The Lotus Center

10/19/2026

10/16/2026

A nonvenomous snake in your yard usually poses little risk when left alone. Some release a foul-smelling musk when frightened or handled. They may also bite in defense—and even a small bite can break the skin or become infected. Give them space rather than picking them up.

Want to support native snakes? Give them places to warm up and hide. A flat rock in a sunny spot provides a basking surface. A brush pile, rock pile, or log offers shelter. Include nearby shade so they can escape the heat, and avoid unnecessary pesticide spraying.

Snakes depend on warmth from their surroundings to stay active. Sunny spots help, but cool retreats matter too.

Learn which venomous snakes live in your area using your local wildlife agency’s identification guide. Their numbers vary by location, and a quick glance isn’t always enough to identify one. When uncertain, keep your distance.

Many backyard snakes help control pests. Some eat mice and rats; others feed on slugs, insects, or different small animals. They’re also food for birds and other wildlife.

A useful backyard neighbor. Best appreciated from a respectful distance.

09/19/2026

09/15/2026

Two teenagers just did what industrial filters could not. Victoria Ou and Justin Huang from The Woodlands Texas built a small ultrasonic device that removes up to 94 percent of microplastics from water using nothing but sound waves 🔊. Microplastics are found in oceans rivers and even human blood making this discovery deeply personal for anyone who drinks tap or bottled water 💧.

Their project earned them the 50000 dollar Gordon E Moore Award at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair hosted by the Society for Science. It is a reminder that real solutions to global pollution can come from a high school science project 🌱. Sometimes the smallest ideas make the biggest waves.

📌Sources: Society for Science, Regeneron ISEF 2024, FOX 26 Houston

09/15/2026