Green Cup Energy Challenge - Register By This Sunday

Registration is extended through Sunday for this great program. Please help to spread the word.

Best,

Katy Perry

kperry@greenschoolsalliance.org

Can't see the images? Click here

Get a head start on the New Year by making a resolution to reduce electricity consumption at your school! Join the Green Cup Challenge™ by this Friday and you'll be on your way to saving energy in 2014.    Already this year, NYC schools collectively saved over 1.3 million kWh in their 1-month October NYC Challenge. Don't miss this opportunity to engage your school and add to our collective savings.     The Global Challenge runs January 15th to February 12th.      In the Green Cup Energy Challenge™, students, teachers and staff discover they have the power to save energy in their schools, and that their actions can translate into positive change in the world.  Sign up by December 20, 2013 HERE >     Participation is Simple but Powerful: Register by Friday, December 20th. Attend a free 1 hour online training webinar (week of Jan 6-12). Calculate your baseline from past utility bills and set up your GCC Dashboard before the Challenge. Read and report the kWh from your electric meter each Wednesday during the Challenge. Spread the word about saving energy in your school. See how your results match up to other schools and celebrate our collective success!   Students express their passion for conservation in the Green Cup Video Challenge™. The videos raise awareness about climate change, resource conservation, and what everyone can do to make a difference. Optional, and for participating schools only. The Green Hero - 2013 Winning Video The Green Cup Challenge™ empowers students, raises awareness about resource conservation and climate change and unites school communities around a common goal.               Learn more and register your school HERE >    GCC Sponsors and Supporters   www.greenschoolsalliance.org www.greencupchallenge.net Join the Green Schools Alliance and become a global leader   in your own community.

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Connecticut Outdoor & Environmental Education Association

Christmas Tree Recycling

2013-14 CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING

The Department of Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce that residents may begin to bring their Christmas Trees for recycling starting Thursday December 26, 2013. Christmas tree recycling will end on Friday January 31, 2014.

 

All trees to be recycled must be undecorated (ornaments, tinsel, lights and stands must be removed).

 

The Parks & Trees Division will be recycling resident's Christmas trees by chipping them. The wood chips can be used by residents as mulch or compost. Tree chips retained by the Town will be used in parks as mulch for trails in woodlands, shrub beds, and soil stabilization.

 

Nationally, Christmas trees are recycled for five main types of large-scale uses.

 

§  Chipping; chips to be used for mulch or compost

§  Beachfront erosion prevention

§  Lake and river shore stabilization

§  Fish habitat; trees are sunk in lakes to serve as cover for young fish and sustaining insects

§  River delta sedimentation management.

 

Homeowners may also consider retaining their Christmas trees for domestic uses such as:

§  Songbird and wildlife habitat: Christmas trees placed near bird feeding areas are used by the visiting birds as shelter from the wind and cold, and as protective cover from predators while consuming the bird food. Trees can also be 'decorated' by hanging peanut butter filled pine cones, suet and seed mixes, or fruit.

§  Erosion control: Whole trees can be placed in gullied areas to prevent or slow erosion.

§  Flower bed protection: Boughs can be cut off the trees to place on flower beds to protect roots and bulbs from winter cold in a decorative way.

 

These are just a few ways trees can be recycled without the energy expense of mechanized chipping. If you have any other ideas about recycling Christmas trees, we would appreciate your sharing them with us.

 

 

Christmas Tree Collection Sites

 

§  Byram Park:

8:00am to 4:00pm - the parking lot by the Concession.

 

§  Bruce Park:

8:00am to 4:00pm - the parking lot by the Children's playground, opposite the entrance to Bruce Museum

 

§  Greenwich Point:

6:00am until sunset - first parking lot across from the Nature Center.

 

§  Holly Hill Recycling Center:

7:00am to 3:00pm weekdays and 7:00am to 12:00 noon on Saturdays – place trees in the yard waste area.

 

Wood chips will be available to residents at each collection site

 

** No trees will be accepted after Friday January 31, 2014. **

 

Some interesting facts about Christmas Trees:*

§  There are approximately 30–35 million real Christmas trees sold in North America every year.

§  American Christmas trees are grown in all 50 states

§  Real Christmas trees are a renewable, recyclable resource.

§  For every real Christmas tree harvested, up to three seedlings are planted in its place in the following spring.

§  There are about 500,000 acres in production for growing Christmas trees.

§  Each acre provides the daily oxygen requirements of 18 people.

§  There are about 21,000 Christmas tree growers in North America and over 100,000 people employed full or part-time in the industry.

§  It can take as long as 7-15 years to grow a six foot Christmas tree.

§  The top Christmas tree producing states are Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Washington.

§  The top selling Christmas tree species are: Balsam Fir, Douglas Fir, Frasier Fir, Noble Fir, Scotch Pine, Virginia Pine and White Pine.

§  In a national survey 93 percent who used a real Christmas tree recycled theirs in some type of Community program.

*Source: National Christmas Tree Association

 

The Greenwich Department of Parks & Recreation thanks you for recycling your Christmas trees with us and we wish you a Safe and Happy Holiday Season and a Happy New Year.

 

Bruce Spaman

Superintendent of Parks & Trees / Tree Warden

Greenwich Department of Parks & Recreation

http://www.greenwichct.org/News/Parks_and_Recreation/2013-14_CHRISTMAS_TREE_RECYCLING/

Audubon Greenwich events: family day and art classes this weekend

Audubon Greenwich Nature Programs & Special Events

 

NEW CALENDAR & NEWSLETTER ONLINE

-          The Nature Program Calendar (December 2013 ~ February 2014): http://greenwich.audubon.org/about-audubon-greenwichs-nature-programs-events

-          In-flight Newsletter featuring the new Center Director, Michelle Frankel: http://greenwich.audubon.org/sites/default/files/documents/newsletter-audubongreenwich-winter2013-2014_0.pdf

Wednesday, December 4

Solar Installation presentation (http://solarizect.com)

7:00-8:30 pm @ Audubon Greenwich

Solarize Greenwich offers Greenwich residents the opportunity to benefit from group discounts on solar installations for a limited time.  The program will run through February 18, 2014. The Conservation Commission, in collaboration with Audubon Greenwich, is holding a workshop to help promote solar energy choices that make the technology more affordable than ever before.  Renewable Resources, the official installer for Solarize Greenwich, will give a short presentation and be on-hand to answer questions about the program and how residential solar works.  Presentation will include overview of the Solarize Greenwich program, solar for residential use, and state and federal incentive programs available for residents interested in solar.  Solarize Greenwich is sponsored by both the State of Connecticut and the Town of Greenwich. According to First Selectman Peter Tesei, "Solarize Greenwich is a wonderful opportunity for Greenwich homeowners to convert to solar power, saving money and improving our community."   No charge or RSVP required. Presentation at 7:00 pm.

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December 7 & 8

'Nature Art Class' with Adriana Rostovsky

10:00 am-12:00 pm

See details in the Dec. 8 Family Day announcement below.

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Family Nature Day & Holiday Gift Shopping

Sunday, December 8 ~ All Day Long

Enjoy nature-themed classes, take a hike, shop, or simply take in the views from Kimberlin Nature Education Center & Nature Gift Store. Special hot chocolate, holiday gifts, and the new exhibit of raptor watercolors by J.J. Audubon in the Oppenheimer Gallery are sure to warm any cold December day.

• 10:00-12:00 noon:  'Nature Art Class' with Adriana Rostovsky* 
• 12:30-2:00 pm:  Natural Foods for Winter Birds 
• 2:30-3:15 pm:  Citizen Science: Wintertime Bird Studies 
• 3:30-4:15 pm:  Exploring Owl Pellets* 
• 4:15-4:45pm:  Late Afternoon/Sunset Walk 

*Space limited for the 10:00 am & 3:30 pm classes. RSVPs are required for all sessions. RSVP to 203-869-5272 x239 or greenwichcenter@audubon.org. Walk-ins gladly welcomed but spaces may be limited. First to come is first to be served. 

 

CLASS DETAILS: 

·         10:00 am-12:00 pm ~ 'Nature Art Class' with Adriana Rostovsky:  Art and nature meet when we re-purpose materials into artwork that celebrate nature and our role in caring for the environment. Special guest teacher, Adriana Rostovsky, will show how to create textures and collages with nature's treasures found outdoors. *This art class is also offered the day before (Sat. Dec. 7).  Class details online: www.adrianarostovsky.com. All ages welcome. $25 for first two people and $5 per additional (prices are per day). RSVPs for class are important so please RSVP to Adriana at 646-752-2322 or rostovsky.adriana@gmail.com.

 

·         12:30-2:00 pm ~ Natural Foods for Winter Birds:  Berries, nuts, cones, and seeds of native plants, and hidden insects provide an important winter food supply for birds, especially the species that don't visit our feeders. Introduction inside & walk outside. Ages 8 & up. RSVP to 203-869-5272 x239 or greenwichcenter@audubon.org.

 

·         2:30-3:15 pm ~ Citizen Science - Wintertime Bird Studies:  Learn about winter birds and how to attract them with plants and feeders, as well as counting birds as Citizen Scientists. All ages.  RSVP to 203-869-5272 x239 or greenwichcenter@audubon.org.

 

·         3:30-4:15* pm ~ Exploring Owl Pellets:  Learn about owl feeding habits and dissect an owl pellet in search of skulls, bones, feathers and other food remains. *Space limited. $5 per person. Ages 8 & up. RSVP to 203-869-5272 x239 or greenwichcenter@audubon.org.

 

·         4:15-4:45pm ~ Sunset Walk & Nocturnal Bird Search: Join us as we walk to watch and listen for birds going to roost and Great-horned Owls calling for territory and courtship   Ages 5 & up. RSVP to 203-869-5272 x239 or greenwichcenter@audubon.org.

 

PLEASE NOTE: RSVPs are required for all sessions & space is limited for the 10:00 am & 3:30 pm classes. Walk-ins served on a first come first served basis but space can't be guaranteed without RSVPs. So if you plan on coming, please leave a quick voicemail or email with a phone number and # of people coming. 

 

Unless indicated otherwise, program fees are the usual prices:

·         National Audubon Society Members: Adults $3.00/Children & Seniors $1.50

·         Future members:  Adults $5.00/Children & Seniors $3.00

Regular program fees include admission to the Kimberlin Nature Education Center, the Oppenheimer Gallery at Audubon Greenwich and access all trails.

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Saturday, December 14

Family Bird Watching & "Christmas Bird Count" Practice

1:00-2:30 pm  

Learn more about winter birds, best bird feeding practices, and how to count birds in your backyard and give scientists your data! Note: The Christmas Bird Count is the next day and you can count for Project FeederWatch all winter long... so join us to learn more about these great family activities that can be done at home. All ages. RSVP REQUIRED to Ted at x230.

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Sunday, December 15 

114^th Annual Christmas Bird Count

Pre-dawn-5:00 pm

Join dozens of Audubon volunteers in search of birds throughout the 15-mile count circle during this Audubon tradition.  Use the form on page to count at home or sign up to join a team for all or part of the day. The annual compilation meeting & dinner will follow the count. Join a counting team and you will contribute to critical research led by 'citizen scientists' across the nation. All abilities welcome. RSVP REQUIRED by Dec. 14 to Ted at x230. Learn about the count and find a 'count circle' near you at www.audubon.org/bird/cbc.

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AUDUBON GREENWICH PROGRAM FEES:

Regular program fees include admission to the Kimberlin Nature Education Center, the Oppenheimer Gallery at Audubon Greenwich and access all trails. Unless indicated otherwise, program fees are as follows:

-          National Audubon Members:  Adults $3.00/Children & Seniors $1.50

-          Non-members:  Adults $5.00/Children & Seniors $3.00

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NEW CALENDAR & NEWSLETTER ONLINE

-          The Nature Program Calendar for December through February: http://greenwich.audubon.org/about-audubon-greenwichs-nature-programs-events

-          In-flight Newsletter featuring the new Center Director, Michelle Frankel: http://greenwich.audubon.org/sites/default/files/documents/newsletter-audubongreenwich-winter2013-2014_0.pdf

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THE NATURE STORE AT AUDUBON GREENWICH

Shop to Support Audubon Greenwich. Visit the shop for bird seed, coffee, gifts & more!

 

New Store Hours for the Holidays (through Dec 24, 2013) 

·         T/W/F ~ 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

·         THUR ~ 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

·         SAT & SUN ~ 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

AUDUBON GREENWICH SANCTUARIES

~Audubon Greenwich & The Kimberlin Nature Education Center (613 Riversville Road, Greenwich)

~Fairchild Wildflower Garden (North Porchuck Road, Greenwich)

~Gimbel Sanctuary (Sherwood Avenue, Greenwich)

~Oneida Drive Sanctuary (Oneida Dr. & Indian Harbor Drive, Greenwich)

~Mildred Caldwell Sanctuary of Walden Woods (Bible Street, Cos Cob)

~Wood Duck Swamp (Carissa Lane, Greenwich)

 

For locations and trail maps, see "Walking Trails in Greenwich and Surrounding Areas" available in the Nature Store at Audubon Greenwich.

Trail maps are found in the outdoor kiosks and/or the Kimberlin Nature Education Center lobby. View the list of Audubon Greenwich Sanctuaries online. http://greenwich.audubon.org/audubon-greenwich-main-sanctuary

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NATURE SANCTUARY ADMISSION

Members: No charge

Nonmembers: Adults $3.00/Students & Seniors $1.50

(Please pay in the store)

 

OTHER "AUDUBON CONNECTICUT" CENTERS & SANCTUARIES

For a list of all Audubon Connecticut centers and sanctuaries, click here: http://audubonct.org/Centers_Sanctuaries.html

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DIRECTIONS TO AUDUBON GREENWCH: http://greenwich.audubon.org/AboutUs_AudubonCenter_Kimberlin_Directions.html

Audubon Greenwich, 613 Riversville Road, Greenwich, CT 06831 / (203) 869-5272 / http://greenwich.audubon.org

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MESSAGE SENT BY:

Jeff Cordulack

Events & Communication Manager

Audubon Greenwich

jcordulack@audubon.org

203-869-5272 x239

203-613-8813 (cell)

 

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World Soil Day | Live chat with Sammy Soil

Hi All,

Sending this along in case anyone is interested in discussing soils and
soil health with USDA on World Soil Day.

Denise


Denise Savageau
Conservation Director
Town of Greenwich


From:   "USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service"

NRCS' mascot Sammy Soil will be available Thursday 1pm-2pm EST for a live chat on Twitter.  This conservation conversation is one way the agency is celebrating World Soil Day.  Ever wonder what healthy soil smells like, how to test the health of your soil or know the difference between healthy and unhealthy soil?

Send soil questions to @USDA_NRCS.  Be sure to use the #WorldSoilDay and #SammySoil hashtags.

      Learn more about NRCS' soil health awareness campaign, Unlock the
     Secrets in the Soil.

Radon Testing

Radon Testing: The administration of the Greenwich Public Schools would like to provide you with notification that radon-in-air testing will be  conducted beginningDecember 2,2013 and continuing until December 13, 2013. According to Connecticut General Statute 10-220(d), schools are required to inspect and evaluate the indoor air quality of school buildings by March, 2014. This required inspection and evaluation of indoor air quality includes  evaluation of radon in the air and  water. Facility Support Services, LLC, will conduct the radon testing. To test for radon in air, small canisters containing charcoal will be placed in each of  the occupied rooms that are in  contact with the ground. These canisters will be left in place for three school days. You will be informed of radon test results and interpretations as soon as possible. ln the event that high radon levels are  found, steps will be taken to correct the  problem using  methods suggested by the  United States  Environmental Protection Agency.

Please contact John Frangione, at 203-622-7838, or the Greenwich Department of Health at 203-625-7451, if you have any questions.

From CMS Friday Notes

Food Garden Projects

Please share with schools or sites developing gardens. -- roger doiron  l founding director l Kitchen Gardeners International

Sow It Forward: Emerging Funding Source for Food Garden Projects on Track to Double its Giving in 2014

The Maine nonprofit Kitchen Gardeners International (KGI) is pleased to announce that it is once again accepting applications for its Sow It Forward garden grants program. Sow it Forward offers $300-$500 grants of cash, seeds, supplies, educational materials and online garden planning software to groups wishing to start a new food garden project or sustain an existing one. Last year's grantees included schools, food banks, community gardens, libraries, colleges, senior groups, tribal organizations, prisons and other nonprofit causes interested in the health and sustainability of their local communities. 

The program is expanding this year and will be offering twice as many grants as last year. All applicant groups will be given web pages for their projects which they can use for their own communication purposes. Applications are due by 5 January 2014 and must be submitted via KGI's online application form located here: SowItForward.org. Although there is no paper version of the application, there is a prep form that can be downloaded and printed (Word, PDF) to familiarize applicants with the questions and application procedure. There are no geographic restrictions as to which groups can apply. 

About KGI:  

Kitchen Gardeners International is a 501c3 nonprofit founded in Scarborough in 2003. Its membership includes over 32,000 people from 120 countries who are growing their own food and helping others to do the same. It is best known for having led the successful online campaign urging the Obamas to replant a kitchen garden at The White House. 

SUBSCRIBE TO COMFOOD:  https://elist.tufts.edu/wws/subscribe/comfood

Professional Development and $1000 Educator Academy Scholarships

Even if you are unable to attend such an opportunity, there is a great list of current EE instruction tools for formal and informal educators:  Please see description below, thanks!

 

Hello,

We are celebrating 21 years in the Amazon and offering PD for teachers, complete with syllabus and scholarships available.  Here is a summary and at the end please find a colorful release to share through your social media outlets.

 

Apply for $1000 Professional Development Scholarships  (March 1, 2014 deadline)

http://www.amazonworkshops.com/educators--naturalists.html  (case sensitive)

 

2014 Educator Academy in the Amazon Rainforest + Machu Picchu

The July 1-11, 2014 Educator Academy is a cross-curricular professional development workshop for K-12 formal and informal educators to learn and use:

• 21st Century Instruction:  5E Lesson Design, Inquiry-Based Exploration, STEM Problem-Based Learning
• Inquiry Protocols:  Project Learning Tree, GLOBE, Cornell Lab's BirdSleuth
• Global and Cultural Perspectives:  Service Learning, Sustainability, Global Education

 

Join Dr. Mo Walters, ASU; Al Stenstrup, Project Learning Tree (PLT); Jennifer Fee (BirdSleuth), and Christa Dillabaugh, Amazon Rainforest Workshops; and work side-by-side with scientists Dr. Steve Madigosky, Widener University; and Randy Morgan, Curator/Entomologist, Cincinnati Zoo.  The Amazon experience is a real world lens through which to view global issues as -- sustainable development, global health, energy, population, water, quality of life and the meaning of service. Experience:

• a 1/4-mile Rainforest Canopy Walkway and research on Weather and Climate
• interactions with Indigenous Yagua, Riberenos and a Village Service Project
• ReNuPeruEthnobotanical Garden and problem solving inspired by Biomimicry
• Monkey Island Conservation Project

 

PLT Certification, BirdSleuth and GLOBE training and PD Hours included. Academic Credit and Machu Picchu Extension optional.  Land cost is $2140, plus air.  $1000 scholarship deadline March 1, 2014.  Land cost is $1140 for scholarship recipients. Space is limited! Register early to secure your spot! See Syllabus on Webpage:  http://www.amazonworkshops.com/educators--naturalists.html  (case sensitive).  Contact christa@amazonworkshops.com or 1-800-431-2624.

 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

 

We appreciate your camaraderie in making these opportunities available to educators.

 

Warmest regards, 

 

-- Frances
Frances Gatz, Ph.D., Director
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPEDITIONS, 9335 Fraser Ave, Silver Spring, Maryland  20910
Phone:  800-669-6806

Email: frances@ee-link.net

http://www.amazonworkshops.com

 

IF THE LINKS BELOW DO NOT DISPLAY CORRECTLY, VIEW THIS RELEASE IN YOUR BROWSER:

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs159/1108552320218/archive/1114888687764.html

 

Join a cadre of scientists and spirited teacher educators in Peru July 1 to 11, 2014 for the EDUCATOR ACADEMY IN THE AMAZON RAINFOREST PD Hours, Graduate Credit, and Scholarships available!    Download the Syllabus and Get the Details     2014 Educator Academy in the Amazon Rainforest is a cross-curricular professional development workshop for educators to use and learn innovative instructional approaches and protocols, and work side by side with scientists while exploring one of the world's most important natural resources -  the Amazon Rainforest.   Small group field study includes:   21st Century Instruction: 5E Lesson Design ~ Inquiry-Based Exploration ~ STEM   Inquiry Protocols and Resources: Project Learning Tree ~ GLOBE ~ Project Noah  Cornell Lab of Ornithology: BirdSleuth K-12   Global and Cultural Perspectives: Service Learning ~ Sustainability ~ Global Education   Rainforest Topics: Rainforest Plants and Ecology ~ Medicinal Plants Biodiversity in the Tropics ~ Biomimicry Camouflage and Adaptation Field Research ~ Reptiles and Amphibians   Canopy Walkway ~ Forest Level Comparisons Amazon Watershed  ~ Sustainability   Rainforest Conservation and Climate Change    2013 Academy Educators at the base of the giant Ceiba Tree     Looking forward to seeing you in the Amazon!               Christa Dillabaugh         &       Dr. Molina Walters      Amazon Rainforest Workshops            Arizona State University   and the 2014 Educator Academy Team including Dr. Steve Madigosky, Widener University Randy Morgan, Cincinnati Zoo Al Stenstrup, Project Learning Tree Jennifer Fee, Cornell Lab's BirdSleuth "The instructor led activities were exceptional. The extensive knowledge of the guides and other members of the Amazon Workshop faculty was incredible. Linking those things with the wide range of backgrounds and experiences of the other participants in the program, made it the absolute best program with which I have ever been involved." - Ken Goree,  2013 Academy participant      Find Out More Click HERE for all the details, syllabus, scholarship, and registration instructions     Share     1/4 mile canopy walkway     Contact Us Christa Dillabaugh Academy Program Coordinator christa@amazonworkshops.com 1-800-431-3634   Academy sponsored by

 

 

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Connecticut Outdoor & Environmental Education Association