WED. EVE: FEATHERS: "Birds are more colorful than they look!" with award-winning ornithologist

Audubon Greenwich proudly presents …

 

Birds Are More Colorful Than They Look

With esteemed ornithologist, Bob Montgomerie, PhD from the Queen's University in Ontario, Canada

 

This Wednesday, January 15, 2014

6:00-8:30 pm (6:00 pm wine & cheese reception; 7:15 pm presentation)

 

Bob Montgomerie received his PhD at McGill University, followed by a 10-year research fellowship at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, where he is now Professor and Research Chair in Evolutionary Biology. In 2010 he received the American Ornithologists' Union's Elliott Coues Award, which "recognizes extraordinary contributions to ornithological research." The citation for his award reads, in part: "Bob Montgomerie is a Canadian behavioral ecologist, best known for his wide-ranging studies of sexual selection and parental care in birds. His research program is noteworthy both for the broad diversity of species and topics in which he and his students have made important contributions and for his creative insights and questions. He is widely recognized as a leader in the study of plumage color, and here, too, he has studied a wide variety of species. The overarching theme is to understand plumage evolution in a broad ecological and life-history context. He is a Fellow of the AOU and has received numerous awards for both research and graduate teaching."

 

Prof. Montgomerie writes of his talk, "Recent technological advances have allowed us to measure accurately the colors that birds display, and to estimate what they see when they look at each other. The surprise is that they are much more colorful than they look to us, and that they can detect subtle differences in coloration that are invisible to us. Over the past 20 year my research group has studied the colors and displays of fairywrens and bowerbirds in Australia, ptarmigan and buntings in the high arctic, robins, swallows and goldfinches in Ontario, and feral peafowl in LA, NY and Toronto. I will use these studies to address what I think are some fascinating questions about the evolution of bird colors.

• Why are they so colorful?
• What do they look like to each other?
• Why are some colors so common and others so rare?
• How does the color of their plumage influence mating and social interactions?
• Why are females of some species so brightly colored?
• How do they use ambient light to enhance their colorful displays?
• Why do so many species lay colorful eggs?"

 

EVENT WEBSITE: http://greenwich.audubon.org/events/birds-are-more-colorful-they-look-bob-montgomerie-phd

 

Please RSVP to Jeff at x239 or greenwichcenter@audubon.org The evening will begin at 6 PM with a reception for Mr. Montgomerie. His presentation will start at 7:15 pm.

Suggested donations of $5-10 will be collected at the door and will directly support Audubon's conservation mission.

 

 

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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS ~ THE LINNAEAN SOCIETY OF NEW YORK:

This event was made possible only through the generous support of The Linnaean Society of New York and Jeff Nulley, the president. This active natural history club in Manhattan has a unique history and their programs are unparalleled for any naturalist who has landed in the midst of NYC.

 

A LITTLE LINNAEAN SOCIETY HISTORY: In 1878, a group of amateur naturalists (including H.P. Bailey, E.P. Bicknell, Ernest Ingersoll, C. Hart Merriam and John Burroughs) met to organize a natural history society. They named the society after the famed 18th C. Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778). For over 100 years, The Linnaean Society of New York (LSNY) has served interested amateurs and professional scientists alike. Our public lectures, meetings and membership are open to persons with an active interest in ornithology, natural science and conservation. The Society's programs and field trips offer opportunities for learning and enjoyment. The Society regularly publishes a News-Letter, containing articles, trip reports, book reviews, announcements and other items of interest.  http://linnaeannewyork.org

 

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Jeff Cordulack

Events & Communications Manager

jcordulack@audubon.org

203-869-5272 x239

203-613-8813 (cell)

 

Audubon Greenwich

613 RIversville Road

Greenwich, CT 06831

http://greenwich.audubon.org

 

 

Cycles through the Garden: Workshop for teachers and partners

PROFFESIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP FOR EDUCATORS

GRADE LEVEL K- 10

Cycles through the Garden

January 24, 2014

9:00 am – 2:30pm

Earthplace

10 Woodside Ln,

Westport, CT 06880

A hands on educational workshop using Project Food, Land & People, FLP, educational curriculum.  Join us for an illustrated use of integrated teaching for science, math and language arts that apply to grades K-12 using school gardens or outdoor teaching spaces.

This workshop will provide educators with a variety of resources and activities o help expand the use of school gardens beyond growing of plants and food.  We will look at how school gardens can introduce topics of nutrition, social studies and science to help bring awareness of how are needs are provided for through use of natural resources and how to use them wisely.

Cycles to be covered:  Water, Nutrient and Soil, Lifecycles and Recycling

Educational Standards to be addressed:

• Common Core Math 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3
• Common Core Language Arts: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3
• State Science  2.3.a., 2.3.b  3.2.a.4.3.a.5.3.a.6.2.b, 6.4 8.1.a., 8.1.b., 8.1.c. 9.5., 9.6., 9.910.5., 10.6

Registration is required.  Please contact donna.kingston@ct.gov for a registration form.  Fee for the workshop is 40.00, (Green LEAF School discount- 30.00) and includes FLP Resources for Learning CD with 55 activities ready for classroom use.  Materials are correlated to the Common Core and Current Science Standards.

 

 

 

 

Susan Quincy
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

Kellogg Environmental Center
500 Hawthorne Ave.
Derby, CT  06418
203-734-2513
FAX  203-922-7833

susan.quincy@ct.gov

www.ct.gov/dep

 

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Ct-green-leaf-list mailing list

GHS grad talks about work with Rhinos | Jan 25

Meet an amazing GHS graduate doing research in wildlife management!

 

[Attachment(s) from Cordulack, Jeffrey included below]

Audubon Greenwich proudly presents …

The Plight of the Rhino in Africa

A special presentation by Axel Hunnicutt, a Greenwich native currently conducting postgraduate research on Rhinos at the Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa.

 

January 25, 2014 from 3:00-4:00 pm at Audubon Greenwich

 

The rhinoceros is one of the world's most iconic creatures. However, now the feature that makes this animal so distinct is the cause of its demise.   In 2013 more rhinos were poached for their horns than any other year prior in the last century.  This talk will discuss the current situation of the 5 remaining species of rhino in the world, the reasons for the poaching situation, and what is being done and possible solutions to preserving the rhino. 

 

Axel Hunnicutt is a Greenwich native who grew up in Glenville, graduated Greenwich High School in 2008, is an Eagle Scout, and has volunteered at the Round Hill Volunteer Fire Company for many years. He has studied wildlife biology at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, graduated from the UCONN with a Bachelor of Science in ecology and evolutionary biology, and in 2012 went to work studying grizzly bears in southern Canada. More recently, he earned a Bachelor's of Science Honours Degree in Wildlife Management at the University of Pretoria in South Africa  and has been studying the Suni, an endangered antelope and the spotted hyena.

 

When asked about rhino conservation, Axel said, "While working in government and privately-owned protected reservations, I have witnessed the atrocious and gruesome work of poachers. Of the many species under pressure these days, the situation facing rhinos is worse than ever before." Since 2006 illegal poaching of Africa's rhinos for their horns has increased exponentially and now rhino populations are seriously threatened.  In the last 6 years poaching has increased by 5000% and continues to climb as horns used in Asian traditional medicine are now worth more than gold. The illegal and inhumane slaughter of rhinos across Africa has been called the worst conservation crisis of the century.

 

While the majority of rhino species in Asia are at the brink extinct, Africa's two rhino species linger at a crossroads. Over the last century the range of the two African rhino species has been dwindled to fewer and fewer countries.  Today South Africa remains the rhino's stronghold containing 90% of all rhinos in Africa and 73% of the world's rhino.  As a result South Africa has become a battleground for the last stand of the rhino with international organizations, governments, and military forces becoming involved. For additional information about rhino conservation, Mr. Hunnicutt suggests:

• www.stoprhinopoaching.com
• www.projectrhinokzn.org
• www.wwf.org.za/what_we_do/rhino_programme

 

All ages. Suggested Donation: $5. Please RSVP to greenwichcenter@audubon.org or leave a voicemail with the number of people at 203-869-5272 x239.  The presentation is in Audubon Greenwich's Kiernan Hall & Oppenheimer Gallery. 613 Riversville Road, Greenwich, CT 06831.

 

NATURE STORE BONUS: All guests receive 10% off in Audubon Greenwich's Nature Store before or after the program. So stop in the store for a new bird feeder, local honey, bird-friendly coffee, or a guide to trails in the Greenwich and surrounding area. Discount applies to regularly priced items and excludes seed or other items that are deemed un-discountable by the store manager.

 

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Audubon Greenwich

613 RIversville Road

Greenwich, CT 06831

http://greenwich.audubon.org

 

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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.

Forward this email This email was sent to info@greencupchallenge.net by kperry@greenschoolsalliance.org |   Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Green Schools Alliance | 125 Garden St. | Farmington | CT | 06032

_______________________________________________
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.