Lee’s got a brand new bag law: Shops gear up for plastic bag ban going into effect
Near Another Iconic Pond, Thoreau Cabin Rises Again as Pipeline Barricade
168 years after Henry Thoreau wrote his treatise on Civil Disobedience, arguing within it that acquiescence to the unjust will of government makes citizens agents of injustice, seventeen citizens of Massachusetts congregated at the edge of Kinder Morgan’s pipeline easement in Otis State Forest to construct a “Thoreau Cabin” as part of their ongoing resistance to a $93 million pipeline. Press Release from Sugar Shack Alliance, May 8, 2017 <more>
New Analysis Shows New England and New York Can Achieve a Clean Energy Economy and Dramatically Reduce Carbon Pollution
In a new comprehensive analysis, Acadia Center—a non-profit, research and advocacy organization committed to advancing the clean energy future—demonstrates how seven states in the Northeast can spur use of market-ready technologies that empower consumers, control energy costs and advance economic growth while lowering carbon pollution. Press Release from The Acadia Center, May 9, 2017 <more>
Franklin Land Trust offers Workshop on Estate Planning and Land Conservation
Creating a plan for the future of your land and figuring out your options can be an overwhelming process. The Franklin Land Trust is offering a workshop on Wednesday, May 31st at 6:00 pm that can help: “Navigating the Maze and Reaching Your Goals: An Introduction to Estate Planning and Land Conservation.” The workshop, taking place at the Wagon Wheel Restaurant on Route 2 in Gill, MA, will offer an overview of essential estate planning tools that help you accomplish your goals, whether they are minimizing property and estate taxes, passing the land on to the next generation, or keeping it open and undeveloped in the future. <more>
Trees, science and the goodness of green space
The connection between trees, human health and well-being dates back millennia. The ancient Celts worshipped in sacred groves, believing the trees would protect them from physical and spiritual harm. In Hebrew and Christian scriptures a tree of life in the Garden of Eden imparted immortality. Potted conifers helped to cleanse the air inside tuberculosis sanatoriums of nineteenth century Europe. In recent years, scientists studying urban forests have turned up links between exposure to green space and health benefits, including fewer deaths from heart disease and respiratory diseases, fewer hospitalizations, better infant birth weights and even less crime. By Lindsey Konkel, Environmental Health News, April 12, 2017 <more>
New Analysis Shows New England and New York Can Achieve a Clean Energy Economy and Dramatically Reduce Carbon Pollution
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Acadia Center
May 9, 2017
Acadia Center’s EnergyVision 2030 Details How States Can Build on Clean Energy Efforts in Four Key Areas
BOSTON—In a new comprehensive analysis, Acadia Center—a non-profit, research and advocacy organization committed to advancing the clean energy future—demonstrates how seven states in the Northeast can spur use of market-ready technologies that empower consumers, control energy costs and advance economic growth while lowering carbon pollution.
Using detailed market data, EnergyVision 2030: Transitioning to a Low-Emissions Energy System shows that efforts by New York and New England to modernize their energy systems and expand clean energy resources are paying off-and by redoubling these efforts, Northeast states will be on the path to a low-carbon economic future and reduce carbon pollution emissions 45% by 2030.
“It’s never been clearer that state leadership is needed to capture the benefits of a clean energy future for residents,” noted Daniel Sosland, president of Acadia Center. “EnergyVision 2030 offers good news: Northeast states are in a position to create a truly modern, clean energy future and provide the economic, consumer and public health benefits associated with a clean energy system,” said Sosland. “The Northeast can exert national leadership in how to reduce pollution, advance consumer options and reinvest energy dollars in the local economy.”
EnergyVision 2030 shows that readily available products, from heat pumps to electric cars to solar panels, create the means for states to advance a consumer-friendly energy system by increasing adoption of clean energy technologies in four key areas-grid modernization, electric generation, buildings and transportation. In many cases, states already have the policy tools they need to increase adoption of these technologies; they must simply improve and accelerate existing mechanisms to achieve the goals set in EnergyVision 2030.
“EnergyVision 2030 presents a practical, “can-do” way forward. It is one of many paths states can choose to take, and provides a vision that states can follow with achievable changes in policy and regulation to secure their place as clean energy leaders,” said Jamie Howland, Director of Acadia’s Climate and Energy Analysis (CLEAN) Center.
EnergyVision 2030 describes exactly how much of each technology needs to be used to shift the energy system. States can support development of renewables by updating their renewable energy requirements to reflect the increased potential and competitive position of clean energy. For example, electric vehicles can grow from present levels to 17% of cars on the road, an average of 41% growth per year-a level certain states are already demonstrating is feasible, like Massachusetts, where electric vehicle sales grew 40% annually from 2014 to 2016.
EnergyVision 2030 can be viewed as an interactive website and in printable formats covering each key area of the energy system and focusing on goals for New York and New England separately and as a region. Access the website at 2030.acadiacenter.org.
Visuals related to the study can be accessed here.
Franklin Land Trust offers Workshop on Estate Planning and Land Conservation
Creating a plan for the future of your land and figuring out your options can be an overwhelming process. The Franklin Land Trust is offering a workshop on Wednesday, May 31st at 6:00 pm that can help: “Navigating the Maze and Reaching Your Goals: An Introduction to Estate Planning and Land Conservation.”
The workshop, taking place at the Wagon Wheel Restaurant on Route 2 in Gill, MA, will offer an overview of essential estate planning tools that help you accomplish your goals, whether they are minimizing property and estate taxes, passing the land on to the next generation, or keeping it open and undeveloped in the future.
Paul Catanzaro from UMass Extension will guide you through the do’s and don’ts of starting the decision making process, and Wendy Ferris from the Franklin Land Trust will talk about common land conservation tools and funding sources. Liz Sillin, an experienced local estate planning attorney, will describe ways to transfer your land to the next generation and the tax implications, as well as the new federal conservation tax incentive. There will be plenty of time to get answers to your questions!
Free and open to all, and dinner will be served. Please reserve your seat in advance by calling Wendy Ferris at 413.625.9151 x111 or email wferris@franklinlandtrust.org.
Trees, science and the goodness of green space
By Lindsey Konkel
Environmental Health News
April 12, 2017
The connection between trees, human health and well-being dates back millennia. The ancient Celts worshipped in sacred groves, believing the trees would protect them from physical and spiritual harm. In Hebrew and Christian scriptures a tree of life in the Garden of Eden imparted immortality. Potted conifers helped to cleanse the air inside tuberculosis sanatoriums of nineteenth century Europe.
In recent years, scientists studying urban forests have turned up links between exposure to green space and health benefits, including fewer deaths from heart disease and respiratory diseases, fewer hospitalizations, better infant birth weights and even less crime.
“We’ve had this intuitive understanding that nature is good for us. Now we’re backing it up on an empirical level,” said Geoffrey Donovan, a resource economist with the U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station in Oregon.
Donovan and others are digging into the underlying science to understand the relationship between nature and health, a step they say will help guide the design of healthier cities and suburbs.
“We’ve had this intuitive understanding that nature is good for us. Now we’re backing it up on an empirical level.”-Geoffrey Donovan, US Forest Service
Early indications of health benefits
In 1984, University of Delaware researcher Roger Ulrich made the observation that gall bladder surgery patients stayed in the hospital for less time and took fewer painkillers when they could see trees out their hospital window than when their window faced a brick wall.
Ulrich’s study was small—just 46 patients—and raised more questions than it answered. Yet it suggested for the first time scientifically that our perception of nature could potentially influence health outcomes.
That same year, American clinical psychologist Craig Brod coined the term “technostress” to describe the increasingly artificial elements of our built environment that appeared to be raising stress levels. Chronic stress can weaken the immune system. Some experts hypothesized that this kind of constant stress—exacerbated by the urban environment—was making people sick.
In Japan, Yoshifumi Miyazaki wondered whether the antidote could be as simple as a long walk in the woods. Miyazaki, a physiological anthropologist at Chiba University, is widely regarded in Japan as the father of forest therapy—a preventive medicine approach aimed at preventing disease by exposing people to nature.
Over the last three decades, Miyazaki has led more than 60 studies investigating the physiological effects of being in a forested environment. His team has taken measurements including blood pressure readings and changes in heart rate. They’ve tested saliva samples for cortisol, a hormonal marker of stress. Overwhelmingly, they’ve found that when people spend time in a forest, their bodies act less stressed out.
Miyazaki hypothesizes that exposure to natural stimuli—the sound of a woodpecker drumming away on a tree trunk or the smell of damp pine needles, for instance—promotes physiological relaxation. He’s shown it may help to lower blood pressure, stress hormone levels, sympathetic nervous system activity (think fight-or-flight response) and relieve depression and anxiety.
But how much time in the forest is enough? A group of Stanford researchers in 2015 showed that just a 50-minute walk in a park or forest could decrease anxiety and rumination (a psychology term that basically means dwelling on the negative thoughts caused by upsetting situations) compared to a 50-minute walk through an urban environment.
Jobs
Housatonic Valley Association – River Stewards of Tomorrow
2017 Internship Positions Available
The Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) is seeking applications for our River Stewards of Tomorrow Environmental Internship positions, available for summer 2017. The River Stewards will work on a variety of projects related to water quality and habitat conservation. River Stewards will either be assigned to our Berkshire field office in South Lee, MA and work primarily in the Massachusetts portion of the watershed; or to our main office in Cornwall Bridge, CT and work primarily in the Connecticut and New York portions of the watershed. Each River Steward will be expected to complete at least 280 hours of work from June – August (at least 35 hours/week over 8 weeks). There is the potential to extend the internship to 12 weeks- with a proportional increase in stipend- depending on available funding.
Internship Overview: While working out of the Cornwall Bridge office, the 2016 River Stewards will be supervised by HVA’s Conservation Projects Manager, but may also be asked to work with other staff as needed. In the Berkshire Office, River Stewards will be supervised by HVA’s Berkshire Director. Work will include a mix of office and field-based activities. Projects that the intern may be involved with include:
Environmental Monitoring: The River Stewards will assist HVA staff in the field with water quality monitoring and habitat assessment activities including collecting water samples for chemical analysis, macroinvertebrate sampling and conducting visual surveys along important stream reaches to document threats and identify restoration opportunities.
Restoration project monitoring and maintenance: River Stewards will monitor the success of restoration plantings and conduct maintenance activities like weeding and watering.
Data Compilation, Document Analysis and Mapping: River Stewards will assist with gathering and summarizing environmental data and planning documents from a variety of local, state and federal sources. This work will support a number of ongoing HVA efforts, including watershedbased planning.
Road/Stream Crossing Assessment: River Stewards will visit and assess bridges and culverts throughout the Housatonic watershed to identify barriers to fish and wildlife passage, and assist with post-assessment data processing and report writing.
Websites and Social Media: HVA maintains a website for the organization as well as websites focused on the Naugatuck River and the Still River, both important tributaries of the Housatonic in CT. The intern will be involved in producing materials for the websites and Facebook pages that HVA manages. Related tasks might include identifying and summarizing relevant news items, sharing photos of HVA events and field work, and writing project updates.
Opportunities may be available for the intern to assist with other organization work including conservation easement monitoring, GIS analysis of land and water resources and outreach activities such as guided paddle trips, community events, and school field trips.
Qualifications: Candidates must be highly-motivated, passionate about watershed conservation, and able to succeed both independently and as part of a team. In addition, the ideal candidate will possess:
Enthusiasm for outdoor field work, including working in remote areas under potentially inclement environmental conditions; Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to represent HVA in a professional manner; Excellent writing skills; Familiarity with basic website administration and social media; Experience using GPS and GIS; Willingness to work the occasional evening or weekend. 2016 River Stewards of Tomorrow Summer
Requirements: Daily access to a personal vehicle is a requirement of the position. The intern must also be physically able to participate in potentially strenuous field work (i.e. physically active work outside for several hours at a time during the summer). Housing is not provided. HVA will assist successful applicants in finding summer lodging convenient to their assigned office.
Compensation: The intern will be provided with a $2,400 stipend for the course of the internship. Work related travel will be compensated at a rate of $0.48/mile.
Application Procedure: Interested candidates should submit the following materials via email: 1. COVER LETTER explaining your interest and qualifications 2. RESUME 3. TWO (2) PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES 4. (Optional but encouraged) Examples of past projects relevant to HVA’s mission (please limit to 1-2 pages/project, max of three projects) Incomplete applications will not be considered. Deadline: We expect to make hiring decisions no later than April 15th. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Questions and applications should be directed to: Michael S. Jastremski, Watershed Conservation Director Housatonic Valley Association Mail: PO Box 28, Cornwall Bridge, CT 06754 E-mail: MJ.HVA@outlook.com Phone: (860) 672-6678
Sierra Club – Boston Organizer
Context: As the biggest city in Massachusetts and even New England, Boston carries disproportionate impact. The chapter is more likely to achieve its clean energy and environmental goals if Boston has taken steps to do so first. One example is Ready for 100 – if Boston joins this campaign it makes it easier to get other communities to do so.
Scope: The Boston Organizer creates and carries out clean energy and/or environmental campaigns within the City of Boston.
Job Activities: Plans, develops and implements campaign strategies for clean energy and/or environmental campaigns within the City of Boston. Recruits and trains volunteers to facilitate grassroots involvement to achieve campaign ends. Builds and maintains relationships with Sierra Club Boston members and supporters, Boston local and state level elected officials, other advocacy groups, and relevant stakeholders. Makes presentations to community, political, and governmental bodies regarding clean energy and environmental campaign efforts. Writes press releases, newsletters, flyers, etc. to keep Club membership and the general public informed. Advocates the Sierra Club position on proposed legislation involving clean energy programs; informs and communicates with elected officials, business leaders, governmental agencies, and other non‑profit organizations. Participates in task forces, committees, coalitions, etc. representing the Club’s objective or mission. Produces written reports for funders as needed. Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned.
Knowledge & Skills: BA/BS degree in Environmental Studies, Political Science or a closely related field. 1-2 years’ experience organizing campaigns – environmental experience a plus. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Proficient computer skills Demonstrated ability and effectiveness working with volunteers.
Visit website to apply.
The Sierra Club offers competitive salary package commensurate with skills and experience plus excellent benefits that include medical, dental, and vision coverage, and a retirement savings 401(k) plan. This is a category 5 exempt position.
Sierra Club is a 501(c)(4) organization. Sierra Club does not sponsor H1B visas.
Sierra Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce.
Explore, enjoy and protect the planet. Visit website to apply.
Volunteer Opportunities in the Berkshires w/The Trustees
“Time travel” with The Trustees, and take our visitors on the voyage with you! Become a National Historic Landmark Greeter at Mission House (Stockbridge) or Tour Guide at the William Cullen Bryant Homestead (Cummington) and share the stories and magic of these special places. No experience necessary. Training provided. Fridays through Sundays. Flexible. Fun. Social. Rewarding.
Visit www.thetrustees.org/volunteer or contact tbeasley@thetrustees.org or413.532.1631 ext. 3119 for more information.
Mass Audubon – Berkshire Nature Camp Counselor – Lenox
Location: Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox, MA
Responsibilities
- Plan, develop and implement a variety of outdoor activities utilizing Pleasant Valley’s 1300+ acres of forests, fields, streams and ponds
- Are responsible for supervising the health and safety of campers
- Maintain communication with parents and other staff
- Must be able to work and learn together, have outstanding communication skills, and be willing and able to share their interests and talents with children aged 5-14
- Provide leadership and mentor Leaders in Training (LITs)
Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years old
- College experience preferred
- Should have knowledge and interest in the nature of the Berkshire region
- Applicants with a background in Environmental fields, education, or the arts preferred
- Experience working with children
- Willingness to obtain certification in CPR/First Aid are required-training is provided
- Lifeguard/water safety certifications or Wilderness First Aid desirable
- Must pass a background records check (CORI and SORI)
- And…of course, flexibility and a sense of humor is a must!
Compensation and Benefits Rate of Pay: $11.00- $12.50 per hour (depending on experience and position).
Additional Information Camp Session: June 12 – August 19, 2017 Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 3:30 pm or 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. Must work at least two camp late nights during the summer.
How to Apply Please send (email preferred) your cover letter and resume to: Gayle Tardif-Raser – Education Coordinator, gtraser@massaudubon.org, 413-637-0320, or Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 West Mountain Road, Lenox, MA. 01240
Executive Director – Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) – Belmont, MA
The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) seeks an Executive Director. MACC is a small membership-based non-profit, established in 1961, that protects Massachusetts’ wetlands, open space, and biological diversity through environmental education, advocacy, and support of Massachusetts conservation commissions. The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer, reports to the Board of Directors, and is responsible for achievement of MACC’s mission and financial objectives; program planning, development and oversight; board and community relations; finances and fundraising; legislative and regulatory advocacy; and staff supervision. The Executive Director supervises two full-time and one part-time staff.
The successful candidate will have an understanding of relevant Massachusetts environmental laws, regulations, and policy; successful experience in non-profit management and fundraising; a passion for natural resources, and excellent presentation and writing skills. Compensation is commensurate with experience and MACC’s budget.
For a full description of the position, please visit MACC’s website jobs page and download the position description: http://www.maccweb.org/page/ResJobsVolunteering
To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume by May 15, 2017, to staff@maccweb.org.
Bird Research Technicians – Aton Forest – Norfolk, CT
Aton Forest, Inc. has been awarded an Audubon Connecticut Important Bird Area Grant for 2017 to conduct Breeding Bird Surveys and Breeding Territory Studies in northwestern Connecticut. Two experienced birders will be hired in 2017 as Research Technicians to conduct and report on this project.
Brief Description of Project: This grant will continue and expand the breeding bird research conducted at Aton Forest by hiring two experienced birders to complete breeding bird surveys along three established survey lines and determine breeding territories within selected managed shrub land and meadow habitats at Aton Forest, Norfolk, CT. Data from such study will go into the eBird database and contribute to the understanding of the distribution, populations, behavior and habitat use of Connecticut’s birds.
Aton Forest (AF) is an ecological research field station in the Northwest Hills of Connecticut in the northeast corner of the Town of Norfolk. The Forest was designated an Audubon Important Bird Area in 2015. Because of its location the Forest falls within a rather unique geographical area of Connecticut, part of the Berkshire Plateau, with many plants and animals more common further north. The elevation, topography, terrain, weather, climate, and flora all contribute to its special nature. This uniqueness is also reflected in the variety of forest birds that breed there each year. Breeding forest birds include: cerulean warbler, black-throated blue warbler, black-throated green warbler, least flycatcher, magnolia warbler, wood thrush, eastern towhee, American woodcock, and ruffed grouse to name just a few. The AF breeding bird surveys were begun in 2002 and have been conducted continuously to the present day. All breeding bird survey data has been entered into the citizen science database eBird, as well as records maintained at Aton Forest.
Specific Goals and Objectives of Project: There are two goals of the project: one, to organize two breeding bird surveys on each of the three interior survey lines and, two, to determine bird breeding territories within selected managed shrub land and meadow habitats at Aton Forest. The breeding bird line surveys will be conducted between June 1 and 15, 2017; the breeding territory study will be accomplished between June 1 and 31, 2017. It is estimated that the project will require 72 hours per technician and wages will be $15 per hour. Aton Forest, Inc. will also make sleeping quarters, office space and a computer available for the researchers. Orientation, coordination and supervision will be provided by the Executive Director of Aton Forest, Inc.
There may also be an opportunity for student interns to work on this project, to assist the Research Technicians, to learn research techniques, to better their knowledge of northern Connecticut birds, and to further develop their birding skills.
Anyone interested please contact:
John Anderson, Executive Director, Aton Forest, Inc.
Email: contact@atonforest.org
Aton Forest, Inc.
P.O. Box 509
270 N. Colebrook Rd.
Norfolk, CT 06058
(860)542-5125
www.atonforest.org
www.sandybrook.org
Great Summer Jobs with Greenagers!
Apply now.
Greenagers employs 50 youth each year for work on local trails and farms, through our trail crews (3 in Berkshire County and 2 in Columbia County) and our Farm Apprenticeships.
Our new and improved Farm Apprenticeships program is the result of an exciting collaboration with Jen Salinetti of Woven Roots Farm in Tyringham, MA. Jen is the new Farm Apprenticeship Coordinator and she has designed a thorough farm/soil/food curriculum to bolster the paid apprenticeship experience. The program runs from April through November. Apprentices are matched with area farms and are expected to work a minimum of four hours per week on that farm. Apprentices will also participate in the Young Farmer Education Series, bi-monthly farm education workshops and farm tours led by Jen on the first and third Wednesday of every month. Workshops are held at Woven Roots Farm, Tyringham, MA and Greenagers, Housatonic, MA. Farm visits will take place throughout Central and South County.
Participant Requirements: 15-22 years old • Able to manage own transportation • Prepared to work outdoors for a minimum of 4 hours/week • Willing to commit to workshop and farm visit schedule • Ready to engage in community dialogue and discovery
Workshop Topics Include • The Soil Food Web • Food Systems • Food Literacy • Food Diversity • Food Justice • Sustainability • Wholesome Food Preparation
If you have any questions about the program, please contact Jen Salinetti, Program Coordinator.
Apply for a Farm Apprenticeship.
Trail Crews consist of 6-8 youth aged 15-24 and one skilled leader with a minimum of 3 years field experience. Our 2017 Trail Crew options are:
~ Appalachian Trail Crew – runs for 4 weeks in July, Mondays to Fridays. This crew camps on-site during the week, returning home for weekends.
~ Community Crews (2 in Berkshire County) run 6 weeks in July and August, Mondays to Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Community Crews build and maintain trails for local land trusts and organizations and begin and end each workday at the Greenagers office in Great Barrington.
~ Columbia Land Conservancy (CLC) Trail Crews – 2 crews based in Columbia County that build and maintain trails on CLC-owned land.
For more information, please contact Elia Del Molino, Trails Coordinator.
Apply for a trail crew member position.