- Land Trusts Help Family Protect Maple Shade Farm
- Rally to Clean the Air
- We the People, or We the Corporations?
- Recreational Advisory: Unsafe Trail Conditions
- MA. Sustainability Conferences Call for Speakers, Sponsors, Exhibitors, Research & Posters*
- EEA Seeking input on Budget
- “Saving Civilization: The Fight Against Devastating Climate Change”
- Annual NOFA Accreditation Course in Organic Land Care: TEACHING LAND CARE PROFESSIONALS TO “GO ORGANIC”
- NEW! 2012 Funding Opportunities for Volunteer Connectors
Land Trusts Help Family Protect Maple Shade Farm
Sheffield, Mass. – The Sheffield and Egremont Land Trusts and other partners have helped the Delmolino family protect Maple Shade Farm, 97 acres of scenic, historic prime farmland and wildlife habitat in Sheffield. The farm, along Sheffield-Egremont Rd., Lime Kiln Rd. and Rebellion Rd., is the centerpiece of a larger conservation effort, the “Sheffield-Egremont Corridor,” a relatively intact rural landscape that stretches from west of Route 41 east almost to Route 7.
The family worked with the land trusts as well as the Massachusetts Dept. of Agricultural Resources and the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife to secure the protection. The Open Space Institute and Pew Charitable Trusts provided key grants to help the land trusts in their fundraising.
The Delmolinos have owned Maple Shade Farm since the 1920s, but the land has been farmed since the 1700s. It has also been the part of charcoal-making and quarrying operations in the area. The fields are currently leased to the Larkin Farm to grow corn and hay for its nearby dairy operation and to two other farms for pasture land.
With no powerlines or poles to remind a viewer of the 21st century, the farm’s breathtaking westerly view of fields, forest and the Taconic Range has long been a favorite of drivers, bikers, walkers, painters and photographers. Hubbard Brook winds through part of the farm, an important wetlands habitat. The farm is adjacent to the Appalachian Trail and down the road from the Shays Rebellion Monument.
The Sheffield Land Trust started discussing conservation with the Delmolino family over a decade ago. Completion of the process was delayed due to health issues and then a very complex and entangled property title, not unusual for such an old farm property.
The farm is being conserved mainly through the state’s Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program, with the Div. of Fisheries & Wildlife helping to protect a smaller part of the farm that is rare species habitat. Maple Shade Farm is the fifteenth Sheffield farm the Sheffield Land Trust has helped protect through the APR program. APRs offer a non-development alternative by paying owners the difference between the “fair market value” and the “agricultural value” of their land in exchange for a permanent deed restriction. The family continues to own the farm and can pass it to future generations or sell it to another farmer.
The APR program requires a “local contribution,” and over the past 20 years, the Sheffield Land Trust has raised more than $3 million to leverage more than $12 million in state money for the benefit of Sheffield farms. As it often does, the Sheffield Land Trust has facilitated state action and smoothed the way for the Delmolino family by “pre-acquiring” the APR for Maple Shade Farm until the funds from the state are available. A neighboring property, the 130-acre Quarry Hill Farm on Sheffield-Egremont Rd., was similarly protected in 2009.
Maple Shade Farm anchors Phase II of this landscape-level conservation project, whose formal title is the “Sheffield-Egremont Agrigultural, Ecological and Scenic Corridor” in northwestern Sheffield and southeastern Egremont. For Phase II of the project, the Sheffield and Egremont Land Trusts have had to raise $2 million. They are within $150,000 of that goal.
“The response from the Sheffield and Egremont communities has been tremendous,” said Susan Rothschild, president of the Sheffield Land Trust. “We encourage everyone to help us finish up this part of a very important conservation effort.” Contributions can be sent to either organization.
The Sheffield Land Trust, founded in 1989, has helped protect 50 properties, including 15 farms, covering more than 3,800 acres. In addition to the Corridor project, the organization has also focused on conserving farms throughout town, land along the Housatonic River, on June Mountain in northeast Sheffield, and throughout the Schenob Brook Drainage basin in southwest Sheffield. It is also developing a trails network in the center of town on land near the Southern Berkshire Regional School District property. Contact information: P.O. Box 940, Sheffield, MA 01257 or (413) 229-0234 or [email protected] or www.sheffieldland.org.
The Egremont Land Trust got its start in 1985 with a mission to protect the rural character of Egremont. It aided in the establishment of the 1,100 Jug End State Reservation and the conservation of a number of other properties, most recently 22 acres along the Green River in North Egremont. Contact information: P.O. Box 132, S. Egremont, MA 01258 or (413) 528-6626 or [email protected] or www.egremontlandtrust.org.
Rally to Clean the Air.
Did you know that because of emissions from the Mt. Tom coal plant, Holyoke has twice the asthma rate as the rest of Massachusetts!?1
The coal plant gets away with this because of an expired permit that does not meet new air quality standards and allows high levels of sulfur to be dumped in the air. Governor Patrick can be our hero by directing his Department of Environmental Protection to issue a new air permit for the Mt Tom coal plant.
WHO: Friends, family, coworkers yearning to breathe free
WHAT: Rally for clean air
WHEN:Saturday, December 3rd , 11:00 AM
WHERE:436 Dwight St, Springfield, MA (MAP)
RSVP: http://action.sierraclub.org/CleanMtTom
Thanks for all you do to protect the environment,
Drew Grande
Beyond Coal Campaign
Sierra Club
1.) CLF statement on settlement of claims against Mt. Tom Conservation Law Foundation, Jun 30, 2011
We the People, or We the Corporations?
Occupy the Berkshires Presents:
John C. Bonifaz
We the People, or We the Corporation? – A constitutional amendment campaign to restore democracy to the People.
Thursday, Dec. 1 7:30 pm
ITAM Lodge, 93 Waubeek Rd., Pittsfield
John Bonifaz is co-founder and director of Free Speech For People a national campaign for a 28th Amendment to make clear that corporations are not people with constitutionalrights. Mr. Bonifaz has been at the forefront of key voting rights battles in the US for nearly two decades and has served as co- counsel in international human rights and environmental litigation. He will also discuss the Occupy Wall Street movement and the national conversation it has created around the question of unchecked corporate power subverting our democracy.
The event is free with a small suggested donation. Call 413 528-0248 for further information.
Recreational Advisory: Unsafe Trail Conditions
WHAT: Due to the extensive tree damage and heavy snow fall from the October 29-30, 2011 storm, many forest roads and trails at multiple Department of Recreation and Conservation (DCR) facilities may be impassable and unsafe to hike and walk. There are several hanging trees and branches along these park roadways, parking lots and trails that are extremely hazardous. The following DCR facilities are closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic: Nashua River Rail Trail (Groton, Dunstable, Ayer, Pepperell), Robinson State Park in Agawam, Chicopee State Park in Chicopee. In addition, all hiking trails at Mt. Holyoke Range State Park are closed. Personnel are being deployed to begin debris clearing operations across the state. DCR asks that the public cooperate and stay out of these areas until parks are again safe to enjoy.
WHERE: In addition the following facilities were impacted by the storm. Please call the park headquarters for current trail conditions.
Wells State Park in Sturbridge- 508 347-9257
Douglas State Forest, Douglas- 508 476-7872
F.G. Hills State Forest, Foxboro-508 543-5850
Mt. Tom State Reservation, Holyoke -413 534-1186
Rutland State Park, Rutland- (508) 886-6333
Purgatory Chasm State Reservation, Sutton -508-234-3733
Spencer State Forest, Spencer -508-886-6333
Hampton Ponds State Park- Westfield 413-532-3985
WHEN:Current.
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The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), an agency of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, oversees 450,000 acres of parks and forests, beaches, bike trails, watersheds, dams, and parkways. Led by Commissioner Edward M. Lambert Jr., the agency’s mission is to protect, promote, and enhance our common wealth of natural, cultural, and recreational resources. To learn more about DCR, our facilities, and our programs, please visit www.mass.gov/dcr. Contact us at [email protected].
MA. Sustainability Conferences Call for Speakers, Sponsors, Exhibitors, Research & Posters*
Partnerships in Sustainability
Save the Date: April 20-21, 2012
Location: UMass Boston’s Campus Conference Center
THE CONFERENCE
The Massachusetts Sustainable Campuses and Communities Conferences connect leading experts and stakeholders from municipalities, school campuses, government, businesses and non-profits; and showcases best practices, practical resources and exemplary work in sustainability. You can meet many constituents all in one place! Our first conferences (www.MassGreenCareers.com and www.MaSustainableCommunities.com) were sold out. We hope you join us!
THE GOALS
- Sustainable Development Environment, Economy, Equity
- Environmental Sustainability Energy, Water, Materials, Food, Buildings, Land Use, Transportation, Management
THE OBJECTIVES
- Explore research, best practices, services and products for sustainability
- Foster cross-sector dialogues, collaborations, partnerships and action
- Network with experts and peers
THE PARTICIPANTS
- Municipal and state government officials
- Municipal, conservation, DPW, facilities, planning, sustainability/energy and school staff
- School administrators, sustainability educators and managers
- Career services, workforce development, and community relations staff
- Research and innovation professionals
- Students interested in sustainability initiatives and internships
- Business owners and staff, and business organizations
- Non-profits, community groups and community leaders
- Everyone interested in learning about sustainability
THE PRESENTERS
Leading experts from campuses, communities, businesses, government and non-profits
THE EXHIBITORS
- Resources for campus and community sustainability
- College certificate and degree programs
- Businesses with products and services
- Government agecies
- Non-profit and community organizations
- Campus and community initiatives
- Student internship resources
THE CONFERENCE HOST
An advisory team of professionals representing communities, academia, business, government and non-profits support this conference hosted by Green Workforce Training.
* CALL FOR SPEAKERS, SPONSORS, EXHIBITORS, RESEARCH & POSTERS
Speakers, Research & Poster Applicants Please email the following: 1) your name, organization, contact info, website; and 2) a 200 word proposal that includes: A) topic of interest (see below), B) three learning objectives, and C) a summary of your presentation, research or poster.
Sponsors & Exhibitors Please request a registration form.
Preliminary deadline December 14, 2011
Contact [email protected] or 508-481-0569
CALL FOR SPEAKERS, RESEARCH & POSTERS
TOPICS OF INTEREST
First Massachusetts Sustainable Campuses Conference
- Campuses
- What is Campus Sustainability?
- Guidelines for a Green Campus
- Campus Success Stories: Energy, Waste, Water, Food, Transportation, etc.
- Facilities Directors from Campuses and Communities Talk about Collaboration and Initiatives
- Sustainability & Energy Managers from Campuses and Communities Talk about Collaboration
- Creating a Community- and Campus-wide Culture around Sustainability: Comparing Plans, Goals & Outcomes
- Expanding Sustainability Connections between Campuses and Communities
- Curriculum (K-College)
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) Initiatives
- Sustainability Research & Development
- Research Sharing
- Campus Connections to Public Policy and Leadership
- Workforce Education and Community Sustainability
- A Look at How We Train Chemists, Community Leaders, Urban Planners and other Sustainability Stakeholders
- Communities
- University and Community Initiatives
- Green Gown Town Partnerships – What Do We Aspire To Do?
- Technical School Projects in Communities
- University Student Projects in Communities
- Exploring the Placement of Graduates and Interns in Communities
- Government
- Mass Clean Energy Center Internships at Companies
- Campus Connections to Policy and Leadership
- Communicating with Policy Leaders
- Government – EEA, DOER, DPU, MACEC, NECEC, DEP – Connections to Campuses
- Businesses
- Business Incubators, Venture Forums and Entrepreneurs
- What Companies are Hiring Graduates and Interns?
- Workforce Education to meet Business Needs
- Student-to-Entreprenuer Models
- Business Showcase for Services an Products
- Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) on Campus
- Utility Partnerships
- Campus Groups & Teams
- Student Clubs: Energy, Environment, Sustainability
- Student Placement and Internships, and Entrepreneurs
- Student-Led Initiatives
- What do Students Aspire to Do?
- Alumni, Associations and their Roles
- Other
- Sustainability Topic of Your Choice
Second Massachusetts Sustainable Communities Conference
- Communities
- Massachusetts Green Community Updates
- Community Sustainability Criteria and Rating Systems for Energy, Water, Waste, Land Use, Food/Agriculture, Transportation, Buildings, etc.
- Massachusetts Regional Sustainability Initiatives
- Community Success Stories: Energy, Water, Waste, Land Use, Food/Agriculture, Transportation, Buildings
- Partnership Success Stories: Community, Campus, Government, Business, and/or Non-profits
- Local Energy Generation and District Energy Supply
- Community Resources and Referrals for Questions like Bylaws
- Models of Interacting Between Campuses and Communities
- Expanding Sustainability Initiatives between Campus and Community
- Sustainability & Energy Managers from Communities and Campuses talk about Common Initiatives
- How Towns Find Students for Projects and Internships
- Student Projects in Communities
- Campuses
- Campus and Community Model Projects
- Facilities Directors from Communities and Campuses Talk about Collaboration and Initiatives
- Adopting Sustainable Programs and Practices in Secondary Schools
- Alumni who Connect Campuses to Community Projects
- Programs that Create Community Leaders
- Green Gown Town Partnerships: Models of Interacting
- Schools’ Roles in Sustainability (K-college)
- Colleges with Curricula that focus on Sustainable Communities and Sustainable Development
- Government
- Green Community Updates
- Solarize Massachusetts
- Legislative, Regulatory & Policy Challenges and Updates
- Community Resources
- Businesses
- Small Business Venture/Forums/Incubators/Clusters in Massachusetts
- Green Business Groups and Chambers of Commerce Initiatives
- Business Showcase for Products and Services
- Case Studies on Business and Community Partnerships
- Energy Service Company (ESCO) and Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) projects in communities
- Materials Management, Green Chemistry and Green Purchasing
- Sustainable Food Systems and Farm to Table Stakeholders
- Sustainability and Environmental Consulting
- Non-Profits and Groups
- Community Non-Profit Models that Work
- Community Learning Groups like Home Energy Efficiency Teams (HEET)
- Community Group Success Stories: Energy, Food, Materials, Transportation, Land-Use, etc.
- Sustainability Topic of Your Choice
EEA Seeking input on Budget
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) is holding two public hearings to allow interested parties to provide their comments on EOEEA’s Fiscal Year 2013 proposed budget. This is an important opportunity for members of the environmental community to express the need for sufficient funding for environmental programs. You may also submit written comments (see below). Details on the two hearings are as follows:
BOSTON: Thursday, December 1, 2011
2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
100 Cambridge Street, Boston, 2nd floor
Conference Room C-D (please bring a picture I.D. for building security)
PITTSFIELD: Thursday, December 15th, 2011
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
DCR’s Regional Headquarters Building
740 South Street, Pittsfield, Main Conference Room
Written comment is encouraged prior to the hearing. Interested parties may also submit written comments at the hearing or through the close of business on December 22. Please address them to:
Richard K. Sullivan, Secretary
ATTENTION: FY 13 Budget
Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114
“Saving Civilization: The Fight Against Devastating Climate Change”
The MCLA ENVIRONUTS in conjunction with The Climate Reality Project will be hosting a presentation on Global Climate Change in Murdock Hall Room 218 on Thursday, December 1st at 7PM. The event is free and open to the public.
The presentation will be given by Dr. Steven Leibo of The Sage Colleges located in Troy, NY.
Dr. Leibo is a professor of International History and Politics with a focus on the relationship between Asia and the West. He is perhaps better known in the upstate New York region as a long time international affairs commentator for WAMC Northeast Public Radio. He currently serves as the Climate Reality Project manager for upstate New York and Vermont.
Caught between the trauma of the economic crash of 2008 and short term challenges from revolutions in the Mideast to the impending presidential campaign of 2012, Americans seem to have forgotten that infinitely more existential challenge that threatens our very existence as a community; the emerging climate crisis caused by humanity having accidentally upset the heat balance of the entire earth. Dr. Leibo will update the audience on the science of man made climate change, the already emerging catastrophes associated with that destabilization, from devastating storms to crop failures and offers a “score card” on the likelihood of humanity successfully navigating our way through this challenge.
Please contact Jason Brown at [email protected] with any questions.
Annual NOFA Accreditation Course in Organic Land Care: TEACHING LAND CARE PROFESSIONALS TO “GO ORGANIC”
JAN. 9-13, 2012 in Worcester, MA
WORCESTER, MA – The Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) annual Accreditation Course in Organic Land Care will be held January 9-13, 2012 (snow date Jan. 15) at Worcester State University in Massachusetts
The five-day intensive course provides professionals and master gardeners with the education needed to create thriving landscapes. “Our course teaches a way of landscaping that is much healthier for people, by not using toxic chemicals that get in our skin, our lungs and our water. The same methods also promote and respect biodiversity, creating a better environment for everyone,” says Bill Duesing, CT NOFA Executive Director.
The course is sponsored and organized by the NOFA Organic Land Care Program, which published the Standards for Organic Land Care: Practices for Design and Maintenance of Ecological Landscapes, the first of their kind in the country. These standards form the basis for the curriculum of the Accreditation Course in Organic Land Care.
The 30 hour course features a faculty of respected scientists and experienced organic land care practitioners. Class topics include: Site Analysis, Design, and Maintenance; Rain Gardens and Storm Water Infiltration; Soil Health; Fertilizer and Soil Amendments; Client Relations and Running a Business and more. Four hands-on case studies are also included in the course. Attendees may take an optional exam on the final day of the course to become NOFA Accredited Organic Land Care Professionals (AOLCPs). AOLCPs are entitled to use the NOFA Organic Land Care logo and be listed in the AOLCP Online Searchable Database at www.organiclandcare.net as well as in online and print versions of the annual NOFA Guide to Organic Land Care.
To date, over 1,200 land care professionals from 22 states have taken NOFA’s course. “People have come as far as Illinois, Atlanta, and Texas to take this course,” says NOFA/Mass Organic Land Care Program Coordinator Caro Roszell, “I see a lot of motivation from professionals to create safer, healthier, and more naturally beautiful landscapes, and their clients are demanding it too. They want to offer an effective, competitive organic program, so they come to us.”
This year, NOFA will be offering a group discount of 15% off total registration to any company, agency or organization sending three or more members or employees to the Accreditation Course. For information, contact the Program Coordinator, Caro Roszell at (508) 360-0874 or [email protected] or visit www.nofamass.org/programs/landcare/ to register online.
Mindy Harris
Public Relations Coordinator
Northeast Organic Farming Association/Massachusetts Chapter (NOFA/Mass)
310-663-0054 | [email protected]
www.nofamass.org
NEW! 2012 Funding Opportunities for Volunteer Connectors.
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK 2012
Due: Monday, December 19, 2011
The Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA) is pleased to release a Request for Proposals for National Volunteer Week 2012 projects.
MSA seeks to award grants up to $5,000 to support projects that engage volunteers to meet an identified community need during National Volunteer Week, April 15-21, 2012.
These mini-grants represent a wonderful chance to expand service opportunities for people of all ages throughout Massachusetts and to celebrate the power of service as a strategy to meet community needs.
For a copy of the RFP, click here.
PROPOSALS DUE:
Monday, December 19, 2011 by 12:00 p.m.
Submit to:
Massachusetts Service Alliance
Attention: Kristen Nelson
100 North Washington Street, 3rd Floor
Boston, MA 02114
VOLUNTEER CONNECTOR EXPANSION INITIATIVE
Proposals Due: January 18, 2012
MSA is pleased to release a Request for Proposals for its Volunteer Connector Expansion Initiative. MSA values the role that Volunteer Connector (VC) organizations play in the development of the state’s volunteer infrastructure through nonprofit capacity building and connecting citizens with meaningful, well-managed volunteer opportunities in their communities.
Volunteer Connector Expansion Grants are available for:
- the establishment of a new Volunteer Connector that will service a geographic area currently not served by a VC; or
- the expansion of a current Volunteer Connector in order to service a geographic area not currently served by the VC.
The overall goal of the Volunteer Connector Expansion Initiative is to strengthen and sustain the capacity of Volunteer Connector (VC) organizations to recruit, retain, manage and support increased numbers of volunteers who serve to address critical unmet community needs.
For a copy of the RFP, click here.
PROPOSALS DUE:
Intent to Apply due December 16, 2011
Application due January 18, 2012
Submit to:
Massachusetts Service Alliance
Attention: Kristen Nelson
100 North Washington Street, 3rd Floor
Boston, MA 02114
Please direct any questions about these RFP’s to Kristen Nelson at 617.542.2544 x221 or [email protected].
Massachusetts Service Alliance
100 North Washington Street, 3rd Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
617.542.2544
www.mass-service.org