Fwd: Stand Up for Toxic Free Kids! | Please circulate!

grassroots call to action from Clean Water Action.org.  Thanks for sharing, Kristina!

Date: February 11, 2014 at 5:43:25 PM EST
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Subject: FW: Stand Up for Toxic Free Kids!

Hi All,

I apologize if you've received this previously.  We are working on updating our lists.  If you haven't yet, I would appreciate it if you would kindly click and send this to your legislators and then forward on to your friends and colleagues.  I am extremely grateful for your help.   We need to get this passed by May 9th and it will only succeed if we mobilize a huge amount of grassroots support. 

 

Thank you.

 

Best,

Anne 

 

Coalition for a Safe & Healthy Connecticut Working Together to Protect Our Health Dear Friend, Are you concerned about all the reports on toxic chemicals in products that could be harmful to children?  Tell your legislators to pass House Bill 5036, An Act Concerning Children’s Products and Chemicals of High Concern, this year! - click here! Did you know that of the 84,000 chemicals in consumer products we use every day, only about 200 have been safety tested and of those, 5 have been regulated?  There is growing consensus that exposure to toxic chemicals in consumer products is strongly linked to the following: 20% increase in childhood brain cancer and leukemia since the 1970’s the significant rise in autism spectrum disorder and other learning and behavioral disorders increases in adult cancers of the breast, prostate, liver, thyroid and kidney and cancer is now the 2nd leading cause of death for people under the age of 20! reproductive disorders and infertility asthma We know that exposure to toxic chemicals begins in the womb and babies in the U.S. are born with an average of over 200 toxic chemicals including carcinogens, neurotoxins and chemicals that disrupt our hormone system! Tell your legislators that this is important to you! Urge them to continue Connecticut’s leadership and support more health protective policies for the sake of our kids. Take action by sending them an email now! Click here to send an email to your legislators. Even better, personalize the email to let them know why this issue is so important to you! Thank you for acting today! Sincerely, Anne and Susan Connect to us in other ways

What is the Great backyard bird count?

Your observations will aid ornithological researchers at the Laboratory of Ornithology at Cornell University who are learning where birds spend their winter and how their home ranges change overtime.  You can join this annual citizen science effort with local experts at Audubon.  All ages welcome!

Audubon Greenwich Nature Programs & Special Events:

Tuesday, February 11 ~ Saturday, February 22

SCHOOL VACATION ~ WINTER EXPLORATION DAYS:

February 11/12/18/19 ~ 9:30 am - 3:30 pm

SKIP THE VIDEO GAMES & SEND THEM TO AUDUBON! Audubon Greenwich is the solution to the winter vacation blues! Sign your child up 1 or 2 days of fun during the school vacation. Explore the season with us as we have fun learning how animals and plants survive New England's harsh winter conditions. Just pack some snacks, lunch, and winter gear. The Audubon experts will take it from there. Open to all children in Grades K-6. SPACE LIMITED & ADVANCE RSVPs ARE REQUIRED. To register, print an application from the Audubon Greenwich website and send by email or FAX to the attention of JAMES FLYNN at jflynn@audubon.org or 203-869-5272 x224.  NATURE EXPLORATION DAYS WEBSITE: http://ow.ly/sSny6. See website for all the details and registration forms.

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The Annual 'Great Backyard Bird Count' (GBBC)

February 14 to Feb. 17, 2014

Join Audubon Greenwich birding experts for one of these wonderful birding programs in Greenwich: Feb. 14 @ Grass Island Park or Feb. 15 @ Audubon Greenwich.  Audubon is a proud participant in this unique, citizen-led scientific bird count happening in yards and neighborhood across the nation each year. The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) results are reported online to the Laboratory of Ornithology at Cornell University and will aid ornithological researchers who are learning where birds spend their winter and how their home ranges change overtime.

 

Friday, February 14 

The GBBC @ Grass Island Park (near downtown Greenwich)

1:00-2:00 pm

Grab your valentine or some budding naturalists meet Audubon downtown when we survey the open waters, shores, lawns, brushy areas and woodlots for resident winter birds. The list we prepare will be reported to Cornell. Univ.  Meet Ted Gilman in the Grass Island parking area by 1:00 pm. All ages welcome. RSVP required to Ted 203-869-5272 x230. Bring binoculars or borrow a pair from us.  Grass Island Park is near downtown Greenwich and easily reached by Exit 3 off of I-95. The site is also easy to reach from the Greenwich train station (Metro-North line.) DIRECTIONS: Follow Horseneck Lane to Shore Road. Follow Shore Road and turn into Grass Island Park on your left.

 

… &/OR …

 

Saturday, February 15

The GBBC @ Audubon Greenwich (in northwest Greenwich)

1:00-2:00 pm

Join Audubon senior naturalist Ted Gilman when he checks who is coming to the sanctuary's bird feeders. Then, take a short walk on the trails to identify and count birds in the field. Afterwards, return to the Center to sip hot chocolate and report the GBBC bird sightings online to Cornell Univ. All ages welcome. RSVP required to Ted 203-869-5272 x230. Bring binoculars or borrow a pair from us. 

 

BIRDING RESOURCES ONLINE:

• For GBBC details, explore birdcount.org
• For bird ID guides and a world of bird facts, visit birds.cornell.edu
• To record your bird sightings on any day of the year, join ebird.org

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EARLY BIRD "SUMMER NATURE DAY CAMP" REGISTRATION ~ FEB. 1~28 ONLY

February 1-28, 2014 only!  10% discount off each week of camp enrollment. One-week Summer Camps June 30-August 15.  Each week brings exciting new themes to lead campers on their adventures. Ideal for children entering grades K-9.  Grades 6-9 campers enjoy off-site field trips!    Early Bird Registration! Sign Up & Save ~Regular camp rates begin March. See website for all the details.

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Saturday, February 22

TRIP: Read Sanctuary & Marshlands (Rye, NY)

8:00 am-12:00 noon

Visit with us as we survey these great sanctuaries for over-wintering ducks, herons, hawks, shorebirds, and others. Meet there or ride from Audubon via van/carpool. Bundle up and bring binoculars. Or borrow a pair of binoculars from us. Ages 8 & up. $5 per person. RSVP required to Ted 203-869-5272 x230.

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NATURE PROGRAM FEES (unless otherwise indicated):

MEMBERS:  $3/adult and $1.50 for children & seniors

FUTURE MEMBERS:  $5/adult and $3 for children & seniors

 

ABOUT AUDUBON MEMBERSHIP: Audubon family membership starts at $35 per year. Please visit our Greenwich website to learn about all the membership benefits.

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VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT ~ "GUIDED TOUR" GIFT CERTIFICATES

Instead of a Ted Talk... do a Ted Walk! 

Give the gift of nature this holiday season! Audubon Greenwich has a new holiday gift offering: you can purchase a gift certificate for a personalized tour of the Audubon sanctuary in Greenwich led by Senior Naturalist, Ted Gilman. The tour may be scheduled any time of year, and up to ten guests will have the chance to explore the enchanted treasures of this 285-acre preserve, to woodlands, wildflower meadows, lake, streams or vernal pools. The tour can be customized to meet your individual natural history interests, and with Ted's encyclopedic knowledge, you are guaranteed to discover some hidden natural wonders that you've never experienced before. One and a half hour tour certificates are $150. To order your tour gift certificate in time for VALENTINE'S DAY, contact Michelle Frankel at 203-869-5272 x226 or by email: mfrankel@audubon.org or stop in the Nature Store for other wonderful gift ideas.

 

  

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NOTE ON HOURS:  While the Audubon Greenwich Nature Store is closed on Mondays, welcome center's lobby, restrooms, and offices are open.  For updates on center and store hours, please visit the website for the Kimberlin Nature Education Center.

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# # #

 

Audubon Greenwich

613 Riversville Road

Greenwich, CT 06831

 

 

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

jcordulack@audubon.org

203-869-5272 x239

203-613-8813 (cell)

 

__._,_.___

---Information about group programs, contact the Events & Communications Manager at 203 869-272 x239 / greenwichcenter@audubon.org

__,_._,___

future wildlife center at the Red Barn at Mianus River Park

I spoke with Heather Bernatchez of the Wildlife Center of Fairfield County this afternoon regarding the future wildlife center at the Red Barn at Mianus River Park on Merriebrook Lane.  They just signed a 20 year lease with the city of Stamford and are raising $5 million to renovate the building and for an operating budget for the first 3 years.   The city of Stamford is giving $150,000 but the rest will be through private donations.  Their mission is twofold: 1) Care & rehabilitation of injured and orphaned native wildlife 2) Educate the public through their Backyard Basics program promoting understanding, compassion and coexistence in our shared community.

We can help by spreading the word and maybe some of our reps would be interested in helping out in the project. 

More details here :  http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/Mianus-River-Park-to-host-wildlife-center-3625896.php

Thanks for sharing, Julie!

Fwd: Reach For The Stars!

ASTRONOMY FAMILY DAY - SUNDAY FEBRUARY 9, 1 - 4 PM Activities and crafts for everyone focusing on the stars and planets! STARLAB Planetarium will run continuous shows throughout the day featuring our local skies.  Members of the Astronomical Society will be on hand to show off telescopes and share information about the Bowman Observatory.  All activities are inclusive, suitable for children five years and up, and are free with Museum admission!   Co-sponsored by the Astronomical Society of Greenwich   Connecticut Ceramics Study Circle Lecture Monday February 10 - 1:15 pm      Christopher Dresser's 19th Century Modern Ceramics; a Global Perspective    Cheryl Robinson, author and researcher of American and Asian ceramics will lecture.  Tea reception to follow.  CCSC members free, non-members $20.  For information: 203-966-9291, 914-636-0617 or email:  rsvp@ctceramicscircle.org    School Vacation Workshops: Creatures of the Night! Tuesday - Friday, February 11, 12, 13, 14 10:30 - 11:30 am A series of hands-on workshops for students in grades 1 - 3, who will explore exhibition In The Dark: Animal Survival Strategies and then work on related projects. Tuesday: Bats are Furry Flyers Wednesday: Owl Nightlights Thursday: Glowing Fireflies Friday: Nighttime Animal  Eyes Each workshop is a complete program, but the four projects are complementary. These inclusive workshops are suitable for students of all abilities.  Members $5, non-members $7, per child, includes all materials. Reservations are required by calling the Museum at 203-869-0376 or emailing child's name and requested date(s) to info@brucemuseum.org.        Click to Find Out What Else Is New and On View at the Bruce Museum

Pass this Along! Bruce Museum | One Museum Drive | Greenwich | CT | 06830-7157

Calling all Middle School Students...Enter the Climate Change In Focus Video Challenge!

Calling all Middle School Students…Enter the Climate Change In

            Focus Video Challenge!



 The Environmental Protection Agency and the National Environmental
 Education Foundation have launched a new video contest that asks
 middle school students to produce a short video about why they care
 about climate change and what they are doing about it.   Winning
 videos will be highlighted on the EPA website and the top 3 entries
 will receive cool prizes like a solar charging backpack. The first 100
 contestants to enter will also receive a year’s subscription to
 National Geographic Kids Magazine. The deadline for submissions is
 March 10.   Visit the challenge website at
 http://epa.gov/climatestudents/contest.html for all the details.


 This email was sent using
 GovDelivery, on behalf of: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · 1200
 Pennsylvania Avenue NW · Washington DC 20460 · 202-564-4355

No Child Left Inside Winter Festival

No Child Left Inside® Winter Festival Saturday, February 1, 2014  10 AM - 3 PM  Burr Pond State Park 384 Mountain Rd., Torrington, CT FREE! No registration required Ice-fishing, snowshoeing, ice safety, search and rescue demonstrations, hikes, horses, games, bonfire and more!! Boy Scouts selling hot dogs, chips, hot chocolate and other beverages.  Ice-fishing equipment and snowshoes can be borrowed.  Bring your own skates. Dress for the cold weather.  For more information contact: Diane Joy (860) 424-3973 diane.joy@ct.gov

Forward this email CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection | 79 Elm Street | Hartford | CT | 0610 6

Environment Action Research shows...

> "How many Americans are using environmental information to make everyday decisions?"
> The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) commissioned a groundbreaking national study to measure environmental behavior and attitudes. The results provide NEEF a baseline for its vision that by 2022, 300 million Americans actively use environmental knowledge to ensure the well-being of the earth and its people.
> Survey highlights include:
>
> * Six out of ten American adults take some sort of action when learning about the environmental issues facing the world
> * 61% of adults visited a park or nature center in the last 12 months.
> * 52% of adults consider zoos, nature centers and parks as trustworthy sources for environmental problems and issues.
> * 77% of adults turn the lights off when leaving a room.
> * 9% of adults compost.
> * 59% of adults consider an environmentally conscious lifestyle a lot of work.
> The research surveyed 1,500 individuals between 18 and 74 years of age with demographics in balance with the U.S. Census.
> For more information about NEEF and this survey, please visit http://neefusa.org [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wg4h-xsAFsOW5iI2lJRz7ZCucGOJvXF8deOivwG0KhOGb1ZRO9m0K-v-Fcku9wYVEOUDqfICUsbhYuLGH76UGorgx-IohRSLmWfHlbqrsh06LFY_5ffrOQ==].
> Stay tuned for more data.
> NEEF is the nation's leading organization in lifelong environmental learning, connecting people to knowledge they use to improve the quality of their lives and the health of the planet. Follow NEEF on Facebook & Twitter @neefusa.
>
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> National Environmental Education Foundation | 4301 Connecticut Avenue, NW | Suite 160 | Washington | DC | 20008
>
> _______________________________________________
> Connecticut Outdoor & Environmental Education Association