Saturday, February 26, 2011

Climate Smart Community Pledge

In May 2009, the City of Beacon adopted the Climate Smart Community Pledge. The City of Beacon agreed to the following in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate:

1. Pledge to Combat Climate Change by Becoming a Climate Smart Community
2. Set Goals, Inventory Emissions, Move to Action
3. Decrease Energy Demand for Local Government Operations
4. Encourage Renewable Energy for Local Government Operations
5. Realize Benefits of Recycling and Other Climate Smart Solid Waste Management Practices
6. Promote Climate Protection through Community Land Use Planning
7. Plan for Adaptation to Unavoidable Climate Change
8. Support a Green Innovation Economy
9. Inform and Inspire the Public
10. Commit to an Evolving Process

Contact the office of Mayor Steve Gold for more information.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Stormwater Quality and Quantity Seminar

Low Impact Development Techniques:
Controlling Stormwater
Quantity and Quality for Sustainable Sites   

Tuesday, March 15th, 6-8 PM
Putnam/Dutchess County Venue TBA

Wednesday, March 16th, 6-8 PM
Skytop Steakhouse and Brewery
237 Forest Hill Drive, Kingston
(Click here for Directions)

In the wonderful Hudson Valley, nothing can be more important than preserving the cleanliness of our local watersheds.  Employing green solutions to parking, paving and drainage in developed areas is a critical factor in maintaining a healthy environment and  stormwater management is a key component for developing a sustainable site.  New regulations now require use of low impact development techniques, also known as green infrastructure, to control stormwater.  This presentation will give an overview of what is required, what has worked in the field, and how LEED points can be met with innovative stormwater management.

 Light refreshments will be provided.
Reply to hvbranchcoordinator@gmail.com  
to volunteer for this event and attend for free.

   About The Presenter:    
Barbara Kendall, CPESC, CMS4S:  Barbara L. Kendall formed Kendall Stormwater Services, LLC in January 2010 to assist municipalities and businesses with managing municipal (MS4), commercial and industrial stormwater programs and to provide training for diverse audiences on stormwater and watershed topics.  In her previous position with the New York  State andCornell University, Barbara assisted in development of statewide outreach materials for the Stormwater Phase II Program and developed the first pilot project in New York State using Better Site Design Roundtables, an innovative, consensus-building stormwater management and local land use program involving municipalities and local stakeholders.  Barbara is a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC) and a Certified Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Specialist (CMS4S).

AIA Continuing Education
Credits may be offered at this session pending course approval. Professional Engineers may also have credits submitted for an additional $20 fee payable on site.
Reply to hvbranchcoordinator@gmail.com To RSVP for this event
To purchase tickets online visit the Green Events Calendar.   
Tickets are $10 for advance sales to USGBC NY Upstate Chapter Members and Students, $15 for Members and Students at the door, and $20 for Non-members.
If you are purchasing tickets at the door please RSVP.
Want to volunteer and attend this event for free?  Send us an email at hvbranchcoordinator@gmail.com.

Green Infrastructure seminar

Green Infrastructure Planning and Design 
 Wednesday, March 2nd, 6-8 PM
Duck Town Inn
246 Walsh Avenue, New Windsor
   
      Credits may be offered at this session pending course approval.  

This seminar will discuss the use of  the New York State Stormwater Management Design
Manual (August 2010) to address the planning, sizing and design of green infrastructure and evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed systems for runoff reduction for compliance with the requirements of the Construction General Permit (GP-0-10-001). 

This course provides an overview of the principles of green infrastructure planning and design techniques to meet the requirements of the New York State Stormwater Management Design Manual (August 2010). This overview will address the runoff reduction design objectives, performance criteria and design specifications for accepted stormwater practices and planning measures for a green and sustainable development.

Light refreshments will be provided.
to volunteer for this event and attend for free.

  About The Presenter:
Shohreh Karimipour, P.E.: is a senior professional engineer with the New York State Environmental Conservation Department (NYSDEC). She has been a key architect in the development of NYS stormwater regulatory program and responsible for the development and support of conventional and green infrastructure stormwater technical standards. In more than 20 years work experience with the NYSDEC, Ms. Karimipour has served as an expert in hydrology, hydraulic and watershed computer modeling, design of stormwater treatment systems, pollutant loading and removal analysis, illicit discharge detection, development of several guidance documents as well as instructing numerous technical courses.

AIA Continuing Education Credits may be offered at this session pending course approval.
Professional Engineers may also have credits submitted for an additional $20 fee payable on site.
Reply to hvbranchcoordinator@gmail.com to RSVP for this event. To purchase tickets online visit the Green Events Calendar.  If you are purchasing tickets at the door please RSVP.


Tickets are $10 for advance sales to USGBC NY Upstate Chapter Members and Students, $15 for Members and Students at the door, and $20 for Non-members.



DEC February Newsletter

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation's public newsletter for February 2011 is now available online. The contents include:

2011 Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale

DEC's Saratoga Tree Nursery has begun taking orders for its annual sale of tree and shrub seedlings. In addition to selling low-cost seedlings to any landowner who wants them, schools across New York can also now receive free seedlings for spring planting through the DEC School Seedling Program. The program will provide up to 50 tree seedlings or a mixed packet of 30 wildlife shrubs to any public or private school that would like to participate. 


Register Now for DEC Environmental Education Camps.

DEC's four environmental education summer camps-Camp Colby and Camp Pack Forest in Adirondacks, Camp DeBruce in the Catskills, and Camp Rushford in the Allegheny Mountains of Western New York-are currently accepting registrations for the 2011 camp season. Attending these camps is a great opportunity for 12- to 17-year olds to spend a week or more exploring and learning about New York State's environment.

Philadelphia Flower Show - Additional seats available!

Philadelphia Flower Show Bus Trip

Date: Tuesday, Mar 8, 2011
Time: 08:00am - 09:30pm

Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County is now taking
reservations for our annual bus trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show
on Tuesday, March 8, 2011. The theme this year "Springtime in Paris".
Visitors will be transported to the beautiful City of Light with its
romance, fragrance and spectacular flower sculptures and carousel
topiaries.  Among the park like scenes along the Seine to the cabaret
performances to the intimate ambiance of a Left Bank café, this is an
experience you will not want to miss!

The cost is $68 per person which includes transportation and
admission. We will be leaving from the Farm & Home Center on Rt. 44 in
Millbrook promptly at 8 AM and returning home at approximately 9:30
PM. Pre-registration is required.  Please call Nancy Halas at
845-677-8223 x 115 to register. Seats will only be reserved upon
payment in full. Visa, Mastercard  or checks accepted. Checks should
be made out to Cornell Cooperative Extension and mailed to 2715 Rt.
44, Suite 1, Millbrook, NY 12545, Attn: Nancy Halas. No refunds.
Substitutions are allowed.  REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MARCH 1st.

http://www.theflowershow.com/home/index.html

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

How Clean Must Food Containers Be Before Recycling?

This is a question many have asked. Kiera Butler provides some answers in an article published by Mother Jones magazine.

Mother Jones

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Pruning Class

March 5, 2011
The How, When, and Where of Pruning
Learn the elements of pruning evergreens, deciduous trees and shrubs and how to maintain the woody plants in your garden. Bring your pruners for a discussion of proper tool selection and maintenance. The afternoon is spent outside analyzing pruning techniques. Class is held rain or shine. Please dress for the weather and bring lunch. While this class has no prerequisite, some knowledge of gardening is helpful.

10 AM-2:30 PM
NYBG at Bard College
113 GAR236 C
The New York Botanical Garden at Bard College

Irrigation and Starting Vegetables From Seed Class

February 24, Irrigation / Vegetables From Seed. 7-9 PM. Presented by CCE of Ulster County 
Master Gardener Program. Keeping your garden well watered doesn‟t have to be a chore. 
Today a wide variety of watering devices are available. We‟ll take a look at some of these 
options such as drip emitters, soaker hoses and sprinklers, timers to help deliver the water 
when it‟s needed and general installation information.  

Each year we are inundated with seed catalogs & luring displays of seed packets at our favorite 
garden centers. Learn to base your choices on proven varieties for our local area and basic 
information such starting your own plants vs. buying, using coldframes, interplanting to 
maximize your garden space and crop rotation. With Ellen Holmes and Barbara Bravo, Ulster 
MGs.  

Fee: $15. Pre-registration suggested. 845-340-3990. Ulster County BOCES, 175 Rt. 32, New 
Paltz, NY 12561.  http://www.cceulster.org/ 





VOLUNTEER AT LOCUST GROVE

Locust Grove, Samuel Morse Historic Site is looking for volunteers. Work sessions are on 
Tuesdays and/or Thursdays. 


The Spring 2011 Garden Volunteer Schedule is listed below:  

Tuesday, February 22: Tool cleaning, 9 AM. Need 5 volunteers:  Sign up with Susan and 
Tim 
Thursday, March 3: Spring Volunteer Kickoff meeting 10 AM, meet at Visitor Center 
Thursday, March 10: Greenhouse clean-up, 9 AM. Need 5 volunteers: Sign up with Susan 
and Tim 
Tuesday, March 22:  Outdoor garden work:  9 AM- Weather permitting. (Some greenhouse 
work as well; dress in layers) 
Thursday, March 31: Vegetable garden cleanup:  9 AM- Weather permitting. Possible 
greenhouse work as well; dress in layers) 

Beginning April 5, both Tuesday and Thursday volunteers will meet weekly and work will be 
both in the greenhouse and outdoors:  dress in layers.  If the weather is bad and you‟re not sure if we have greenhouse work, you can call us; leave a message and we will call you back.  

Contact Susan or Tim at 454-4500 ext 216; leave a message and they will return your call.  
E- mail: horticulture@lgny.org. 
Address: 2683 South Road, Poughkeepsie, New York 12601 


Environmental Summit in Clarkstown

The Town of Clarkstown is hosting an Environmental Summit on March 5
from 9:15 am to 4:15 pm. at Clarkstown High School South, 31 Demarest
Mill Road, West Nyack, NY. There will be multiple workshops including
the forest to faucet connection and stream monitoring, along with
booths and exhibits. It's free.

Preregister at http://town.clarkstown.ny.us/html/environmentalsummit.html

Emerald Ash Borer Detection and Management Webinar

On February 28, Cornell University Cooperative Extension Dutchess County will continue their Webinar series: Emerald Ash Borer Detection & Management for Tree Care Professionals and Municipalities. EAB is a destructive invasive insect discovered on the lower Hudson Valley in 2010. Learn what your community can do to prepare for this pending pest.



REGISTRATION INFORMATION: 
Date:    Monday February 28th, 2011   
Time:    5:15 PM – 7:45 PM 
Location:     Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County  
         2715 Route 44, Millbrook, NY 12545  
Cost:    $30.00 per person (includes pizza & soda) 

More Information Here.

The Great Backyard Bird Count

The Great Backyard Bird Count is happening from February 18-21, 2011. This event is sponsored in part by
the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. People of all ages are needed to count birds in their yards or neighborhoods.
For more information see, http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

February CAC Meeting

The next meeting of the Beacon Conservation Advisory Committee is Tuesday, February 22th, 2011. We will meet at 7pm, in the police training room at 1 Municipal Plaza.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Compost Garden Tour 2011




Beacon Composts: Zero Waste Garden Tour First meeting for the garden and compost tour will be this Sat, February 12, 10AM at the Bank Square coffee shop. It will be in the back meeting room. After we tend to the planning, there will be a short seed starting seminar with recycled items.


Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Riverkeeper Discussion on February 12th in Nyack

The Hudson River Estuary: Challenges and Opportunities
Presentation and Discussion with Paul Gallay, Executive Director and Hudson Riverkeeper
Join Paul Gallay for a presentation on Riverkeeper’s current priorities on the Hudson River. Learn about the challenges that our community faces in protecting the gains we have made since the passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972, and the opportunities for continuing to improve our water quality. There will be the opportunity for questions and discussion following the presentation.
Saturday, February 12th
Presentation and Discussion: 2pm – 3pm

These events were made possible thanks to the generous support of The Austen-Stokes Ancient Americas Foundation.

Contact for more info:

Emily A. Griffin
(914) 478-4501 ext. 222
EGriffin@riverkeeper.org

"Love Lives of Animals Hike"

Join us this Sunday morning when a member of Scenic Hudson's land conservation team will lead a short hike and explain some of the interesting ways that animals court one another.
Some species show off with ornate feathers or fins that act like flamboyant costumes. Others have to sing or dance for hours. Great feats often are performed, including fiercely battling with other would-be suitors. Some species mate for life, while others play the field. There are even cases where the mating game results in death for one of the participants.
This annual outing is a chance to learn about some of nature's mysteries and marvels and how even the odder forms of wildlife courtship contribute to the stunning array of beauty in the outdoors.
WHAT: "Love Lives of Animals Hike"
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 13, 10 a.m.
WHERE: Madam Brett Park, Tioronda Ave., Beacon
Please wear clothing appropriate for the weather, including sturdy shoes (hiking boots or similar). Also bring water and a snack. See the event page to register (and get directions).
See you there! 

Mount Sinai Global Health Conference

The Mount Sinai Global Health Training Center is presenting its 9th Annual Global Health Conference.

Toxins: A Global Threat
March 11 -12, 2011

Conference proceedings will include expert presentations, including a
panel on hydrofracking and advocacy(Al Appleton is on the panel)  & a
special screening of the Oscar-nominated documentary, Gasland,
followed by a webcast Q&A discussion with director Josh Fox.

To REGISTER and for more information, see http://globaltoxins.eventbrite.com

Annual CAC and EMC Roundtable - Open to the Public

The CCEDC Environment and Energy Program is pleased to announce:

The Annual CAC and EMC Roundtable: Serving as Stewards of the Local Environment

Volunteer members of local municipal Conservation Advisory Commissions or Boards (CAC/CAB) and the Dutchess County Environmental Management Council
(EMC) play a critical role as stewards of the natural resources and environment in their communities.  The Annual CAC and EMC Roundtable Forum is a great opportunity for CACs and the EMC to share information about recent successes and challenges, discuss common concerns, and prioritize goals for the coming year. The Roundtable also offers members of the public (including youth) to learn about local environmental issues that are critical in our community, and how to get involved in protecting the environment in their own backyard.

When: Wednesday, February 23, 2011, 7:00 — 9:00 pm
Location: The Farm & Home Center, 2715 Route 44, Millbrook, NY 12545

Come Learn How to Get Involved in Protecting Your Local Natural Resources.  Free and Open to the Public. No Pre-Registration Required.  All current EMC and CAC Members are strongly encouraged to attend!  Light Refreshments Provided.  The GIS Special Interest Group Meeting will be held from 6:00-6:45pm.

This year’s Roundtable Forum will include:

- Short presentations on CAC/EMC responsibilities, and emerging issues for CACs and the EMC to address;
- Facilitated small group discussions on the accomplishments and priorities for local environmental protection efforts in 2011.


If you have any questions, or for more information, contact Allison at (845) 677-8223 x 136 oramc256@cornell.edu.   

Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County (CCEDC) provides equal program and employment opportunities.  The programs provided
by this agency are partially funded by monies received from Dutchess County.  Please contact CCEDC if you have any special needs.

Environmental Scientist Job Opening

The Bard Center for Environmental Policy seeks an environmental
scientist for a one-year position as a visiting faculty member to
commence August 1st, 2011. The successful applicant will teach a
year-long Master’s level sequence in environmental science in our MS
in Environmental Policy Program, offer a two-week January short course
in an area of their expertise, and advise Master’s theses.  The
science course is part of a modular core curriculum that is
coordinated with concurrent courses in environmental economics, policy
and law. Interest in interdisciplinary teaching is required. Ph.D to
be complete by time of hire. For more information about the program,
please visit www.bard.edu/cep.  To apply, please send cover letter,
CV, writing sample (no more than 25 pp.), and names and contact
information for three references to Environmental Scientist Search, by
e-mail only to hr11004@bard.edu. Applications will be reviewed as
received. Bard College is an equal opportunity employer, and we
welcome applications from those who contribute to our diversity.

EPA Grant Available

EPA Seeks Applications for Community-Based Environmental Grants

Grants will help communities address local health and pollution issues.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is making $2
million available in 2011 to reduce pollution at the local level
through the Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program.
 CARE is a community-based program that works with county and local
governments, tribes, non-profit organizations and universities to help
the public understand and reduce toxic risks from numerous sources to
protect people’s health.

EPA will award CARE cooperative agreements in two levels.  Level I
awards range from $75,000 to $100,000 and will help establish
community-based partnerships to develop local environmental
priorities.  Level II awards, ranging from $150,000 to $300,000 each,
will support communities that have established broad-based
partnerships, identified the priority toxic risks in their
communities, and are prepared to measure results, implement
risk-reduction activities and become self- sustaining.

In 2010, EPA’s CARE program distributed $2 million throughout 14
communities.  Among the grant recipients, projects included tackling
drinking water and stormwater pollution, solid waste, and toxics
issues in Cordova, Alaska; addressing air and water pollution sources,
municipal solid waste collection and chemical releases in Ashland,
Ky.; targeting pest and solid waste issues in New York, N.Y.; tackling
air pollution and land use issues in Detroit, Mich.; focusing on
threats from lead in paint, mold, and hazardous household products in
Gary, Ind.; and addressing air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions,
water pollution, and poor waste management in Kansas City, Kan.

Since 2005, 81 communities in 39 states and territories have used CARE
grants to help reduce pollution and protect people’s health.  A recent
evaluation by the National Association of Public Administrators (NAPA)
recognized the CARE program as a solid tested framework for engaging
communities and other stakeholders.

Applications for the CARE grants are due March 22, 2011, 4:00 p.m.
EST.  EPA will conduct three webcasts to answer questions from
prospective applicants about the application process on February 8,
February 23, and March 2 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

More information about the grants and webcasts: http://www.epa.gov/care

Owl Program at Stony Kill

The Stony Kill Foundation presents Give a Hoot: The Wonderful World of
Owls on Saturday, February 26 (snow date: February 27), from 1:30 to
3:00 p.m.  Youngsters in grades 2 and older are invited to join us in
the Barn Classroom at Stony Kill to learn about these nocturnal birds
of prey.  Various owl specimens will be on display and each
participant will have an opportunity to dissect an owl pellet and
identify the bones.

Pre-registration is required and will be accepted on a first-come,
first-served basis by calling 845-831-1617.  There is a program
participation fee of $2.50 per child, to cover the cost of the program
supplies.  The fee can be paid upon arrival on the day of the event.
All children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian (over the age of
21).

For further information, call 831-1617.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Screening of "Tapped"

Is access to clean drinking water a basic human right, or a commodity that should be bought and sold like any other article of commerce? Stephanie Soechtig's debut feature is an unflinching examination of the big business of bottled water.

From the producers of Who Killed the Electric Car and I.O.U.S.A., this timely documentary is a behind-the-scenes look into the unregulated and unseen world of an industry that aims to privatize and sell back the one resource that ought never to become a commodity: our water.

From the plastic production to the ocean in which so many of these bottles end up, this inspiring documentary trails the path of the bottled water industry and the communities which were the unwitting chips on the table. A powerful portrait of the lives affected by the bottled water industry, this revelatory film features those caught at the intersection of big business and the public's right to water.


Tapped
Sunday, Feb. 6th, 2:30 PM
The Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR)
521 No. Broadway, Nyack
Suggested Donation: $10
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