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Living Environment Institute Environmental Literacy
An environmental education workshop for teachers and youth group leaders
August 9-13, 2010
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
56 Game Farm Road
Delmar, NY 12054
In-service Credit Teacher in-service credit is available for this workshop. Documentation may be coordinated through the Greater Capital Region Teacher Center.
Fee $40 covers honoraria for guest presenters as well as local and/or organic snacks and beverages
Registration Call Five Rivers at 518-475-0291 or e-mail 5rivers@gw.dec.state.ny.us Registration is limited! Register by August 1, 2010.
Keynote speaker: Kathleen Wolf, PhD. Research Social Scientist
For application or more information visit www.nysurbanforestrycouncil.com
New York ReLeaf is a state program promoting management and care of our state’s community trees. It is a cooperative effort coordinated by the NYS DEC and the NYS Urban and Community Forestry Council with major funding supplied through the USDA Forest Service. The goal of New York ReLeaf is to create partnerships among tree professionals, citizen activists and volunteers, educators, government, and the private sector. The annual State Conference brings together these interested parties from all of the state’s nine regions to share experiences, ideas, and new information.
All those involved in the field of urban and community forestry; educators, volunteers, tree commissions, arborists, horticulturists, landscape architects, planners, nursery professionals, community/state/utility foresters, local government officials, public works and parks departments, and researchers; also those in need of New York State DEC pesticides, SAF, ISA and Certified Nursery Professional (CNP) re-certification credits. Credits have been applied for and are pending approval. For more information on credits available, please call Betty Shimo at (315) 826-5743
In 2009, 10,425 volunteers, coordinated by the American Littoral Society, cleaned and documented 144,837 pounds of debris along 326 miles of New York State's shoreline. Several clean-ups occurred around the Capital District in 2009 and volunteers are needed for 2010. Scout troops, youth groups, churches, community organizations and YOU are needed to make the 2010 clean-up bigger and better. A list of local clean-ups will be posted on the ECOS website in September and in the next issue of ECOS News. A statewide list of events can be found at www.littoralsociety.org. If you have questions about volunteering or becoming a Beach Captain and organizing your own clean-up contact local Beach Captain Maryde King at 374-7287
To organize a cleanup in your area, contact the NY State Beach Cleanup Coordinator:
Barbara Cohen, ALSBeach@aol.com, 1478 Point Breeze Place, Far Rockaway, NY 11691
Phone: (718) 471-2166
Schenectady County's 7th annual draft Phase II Storm Water Program Annual Report
Schenectady County's 7th annual draft Phase II Storm Water Program Annual Report for the program year March 10, 2009-March 9, 2010 is available for public review and comment. Comments are due by May 25th. and can be submitted to James Kalohn at the Department of Economic Development and Planning address listed below or by e-mail jim.kalohn@schenectadycounty.com. A public presentation of the draft report will be made to the County Legislature on May 3rd at 7:00 pm, 620 State Street. The draft report is available for review at the Department of Economic Development and Planning, Room 303, 107 Nott Terrace between the hours of 9 am to 5 pm and the Reference Desk of the Main Branch of the County Library at 99 Clinton St. or
on the Schenectady County Website at: http://www.schenectadycounty.com/FullStory.aspx?m=150&amid=577
If you have any questions please call Jim Kalohn, Planner
County Economic Development and Planning 386-2225
The Schenectady County Environmental Advisory Council (SCEAC)
The Schenectady County Environmental Advisory Council (SCEAC) seeks volunteers for an upcoming Schenectady County electronics recycling event. This event will be held on Saturday, June 12 (location TBA) from 8:00 - 11:00 AM. This event is an effective way for county residents to responsibly recycle used electronic devices, often at no charge. Because this is a popular event, we need volunteers to help direct traffic, check registrations and hand out literature about recycling in the county. There will be two volunteer shifts: (1)7:15 - 9:00 AM and (2) 8:45 - 11:00 AM. If you can volunteer for this event, please contact Jeff Edwards by e-mail
(jeff.edwards@schenectadycounty.com) or phone (518-386-2225).
The Schenectady County
Environmental Advisory Council is currently seeking to fill a vacancy. Membership, which involves two three-year terms,
would begin July 1, 2010. Nominations for membership on the Council will be
made to the County Legislature for approval at their June meeting. If you are
interested in serving on the Council, please contact Mary Werner, SCEAC Chair,
at 370-3099 by May 31.
June Artist of the Month
Naturalist/Photographer Frank Knight
184-190 Remsen Street, Cohoes, NY 12047 Ph. 238-2232
Across from Smith’s Restaurant and Cohoes Farmers’ Market
Opening Wine Reception with Artist
Friday, June 4th, 4 to 7 pm
Visit season opening of Cohoes Farmers’ Market
Exhibit Viewing through June: M, T, 10 - 4 PM, W, Th, F 10 - 7 PM, Sat. 10 - 4 PM
Enjoy Frank’s non-technical Photo Workshop:
Take More Creative Images: Focus on Composition and Light
People candids with fill-flash** Remsen St. Victorian Architecture** Visit and Shoot Cohoes Falls
Saturday, June 5, 9:30 AM to noon at Harmony House Marketplace
$5 Registration fee for snacks and beverages Frank’s honorarium to ECOS
!!!
Do you need building materials, furniture, appliances, or home repair materials?
Do you want to get them for 50% to 90% off retail prices?
Do you have left over materials you’d like to donate?
If you answered yes then visit the
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
1957 Foster Ave in Schenectady, open Thursday & Friday 10-5 and Saturday 10-2.
518-395-3412
The First Unitarian Society of Schenectady will present a six-week discussion group exploring the connection between food and sustainability. The discussion course, “Menu for the Future,” was put together by the Northwest Earth Institute. The series will run for six Sundays after our Sunday service, starting about noon. The series will begin on April 18 and end May 30. There will be no discussion on May 16. The location is 1221 Wendell Ave.
This course explores the connection between food and sustainability. The six discussion sessions are: Session 1—What’s Eating America; Session 2—Anonymous food; Session 3—Farming for the Future; Session 4—You Are What You Eat; Session 5—Towards a Just Food System; Session 6—Choices for Change. Each session includes several readings excerpted from the writings of such authors as Michael Pollan, Bill McKibben, Wendell Berry, Barbara Kingsolver.
Each participant will need a copy of the course book, so a fee of $20 will be charged. Please sign up in advance so your book will arrive on time. Contact Nancy Peterson, 374-5810 or grsanc06@nycap.rr.com.
A citizen science opportunity!
Why Did the Salamander Cross the Road?
Have you ever witnessed large numbers of salamanders and frogs crossing the road on rainy spring nights? Ever wonder where they came from and where they're going? Each spring, frogs and salamanders travel significant distances from their forest habitats to breed in woodland pools. Unfortunately, migration pathways often cross roads and long driveways, leading to mortality of slow-moving wildlife, even in low traffic areas. The NYSDEC's Hudson River Estuary Program, in partnership with Cornell University, is pleased to continue the "Amphibian Migrations and Road Crossing" project this year, to help conserve woodland pools and the wildlife that depend on these critical habitats. You can help!
Volunteers Needed!
By documenting migrations and road crossings, volunteers can contribute to the conservation of woodland pool breeding amphibians in the estuary watershed. Visit our website for information on spring migrations, or to download a fact sheet, data form, or new photo identification guide. http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/51925.html
Please help spread the word and pass this along to friends and colleagues! With the assistance of citizen scientists, we can better understand the timing and conditions of migration events, as well as locations of road crossings where animals are especially vulnerable. This information can then help determine priorities for future mitigation, and amphibian "roadside assistance."
Laura T. Heady, Biodiversity Outreach Coordinator
Hudson River Estuary Program / Cornell University
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
ltheady@gw.dec.state.ny.us / 845.256.3061 phone
An outdoor search for early signs of spring will be conducted on Friday, March 19 at 7:00 PM at the NYSDEC Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar. On this evening foray, Five Rivers naturalists will lead participants through field and fen, listening for geese, peepers, woodcock and other sounds of the season, to see if spring has sprung.
The program is open to the public free of charge. Participants are urged to dress for outdoor activity. In the event of severe weather, this program may be cancelled. Please call the Center at 518-475-0291 for more information.
A series of interactive demonstrations of the maple sugaring process will be conducted from 1:30 – 3:30 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, March 20, 21, 27, 28 and April 3 at the NYSDEC Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar. During these hands-on programs, Five Rivers naturalists will lead participants through the entire sugaring process, from sap to syrup. Participants will twirl a drill and pound a spile, inspect sap buckets, savor the sugary aroma at the sap evaporator, and take the maple “taste test”. These programs are open to the public free of charge. Scout and youth groups are welcome to participate but are urged to pre-register. Participants are urged to dress for outdoor activity. In the event of severe weather, programs may be cancelled. Please call the Center at 518-475-0291 for more information.
An outdoor study of robins, bluebirds and other “early birds” will be conducted on Saturday, April 3 at 10:00 AM at the NYSDEC Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar. The program is open to the public free of charge. Participants are urged to dress for outdoor activity. In the event of severe weather, this program may be cancelled. Please call the Center at 518-475-0291 for more information.
4.) FIVE RIVERS PROGRAM ON MONITORING AMPHIBIAN MIGRATION
A presentation about NYSDEC’s "Amphibian Migration and Road Crossing" project will be conducted on Monday, March 22 at 7:00 PM at the NYSDEC Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar. On rainy nights in spring, large numbers of frogs and salamanders travel significant distances from their forest habitats to breed in woodland pools. Unfortunately, migration pathways often cross roads and long driveways, leading to mortality of slow-moving wildlife, even in low traffic areas.
At this indoor presentation, Laura Heady, Biodiversity Outreach Coordinator at the NYSDEC's Hudson River Estuary Program, will give a slide presentation on woodland pool ecology and discuss how to get involved in a new citizen science initiative, the "Amphibian Migration and Road Crossing" project. Conducted in partnership with Cornell University, the project seeks volunteers to help monitor these incredible spring migrations, document "Big Night" road crossings, and help amphibians survive their overland travel.
The program, co-sponsored by the Audubon Society of the Capital Region, is open to the public free of charge. Please call the Center at 518-475-0291 for more information. For more information on the "Amphibian Migration and Road Crossing" project log on to http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/51925.html.
NYS Urban and Community Forestry Council newsletter ‘Taking Root” now available online only at
www.nysurbanforestrycouncil.com
Capital District Transportation Committee is seeking public comment on “Draft Unified Planning Work Program” by March 3 at
www.cdtcmpo.org/upwp10-12/upwp.pdf
Walter Hang, President of Toxics Targeting, an environmental database firm in Ithaca, New York
Grassroots Activism Versus Marcellus Shale Gas:
How Toxics Targeting, an environmental data firm in Ithaca, NY, is shaping the future of the largest natural gas reservoir in the nation.
www.toxicstargeting.com
THE STAKEHOLDERS TO LAUNCH NEW SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES INSTITUTE
IN FEBRUARY 2010
The Stakeholders, Inc., will launch its third in a series of educational institutes in February 2010. The Sustainable Communities Institute (SCI) is designed to educate and empower the current generation of young professionals in the Capital Region to transform their communities. To accomplish this, the SCI will provide a diverse and in-depth experience to young professionals to learn more about what sustainability means and how the contribution of their resources can bring about change in our region. SCI participants will attend a series of workshops led by area experts taking place February through May 2010 on topics including Energy; Food; Our Built Environment; Sustainable Business; and Education, Outreach and Advocacy. Each participant will also develop a personalized project with guidance and assistance from The Stakeholders. For additional information on the SCI, please contact Joseph Moloughney at sustainability@thestakeholders.org.
STAKEHOLDERS MISSION: To cultivate an informed and active creative class dedicated to building diverse and sustainable communities throughout New York’s Capital Region. We seek to retain and attract residents, workers and visitors and foster regional pride by connecting individuals with area resources and providing enrichment through our programming on arts & culture, civic engagement, sustainable communities and philanthropy.
TEACHER WORKSHOPS AT FIVE RIVERS
Teacher workshops on two award-winning curriculum-enhancement programs, Project WILD and Project WET, will be conducted on Saturday, March 13 at the NYSDEC Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar. From 9:00 AM to noon, Center staff will lead a participatory training in Project WILD, an initiative which integrates wildlife themes into the core reading, writing and arithmetic disciplines. Participants will receive a free Project WILD curriculum guide full of stimulating activities for students in grades K-12. From 1:00 to 3:00 PM, Center staff will lead a participatory training in Project WET, an initiative which integrates water resource themes into the core reading, writing and arithmetic disciplines. Participants will receive a free Project WET curriculum guide full of stimulating activities for students in grades K-12. The workshops are open to teachers and youth leaders free of charge. In-service credit for either or both workshops may be available through the Greater Capital Region Teacher Center. Please call Five Rivers at 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, March 10 to register for either or both workshops.
Have you ever imagined being able to identify the calls of all of the frogs and toads in the Hudson Valley? Use real scientific techniques to collect data that will feed a national database. Help us gain a better understanding of the overall health of amphibians throughout North America.
What do you have to do?
Attend a training* (see below)
1) Choose a route near you.
2) Learn the calls of ~10 species of frogs and toads.
3) Pass a short quiz on the calls.
4) Run your routes. Each route has 10 stops where you get out of your car and listen for 5 minutes. You record all of the frogs and toads you have heard and some environmental conditions. You have to do the route once in each of 4 windows (times when weather conditions meet certain criteria). The windows fall from late March to early July and you won't know the exact dates until right before (you will be notified). Enter the data you collected into the web data form and you are all set.
DISCLAIMER: The survey can only be done at least 30 minutes after sunset. Some people aren't comfortable being alone along roadsides after dark. Going out with a partner is STRONGLY encouraged. Only 1 person can be the official data collector, but a partner or driver will make the work much easier and more enjoyable.
Surveys typically take 3 hours by the time you do each stop and drive the whole route. If you are starting 30 minutes after sunset and sunset is at 9:00 it's going to be pretty late.
You have to learn the calls for all of the frogs and toads in the Hudson Valley, but chances are you will only hear a few different kinds out on the road. Some volunteers get frustrated when they only hear a single species at each stop, but data that shows absence is just as important as presence!
We will be holding 2 training sessions for this program: From 6:00-7:00 pm on March 3rd in Middletown, NY and March 9th at Grafton Lakes State Park in Grafton, NY. If you are interested or know of someone who would be, email frogandtoad@gw.dec.state.ny.us for more information.
*You don't necessarily have to attend a training session to participate.
For more information about NAAMP visit: http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/naamp/
and the Hudson Valley program: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/50247.html
Dr. Suzanne Beyeler
Biodiversity Monitoring Coordinator
scbeyele@gw.dec.state.ny.us
845-256-3829
Meredith Taylor
Biodiversity Outreach Assistant
mjtaylor@gw.dec.state.ny.us
845-256-3062
NYSDEC
21 South Putt Corners Rd.
New Paltz, NY 12561
Please submit all data, questions and photos relating to North American Amphibian Monitoring to:
frogandtoad@gw.dec.state.ny.us
Grafton lakes 25th Annual Winter Festival
February 6
Grafton Lakes State Park and the Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park will host the 25th Annual Winter Festival on Saturday, February 6th, 2010 from 10am-4pm. The Winter Fest will feature winter exhibits, vendors, family-friendly and recreational activities. The Winter Fest is free of charge. For more information about the Winter Festival, please call the park at 518-279-1155.
Rain Gardens
The Green Sanctuary and Building & Grounds Committees of the First Unitarian Society of Schenectady will jointly sponsor a presentation about Rain Gardens. This will take place on Friday, February 5 at 6:00, in the Emerson Room. We plan to serve pizza and beverages. Please let us know if you plan to come so we’ll know how much to order. (Nancy Peterson, 374-5810 or nancyanded@nycap.rr.com.) Our presenter is Sue Pezzolla from Albany County Cooperative Extension. Rain Gardens are simple enough to construct so they can be a good family gardening project right in your own backyard. This should be an interesting presentation, and a look ahead to planning for spring. (You may need it right about that time!)
NUCLEAR ENERGY IN A WARMING WORLD
Is nuclear power an energy source that should be promoted if we are serious about reducing the threat of global warming? This question was addressed by Dr. Howard Hart, a retired GE R&D materials scientist, and Dr. Peter Ford who serves on the Independent Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, at a forum hosted by the Schenectady County League of Women Voters on November 22nd.
Dr. Hart gave an overview of energy sources and needs. Our fossil fuel based life style is unsustainable due to dwindling supplies of petroleum and the threat of global climate change. Reducing carbon emissions by 80 percent by 2050 is a widely accepted benchmark. Reaching this goal, given the continuing increase in energy consumption due to population growth and rising living standards in the developing world, as well as the general lack of political will, is a formidable challenge.
Dr. Hart cited a Scientific American article that said with changes in production on the order of magnitude of those that industry took to mobilize during World War II, carbon reduction goals could be met by 2030. But the reality is that the threat of global climate change is much more diffuse, much less immediate and, therefore, far more difficult to focus on than the very tangible and immediate threat of that war.
At present renewable energy use represents less than 8% of total energy consumed in the US. Wind, solar, geothermal and tidal combined account for just over 1% of the total, with solar contributing the least. Biomass (think ethanol) is about 3.5% and hydroelectric just over 2%. Worldwide, renewable energy generation is comparable.
In 2008 solar contributed 0.08% and wind 0.77% of power consumed (double the 2004 amount). To rely on increased use of solar and wind power to provide a major part of our energy is impractical. To illustrate the magnitude of the task of achieving 80% reduction in carbon emission by 2050, Dr. Hart used an extreme example. If we were dependant on electricity for all our energy usage, using no fossil fuels or nuclear power, with a mix of 40% solar power, 50% wind power, and 10% water power, by 2050 we would need to have built 10,000,000 wind turbines (@ 2 MW-peak, each) and enough solar panels to cover the area of 6.5 Vermonts.
Achieving significant reductions in use of carbon emitting fuels will require considering all sources of power, not just one or two favorite ones, as well as taking meaningful steps toward increased energy conservation. Nuclear power, which currently supplies about 9% of power in the US and 6% worldwide, is a carbon neutral source that needs to part of the mix according to Dr. Hart.
Dr. Ford who specializes in the safety of nuclear power plants and consults throughout the world, addressed nuclear energy development and safety issues. Worldwide, 444 nuclear reactors produce 17% of the world’s electricity. One hundred four reactors are in the United States and produce 9% of our electricity. In comparison, in France 76% of electricity is from nuclear power.
Safety of nuclear power plants is a major concern both of the public and of the nuclear power industry in the United States. Fears of a nuclear power plant explosion are misplaced since they do not have the potential of blowing up because of the composition of the reactor core, he said. Even in the case of an accident such as a nuclear core melt down, the risk of radioactive release is practically non-existent, unlike Chernobyl, due to the many layers of containment required in construction of U.S. plants. Natural and man-made sources of radiation (such as x-rays) present more danger, and the risk of fatal accident from cars, falls or lightning is much greater that any risk from a nuclear power plant, according to Dr. Ford.
Disposal of the radioactive waste from nuclear plants is the other major concern. Spent fuel is stored and cooled on site in deep pools and, after cooling, in above ground dry casks. Eventual storage of spent fuel in a deep underground repository in Yucca Mountain is planned in the U.S. Concerns exist about transporting the spent fuel and this plan faces strong opposition. Reprocessing of spent fuel was described by Dr. Ford as a way to reduce the amount of waste needing to be stored as well as providing more nuclear fuel. The plutonium which is recovered in the reprocessing can be used to fuel reactors and the remaining, lesser amount, of waste stored. This solution is also controversial
The conclusion of the forum was that if we are to reduce carbon emissions by 80 percent by 2050, all sources of energy must be considered including nuclear reactors. Nuclear power is a significant and safe carbon neutral energy source which should be further utilized, according to the speakers. To achieve the goal of reduced reliance on carbon based fuels, energy conservation, renewable sources and nuclear all need to be part of the mix. Global climate change is real; it is happening now. It is not waiting while we develop perfect carbon neutral energy sources. Fears about nuclear safety need to be balanced against the reality of global warming and its devastating consequences.
By Ruth Bonn
Thacher Nature Center Seeking Artists for 7th Annual Nature Art Exhibit
Thacher Park and the Thacher Nature Center are seeking artists interested in displaying their work at the 7th Annual Nature Art Exhibit held at the Thacher Nature Center. The exhibit will be on display from March 13 – March 27, 2010. Original artwork in any medium will be considered. Artwork must be inspired by nature or created with natural materials and objects. Exhibit pieces will be chosen from submitted work. Artists may submit up to 4 pieces of work to be considered for display. 2 – 3 pieces of work will be selected as space allows. Artists may email pictures of work or send photos of work prior to the show. Accepted work will be chosen from submissions. The hanging fee for the show is $5.00 per artist which will be used to directly benefit the art show and other programs at Thacher Park and the Nature Center.
Call 518-872-1237 for additional information about the Nature Art Exhibit. Please visit our website at www.nysparks.com for information about parks and park programs.
Volunteers needed for Short-eared Owl Monitoring
Volunteers are needed for the weeks of February 7-13, March 7-13, and April 4-10 for surveys of all sites across the state. Each site across the state will be surveyed on a given night during those periods, by as many observers as we can gather or are needed to cover a site well. Here in the Capital District area we have sites in Coxsackie, Greene County; Sharon Springs, Schoharie County; and southwestern Montgomery County. Prior to the survey week, we will pick nights to cover each of these areas so that observers may more easily participate in more than one area if they wish. Observers will have assigned areas to cover as was the case last winter. The surveys will be shortened to 1/2 hour before sunset to 1/2 hour after sunset, instead of 1 hour before sunset. As was the case last year, maps of areas to be observed and data sheets will be distributed just prior to the survey and we will gather afterwards to collect the paperwork, have a cup of coffee, warm up and share observations. If there is sufficient interest, we would also like to maintain the every other week survey methodology we used last winter by surveying the Coxsackie and Montgomery County site during weeks in between the monthly surveys. Specifically, these weeks would be February 21-27, and March 21-27. As we did last winter and, as with the monthly surveys, specific dates during those weeks will be chosen ahead of time and communicated via e-mail and/or phone calls.
If you are interested in assisting with surveys this winter please let me know as soon as possible. Please provide me with a current e-mail address and home or cell phone number, any limitations on nights of the week that you would not be available on a regular basis, and which of the survey areas you would be interested in helping at.
Paul Novak, Wildlife Biologist, NYSDEC (518) 357-2071 pgnovak@gw.dec.state.ny.us
Animal Adventure Tracking Workshop At Thacher Park
It will be led by animal tracker Dan Yacobellis, of Tamakoce Wilderness Programs.
The workshop will be on Saturday, February 13th from 10-4, the fee is $30 per person. Bring a lunch and dress warmly. Please call 872-0800 to register or for further information.
AQUATIC WILD LIFE AT FIVE RIVERS
A program on the winter ecology of aquatic wildlife will be conducted on Saturday, January 30 at 10:00 AM at the NYS DEC Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar. During this program, Five Rivers naturalists will present an indoor introduction to the winter survival strategies of turtles, frogs, salamanders and other common pond creatures, and then will lead an outdoor foray to study the winter ecology of aquatic wildlife first hand. The program is open to the public free of charge. Participants are urged to dress for outdoor activity. In the event of severe weather, this program may be cancelled. Please call the Center at (518) 475-0291 for more information.
SEARCH FOR TRACKS AND TRACES AT FIVE RIVERS
A field study of winter wildlife will be conducted on Saturday, January 30 at 2:00 PM at the NYS DEC Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar. During this program, Five Rivers naturalists will present an indoor introduction to the winter survival strategies of deer, fox and other common creatures, and then will lead an outdoor foray to search for tracks, dens, and other signs of winter wildlife activity. The program is open to the public free of charge. Participants are urged to dress for outdoor activity. In the event of severe weather, this program may be cancelled. Please call the Center at (518) 475-0291 for more information.
Teachers!!! - 2010 Arbor Day Poster Contest
Join over 65,000 fifth grade teachers across America in the 2010 Arbor Day National Poster Contest and increase your students’ knowledge about the importance of trees in the production and conservation of energy. The theme for 2010 is Trees Are Terrific. . . and Energy Wise! Teachers can go online to download their FREE materials @ arborday.org/postercontest which include lesson plans correlated with education standards, contest entry information, rules and form, worksheets, etc. Students compete at their school level initially. The school’s winning entry is then sent in to the New York State Regional Forester in its area to be judged with other school winners in their respective regions. A winning entry from each of the nine regions in New York State will then be sent to Albany. A state winner is finally selected for competition at the national level.
January 13, 2010 is the deadline to send entries to a NYSDEC Regional Office. The NYS Arbor Day Poster Contest coordinator is: Mary Kramarchyk
NYS DEC Central Office
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233
518.402.9426
Schools across New York – and across the nation – are going Green! From increasing recycling to decreasing energy use, schools are the perfect places to teach kids how to live more sustainably and transfer that knowledge from one generation to the next.
Almost every week, students at Woodlawn Elementary School in Schenectady bring used paper to the school’s loading dock to be picked up and recycled. Other schools in the area that have recycling programs include Burnt Hills, Guilderland, Scotia, and Shenendehowa. In January and February of 2008, the Woodlawn School recycled an average of 560 pounds of paper per month. Every ton of paper recycled saves about 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, and 4,200 kilowatts of energy….not to mention 3 cubic yards of landfill space.
The NY State Department of Environmental Conservation has several suggestions for schools that want to Go Green (http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8803.html):
1. Eco-education: Incorporate sustainability into the curriculum.
2. Energy use: Teach kids (and faculty) how to conserve energy; incorporate renewable energy into your school.
3. Air quality: Learn about the state’s Clean School Bus Program.
4. Solid Waste: Reduce waste, reuse materials, and recycle.
5. Water: Conserve water; landscape with plants that do not need artificial irrigation.
6. Sustainable building: If your school is planning renovations or new buildings, consider green (LEED certified) building.
7. Purchasing: Encourage your school to purchase recycled products, Energy Star appliances, and sustainable furniture.
8. Food Service: Encourage your school to donate to food banks and compost food waste.
Jeff Edwards
Schenectady County Department of Economic Development and Planning
Schenectady County Environmental Advisory Council
It’s never too early to think about what you can do to help keep Kayaderosseras Creek clean and healthy. Friends of the Kayaderosseras has a couple of very important volunteer needs to fulfill and is seeking your help. Conservation Sciences Director George Preston, glp449@yahoo.com , is in need of people to perform water quality testing, invasive plant removal and buffer stream protectors. Director of Education and Outreach Libby Smith Holmes, esmithho@nycap.rr.com , can use some help manning her interactive displays at the Saratoga County Fair and other outreach events. Contact Libby Smith-Holmes at esmithho@nycap.rr.com to get your name on the volunteer list. Check the website, www.Kayaderosseras.org , for activity updates. The organization can be contacted at: kaydeross@hotmail.com
Meet the Kayaderosseras Creek: Sept. 13, Greenfield Park
Everyone is invited to join Friends of Kayaderosseras Sunday, September 13th for the 2009 Meet the Creek festival at the Town of Greenfield Park in Porters Corners in Greenfield. The free event, from 1 to 4 p.m., will include walks and table stations where people can learn about the fish and wildlife, the quality of the water and history of the creek’s watershed. Put Sept. 13 on your calendar and plan to attend with friends and family.
Major Kayaderosseras Creek Cleanups: Nov. 7 & 14
There are two days when you can get rid of the eyesores along the banks of the Kayaderosseras. It’s a lot of fun and you never know what you will find, perhaps an 19th century street lamp or a tire with good tread on it. Contact Karen Totino, Karen@green-conscience.com . Taking signups for Burl Trail Maintenance is Richard Bashant, at andyrich1@juno.com
A new era for two environmental groups, that focus on the conservation and management of the Adirondack Park, began in mid-July with nearly unanimous votes of both groups. The memberships of both the Association for the Protection of the Adirondacks and the Residents’ Committee to Protect the Adirondacks have now merged to form the new organization named Protect the Adirondacks! The consolidation marks the joining of one of the earliest conservation groups – the association was founded in 1901 – with one of the more modern groups – the residents’ committee was founded in 1990.
The board will now consist of about 40 members with an organization combined membership of about 5000. A revised mission statement and a new logo were revealed on July 13th. Protect the Adirondacks! Will retain its administrative office and educational center in Niskayuna, which is home to the Adirondack Research Library and Center for the Forest Preserve. The Adirondack Park office in Saranac Lake and primary programs from both organizations will remain intact as well. The web site will be www.protectadks.org
ROTTERDAM SUNRISE ROTARY CLUB
If you have been along the Mohawk Hudson Bike/Hike Trail in Rotterdam recently you have probably noticed the new nature trail signs along the way. About a year ago ECOS was contacted by the Rotterdam Sunrise Rotary Club about making the signs we use for our annual Mohawk River Program a permanent fixture along the trail. The purpose of the project was to provide a family friendly educational experience along the trail. There are now 31 signs depicting plants and animals found along the trail beginning at the parking area at the start of Rice Road and extending west to Lock 8. Artwork for the signs was donated by local artists: Pauline Bono, Patricia Goodale, Anne Jaster, Betsy Kauffman, Reed Olsen, and Helen Steiner. The design and layout of the signs was done by Pauline Bono. This project was made possible through the generous funding of the Rotterdam Sunrise Rotary Club. Installation of the signs was provided by the Town of Rotterdam.
Thank you to everyone who made this project possible and especially to the Trail Committee of the Rotterdam Sunrise Rotary Club: Michael Iacobucci (Committee Chairman), Jack Collins, Rich Russell, Marshall Tedford and Steve Tommasone.
Protecting the ecology and heritage of the Mohawk River through research and education.
Incorporated on November 9th, 2005 by individuals with a common vision for protecting the rich ecological and cultural diversity within the Mohawk River watershed, the Mohawk River Research Center, Inc. (MRRC) was formed for scientific, education, and charitable purposes, with the intent to promote research, preservation, conservation, and restoration in the Mohawk River watershed. The Mohawk River Research Center, Board of Directors meets at 7 p.m. on the last Monday of every month at the Westinghouse, in Niskayuna NY, which is part of the First Baptist Church of Schenectady.
MRRC will carry out its mission by:
Conducting and sponsoring research projects in natural and human history pertaining to the Mohawk River watershed .
Conducting educational programs in river ecology, water quality monitoring, archeology, and Native American history .
Providing a collection of scientific and historic literature pertaining to the Mohawk River .
Coordinate meetings on the environment and heritage of the Mohawk River
The MRRC is currently seeking additional board members. Specifically individuals with expertise in the following fields: Accounting, Law, History, and Botany & Grant Writing.
If you are interested in becoming a member please contact us at:
Mohawk River Research Center, Inc.
P.O. Box 9352
Niskayuna, NY 12309
info@mohawkrivercenter.org
www.mohawkrivercenter.org
OK, I've changed most of my light bulbs to compact fluorescents. I've pushed down my thermostat one degree. I turn off the lights when I leave a room NOW WHAT!
Unfortunately for many electronic devices including TV's, VCR's and other devices, off is not off. For a far longer list of devices, go to http://standby.lbl.gov/Data/SummaryChart.html, <http://standby.lbl.gov/Data/SummaryChart.html,>
According to a 2002 study out of California those 'not really off' electronics consume about 10% of the total electricity in the home. ( Cited in NYTimes Circuits section 6/14/02 based on http://standby.lbl.gov/Data/SummaryChart.html <http://standby.lbl.gov/Data/SummaryChart.html> http://standby.lbl.gov/CEC_Workshop/). <http://standby.lbl.gov/CEC_Workshop/).>
Short of plugging a device into a power strip with an off/on switch, it is not possible to alter most appliances to shut off completely. One exception, is the computer which can be configured to either shut down completely or go into sleep mode. To learn how, Google sleep mode for both directions (http://www.energy-solution.com/off-equip/configuring-monitors.html) and a discussion of efficacy. Since the electricity consumed by a computer and monitor is significant, it is very well worth the effort.
Peter R. Muscanelli, Host and commentator (518) 393-1000
Eco Radio Network is a weekly radio program that covers broad topics concerning recycling, sustainability, conservation, alternative energy, up-to-date news of recycling events and other environmental issues. We can be heard on 810 WGY Sunday evenings from 6pm-7pm.
Mission Statement: Our goal is to provide information to the individual listener on the benefits of Recycling, Resource Conservation and Alternative energy. Eco radio network will help individuals, business, and industry improve their understanding of the impacts they have on the ecology and the environment.
Cancel those unwanted catalogs
Catalogchoice.org, which is sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation,
the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Ecology Center, is a powerful and easy to use way to cancel those unwanted catalogs.
ECOS Library collection is now on LibraryThing website
Did you know that there are over 1,100 books available in the ECOS library that you can borrow? And now you can search the catalog from home, by going to the ECOS homepage and under ‘Links to Other Sites’ click on the link to the ECOS Library.
(You can also go directly by typing this URL: www.librarything.com/catalog/ecos)
Once you are in the LibraryThing catalog, you can search by typing an author, title, or subject in the box on the right, next to the ‘All Fields’ box. This catalog will only tell you what books are owned, not whether they are currently checked in or out.
LibraryThing is a free social networking tool for book-lovers that lets people store and share information about their home libraries and then creates a link, by book, to other peoples’ home library collections. It gives them a means to discuss books that they hold in common. (For more information check the LibraryThing homepage or - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LibraryThing.) When searching, it’s good to keep in mind whether you are still in the ECOS library collection or whether you’ve migrated out into the larger LibraryThing world.
To get back to the ECOS library, click on the ‘Search’ tab, and in the ‘Members’ box, type: ecos. From the results list, select ‘ecos’ one more time. This will bring you to the ECOS user Profile. To get to the catalog, click on the words ‘see catalog’ to the right of the number of ‘Books cataloged’. This will bring you to the ECOS>Library catalog.
The ECOS library catalog is a work in progress. Author, Title and Call numbers are all in place, but the Subject headings, or ‘Tags’ are still being added. If you find a book you would like to borrow, make a note of the Call number, along with the title, and bring it with you to the ECOS library. These books are just waiting to be read!
Kathy Earle and Annalisa VanAvery – ECOS Librarians
Volunteer River Herring Monitoring Program Spring 2009
New York State DEC Hudson River Estuary Program & Hudson River Fisheries Unit
NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program and Hudson Rivers Fisheries Unit are initiating a volunteer-based river herring monitoring program, and are looking for local groups, watershed organizations and other interested individuals to partner with to conduct the monitoring on tributaries. The monitoring will take place between 4/1 - 5/31 and will involve looking to see if, where, and when herring spawning runs exist on these tributaries. Each volunteer will conduct visual observations for signs of herring, at least twice a week for 15 minutes at a site close to his or her town. Training provided, no experience necessary. For more information on the program, please visit the website! http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/41545.html.
If you are interested in participating, please contact Amy Bloomfield. 845-256-3172 or r3hermon@gw.dec.state.ny.us
The Sites: Albany County Coeyman’s Creek, Vloman Kill, Columbia County Stockport Creek, Mill Creek
The Mohawk Valley Hiking Club has merged with the Schenectady Wintersports Club (SWC) recently, creating a 600+ member organization that promotes activities year round for all ages. To get information pertaining to hiking activities go to http://swcweb.org/index.php
Clothing Recycling Box locations.
Website: www.schenectadycounty.com/recycling
National Wildfire Coordinating Group courses
S-130, Basic Firefighter Training
S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
L-180, Human Factors on the Fire Line
Students who complete the 3 courses and pass a physical fitness test will be qualified to:
Assist the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission with prescribed fire management activities on the 3,010 acre Albany Pine Bush Preserve.
Be considered as a member of an out-of-state Type II firefighting crew. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Forest Service, through an interagency cooperative agreement with the New York State's Forest Rangers, has requested these 20-person wildland firefighting crews to aid in fire suppression efforts throughout the country.
The classes will again be on Tu. and Thurs. evenings (2/26, 3/3, 3/5, 3/10, 3/12, 3/17, 3/19, 3/24, and 3/26) from 6-9:30pm at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center located at 195 New Karner Road in Albany. An all-day field day, including pack test, is scheduled for 3/28. There is no fee for the courses. Space is limited.
Call Wendy Craney at the Albany Pine Bush Commission office (518) 456-0655, Extension 1211 or email wcraney@tnc.org to inquire about attendance. Questions about the courses or firefighting crews can be directed to Forest Ranger Captain Patrick Kilpeck (518) 357-2161.
**For anyone needing the refresher class: The APB annual fireline safety refresher and pack test will be on Saturday 4/4/2009. Our refresher was held on 4/12 of last year. Therefore, red cards for those individuals will expire on 4/12/2009. Please call to sign up.
National 4-H Council has partnered with Nickelodeon's "Big Green Help" to create a brand-new, interactive online game-- "Flip N' Flow"--featuring the network's animated boy-genius Jimmy Neutron. The game is in support of 4 H's Science, Engineering and Technology communication campaign to spark youth interest in science and prepare one million new young people for America's technology workforce.
Nickelodeon's "The Big Green Help" is a kid-led movement that provides information and tools to help explain climate change to young people, and connects them to energy-saving and earth-friendly activities in their everyday lives.
The "Flip N' Flow" game is available online at 4-H.org. Youth can play the game and access materials to share with friends. Check out this fun activity which gives youth and mentors the opportunity to learn about water conservation and challenges them think about steps they can take to participate in going green!
Questions can be directed to Nancy Cole (301-961-2926) at National 4-H Council