skip to Main Content

News Headlines

Other News Pages

Please send items of interest to Kristen.

Burning Our Rivers Report
from River Network

A new report by River Network provides the first accounting of how much water is used to generate electricity on an average per-kilowatt basis. The report, Burning Our Rivers: The Water Footprint of Electricity found that for every gallon of water used in an average household, five times more water (40,000 gallons each month) is used to provide that home with electricity via hydropower turbines and fossil fuel power plants.

The Burning Our Rivers report summarizes current research on the water consumption of all power production in the U.S., including the water consumption of both non-renewable and renewable energy sources. The water footprint of electricity is highest for hydropower: each day, enough water to meet the demands of more than 50 million people evaporates from reservoirs behind hydroelectric dams.

The report also highlights that electricity production by coal, nuclear and natural gas power plants is the fastest-growing use of freshwater in the U.S., accounting for more than about half of all fresh, surface water withdrawals from rivers. This is more than any other economic sector, including agriculture, and occurs in an era when all other use sectors are reducing water withdrawals. The report notes that experimental “clean coal” technologies are only expected to significantly increase water use.

More than a quarter of the water withdrawn by fossil-fuel power plants to cool their generators goes up in steam; the remainder carries pollutants and excess heat into rivers and waterways, causing fish kills and algae blooms.

“Fossil fuel power plants don’t just pollute the air,” noted River Network President Todd Ambs. “Cooling towers are also a very inefficient and environmentally detrimental use of our increasingly strained water resources.”

The report finds that wind and photovoltaic solar power have almost no water footprint at all, although other renewables such as biofuels from irrigated crops and solar thermal plants have water-use factors greater than some coal and nuclear power facilities.

“The days of taking water for granted in our decisions about energy production must come to an end,” said Cindy Lowry, executive director at the Alabama Rivers Alliance.” This report will help inform our state leaders about the key role energy plays in water management in Alabama.”

The recommendations of the Burning Our Rivers report chart a new course that would include investments in water-efficient cooling technologies and “low-water” photovoltaic solar and wind power generation. Taken together and implemented across the country, these steps could reduce the amount of water used by the thermoelectric sector by 80 percent.

“We’re using a lot of water to keep the lights on and the TV running when we could be using it for drinking water, irrigation and to provide healthier rivers for fish,” notes Wendy Wilson, director of River Network’s Rivers, Energy & Climate Program and chief author of the report.

# #

River Network’s mission is to empower and unite people and communities to protect and restore rivers and other waters that sustain the health of our country.  Founded in 1988, we are leading a national watershed protection movement that includes nearly 2,000 state, regional and local grassroots organizations whose primary purpose is freshwater protection. Our 17-person staff is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, with field staff in Vermont, Maryland, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Utah and Idaho. For more information, visit our website.

Return to list of headlines.

 

Progress Recycling Organics for Fuel
from MassDEP

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Results Program (CERP) is an innovative, first-of-its-kind new program that was launched in November 2011 by the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the Department of Energy Resources (DOER). The program is designed to maximize the combined resources of both agencies to better advance the siting and successful implementation of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. A key goal of CERP is to promote an increased capacity in the Commonwealth for anaerobic digestion (AD) – a process that breaks down food and other organic material to produce a renewable biogas (largely comprised of methane). This biogas is then combusted to generate electricity and heat. Just over a half-year from launch of this new program, the agencies are making great strides toward this goal. Read full story

Return to list of headlines.

 

JUNIOR RANGER PRogram for ages 8-12  at Mount Greylock

 

Mount Greylock State Reservation announces the Junior Ranger program for children ages 8-12. The program is FREE, begins on July 12 and held every Thursday, from 10:00am to noon, for seven weeks through August 23. Space is limited to twenty participants. Parents or guardians must register children by Wednesday, July 11.

 

Led by state Park Interpreter, Steve Linscott, Junior Ranger activities promote outdoor recreation and appreciation of the natural world through fun activities. Easy hikes to various locations on Mount Greylock explore water, geology, climate, plants and animals. Children must wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Sturdy walking shoes, water, a snack, sun screen and bug spray are recommended. Parents and guardians are encouraged to come and participate.

 

For the first session on July 12 participants are requested to bring a T-shirt to decorate with tracking prints to be used as a Junior Ranger uniform. Certificates and patches to awarded to those who attend 5 sessions, or show outstanding participation. Sessions meet at the Visitor Center at 30 Rockwell Road in Lanesborough.

 

The Mount Greylock Visitor Center is located on the Rockwell Road, 1.5 miles from North Main Street and Route 7 in Lanesborough. Sponsored by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Registration forms are available at the Visitor Center in Lanesborough or call (413) 499-4262.

Return to list of headlines.

 

Email from the EPA about the “Rest of the River” Housatonic Remediation

 

EPA, along with the CT and MA agencies, want to thank the members of the public who participated with us and expressed a broad diversity of sentiment and asked a variety of questions during the four public meetings that were held after EPA released its Status Report on the remediation of the Rest of River portion of the Housatonic River.

 

The meeting summaries are available at: http://www.epa.gov/region1/ge/publiceventsandmeetings.html

 

You are also able to view the meeting videos if you are interested in the complete proceedings: http://housatonicworkshops.org/whatsnew.html

 

EPA and the states also provided the same presentation to GE on May 22, 2012 and held a second meeting with GE on June 25. The meeting summary and follow-up items requested by GE and provided by EPA and MA DFG for the May 22, 2012 meeting are available at:

http://www.epa.gov/region1/ge/thesite/restofriver-reports.html#CommunityUpdates

 

Material from the June 25 is not yet available.

 

Also, recently posted to EPA’s Web page are the following:

 

Food Chain Model Runs and Additional Metrics for various remediation scenarios conducted as part of discussions with the States, and

MA DFG Core Area Habitat Maps

 

These documents are also available at: http://www.epa.gov/region1/ge/thesite/restofriver-reports.html#CommunityUpdates

 

Please feel free to call me anytime if you have any questions. It is best to reach me through July 5 on my cell phone listed below.

 

Have a pleasant and safe weekend and Independence Day week.

 

Jim Murphy

United States Environmental Protection Agency

New England – Region 1

Office of the Regional Administrator

5 Post Office Square, Suite 100

Mail Code ORA 01-1

Boston, MA 02109-3912

617-918-1028 (phone)

617-721-2868 (cell phone)

617-918-0028 (fax)

Return to list of headlines.

 

Register Online for Programs at Mass Audubon’s Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries

 

Lenox—Mass Audubon announces that members and other visitors to Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries can now register online for programs, events, and classes.

 

People can enjoy the convenience of reviewing programs on their computers and other electronic devices and make their selections any time, any day. And they can still sign up in person or by phone during the nature center’s hours of operation.

 

The online option now provides all those who love the Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries bounty of activities—each an invitation to the natural world—a quick and easy way to engage with Mass Audubon, New England’s largest conservation organization.

 

For outdoor enthusiast or nature newbie, family or group, exploring their options at Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries just got a whole lot simpler. Just click on to connect with nature! Visit www.massaudubon.org/pleasantvalleyprograms.


Mass Audubon works to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife. Together with more than 100,000 members, we care for more nearly 35,000 acres of conservation land, provide educational programs for 225,000 children and adults annually, and advocate for sound environmental policies at local, state, and federal levels. Mass Audubon’s mission and actions have expanded since our beginning in 1896, when our founders set out to stop the slaughter of birds for use on women’s fashions. Today we are the largest conservation organization in New England. Our statewide network of wildlife sanctuaries in 90 Massachusetts communities welcomes visitors of all ages and serves as the base for our work. To support these important efforts, call 800-AUDUBON (283-8266) or visit www.massaudubon.org.

Return to list of headlines.

 

Connecticut River Bacteria Monitoring Interactive Website

 

The fifth season of the Connecticut River Bacteria Monitoring Program is underway, with volunteers monitoring the Connecticut River and several tributaries for E. coli bacteria levels at more than 30 locations. Monitoring takes place on Wednesdays or Thursdays from June through the first week of October, and results can be found at a new interactive website, www.ConnecticutRiver.us.

 

The website offers guidance about whether the water is clean enough for swimming and boating relative to the weekly bacteria levels, so that river users can make informed decisions to prevent potential illness. E. coli is an indicator for all types of “bad” microorganisms that can be present in the river, causing stomach pains, rashes, breathing problems, diarrhea, and other intestinal problems. Generally, bacteria levels are elevated after a storm event due to combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and stormwater runoff from urban, suburban, and agricultural areas. Experts recommend staying out of the water for 24 to 48 hours after a storm event due to the likelihood of elevated bacteria levels. Bacteria levels at specific river access sites can be found at www.ConnecticutRiver.us.

 

The Connecticut River and tributaries are monitored from southern Massachusetts to southern Vermont. Partner organizations include the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, the Connecticut River Watershed Council, Millers River Watershed Council, Southeastern Vermont Watershed Alliance, and Putney Rowing Club.

 

The weekly bacteria monitoring and the new website are a joint effort between the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and the Connecticut River Watershed Council. Funding is provided by a U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Targeted Watershed Initiative grant to PVPC and by Brown & Caldwell, CDM Smith, and the Community Foundation of Western Mass to CRWC. Support in Vermont is provided by Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. to CRWC.

 

The website also has information about river access locations, fishing and fish consumption advisories, hiking and biking in the watershed, and general information about the condition of the river.

Return to list of headlines.

 

Greater Berkshire Fund Announces Lending Partner
from the Carrot Project Summer E-Newsletter

We are excited to announce the Greater Berkshire Agricultural Fund, a partnership with Salisbury Bank and Trust Company.  We’ll begin accepting applications for loans up to $75,000 immediately. To find out more or download an application visit our webpage. Salisbury Bank is a full-service community bank headquartered in Lakeville, Connecticut and presently operates full service branches in: Canaan, Lakeville, Salisbury and Sharon, Connecticut; South Egremont and Sheffield, Massachusetts; as well as Dover Plains and Millerton, New York. The bank’s footprint is a great match for the area served by the Greater Berkshire Agricultural Fund. Read more.

Return to list of headlines.

 

$5,000 Grants Available to Support EE in Massachusetts

 

The vision of environmental literacy in New England is about to get a major boost. With a $150,000 grant from the U.S. EPA, the New England Environmental Education Alliance (NEEEA) is soliciting proposals from non-profits, schools, and local or state agencies for sub-grants of up to $5,000. These grants will support projects that strengthen environmental education through capacity building on a state-wide level or that advance educational achievement by implementing the goals of state Environmental Literacy Plans. Acknowledging the importance of an environmentally literate citizenry, the EPA states, “environmental challenges require a population that is diverse, informed, and environmentally literate, willing and able to translate their knowledge and skills into decisions and actions that protect the environment in their communities.”

 

NEEEA, in close partnership with MEES and the other five professional environmental education associations that comprise NEEEA, will award at least 19 grants of up to $5,000 (three in each state) to projects that implement regional priorities such as:

 

  • Implementing one or more objectives of a state’s Environmental Literacy Plan
  • Designing, implementing, and linking environmental education programs and leadership across a state or states to promote long-term sustainability of the programs
  • Developing replicable and sustainable professional development programs for teachers and trainers

 

In Massachusetts, examples of strategic EE objectives that can be realized within the scope of this sub-grant program include:

  • Designing and conducting environmental literacy professional development programs for teachers
    and non-formal educators.
  • Creating and implementing a research tool that measures environmental literacy among students in
    our state.
  • Incorporating environmental education into the school day through innovative collaborations.
  • Implementing a program to align school buildings, grounds, and gardens with curriculum.

 

With a total project budget of $232,000 (with matching funds) for the region, this sub-grant program dramatically increases MEES’s capacity, enabling diverse organizations to support environmental literacy efforts, while fostering a more cohesive and collaborative EE community within Massachusetts.

 

Download the Request-for-Proposals and application package at www.neeea.org. Proposal deadline is August 31, 2012.

The Massachusetts Environmental Education Society is dedicated to the promotion, preservation and improvement of environmental education in the State of Massachusetts.

For more information write admin@massmees.org

Return to list of headlines.

 

4th annual Massachusetts Green Career Conference
October 4, 2012
Marlborough Holiday Inn

Find your role in the green economy.
Find a future in clean energy, the environment, conservation, and sustainable development.

 

SAVE THE DATE
*CALL TO PARTICIPATE:  Sponsor, Exhibitor and Speaker Registration – See below!
THE CONFERENCE
The 4th annual Massachusetts Green Career Conference connects experts and peers from government, business, education, non-profits, and individuals.  With exhibitors, speakers, coaches, and networking, it’s a unique opportunity to reach important constituents all in one place.  Everyone wanting to learn more about green careers will find this conference timely, practical, and valuable.

  • Learn about research, case studies, best practices, programs, products, and services.
  • Engage in cross-sector dialogues with experts and peers.
  • Go home with knowledge and resources about green careers, research, and current trends in Massachusetts.

ATTENDEES

  • Education and Training (higher education & K-12) staff, administrators, faculty, workforce developers, career service professionals, graduates, students
  • Business professionals
  • Government staff and environmental policy makers
  • Non-profit and community members
  • Green career candidates, college graduates, students
  • Everyone interested in green careers

EXHIBITORS

  • Businesses with sustainable products, services, jobs and internships that are accepting resumes
  • Universities, colleges, and institutes with certificate and degree programs
  • Government agencies
  • Non-profits
  • Green career recruiters and resources

SPEAKERS/LEADING EXPERTS

  • Leading experts from government, education, business, and non-profits

SESSION TOPICS 

  • Introductory Sessions about Green Careers:  Career opportunities & career paths
  • Government & Green Careers:  Environmental policies and career development
  • Education:  The practical side of educating for the future
  • Business:  Building businesses with greener talent and the necessary skills

BENEFITS

  • Meet diverse leaders and peers interested in best practices and implementation strategies.
  • Attend an affordable, accessible, professional event dedicated to green careers.
  • Enjoy a unique opportunity to share research, work, services, products, programs, and ideas from many sectors
  • Participate in a conference that attracts hundreds of people from across the Commonwealth.

CONFERENCE HOST
The Massachusetts Green Career Conference is hosted by Green Workforce Training with the support of an advisory and on-site team of professionals from government, business, education, and non-profits.

PREVIOUS CONFERENCES
See previous conference info at www.MassGreenCareers.com and www.MaSustainableCommunities.com.

ATTENDEE REGISTRATION
The registration fee of $45-$75 covers exhibitors, speakers, introductory sessions, coaching, breakfast, lunch, and raffle.  FREE wifi and parking.  Registration will be at http://greencareer.eventbrite.com.

*CALL TO PARTICIPATE
Exhibitors and Sponsors may request a registration form by phone or email.
Speakers may email a title, 40-word summary and a 250-word description by July 16.
Conference advisory, coaching, and on-site team member inquiries are welcome.

CONTACT 
Jen Boudrie, Conference Director, JenBoudrie@gmail.com  508-481-0569

www.MassGreenCareers.com

Return to list of headlines.

 

Yestermorrow Design/Build School

June 20 – August 29: Summer Lecture Series (Waitsfield, VT)

 

Rolf Kielman – 06/20/2012

Making Good Towns: From Norway to Switzerland to Vermont

Vermont’s varied terrain is similar to that of Norway and Switzerland. Sloped landscapes; deep, watery cuts between hilly regions; the form of our farmsteads; these terrain characteristics have contributed to the shape of towns and villages in these regions. This lecture explores how the land has formed the architecture of buildings and public spaces and how architects and planners can advance the art of making good towns.

Rolf Kielman, AIA, has been a Principal at TruexCullins Architecture and Interior Design since 1993.  Rolf has 35 years experience with a range of projects that includes historic restoration, urban design and resort, institutional, corporate and residential design.  A Dartmouth College graduate, Rolf was born in Holland and raised in Canada.  He received his Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania and went on to study furniture design in Denmark.

Bruce Beeken – 06/27/2012

Trees, Logs, Friends & Furniture

This illustrated discussion shows the fine furniture-making journey, from standing tree to elegant finished product.  We’ll travel from the logging and milling processes through the various stages of construction.  We’ll explore the relationship of sustainable forestry to furniture making, and delve into the design process, examining how the use of the drawing organizes not just the design, but the building system, and how digital technology integrates the conception of a design idea straight through a collaborative making process. Lots of beautiful furniture will be shown along the way.

Bruce Beeken works in a furniture making partnership that spans 30 years. Beeken Parsons is located at Shelburne Farms where they design and make furniture to order, with a keen focus on sustainable forest management and a creative utilization of local wood and craftsmanship. In addition to residential and corporate pieces, Beeken Parsons designs and produces furniture for institutional clients including New England colleges and universities, often for their libraries. Chairs are a special interest.

 

Joel Glanzberg & Pete Munoz – 07/11/2012

Long-Term Resilient & Regenerative Flood Responses

Tropical Storm Irene caused tremendous damage to property and lands throughout Vermont. The immediate response was heartfelt and inspiring, but likely fell short of expectations for both human and natural systems in the long term. We will use the lens of water, watershed, and infrastructure to explore what could have enabled communities to hold on to — and continue to develop — the community cohesion and support that arose in an effort to establish resilient and regenerative systems and infrastructures for the future? What might those infrastructures look like? And how can this work prove useful beyond the affected areas?

Pete Muñoz, PE, LEED AP, is co-founder of SEEDS, a non-profit research, design and educational institute. He directs SEEDS’ Ecological Design Collaborative, which designs and builds systems that reconnect communities with their infrastructure, with a focus on natural water and wastewater treatment and reuse systems.

Joel Glanzberg has broad experience in environmental design and ecological restoration projects. He has also worked extensively in the field of regenerative agriculture, and as a consultant on watershed restoration projects, where he has helped to design and implement programs for restoration as well as public education and engagement.

 

Gwendolyn Hallsmith – 07/18/2012

Creating Wealth:  Growing Local Economies with Local Currencies

We often think of the local economy as something that happens to us, not that we design.  In her new book, Creating Wealth, Gwendolyn Hallsmith shows how local communities can redesign their local economies using local currencies.  The underlying assumptions, frameworks, and institutions of our economy often go unquestioned, and one of the least understood pieces of the economic puzzle is money itself.  Money and currency are critical leverage points for a sustainable local economy, and local leaders can do a lot to direct resources and initiatives that will enhance the quality of life in their communities by developing new forms of exchange.

Gwendolyn Hallsmith, the Director of Planning and Community Development for the City of Montpelier, is also the Director of Global Community Initiatives and author of a new book with Bernard Lietaer called Creating Wealth:  Growing Local Economies with Local Currencies, as well as The Key to Sustainable Cities:  Meeting Human Needs, Transforming Community Systems; Taking Action for Sustainability: the EarthCAT Guide to Community Development; LASER: Local Action for Sustainable Economic Renewal. She has over 20 years of experience working with municipal, regional, and state government in the United States and internationally, and for over fifteen years as an international specialist on sustainable community development.

 

Kelly Ogrodnik – 07/25/2012

Efficient as a Flower: Phipps Conservatory’s Center for Sustainable Landscapes

The culmination of a decade-long, three phase master plan for the historic Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, PA, is the recent opening of the Center for Sustainable Landscapes, one of the world’s first Living Buildings. Blending sustainable architecture, innovative technology and living landscape design, the Center is a model of sustainability for architects, scientists, planners and the public, offering opportunities for education and research, while achieving the world’s three highest green standards: the Living Building Challenge, LEED® Platinum, and SITES Certification for landscapes. Join us to learn how this 1893 landmark organization is forging the way toward a more sustainable future for the Pittsburgh region and beyond.

Kelly Ogrodnik served as the Sustainable Design and Programs Manager for Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, PA. In this position she performed duties as a sustainable landscape designer, a design team member for the Center for Sustainable Landscapes, and managed the development and implementation of sustainable initiatives across Phipps’ campus. Kelly holds a master’s degree in landscape architecture from Chatham University and a bachelor’s degree in environmental and renewable resource economics from Penn State University.

 

Duo Dickinson – 08/01/2012

The Tyranny of Style

The design of the American Home has been subjected to two parallel universes that distort its primal importance in our lives. Whether it’s the pandering traditionalism of spec builder profit or the abstracted Modernist sculpture by starchitects, comfort, inspiration and intimacy are in short supply. An abiding middle exists between the mindless faux history offered to the 99 percent and the Mau Mau-ing of all but Modernism by the 1% architectural elites in academia and journalism. The work of many architects and the words of Duo Dickinson advocate for a third way.

Duo Dickinson has been an architect for 30 years, and has built over 600 projects. His seventh book, Staying Put came out this fall and he writes for Architecture Boston, and is the architecture critic for the New Haven Register and New Haven Magazine. He has received over 30 awards and his work has been published in more than 80 national publications.

 

Sheri Koones – 08/08/2012

Prefabulous + Sustainable

Prefab housing is one of the most sensible ways to realize both affordability and sustainability.  Author Sheri Koones has documented and profiled dozens of examples in her numerous books.  Through a number of these case studies, she will explore various prefab methodologies – including modular, panelized, and SIPS – and explain how the owners, architects and builders sought to push the envelope on energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, indoor air quality, and site selection, while maximizing affordability, innovation and charm.   You’ll be amazed at what can be accomplished with prefab.

Sheri Koones is a widely respected author and journalist who helps readers better understand that getting the house of their dreams can be done in an ecologically responsible and one-of-a-kind way. Her previous books include From Sand Castles to Dream Houses, House About It, Modular Mansions and Prefabulous, which won the prestigious Gold Award in the 2008 Robert Bruss Real Estate Book Awards from NAREE. Prefabulous + Sustainable: Building and Customizing an Affordable, Energy-Efficient Home was released by Abrams in April 2010.

 

JB Clancy & Peter Schneider – 08/15/2012

Tale of 3 Houses: Performance Standards and Post-Occupancy Data

Current data will be examined from three super-insulated low energy buildings that were built for Habitat for Humanity in Charlotte, Vermont.  One of these houses is a Certified Passive House.   A discussion of the various envelope specifications and their performance will follow.  Using some of the preliminary findings from these houses we will also discuss Marc Rosenbaum’s proposal on the New England amendment to the Passive House Standard.

J.B. Clancy is an architect and partner at Albert, Righter and Tittmann, Architects in Boston.  J.B.’s main focus is residential architecture and sustainable design.  J.B is a North American Certified Passive House Consultant and has designed a Certified Passive House for Habitat for Humanity in Vermont.

Peter Schneider works as a Senior Energy Consultant at Efficiency Vermont.   He provides technical support to builders, architects, affordable housing agencies and homeowners participating in a number of different programs such as ENERGY STAR Homes, LEED & Passive House.   Peter is a certified Energy Rater, Certified Passive House Consultant and LEED for Homes QAD.

 

Ace McArleton & Jacob Deva Racusin – 08/22/2012

High Performance Natural Buildings for Cold Climates

It is critical to identify the role social and community-responsive practices play in providing long-term solutions to the ecological problems and other pressing issues we face.  In this workshop, we will examine the role that natural building can play in supporting these practices.  We will explore a variety of different natural building technologies in a series of different applications, and evaluate how to develop an appropriate strategy for their implementation.  This presentation will feature case study, research, building science principles, and philosophical arguments to support the role for natural building as a solution for building efficiency and resiliency.

Ace McArleton and Jacob Deva Racusin co-founded New Frameworks Natural Building (NFNB) in 2006 to offer green remodeling and new construction services that utilize the best that both natural building materials and methods and conventional construction practices have to offer.   Ace and Jacob have conducted field research on moisture and thermal performance of straw bale wall systems, which is featured in their book The Natural Building Companion (Chelsea Green Publishing, 2012).

 

Christian Tubau Arjona – 08/29/2012

Gaudi & The Shapes of Nature

Gaudí & The Shapes of Nature is a commentary on the most emblematic works by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926). Accompanied by relevant images, the lecture will focus on the importance of natural morphology in his designs, elaborating a diachronic study of these works in order to show how the biological patterns were gradually gaining presence in his buildings, from an ornamental use in his early years, to a structural one in his final style, where the “curves of life” were the most ground-breaking feature and his most famous trademark. This process can also be summarized as: From the arabic style to biomorphism; or more generally, from Euclid’s geometry to the fractal geometry of nature.

Christian Tubau Arjona is a Spanish writer and painter with a Ph.D in Spanish Literature. He has translated many architectural books from Spanish to English, including several monographs about the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí.  His poetry has been awarded and published in Spain. He currently lives with his family in West Bolton, Vermont.

 

Yestermorrow Design/Build School

189 VT Rte 100, Warren, VT 05674

Call Toll Free 888-496-5541

Return to list of headlines.

 

Solar Fest 2012 – July 20-22

http://solarfest.org/, on facebook

Tinmouth, VT directions

Gates open at noon on Fri, 8am Sat & Sun.

Sat. Keynote: Steven Strong, president of Solar Design Associates, a group of engineers and architects dedicated to the design of environmentally responsive buildings, and the engineering and integration of renewable energy systems. Read more here…

Sun. Keynote: Bill McKibben, author of a dozen books about the environment, beginning with “The End of Nature” in 1989, regarded as the first book for a general audience on climate change. He is a founder of the grassroots climate campaign 350.org, Read more here…

Tickets : full weekend pass $39, early bird weekend pass $35 (available soon!), any day pass $15
Children 14 and under free when accompanied by an adult.

Program guide, performers, sustainability workshops, vendors & exhibitors, camping.

Return to list of headlines.

 

Job Announcement: Two Positions in the Department of Botany, National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C.

 

http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/319890300?share=email.Job Title: Museum Technician (Natural Science)

Agency: Smithsonian Institution

Job Announcement Number:12R-RB-297624-DEU-NMNH

SALARY RANGE: $42,209.00 to $54,875.00 / Per Year
OPEN PERIOD: Monday, June 25, 2012 to Friday, June 29, 2012
SERIES & GRADE: GS-1016-07
POSITION INFORMATION: Full-Time, Permanent – Career/Career-Conditional.  More than one
position may be filled from this announcement.
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 11
DUTY LOCATIONS: 1 vacancy(s) in the following locations:
Washington DC Metro Area, DC, US
WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: This position is open to all U.S. Citizens or U.S. Nationals.

JOB SUMMARY:

This position is located within the Department of Botany, National Museum of Natural History (NMNH). The employee performs the role of Multimedia Technician and is responsible for a variety of duties in connection with the production of the Department’s multimedia resources.

 

 

 

http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/319891300?share=email.

Job Title: Museum Technician (Natural Science)

Agency: Smithsonian Institution

Job Announcement Number:12R-MP-297625A-DEU-NMNH

SALARY RANGE: $42,209.00 to $54,875.00 / Per Year
OPEN PERIOD: Monday, June 25, 2012 to Monday, July 09, 2012
SERIES & GRADE: GS-1016-07
POSITION INFORMATION: Full-Time, Permanent – Federal
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 09
DUTY LOCATIONS: 1 vacancy(s) in the following locations:
Washington, DC, US
WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: This position is open to all U.S. Citizens or U.S. Nationals. Note: Federal employees with permanent status or individuals eligible for special appointing authorities should apply to Job Announcement #12R-MP-297625-MPA-NMNH.Additional selections may be made from this announcement.

JOB SUMMARY:

This position is located in the Department of Botany, Core Collections Management Unit, National Museum of Natural History. The employee will serve as a developmental/trainee Museum Specialist (Natural Science) and perform a variety of duties in connection with the management of the Department’s collection.

Return to list of headlines.

 

CRWA Development Director Wanted

 

Connecticut River Watershed CouncilL (CRWC) is looking for a development director. See below. Please circulate to anyone who might be interested. Feel free to contact our Executive Director, Andy Fisk, with any questions. He can be reached at (413) 772-2020, ext 208, (413) 210-9207 (cell), or afisk@ctriver.org.

 

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

The Connecticut River Watershed Council, the principal citizen voice for the entire 4-state watershed since 1952, is looking for a dynamic and seasoned development professional to lead the organization’s ambitious growth strategy.

The Development Director is responsible for designing and implementing the Council’s fundraising strategies to include membership development, major donors, corporate and institutional sponsorships, planned giving, and capital campaigns.

The position reports directly to the Executive Director and supervises a contract grant writer and a membership staff person. The Council operates out of four offices, with its headquarters in Greenfield, MA located in the historic E.A. Hall building on the town square. The Council’s 10-person staff works on a wide variety of educational, advocacy, restoration, and water quality projects throughout the 11,000 square mile watershed. Our work includes song concerts, creating original artwork and literature with school kids, taking down dams, planting trees, making sure development is done right and problems fixed, collecting high quality environmental data, and ensuring we meet the public’s high standards for our quality of life in the watershed.

We love what we do and we work hard on behalf of the River.

The Council’s annual budget ranges between $750,000 and $1,000,000 and is realized through private and government grants, contributed support, corporate and institutional sponsorships, and earned income from endowments.

The Council operates according to a multi-year strategic plan that has set out a range of short, moderate, and long-range goals. These include increasing the membership four-fold, increasing the average donation across all giving categories, implementing a planned giving program, increasing corporate and institutional support, and increasing the endowment to $5,000,000. The Development Director is expected to work closely with the Executive Director and in collaboration with an active Board of Trustees who are involved in fund raising and membership development. Program staff are frequently active participants in fundraising and donor relations.

Please send cover letter, resume, references and salary requirements to Andrew Fisk, Executive Director at afisk@ctriver.org. Want to learn about why this is a great place to work – give me a call at 413-772-2020 x208. Applications close July 13, 2012.

CRWC is an equal opportunity employer
Return to list of headlines.

Back To Top