The BEAT News March 20, 2013

News Headlines

Vernal Pool Workshop for Teachers

The Vernal Pool Association, Walden Woods Project, and Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary are presenting a free vernal pool workshop for teachers with Leo Kenney and Matt Burne. The workshop will be at the Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary in Wales, MA on April 6, from 9-2. We will present the full ecological
story of vernal pools in eastern North America; discuss finding vernal pools in your area, and most importantly, how to incorporate vernal pools into your classroom activities. This workshop is geared toward the elementary/middle school teacher, but teachers from pre-school through graduate level instruction have found them exciting and informative.

Space is limited. Registration for this free one-day workshop with Jennifer Ohop <ohop@norcrossws.org>, Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary’s Staff Naturalist.
If you’re a teacher, we hope to see you there. If you know a teacher that might be interested in attending, please forward this message. You can see a flier for the workshop at
http://www.walden.org/Calendar/Vernal_Pools_for_Teachers

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Outstanding In the Field Returns to the Berkshires in September

This nationally recognized event presents an opportunity for the Berkshires to make known its historical roots in agriculture and to promote the food culture of the region, especially the strong ties between farmers and chefs and the collaborative practice of farm-to-table values in the region.

Ingredients for each OITF meal are almost all local, sometimes sourced within inches of the guests’ seats at the table, and generally prepared by a celebrated chef of the region. After a tour of the site, guests settle in: farmers, producers, culinary artisans and diners sharing the long table.

Outstanding in the Field’s first visit to the Berkshires took place in 2012 at Indian Line Farm in South Egremont, the birthplace of the first CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm in North America. The event sold out in four hours the day tickets went on sale.

Dan Smith of John Andrews Teams Up with Lila Berle of Lila’s Farm on September 7 / Tickets Go on Sale Wednesday, March 20

Due to last-minute scheduling changes, the Outstanding in the Field (OITF) bus will be making another stop in the Berkshires this year. They have added a second Berkshire-based event prior to their planned visit, already scheduled for Sunday, September 8. Arriving one night earlier, the OITF team will set up their epic celebrated table on the hills of Lila’s Farm in Great Barrington on Saturday, September 7. Dan Smith, chef-owner of John Andrews: A Farmhouse Restaurant, will man the field kitchen with his crew and present a five-course meal to 150 guests.

Berkshire Farm & Table is facilitating the coordination of both OITF events and helping to build awareness and tell the story behind these dinners. This nationally recognized event presents an opportunity for the Berkshires to make known its historical roots in agriculture and to promote the food culture of the region, especially the strong ties between farmers and chefs and the collaborative practice of farm-to-table values in the region.

“I love to see, to listen, to feel the land. Growing up on a dairy farm amid many dairy farms and now knowing that most of them are gone, I am challenged to keep as much of the Berkshires as possible open and farmed with an ecological balance of woods, fields, sheep, coyotes, guard dogs, bears, eagles, bobcats, birds, and yes, mountain lions!” said Lila Berle of Lila’s Farm. “A great way to protect our land is to feed people locally and let visitors from outside the region witness what we are trying to do here, and to do that with amazing chefs like Dan Smith and Brian Alberg. This event is going to be wonderful and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Ingredients for each OITF meal are almost all local, sometimes sourced within inches of the guests’ seats at the table, and generally prepared by a celebrated chef of the region. After a tour of the site, guests settle in: farmers, producers, culinary artisans and diners sharing the long table.

This year’s dinner pairing of farmer and chef is quite special as Dan Smith was the first chef to whom Lila Berle sold her lambs more than ten years ago. “I’m honored to be participating in this year’s Outstanding in the Field event in the Berkshires,” said Dan Smith, chef-owner of John Andrews Restaurant. “It is such a pleasure to live in this region and be part of a community that not only supports many great restaurants, but so many small, local eco-conscious farms. I have worked with Lila Berle for more than 10 years, so I’m thrilled to have her host this event and work in partnership to present the great food and farm experiences we have to offer here.”

Outstanding in the Field’s first visit to the Berkshires took place in 2012 at Indian Line Farm in South Egremont, the birthplace of the first CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm in North America. The event sold out in four hours the day tickets went on sale. This year, OITF will also pay a visit to Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield when Chef Brian Alberg of The Red Lion Inn will present his five-course farm dinner on Sunday, September 8.

Event Details and Ticket Information

The dinner on Saturday, September 7 will begin at 3 p.m. with passed hors d’oeuvres at the initial greeting area followed by opening remarks and a farm tour around 4 p.m. Seating for the four-course, family-style dinner (including dessert) will begin at 4:45 p.m. The price for the dinner is $220 per person. Tickets go on sale today, March 20, the first day of spring. For more information about the event, visit http://outstandinginthefield.com/events/north-american-tour/?dinner_id=393

To receive information about the event, join the OITF mailing list: http://outstandinginthefield.com/mailing-list-signup/

Live from the Berkshires

On Saturday, September 7, Berkshire Farm & Table will provide behind-the-scenes coverage, offering a backstage pass to this celebrated event. Media coverage will include Facebook and Twitter updates as well as YouTube video.

To view event and farm details, chef bio and more, visit http://www.berkshirefarmandtable.com/events/outstanding-in-the-field-returns-to-the-berkshires-in-september/

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About Lila Berle and Lila’s Farm

Lila Berle is a lifelong ecologist and farmer. She is dedicated to land conservation in the region, particularly the preservation of historic homes and view sheds at cultural institutions. She has established conservation easements on 850 acres in Monument Valley and on Monument Mountain in the Southern Berkshires. She has been chairwoman and/or president of the Norman Rockwell Museum, Chesterwood, Edith Wharton Restoration and The Berkshire Hills Regional School Committee.  She currently serves on the boards of Berkshire South Community Center and Sculpture Now. She was the first female Senior Warden at St. Paul’s Episcopal church and has been an active member there for more than fifty years. Farming and her family are her passions. Pulling lambs, and mowing and baling hay, are favorite ways to spend a day. Lila has four children, fourteen grandchildren and eight hundred sheep on the ground today. Lila’s Farm is located at 8 Locust Road in Great Barrington.

About Dan Smith

Dan Smith has been the chef-owner of John Andrews Restaurant in South Egremont, Mass., since 1990. He was brought up on a family farm in Iowa where his family has been farming for generations. His experience with fresh food grown on the farm is where his connection to cooking began. Smith studied agriculture at Iowa State University, planning on continuing the family tradition. While in college, he began to work in restaurants and realized that his passion was not for growing food, but cooking it. After college, Smith moved to Naples, Fla., and worked at Villa Pescatore, The Ritz-Carlton and Michael’s Bar and Grill. In 1988, he moved north to work at the Ragamont Inn in Salisbury, Conn., and fell in love with the Berkshires. He then worked at what was then Sebastian’s Restaurant in South Egremont, and in 1990 purchased the restaurant and renamed it John Andrews.

Crowned “one of the architects of modern Berkshires cooking” by Travel & Leisure Magazine, Smith’s longstanding connection to fresh, local, sustainable food is rooted in his experiences and is the starting point for his menus at John Andrews. He has been working with local farmers and producers for decades, is inspired by the produce they bring to his kitchen door and develops his menu around their products. Rural Intelligence says “His instinctive understanding of farm culture has made his restaurant a beacon in the Berkshires for diners craving meals with integrity and ingenuity.”

About John Andrews: A Farmhouse Restaurant

John Andrews Restaurant is located in an 18th century farmhouse two miles east of the village of South Egremont. Chef-owner Dan Smith has worked with family farms since the restaurant opened in 1990 and much of the food that is served at John Andrews is grown or raised locally. In 1992, Smith planted the John Andrews garden, which now provides vegetables and herbs on the property. The commitment to local products and service is evident in the dining experience at John Andrews. Called “skillful modern cuisine” by Food & Wine Magazine, the restaurant combines new American and a touch of northern Italian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.

John Andrews Restaurant is located at 224 Hillsdale Road in South Egremont, Mass. The GPS address is 1 Blunt Road in Great Barrington, Mass. 01230. The restaurant is open Thursdays through Tuesdays at 5 p.m.
(Closed Wednesdays.) For reservations and information, call 413.528.3469, email <jarestaurant@gmail.com> or visit www.jarestaurant.com.

About Berkshire Farm & Table

Berkshire Farm & Table is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to cultivate regional economic development through the advancement of food culture in the Berkshires. Through building relationships, producing events and fostering dialogue, they bring the unique stories and expertise of Berkshires’ culinary artisans, farming values and agrotourism experiences to the forefront. For more information, visit berkshirefarmandtable.com.

Hancock Shaker Village to Host Dinner September 8 | Tickets Go on Sale Wednesday, March 20

On Sunday, September 8, the Outstanding in the Field (OITF) bus will be arriving in the Berkshires at Hancock Shaker Village (HSV) in Pittsfield, the living history museum that brings the Shaker story to life and preserves it for future generations. Chef Brian Alberg and his crew from The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge will be manning the field kitchen and presenting a five-course meal to 150 guests.

“In a Shaker community, more effort was put into the gardens than in all other industries combined, with every member contributing and every member benefiting,” said Linda Steigleder, Executive Director at HSV. “We’re looking forward to making our guests feel ‘kindly welcome’, as the Shakers would say, and Chef Alberg’s family-style fare served in the midst of our heirloom gardens is sure to inspire them to ‘Shaker their plate’.”

“I am honored to be invited back to the Outstanding in the Field event in the Berkshires,” said Brian Alberg, Executive Chef and Food & Beverage Director at The Red Lion Inn. “We are privileged to live in this region where our community is connected to the land, and our chefs are interested in supporting local farmers and food producers. This dinner is a wonderful experience where guests get to be a part of the dialog.”

Outstanding in the Field

Outstanding in the Field is a roving culinary adventure – literally a restaurant without walls. Since 1999, OITF has traveled around the country setting their long table in fields, gardens and vineyards, and on beaches and mountaintops. Wherever the location, the consistent theme of each dinner is to honor the people whose good work brings nourishment to the table. Their mission is to promote local food and agriculture, reconnect diners to the land and the origins of their food and to honor the local farmers and food artisans who cultivate it. The organization donates to a number of farm- and food-related groups whose missions align with those of OITF.

Farm dinners are very popular in today’s culture. People are excited to get to know farmers, visit farms and celebrate real food culture. Farm dinners have caught on, and OITF now organizes as many as 90 events a year. Celebrated chefs like Dan Barber, Paul Kahan, Frank Stitt, Gabrielle Hamilton and Scott Peacock have joined the team. This year marks OITF’s tenth national tour. Some other fun facts about OITF:

  • OITF has produced more than 400 events since 1999
  • The OITF 2012 tour had 87 events; 2013 will be similar (80+)
  • OITF has visited 44 different states (including Hawaii & Alaska!) States still left to go: ID (OITF is going this year), ND, SD, WV, NV, KS

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Two Grants Under New Landscape Partnership Program

 

Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rick Sullivan announced a second round of grant awards through EEA’s Landscape Partnership Program, an initiative established in 2011 to permanently conserve Massachusetts’ best remaining large tracts of undeveloped land. Funding for this program is made available through the 2008 Environmental Bond.

 

Through this innovative program, the Patrick-Murray Administration is protecting large landscapes with high value for wildlife, drinking water protection, forestry, agriculture and tourism.

“Under the leadership of Governor Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Murray, we have made historic gains in land protection, preserving more than 100,000 acres over the last six years,” said Secretary Sullivan. “The Landscape Partnership Program alone is helping to conserve over 12,000 acres, utilizing strong private-public partnerships to protect this precious space.”

The grants announced today support partnership projects that will be completed over the next 16 months. These projects are located in the Western Massachusetts communities of Leyden, Otis and Tyringham.

To qualify for grants, projects must include at least 500 acres, allow public access and applicants must form land conservation partnerships. For example, a state agency can partner with a non-profit or municipality, a non-profit can partner with a state agency or municipality, or a municipality can partner with a state agency or non-profit. The projects receiving grants today involve a spectrum of partners: three land trusts, a municipality, and two EEA agencies – Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) and Department of Fish and Game (DFG).

Because these two projects offer unique opportunities to achieve landscape conservation goals, EEA is committing to funding these two grants in FY 14 once additional partnerships are established or more non-state funding is secured.

The two projects are:

The Leyden Working Farms and Forests — $1,079,300 — (Franklin Land Trust, DAR, Town of Leyden, Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust) – The project will permanently protect 802 acres through easements that maintain private ownership, support working farms and forests, and preserve the rural character of the community. Other benefits of this approach include continued property tax payments to the town of Leyden, reduced cost to the state and its partners, and guaranteed public access.

 

Long Mountain Conservation Project — $850,000 — (Berkshire Natural Resources Council, DFG) – This project will allow DFG to permanently protect a 906-acre parcel from Lyme Northern Timber Fund as a Wildlife Management Area. The property, which was highly threatened by development, will now remain a productive forest.  In addition, an abutting private landowner is donating a conservation easement on a 597-acre parcel to the Berkshire Natural Resources Council. Collectively, approximately 1,500 acres will be protected, which has important significance for landscape conservation, wildlife habitat, public access and climate change adaptation.

 

“I’m pleased with the Administration’s release of these grants,” said Sen. Marc Pacheco, Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. “These funds will go a long way towards protecting valuable forestland.”

 

“Massachusetts continues to lead the way in common sense land protection,” said Rep. Ann Gobi, Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. “These projects will provide for the continued stewardship of our precious natural resources.”

 

“Conservation is the first and most important step in making sure future generations have a Massachusetts as beautiful as the one we inherited,” said Sen. Benjamin B. Downing. “These projects help us along the way to that important goal.”

“I am proud to stand with Governor Patrick, Lt. Governor Murray and Secretary Sullivan in announcing these grants,” Sen. Stan Rosenberg said. “These grants are further indications that our state government recognizes the enormous value – economic and environmental – of our forested land. My congratulations to all the people in Leyden, and all those involved with the Franklin Land Trust, the DAR and the Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust for securing this substantial award.”

 

“This is great news for the Berkshires. It rewards Otis and Tyringham for their continued commitment to protecting these special areas of the beautiful Berkshires,” said Rep. Smitty Pignatelli.

 

“I’m very happy that the Administration has chosen to award these funds for this project because preserving the natural beauty of our rural communities is vital to the future of Western Massachusetts,” said Rep. Paul Mark.

 

In addition, the program is implementing the top natural resource recommendation in the EEA’s Climate Change Adaptation Report – conservation of large forested tracts that protect wildlife corridors.

 

EEA designed the Landscape Partnership program to encourage non-governmental organizations, local communities and state environmental agencies to join forces on significant, complex projects that typically require the commitment of many partners, including multiple local organizations and a variety of state programs in order to succeed.

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Hoffmann Bird Club Continues the “Beyond Your Back Yard” Birding Program

The Hoffmann Bird Club has developed a series of bird walks designed specifically for backyard birders who want to broaden their birding knowledge.  Chances are, as you read this, you are already indulging in one of America’s most popular outdoor activities.  More than 70 million Americans, one third of our population, watch birds in one way or another.  By far the biggest group of bird watching fans is the folks who hang up a bird feeder and enjoy the antics of the birds that wing in and out of their backyards each day.  Liven up your birding experience, buy a bird guide and walk to a nearby park or woodland to see if the birds there are different from those in their own yard.  Berkshire County’s Hoffmann Bird Club can help Berkshire backyard birders who want to take the next step beyond their own feeders.

It’s a chance to find out where the birds come from, how to tell one kind from another, who sings what song and where to find more kinds of birds.  The Hoffmann walk leaders will help you learn more about visual and audible bird identification, unusual bird behavior, birding optics and how to see more birds whether in your yard, or elsewhere in your local area.  With very little investment in equipment one can become a more accomplished birder just by leaving the yard.  There is far less investment than is needed to become an accomplished golfer or gardener.  It’s a pleasant pastime well suited for tight times.

“Beyond Your Backyard” bird walks are free.   Contact outreach@hoffmannbirdclub.com or Dave Monk at 655-8594 for more details.  Grab a friend and enjoy a new birding experience.  Come to any or all trips.

 

4/13/13 – Birding Beyond Your Backyard at Eph Pond

This two hour Hoffmann Bird Club walk in the area around Eph Pond at Williams College is for birders with limited experience. We will look for typical Berkshire woodland birds, waterfowl near the pond and river and early migrating songbirds. Walking is easy. Meet at the Cole Field athletic fields on the Williams College campus at 7:30 am. For more information and complete directions, contact Audrey Werner at 458-4908 or president@hoffmannbirdclub.org. Dress for a cool morning and wear waterproof footwear. The walk is free and open to the public.

 

4/20/13  –  Birding Beyond Your Backyard at Linear Park

The Hoffmann Bird Club’s two hour walk for birders with limited experience will explore the fields and riverside at Linear Park in Williamstown.  We will look for field species, waterfowl and early migrants. Walking is easy throughout the trip. Meet at 7:30 at the tennis courts on Linear Park Rd., opposite Maple Terrace Motel on Rt. 2. For more information and complete directions, contact Audrey Werner at 458-4908 or president@hoffmannbirdclub.org  Dress for a cool morning. The walk is free and open to the public.

 

4/27/2013 –  Birding Beyond Your Backyard at Field Farm

The two hour Hoffmann Bird Club trip for birders with limited experience is through scenic Field Farm in South Williamstown, a Trustees of Reservations property. It is easy walking in open fields, gentle slopes, around a pond and on a country road. Meet at the Farm on Sloan Rd. in S. Williamstown at 7:30 am. For more information and complete directions, contact Audrey Werner at 458-4908 or president@hoffmannbirdclub.org . Dress for a cool morning. The walk is free and open to the public.

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Get on the Bus! to the “Eat-in” at the FDA for GMO Labeling and Food Democracy

April 8th at the Food and Drug Administration in College Park, MD

 

The purpose of the FDA is to “protect and promote” the health of Americans. Instead, we are being kept in the dark about the safety and the origin of the food we’re eating as the FDA continues to act in the interest of agribusinesses like Monsanto.

 

On Monday, April 8, Families, Farmers, Concerned Citizens, Safe Food Activists, Students, and Food Justice Organizations from across the country will stage an “Eat-In” at the office of the Food and Drug Administration in College Park, MD to demand labeling of foods containing Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

 

Are YOU hungry for some food democracy?

 

Put your body where your mouth is and get on the bus to the FDA!

Can’t take the time off?  Put your money where your mouth is and help us get there!

 

Volunteers with Massachusetts Right to Know GMOs and GMO Free Connecticut are collaborating to fill up buses from Western Massachusetts and Boston to join this action at the FDA. Buses will depart Boston and Western Massachusetts Sunday evening, April 7, and make stops in Connecticut on the way to the FDA for the all day “picnic-style protest,” returning late on Monday/early Tuesday.

 

Will you join us and make your voice heard at the FDA?

Will you help support those who are making the journey?

Let’s take back our Food System!

 

Register now to save your spot on the bus:

Please contact your local regional “bus captain” to get more details and to register.  A donation of at least $25 will be sufficient to hold your seat, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.  The bus rental actually costs about $120 per person, but we are hoping that enough people will donate to cover the costs for those who can attend!

 

Can’t make the trip?  Please donate so that others can!

We would like to make this trip as affordable as possible for people taking time off to attend the event.  Your donation will help us fill up the bus with people who may have the time but lack the dollars to make the trip.  Please contact your local regional “bus captain” to make a donation and to help others make it to the FDA!

 

Boston, MA → BostonFDABus@occupy-monsanto.com

Northampton, MA → NorthamptonFDABus@occupy-monsanto.com

Hartford, CT → HartfordFDABus@occupy-monsanto.com

 

For more details, please visit http://marighttoknow.org

 

Please help spread the word by sharing this message and inviting your friends to the Facebook event! 

https://www.facebook.com/events/159910580831495/

 

Its time for the people to speak up! Let’s take back our Food System!

 

“Eat-In” at the FDA

On April 8th, we will gather on the front steps of the FDA.

We will share some (real) food, and we will make some demands:

1. Mandatory GMO labels on all genetically engineered food sold in America

2. The immediate resignation of the Monsanto minion & current “Food Czar” Michael Taylor

3. The invalidation of Monsanto’s seed patents

4. An immediate end to the revolving door between the government and Big Ag, Big Chem, and Big Food.

Please join us, and help us get there!

 

Thank you for standing up for Food Democracy!

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A New Energy and Environmental Bond

from Mass Audubon’s Beacon Hill Weekly Update

Late Friday Governor Patrick announced the filing of six new bond bills, including a $911 million energy and environmental bond bill, the majority of which will go to reinforce existing accounts under the 5-year Capital Plan. According to Patrick’s aides, the bond will allow for the administration’s continuing commitment of $40-50 million for land conservation. New programs and funding will be directed to an accelerated energy program that includes conservation and efficiency retrofits for state facilities and buildings; construction of New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal (critical for the Cape Wind project); $12 million for coastal infrastructure with an emphasis on alternative green infrastructure to strengthen the state’s coastline; and $10 million for the Sustainable Water Management Initiative with grant money for cities and towns to meet mitigation goals. Mass Audubon will comment and provide updates as things progress.

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Fifth Annual Fix a Leak Week

One in every 10 homes has a leak that is wasting at least 90 gallons of water per day

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense program encourages Americans to check and replace leaky plumbing fixtures and sprinkler systems, helping households save more than 10,000 gallons of water per year and as much as 10 percent on utility bills.

“Easy-to-fix household leaks waste more than 1 trillion gallons of water annually nationwide, which is equal to the amount of water used by more than 11 million homes,” said EPA Acting Administrator for the Office of Water Nancy Stoner. “We’re not just wasting water; families also lose money from leaks with higher utility bills. That’s why Fix a Leak Week is so important, and why we encourage everyone to take a few simple steps that add up to make a significant positive impact.”

In just 10 minutes, businesses and homeowners can: check winter water bills and fixtures for water waste; twist and tighten pipe and hose connections; and consider replacing broken or inefficient fixtures with WaterSense-labeled models.

If winter water usage for a family of four exceeds 12,000 gallons per month, it’s likely that the home has a leak problem. Here are some easy tips:

  • Check toilets for silent leaks by putting a few drops of food coloring in the tank at the back and, if after 10 minutes, color shows up in the bowl before flushing, it may be time to make an easy repair and replace the flapper.
  • Check outdoor hoses for damage from winter frost and tighten connections at the water source.
  • For in-ground sprinkler systems, a professional certified through a WaterSense-labeled program can inspect sprinkler heads and pipes for signs of leakage and help homeowners maintain an efficient system and healthy lawn.
  • Check additional plumbing and outdoor fixtures for leaks. They may just need a quick twist or pipe tape.

WaterSense, a partnership program sponsored by EPA, seeks to protect the future of our nation’s water supply by offering people a simple way to use less water with water-efficient products, new homes, and services. Since the program’s inception in 2006, WaterSense has helped consumers save 287 billion gallons of water and $4.7 billion in water and energy bills.

Learn more about fixing leaks, find a certified irrigation professional, or search for WaterSense labeled plumbing and irrigation products: http://www.epa.gov/watersense


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Merger Forms New Economy Coalition

In January the New Economics Institute merged with the New Economy Network, transforming the organization from its institute type role to that of a coalition — the New Economy Coalition. This evolution of the organization is very exciting. It provides an opportunity to make visible the extent of thinking and action already underway towards the shaping of a new economy. And it provides a platform for a broad and united movement for change. The current Campus Network program of NEI is an integral part of this coalition building.

While a coalition structure is critical to galvanizing a movement, a different structure is needed for the legacy programs that were brought to the New Economics Institute from the E. F. Schumacher Society over its 33-year history. These programs include the Library collection containing the personal books and papers of economist Fritz Schumacher; the Annual E. F. Schumacher Lectures; model local economy projects providing secure and affordable access to land for farming, housing, and other productive enterprises benefiting the community; and programs for democratizing currency issue and facilitating access to credit for community supported industry. In recognition of this need, in February the New Economics Institute transferred its Berkshire Library building and related programs to the newly formed “Schumacher Center for a New Economics.”

The Schumacher Center will be one of multiple partners in the new Coalition. It will join with the Coalition in joint projects, especially those demonstrating local resilient economies, and so will strengthen the impact on public understanding of the transformation from an old failing economy to a new economy that supports both people and the planet. The close partnership will highlight the kind of relationships that the Coalition is building with other organizations in its role of giving a public voice and public face to change.

The New Economics Institute and the Schumacher Center for a New Economics share a common history and will share a common future.

Robert Massie, President
New Economics Institute
One Broadway, 14th floor, Cambridge, MA 02142
www.neweconomicsinstitute.org

Susan Witt, Executive Director
Schumacher Center for a New Economics
140 Jug End Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230
www.centerforneweconomics.org


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Free Conservation Commission Fundamentals Training This Spring! 6/15
MACC will offer three Fundamentals Unit 1 at no cost to 75 Conservation Commissioners, with support from its Frederick J. Fawcett II Education Fund.

MACC is sponsoring three in-person trainings of Unit 1: Overview of Conservation Commissions: Relationships, Responsibilities, Funds and Fees from its certificate training program, Fundamentals for Conservation Commissioners, at no charge to MACC members who serve on or work for a Conservation Commission.

June 15 – Controy Pavillion, Pittsfield, MA

Online Registration HERE.

How to apply for Unit 1 scholarship :
Download the application form HERE then email to lindsay.martucci@maccweb.org,
fax to 617-489-3935 or mail to MACC, 10 Juniper Road, Belmont, MA 02478


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The 14th Annual International Agroecology Shortcourse – July 2013

In 2013, for only the second time in its history, the International Agroecology Shortcourse will be held in Vermont. From July 7th-20th, 2013, participants from around the world will gather at UVM to learn about “Agroecological Approaches for Climate Change and Food Systems Resilience.”

 

What is agriculture’s role in contributing to climate change? What are opportunities within agriculture to mitigate or adapt to a changing climate?  When we talk about agriculture, do we mean smallholder farmers, industrial agriculture or both? These questions will be on the table during the 14th Annual International Agroecology Shortcourse, where the theme is the application of agroecological approaches to support resilience to climate change and promote robust, sustainable food systems. Farmers are constantly innovating in their daily practice, and much can be learned by identifying and analyzing existing agricultural management strategies that have the potential to adapt to and/or mitigate climate changes. By integrating ecological and social sciences with farmer’s knowledge, agroecologists believe it is possible to both design and manage more sustainable agri-food systems and address global environmental change.

 

***Please note, there is just a month left for participants to take advantage of the discounted early registration offers.

 

Additional information is available on our website.


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Life-Changing Summer Camp Opportunity for Youth Making a Difference!

Youth Empowered Action (YEA) Camp is a unique and inspiring summer leadership program for youth 12-17 who want to make a difference in the world. At a week-long sleep-away program in a beautiful camp setting, YEA campers choose an issue of importance to them (for example, some have chosen climate change, racism, homophobia, homelessness, or animal rights) and build the knowledge, skills, confidence, and community to take action on that issue once they get home. Campers also build lifelong friendships between youth with similar interests in bettering their community and society. Youth who have participated in our programs report that the camp was one of the most fun, memorable and life-changing experiences they have had, and, with YEA’s support, many have gone on to start school clubs, plan fundraisers for nonprofits, organize a call-in to Congress, and attend hearings to comment about important community issues. Check out this short video and website www.yeacamp.org to learn more about this unique program.

 

YEA Camp is offered in Portland, OR, Ben Lomond, CA and Charlton, MA. For dates, more info, and to apply, see www.yeacamp.org

Contact: info@yeacamp.org; www.yeacamp.org; 503-347-0223


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Job Opportunities at The Trustees of Reservations, Massachusetts

Current Openings with the Trustees of Reservations:

Administrative Assistant/Office Manager – Long Hill

Assistant Superintendent – Leominster

Camp Educator – SummerQuest at the Crane Estate

Chief Development Officer

Chief Marketing Officer

CSA Manager – Weir River Farm

Director of Field Operations

Farm Apprentice – Powisset Farm

Gardener – Mytoi (Seasonal)

Interpretive Manager – Naumkeag House and Gardens

Interpreter – Naumkeag Gardens

Lifeguard – Crane Beach (Seasonal)

Museum Interpreters – Ashley House, Mission House, and Naumkeag

Office Assistant – Stockbridge

Outreach Coordinator – Western Region

Private Event Bartender – The Crane Estate

Private Event Sales Associate – The Crane Estate

Private Event Staff – The Crane Estate

Private Event Ranger – The Crane Estate

Property Manager – Land of Providence

Ranger – Crane Beach (Seasonal)

Senior Major Gifts Officer

Superintendent – Andover/North Andover

Superintendent – Doyle Management Unit (Leominster)

Superintendent – Dunes Edge Campground – Provincetown

Youth Corps Member – Charles River Valley

Youth Corps Member – City Harvest

Youth Corps Crew Supervisor – Charles River Valley

Youth Conservation Corps Crew Supervisor – City Harvest

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Job Opening Online Organizer

Corporate Accountability International has been instrumental in challenging food, water and tobacco industry abuses. The Online Organizer position will play a key role to increase the impact of these campaigns going forward. Just last year, members and allies across the country helped compel the National Parks Service to move forward with a plan to stop the sale of bottled water at the Grand Canyon, despite an attempt by Coca-Cola to get the plan tabled. In the fall, we launched the multi-media project Food MythBusters with author Anna Lappé, a project that directly challenges the Big-Food-perpetuated myth that we need industrial, chemical agriculture to feed the world.

As the Online Organizer you report directly to the Managing Director of Communications, while working closely with our talented communications team. The organization is made up of more than 60 smart and driven staff and interns working in a fast-paced and fun working environment with a network of members and allies across the world.

Major Responsibilities:

  • Manage the organization’s email advocacy and acquisition program as well as uploading and segmenting emails in a SalsaLabs platform.
  • Coordinate with the campaigns and development teams to increase campaign impact and money raised through online organizing strategies.
  • Manage list growth acquisitions.
  • Maintain the organization’s web presence, ensuring the home page and subpages are maintained and updated with fresh content as well as troubleshooting technical problems as they arise.
  • Implement organizational social media strategy, training key staff on social media best practices.
  • Manage web projects.
  • Recruit and manage a communications intern.
  • Stay informed on emerging online technologies through relevant blogs, listservs, trainings and conferences.
  • Work with data team to track, report, and analyze all email and site metrics, using data to improve site and email performance.
  • Occasionally draft and edit online content across platforms – email, web, blog and social media.
  • Participate in organization-wide planning, fundraising and campaign activities.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated commitment to social justice and progressive social change.
  • At least two years of experience in online organizing, online fundraising or web site management.
  • Experience with CRM’s and CMS’s, ideally including Salsa, Raiser’s Edge and Drupal.
  • Experience developing and executing data-informed online engagement and fundraising plans.
  • Demonstrated experience executing a strategic social media engagement strategy.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, HTML, and CSS. Javascript a plus.
  • Strong facilitation and project management skills.
  • Solid writing and editing skills a plus.
  • Ability to work in a team setting.

Salary and benefits: Commensurate with experience, with a generous benefits package including health, dental, FSA, 401 (k), ongoing training and growth opportunities. Upbeat, collaborative, and goal-oriented office atmosphere.

Location: Campaign Headquarters- Boston, MA

To Apply: Email letter of interest, résumé, and three to five references to Sarah Bennett atjobs@stopcorporateabuse.org.  Please let us know where you heard about the position.

Corporate Accountability International is an equal opportunity employer and an inclusive organization. People of color, women, and LGBTQ people are strongly encouraged to apply.For 35 years, Corporate Accountability International has successfully challenged corporations like Nestlé, General Electric, and Philip Morris to halt abusive practices that threaten human rights, public health, the environment and our democracy. The organization is expanding—and leading campaigns challenging some of the world’s most powerful industries in food and agriculture, water and tobacco.
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Job Opening: Director of Philanthropy, The Nature Conservancy, BostonJob Title: Director of PhilanthropyJob ID: 40916Location: MassachusettsFull/Part Time: Full TimeRegular/Temporary: Regular
OFFICE LOCATION
Boston, Massachusetts (MA)
ABOUT US
The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more than 30 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more.
*LI-MS1*
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Massachusetts Director of Philanthropy (DoP) leads a team of seasoned, collaborative and results-oriented professionals to raise financial support for local, regional and international conservation priorities. The DoP reports to the State Director and also serves as an active member of the Chapter’s senior management team to ensure integration of priorities within the Philanthropy Program. S/He manages 4-5 employees and works collaboratively to ensure success. S/He is motivates, coaches and encourages growth and strategic creativity. Together with the State Director, s/he staffs the Trustee Relations committees of the Board of Trustees and is the primary strategist behind advancing the Chapter’s network of business and philanthropic leaders within and beyond the Board.  S/he leads by example and is an active fundraiser with personal responsibility for managing 25 significant donor relationships aimed at securing seven and eight-figure gifts.  S/he bears the ultimate responsibility for leading the team to raise significant funds for the Conservancy’s capital campaigns by building a base for future growth, orchestrating the work of professional staff and trustee leadership to this end.The following additional attributes would enhance a candidate’s potential for success:

  • Knowledge of Boston’s philanthropic community and networks of social and professional relationships within it.
  • The capacity to embrace and effectively communicate the Conservancy’s mission and its relevance to the environment, the economy and the health of human communities.
  • Experience working for a national or global organization and within a complex, matrixed environment, and the ability to manage teams and projects virtually.
  • Experience, sincere interest and pleasure in developing fundraising talent in professional staff and volunteers.

DUTIES

  • Develop and communicate a broad vision for fundraising and local, regional and international conservation success by developing annual and long range strategic fundraising plans.
  • Lead a team of fundraising professionals and unite that team around a common vision for success and concrete plan of action. Motivate, set objectives, coach and recognize direct reports.
  • Co-manage a two-state Philanthropy support team. Gives direction and works to remove obstacles to create efficiencies across boundaries.
  • Act as lead strategist for growth in the Chapter’s network of business and philanthropic relationships; staff the  Trustee Relations Committee of the Board..
  • Develop and oversee the networking list for the State Director, other senior staff and Board leadership to bring thought leaders and other influentials into stronger relationship with the Chapter.
  • Successfully and strategically manage a portfolio of 25 significant donors and prospective donors aimed at securing 7- and 8-figure gifts; orchestrate the work of staff and lay leadership to maximize these key relationships for the long term.
  • Serve actively as a member of the Chapter’s senior management team, working collaboratively with science, conservation and finance staff on Chapter initiatives and fundraising programs.
  • Work collaboratively with fundraising teams within the Northeast to maximize fundraising potential of shared donors.
  • Understand and comply with all Conservancy gift-related policies and procedures and ensure ethical compliance, as defined by the Association for Fundraising Professionals.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications or related field and at least 7 years’ fundraising experience.
  • Experience managing and supervising a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Experience with current and evolving trends in major gifts giving and solicitation.
  • Experience in asking for and closing major gifts and building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents such as major donors, foundations and corporations.
  • Experience, coursework, or other training in of the basics of charitable gift planning.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications or related field; at least 7 years of professional fundraising experience in major gifts and/or capital campaigns; demonstrated success supervising a major gift program.
  • Experience working with volunteer leadership and senior staff leadership in fundraising, including the ability to motivate, lead, and build the confidence of partners who may be less experienced in the field.  Ability to foster an environment of creativity and satisfaction in the work.
  • Extensive management experience including ability to motivate, lead, set objectives and manage performance of a large multi-disciplinary team.  Ability to foster an environment of creativity and professional growth.
  • Experience with annual and long range strategic planning, goal setting and performance management.
  • Expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in major gifts giving and solicitation and capital campaigns.
  • Proven success in asking for and closing 7-figure gifts and building and maintaining long-term relationships with individual and institutional donors.
  • Possesses a working and effective understanding of the basics of charitable gift planning. Knowledge of more advanced gift planning concepts a plus.
  • Demonstrated ability to inspire through verbal and written communications.

BENEFITS
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.
TNC
TO APPLY
To apply to position number 40916, submit resume and cover letter as one document. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 26, 2013.Failure to complete all of the required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.You must click “submit” to apply for the position. You may select “save for later” if you prefer to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited.If you are experiencing technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.The successful applicant must meet the requirements ofThe Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.
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