What Grows On in Rhode Island News

Arbor Day in Rhode Island ~ April 29, 2011

As with Earth Day, one day each year is set aside to celebrate Arbor Day, and that would be today, April 29th, the last Friday in April 2011. But also just like Earth Day, every day is Earth Day and Arbor Day!

All week long, Newport RI has been celebrating the establishment of the first city-wide arboretum in New England. Newport has many magnificent trees that are as worth a tour as the so-called "cottages" along Bellevue Avenue. Still to come is a major tree planting at Ninigret Park in Charlestown, on May 7th. The RI Tree Council, National Grid, and the Narragansett Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club are collaborating to plant 100 new trees at this state park.

Here are links to a couple of recent stories and articles regarding Arbor Day in case you haven't planted a tree yet this year and wonder what the fuss over trees is about:

• Froma Harrop: An urgent Arbor Day reminder to honor trees globally ~ Providence Journal, April 27, 2011
• Digging Rhode Island: Hug A Tree: Arbor Day in Rhode Island [URI Master Gardeners' Blog]

And by the way, do you know what the official Rhode Island state tree is? [Hint: The photo to the right can be found from the Arbor Day Foundation Rhode Island page.]

THINGS TO DO FOR THE TREES:

Check out the Arbor Day Foundation's website to learn all about trees in general and for suggestions for giving, planting and nurturing trees. One thing you can do is to check with your town or city hall to find out if you have a municipal forester, tree warden, and tree ordinances. The Arbor Day Foundation's RI page also lists our 11 Tree Cities/Towns. Is your town one of them? Twenty-eight towns and cities are missing!

Rhode Island Tree Council runs a twice-yearly tree steward training program. The next one begins May 3rd, and perhaps there is still room for more folks.

Providence residents can apply for free street trees through the Providence Neighborhood Planting Program. Application for fall planting is coming up in about a month.

RI Department of Environment has an entire division devoted to foresty and trees. Learn a little about where our tax dollars go to care for the forests in Rhode Island. Download and read a copy of the Forests of Rhode Island Report or the RI Forest Resources Management Plan.

Problems with trees on your property? Hire and/or consult with a certified, licensed arborist.

Happy Arbor Day!

Woonsocket Eco-Depot ~ May 21, 2011

RESOURCE RECOVERY’S ECO-DEPOT TRAVELS TO WOONSOCKET FOR NORTHERN R.I. COLLECTION

May 21 Drop Off is Free For Rhode Islanders

 

JOHNSTON, R.I. – On Saturday, May 21, Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation will host a special collection for household hazardous waste  (HHW) in Woonsocket.  From 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. residents can bring their HHW to the Woonsocket Department of Public Works at 1117 River Street for safe disposal.

Eco-Depot is a free service of Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation and available to Rhode Island residents.  To reduce time waiting in line, appointments are necessary.

Safely disposing HHW is important to protect R.I. waterways, soil and households from accidental contamination.  By using the Eco-Depot program, Rhode Islanders can also extend the life of the Central Landfill and reduce the toxicity of trash deposited there.

Any product that is flammable, combustible, explosive, toxic, corrosive, poisonous and hazardous to health qualifies as HHW.  Examples of the most common HHW are oil-based paint, fluorescent light bulbs, lawn chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, antifreeze, motor oil and used filters, driveway sealer, propane gas tanks and fire extinguishers.  Caution needs to be exercised when handling and disposing of these special wastes.

For a complete list of eligible Eco-Depot products, visit www.rirrc.org.  To book an appointment, click on the Eco-Depot button at the bottom of the page or call 942-1430 x241.   Follow on Twitter @RIRRC.
 
Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation is the quasi-state environmental agency dedicated to providing the public with environmentally sound programs and facilities to manage waste. The agency helps fund and promote the state’s recycling program, and owns and operates the Materials Recycling Facility and Central Landfill in Johnston.

Press Release. Contact: Sarah Kite, 401-942-1430 x112.

RI DEM Free Fishing Days, May 7-8, 2011

DEM ANNOUNCES FREE FISHING DAYS MAY 7 AND 8

Anglers Will Have Opportunity to Catch a Golden Rainbow Trout at Little Round Top

and Big Round Top Ponds in Burrillville

 

            PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces that Saturday, May 7 and Sunday, May 8 are free fishing days in Rhode Island. During those two days, all Rhode Islanders and visitors can fish in freshwaters without a fishing license or trout conservation stamp. The free fishing days provide local residents and visitors a special incentive to get outdoors and try something new while enjoying their natural surroundings.

            Anglers will have an opportunity to catch a prized Golden Rainbow trout on Saturday, May 7 during a fishing tournament sponsored by DEM’s Division of Fish & Wildlife at Little Round Top and Big Round Top Ponds in Burrillville.  This is the second year for this annual Hatchery-sponsored fishing event.  DEM’s hatchery staff will stock the Rhode Island hatchery-raised Golden Rainbow trout at these two fishing access areas for the event, and prizes will be awarded to the lucky anglers who catch a Golden Rainbow. There will also be loaner fishing rods and bait available for those who need them. DEM hatchery staff and volunteers from fishing clubs will be on hand to assist families during the fishing event.

            The Coventry and Lincoln libraries also have a fishing rod loan program, available through the CLAN network to people throughout the state with library cards. DEM's aquatic resource education program and the RI Saltwater Anglers Association sponsor the fishing rod loan program.

            The free fishing program was established nationally about 20 years ago as an opportunity to encourage people to experience new recreational opportunities outdoors, and therefore become more active stewards of the environment.

            All usual regulations on size and limits apply during the two free fishing days. Information about size and limits can be obtained at bait and tackle shops, or by calling DEM's Great Swamp Field Office at 789-0281. The regulations can also be found on DEM's website at www.dem.ri.gov by clicking on “Fish and Wildlife” under “Offices and Divisions.”

            A list of stocked ponds and other information of interest to anglers can also be found on DEM's website, www.dem.ri.gov, by clicking on “Fish and Wildlife” under “Offices and Divisions,” and then choosing “Freshwater Fisheries.”

Narragansett Bay Watershed Counts ~ April 27, 2011

Environmental Report Card will Show Rhode Island Needs Improvement

New collaborative sends heads up to legislators

Press release from Narragansett Bay Estuary Program

Wednesday afternoon at the State House, a unique collaboration of 34 leading environmental agencies and organizations in Rhode Island will report the results of a year focusing on how to rate  the health of local natural resources. The report will take place on April 27 at 2:00 PM at the State Room in the State House. This presentation is part of the Environment Council of Rhode Island's Lobby Day activities.

The report, entitled “Watershed Counts,” both tells a story of the success and achievements of investment in environmental protection and pollution infrastructure, and addresses the many serious challenges that remain for RI’s lands and waters.
 
“This is an extraordinary effort to bring together the most knowledgeable people to tell us how our environment is doing and why. We should be proud of the progress, but we have a huge amount of work to do still,” said Baykeeper John Torgan of Save The Bay.
 
Some of the report’s highlights include:

• Recognition of improved water quality for swimming and shellfishing in Narragansett Bay and the state’s licensed beaches since 2006, a result of improvements in wastewater treatment and stormwater infrastructure
• Major water quality challenges remain, related to polluted runoff, excessive nutrients, and an increase in water temperatures
• Other serious environmental problems statewide relate to climate change, invasive species, and freshwater conservation and usage

 
The Watershed Counts report is the product of a broad coalition of agencies and organizations. The process was facilitated the Narragansett Bay Estuary program and the URI Coastal Institute, and included five RI agencies, environmental groups including Save The Bay, Audubon Society of RI, Environment Council of RI, and many other environmental experts.
 
“I am pleased to see in operation that which we knew all along: Rhode Island's environmental expertise is massive” said Judith Swift of the Coastal Institute. “The members of the community, whether they serve as regulators or advocates, are all willing to work side by side to ensure the quality of life we treasure as Rhode Islanders.”

News Advisory
For Immediate Release  April 25, 2011
Contact: Meg Kerr, Narragansett Bay Estuary Program 874-6525;
cell 714-2313, megkerr@cox.net

Special 'Bonus' RI-wide Green Drinks ~ April 29, 2011

The Newport Storm Brewery welcomes 'green-minded' individuals for an evening of beer and sustainability at their new, energy efficient home in the North End of Newport!  
 
On Friday, April 29th, from 5:30 -7:30, $10 will include beer/s, a souvenir pint glass, and a tour by brew-master and chief sustainability officer Derek Luke.  Come by Rhode Island's Microbrewery for this 'happy two-hours' to learn how beer can be green...without being green.
 
Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling the Newport Storm Brewery at 401-849-5232 or stopping by their Visitors Center between 12-5 any day but Tuesday, or at the door.  Space is limited.  Doors open at 5:30.  Please carpool!
 
RI Green Drinks at Newport Storm
TIME: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
COORDINATES: 293 JT Connell Rd  Newport, RI  02840

GETTING THERE: Please try to use Earth-friendly transportation: Walk, bike, or car(bon)-pool with other PGDers. Bike there (with a light!) using Google Maps! Or take the bus and use RIPTA's trip planner.

********************

Save the dates for upcoming Providence Green Drinkss 
 
  May 19 - hosted by the Box Office at 460 Harris Avenue

June 16 - hosted by JTJ Investments, Aten Energy Conservation, and Providence Juice Company at 219 West Park Street

July 21 - hosted by Green & Cleaner at 147 Elmgrove Ave.

August 18 - TBD

September 15 - hosted by  RI Foundation's Nonprofit Emerging Leaders program

October 20 - hosted by AIAri  at 158 Washington St.

Free Light Bulbs @ Pawtucket RI Farmers Market ~ April 23, 2011

Earth Day today! Free lightbulbs tomorrow!

Celebrate Earth Week tomorrow by going to Lights Out, Green In's lightbulb trade-in at the FarmFresh farmers market in Pawtucket, RI. Trade in up to 5 incandescents and get 5 free energy-saving bulbs. You'll be helping the environment and your energy bill. 5 new CFLs will save you $200 over the life of the bulbs - and save 2,250 pounds of carbon. Do your part this Earth Week and stop by the lightbulb trade-in.

The Farmers' Market is at Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main St, Pawtucket, from 10am to 1pm.

2011 Earth Day Greetings from Audubon Society of RI

Happy Earth Day! Discover Rhode Island Wildlife Refuges on our Website and Explore the Outdoors!
 
From all of us at the Audubon Society of Rhode Island.

Contact: Jeff Hall

Scoop the Herring Rain or Shine ~ April 23, 2011

So what if it may rain, the fish don't care. They're on a mission and we need to help!
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
The Dam at Omega Pond 
Off of Rogers Williams Ave.
Look for the signs 
 
REGISTER HERE

Call Claudia for more information at 331-2298

2011 Earth Day in Providence, RI ~ An Interview with Greg Gerritt

The City of Providence observes Earth Day this year with a special interview with Greg Gerritt, a city resident and a hard-working, effective advocate for our state's environment. Among other things, Greg currently is stimulating collaboration on a statewide effort to compost food scrap.

Thanks, Greg, for all you do.

We're lucky to have so many people in Rhode Island who love the Farmers' Markets, support local agriculture, care for our rivers, lakes, watersheds and Narragansett Bay, and pitch in on all kinds of cleanups, projects and initiatives to conserve land such as Rocky Point, and numerous unnamed forests and wetlands.

The City of Providence also announced plans to hire a Sustainability Director.

Maybe we'll also have a working Conservation Commission soon, too. There is a City of Providence ordinance that authorizes a municipal conservation commission here, but no news I can find of actual commissioners or meetings.

 

Clean Water Action & Earth Day

Here at Clean Water Action, we're eagerly preparing for many environment- and action-focused events. Below is a list of our April and May offerings (followed by details)... if you have questions about any of these events, please feel free to contact us at the office!

April 22: Earth in Jeo-Party 6-9pm @ Local 121, 121 Washington St., Providence
April 23: Peace on Earth Day 10-1pm @ 37 Portland St., Providence
April 27: Students in Action 10-2:30pm @ the RI Foundation, One Union Station in Providence
April 27: Earth Day at the State House 2:00-4:30pm State House, Smith St. Providence
April 29: Breakfast of Champions 9-11am @ the Aspray Boathouse at 1 East View Street, Pawtuxet Village, Warwick
May 11: Draw it Out 4-7pm @ RiverzEdge in 68 South Main St., Woonsocket

Earth in Jeo-Party
Our 4th Annual Earth in Jeo-Party event will be better than ever! We'll be celebrating the good work of environmental and social justice organizations in RI, complete with a visit from the Mayor, an earth-centered Jeopardy game, free pizza and desserts, and a killer raffle.Tickets are $10, and can be purchased at the door.
Friday, April 22, 6-9pm @ Local 121, 121 Washington St., Providence

Peace on Earth Day
Join us as we unite with community members, non-profits, and earth-lovers to clean an abandoned lot in Providence! We'll also have some community art stations, education stations, and free t-shirts for volunteers (printed by RiverzEdge Arts Project). Come at 10am if you'd like to be picking up trash alongside Providence's Mayor, Angel Tavares!
Saturday, April 23, 10-1pm @ 37 Portland St., Providence

Students in Action
Join students and youth from around the State of Rhode Island for the 2nd Annual Students in Action Summit at the Rhode Island Foundation. The conference will provide a roundtable for all to connect about environmental happenings, as well as a crash course on lobbying and the environmental issues that currently have emphasis in Rhode Island. After the conference, head to the State House to join the Environment Council of RI's Earth Day at the State House to talk to policymakers about the issues you just discussed.
Tuesday, April 27, 10am-2:30pm @ the RI Foundation, One Union Station in Providence

Earth Day at the State House
Featuring Watershed Counts – A Report on the Narragansett Bay Watershed followed by the Presentation of ECRI’s Legislative Agenda with Governor Chafee, Senator Sue Sosnowski, and Representative Art Handy. Tell your Legislator that you care about our state's environment, that you are paying attention, and that you vote! Environmentally conscious citizens from across the state will be converging at the State House to speak out in support of the environment. Organizers will be on hand to support you and help you find your State Senator and Representative. All Rhode Island individuals and groups are invited to attend.
Wednesday, April 27th 2:00-4:30pm State House, Smith St. Providence

Earth Day Breakfast of Champions
At the ninth annual Earth Day Breakfast of Champions, Clean Water Action and Ocean State Action will honor four of Rhode Island’s environmental leaders for their work on initiatives such as mercury pollution reduction, working with community groups and decision-makers to clean up toxic dump sites and former manufacturing sites, and establishing a non-toxic personal care product line.  Breakfast will be provided by The Dinner Dame. Suggested donation of $40 dollars per person and $15 for students/low income supports the work of Ocean State Action and Clean Water Action. Call (401) 331-6972 to RSVP or for more information.
Friday, April 29 9-11am @ the Aspray Boathouse at 1 East View Street, Pawtuxet Village, Warwick

Draw it Out
Recent legislation introduced at the statehouse would overturn RI's ban on incinerators. What would that mean for our wallets, lungs, and communities? Come to RiverzEdge Arts Project for a community discussion, some political activism opportunities, and a charcoal drawing lesson by one of the RiverzEdge youth! Drop in hours between 4 and 7pm.
Wednesday, May 11, 4-7pm @ RiverzEdge in 68 South Main St., Woonsocket

Hope to see you at one (or more!) events, and please recruit your friends!

Sheila Dormody, New England co-director
Clean Water Action
sdormody@cleanwater.org
 
741 Westminster St.
Providence RI 02903
(401) 331-6972 

 
Clean Water Action is a national citizens' organization working for clean, safe and affordable water, prevention of health-threatening pollution, creation of environmentally-safe jobs and businesses, and empowerment of people to make democracy work.

Ed note: All these events are in What Grows On in RI