Northeast Wildlife Trackers Conference
Registration Open
The Northeast Wildlife Trackers are a group of enthusiasts who share a passion for collaborative exchanges on all aspects of wildlife tracking in the Northeastern United States. Our mission is to convene, network, motivate, and inspire wildlife trackers across the Northeast. Through our conference, we aim to develop long-term connections and strategies for inspiring wildlife habitat protection by bringing together a range of issues and experiences connected to wildlife. FROM THE NORTHEAST WILDLIFE TRACKERS <more>
New England Farm Energy Collaborative
Summer Gathering
On June 27th, members of New England Farm Energy Collaborative (NEFEC) met for their annual gathering. The day began with a short meeting to give updates about the farm energy programs and any big news in each state. The partners focused on sharing ideas to help other states improve their programs, as well as looking for ways to collaborate. Some topics of note were anaerobic digesters, the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant, how to improve funding for robotics on farms, and the status of energy efficiency programs for farms in each state. FROM CENTER FOR ECOTECHNOLOGY <more>
Sea Shepherd says it will abandon pursuit
of Japanese whalers
Jobs (click here for full job listings)
Regional Recycling Coordinator | City of Pittsfield | Pittsfield, MA
Conservation Projects Manager | Housatonic Valley Association | Cornwall Bridge, CT
Director of Ecological Restoration | MA Dept. of Fish & Game | Boston, MA
Campaign & Volunteer Organizer | ELM Action Fund | Boston, MA
Community Solar Interns | Co-op Power | Florence, MA
Energy Efficiency Intern | Co-op Power | Florence, MA
Community Solar Program Director | Co-op Power | Florence, MA
Energy Efficiency Program Manager | Co-op Power | Florence, MA
Chief Executive Officer | Co-op Power | Florence, MA
In-Lieu Fee Program Assistant | Dept. of Fish and Game | Boston, MA
Development and Communications Director | Schumacher Center for New Economics | Egremont, MA
2017-18 Position Openings | TerraCorps – Various locations
Various Positions | The Manice Education Center (MEC) | Florida, MA
Volunteer Opportunities | The Trustees | Stockbridge & Cummington, MA
September: Wild Edibles. Harvest edible greens, roots, seeds and fruits.
October: Bow Drill. Carve your own friction fire-making set.
November: Primitive Shelter. Assemble a compact, one-person “debris hut.”
December: Acorns. We’ll crack, shell, chop, leach, and grind nutritious local food, prepare an acorn dish, and study wild-foods nutrition.
February: Wildlife Tracking. Discover just how far you can follow the trail of a single animal in the forest!
March: Bark Baskets. Transform a slab of bark into a sturdy pack basket.
April: Hide Tanning. Complete a finished piece of buckskin and use it to craft a fire pouch, bow drill string, pack basket straps, and other useful items.
The Northeast Wildlife Trackers are a group of enthusiasts who share a passion for collaborative exchanges on all aspects of wildlife tracking in the Northeastern United States. Our mission is to convene, network, motivate, and inspire wildlife trackers across the Northeast. Through our conference, we aim to develop long-term connections and strategies for inspiring wildlife habitat protection by bringing together a range of issues and experiences connected to wildlife.
Join us October 21st and 22nd for our 9th annual conference! Registration is now open!
Space is limited so register early! Field session registration closes September 30th. Conference registration closes October 18th.
New England Farm Energy Collaborative
Summer Gathering
FROM CENTER FOR ECOTECHNOLOGY | BY MEGAN DENARDY & RENEE STEARNS
On June 27th, members of New England Farm Energy Collaborative (NEFEC) met for their annual gathering. Those in attendance included representatives from the Massachusetts Farm Energy Program, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural resources, the Connecticut Farm Energy Program, Efficiency Vermont, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, the USDA’s Rural Development office, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Center for EcoTechnology.
The gathering began with a short meeting to give updates about the farm energy programs and any big news in each state. The partners focused on sharing ideas to help other states improve their programs, as well as looking for ways to collaborate. Some topics of note were anaerobic digesters, the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant, how to improve funding for robotics on farms, and the status of energy efficiency programs for farms in each state.
The attendees then toured five Massachusetts farms that are each doing something innovative and interesting with their farming practices. Barstow’s Longview Farm in Hadley was the first stop. As well as a brief anaerobic digester tour, the farm showed off their robotic milking equipment. The addition of robotics to the farm not only allows for more work to be done in a day, it has also increased milk production and improved the health of the herd. A tracking system that works in conjunction with the robot monitors the cows’ vitals, and alerts the farmer if there is a problem, and when milking has been completed with each cow.
The next stop was just a short car ride away at the UMass Amherst Crop and Animal Research and Education Center in South Deerfield. Experiments are underway at this location involving their Agriculture and Solar Energy Dual Use Research Project, which is constructing solar arrays in such a way as to allow for agricultural activity to take place under the equipment. Currently, crops are planted beneath the solar array, but the space can also be used for grazing animals. The UMass research team is working on determining which crops grow well beneath solar panels, what the optimal distance between panels is for this growth, and how far apart the rows of panels need to be in order to be able to get machinery between them. Crops that are showing the most potential are kale, broccoli, and swiss chard.
After the tourgoers fished up their Barstow’s farm stand-made lunch, the tour continued to Happy Valley Organics in South Deerfield. Inside their greenhouses, this farm uses specialized light-emitting diode (LED) technology. A specific red/blue spectrum, the most efficient light colors for plants, is used to grow acres of organic basil for sale to many major supermarkets including Whole Foods, Big Y, and Shaw’s.
Despite a hail storm and lighting, the clouds parted long enough to tour Red Fire Farm. Red Fire farm operates two locations: Granby and Montague. Their Montague location utilizes an energy-efficient geothermal heating and cooling system to store their produce throughout the year. This decrease in dependency on an outside energy source allowed Red Fire Farm to expand their cold storage capacity to match the production of the 110-acre farm, and prevents food loss during equipment failure.
Bar-Way Farm in Deerfield was the final stop. This farm also features an energy-producing anaerobic digester, though their system is younger than the one at Barstow’s and not fully online yet. On-farm waste, such as manure, combines in the digester with food waste to produce energy. This renewable energy will be fed back to the farm to help power the daily production of 1,700 gallons of milk.
The conclusion of the tour ended in laughter, exchanging of ideas, and positive thoughts for next year’s gathering. If you would like to learn more about a farm energy program in your New England state, please contact the Massachusetts Farm Energy Program (MFEP) at 413.727.3090 or info@massfarmenergy.com.
If you have any questions about the above technologies or if your farm has a project in mind, is in need of an energy audit, would like help identifying potential funding sources, or is in need of assistance writing grant applications, contact MFEP at 413.727.3090 or info@massfarmenergy.com.
The anti-whaling organisation Sea Shepherd will not contest the Southern Ocean against Japanese whalers this season, Captain Paul Watson has announced, accusing “hostile governments” in the US, Australia and New Zealand of acting “in league with Japan” against the protest vessel.
Sea Shepherd has been obstructing Japanese whaling vessels in the Southern Ocean each year since 2005, but Watson said the cost of sending vessels south, Japan’s increased use of military technology to track them, and new anti-terrorism laws passed specifically to thwart Sea Shepherd’s activities made physically tracking the ships impossible.
Australia took Japan to the international court of justice over its Southern Ocean whaling program in 2014, winning a judgment that condemned Japan’s whaling programs as being in breach of the International Whaling Commission’s ban on commercial whaling. The court rejected Japan’s argument that its whaling was for “scientific” purposes.
Watson said his volunteer organisation could not compete with Japanese military satellite technology, which tracked Sea Shepherd in the ocean. Japan has also passed anti-terrorism laws that make protest ships’ presence near whalers a terrorist offence.
“We’re just a group of volunteers trying to do the impossible, trying to do the job Australia and New Zealand and the United States and all these others countries should be doing but they’re too busy appeasing Japan.”
In a statement on Monday, Watson said the Japanese whaling companies “not only have all the resources and subsidies their government can provide, they also have the powerful political backing of a major economic superpower. Sea Shepherd however is limited in resources and we have hostile governments against us in Australia, New Zealand and the United States.”
Speaking on radio in Australia, Watson accused the Australian government of acting in league with Japan, indirectly supporting whaling by obstructing Sea Shepherd’s activities… READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE.
A quorum has been restored at FERC with the confirmation of Trump’s two nominees, Robert Powelson and Neil Chatterjee. By adding these pro-fossil fuel commissioners to FERC, the abuses of power will only continue and get worse as they carry out Trump’s dirty energy agenda.
FERC will be back to holding monthly meetings, starting with the meeting they’ve scheduled for Wednesday, September 20th. We need to be there in big numbers that day to let FERC and Congress know that the direction they plan to take the country is unacceptable and that we won’t tolerate it.
We’ve been FERCed long enough! Join us in D.C. to send that message on September 20th! Save the date! Details to come! RSVP HERE.
Jobs
Regional Recycling Coordinator
City of Pittsfield | Pittsfield, MA
The Municipal Assistance Coordinator for the Western District (WE) provides technical assistance to municipalities to increase recycling, composting, waste reduction, household hazardous waste diversion and regional cooperation. The City of Pittsfield has been awarded a Host Community grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to fund this position.
The Coordinator will act under the supervision of the MassDEP and will serve 100 municipalities in a district known as “Western”. The district extends from Ware to Richmond. For a map and list of communities in the district, please visit: http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/macmap.htm
This is an independent contractor position. The position is funded at 36 hours per week, with an annual ceiling of 1,800 hours. Annual compensation is commensurate with experience, starting at not less than $55,000. An additional $5,000 annual reimbursement is provided for self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare). Use of personal vehicle is required. Vehicle mileage, tolls and parking =will be reimbursed. Limited funding for in-state professional conferences is also provided.
DEADLINE TO APPLY: Friday, September 8, 2017 @ 4:00PM
Full listing and application details here.
Conservation Projects Manager
Housatonic Valley Association | Cornwall Bridge, CT
The Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented environmental professional to join our Watershed Conservation Team. The successful candidate will support all aspects of HVA’s conservation projects, which include (but aren’t limited to) environmental monitoring, regional road-stream crossing assessment and replacement planning, watershed management planning, stream corridor restoration, stormwater management through Green Infrastructure development, and environmental education. This position is based out of HVA’s Connecticut office.
This is only a part of the job description. To view the full descriptions and to apply, click here.
Director of Ecological Restoration
MA Department of Fish & Game | Boston, MA
The Division of Ecological Restoration is charged with restoring and protecting the health and integrity of the Commonwealth’s rivers, wetlands, and watersheds for the benefit of people and the environment. This mission is critical to the success of the Department of Fish and Game that manages, protects, and restores the natural resources of the Commonwealth.
The Division of Ecological Restoration works with community-based partners to restore aquatic ecosystems. The Division’s ecological restoration work brings clean water, recreation opportunities, and other ecosystem services to the citizens of Massachusetts.
The Director leads the Division of Ecological Restoration, one of three Divisions (and one Office) of the Department of Fish and Game. The Director is responsible for all functions and program performance ensuring that the Deputy Director is properly managing the day-today operations of the Division and the assistant director is administering annual budgets properly. The Director develops and makes sure the annual and five-year strategic plan goals are implemented and sets procedures and program priorities for the Deputy Director and Assistant Director to faithfully administer. The Director oversees development of the operational and capital budgets and manages a diverse staff.
This is only a small part of the job description. Click here to read the full description and to apply.
Campaign & Volunteer Organizer
ELM Action Fund| Boston, MA
We are seeking a Campaign and Volunteer Organizer to help us continue to build grassroots power to protect our state’s environment through advocacy and elections.
Main responsibilities:
- Play a key role in helping to elect environmental champions to state and local office
- Train and mobilize environmental activists to participate in our campaign activities and advocacy work
- Assist with the ELM Action Fund’s endorsement process for state and local candidates
- Manage ELM Action Fund’s database entry and organization in VAN and Salesforce
- Assist with campaign event planning and implementation
- Handle correspondence with candidates, staff, and campaign volunteers
- Support ELM Action Fund’s advocacy and legislative work
Qualifications:
- Three to five years experience working as a community/issue organizer or other related experience
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong social media and online engagement skills
- Excellent organizational skills and high attention to detail
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Ability to travel throughout Massachusetts
- Flexibility to work nights and weekends
- Commitment to environmental advocacy
Preferred:
- Multi-lingual (ideally, Spanish) or other languages a plus
- Experience working in low-income communities and communities of color
- Experience working on, volunteering for or running a political campaign
- Experience with VAN/Votebuilder
Duration: This is a full time position based in downtown Boston.
Salary and benefits: Salary is commensurate with experience. This position includes health insurance and paid time off.
How to apply: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@elmaction.org. Deadline for applications is August 23, 2017. Learn more about the ELM Action Fund at www.elmaction.org.
ELM is an equal-opportunity employer and we strongly encourage applications from all interested candidates. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ancestry, creed, religion, personal appearance, national origin, citizenship, age, gender, or sexual orientation.
Various Positions at Co-op Power
Co-op Power in Florence, MA, is hiring for:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Energy Efficiency Program Manager
- Community Solar Program Director
- Energy Efficiency Intern
- Community Solar Interns
Full details and how to apply here.
Development and Communications Director
Schumacher Center for New Economics | Egremont, MA
The Schumacher Center is looking for an exceptional individual to join our team and work with other program staff and the executive director to represent the organization and further its goals. A successful candidate will be a detail-oriented team player with proven writing, speaking, and event coordination skills, and a demonstrated interest in shaping a more just and sustainable economic system. The ideal candidate will have the ability to learn quickly and anticipate the needs of a fast-moving team, while also possessing creativity and a positive attitude. Full details and how to apply here.
2017-18 Position Openings with TerraCorps – Various locations
TerraCorps, formerly MassLIFT-AmeriCorps, is an innovative national service program helping communities conserve and secure land for the health and well-being of people and nature. This year we are looking for 36 members to serve in full-time, 11 month positions. Members will carry out capacity building projects; educate or train individuals; recruit, train, manage, and support community volunteers engaged in land-based activities; and identify new individuals and groups to participate in education, recreation, or service opportunities centered around land access and conservation.
Members serve as: Land Stewardship Coordinators, Regional Conservation Coordinators, Youth Education Coordinators, or Community Engagement Coordinators.
These 1,700 hour AmeriCorps positions receive a living allowance, education award, and additional AmeriCorps benefits. The 2017-2018 program will run from 8/28/17 – 7/27/18.
Application specifics, position descriptions, and information about organizations hosting TerraCorps members can be found at here.
Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled.
AmeriCorps programs provide equal service opportunities. TerraCorps will recruit and select persons in all positions to ensure a diverse and inclusive climate without regard to any particular status. We encourage applications from individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations for interviews and service upon request. TerraCorps is a grant program of the Corporation for National and Community Service.
Various Positions
The Manice Education Center (MEC) | Florida, MA
The Manice Education Center (MEC) is intentionally located in a unique outdoor setting within the heart of the Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts. MEC operates several distinctly different seasonal programs that are experientially focused in high-quality environmental education, wilderness camping, and leadership training.
Summer Outdoor educators will lead wilderness expeditions for campers & can expect to guide an average of 6 backpacking and/or canoeing trips, ranging from 2 to 5 days in length. Expedition locations inlude the Appalachian Trail, Long Trail, Savoy Mountain State Forest, Taconic Trail, Battenkill River, Deerfield River, & Connecticut River. Educators receive training in backpacking and wilderness navigation, participate in a 2 day professional canoe clinic, & can earn free certifications in Wildernes First Aid and/or Waterfront Lifeguarding.
APPLY TODAY – SEND US A COVER LETTER AND RESUME TO EMPLOYMENT@CHRISTODORA.ORG
For more details please visit our Jobs page (click here).
Please share this opportunity with your friends and colleagues! If you have any questions about employment in Christodora programs, please contact Matthew Scholl, Programs Director at 413.663.8463 or email us at employment@christodora.org
In-Lieu Fee Program Administrator
MassCareers Job Number 170003IV
The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is accepting applications for their new In-Lieu Fee (ILF) Program Administrator position. The ILF Program Administrator will be responsible for developing a comprehensive framework for ILF Program planning and implementation including: identification, prioritization, selection, review, and approval of proposed mitigation projects; monitoring and tracking implementation, performance, and completion of approved mitigation projects; and managing all financial, accounting, budgeting, and reporting activities and requirements related to DFG’s administration of the ILF Program consistent with Department policies and the ILF Program Instrument. The ILF Program Administrator is a position within the Office of the Commissioner but will also work collaboratively and in partnership with staff from the Division of Ecological Restoration, Division of Marine Fisheries, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, and the agency’s Land Protection Program.
For additional information and details about the ILF Program Administrator position, and to apply, please visit the MassCareers Job Opportunities website and search for Job Number 170003IV or click here. The job is open until filled. However, applicants within the first two weeks typically receive preference. For additional information about DFG’s In-Lieu Fee Program click here.
Questions? Please contact Christy Edwards at christy.edwards@state.ma.us or 617-626-1518.
Volunteer Opportunities with The Trustees
“Time travel” with The Trustees, and take our visitors on the voyage with you! Become a National Historic Landmark Greeter at Mission House (Stockbridge) or Tour Guide at the William Cullen Bryant Homestead (Cummington) and share the stories and magic of these special places. No experience necessary. Training provided. Fridays through Sundays. Flexible. Fun. Social. Rewarding.
Visit www.thetrustees.org/volunteer or contact tbeasley@thetrustees.org or413.532.1631 ext. 3119 for more information.