What's up, Forsyth?

What’s Up, Forsyth? We are excited to share with you a new initiative within the City of Winston-Salem and in Forsyth County that will protect pollinators, reduce water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and improve air quality in our communities! For the first time ever, we are participating in “No Mow March”—an adaptation of “No Mow May,” which began in the United Kingdom where the growing season starts later than in North Carolina. What is “No Mow March”? As the name suggests, Winston-Salem residents are encouraged to let their yards grow through March 31 and will not be cited for not mowing their lawns. However, to avoid fines, residents should resume compliance with the city code on high grass and weeds in April. Participants in No Mow March are encouraged to take the pledge on the City of Winston-Salem’s Sustainability webpage . Also, yard signs are available for purchase for only $14! These signs will help raise awareness of the initiative and increase adoption of ...

What’s Up, Forsyth? In this blog post, we explain how the air pollution and airborne pollen levels are changing seasonally. We also compare Forsyth County’s air quality and pollen season in 2024 with 2023 and share tips for reducing air pollution exposure this winter. How is our air quality changing this time of year? Ground-level ozone season (the period of time when we monitor and forecast for ozone) lasts from March 1 st to October 31 st . This is because sunlight and heat are needed for it to form. Between November 1 st and February 28 th /29 th , ozone concentrations are much lower since our days are shorter and colder, and it is not necessary, nor required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to monitor for ozone in North Carolina during this period. Particulate matter (PM) concentrations can be high any time of year, therefore, we monitor PM and provide the air quality forecast for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) year-round. PM levels are generally higher in win...

What's up, Forsyth??   Before we recap our 2023 ozone season, first we will provide some context on the air quality monitoring and forecasting activities of our office. To start, did you know that ground-level ozone (O₃) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are the two most concerning air pollutants for public health in Forsyth County and in the state of North Carolina? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determines   National Ambient Air Quality Standards  (NAAQS)  for acceptable or "satisfactory" concentrations of ozone, particulate matter, and the other criteria air pollutants . These research-informed thresholds are set for the protection of public health and welfare, and they are evaluated every few years based on the latest scientific findings. In Forsyth County, we are in attainment of the NAAQS for each of the  criteria air pollutants. However, it may become more challenging  to maintain this status for PM2.5 and ozone since NAAQS may ...

  It’s that time of year again, and those who are not offered yard waste pick up may be left wondering what to do with all the leaf litter.   Leaf burning is seen as a solution for some, but it may be illegal depending on where you live . Even where the burning of leaves and other vegetation is generally allowed, there are specific conditions that must be met, including a code green or yellow air quality forecast for that day. To learn more, check out the Forsyth County Office of Environmental Assistance & Protection webpage on residential burning . In addition to the legal considerations, burning leaves and other vegetation is a potential fire hazard. It also creates air pollution by producing toxic gases (like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons) and particulate matter, which are tiny, inhalable solid particles and liquid droplets, some of which are even small enough in diameter (<2.5 microns) to enter the bloodstream. Inhalation of these particl...

What's Up, Forsyth?!?!?! We're the Analysis & Monitoring (A&M) Division of the Forsyth County Office of Environmental Assistance & Protection , and this is the first post of our new blog series, "What's Up, Forsyth?". In our blog, we will discuss current air quality issues and other special topics related to the air we breathe. You may be asking why we chose "What's Up, Forsyth?" as a blog name. Three reasons: 1. "Up" is a play on words that relates to the the air above us. 2. "What's Up" is a common informal phrase used to initiate conversation, as this blog's intention is to inform and educate while not being too technical. 3. "Forsyth" is the county where our office is located. You may be familiar with the services and information regularly provided by A&M, but if not, here's a quick recap: 1. A&M is responsible for air monitoring services in Forsyth County, North Carolina. This include...