The BEAT News September 4, 2013

News Headlines

Local Non-Profit Organizations & Landscape Designer Collaborate to Restore Critical Floodplain Forest

Sheffield, MA – The final steps of a multi-year project to restore the floodplain forest of Bartholomew’s Cobble are underway this week with the planting of native trees on The Trustees of Reservations property.

More than 1,800 trees will be planted to restore this important area, including: Silver Maple, Box Elder, Cottonwood, Sycamore, Tulip Tree, Hackberry, and seven varieties of disease-resistant Elms.

 

Bartholomew’s Cobble, a property owned by The Trustees of Reservations, is a National Natural Landmark (designated by the National Park Service) and provides critical habitat to more than 30 state-listed species. The Floodplain Forest Restoration and Habitat Improvement Project that is underway will restore 10 acres of floodplain forest, improve an additional 75 acres of state-listed priority habitat and eliminate threats from non-native invasive plants.

 

The Trustees of Reservations, Project Native, and Helia Land Design collaborated to bring this project to fruition. Project Native expanded its native plant nursery at its Housatonic location to accommodate and care for the trees used in the restoration.

 

“Converting three former hay fields that were dominated by invasive reed canary grass into floodplain forest has been an exciting and important project that we are glad to be a part of,” said Bridghe McCracken, owner of Helia Land Design and project manager for the planting. Much of the seed for the project was collected on-site to be cleaned by Project Native and later used in the restoration. “This is important because it ensures that we are replanting with local genotype,” says McCracken. In 2011, more than 300 tree seedlings were collected by The Trustees’ Holyoke Youth Conservation Corps and cared for at their nursery in Holyoke before transferring the trees to Project Native in 2012 for overwintering and preparation for the planting.

 

Partial funding for the project came from a Natural Resource Damages Grant. The Fund was established in 2000, when General Electric was required to provide $15 million to the Natural Resource Trustees for natural resource damages associated with the environmental harm caused by releases of PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) into the Housatonic River watershed in western Massachusetts and Connecticut.

 

“The Trustees are thankful to being able to partner with Project Native and Helia to ensure the success of this project and that we hope that we will be able to partner on other projects benefiting native plants at other reservations in the future.” Says Julie Richburg, Project Manager for the restoration.

The restoration does not end with the planting of the trees; monitoring of the site will continue for two years after completion.

 

Although invasive plant species will always require some effort to control, by the end of the project the major populations within more than 80 acres of the property will be brought to a level manageable by existing staff.

 

The Trustees is committed to ensuring that the forest becomes a mature floodplain forest which will take time well beyond the time frame of the grant.

 

The planting phase of the restoration will continue on Thursday, August 29th and will be completed on Tuesday, September 3rd.

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GE Housatonic EPA Web Update

Hi Everyone,

I would like to introduce myself to you all, my name is Kelsey O’Neil and I will be working with our team at EPA as a Community Involvement Coordinator on the GE Housatonic site.  There are a few recently posted document on our website, which I would like to update you on.  Below are three different updates relative to the Site.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions , or see our website at  http://www.epa.gov/region1/ge/ .

I look forward to working with you all.

Best,

Kelsey O’Neil

Congressional Liaison, Community Involvement Coordinator

oneil.kelsey@epa.gov

Office: 617-918-1003

Cell: 857-998-0226

 

 

Final Amendment to the Housatonic River Basin Final Natural Resources Restoration Plan, Environmental Assessment, and Environmental Impact Evaluation for Connecticut.  June 2013

http://www.ct.gov/deep/lib/deep/natural_resources/housatonic/2013_august_housatonic_ct_final_amendment_to_the_rpea.pdf

 

 

Total Organic Compound Sampling Results – Silver Lake Area

As part of the program to monitor the most current conditions in Silver Lake regarding sediment cap Total Organic Carbon (TOC) levels, 21 in-lake cores were collected after placement of eight one-inch lifts of the cap in the Lake.  Results for 18 of these samples were greater than or equal to the performance standard of 0.5% TOC, and the average for all 21 in-lake samples was 0.80% TOC, as illustrated on the attached figure and table.  To address the three areas where sample results indicated TOC less than 0.5%, an “enhanced” blend of topsoil material with higher TOC has been and will continue to be placed in those areas, including a wide buffer defined by adjacent sample locations where recent TOC results were greater than 0.5%.  Additional monitoring of cap TOC levels will be performed to ensure that the 0.5% performance standard is achieved throughout the Lake.

 

Please see attached document (TOC 8-22-2013) for data relative to the results.

 

 

 

Unkamet Brook Area Cleanup – Addressing Phragmites

 

In accordance with the Consent Decree, as part of the Unkamet Brook Area cleanup, GE is required to remove large areas of the invasive wetland plant Phragmites australis (aka Phragmites) in the large wetland east of Plastics Avenue and south of Dalton Avenue.  This Phragmites removal first involves treatment with an herbicide prior to physically removing the plants and root mass, in order to minimize any dispersion of these highly invasive plants during removal.  This herbicide treatment is scheduled to begin on or about August 30, 2013, and be completed by September 15, 2013, with any touch-up or re-application completed by September 30, 2013.  Additional information can be found on EPA’s website at http://www.epa.gov/region1/ge.  Once removed, the wetland areas formerly covered with Phragmites will be planted with native wetland plants.

For more information please see two attachments (Unkamet Brook Letter and Phrag spray notice).

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Make MA the First State to Divest

College students, people of faith, environmentalists, economists, unions, mothers, and others will be converging on the State House on Sept. 10 to support S. 1225, a bill sponsored by Sen. Ben Downing that requires MA to divest from fossil fuels!

WHAT: Rally and Hearing for MA State Divestment bill S. 1225!

WHERE: State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston

WHEN: Tuesday, September 10th, 9:30am

RSVP NOW ON FACEBOOK!: https://www.facebook.com/events/221918627960411/ Tell friends you are attending and invite them to RSVP.  Share it on your page.

TWITTER too: #divestma

WHAT TO EXPECT: Inspiring speakers, music, and hundreds of people supporting S.1225!

WHOM TO BRING: Your friends, children, community members, classmates!

WHAT TO BRING: Banners and clothing proclaiming “As a member of my community, school, union, or faith group, I want MA to divest from fossil fuels and take bold action on climate!”

CALL/WRITE OR VISIT: Your Senator and Representative to urge him/her to support S. 1225. (See sample letter,

postcard and fact sheet attached. The postcard can be copied on card and cut in half. No room numbers needed.)

PASS THE WORD: Resend this email to your networks. Pass out fliers at events. (See attached flier.) Write a letter to the editor. (See attached suggested language for a letter to the editor.) Retweet.

SIGN the Go Fossil Free petition here: http://campaigns.gofossilfree.org/petitions/divest- the-state-of-massachusetts-pension-funds Take the attached petition form to your events. Return them to Darcy, see below.

If you need help with transportation, please check to see if you can carpool with someone from your area of MA: http://www.groupcarpool.com/t/0mr2zk

 

WHY:

Our state pension fund has $1.3 billion invested in fossil fuel companies, including Exxon and TransCanada (builder of the Keystone XL pipeline). Even President Obama and Forbes magazine have come out in favor of divestment. These investments are immoral and fiscally irresponsible. Because we can’t burn most of those reserves and maintain a livable climate, the carbon bubble is predicted to burst.

The fossil fuel divestment campaign has grown by leaps and bounds this past year and now we have the chance for the biggest win so far. And we’ve seen what happens when MA leads: the rest of the country often follows close behind.

 

For more information, see our website Fossil Fuel Divest MA https://sites.google.com/site/fossilfueldivestma/

or contact Darcy DuMont at dumont140@yahoo.com. Return petitions to Darcy at 142 Pondview Drive, Amherst, MA 01002.

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Classes Starting for the 2013/2014 Horticulture Certificate Program

Take the whole semester or just take 1 class – the program is designed for flexibility and convenience.

The BBG Hort. Certificate program is an amazing opportunity to improve your skills as a gardener and train your eye in landscape design.

The Horticulture Certificate Program is just about ready to get underway for the fall semester.  If you have ever considered sharpening your horticulture skills or learning the elements of landscape design, now is your chance!  We’re open to all skill levels from seasoned professionals to homeowners looking to take matters into their own hands.  It’s a great place to meet new friends and make connections in the garden community.

And you don’t have to enroll in the whole program – if you’re only interested in one class or want to focus on something in Level 2 or Level 3 and haven’t taken Level 1 – it’s ok.  The program is designed for maximum flexibility to fit your needs.

Each course applies practical knowledge to the study of horticulture and/or design.  Instructors are professionals working in the field who bring a hands-on, field study approach to the classroom.  Theoretical information is reinforced with work experience, making course work relevant to real-life experience.

The fall semester begins NEXT WEEK!

To find out more about the Horticulture Certificate Program, visit our website at berkshirebotanical.org or contact Elisabeth Cary at ecary@berkshirebotanical.org or call 413.298.3926.

 

Berkshire Botanical Garden

413.298.3926

www.berkshirebotanical.org

5 West Stockbridge Road,

Stockbridge, MA 01262

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Community Grant Reviewers Needed

  • Do you want to participate in a decision-making process that will strengthen communities across the Commonwealth?
  • Do you want to gain valuable insight into a grant application and review process?
  • Want to network with civic leaders and fellow community members?

Consider volunteering as a Community Grant Reviewer!

The Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA) seeks individuals to serve as community grant reviewers for the 2014-2015 AmeriCorps State grants. Community grant reviewers are critical to the integrity of MSA’s grant-making process by ensuring that public funds are invested in high-quality programs through an equitable and transparent process.

Grant reviewers are individuals who represent the public and private sectors and reflect the diversity of Massachusetts’ communities. No prior grant review experience is needed.

Individuals affiliated with applicant organizations are not eligible to participate in the review, and all reviewers will be asked to sign a conflict of interest certification form.

Commitment of a Community Reviewer

  • Participate in a webinar training session (approx. 60 minutes)
    • Thursday, September 12th at 2:00 p.m.
    • OR Friday, September 13th at 10:00 a.m.
  • Read 4-6 proposals of approximately 10 pages in length (est. 45 min/proposal)
  • Score each proposal and determine funding recommendations prior to the review day on the worksheet provided
  • Discuss the proposals and recommendations with other reviewers during a half-day review session
    • The community grant review will be held Friday, October 4, 2013 from 9:00am – 12:30pm at a Boston location.
    • Reviewers must be available for the duration of the review.

 

To volunteer as a reviewer, please  click here.

If you have questions about this opportunity, please contact Virginia Frias at vfrias@mass-service.org

 

AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations to recruit, train, and manage AmeriCorps Members who address unmet community needs. Members are individuals who engage in community service. Members will help hundreds of community nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, schools, and local agencies meet local needs in education, the environment, public safety, disaster preparedness, and other critical areas.

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The Rivers Hide More Trash than You Think & Need Your Help

Join the 1,400 clean-up volunteers already registered

 

Greenfield, MA– The 17th annual Source to Sea Cleanup is gearing up to be one of the biggest river clean up events along the Connecticut River yet. Hosted by the Connecticut River Watershed Council (CRWC), the Source to Sea Cleanup is an annual trash clean up of the Connecticut River and its tributaries all along the four-state watershed (NH, VT, MA, CT). Registration for the Cleanup is underway now. Twenty-five groups and over 1,400 volunteers from Hanover, NH to Old Saybrook, CT have already signed up to clean the rivers on Friday & Saturday, October 4 – 5.

 

“Some really unbelievable things have been pulled from our rivers, such as a cement mixer, parking meters, propane tanks and junk cars,” says Jacqueline Talbot, Cleanup Coordinator. “This is human produced trash that becomes river trash and then ocean trash, while making our natural spaces less safe and less welcoming for people and wildlife. We can do something about that and give a cleaner river to our neighbors downstream. To date, volunteers have prevented more than 806 tons of trash from flowing downstream, but our waterways could always use the help of those willing to work for cleaner spaces. This is a positive event with a true impact, and it is open to all.” To report a trash site in need of clean up or to participate in the cleanup event, visit www.ctriver.org and click on ‘Source to Sea Cleanup.’

 

“It’s wonderful to see this level of support for cleaning up our rivers,” says CRWC Executive Director Andrew Fisk. “There are 30 sponsors this year, many of them new. Lead sponsors Brookfield Renewable Energy Group, Lane Construction, NRG Middletown and TransCanada’s generous financial support enables us to organize the thousands of volunteers who participate in the Cleanup, and to take on complex projects that require the use of heavy equipment and professional divers. Last year we were able to pull two junk cars from the river in CT and we’ll tackle more big projects like that this year.”

 

Those not interested in picking up trash can still support the Cleanup by attending one of three benefit concerts happening throughout the region, September 20-22, featuring well-known artists Robin & Linda Williams and Their Fine Band from NPR’s Prairie Home Companion. They will perform their blend of bluegrass, folk, old-time and acoustic country music live on Friday, September 20, 7:30pm at the Pentangle Town Hall Theater in Woodstock, VT; Saturday, September 21, 7:30pm at Memorial Hall in Shelburne Falls, MA; or Sunday, September 22, 3pm at The Kate in Old Saybrook, CT. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ctriver.org/news-events/concert/ or by calling 1-800-838-3006 (877-503-1286 in CT). Memorial Hall tickets can also be purchased at World Eye Bookshop in Greenfield, MA, Mocha Maya’s and Boswell’s Books in Shelburne Falls, MA.

 

For information about the Source to Sea Cleanup, to join a group near you, register online, or to report sites in need of cleaning visit www.ctriver.org and click on ‘Source to Sea Cleanup.’ Anyone with questions or a trash tip may contact CRWC’s Cleanup Coordinator Jacqueline Talbot at cleanup@ctriver.org or by calling 860-704-0057.

 

The Connecticut River Watershed Council has been an advocate for the 11,000 square-mile watershed of the Connecticut River since 1952. CRWC is a non-profit organization supported by individual members, public and private foundations, corporate sponsors and government grants. To learn more about CRWC, or to make a contribution to help protect the Connecticut River, visit www.ctriver.org or call 413-772-2020.

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Drivers, Brake for Moose and Deer This Fall!

from MassWildlife

 

Because fall is the breeding season for both moose and white-tailed deer, the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) reminds motorists to be mindful of increased deer and moose activity, especially during early morning and evening hours. September and October is the breeding season for Massachusetts’ moose population found primarily in central and western Massachusetts. The breeding season (also known as “the rut”) for white-tailed deer closely follows the moose breeding season from late October through early December. Male deer and moose experience “tunnel-vision” during the mating season created by the urge to reproduce. They will often chase females across roads, unaware of motor vehicles. Additionally, because moose have no natural predators in Massachusetts and are protected by law from hunting, these large (500-1,000 lbs) members of the deer family are unconcerned as they move through populated areas. The dark color and height of moose make them difficult to see at night (moose eyes rarely shine like deer eyes because moose eyes are above headlight levels). Long legs and top heavy bodies make moose very dangerous to motorists when struck.

Be aware and heed “Moose and Deer Crossing” signs erected by highway departments. Motorists are advised to slow down. Do not swerve to avoid hitting a deer because it may lead to more risk and damage than hitting the deer. Moose are less likely to move from the road than deer; so braking and driving defensively for moose is your best policy! Police and other departments responding to moose or deer/car collisions are reminded that while drivers or passengers are allowed by law to keep white-tailed deer they have hit with their vehicle (salvaged deer must be officially reported), only the DFW or the Environmental Police can make decisions regarding the disposition of moose. All moose or deer/vehicle collisions should be reported to the Environmental Police (800) 632-8075 and to DFW Wildlife District offices.

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Expanded Hours at Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore! 

You asked and we are answering! We know not everyone can shop Friday and Saturday from 9 to 4 p.m. Also we know you Saturday morning folks might be missing things. That’s why we are going to expand our hours–we will now be open on THURSDAYS too, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The new hours begin on Thursday, September 12.

 

So the new hours:

  • Thursday, 3 to 7 p.m.
  • Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Oh yeah, and the second Saturday of every month, our truck will be parked at Salisbury Bank in Sheffield from 12:30 to 4 p.m. to collect building supplies, appliances, non-upholstered furniture and more from South County. Call Jeff Lome for more info at 413.329.2679.

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Vermont Yankee Closing!

from Toxics Action Center

After years of grassroots activism, it’s finally happening: Vermont Yankee is officially closing in 2014!

Click here to read Entergy’s announcement.

Entergy is blaming economics, and we agree: it’s not good business to leak radioactive pollution1 and operate an ancient nuclear plant decades past its intended retirement date.

Several years ago, when Entergy announced plans to keep operating past its planned retirement date, Toxics Action Center joined Safe Power Vermont to hold Entergy accountable and retire Vermont Yankee on schedule. 

Thousands sent messages to Entergy and to Vermont legislators. We mobilized hundreds of community activists working all across the state from Moretown to Cavendish to take action. Many of you trekked through a blizzard to join us at the Vermont State House on the day the legislature voted in favor of closing the plant on schedule.

Next, we will be working with the Safe Power Vermont coalition to make sure a full and complete cleanup happens. And continuing our campaign with Pilgrim Coalition to retire Entergy’s Pilgrim nuclear plant in Plymouth, Massachusetts. (Plagued by many of the same problems as Vermont Yankee.)

But now – Let’s celebrate! THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone who supported this campaign.

Sincerely,

Sylvia Broude
Executive Director

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BerkShares’ Seventh Anniversary Celebration of Local Businesses

September 22nd, 7:30 pm at the Mahaiwe

Please join us at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center on September 22nd at 7:30 pm as we celebrate the first seven years of BerkShares and look at what’s ahead for our region’s local currency. All residents and visitors of the Berkshires are invited to attend the event, which be followed by live music by the BTUs at Castle Street Café.  We are excited to announce that our Master of Ceremonies will be David Brancaccio, currently the voice of public radio’s Marketplace Morning Report.

Get ready for some fun with BerkShares Superlatives as we honor the businesses that are the backbone of the Berkshire economy. In addition, Representative Smitty Pignatelli will give special recognition to an outstanding citizen of Berkshire County.

Tickets are $10 or 10 BerkShares, available through the Mahaiwe box office (www.mahaiwe.org). Admission is free to owners of BerkShares businesses and to members of BerkShares, Inc.

By empowering citizens and business owners to keep their money circulating within the region, BerkShares reclaims currency as a tool for local economic development. Over the past seven years, the BerkShares community has grown to include more than 400 businesses.  Thirteen branches of five different local banks—Salisbury Bank & Trust, Pittsfield Co-op, Berkshire Bank, Lenox National Bank, and Lee Bank—act as exchange points, making BerkShares easily accessible within Berkshire County.

This event has been made possible by the sponsorship of the Berkshire Bank Foundation, Jane Iredale Cosmetics, The Red Lion Inn, and Joe Wilkinson Excavating, Inc.

To become a member of BerkShares, Inc., mail 25 B$ or $25 to BerkShares, Inc. P.O. Box 125, Great Barrington, MA 01230. To find out more about membership, click here. Businesses can sign up for free to accept BerkShares at www.berkshares.org.

We look forward to seeing you at the Mahaiwe!

Sincerely,

Alice Maggio
BerkShares Coordinator

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FRIDAY, SEPT. 6

The 2nd Annual CornFest! A Celebration of All Things Corny! at the Sheffield Farmers’ Market

runs from 2:30-6:30 in the Old Parish Church parking lot off Rt. 7 in the center of Sheffield, with a wide variety of fresh veggies, meats and cheeses – plus elotes (Mexican-style corn-on-the-cob with toppings), corn salads, corn silk tea and more!  Featuring Howden Sweet Corn and music by Christina Dellea.  ALSO, from 3-5pm, on the grassy side of the church, CornFest! will feature Family Fun: pony rides, “Zeke” the Corny Clown; a special appearance of the giant puppet “Mother Earth”; a baby animal petting area; popcorn, and old-fashioned children’s games & races. All free! This event is part of SHEFFIELD IN CELEBRATION. www.sheffieldfarmersmarket.org or Sheffield Farmers’ Market on Facebook.

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AmeriCorps Position Available in Western MA 

Brief Description:

AMC Berkshires and Greenagers are two leading non-profit organizations in Southern Berkshire County, whose mission and goals are dedicated to land conservation, stewardship, trails, and engaging youth in conservation work.  Both organizations collaborate with land trusts, government agencies, schools and towns in the region to engage local youth in the maintenance and creation of trails, and in other conservation-related service activities.

AMC-Berkshires and Greenagers will co-host a MassLIFT AmeriCorps Service Learning Coordinator in our 2013 program.

MassLIFT Service Learning Coordinators (SLCs) help communities connect youth with the natural world and encourage their civic engagement by building the capacity of regional land trusts and partnered organizations to: 1) work with educators and community volunteers to develop and deliver youth-focused service learning and experiential conservation education programs; 2) help local schools develop new curriculum and resources such as schoolyard nature trails, biodiversity inventories, and ecological monitoring programs; 3) plan service programs that develop job skills for college students related to careers in natural resources management, land conservation, and the environmental sciences; 4) identify and coordinate opportunities to partner with youth development programs on community service projects; and 5) organize conservation education workshops and events that engage families in the exploration of local natural history.

More details here:

http://mountgrace.org/amc-berkshires-greenagers-service-learning-coordin

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FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Deadline Extended

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) invite communities, state agencies, and tribal governments and territories to submit applications for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. These competitive grants assist applicants with hazard mitigation planning and the implementation of hazard mitigation projects to reduce or eliminate the loss of life and property due to natural hazards.  Eligible activities include stormwater, drainage, and culvert improvements; property acquisition; slope stabilization; infrastructure protection; seismic and wind retrofits; structure elevations; and hazard mitigation planning. The application deadline has been extended to October 18; click here or see FEMA’s Fiscal Year 2013 Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Unified Guidance.  for more info.

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Job Description: East Coast Greenway Alliance New England Region Trail Coordinator

 

The East Coast Greenway Alliance is developing a 2,900-mile route for safe cycling and walking along the Eastern Seaboard from Key West to Canada. An urban sister of the Appalachian Trail, we aim to transform our hundreds of communities and their more than 45 million residents to become models of health, sustainability, and prosperity.

 

Position Description. The New England Region Trail Coordinator (Region Coordinator) is a part-time or full-time position that carries region-wide (CT, RI, MA, NH, & ME) responsibilities for all aspects of ECGA involvement in trail development, State Committee/volunteer engagement as well as some fundraising tasks related to the region. She/he will function as part of the ECGA trail program staff from our regional office in Providence, RI. The Region Coordinator works under the direction of the Trail Program Coordinator and in coordination with the Executive Director and the Office Manager.

 

The staff person coordinates closely with volunteer State Committees within the region. She/ he must be able to travel frequently within the region for meetings and site visits. The Region Coordinator will also occasionally attend meetings and events outside the region, such as ECGA Trail Council meetings. A budget for travel, equipment and other program expenses will be provided.

 

Responsibilities include:

1)      Complete ECG signage throughout the region and update cue sheets and Google maps posted on our web site (greenway.org). Work to move a maximum amount of the on-road portions off-road (including designating trail as official ECG) and make remaining on-road sections as safe and bicycle/pedestrian friendly as feasible.

2)      Keep the data reporting system up to date for each state in the region and create reports as requested (at least twice per year).

3)      Assist our volunteer State Committees and other volunteers within the region.

4)      Build/maintain a strong network of strategic alliances with public agencies, elected officials and organizations within each New England state to continue strong greenway progress.

5)      Communicate regional information via ECGA website, print and electronic newsletters and engage media within the region, in coordination with Executive Director and Office Manager.

6)      Assist with fundraising efforts as directed by the Executive Director, including growing dues paying membership and developing significant fundraising leads per year (including prospective individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners).

 

Detailed Responsibilities:

A. Planning

1)      In collaboration with State Committee chairs, partner agencies and organizations, complete a twice-annual updating of the segment benchmarks for each state within the region to provide a detailed current status picture of the trail. Prepare reports illustrating state and regional status as requested (lately 3x/yr).

2)      Work with ECGA staff and State Committees to plan logistics for ECG progress in the region.

3)      Give New England regional input for annual ECGA work plan and budget.

B. Trail Implementation

1)      Become familiar in detail with the route throughout the 817-mile corridor.

2)      Work directly with ECGA State Committees and/or trail development officials to advance implementation of ECG plans. This will include networking and meeting with stakeholders from the local to the state and federal levels.

3)      Manage the trail designation process within the region with goal of having all completed trail designated each year.

  • Assist state volunteers to nominate trails for designation, including securing of letters of agreement from trail managing agencies.
  • Coordinate trail inspections.
  • Provide staff support to Trail Council related to designation reviews.
  •  Assist Trail Program Coordinator with the maintenance of designation files, trail database and official ECG Route Designation Map.
  • Help to encourage and organize state designation events.

4)      Coordinate signage program within the region including:

  • Work with state DOTs and local municipalities and parks to fully sign ECG throughout the region by 2016
  • Ensure ECGA has one or more updated informational kiosks in each state in the region.
  • Recruit/organize volunteers to monitor ECG signage to ensure it remains in place and in good condition

5)      Refine the on-road portions of the ECG current travel route and have it field checked periodically. Help maintain Google maps listing of current travel route.

6)      Build and maintain collaborative partnerships with other bike/ped organizations, public and private agencies, and trail advocates to further Greenway priorities.

7)      Organize ECGA state or regional meetings, workshops and training sessions in partnership with Trail Program Coordinator and Executive Director.

8)      Serve as a point of contact for trail managers/developers/advocates regarding ECG questions relating to the trail within the region. Help provide assistance or direct inquirers to appropriate sources.

9)      Oversee monitoring of designated trail segments to ensure they continue to meet ECGA standards.

10)   Get ECG included in state plans, official reports and on official maps.

11)   Identify and relay to the Trail Council matters related to trail policy, via the Trail Program Coordinator.

12)   Organize advocacy at state and regional levels related to securing funding for local trail development.

C. Building Support

1)      Build and support strong volunteer engagement including attending State Committee meetings as needed, at least one per year per state. Foster a strong volunteer effort within each state.

2)      Organize and participate in events throughout the region throughout the year: including bike rides, walks, and staffing booths at community events

D. Tracking Progress

1)      Participate in spring and fall ECGA Trail Council meetings; present a progress tracking report for the region at each Trail Council meeting.

2)      Compile regional input into the annual State of the Trail Report.

E. Communications

1)      Media

  • Serve as a point of contact within the region for media.
  • Respond to or help direct to the correct party inquiries by the public, our partners and media related to the ECG.
  • Provide regional news and stories for monthly e-newsletters
  • Coordinate the posting of information on the state pages of the ECGA website & related social media.

2)      Promotion

  • Represent ECGA at appropriate meetings and conferences, including tabling at events and giving presentations
  • Develop a template New England ECG power point presentation

F. Administrative

1)      Maintain basic contacts files for each state, a database of contacts, and email address groups as needed for your communication within the region

2)      Help Executive Director to refine and maintain a database of names of key stakeholders relevant to the ECG within each state in the region.

3)      Maintain trail development files and other files pertinent to work within the region.

G. Fundraising

1)      Assist the ED as directed to increase regional resources from ECGA membership, donors, foundations, corporate support and successful events.

2)      Help plan and organize events within the region aimed at building awareness, support and funding for the ECG.

H. Assist with other tasks as assigned.

 

Qualifications:

  • Passionate commitment to ECG mission
  • Strong sense of personal responsibility and integrity
  • Bachelor’s degree required in a relevant field such as planning, environmental management, project management, or community organizing
  • Four years or more project management and/or program experience in a relevant area such as trail development, environmental policy, health, or community organizing.
  • Non-profit experience is preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively and tactfully with a wide range of people and personalities to establish collaborative partnerships.
  • Tenacity.
  • Able to engage and motivate volunteers.
  • Strong computer skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. (InDesign, database management, Adobe Illustrator and mapping experience a plus.)
  • Entrepreneurial and strategic approach to work; takes initiative in problem solving; applies sound judgement.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Team player.
  • Able to function in a fast-paced work environment; able to multi-task and work on several project deadlines simultaneously.
  • Well-organized, self-motivated and independent worker: understands the need to develop weekly, monthly and annual work plans and to prioritize work on a daily basis. Takes recordkeeping and file management seriously.
  • High standards for professional work delivered on time and on budget.

Salary: full time competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Benefits:

  • 10 holidays
  • 10 vacation days (increases to 15 after first year of service)
  • 10 sick days
  • FICA, Medicare, unemployment security, workers compensation.
  • 67% of premium cost for medical and dental insurance for the employee and 50% toward
  • dependents via group policy.

 

How to apply: Interested candidates should send a cover letter (attn: Dennis Markatos-Soriano,

Executive Director) detailing their interest, preferred salary range, and qualifications with resume,

short writing sample, and references attached to hiring@greenway.org  by August 31st.

 

East Coast Greenway Alliance
5315 Highgate Dr ste 105,
Durham NC 27713
919-797-0619
www.greenway.org

 

The East Coast Greenway Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and seeks qualified candidates

regardless of race, color, gender, disability, or national origin

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CET Application Developer – SharePoint

 

The Center for EcoTechnology seeks an Application Developer – SharePoint to analyze current business functions and implement new or modified information processing systems as needed.  This position will collect and analyze data for the Mass Save Home Energy Services Program.

 

Responsibilities:

 

  • Plan, develop, test, and document computer programs, applying knowledge of programming techniques and computer systems.
  • Evaluate user request for new or modified programs, analyzing and developing specifications for design, to determine feasibility, cost and time required, compatibility with current system, and computer capabilities.
  • Candidate must be able to work independently, and in small teams, to develop and maintain systems that support the collection and analysis of business data in a SharePoint environment:
    • Work with users to develop requirements documents and process workflow.
    • Prepare flowcharts and diagrams to illustrate the sequence of steps program must follow and to describe logical operations involved.
    • Develop and maintain interfaces to external systems.
    • Develop reports, dashboards and other forms of data representation as needed to support operational needs.
    • Create and maintain user documentation related to the applications and associated interfaces. Provide training and technical assistance to program users.
    • Monitor performance of programs after implementation.

 

Other responsibilities may include limited administrative tasks.

 

Requirements:

  • College Degree in Computer Science, Computer Information Systems (or other similar degree/experience)
  • Proficient with VB.net and MS SQL
  • Knowledgeable about MS SharePoint application deployment methodology
  • Good communication skills, both written and verbal

 

Desired skills and experience:

  • Business Analysis
  • Developing applications for Microsoft SharePoint
  • Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)
  • MS Access
  • MS Visio
  • Project Management

 

Recent college graduates are encouraged to apply.

 

For the right candidate, this position could be based in our Pittsfield, Florence, or Springfield, MA locations.  This is a full-time salaried position with benefits. Send cover letter and resume via email (hr@cetonline.org) to: Amanda Bates, HR Assistant, Center for EcoTechnology, 112 Elm Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201

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Flying Cloud Job Description for North County Supervisor Position

 

Duties:

  • Manage GIRLS Science Club’s daily site activities – including logistics of club day (time management), tracking volunteer/high school student hours, planning/coordinating of culminating events.
  • Be responsible for cultivating, and maintaining strategic relationships with visiting guests, community partners, and participating school faculty members.
  • Supervise and support high school mentors with delivering content and implementing activities
  • Conduct pre- and post science club evaluations of participating students
  • Obtain and manage supplies needed for daily activities
  • Document club sessions- including: notes on successes/challenges, highlights of activities and photos to be used for promotions/events

 

Qualifications:

●      Ability to improvise with large groups

●      Exemplary oral communication skills

●      A positive attitude; a professional and friendly disposition; patience

●      Background and experience in science and engineering fields

●      Experience with organizing and running activities for groups of children in grades 3-6

●      Experience mentoring teenage girls preferably in a city environment

●      Must be 20 years of age or older

Compensation:

Negotiated and commensurate with experience.

Hours vary each week depending on number of clubs in session

Send resume, cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and success, one letter of recommendation, and contact information for three references to: admin@flyingcloudinstitute.org

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