I just got word that there's a bald eagle perched at Medrex, clearly in view from Route 9W in Port Ewen. I'll try to follow with a photo.
I saw one glide over Ross park a couple weeks ago, headed toward the Hudson.
Eagles have recovered strongly on the Hudson River in the last roughly 10 years, and there are several nesting pairs that live along the river. In winter, many fly down from Canada, too, looking for open water and fish. Who knows is this one is a resident or visitor?
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Is Esopus Ready for Energy Efficiency Money From the Federal Economic Stimulus Bill?
Interesting piece in the NYTimes today about how some municipalities are preparing, but most are unprepared, to spend the billions in the economic stimulus bill that are to go toward energy efficiency. Is there something the environmental board can/should do to advise the town?
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Birding Blog From Mount St Alphonsus
I came across this blog today - written by an amateur birder, Tom Deely, living at The Mount.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Recycling Grant Opportunity Postponed
I just received this from Coca Cola and the National Recycling Coalition. This is in reference to the grant program that supplies recycling bins for public places, like Main Street or parks.
Dear Recycling Leaders,
This message is being distributed to those requesting notification of the next Coca Cola / National Recycling Coalition Bin Grant cycle. The grant cycle originally scheduled for February, 2009 has been postponed until later in the year. New dates have not been set at this time. We will send further updates by email once a new grant schedule has been determined.
Thank you for your interest in the Bin Grant program and for supporting recycling in your community.
Alec Cooley
National Recycling Coalition
Dear Recycling Leaders,
This message is being distributed to those requesting notification of the next Coca Cola / National Recycling Coalition Bin Grant cycle. The grant cycle originally scheduled for February, 2009 has been postponed until later in the year. New dates have not been set at this time. We will send further updates by email once a new grant schedule has been determined.
Thank you for your interest in the Bin Grant program and for supporting recycling in your community.
Alec Cooley
National Recycling Coalition
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
2/28/09: Sojourner Truth concert
Image via Wikipedia
Listening For Truth, a benefit concert to raise funds for a memorial to Sojourner Truth, will be presented on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009 at 3 PM at the Reformed Church on Salem Street in Port Ewen.
The choral concert will feature the Esopus Festival Choir directed by Linda Bresnahan McCarthy, and the Ulster County Community Outreach Chorus, directed by Dennis Washington. Music will include a variety of songs and hymns, some written by Sojourner Truth, and period music she would have known. In addition, a dramatic reading will be presented.
Tickets will be available for a suggested donation of $10 at the door. Seating is limited. Refreshments will be provided.
Money raised at the concert, through donations, and in the future at other fundraisers will be used to erect a statue to Sojourner Truth in a park being constructed on Broadway in Port Ewen. As a slave, Sojourner Truth lived and worked in a tavern which stood on the site in the 19th century.
In 2005, the Esopus Town Board voted to name the park in her honor and a citizen's committee organized the Memorial Fund to raise funds for the statue. The Sojourner Truth Memorial Fund is affiliated with the Ulster County Community Foundation. All contributions are tax deductible.
2/18/09: Env. Board meeting agenda
1) Roll Call & Approval of Minutes, Vouchers, etc.
2) Membership report
3) Recycling Contract Update – submission of Env. Board recommendation memo to Town Board
4) Lighting Survey Update
‐ Status of data collection and evaluation (due). Status of report progress for March submission
‐ NYSERDA literature, Speaker on urban lighting (Greene County? NYSERDA?)
5) 2009 ‐ New Project
‐ Natural Resource Inventory: Status ‐ finding speaker to discuss process with the group in a combined meeting with Planning Board?
6) 2009 Community Events
‐ April: Arbor Day "Breathe Green Esopus" sapling giveaway
‐ June: Water Chestnut Harvest ‐ will we do this again this year?
‐ July: Hudson River Fulton Event ‐ Plan for event with Waterfront Board. What do we want to do?
‐ September: Fall Festival ‐ Do we want to have a table?
8) Updates and New Business
2) Membership report
3) Recycling Contract Update – submission of Env. Board recommendation memo to Town Board
4) Lighting Survey Update
‐ Status of data collection and evaluation (due). Status of report progress for March submission
‐ NYSERDA literature, Speaker on urban lighting (Greene County? NYSERDA?)
5) 2009 ‐ New Project
‐ Natural Resource Inventory: Status ‐ finding speaker to discuss process with the group in a combined meeting with Planning Board?
6) 2009 Community Events
‐ April: Arbor Day "Breathe Green Esopus" sapling giveaway
‐ June: Water Chestnut Harvest ‐ will we do this again this year?
‐ July: Hudson River Fulton Event ‐ Plan for event with Waterfront Board. What do we want to do?
‐ September: Fall Festival ‐ Do we want to have a table?
8) Updates and New Business
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
More upcoming events
Below are a few area events, as listed by a list Manna Jo Greene sends monthly. Thought some of them could be relevant to either the Environmental Board or residents in Esopus:
Weds., Feb. 18, 6 - 9 pm, Designing the Home Garden. Learn how to site, design, and put in a garden, whether it’s one bed or fifty. Get information on what you can start planning and doing now. BRC, Kingston. Continuing Education: 845-339-2025, www.sunyulster.edu,$45.
Weds., Feb. 25, 7-8:30 p.m. ANNUAL CAC/EMC ROUNDTABLE, sponsored by the Environment Program of Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County, affords CAC members the chance to share information, network with colleagues and learn about their accomplishments and priorities for 2009. Open to those interested in joining CACs to learn about the dynamic role volunteers can play in preserving their community’s natural resources. Farm and Home Center, 2715 Route 44, Millbrook. Contact: Vicky Buono, (845) 677-8223, x153, vcb4@cornell.edu.
Thurs., Feb. 26, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm. Save Energy, Save Dollars -- a FREE Weatherization and Energy Savings Workshop designed to help people reduce their electric and heating bills resulting in significant savings year round. Student Union Room 407 at SUNY New Paltz. Pre-registration required; attendees will receive a FREE Energy Saving Gift Pack. Free and open to the public. Contact Barbara Grumberg at 845-340-3990 or bag23@cornell.edu to reserve a seat. http://counties.cce.cornell.edu/ulster
April-June VOLUNTEER RIVER HERRING MONITORING PROGRAM. Join the NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program in our efforts to collect information on the spawning runs of the ecologically important river herring. Location specific to your area -- no experience necessary. Contact Amy Bloomfield, r3hermon@gw.dec.state.ny.us . 845-256-3172 http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/41545.html .
Sat., April 4, MAGNETIZING DOWNTOWNS AND HISTORIC VILLAGES. Helping Mid-Hudson cities and villages increase their magnetism with fresh ideas and examples to attract people and job growth to existing centers. At 721 Broadway, Kingston.
Thurs., Apr. 9, 6 - 9 pm, Organic Gardening for Garden and Containers - Pt 2. Learn how to identify and outwit pests and encourage beneficial insects; how to reduce plant diseases; how to build the soil’s nutritional value and increase crop productivity. BRC, Kingston. Continuing Education: 845-339-2025, www.sunyulster.edu , $39
Sat., May 2, 10 am - 3 pm, Raising Goats 101. Learn how to start a herd, herd health, preventive care, reproduction, feeding, housing as well as profits from your herd, and financial considerations at Triple H Ranch, Hudson, NY. Continuing Education: 845-339-2025, www.sunyulster.edu , $79 (+lunch $7).
Sat., May 9, 10 am - 5 pm, ROSENDALE EARTHFEST AND EXPO. Rosendale Recreation Center, Rt. 32. "Many backyards, one world" with exhibitors and speakers on backyard biodiversity, local food production, water resources, alternative energy, energy efficiency, and green-building. Arm-of-the-Sea Puppet Theater, Dog on Fleas, food, crafts, and fun, hands-on activities for all. FREE/donation. (845) 658-8967.
ONGOING
The Hudson River Estuary Program’s “TREES FOR TRIBS” Initiative is accepting applications for spring stream buffer planting projects. The program offers free native trees and shrubs for qualifying projects in the Hudson River Estuary watershed. Applications are due by March 1st. For more info contact Kevin Grieser at kagriese@gw.dec.state.ny.us or (845)-256-3145. See www.dec.ny.gov/lands/43668.html for info & applications
NYSDEC’s Environmental Resource Mapper is an on-line, interactive mapping application that can be used to identify some of NYS's natural resources and environmental features that are state protected, or of conservation concern. www.dec.ny.gov/animals/38801.html
Weds., Feb. 18, 6 - 9 pm, Designing the Home Garden. Learn how to site, design, and put in a garden, whether it’s one bed or fifty. Get information on what you can start planning and doing now. BRC, Kingston. Continuing Education: 845-339-2025, www.sunyulster.edu,$45.
Weds., Feb. 25, 7-8:30 p.m. ANNUAL CAC/EMC ROUNDTABLE, sponsored by the Environment Program of Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County, affords CAC members the chance to share information, network with colleagues and learn about their accomplishments and priorities for 2009. Open to those interested in joining CACs to learn about the dynamic role volunteers can play in preserving their community’s natural resources. Farm and Home Center, 2715 Route 44, Millbrook. Contact: Vicky Buono, (845) 677-8223, x153, vcb4@cornell.edu.
Thurs., Feb. 26, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm. Save Energy, Save Dollars -- a FREE Weatherization and Energy Savings Workshop designed to help people reduce their electric and heating bills resulting in significant savings year round. Student Union Room 407 at SUNY New Paltz. Pre-registration required; attendees will receive a FREE Energy Saving Gift Pack. Free and open to the public. Contact Barbara Grumberg at 845-340-3990 or bag23@cornell.edu to reserve a seat. http://counties.cce.cornell.edu/ulster
April-June VOLUNTEER RIVER HERRING MONITORING PROGRAM. Join the NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program in our efforts to collect information on the spawning runs of the ecologically important river herring. Location specific to your area -- no experience necessary. Contact Amy Bloomfield, r3hermon@gw.dec.state.ny.us . 845-256-3172 http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/41545.html .
Sat., April 4, MAGNETIZING DOWNTOWNS AND HISTORIC VILLAGES. Helping Mid-Hudson cities and villages increase their magnetism with fresh ideas and examples to attract people and job growth to existing centers. At 721 Broadway, Kingston.
Thurs., Apr. 9, 6 - 9 pm, Organic Gardening for Garden and Containers - Pt 2. Learn how to identify and outwit pests and encourage beneficial insects; how to reduce plant diseases; how to build the soil’s nutritional value and increase crop productivity. BRC, Kingston. Continuing Education: 845-339-2025, www.sunyulster.edu , $39
Sat., May 2, 10 am - 3 pm, Raising Goats 101. Learn how to start a herd, herd health, preventive care, reproduction, feeding, housing as well as profits from your herd, and financial considerations at Triple H Ranch, Hudson, NY. Continuing Education: 845-339-2025, www.sunyulster.edu , $79 (+lunch $7).
Sat., May 9, 10 am - 5 pm, ROSENDALE EARTHFEST AND EXPO. Rosendale Recreation Center, Rt. 32. "Many backyards, one world" with exhibitors and speakers on backyard biodiversity, local food production, water resources, alternative energy, energy efficiency, and green-building. Arm-of-the-Sea Puppet Theater, Dog on Fleas, food, crafts, and fun, hands-on activities for all. FREE/donation. (845) 658-8967.
ONGOING
The Hudson River Estuary Program’s “TREES FOR TRIBS” Initiative is accepting applications for spring stream buffer planting projects. The program offers free native trees and shrubs for qualifying projects in the Hudson River Estuary watershed. Applications are due by March 1st. For more info contact Kevin Grieser at kagriese@gw.dec.state.ny.us or (845)-256-3145. See www.dec.ny.gov/lands/43668.html for info & applications
NYSDEC’s Environmental Resource Mapper is an on-line, interactive mapping application that can be used to identify some of NYS's natural resources and environmental features that are state protected, or of conservation concern. www.dec.ny.gov/animals/38801.html
Environmental Board Roundtable
Dutchess County's EMC holds an annual roundtable discussion for members of local environment boards. This year's is Wed. Feb. 25 from 7-8:30 p.m. (more details below)
I've attended these in the past. Even though it's not our county, the same issues come up in neighboring towns, and these meetings are a good way to learn what projects other boards have taken on in the past year.
Weds., Feb. 25, 7-8:30 p.m. ANNUAL CAC/EMC ROUNDTABLE, sponsored by the Environment Program of Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County, affords CAC members the chance to share information, network with colleagues and learn about their accomplishments and priorities for 2009. Open to those interested in joining CACs to learn about the dynamic role volunteers can play in preserving their community’s natural resources. Farm and Home Center, 2715 Route 44, Millbrook. Contact: Vicky Buono, (845) 677-8223, x153, vcb4@cornell.edu.
I've attended these in the past. Even though it's not our county, the same issues come up in neighboring towns, and these meetings are a good way to learn what projects other boards have taken on in the past year.
Weds., Feb. 25, 7-8:30 p.m. ANNUAL CAC/EMC ROUNDTABLE, sponsored by the Environment Program of Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County, affords CAC members the chance to share information, network with colleagues and learn about their accomplishments and priorities for 2009. Open to those interested in joining CACs to learn about the dynamic role volunteers can play in preserving their community’s natural resources. Farm and Home Center, 2715 Route 44, Millbrook. Contact: Vicky Buono, (845) 677-8223, x153, vcb4@cornell.edu.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Coffee and Conversation
The Kingston City Board of Education is hosting a "Coffee and Conversation" open house on Monday, January 26th from 9-10am at Dominicks on the corner of Wall and North Front Streets. Good opportunity to ask questions one-on-one outside of the formal Board meeting sessions.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
1/22/09: Sea-Level Rise Meeting
Public Invited to Meetings on Rise of Sea Levels
State Task Force Seeks Input on Adaptation Planning
Thursday, January 22
4 to 7 PM: Open House
7 PM: Presentations
Nelly Goletti Theatre
Student Center, Marist College
Poughkeepsie, New York
The public is invited to a series of meetings about the effects of sea-level rise and the development of recommendations for dealing with rising sea levels, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today.
The meetings, sponsored by the New York State Sea-Level Rise Task Force, will be held at four different locations -- in Poughkeepsie and Manhattan and Suffolk and Nassau Counties.
Each meeting will feature an informal open house session followed by staff presentations and a public-comment period. The open house includes exhibits related to various aspects of climate change andsea level rise. Agency staff will be available to explain the exhibits and answer questions. Those interested may come at any time during the scheduled open house. The meetings give the public an opportunity to provide input on the task force's work plan.
"Global warming is one of the most significant environmental and economic issues of our generation. I commend Commissioner Grannis and his staff for convening this important planning group and urge thepublic and elected officials to participate in this process that will help the state chart a responsible course on this issue," said Governor David A. Paterson.
In his State of the State speech last week, Governor Paterson addressed global warming by calling for one of the most ambitious clean energy plans in the nation. He unveiled his "45 by 15" plan that calls for New York to meet 45 percent of its electricity needs through improved energy efficiency and clean renewable energy by 2015. This goal will alsocreate 50,000 new jobs for New Yorkers, helping build the workforce necessary for a clean energy economy. Governor Paterson also announced the creation of a consortium on hybrid electric batteries and energystorage technologies to make strides in the development of technology for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
New York State is a leader in taking action to address climate change and is implementing a broad portfolio of tactics to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, from promoting energy efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy programs to participating in the nation's first mandatory carbon cap-and-trade program for power plant emissions. As part of this proactive approach, the New York State Legislature established the State Sea-Level Rise Task Force in 2007, under a bill sponsored by Senator Carl Marcellino and Assemblyman Robert Sweeney. The task force will issue a report making recommendations toprotect New York's coastal ecosystems, natural habitats, infrastructure, and coastal communities from flooding and other potential impacts.
The task force is comprised of state agencies, local governments, not-for-profit organizations, community groups, and private citizens. Commissioner Grannis serves as chair of the task force.
The geographic scope of the task force report will include the five boroughs of New York City and the counties of Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk. The tidal waters of the Hudson River to the Federal Dam at Troy are also included because of the potential risks from rising waters to Hudson River ecosystems, drinking water supplies, and infrastructure.
More information about the State Sea Level Rise Task Force is available at:
http://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/45202.html
To receive e-mail notification of meetings and other task force activities, subscribe to the Sea-Level Rise Task Force e-mail list at: http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/sealevelrisetaskforce
Submit comments on the work of the Sea-Level Rise Task Force to: slrtf@gw.dec.state.ny.us
Contact: Mark Lowery, 518-402-8027
State Task Force Seeks Input on Adaptation Planning
Thursday, January 22
4 to 7 PM: Open House
7 PM: Presentations
Nelly Goletti Theatre
Student Center, Marist College
Poughkeepsie, New York
The public is invited to a series of meetings about the effects of sea-level rise and the development of recommendations for dealing with rising sea levels, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today.
The meetings, sponsored by the New York State Sea-Level Rise Task Force, will be held at four different locations -- in Poughkeepsie and Manhattan and Suffolk and Nassau Counties.
Each meeting will feature an informal open house session followed by staff presentations and a public-comment period. The open house includes exhibits related to various aspects of climate change andsea level rise. Agency staff will be available to explain the exhibits and answer questions. Those interested may come at any time during the scheduled open house. The meetings give the public an opportunity to provide input on the task force's work plan.
"Global warming is one of the most significant environmental and economic issues of our generation. I commend Commissioner Grannis and his staff for convening this important planning group and urge thepublic and elected officials to participate in this process that will help the state chart a responsible course on this issue," said Governor David A. Paterson.
In his State of the State speech last week, Governor Paterson addressed global warming by calling for one of the most ambitious clean energy plans in the nation. He unveiled his "45 by 15" plan that calls for New York to meet 45 percent of its electricity needs through improved energy efficiency and clean renewable energy by 2015. This goal will alsocreate 50,000 new jobs for New Yorkers, helping build the workforce necessary for a clean energy economy. Governor Paterson also announced the creation of a consortium on hybrid electric batteries and energystorage technologies to make strides in the development of technology for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
New York State is a leader in taking action to address climate change and is implementing a broad portfolio of tactics to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, from promoting energy efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy programs to participating in the nation's first mandatory carbon cap-and-trade program for power plant emissions. As part of this proactive approach, the New York State Legislature established the State Sea-Level Rise Task Force in 2007, under a bill sponsored by Senator Carl Marcellino and Assemblyman Robert Sweeney. The task force will issue a report making recommendations toprotect New York's coastal ecosystems, natural habitats, infrastructure, and coastal communities from flooding and other potential impacts.
The task force is comprised of state agencies, local governments, not-for-profit organizations, community groups, and private citizens. Commissioner Grannis serves as chair of the task force.
The geographic scope of the task force report will include the five boroughs of New York City and the counties of Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk. The tidal waters of the Hudson River to the Federal Dam at Troy are also included because of the potential risks from rising waters to Hudson River ecosystems, drinking water supplies, and infrastructure.
More information about the State Sea Level Rise Task Force is available at:
http://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/45202.html
To receive e-mail notification of meetings and other task force activities, subscribe to the Sea-Level Rise Task Force e-mail list at: http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/sealevelrisetaskforce
Submit comments on the work of the Sea-Level Rise Task Force to: slrtf@gw.dec.state.ny.us
Contact: Mark Lowery, 518-402-8027
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