CT Green Scene

Take An Autumn Stroll

Don't miss some of the fabulous nature walks and bird watching planned for September at the Audubon Greenwich. Visit their web site for more details or call them at 203-869-5272.

Saturday, September 4
TRIP: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
8:00 am-3:00 pm
Jamaica Bay on Long Island is a 'Mecca' of New York City barging areas.  Join Luke Tiller for a trip to this "birder's paradise" in search for shorebirds, herons, waterfowl, terns, raptors and songbirds. Bring lunch. Van leaves Audubon promptly at 8 a.m. $20/person. RSVP required to store: x221.

Autumn Morning Bird Walks:
Saturdays: September 11, 18, 25 & October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30.
Wednesdays: September 22, 29 & October 6, 13
Birders will meet at 7:30 am sharp, in front of the main building (613 Riversville Road) to start a walk there or to depart for other locations. No charge but RSVPs are appreciated. Leave a message at 203-869-5272 x221.

Saturday, September 11
Hawk & Raptor ID During The Migration
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
The hawk migration has begun and Luke Tiller will host an in-depth raptor ID class for anyone interested in learning more about how to put a name to those wings that are spotted over the center from August to November. Wing shapes, flight patterns and other ID clues will be reviewed during this class. $5/person. RSVP to store: 203-869-5272 x221.

Saturday, September 11
Spider & Late Summer Insect Hike
2:00-3:00 pm
Explore Audubon's fields, woods and pond edges for an amazing and wonderful variety of spiders, their webs, and signs of their insect prey. All ages. $3/person. RSVP to store: 203-869-5272 x221.

Wednesday, September 22
Nocturnal Migration with Luke Tiller and Benjamin Van Doren
7:30-9:30 pm
Discover the wonderful world of nocturnal bird migration. Just after sunset every fall and spring, millions of birds take off south to cross North America and head to wintering grounds in the southern US and in South & Central America. Learn more about this amazing phenomenon - detectable by sight, sound, and even radar - and then enjoy a walk outside to listen for migrants' calls and search for their silhouettes against the moon. $5 per person. RSVP to store: 203-869-5272 x221.

Predators in Peril on Land & Sea:
Poisoned Lions & Overfished Seas
Saturday, September 25
6:00-9:00 pm
Top predators are declining sharply in oceans and African ecosystems and something can be done. Learn what is needed to save these irreplaceable resources when two experts come discuss these tough topics. Jamie Pollack, co-founder of 'Shark Savers' will detail the Pew Charitable Trust's 'Federal Fisheries Reform Project' efforts to protect top predators in the sea and Brian Gaisford, renowned safari guide and partner with www.DefendersOfWildlife.org and National Geographic's 'Big Cat Initiative', will explain the fight against 'Furadan'-a pesticide made in the US, banned by EPA and in the EU, but still sold widely abroad, decimating wildlife populations in Africa. $20/person includes wine and cheese reception. Space limited. RSVP required to Jeff at 203-869-5272 x239.

Eggs-ceptionally Gross

The edible egg just got a whole lot less incredible. In this article from today's New York Times, some of the biggest egg producers in the country are shipping eggs out under despicable conditions. Excrement and vermin top the list. Getting your eggs from your local CSA may be your best option. Read the excerpt below...and weep.

Egg Farms Violated Safety Rules
By WILLIAM NEUMAN
Published: August 30, 2010

"Barns infested with flies, maggots and scurrying rodents, and overflowing manure pits were among the widespread food safety problems that federal inspectors found at a group of Iowa egg farms at the heart of a nationwide recall and salmonella outbreak.

Inspection reports released by the Food and Drug Administration on Monday described — often in nose-pinching detail — possible ways that salmonella could have been spread undetected through the vast complexes of two companies.

The inspections, conducted over the last three weeks, were the first to check compliance by large egg-producing companies with new federal egg safety rules that were written well before the current outbreak, but went into effect only last month.

'Clearly the observations here reflect significant deviations from what’s expected,' said Michael R. Taylor, deputy commissioner for food for the F.D.A."

Click here to read more of the article.

Image courtesy of the IncredibleEgg.org.

Good News: Americans Are Using Less Energy

by Eileen Weber

On Monday, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California stated in a press release that Americans used less coal and oil-based energy in 2009 than in 2008. Even better, we relied more on renewable energy last year, specifically wind power. This is credited, in part, by the economic downturn. It stands to reason that if you’re having trouble paying your bills, you’ll turn down the heat and turn off the lights.

Stepping away from coal-powered electricity was three-fold: There was a decrease in overall electricity demand, a shift to more natural fuel sources, and wind power usage offset the need for coal-based power. Much like a pendulum swing, an increase in renewable energy use means a decrease in fuel-sourced energy.

Frankencorn in Italy

Trade between Europe and the United States has always been a little stiff when it has come to genetically modified food. The majority of Europeans are against the concept. But as in this article from today's New York Times, one man in Italy planted genetically modified corn. To say the Italians didn't take it well is an understatement. Below is an excerpt.

In the Fields of Italy, a Conflict Over Corn
By ELISABETH ROSENTHAL
Published: August 23, 2010

"Giorgio Fidenato declared war on the Italian government and environmental groups in April with a news conference and a YouTube video, which showed him poking six genetically modified corn seeds into Italian soil.

In fact, said Mr. Fidenato, 49, an agronomist, he planted two fields of genetically modified corn. But since “corn looks like corn,” as he put it, it took his opponents weeks to find his crop.

The seeds, known as MON810, are modified so that the corn produces a chemical that kills the larvae of the corn borer, a devastating pest. Yet while European Union rules allow this particular seed to be planted, Italy requires farmers to get special permission for any genetically modified, or G.M., crop — and the Agriculture Ministry never said yes.

...It is true that a small but growing number of European countries, including Spain, Portugal and Germany, now allow some cultivation of genetically modified crops. But only two genetically modified seeds (MON810 and the Amflora potato seed) out of dozens on the global market have made it through the European Commission’s laborious approval process, a prerequisite for use.

...Such foot-dragging reflects passionate public opposition to the crops in many parts of Europe, even as more than three-quarters of corn, soybeans and sugar beets in the United States are genetically modified. Though the science is at best inconclusive, there is a widespread conviction in Italy that genetically altered foods and crops pose dangers to human health and ecosystems."

To read more, click here.

Image courtesy of Grain.org.

Hazardous Waste Collections

Don't forget, certain Connecticut towns have their Hazardous Waste Collection coming up. Fairfield, Rocky Hill, Essex, and Bridgewater have their collections on Saturday, August 28th.

For other dates, locations, and times in September, October, and November, consult the CT DEP web site. See below for the most recent collections.

August 28th
New Haven
HazWaste Central Regional Water Authority
90 Sargent Drive

Fairfield
Veterans Park
Reef Road

Rocky Hill
Rocky Hill WPCF
80  Goff Brook Lane

Bridgewater
Public Works Facility
324 Hut Hill Road

Essex
Estuary Region HHW Facility
5 Dump Road
Route 9, Exit 4

Connecticut Dropping the Ball On Their Jeans

by Eileen Weber

Since August 1st, Volcom Brand Jeans has been running a campaign to recycle your old jeans and give them to homeless shelters. From New Hampshire to Florida to Minnesota, Utah, and Puerto Rico, there are bins wherever Volcom jeans are sold. 



Working in conjunction with the National Coalition for the Homeless, this is their second year promoting the “Give Jeans A Chance” campaign. Last year, the California-based company was able to donate 5,000 pairs of jeans. They’re hoping to double that with a goal of 10,000 pairs of donated jeans. And with 200 extra stores participating, they may reach that target. The promotion runs until September 30th.

Support the Fairfield Organic Teaching Farm

With concerns over traffic, wildlife disturbance, and competition with a girls' softball field, the Fairfield Organic Teaching Farm has had a rough time getting off the ground.

This Thursday, at 7:30pm, the teaching farm is going before the Conservation Commission to request a lease of approximately two acres of the Hoyden's Hill open space area and use of the old red barn for three years.

Please come to Sullivan Independence Hall at 725 Old Post Road (2nd Floor Conference Room) no  later than 7:25pm and show town officials that you support the Fairfield Organic Teaching Farm.

For more information about FOTF, visit their web site at www.fairfieldorganicteachingfarm.org.

From Polluted Land to Solar Energy

This August 10th article from The New York Times discusses a break-through concept in California's San Joaquin Valley: Take polluted and unusable farmland and create a renewable solar project to make electricity. See the excerpt below:

Recycling Land for Green Energy Ideas
By TODD WOODY
Published: August 10, 2010

"Thousands of acres of farmland here in the San Joaquin Valley have been removed from agricultural production, largely because the once fertile land is contaminated by salt buildup from years of irrigation.

But large swaths of those dry fields could have a valuable new use in their future — making electricity.

Farmers and officials at Westlands Water District, a public agency that supplies water to farms in the valley, have agreed to provide land for what would be one of the world’s largest solar energy complexes, to be built on 30,000 acres.

At peak output, the proposed Westlands Solar Park would generate as much electricity as several big nuclear power plants.

Unlike some renewable energy projects blocked by objections that they would despoil the landscape, this one has the support of environmentalists."

Click here to read more of the article.

Image of San Joaquin Valley courtesy of SuperStock.com

Westport GVI Founder Dan Levinson to Speak August 19th

Come join us! Thursday evening, August 19 - Bring a picnic!


The speaker will be Dan Levinson, co-founder of Westport Green Village Initiative (GVI), a volunteer-based grass roots nonprofit established in Fall 2008 to help Westport become a model sustainable community. Since then, the Westport model has spread to other towns, including Ridgefield and Bridgeport. Westport GVI’s projects have included creating the Wakeman Town Farm & Sustainability Center and Staples High School Edible Garden,  sponsoring the Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve and the Eco-Fest. GVI also helps fund the Nature Center interns program. His talk will focus on projects underway now, goals for the future, and ways to get involved in Westport and other communities. 



6:00 Picnic at the Nature Center
(Please bring your own supper. We'll supply the lemonade and cookies!) 


6:30 The lecture begins. 
All free, including entry to the park.

Young Environmentalists Donate To Audubon for Gulf Oil Spill

Girls' lemonade stand raises more than $100 to help Audubon respond to the Gulf oil spill.

It is a rite of summer for children throughout Greenwich: Set up a stand, mix some frosty pitchers of tart lemonade, and sell cups to friends and neighbors to earn some pocket money. But last week, three girls decided that their front yard lemonade stand could do more than earn them some spending money. 

Instead, they raised money to support response efforts to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, doing their part to help the millions of birds and other wildlife that call the Gulf home. They demonstrate that no matter how old you are, you can make difference in your community and the world.

Happiness and a Dining Room Table

Two articles from Sunday's New York Times were of interest from an environmental stand point. The first one discusses downsizing with a twist: Weeding out your possession to exactly 100 items you really, truly need. Nothing more, nothing less. You don't have to live in a monastery to find true inner peace according to this couple who have shed their excesses.

And, if you're wondering what to do with that felled tree in your backyard, you may want to consult these guys. They make furniture from saved trees. Rather than ending up in the wood pile, these trees are better off topped with a coffee table book. In Seattle, Seth Meyer and John Wells work together to repurpose these fallen heroes.

One More Reason Not to Buy a Gas Guzzler

Care of The Grist, here's a little tidbit for car owners: Car theft is three to five times higher for gas guzzling luxury cars than they are for their energy-saving counterparts. The story blurb was based on an August 3rd report from the Highway Loss Data Institute.

"Sedate family cars and fuel sippers aren't on the hot list," says Kim Hazelbaker, HLDI senior vice president, in the company's news release. "Thieves are after chrome, horsepower, and HEMIs."

The Cadillac Escalade is the number one car to be stolen while the Toyota Prius is almost never touched. One more reason to go green!

Image courtesy of cadillacescaladesite.info.

Nature Programs, Bird Watching, Festivals, and More

Come see what's happening at the Audubon Greenwich this month!

Audubon Greenwich's Public Programs & Special Events:
Friday, August 6 - Sunday, August 22

Friday, August 6
Night Hike for Bats and WNS Update
7:30-9:00 pm

Start with an indoor discussion about bats and the devastating white-nose syndrome (WNS) disease that is destroying whole communities of these essential members of ecosystems around the word. Learn what scientists are doing to find a cure and then hike outside to look and listen for local bats in the sanctuary. Ages 5 & up. RSVP required to Ted at 203-869-5272 x239.

Saturday, August 7
TRIP: Milford Point & Great Meadows IBA in Stratford
9:00 am-2:00 pm

Join Brian O'Toole and others for a trip to two great birding locations known for shorebirds, herons, egrets, terns, osprey, and swallows. Pack a lunch and grab your gear. Van and carpool leaves promptly at 9:00 so arrive early. $12/person. RSVP required to Brian at 203-869-5272 x221.

Sunday, August 8
Nature Photography for All
10:00-11:30 am

Hike with Jeff Cordulack in search of great nature photos at the Fairchild Wildflower Garden on North Porchuck Road. The focus will be on flowers, insects and scenic photos. Ideal for learning basic composition and close-up (macro) photo techniques. All ages. $5/person. RSVP required to Jeff at 203-869-5272 x239.

Traffic Skills 101 to be held on Saturday, August 21st 2010

Bike Walk CT, in collaboration with the Fairfield Bike/Walk Coalition, is sponsoring Traffic Skills 101 for bicycle enthusiasts ages 16 and over. The class begins online and then moves outdoors to a practice space on Saturday, August 21st from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The free online course (3-4 hours) must be completed prior to August 21st.  Participants of the on road portion will meet in the parking lot at 1229 Post Road in Fairfield near Vino Restaurant. The cost is $30 for Bike Walk CT members and $40 for non-members.

Funded by a special grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Traffic Skills 101 covers bike handling skills, crash avoidance techniques, proper lane and intersection positioning in moderate to heavy traffic, and Connecticut traffic law as it pertains to bicyclists. The class also covers basics on how to dress for your cycling activity, what equipment you might need, nutrition, hydration for the longer ride, and bicycle maintenance.  All instructors are certified by the League of American Bicyclists.

The online class is free and available to all at http://www.bikeed.org/courseintro.aspx. The August 21st on road class is limited to 14 participants, so please register early (registration form attached) or call Bike Walk CT at 860-522-2217, ext. 227. Participants of the on road class must arrive with a printed copy of the last page of the online class showing a score and certificate of completion.

For more information about the Fairfield Bike/Walk coalition, contact Alyssa Israel at alisrael@sbcglobal.net.

Another One Bites the Dust...

While this site has certainly placed an emphasis on farms lately, this article should not be overlooked. According to the Associated Press, a 378-year-old farm on the Maine/New Hampshire border is calling it quits. The eleventh generation now in its 60s has had enough of farming--and debt. See the excerpt below from today's post.

After 378 years, NH family farm goes up for sale

By KATHY McCORMACK, Associated Press Writer
Sun Aug 1, 3:25 pm ET

DOVER, N.H. – In 1632, John Tuttle arrived from England to a settlement near the Maine-New Hampshire border, using a small land grant from King Charles I to start a farm.

Eleven generations and 378 years later, his field-weary descendants — arthritic from picking fruits and vegetables and battered by competition from supermarkets and pick-it-yourself farms — are selling their spread, which is among the oldest continuously operated family farms in America.

"We've been here for 40 years, doing what we love to do," said Lucy Tuttle, 65, who runs the 134-acre farm with brother Will. "But we're not able to work to our full capacity any longer, unfortunately."

Tuttle added that she and her brother and their sister have done their best "to lovingly discourage" their children from becoming generation No. 12. "We would be saddling them with a considerable amount of debt," she said.

Click here to read more.

Image courtesy of Tuttle's Farm.

Aruba: The Next Urban Farm?

by Eileen Weber

Last week, I vacationed in a place I have never been: Aruba. Why a tiny Caribbean island only 20 miles long and six miles wide? Because every time I’ve had it up to here, it’s the furthest place I can think of when I get cranky. Naturally, I felt the need to spend a week there.

Touring the island, it quickly becomes clear that it’s a cliché: Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink. Thanks to a desalination plant on the east side of the island only a few minutes drive from Oranjestad, the island’s capital, there is drinking water from the tap. But that doesn’t seem to affect their agriculture.

Organic Farm Gives Food to Cancer Victims, Needs Volunteers

Feeney Farm will be hosting its first in a series of three “Volunteer Days” at the Fairfield Community Garden (FCG) on Saturday, July 31st from 8 – 11 am. Volunteers will be weeding, digging and preparing the soil for swiss chard, kale, carrots and brussell sprouts. All produce will be harvested in the fall and donated to Fairfield cancer patients and survivors.
 
Feeney Farm, a start-up farm in Fairfield whose aim is to grow and donate vegetables to those in the community suffering from cancer, plans to provide  50-100 Fairfield cancer patients and survivors 50% of their recommended daily vegetables intake during the months of June through October. Feeney Farm officially starts in 2011, but will be growing produce in a plot at the FCG located in Drew Park in Fairfield.

If you’re interested in volunteering this Saturday, fundraising or getting involved, contact Margaret Feeney at  margaretmaryfeeney@gmail.com or visit www.feeneyfarm.org.

Image courtesy of Feeney Farm.

Potato and Corn Festival Highlights Local Farms

by Abbie Walston

Searching for some entertainment and family fun with plenty of food? Look no further than the North Branford Potato and Corn Festival on August 6th through 8th at Augur Farm on Route 22. For the last ten years, it has been a community tradition. The town’s agrarian character will be on display alongside the midway, allowing visitors to learn more about local farms. Local restaurants, farms, and businesses will offer a wide variety of food, including baked potatoes with toppings and fresh, locally grown sweet corn.

A Farmer’s Market will be held on Saturday and Sunday, hosted by the North Branford Agriculture Commission. Farms throughout town will provide fresh, seasonal produce including sweet corn, tomatoes and peaches for you to take home and enjoy. This is a unique opportunity to sample the best North Branford farms have to offer without visiting each farm individually. Proceeds will be used by the Agriculture Commission to promote local farms throughout the coming year, including printing and distribution of the town’s Agriculture Brochure. Weather permitting, hayrides will be offered each afternoon providing fun for the whole family. And for a taste of the truly rural, the Cow Chip Raffle on Sunday offers a grand prize of $2500!

The Bottled Water Ban

by Susan Torres

Could your bottle of water soon be illegal? If you live in Bundanoon, Australia it already is. And if you live in Concord, Massachusetts, it might be soon.


Last year, Bundy (as the local Aussies refer to it) became the first town in the world to ban bottled water. The proposal became an issue the whole town rallied around as this article from Treehugger explains. Out of 400 people who voted on the measure, only two voted against the ban--one of whom was from the bottled water industry. The ban is similar to ones in Los Angeles and San Francisco that no longer make plastic bags available in most grocery stores. With the same environmental concerns in mind, the town of Westport also banned the use of plastic bags in 2008 at all retail stores. Whether it's bags or bottles, many towns across the globe are looking to eliminate plastic as much as possible.

Bike Friendly in Fairfield?

There are currently NO bike friendly communities in the state of Connecticut. While other states out west and even within New England beat us out by a long shot, we still can't manage to be green when it comes to transportation. Back in January, this site posted an article about a group of people in Fairfield who were attempting to get the town government on their side to pave the way for bike friendliness. They're still trying. If they succeed, your town could be next. It just takes one to be a catalyst for change. If you live near Fairfield or visit with any frequency, visit the web site below and state your case. The traffic in your town may depend on it.

http://www.fairfieldct.org/bikewalksurvey.htm

Image courtesy of Treehugger.com.