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Review the terms and conditions for using the Connecting The Dots Project (CTDP) website. Understand your rights, responsibilities, and our policies to ensure a secure and transparent experience while accessing our resources and services. Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Privacy & Safety Privacy Policy for Free Exchange Website Last Updated: 1/8/2025 1. Introduction This Privacy Policy describes how the website collects, uses, and protects the personal information of its users (referred to as "you" or "users"). We are committed to respecting your privacy and protecting your personal information when you use our services. 2. Information We Collect 2.1. Information You Provide: We collect the information you provide when you use our website, such as when you register an account, create listings for items, send or receive messages, and engage in exchanges. This information may include your name, email address, contact information, and any content you provide. 2.2. Automatically Collected Information: We may collect certain information automatically, including your IP address, browser type, device information, and usage data. We may use cookies and similar technologies to collect this information. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings. 3. Use of Information We use the collected information for the following purposes: 3.1. To Provide and Improve Our Services: We use your information to offer, maintain, and improve our services, including facilitating exchanges, enhancing user experience, and developing new features. 3.2. Communication: We may use your contact information to send you important updates, notifications, and other communications related to your account and our services. 3.3. Customer Support: Your information may be used to provide customer support and address any inquiries, concerns, or issues you may have. 3.4. Marketing: With your consent, we may use your information to send you promotional materials and offers. You can opt-out of these communications at any time. 4. Data Sharing 4.1. User-to-User Interaction: When you engage in exchanges on our platform, your information may be shared with other users involved in the exchange, such as your name. 4.2. Third-Party Service Providers: We may use third-party service providers to help us operate and improve our services. These providers may have access to your information, but they are obligated to protect it. 4.3. Legal Compliance: We may disclose your information if required by law or to protect our rights, property, or safety, or the rights, property, or safety of others. 5. Data Security We implement reasonable security measures to protect your personal information, but no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure. We cannot guarantee the absolute security of your data. 6. Your Choices You can exercise the following choices regarding your personal information: 6.1. Access and Correction: You can access and update your personal information through your account settings. 6.2. Account Deletion: You can delete your account at any time. Please note that certain information may be retained for legal or administrative purposes. 6.3. Marketing Communications: You can opt-out of receiving marketing communications from us. 7. Changes to this Privacy Policy We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any changes through our website or other means. Your continued use of our services after such updates indicates your acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy. 8. Contact Information If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at ctdpchicago@gmail.com . By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this Privacy Policy. Also check out our Terms & Conditions and Code of Conduct.

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Comparison: central air, window AC, portable AC, and fans Energy consumption: 1) Central Air Conditioning (AC): Approx. 3500 watts of electricity per day 2) AC window unit: between 600 and 1500 watts 3) Ceiling fan: 30-50 watts 4) Smaller box fans (≤10 inches): 25-30 watts at the maximum air speed setting 5) Larger box fans (20 inches): Avg. 80-100 watts, although they range from 50 to 200 watts. Mechanism differences: Fans create a breeze that promotes moisture evaporation from your skin, providing a cooling effect. On the other hand, air conditioners draw in heat from the environment, cool it through an evaporation process, and release the heat outside, effectively reducing the room temperature. Cooling efficiency: While fans are energy-efficient, there are limitations to their effectiveness. Fans do not lower overall humidity levels and can increase dehydration and electrolyte imbalances due to accelerated evaporation. According to CDC, "When the temperature is in the mid-90s or higher, electric fans will not prevent heat-related illness". Air conditioners, despite their higher energy consumption, are the preferred choice when temperatures soar above 90 F. (90F is the suggested temperature by CDC but keep in mind and be extra cautious as it would depend on factors such as your age, health condition, and heat tolerance level.) They effectively cool larger areas, reduce humidity, and promote efficient heat dissipation from your body. Keep in mind that indoor temperatures can significantly differ from the weather report due to various factors such as building structure, energy usage, sun exposure, humidity, ventilation, location, environment, vegetation, and occupancy. Also, heat stroke is serious and can be deadly so YOUR SAFETY SHOULD ALWAYS BE NUMBER ONE PRIORITY. Stay cool during heatwaves, wear sunscreen, hydrate yourself, and make an informed decision when selecting your cooling companion! Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/climateandhealth/pubs/extreme-heat-guidebook.pdf https://www.batteryequivalents.com/box-fan-wattage-how ... https://reviewed.usatoday.com/.../air-conditioners-vs ...

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Hottest Summer Yet Energy consumption: 1) Central Air Conditioning (AC): Approx. 3500 watts of electricity per day 2) AC window unit: between 600 and 1500 watts 3) Ceiling fan: 30-50 watts 4) Smaller box fans (≤10 inches): 25-30 watts at the maximum air speed setting 5) Larger box fans (20 inches): Avg. 80-100 watts, although they range from 50 to 200 watts. Mechanism differences: Fans create a breeze that promotes moisture evaporation from your skin, providing a cooling effect. On the other hand, air conditioners draw in heat from the environment, cool it through an evaporation process, and release the heat outside, effectively reducing the room temperature. Cooling efficiency: While fans are energy-efficient, there are limitations to their effectiveness. Fans do not lower overall humidity levels and can increase dehydration and electrolyte imbalances due to accelerated evaporation. According to CDC, "When the temperature is in the mid-90s or higher, electric fans will not prevent heat-related illness". Air conditioners, despite their higher energy consumption, are the preferred choice when temperatures soar above 90 F. (90F is the suggested temperature by CDC but keep in mind and be extra cautious as it would depend on factors such as your age, health condition, and heat tolerance level.) They effectively cool larger areas, reduce humidity, and promote efficient heat dissipation from your body. Keep in mind that indoor temperatures can significantly differ from the weather report due to various factors such as building structure, energy usage, sun exposure, humidity, ventilation, location, environment, vegetation, and occupancy. Also, heat stroke is serious and can be deadly so YOUR SAFETY SHOULD ALWAYS BE NUMBER ONE PRIORITY. Stay cool during heatwaves, wear sunscreen, hydrate yourself, and make an informed decision when selecting your cooling companion! Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/climateandhealth/pubs/extreme-heat-guidebook.pdf https://www.batteryequivalents.com/box-fan-wattage-how ... https://reviewed.usatoday.com/.../air-conditioners-vs ...

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards LAND < Back Plants Under Stress Cry Plants Under Stress Cry (and some animals may be able to detect the sound)!! Plants can emit ultrasonic sounds, similar to the popping of bubble wrap, when they are stressed or lack water. These sounds, are inaudible to humans but detectable by certain animals. Researchers recorded these sounds from tomato and tobacco plants by developing a machine-learning model capable of identifying the sounds that stressed plants produced, with a 70% accuracy rate. They observed that the stressed plants could produce up to 35 sounds per hour, while well-hydrated and uncut plants typically generated only about one sound per hour. These sounds fall within the ultrasonic range, ranging from 20 to 100 kilohertz, rendering them imperceptible to most humans. Nonetheless, the study also suggests that other animals might theoretically perceive these sounds from a distance of approximately 10 to 15 feet. The researchers hypothesize that these sounds result from the formation and rupture of air bubbles within the xylem, the plant's water and nutrient transport system. When water is scarce, bubbles are more likely to form, creating a popping noise. Therefore, this discovery holds the potential to enhance irrigation efficiency through the use of microphones to detect when plants require water. The implications of this research may hold significant promise for agriculture and horticulture. Audio monitoring of plants could offer an efficient means of identifying water-stressed plants, facilitating targeted watering practices and potentially reducing water consumption. Preliminary investigations suggest that other crops, such as wheat, corn, and wine grapes, also produce sounds when experiencing thirst. Beyond its practical applications, the study raises intriguing questions about the role of plant sounds in ecosystems. Although it remains unclear if these sounds constitute a form of communication, they could prove valuable for nearby creatures, potentially influencing their behavior. Interestingly, Hadany’s team has previously found that plants can respond to sounds produced by animals, like the buzzing of bees, by releasing sweeter nectar. Could plant sounds serve as a means for plants to communicate with each other and with the animals in their vicinity? Can animals use these sounds to locate water sources or food? The evidence remains inconclusive, necessitating further research to explore these questions. Sources: https://www.sciencenews.org/.../plant-stress-ultrasonic ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kG6wRUZeYE #environment #eco #connecingthedotsproject #connectingthedots #ctdp #kanahutchens #environmentfriendly #plants #succulants #cactus #sound #science #audio #sounds #bees #horticulture #agriculture #cry #stress #eco #sustainability

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Hydroclimate whiplash and dry climate can increase wildfires Recent research warns that hydroclimate whiplash—rapid shifts between extreme wet and dry periods—coupled with a drying atmosphere due to climate change, is significantly increasing the risk of wildfires. During wet periods, heavy rainfall encourages the growth of lush vegetation, which, when followed by dry conditions, turns into highly flammable fuel. This cycle of wet-to-dry transitions creates ideal conditions for intense, fast-spreading wildfires. At the same time, a warmer atmosphere is increasing evaporation rates, reducing the land's ability to retain moisture, and further drying out vegetation. This feedback loop—where dry conditions lead to more flammable vegetation, which then fuels larger fires—makes landscapes more vulnerable to both droughts and wildfires. In places like California, this cycle is becoming more frequent, with climate change intensifying the severity of these conditions. To combat this, experts call for adaptation strategies, including better water management, fire prevention efforts, and climate action to curb the rising temperatures driving these dangerous patterns. Without swift action, wildfire risks will continue to grow, threatening both ecosystems and human communities. Sources: https://newsroom.ucla.edu/.../floods-droughts-fires ... https://phys.org/.../2025-01-links-dry-atmosphere-sponge ... www.nature.com Hydroclimate volatility on a warming Earth - Nature Reviews Earth & Environment Rapid transitions between extreme wet and extreme dry conditions — ‘hydroclimate whiplash’ — have marked environmental and societal impacts. This Review outlines observed and projected changes in hydroclimate whiplash, suggesting that subseasonal and interannual volatility will increase markedly with ongoing warming. 1/10/2025

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Wildfires and Habitat Loss Drive Monarch Butterflies to Near-Historic Lows Monarch Butterflies The western monarch butterfly population has experienced a dramatic decline, with recent counts revealing a 96% decrease from the previous year, totaling just 9,119 individuals—the second-lowest number in nearly three decades. Several factors contribute to this decline, including habitat loss, climate change, pesticide use, and extreme weather events. Wildfires, in particular, have had a significant impact on monarch habitats. For instance, the Palisades Fire burned vegetation at Lower Topanga Creek in Topanga State Park, destroying nectar sources vital for the butterflies. The increasing frequency and severity of wildfires not only destroy critical habitats but also disrupt the migratory patterns of monarchs, making it challenging for them to find suitable overwintering sites and food sources. Conservationists are advocating for the listing of the monarch butterfly under the U.S. Endangered Species Act to provide legal protections and promote habitat restoration efforts. Individuals can also contribute by planting native milkweed and nectar-rich plants, reducing pesticide use, and participating in citizen science projects to monitor monarch populations. The decline of the monarch butterfly serves as a stark reminder of the broader environmental challenges posed by climate change and habitat destruction. Immediate and concerted efforts are essential to prevent the potential extinction of this iconic species. Sources: https://www.thetimes.com/us/news-today/article/americas-most-famous-butterfly-in-peril-as-population-vanishes-n82pbqvtk?utm_source=chatgpt.com®ion=global www.sfgate.com Famed species' population close to hitting all-time low in California California's western monarch butterfly population dropped from 200,000 to just over 9,000 this winter. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/sep/29/every-tree-used-to-be-blanketed-with-them-photographer-captures-campaign-to-save-monarch-butterfly?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Disposal and Recycling of Single-Use Utensils and Straws Single-use plastic utensils (forks, spoons, knives) and plastic straws are common in takeout meals but pose serious environmental challenges due to their limited recyclability and long decomposition time. Recycling Options: Check Local Recycling Programs: Most curbside recycling programs do not accept plastic utensils and straws because they are too small and lightweight to be processed properly. However, some specialized recycling programs or drop-off locations may accept them. TerraCycle Programs: Organizations like TerraCycle offer mail-in recycling programs for single-use plastic utensils and straws. Disposal: Trash Bin: If no recycling options exist, place single-use utensils and straws in the trash. They should not be placed in the recycling bin unless explicitly accepted by your local program. Eco-Friendly Alternatives: Reusable Utensils and Straws: Carry reusable options made from stainless steel, bamboo, silicone, or glass. Compostable Options: Some restaurants and businesses offer compostable utensils and straws made from cornstarch or wood. Be sure they are certified compostable before disposing of them in compost bins. Paper Straws: Paper straws are biodegradable and often accepted in composting programs. Environmental Concerns: Microplastic Pollution: Plastic straws and utensils often break down into microplastics, harming marine life and ecosystems. Wildlife Hazards: Straws and utensils can easily end up in waterways, where they pose choking hazards to birds and marine animals. Key Takeaways: ✅ Avoid single-use plastics whenever possible.✅ Use and carry reusable alternatives.✅ Dispose of properly to prevent litter and pollution.By making small changes, we can reduce plastic waste and protect our environment. 🌱♻️

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards LAND < Back Naica’s Cave of Crystals: A Geological Wonder Naica’s Cave of Crystals: A Geological Wonder In the year 2000, miners working in Naica, Chihuahua, Mexico, made a breathtaking discovery beneath the Earth's surface—the Cave of Crystals ( Cueva de los Cristales ). This underground marvel is home to some of the largest natural crystals ever found, with massive selenite (gypsum) formations measuring over 10 meters (33 feet) in length and weighing several tons. These extraordinary crystals formed over hundreds of thousands of years due to the unique conditions within the cave. The chamber was once filled with mineral-rich, calcium sulfate-saturated water, which remained at a stable, high temperature, allowing the gypsum to slowly crystallize. Scientists estimate that the crystals grew at a rate of about one meter per 1,000 years, meaning some of the largest formations took approximately 500,000 years to reach their current size. However, this stunning geological wonder comes with extreme challenges. The cave's environment is dangerously inhospitable, with temperatures soaring to 50°C (122°F) and relative humidity exceeding 90%. These conditions make human exploration nearly impossible without specialized cooling suits. Without protection, researchers can endure only 10-15 minutes inside before experiencing severe heat stress, as the high humidity prevents sweat from evaporating and cooling the body. Mining operations initially drained the cave, exposing the crystals to dehydration and potential damage. However, in 2017, the mine was flooded again, restoring the original water levels and helping to preserve the formations by preventing them from drying out and cracking. While this means researchers can no longer access the site, it also ensures that the crystals remain intact for future generations. Despite its extreme conditions, the Cave of Crystals remains one of the most extraordinary geological formations on Earth. Scientists continue to study similar gypsum crystal deposits around the world, seeking to understand the processes that created this otherworldly subterranean wonder. photo credit Paolo Petrignani / La Venta archive Javier Trueba/MSF/Science Source Check out the video from Atlas Obscura Please read the article for the details of the photo. It is incredible! https://cen.acs.org/.../Naicas-crystal-cave.../97/i6 Photo Credit: Javier Trueba/MSF/Science Source

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards LAND < Back Quest for Lost Appalachian Apples Photo by Mr. Tom Brown In the charming town of Clemmons, North Carolina, a retired chemical engineer named Tom Brown has walked on a remarkable journey that reads like a page-turning adventure novel. Tom has unearthed flavors that had nearly extinct - the world of Appalachia's lost heirloom apples. Vibrant green, pink-streaked yellow, and deep purples of apples arranged in baskets, Bitter Buckingham, White Winter Jon, and Billy Sparks Sweetening... Long before the convenience of modern supermarkets, these apples were more than just a snack; they were a way of life. Each variety had a purpose, whether it was for frying, baking, making vinegar, or simply enjoying fresh off the tree. The apples were the crown jewels of gardens, a source of pride and connection within communities. But as time marched on, the landscape changed. Urban migration, industrialization, and the rise of commercial agriculture cast a shadow over these once-beloved apples. Varieties vanished, traditions waned, and the diversity of flavors that once adorned the land was threatened with extinction. Tom went on a treasure hunt through the hills and valleys of Appalachia. He became an apple detective, piecing together clues from local tales of elders and dusty historical records. The result? An orchard unlike any other. Tom's Orchard, aptly named Heritage Apples, is a living sanctuary for these heirloom varieties. With over 700 rare apple varieties and counting, it stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication and a symbol of hope for the preservation of culinary history. Chefs and cider makers have eagerly embraced Tom's rediscovered treasures, infusing their creations with flavors that have long been dormant. The aroma of pies made from Rusty Coats apples, with their pear-like softness and honeyed sweetness, fills kitchens with nostalgia and wonder. Craft cider enthusiasts sip on Hewes Virginia Crab and Arkansas Black, savoring the revival of flavors that were nearly lost to time. So, the next time you sink your teeth into an apple, take a moment to savor not just the taste, but the story behind it. The world of heritage apples may have faded into the background, but thanks to Tom's passion and perseverance, it's finding its way back into the spotlight, reminding us all that sometimes the most captivating stories are hidden in the most unexpected places. Sources: https://interestingengineering.com/.../retired-engineer ... https://mymodernmet.com/tom-brown-apple-search/ https://www.atlasobscura.com/.../heritage-appalachian-apples

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards LAND < Back The grim history of buffalo hunting These horrifying photos show mounds of buffalo bones. European settlers in the New World saw the survival of buffalo as incompatible with their vision of transforming the Great Plains into a landscape suited for cattle ranching and agriculture. They perceived buffalo as competitors for resources and viewed their vast herds as a hindrance to their economic and cultural goals. This perception not only clashed with the Native American reliance on buffalo but also aligned with the settlers' broader agenda of westward expansion and reshaping the land to fit European-American ideals. As a result, the destruction of buffalo herds served both as a means of perpetuating settlers' aspirations and as a strategy for controlling Native American ways of life. The US Fish & Wildlife Service approximates that a staggering 30 to 60 million bison thrived in North America as European arrival on the continent commenced. Yet, owing to extensive and debatably indiscriminate slaughter initiated by European settlers, the bison population dwindled to fewer than 1,000 individuals in North America by the year 1890. This is a quote from Annual Report of the Department of the Interior in 1873. "The civilization of the Indian is impossible while the buffalo remains upon the plains. I would not seriously regret the total disappearance of the buffalo from our western prairies, in its effect upon the Indians, regarding it as a means of hastening their sense of dependence upon the products of the soil and their own labors" ~ Secretary of Interior Columbus Delano Today, the American bison population has rebounded to some extent. Fortunately, conservation efforts, such as Yellowstone National Park's establishment and captive breeding, helped their recovery. Native American involvement, government support, and protected habitats significantly contributed to the recovery of the bison's population. According to the National Wildlife Federation, there are roughly 31,000 wild bison in North America (20,000 plains bison and 11,000 wood bison) with an added 420,000 in commercial herds currently. Although bison are no longer at risk of extinction, they now encounter different obstacles. The decline in genetic diversity and the absence of natural selection pressures jeopardize bison's ecological restoration as a wildlife species. A notable presence of cattle gene influence is evident in the majority if not all. Sources: https://www.theatlantic.com/.../the-buffalo-killers/482349/ https://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org/yellowstone-buffalo ... https://www.nwf.org/.../Wildlif.../Mammals/American-Bison ... ).

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards The Leonid meteor: when sky fell The Leonid meteor storm in November 1833 was of such astonishing intensity that it sent shivers down the spines of many, conjuring vivid visions of an impending Armageddon!! A spectacular meteor storm known as the Leonid meteor storm lit up the sky across the United States, with an estimated 50,000 to 150,000 meteors falling every hour. According to newspaper reports, nearly everyone witnessed it, stirred either by the commotion in the streets or by the dazzling glow of fireballs illuminating their bedroom windows. The meteor storm was exceptionally intense because it resulted from the Earth passing through the densest part of the debris trail left behind by the comet Tempel-Tuttle. This particular comet has an orbit that intersects with Earth's path around the Sun. When the Earth crosses this debris trail, it leads to a concentrated and dramatic display of meteors. F.Y.I., the Leonid meteor shower is expected to produce another intense meteor storm in 2099 if you can manage to live a long life. This is because Earth will pass through the same dense region of debris that caused the 1833 storm. Anyway, how do you think this event was well-documented and recorded in 1833? Denison Olmsted, a Yale professor, was among those who witnessed this extraordinary event. He had limited data to study, so he appealed to the public through newspapers to provide information about the phenomenon. This crowdsourcing effort, one of the earliest of its kind, resulted in a flood of responses from people all over the country, which Olmsted used to draw new conclusions about meteors. Newspapers played a crucial role in spreading Olmsted's call for information and reporting on the meteor storm, demonstrating the power of mass media in scientific research. Anyway, how do you think this event was well-documented and recorded in 1833? Denison Olmsted, a Yale professor, was among those who witnessed this extraordinary event. He had limited data to study, so he appealed to the public through newspapers to provide information about the phenomenon. This crowdsourcing effort, one of the earliest of its kind, resulted in a flood of responses from people all over the country, which Olmsted used to draw new conclusions about meteors. Newspapers played a crucial role in spreading Olmsted's call for information and reporting on the meteor storm, demonstrating the power of mass media in scientific research. Anyway, YOU MUST READ THE EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT in the link below. So fascinating!! https://josephsmithfoundation.org/meteor-shower-of-1833/ Sources: https://blogs.loc.gov/.../how-newspapers-helped.../ https://www.amsmeteors.org/met.../meteor-shower-calendar/ ... . https://www.space.com/9517-leonid-meteor-shower-revealed ... Joseph Smith’s account of the 1833 meteor shower, as written in the Times and Seasons (Vol. 6) (May 15, 1845) Artworks: - Meteor shower over the Mississippi River, 1833 by North Winds - Sketch of Leonid Meteor Shower of 1833 - "The Night the Stars Fell from the Sky," by Swiss artist Karl Jauslin - LEONID METEOR SHOWER, 1833. Meteor shower at Niagara Falls, 13 November 1833: wood engraving, 19th century.

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards LAND < Back Denying Climate Change: Acreage Data Tells a Different Story Denying Climate Change: Acreage Data Tells a Different Story I’ve encountered many claims suggesting that the Los Angeles wildfires are unrelated to climate change, with some attributing them to causes like arson or electrical failures, amplified by Santa Ana winds—natural phenomena long familiar to the region. However, regardless of their origin, data shows that containing wildfires is becoming increasingly difficult, likely due to the impacts of climate change. Since 1983, the National Interagency Fire Center has documented an average of approximately 70,000 wildfires annually. While the number of fires fluctuates from year to year without a clear pattern, the acreage burned has increased dramatically since the 1980s. Despite advancements in firefighting technology, the amount of land consumed by wildfires continues to grow steadily. This trend suggests that wildfires are intensifying in strength and/or lasting longer. What factors contribute to the expansion of burned acreage in non-human-caused wildfires? Climate change plays a significant role by altering weather patterns, raising temperatures, and affecting vegetation—conditions that increase the likelihood of ignition, spread, and intensity. Specific contributing factors include rising temperatures, extended fire seasons, prolonged droughts, reduced snowpack, increased lightning strikes, and stronger winds. Sources: https://www.epa.gov/.../climate-change-indicators-wildfires https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/statistics/wildfires