Clam gardens such as those used by indigenous tribes for years can help protect local beaches against erosion driven by the warming climate, says ecologist Skye Augustine, who is also a member of the Stz'uminus Nation in southern British Columbia. Projects underway by Augustine's tribe and the Swinomish Tribe in Washington aim to revive the practice of clam gardening to protect beaches and restore the native practice.

A slideshow reveals progress at Foxconn Technology Group's vast facility in Mount Pleasant, Wis. Included are a 1 million-square-foot factory for LCD screens, an electrical substation and, coming eventually, a 100-foot-tall glass sphere that is home to a data center control facility.

Good two-way communication about the many threats faced by workers in highway construction zones is essential to safety. But that's only part of the formula, says Mark Troxell, vice president of safety services at insurance broker Graham, as he recommends seven safety steps that begin with planning for traffic control and seeking assistance from law enforcement.

Construction is scheduled to begin early next year on the last portion of a decade-old Interstate 69 project between Evansville, Ind., and Indianapolis. Crews upgrading Indiana 37 to interstate standards are expected to be finished by the end of 2024.

Only restoration and stabilization are allowed as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission puts a hold on construction of the Mountain Valley Pipeline in Virginia amid legal challenges. Lawsuits filed by environmental groups contest permits issued for the work, which is about 90% done, spokeswoman Natalie Cox says.

Groundbreaking is scheduled next week on 1000M, which is said to be Chicago's biggest condominium project since the recession. The 74-story tower, designed by Helmut Jahn, will provide 421 units on Michigan Avenue opposite Grant Park.

The nonbuilding construction sector experienced a 13% decline, while residential construction fell 6%, as overall construction starts decreased 5% in September, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. An overall total of $774.1 billion marked the second straight month of decline.

Prospective construction workers can learn the basics of on-site safety and equipment in an entertaining way using a mobile app from Simcoach Games. The educational app, developed with Pittsburgh-area contracting associations, invites users to earn badges that can lead to certification and apprenticeships.

The Beaverton School District in Oregon is expanding a school to serve as an educational magnet for commercial construction technology. Included at Merlo Station High School are a $1 million shop and classroom with mock-up walls for training in mechanical, electrical and plumbing trades.

Base salaries for qualified construction executives, project managers, foremen and forewomen have increased 21% during the past two years in the top 10 metro areas, according to FMI. Increasingly common pay increases come with financial risk, FMI says, but contractors can use benchmarking tools to cope.