Wednesday, February 4, 2015

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 a 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


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Monday, January 12, 2015

Farm to school free webinars




Begin forwarded message:

 

Outdoor Classroom Management

January 15, 4 p.m. EST - Hosted by edWeb

Along with abundant opportunities for learning and fun, outdoor classrooms come with a unique set of challenges, particularly in relation to classroom management. How do I focus students' attention on the lesson when the squirrels are dropping walnuts from the tree? How do I convince 30 students that the garden is a learning environment and not a space for extra recess time? Whitney Cohen, Life Lab's Education Director, will use stories, photos and discussion to share tried-and-true tips for managing large groups of students in an outdoor environment.

 

Telling your story: Share your success with the media, the community and funders

February 10, 1 p.m. EST

Your school garden is growing, your lunch line is local, and your community's health and economy are improving thanks to farm to school. But if you don't learn how to tell your story in a concise, compelling way, interest in your program could stagnate. Maintain momentum for farm to school within your community through media relations, funder outreach and community partners with persuasive success stories. The National Farm to School Network's communications staff, Chelsey Simpson and Stacey Malstrom, will offer simple best-practices and easy tips for sharing your story and finding your audience. The 20-minute presentation will be followed by a Q&A session.

 

Making change: How you can support farm to school policy this spring

March 10, 1 p.m. EST

Although the Child Nutrition Act (known as CNR) isn't set to expire until September 30, the action in D.C. is happening now, and we need your help. Join us to learn how farm to school legislation is progressing as part of CNR and what you can do to help make sure farm to school gets the support it needs from Congress! We will cover actions that anyone can take to join the effort and become an effective advocate for farm to school. The 20-minute presentation will be followed by a Q&A session.

 

Susan Quincy

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

Outdoor Recreation/ State Parks

Public Outreach

Kellogg Environmental Center

Environmental Educator, Coordinator of Project WET and Project Food, Land, & People

500 Hawthorne Ave.

Derby, Ct  06418

P: 203.734.2513|F: 203.922.7833 |Email  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
Address for Posting to the Listserv: COEEA@list.terc.edu
Manage Your Listserv Subscription Options: https://list.terc.edu/mailman/listinfo/coeea
Questions: webmaster@coeea.org

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

This weekend | Citizen Science bird Count

WINTER 2014-2015 NATURE PROGRAM CALENDAR

(click above for PDF calendar)

 

Birds & Citizen Science For All

This Saturday, December 13

Learn how to identify and count birds for 'Citizen Science' projects like the National Audubon Society's local Christmas Bird Count (CBC) the next day, the Great Backyard Bird Count (Feb. 13-16), or Project FeederWatch (ongoing in winter). For either class, RSVPs are required.

 

ADULTS: Winter Birding for Adults

10:30 am-12:00 noon

An adult-friendly presentation about winter birds and how to submit your observations for the benefit of science. This includes identification practice at bird feeders and a short bird walk outdoors. RSVPs required to Ted: 203-930-1353 or tgilman@audubon.org. Programs: $3/members; $5/non-members and suitable for all ages, unless otherwise indicated

 

ALL AGES: Bird Watching 101 & CBC Practice

1:30-2:30 pm

Learn facts about winter birds, best feeding practices, and how to count birds in your backyard and give scientists your data! So grab the kids to learn about what can be done at home. RSVPs required to Ted: 203-930-1353 or tgilman@audubon.org. Programs: $3/members; $5/non-members and suitable for all ages, unless otherwise indicated

*****

 

 

Sunday, Dec. 14

Second Sunday Hike

9:30am-11am

A great way to learn the Audubon Greenwich trails and a bit of natural history, too ~ every 2nd Sunday of the month! Simply send a quick RSVP, grab your walking shoes, and hit the trails for Sunday morning hiking fun! Free for members. $5 otherwise. Ages 7 & up suggested. RSVP required. RSVP to: greenwichcenter@audubon.org or 203-869-5272 ext. 349.

*****

 

 

Sunday, Dec. 14

Audubon's Christmas Bird Count

Since the Christmas Bird Count's birth on Christmas Day of 1900 with 27 observers at 25 locations across Canada and the United States the Count has grown to include well over 63,000 counters at more than 2200 locations each year from above the Arctic Circle to the waters of the Drake Passage off Tierra del Fuego. The widespread use of CBC data by scientists almost from the beginning of the program have helped lead to the acceptance that citizens can produce valid scientific data in a wide variety of fields. The CBC database continues to add to our understanding of the distribution and status of bird populations across North America with new data available each year. For Audubon's latest ground-breaking Climate Change research that was developed with CBC data, visit: www.audubon.org/climate 

 

INTERESTED IN COUNTING BIRDS? LET US KNOW.

-          To join a Christmas Bird Counting Team in the Greenwich-Stamford CBC counting circle (15 miles wide), contact Ted Gilman at 203-869-5272 ext. 353 or tgilman@audubon.org by Friday, December 12.

-          To count  birds at home  or in your neighborhood, please use the printer-friendly CBC form in our calendar online:

http://greenwich.audubon.org/sites/default/files/documents/2014-2015_winter_calendar_-_audubon_greenwich.pdf

*****

 

 

ABOUT PUBLIC NATURE PROGRAMS

Unless otherwise indicated, programs suitable for all ages and are $3 for Audubon members or $5 for future members.  Audubon Greenwich, 613 Riversville Road, Greenwich, CT 06831 (203) 869-5272 http://greenwich.audubon.org

 

To RSVP…or Not? Yes, please do - with one-step event sign-ups! It is quick and easy. RSVP to: greenwichcenter@audubon.org or 203-869-5272 ext. 349. Please include name, number of people, and phone. If an event is full, Audubon will return your call. Otherwise, thank you for signing up and see you at the event.

*****

 

 

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

 

The Audubon Greenwich mission is to engage and educate people to conserve, restore, and enjoy nature, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats. Learn about Audubon Greenwich's education programs, events & camps: http://greenwich.audubon.org/events

*****

 

 

NEW HOURS (effective September 1, 2014)

 

Kimberlin Nature Education Center (Main Building at Audubon Greenwich):

Open Daily ~ 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Includes the Nature Store, Hilfiger Children's Learning Center, Oppenheimer Gallery in Kiernan Hall, classrooms, conservation exhibits, restrooms, and Audubon staff offices

 

Audubon Greenwich Hiking Trails & Grounds:

·         Open Daily ~ Sunrise to Sunset

·         Note: From Mid-Sept into January (mostly winter months), the grounds are occasionally unavailable until 9:00 am due to land management activities. When in effect, the gate will be posted. 

 

Sanctuary, Center & Nature Program Admission

·         AUDUBON MEMBERS: Admission is FREE for all current National Audubon Society members

  • FUTURE MEMBERS ~ Always welcome: $3/adult and $1.50 for children/seniors
  • NATURE PROGRAMS ~ Unless otherwise indicated, $3 for members & $5 for non-members

*****

 

 

Audubon Greenwich Contacts:

To reach staff, please call our main phone number: 203-869-5272 and enter the appropriate phone extension:

·         Store: x360

·         RSVPs/Events Manager: x349 

·         Education: x354

·         Center Director: x350

*****

 

 

THE NATURE STORE AT AUDUBON GREENWICH

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. 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

·         Audubon's own Maple Syrup & locally produced honey

 

The Nature Store's goal is to enrich and enhance Audubon's educational programs and your enjoyment of the natural world through the sale of nature oriented merchandise.  Here you can not only get the best in nature products, but can also help answer all your questions. For example, we have the answer to:  What type of birdseed attracts which birds?  Which birdfeeder will go best in your yard?  Which binocular type suits your needs? And almost any other nature question you can ask. Store Contact: Gigi Lombardi, 203-869-5272 ext. 351 or glombardi@audubon.org

 

Audubon Greenwich proudly feature museum-quality natural history prints and artwork ~ these collectable pieces will make a fine gift for someone special. Learn more about the Oppenheimer Gallery at Audubon Greenwich or visit Oppenheimer Website for a wide selection of prints that can be ordered through Audubon Greenwich.

*****

 

 

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.

One and a half hour tour certificates are $150. To order your tour gift certificate, contact Gigi Lombardi at 203-869-5272 x221 or by email: glombardi@audubon.org or stop in the Nature Store for other wonderful gift ideas.

# # #

 

 

MUSEUM-QUALITY PRINTS BY AUDUBON & OTHER MASTERS

 

The Oppenheimer Gallery at Audubon Greenwich specializes in museum-quality, limited edition prints of John James Audubon and other masters of natural history including Gould and the Hudson River School collections. These unique and highly-collectable prints are available from the Audubon Greenwich Nature Store and 30% of the all purchases benefits Audubon Greenwich's conservation mission. 

 

Drop in the gallery to view the latest exhibition or make an appointment to view the fifty best of Audubon's Octavos and New-York Historical Society watercolors. For an appointment to view our wide selection prints, please call 203-869-5272 and ask for Gigi Lombardi (x351) or Jeff Cordulack (x349.)

 

To view the complete collection of Audubon's avian prints available via the Audubon Greenwich Nature Store, visit: www.audubonart.com and then call Audubon Greenwich to order.

* * * * *

 

 

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

 

Audubon Greenwich | 613 Riversville Road | Greenwich, CT 06831

 

RSVP HOTLINE: (203) 869-5272 ext. 349

http://greenwich.audubon.org/events

# # #

 

MESSAGE SENT BY:

Jeff Cordulack

Events & Communications Manager

203-613-8813


__,_._,___

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

December 21 | Outdoor Family Survey and Third Sunday Nature Play at GEC

Hi All,

Attached is a flier about our next Third Sunday Family Nature Play Day at the Garden Education Center.  It has been a lot of fun developing these family events in the GEC Garden and Greenhouse at the Montgomery Pinetum.  I've been following the lead of local families as they explore environmental topics through play.  Some families prefer to grab a passport and clues and take their time finding hidden homemade stamps at nature play stations, since you can try all the nature play challenges on your own.  Others like a more guided experience, or bring along their friends.  Nature Play is ideal for age 3-11, but all ages are welcome. Last month's exploratory stations on compost had families digging, tossing leaves, spinning bins, and spotting red wigglers.  This month, our guide will be Denise Savageau, and is on the first day of winter! 

If you cannot attend, I'd still love to hear from you.  If you could take a minute to help local nature-based groups identify our barriers to play.  The survey is based on the article:  BRING DOWN THE BARRIERS: Five Causes of Nature-Deficit Disorder; Five Challenges for the New Nature Movement, written by Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods.  Most importantly, the survey also provides a space to share your winter memories of outdoor play.  Since beginning this regular Nature Play day, we have learned so much about the history of our green spaces in Greenwich, hearing from parents and grandparents, where and how we used to play, and how we value the outdoors in different ways.

Thanks for contributing, and hope to see you there!
CLICK HERE FOR SURVEY or go to  http://greenfanzines.com/2014/09/25/survey-says-play/

Warmly,
Deanna

P.S. Flier has been approved for distribution by Linda Valentine, 25-50 copies may be placed at each school.  I've attached a pdf and jpg, in case one format is easier to distribute.  Thanks for your support!


PTAC Green Schools Co-Chair

Director of Youth Programs
The Garden Education Center of Greenwich
www.gecgreenwich.org



Friday, December 5, 2014

Cold Water Rescue Demo at Greenwich Point 12.07.2014



 

First Sunday Science at the Seaside Center
Cold Water Rescue Demonstration at Greenwich Point Park
Sunday, December 7, 1:30 – 4:00 pm

An ice-fishing hole on frozen Lake Erie was the ideal training ground to prepare for cold water rescues for Officer Joe Turcsanyi of the Greenwich Marine Police. On Sunday, December 7, he will demonstrate some of what he learned at Greenwich Point Park in Old Greenwich for the First Sunday Science at the Seaside Center event from 1:30 to 4:00 pm. Officer Turcsanyi and his team from the Greenwich Marine Police will offer a talk and cold water rescue demonstration.  Members of the Greenwich Police are trained in underwater search and rescue as well as surface and underwater ice rescue. Although water safety is important year-round, cold water can make immersion a life-threatening situation in a very short time.
The program will begin inside the Innis Arden Cottage at the park with a 30-minute talk about the challenges of water safety and rescues in winter. The officers will then go outside to demonstrate cold water rescue techniques in the waters of Long Island Sound. The public is invited to try out equipment such as throw ropes, hooks and even the special suits that rescuers need to safely perform as emergency responders.
The hands-on program, organized by the Bruce Museum and Greenwich Shellfish Commission, is free and appropriate for all ages.  For more information, contact Cynthia Ehlinger, Bruce Museum Seaside Center Manager, at 203-413-6756 or cynthiae@brucemuseum.org.

__,_._,___