Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Mianus River Gorge - Source to Sound Watershed Tour

>
> Source to Sound Watershed Tour
> Saturday - April 25, 2015
> 10:00am – 2:00pm
>
> Meet at the Mianus River Gorge parking area
> (across from 167 Mianus River Rd; Bedford, NY)
>
>
> Clean drinking water is one of the most important components of our lives,
> yet many people have no idea where their household water comes from.
>
> On this trip, we will start at the Gorge, then visit the Dam of the Bargh
> Reservoir (at the end of our trails) that holds back 2.2 billion gallons of
> drinking water. We'll see how it operates and how water is diverted by
> aqueduct to other reservoirs. Then we'll visit the Mianus Filter Plant and
> see how it prepares water for households. Finally, we will end up at the
> old pump station, now an adult daycare, on Route 1 in Greenwich. The dam
> here has a fish ladder that allows thousands of alewife, herring and brown
> trout to get over the dam and upstream so they can breed in the lower
> river. We will learn how it works and hopefully net some migrants as they
> go upstream and take a look at the counter. This is second largest river
> herring run in Connecticut.
>
> Bring your own lunch or pick something up at the Italian deli in Greenwich
> at our final stop. Please register by emailing alison@mianus.org by April
> 23 or call (914) 234-3455.
>
>
>

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Earth Day Calendar update

Earth Week is next week, let's Celebrate!

A reminder to everyone to post Earth Day messages in your newsletter.  Please share an invitation to "Explore the Secrets of Soil", and the full calendar of local events below.  Thank you for sharing the events and efforts in your school, like this beautiful banner at North Mianus.  

Hope to see you at the Buttercrunch Awards this Sunday at the GEC, 2-4pm, and the Earth Day Month Celebration next Sunday!

Sunday, April 26

Earth Day Month Celebration Explore the Secrets of Soil (1 pm 4 pm)
Garden Education Center, 130 Bible Street, Cos Cob
Come and celebrate with Conservation Commission the International Year of Soils. Through a variety of fun and scientific activities designed for the entire family, we will walk you through the soil formation process, soil properties, its need for conservation and care. With help of local archeologist, composting crew, and experts on soil, we will visit every aspect of this topic and answer all of your questions whether they are big or small. For more information contact Aleksandra Moch at 203 622-3822 or visit our website at: www.greenwichct.org 

Event flier http://www.greenwichct.org/upload/medialibrary/e64/earth-day-month-flyer-04-26-2015.pdf



Hi All,

Here is a link to an updated Earth Day Calendar.  Please use this one as we
had a few items that needed correction.

http://www.greenwichct.org/News/Conservation_Commission/2015celebrate_earth_day_month_in_greenwich/

Looks like spring is finally here so make sure to get outside and enjoy.

Denise


Denise Savageau
Conservation Director
Town of Greenwich
101 Field Point Road
Greenwich, CT 06830
Phone:  203-622-6461
Fax:  203-622-3795
Mailto:denise.savageau@greenwichct.org

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

2015 Town of Greenwich Earth Day Calendar

Hi All,

Here is the Town of Greenwich Earth Day Month Calendar and Press Release.

http://www.greenwichct.org/News/Conservation_Commission/2015celebrate_earth_day_month_in_greenwich/

Please note that the Earth Day Proclamation will take place on Saturday
April 11 at 3 p.m. at the Fishway Open House.  Hope that you can join us.

Friday, March 27, 2015

Fwd: Trailblazing save the date

Mark your calendars for April 22, "Earth Night" at Parkway from 5-7. Details to follow! 


Parkway's Woodland Trailblazing Day, Saturday April 25, 9-4pm

attached is the Trailblazing save the date flier, plus more information about the trail and event.



Thursday, March 26, 2015

Fwd: [AGNews] New calendar ... plus Woodcock Walk now Saturday evening (3/21 - no longer on Friday) ~ Join Ted on Hawk Watch Lawn, next to parking lot

 

Audubon Greenwich News & Events
See what is happening! Check out the NEW Spring 2015 newsletter and events online:
 
 
 
Saturday, April 4
Birding 101 Workshop: Bird Watching Basics
9:30-12:00 pm
An introduction to ornithology and the tools/skills used in bird study. Enjoy a walk, learn how to use binoculars, guides, and other print and on-line resources that make birding so much fun. Ideal for adults and interested youth. $12 adults; No Charge for youth. RSVP requested by email:  greenwichcenter@audubon.org or call 203-930-1353
*****
 
 
Saturday, April 4
Springtime Sunset and Moonlight Walk
7:45-9:15 PM
Join us as we seek out the sights, sounds, and smells of a spring evening visiting
field, pond, forest, and lake in search of wildlife. We will also listen overhead and look up at the moon in search of silhouettes of night-flying springtime bird migrants. Ages 7 and up. Registration limited. RSVP requested by email:  greenwichcenter@audubon.org or call 203-930-1353.
*****
 
PLUS…
Sunday, April 26 
"Edible Native & Invasive Plants"
With special guest, Arthur Haines, Research Botanist from the New England Wild Flower Society
 
A TWO-PART EVENT
  • Indoor Lecture (10:30 am-12noon): Preserving Native Plant Knowledge
This lecture is designed to expose the audience to a wide-range of useful plants that grow in New England landscape. Through use of images, stories of indigenous use, and contemporary scientific study, Haines will discuss favorite species while also proposing that the our waning use of wild plants (for food, medicine, fiber) is correlated with a decline in health of both our bodies and our local landscapes. $12 (Member) / $15 (Non-member) All ages, if parents feel youth are suitably interested. Please RSVP to greenwichcenter@audubon.org or 203-930-1349.
 
### Lunch Break: 12 noon-1pm ###
 
  • Field Walk (1:00-3:30 pm): ID & Use of Edible Native Plants
Discover southern New England's edible native plants. Arthur Haines, Research Botanist for New England Wild Flower Society, leads a fascinating walk through Greenwich Audubon's 285-acre sanctuary looking for plants that can be used to nourish, heal, and craft. We will discuss the value of native plants in our diets, their uses in herbal therapy, and how to prepare them for human consumption. This is a follow-up on the morning lecture, "Preserving Native Plant Knowledge" but space is limited. $20 (Member) / $25 (Non-member) Ideal for adults and/or interested youth.   
 
RSVP required for each session. Space limited for afternoon session. RSVPs required to Jeff Cordulack @ Audubon Greenwich: 203-930-1349greenwichcenter@audubon.org
 
*****
 
 
NATURE PROGRAM FEES & INFO:
Unless indicated otherwise, programs are suitable for all ages Audubon Greenwich's public nature programs are $3/members or for $5/non-members. If you have any questions about the suitability of an event, call Jeff Cordulack at 203-613-8813.
 
 
HELPFUL LINKS:
*****
 
 
SAVE THE DATES:
Hawk Watch Weekend Festival & Green Bazaar
October 3 & 4, 2015
11 am - 5 pm ~ Rain or Shine
Enjoy this exciting two-day nature festival at Audubon's sanctuary in northern Greenwich - a celebration of the annual hawk migration passing overhead at Audubon Greenwich's "Quaker Ridge Hawk Watch". Enjoy live animal shows, nature-themed games, environmental exhibits, and visit and learn from a wide variety of eco-friendly vendors exhibiting on-site.
*****
 
 
 
 
 
        
* * * * *
 
 
The Audubon Greenwich mission is to engage and educate people to conserve, restore, and enjoy nature, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats. To learn more about Audubon Greenwich and our upcoming events and camp experiences, visit us online: http://greenwich.audubon.org
 
# # #
 
MESSAGE SENT BY:
Jeff Cordulack
Events & Communications Manager

Greenwich Point Volunteers Needed

Dear Open Space Activists,

 

Roz Brady is organizing a group of volunteers to prune vines (primarily porcelain berry) at Greenwich Point on Friday March 27 and Saturday March 28 from 10 AM to noon.  If you are itching to get outside and participate in a conservation project, here's an opportunity! Greenwich Point is a treasure in this community and Roz's group is working to protect the natural resources throughout the park.

 

If you would like to join the group, please contact Roz at fogppruners @gmail.com

 

We will be cutting invasive vines (Oriental bittersweet and porcelain berry) from some tress at Greenwich Point. Bring gloves and loppers (we have a few) and join us.
Some websites you might find helpful:
www.cipwg.uconn.edu
www.vinecutter.org

FREE Green Teacher's Webinars



Green Teacher's Webinars

Green Teacher's free 2015 webinar lineup is listed below. Each webinar is one hour and begins at 7:30 p.m. EST.

  • April 1: Building Resilience through Eco-Crafts (Presenter: Shelene Codner)
  • April 9: Invasive Species: Towards a Deeper Understanding (Presenters: Lisa Zinn and Jonathon Schramm)
  • April 16: Popping the Bubble Wrap for Child Health (Presenter: Mariana Brussoni)
  • April 23: Addressing Aquatic Invasives (Presenters: Melissa Doubek, Alice Holcomb, and Bob Thomson)
  • April 28: Promising Practices for School Food Gardens (Presenter: Sunday Harrison)

http://greenteacher.com/webinars

 

 

Susan Quincy

Environmental Educator Specialist

Coordinator Project Food, Land & People and Project WET

State Parks Public Outreach

Natural Resource and Recreation

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave, Derby CT  06418
P: 203-734-2513   susan.quincy@ct.gov

 

 

www.ct.gov/deep

 

Conserving, improving and protecting our natural resources and environment;

Ensuring a clean, affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy supply.

 

 

 


_______________________________________________
Connecticut Outdoor & Environmental Education Association

Monday, March 16, 2015

Rock to Rock Bike Art Project

Want to lead this project independently with your students or after school group, instructions here: http://ct.audubon.org/sites/default/files/documents/r2r_diy_art_instructions_0.pdf


Begin forwarded message:

From: "Blake, Katherine" <kblake@audubon.org>
Date: March 13, 2015 at 11:22:37 AM EDT

Mark your Calendars: March 28, 10am-2pm at East Rock School, 133 Nash St. New Haven. Audubon Connecticut​, Rock to Rock Earth Day Ride​, the devil's gear bike shop​ and Pedal People​ are hosting a bike art-making workshop. Come decorate your bike for the Rock to Rock ride in environmentally themed art to show New Haven you ride for the healthy cities and the organizations dedicated to making that happen! More details here: http://ct.audubon.org/sites/default/files/documents/r2r_art_workshop_flyer.pdf

 

A second bike-art making workshop will be held April 11, same time and location

 

Sample bike-art/bike pictured on right, more ideas here: https://www.pinterest.com/audubonctbfc/art/

 

What you will need:

·         Your bike (not necessary but is encouraged)

·         Recycled cardboard or plastic that you'd like to use in creating your bike art.

·         Bring any other materials you'd like to use (cloth, supplies, decorations etc.)

 

We will have:

·         Art supplies (paints, markers, scissors, tape etc.) will

be provided. There will be some cardboard and

plastic available also, but supplies are limited.

·         Local artists and bike enthusiasts will be available to

help at workshops

·         Refreshments and music to groove to!

 

For more information:

Contact Katie Blake, Bird-friendly Communities Coordinator at Audubon Connecticut at kblake@audubon.org

 

Other art happening this day:

Rock to Rock and Audubon Connecticut are building a 1,000 bird public art display that illustrates themes of how you can help create healthier environment for people and birds. Picture of plastic birds we are making on the right. We need YOUR help in making birds! Your art will become part of this public art display. Come see your art displayed with hundreds more at the Rock to Rock Earth Day Ride Green Fair on April 25 and at International Migratory Bird Day on May 9. Both events are being held in East Rock Park. Audubon Connecticut and the New Haven León Sister City Project are leading the art installation project.


Want to lead this project independently with your students or after school group, instructions here: http://ct.audubon.org/sites/default/files/documents/r2r_diy_art_instructions_0.pdf

 

 

 

Katherine Blake

Bird-Friendly Communities Coordinator

Audubon Connecticut

613 Riversville Rd.

Greenwich, CT 06831

 

kblake@audubon.org

203.930.1385(office) new!

413.214.2422 (cell)

http://ct.audubon.org/

 

_______________________________________________
Connecticut Outdoor &amp; Environmental Education Association

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Fwd: Greening Our Children 2015 - Young Green Innovator Award - Nominate one or several young green innovators making a difference!




We have had great response again this year from several schools from NYC area and we were hoping to engage a few local schools as well.

Greening Our Children is proud to announce The Young Green Innovator Award.

Sponsored by Greening Our Children to identify and recognize

young people creating innovative solutions to environmental challenges.

 

Detailed NOMINATION SHEET ATTACHED 

Please submit nominations by Monday March 23, 2015

 

www.greeningourchildren.net 

 

Winners will showcase their solutions to the Greening Our Children audience on or before May 1, 2015

 

Thank you for your nominations!

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Anti-Idling Campaign

To reduce idling at school, OGS has posted signs along Sound Beach Avenue and our side drop off area.  The signs were created through eSigns.  An order of large quantity will reduce the cost, so several interested schools could band together.  Green Schools can provide you with the images.

Here's the blurb from the school newsletter:

Turn The Key, Be Idle Free!
Have you noticed the signs posted along Sound Beach Avenue and near the gym doors as a reminder to turn off your vehicle while you wait?  Idling vehicles contribute to air pollution and emit air toxins known or suspected to cause serious health problems.  Because of their developing lungs and higher breathing rates, children are at increased risk for developing respiratory problems.  Reducing idling can reduce air pollution and children's exposure to toxic vehicle exhaust. And it's the law: Connecticut prohibits vehicles from unnecessary idling for more than 3 minutes!




Markers into Energy: Crayola ColorCycle


OGS just started a used marker collection in its art room and will be collecting at a family screening of Wall-E in March.  The markers (all brands) will be sent to a facility where they will be converted into fuel, which can be used to power vehicles, heat homes and more.  The OGS art teacher is promoting the program by showing a brief video clip (~1 min, found on the ColorCycle site), and parents have been informed of the program in the school newsletter (see the blurb below).  If your school is interested, check out the Crayola site & the info below.  It's educational, simple & free - easy peasy!

Turn Markers into Energy at OGS!
Did you know that markers cannot be recycled and hundreds of tons are sent to landfill? Now there is a way to turn used markers into energy to power vehicles and heat homes while reducing our plastic waste! Through the Crayola ColorCycle program, used markers, including dry erase markers and highlighters, are collected and repurposed at a conversion center where they are transformed into clean-burning fuel. A marker collection box will be located in the OGS Art Room for the remainder of the school year. There will also be a collection for the OGS community in March (details to be announced). Start saving your used markers to donate!



ColorCycleItHeader


4 Easy Steps to an Eco-Cool School!

Participating in ColorCycle with your school is as easy as 1-2-3-4!
Step 1

Engage & Educate

Inform your school administrators or PTO about participating in the ColorCycle program.
Step 2

Collect & Count

Set up a collection station in your school for used markers. Count up all the markers.

Step 3

Pack & Print

Pack markers in a cardboard box (with minimal outer markings). Print out a shipping label.
Step 4

Ship & Smile

FedEx Ground will pick up the markers — Crayola pays all shipping charges! Finally, smile - you just 


Farm to School with Mike's Organic Delivery!


At our last meeting Green Schools was very fortunate to welcome Patricia Allen, Parkway School Principal, and Mike Geller from Mike's Organic Delivery. Mike shared some information about the farm to school co-op program he currently runs with Parkway and is open to all area schools. Please see below for more details, and let Mike know asap if your school is interested in participating. The package will run 7 weeks from February 23-April 6, but he is flexible on the timing.

WHO WE ARE
Mike’s Organic Delivery is a home delivery service bringing farm fresh, organic produce straight from small, local farms to you!
We work with 15 different local farms and deliver: Fruits, Veggies, Pasture Raised Meats, Wild Fish, Cheese, Eggs, Pasta and more. We have also partnered with a small Certified Organic Citrus Farm in California and Native American Tribe in Alaska for Wild Fish!
Each week we include Recipe Suggestions, Storage Tips and a Picture of all your items to help you identify everything.
NO Antibiotics. NO Hormones. No Carcinogenic Sprays.
YES Clean Food! YES Small Farmers! YES Local!
We are committed to being a part of our community (we grew up in town and went to school here) and arranging co-ops for local schools is one of the most enjoyable ways for us share the amazing food from our Farm Partners with our town...It’s amazing what children eat when they know it’s from a “real” farmer!
HOW IT WORKS
1.    7 Week Packages will run weeks of Feb 23-Apr 6
2.    We create a special link for your school on our website
3.    We come in to tell people about the program and answer any questions
4.    You let everyone know about the program
5.    Parents/Teachers sign up on the website and receive a $25 discount
6.    We deliver all of your delicious goodies to school during drop off or pick up time each week.
You can choose 7 Week Packages starting with the Mixed Fruit and Veggie Basket, or include: Eggs, Pasture Raised Meats, Wild Fish, Organic Pasta and Grass Fed Cheeses. There is also an option to add extra fruit (big with the kids)!
Your Produce Basket will feature produce such as:
Apples, Oranges, Tangerines, Grapefruit, Avocados, Broccoli, Mushrooms, Micro-greens, Salad Greens, Fresh Herbs, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Garlic, Carrots, Beets, Kale, Spinach, Arugula, Swiss Chard, and much more!
Every week there will be 9-10 items in the basket and these will change every week depending upon what they are picking for us at the farm.
If you choose a package that contains meat, the variety will include: Pasture Raised Chicken, Pasture Raised Beef, Pasture Raised Lamb, Pasture Raised Pork and Wild Fish
FAQ-
- What is the cost of the program?
Packages start at $399 for the 7 Week Program plus a $25 discount (which removes delivery fee and one time crate fee). The baskets are suitable for a family of 4 for the week depending upon eating habits.
- What is required of the school?
If parents do not pick up their basket and there is a place to leave it for them at school that always helps, but if not we can work it out. We handle the rest!
- What if I don’t like certain items in my basket?
We can modify the basket and omit certain items and give more of others.
- What if I don’t eat certain kinds of meat?
We can modify the meat selection to fit your family’s needs.
- Can I split my basket with someone at school?
Absolutely! You will be responsible for handling how to split the produce, but lots of folks share!
Please check out our website www.mikesorganicdelivery.com or email mike@mikesorganicdelivery.com or call 203-832-3000 with any questions.
We will create a special link for your School and follow up with ordering instructions for parents once we set your school up as a location.
We look forward to bringing delicious, healthy produce to your school!

Friday, January 30, 2015

March 8 workshop| Microgreens All Year Long!

"I thought you might be interested in this class we are organizing at my Community Garden.   If you know anyone who might be interested, feel free to forward it on.    I've been eating their microgreens this year, and it's the only ones my daughter will eat now.  Yes, they are that good." Green Schools Rep, Rosalia


Come learn how easy it is 
to grow whole garden of flavor!
Indoors! All year long! 
No special equipment needed!


Indoor Flavor Gardens: Growing Microgreens 

Yes, our very popular class is back and we still have space!

Proceeds go to Greenwich Community Gardens and Abilis, 
so please know that your tuition helps both organizations.

Students will receive a Microgreens Growing Guide and Microgreen Seeds.

Saturday, March 7, 2015 10:00 am

Please see flyer attached and RSVP to:




Happy Gardening,
Patty Sechi
Greenwich Community Gardens, President & Founder

"I can think of no better form of personal involvement in the cure of the environment than that of gardening."  Wendell Berry

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

January 25 | BAGELS & BIRDS @ Audubon. RSVP required & space limited ~ so tell your friends ASAP



 
Audubon Greenwich Nature Programs & Special Events
Saturday, January 25 – Sunday, February 22
 
BAGELS & BIRDS OF PREY
A Family Breakfast & Wildlife Show
THIS SUNDAY (January 25 from 9:30-11:00 am)
Join us for a special Audubon Greenwich event featuring live birds of prey in Audubon's Kimberlin Nature Education Center! See live hawks, falcons, owls - up close and personal - in a fun setting, suitable for all ages!  Ideal for families with children interested in wildlife! All ages welcome. $10 per person. Space limited. Please RSVP to Jeff at 203-869-5272 x349. EVENT WEBSITE: http://greenwich.audubon.org/events/jan-25-family-breakfast-wildlife-show
*****
 
 
Saturday, February 7
Hudson River EagleFest (in Croton-On-Hudson, New York)
9:00 am-4:00 pm
A very exciting way to see live eagles in their winter habitat. For details visit www.teatown.org or call (914) 762-2912. (Snow Date: Feb. 8.)
*****
 
 
Wednesday February 4
FILM EVENT:
"Pelican Dreams" @ The Avon Theatre (Stamford)
7:30-9:00 pm
This documentary follows a wayward, starving California brown pelican from her "arrest" on the Golden Gate Bridge into care at a wildlife
rehabilitation facility, and from there explores pelican nesting grounds, Pacific coast migration and survival challenges. Following the film,
Audubon Naturalist Ted Gilman will discuss waterbirds and ways Audubon is working to conserve birds in Important Bird Areas across Connecticut. Avon or Audubon Members: $6 or $11 otherwise.  Purchase online: www.avontheatre.org  or call 203-967-3660, x2 for tickets.
*****
 
 
Sunday, February 8
2nd Sunday Hike
9:30-11:00 am
A regularly scheduled guided hike on the second Sunday of every month. Hiking groups meet before 9:30 am in the Audubon Greenwich parking lot.
For hike location and degree of difficulty, contact Jeff at 203-613-8813.  Free for members & $5 otherwise. RSVP required: greenwichcenter@audubon.org.
*****
 
 
Sunday, February 22
Coyotes & Foxes…Oh My!
1:00-2:30 pm
Eastern coyotes and red foxes play important ecological roles and have become more common in our region. Frank Vincenti, founder of The Wild Dog Foundation, will explain how people and predators can live in harmony. Chris Nagy, Director Research & Land Management, for the Mianus River Gorge Preserve will discuss coyote biology and the unique Gotham Coyote Project. Q&A will follow. Proceeds directly benefit Audubon's local conservation initiatives. $10/adult. $5/child. Ages 7 & up suggested. RSVP to Jeff at 203-869-5272 x349.
*****
 
 
ABOUT AUDUBON MEMBERSHIP:
Audubon Greenwich family membership start at only $35 per year/family. Sign up today! Visit the Audubon Greenwich website to learn about all the membership benefits.
*****
 
 
Shop to Support Audubon Greenwich. Visit the shop for bird seed, coffee, gifts & more! You are sure to find something for yourself and the perfect gifts for any occasion.
cid:image002.jpg@01D0155F.B3A29F00
Audubon Greenwich's Nature Store & Gift Shop
Our shelves are stocked with many new items in addition to:
·  Fun and educational children's nature toys, games and puppets
·  The best in birdfeeders and bird feeding accessories
·  A wide selection of nature books for adults and children
·  Quality binoculars and spotting scopes and optic accessories
·  Sturdy bird houses, designed to suit particular species
·  Fresh, high-quality bird seed and feeding supplies
·  Locally produced honey
 
GUIDED TOUR GIFT CERTIFICATES
Experience nature in new ways with a professional Audubon guide
Give the gift of nature this holiday season! Purchase a gift certificate for a personalized tour of our 285-acre sanctuary or other natural areas in the region. These unique experiences are customized to your interests and guaranteed to uncover natural wonders you've never experienced before. 1.5 hour tours for up to ten guests, starting at $150, can be scheduled any time of year. To reserve a gift certificate today, call 203-869-5272 ext. 351 or email: greenwichcenter@audubon.org.
*****
 
MUSEUM-QUALITY ART PRINTS BY OPPENHEIMER
ABOUT AUDUBON MEMBERSHIP: Audubon Greenwich family membership starts at $35 per year. Please visit our Greenwich website to learn about all the membership benefits.
*****
 Audubon Greenwich | 613 Riversville Road | Greenwich, CT 06831
 
RSVP HOTLINE: (203) 930-1349
 
The Audubon Greenwich mission is to engage and educate people to conserve, restore, and enjoy nature, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats. To learn more about Audubon Greenwich and our upcoming events and camp experiences, visit us online: http://greenwich.audubon.org
 
# # #
 
MESSAGE SENT BY:
Jeff Cordulack
Events & Communications Manager
203-613-8813


__,_._,___