vary dramatically from state to state. 🌱❄️

We put together a state-by-state guide showing the typical timeframe for your last lawn fertilizer application—from late summer in the coldest regions to much later in warmer climates.

👇 Find your state on the map, then check the full guide at the link in the comments.

When do you usually give your lawn its final feeding of the year?

09/25/2026

09/25/2026

🍂 Fall is here—and the daylight is disappearing fast.

From today’s fall equinox (September 22) to the winter solstice on December 21, every state will lose daylight—but not at the same rate.

☀️ Alaska will lose nearly 6 hours of daylight.
🌲 Washington loses about 3.7 hours.
🌴 Hawaii loses only about 1.3 hours.

How much daylight will your state lose before winter arrives? Take a look at the map—you might be surprised.

🔗 Full story and details in the comments.

09/22/2026

Maȟpíya Lúta Middle School Khiíŋyaŋkapi had another outstanding team showing at the Mako Sica XC meet.


Read at: https://schools.mahpiyaluta.org/ma%C8%9Fpiya-luta-middle-school-khiinyankapi-shine-at-mako-sica-cross-country-meet/

09/22/2026

Congratulations to the Lakota Tech High School (SD) Tatanka Volleyball team who won the 2026 Dakota Oyate Challenge Volleyball Championship for the 3rd year in a row.

09/22/2026

~Winter Snowfall Forecast~

Some areas will likely receive average to slightly above average snowfall. However, the further north you go, I'm expecting well below average snowfall totals as low as 25-30". Ridging in the Upper Midwest will likely lead to below average snowfall in the lake effect snow belts as well. There will be periods of northwest flow, especially in January and February that will bring a couple of rather significant lake effect events. Further south, historically with a strengthening subtropical jet, if enough cold air occurs, big winter storms happen. I think the track will likely be along and south of I-90 for the best potential for these leading to snowfall totals between October and next April between 30 and 45 inches. Remember, don't expect everyone to get the predicted amount of snowfall. This is a rough estimate. If you don't, I like to be as close as I can be. Either way, don't expect a crazy winter for snowfall with limited periods of sustained snowpack.

09/22/2026

Apply today at www.redcloudrenewable.org/prearp for the chance at a new career in clean energy! There is 80 hours of online training that must be completed before the November class begins. If you have already applied or started on the online training, keep going!

09/22/2026

First day of fall today

🍂 Happy First Day of Fall! 🍁

The autumnal equinox arrives today, September 22, at 8:05 p.m. EDT, officially beginning astronomical fall in the Northern Hemisphere.

At that precise moment, the Sun crosses the celestial equator heading south. The word “equinox” comes from Latin words meaning “equal night,” although daylight and darkness are not exactly equal today because of atmospheric refraction and the way sunrise and sunset are measured.

From here, the days will continue growing shorter and the nights longer until the winter solstice in December.

What are you looking forward to most this fall?