Science in the City ParksLead by science educator, Lisa Provencher, Science in the Parks is a FREE program where kids will learn about water and the environment and why keeping our parks clean is important. All ages are invited. Join us this summer and discover a fascinating world right in our own city parks. Parents plan on your kids having fun and getting wet and dirty. We will be testing the pH of the water, identifying water plants, aquatic insects, frogs and turtles. Children will learn to identify invasive species. There will be observations of wild animals as well as meeting some live animals up close and personal. Come on out and play with us and learn some new stuff at the same time. Schedule: Saturdays 10-12 (rain dates the following Sunday) Dorothy Amos Park June 22 & 29 This program is supported by the Pittsfield Parks Commission, the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT), the Berkshire Environmental Endowment of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation and Dr. Augie’s Science and Art Programs. For more information contact: Lisa at Dr.Augies@gmail.com or call 413-499-0692
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Riparian Tree Planting for Healthy WatershedsThursday, June 20, 2013 As communities shoulder greater concern over water resources in urban areas, preserving natural buffer zones is a top priority. Riparian tree planting programs can help address pollution, erosion, flooding, water temperature, and litter issues along river banks. While riparian tree planting can pose challenges, and methods and conditions vary for each city, the outcome is clear: trees are critical for healthy watersheds.
Trainers: Suzanne Probart, Executive Director, Trees New Mexico (Albuquerque, NM) Chuck Conner, Urban Forester, Missouri Department of Conservation (Kansas City, MO) Webcast attendees will learn about:
About the Webcast Series The trainings leverage local successes by amplifying to a larger audience the model organizations’ methods, materials, and approaches. Sessions are planned to last no more than one hour, with two presenters speaking on the same topic from slightly different perspectives, each for 10–15 minutes, followed by 10–15 minutes of questions and answers. CEU Approved: 0 Hour
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Northampton: I-91 Interchange 19 Design Work Begins
Alternative 13A includes a roundabout at the I-91 northbound Damon Road-Route 9 intersection exit ramp along with I-91 southbound entrance intersection improvements, including ramp widening, signal modifications, and an additional left turn lane on Route 9 to I-91 southbound. The additional left turn lane on Route 9 will extend under the I-91 overpass bridge. The sidewalk on the north side of the roadway will be relocated behind the piers. The study begun in 2009 seeks to improve mobility in the I-91 Exit 19 area. The entire project includes traffic analysis, roadway design, environmental analysis, and significant community input. To date, there have been more than 11 meetings with a Project Advisory Committee and two public meetings. The Committee of neighborhood, City, and regional representatives has been instrumental in guiding the project and offering input on the alternatives that were being considered, encouraging additional design work to address bicycle and pedestrians. A majority of Committee members have voiced support for Alternative 13A. The project preliminary 25% Design is expected to be completed by the end of 2014, with completion of the 100% Design Plan by the end of 2016 and construction completion by 2019, depending on funding availability. MassDOT will continue to work with the Committee through the project design phase, including holding several additional meetings. Additional information on the I-91 Interchange 19 project is available on the project website at www.mass.gov/massdot/interchange19. Learn more about the project alternatives and the 2004 Connecticut River Crossing Transportation study after the break.
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Action Alert – It’s time to fix gas leaks!
20,000 gas pipeline leaks in Massachusetts are sending billions of cubic feet of greenhouses gases into the air, wasting close to $40 million dollars of ratepayer money, and creating a significant threat to public safety. We can reinvigorate our broken infrastructure and build back a better Commonwealth. An important bill hearing is coming up on 6/11, from 1-4pm, regarding natural gas pipeline leaks, and Sen. Ben Downing from Pittsfield and Rep. John Keenan from Salem, as Senate and House Chairs of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy, are key decision makers.
Rep. Lori Ehrlich has filed a bill (H2933, An act enhancing natural gas pipeline safely) that does the most for the health and safety of our communities. This bill would:
Both co-chairs have filed their own versions of the legislation, so feel free to express your gratitiude, but indicate that you believe Lori Ehrlich’s bill is the best version (it is!). Lori Ehrlich’s bill sets the strongest standards for monitoring, reporting and service quality, and takes a “Complete Streets” approach to infrastructure repair, protecting the most vulnerable while making the smartest choices for municipalities. Thank Senator Downing and Representative John Keenan, and ask them to support House Bill 2933.
CONTACT: Senator Benjamin Downing
Representative John Keenan
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Berkshire Museum becomes Smithsonian AffiliateFirst Museum in Western Massachusetts to earn designation [PITTSFIELD, MA] – The Berkshire Museum has been named a Smithsonian Affiliate, a prestigious designation that marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration between the two institutions. The relationship will facilitate the loan of Smithsonian artifacts and traveling exhibitions as well as the opportunity to develop innovative educational collaborations. The affiliation will be announced by Harold A. Closter, director of Smithsonian Affiliations, at a short ceremony to be held on Friday, June 14, 2013, at 6:30 p.m. The announcement will take place during the opening reception for PaperWorks: The Art and Science of an Extraordinary Material, Berkshire Museum’s summer exhibition. The new cooperative relationship between the Berkshire Museum and the Smithsonian is one of the highlights of the Museum’s 110th anniversary year. There are currently 177 Smithsonian Affiliates in 42 states, Puerto Rico, and Panama. Berkshire Museum is the only Affiliate in Western Massachusetts; there are only four other Affiliates in the Commonwealth. “Since 1903, generations of families from Western Massachusetts and beyond have enjoyed the extensive collections on display at the Berkshire Museum. Combining art, history, and natural science, the Museum has earned a reputation as one of the finest institutions of its kind in the country. The exciting partnership with the Smithsonian will make a visit to the Berkshire Museum even more rewarding and memorable. When Zenas Crane established the Museum more than a century ago, he was inspired by an appreciation of the great museums in America. The new collaboration between the Berkshire Museum and the Smithsonian makes his vision complete,” says Congressman Richard E. Neal. “It is a distinct honor to partner with the Smithsonian,” says Bill Hines Jr., president of the Berkshire Museum Board of Trustees. “This affiliation represents an exceptional opportunity to share the extensive resources of the Smithsonian, an institution of international renown, with our community.” As an Affiliate, Berkshire Museum is now part of a select group of museums that share the Smithsonian’s extraordinary resources with the nation. Berkshire Museum now has access to the Smithsonian collections of more than 136 million objects, as well as the knowledge and experience of the scholars and experts at the Smithsonian, allowing the Berkshire Museum curatorial staff to develop richer exhibitions. Smithsonian travelling exhibitions, speakers, films, and educational programs are also available for use by the Berkshire Museum. “This exciting venture brings the richness and range of the Smithsonian’s holdings to the people of Western Massachusetts,” says Van Shields, Berkshire Museum executive director. “We are proud and pleased to be able to offer our visitors enhanced educational opportunities and enriched exhibitions as a result of this important new relationship. With our own permanent collection encompassing art, history, and natural science, and a mission to foster inspiring educational connections among those areas, entering into a partnership with the Smithsonian, with extensive holdings in all of those disciplines, greatly expands our capability for serving the people of the Berkshires.” “We are delighted to welcome the Berkshire Museum into our Smithsonian partnership program,” says Harold A. Closter, director of Smithsonian Affiliations. “The Berkshire Museum is one of our country’s premier regional museums, well known for its significant collections, accomplished staff, commitment to education, and service to the people of Western Massachusetts. We look forward to developing exhibitions, programs, and research collaborations that will highlight the important work of both of our organizations.” About Smithsonian Affiliations Established in 1996, Smithsonian Affiliations is a national outreach program which develops long-term collaborative partnerships with museums and educational and cultural organizations to enrich communities with Smithsonian artifacts, scholars, educational programs, and professional development opportunities. The long-term goal of Smithsonian Affiliations is to facilitate a two-way relationship among Smithsonian Affiliates and Smithsonian museums, research, education, and outreach organizations to increase discovery, inspiration, and lifelong learning in communities across America. More information about the Smithsonian Affiliations program and Affiliate activity is available at https://affiliations.si.edu. About Berkshire Museum Established by Zenas Crane in 1903, Berkshire Museum integrates art, history, and natural science in a wide range of programs and exhibitions that inspire educational connections between the disciplines. PaperWorks: The Art and Science of an Extraordinary Material will be on view June 15 through October 26, 2013. Objectify: A Look into the Permanent Collection is ongoing. Little Cinema is open year-round. Feigenbaum Hall of Innovation, Worlds in Miniature, Aquarium, and other exhibits are ongoing. Located in downtown Pittsfield, Massachusetts, at 39 South St., Berkshire Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit www.berkshiremuseum.org or call 413.443.7171.
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Didymo (aka Rock Snot) has been found in the Green River in Alford and EgremontOfficials from the Massachusetts Departments of Fish and Game (DFG) and Conservation and Recreation (DCR) are informing residents that the presence of the Didymosphenia geminata (didymo) was recently detected in the Green River in the Berkshire County towns of Alford and Egremont. This finding is the first confirmed occurrence of didymo in Massachusetts. Didymo is a freshwater algae that occurs in North America and generally favors cold, clear, nutrient-poor waters with a neutral or slightly basic pH. Blooms can produce dense covering on rocky substrate and eventually result in long, unsightly stalks. Didymo may appear gray, brown or white and have texture comparably to wet wool or cotton balls. Extensive didymo blooms can cover river substrate, and may temporarily impact aquatic habitat, specifically cover stream bottoms, and make swimming, boating and fishing difficult and/or less desirable. Samples were collected and a preliminary identification was made by DFG’s Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) Western District biologists. On Thursday May 23, 2013, the sample identification was confirmed by Vermont environmental officials, who have extensive experience with didymo. MassWildlife staff will post signs alerting the public to the presence of didymo in the Green River and how to clean recreational equipment and gear after each use. Although there is no known method for eliminating didymo from a waterway or controlling a bloom, all recreational boat users should always thoroughly wash their equipment, clothing, waders and boats in hot, soapy water. Boats, equipment and other non-absorbent materials should be scrubbed. Soft, absorbent materials should soak in hot, soapy water for a minimum of 30 minutes. This is particularly important with felt-sole waders or other slow drying material such as sneakers, towels, etc. In addition, DFG and DCR will work with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to provide information to the public about how to reduce the spread of didymo and other aquatic invasive species. DFG staff has developed best management practices and disinfection procedures for field activities and fish stocking to minimize the spread of both aquatic invasive species, like didymo and zebra mussels, and pathogens in Massachusetts’ waters. DFG staff will also continue to monitor national and international research pertaining to the biology and management of didymo. Didymo is visually undetectable without a microscope, unless it has established “colonies” on rock surfaces or is in a “bloom” phase. In addition to several western states, didymo has been found in Connecticut, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Virginia. In New England, there have been no reported changes to fishery communities resulting from the sporadic blooms. It is unknown if didymo was always present in the waters where blooms have occurred or is a recent introduction. In North America, the earliest recorded occurrence of didymo is from Vancouver Island in the late 1800s. One hundred years later, didymo formed nuisance blooms on the island’s Heber River and now blooms have appeared in two-thirds of Vancouver Island’s rivers. Didymo blooms, and the frequency of blooms, may vary widely between watersheds because of differing environmental conditions. DFG is responsible for promoting the conservation and enjoyment of the Commonwealth’s natural resources. DFG carries out this mission through land protection and wildlife habitat management, management of inland and marine fish and wildlife species and ecological restoration of fresh water, salt water and terrestrial habitats. DFG promotes enjoyment of the Massachusetts environment through outdoor skills workshops, fishing festivals and other educational programs, and by enhancing access to the Commonwealth’s rivers, lakes and coastal waters. 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 mass.parks@state.ma.us.
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NEWWA Seeking Presentations for the Fall 2013 Water Resources SymposiumThe New England Water Works Association (NEWWA) and its Water Resources, Groundwater, Conservation, and Sustainability Committees are seeking presentations for the Fall 2013 Water Resources Symposium. The symposium will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Westford, Massachusetts. We invite you to submit a presentation abstract to be considered for the 2013 symposium. The morning will be a series of presentations and the afternoon will consist of a situational exercise to discuss and resolve a water resource management scenario. This activity will draw on lessons learned from the morning speakers and participant’s own backgrounds.
Our intent for this year’s symposium is to assemble a diverse set of presentations and points of view from projects, studies, and practices related to watershed scale planning, water resource management, demand management, and regional challenges and approaches in New England and beyond. We welcome presentations from any combination of government entities, consultants, non-governmental agencies, and water suppliers dealing with the technical, financial, and planning aspects of water resource management, innovative approaches to water efficiency, and supply optimization. We are most interested in case studies that address two or more of the topics listed below: • Multi-resource management; • Watershed planning and management; • Conservation, efficiency, and demand management; • Stakeholder involvement; • Sustainable infrastructure; • Land use planning and decision making; and • Collaborative approaches to resource enhancement and preservation.
The deadline for submittal of abstracts is June 21, 2013. Abstracts should be 250 words or less. Please include authors and affiliations, with the presenting author noted. Presenting authors will receive a complimentary symposium registration. Please provide contact information for the presenting author and/or primary person to contact regarding your abstract.
Abstracts on one or more of the topics listed above should be submitted via e-mail to Matthew Mostoller at matt@actonwater.com, or you can also complete the form on the reverse side and mail or fax to Ray Raposa at NEWWA, 125 Hopping Brook Road, Holliston, MA 01746-1471 or by fax to (508) 893-9898.
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National Conference on Ecological RestorationNational Conference on Ecological Restoration – From July 29-August 2, the Fifth National Conference on Ecosystem Restoration (NCER) will take place in Chicago, Illinois. This interdisciplinary forum entails five days of presentations in six program tracks, multiple workshops, poster sessions, field trips, and discussions dedicated to both small and large scale ecosystem restoration programs.
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Summer Job Announcement: Environmental Educator PositionLead environmental education programs to youth ages 6 through 13 during a four week nature day camp program held at the Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center. Develop, implement and evaluate programs. Supervise youth in a daily setting. $11 per hour/ 35 hours per week. 7/8 – 8/21. Shared position with Cornell Cooperative Extension. For more information and details, please contact Lisa Hoyt at 518 658-2055 or dykenpond@fairpoint.net. To apply: contact Bernie Weisen at Cornell Cooperative Extension at 518 272-4210 or bw27@cornell.edu. Position open until filled. EOE Please forward to those who may be interested. |