What Grows On in Rhode Island ~ News Blog

Northeast Biochar Symposium ~ November 13, 2009

Northeast Biochar Symposium 2009

13 November 2009

University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA

This Symposium will highlight current biochar research and technological advances and provide vital information to public officials, researchers, foresters, and sustainable energy and agriculture professionals. Biochar is considered a significant strategy for removing net carbon from the atmosphere for safe storage in soil, enhancing forest resources and preventing land degradation, and creating clean energy from agricultural stover and forest biomass. Panels will include discussion of the use of biochar for land application and fertility and the role of biochar in the UNFCCC climate talks.

Twilight Happenings on the Hill ~ Providence ~ October 24, 2009

From Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy:

Walk the Pumpkin Trail
Enjoy a magnificent Sunset and views of the City
Roast marshmallows, & share Mysterious Talesof the Area

SATURDAY, October 24 , 4:30 P M - 6:30 P M
Rain Date, Sunday, October 25 Free & Open to the Public. Heavy Rain Cancels.

Meet at the Neutaconkanut Hill Recreation Center Parking lot at 675 Plainfield St., Prov.
We will proceed to the Summit of the Hill & walk to the King Monument, back to the Summit where we will enjoy Marshmallows & Tales.(We hope you have some to share with us.) Bring a Flashlight. Dress for walking in wooded areas. No Masks or Costumes please.

Questions? Call 946-6594 or 943-1219 or e-mail<RCFitz2@cox.net> or <ElliP5@cox.net>

Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy Inc. members will serve as guides.

Climb Chopmist Fire Tower ~ October 17, 2009

DEM ANNOUNCES THAT PUBLIC IS INVITED TO CLIMB FIRE TOWER AT CHOPMIST FORESTRY HEADQUARTERS SATURDAY OCTOBER 17, 2009

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces that on Saturday, October 17th, the public is invited to climb the fire tower at the Division of Forest Environment's Chopmist Headquarters at 1037 Hartford Pike (Route 101) in North Scituate. At one time there were 20 fire towers through out the state for the purpose of spotting and reporting forest fires.

$7 Million for RI Private Agricultural and Woodland Owners ~ Deadline Oct 30, 2009

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Program Workshop is October 13.

If you cannot attend this workshop, call Paul Boisvert at NRCS for further information ~ 401-397-9421

Over $7 million is available for private agricultural and private forestry or woodland owners! Although NRCS accepts applications for assistance throughout the year, our next milestone application deadline is October 30, 2009. Come learn about how NRCS grants provide financial and technical assistance that address:

*Composting animal and plant wastes
*Protecting crop fields
*Preventing soil erosion
*Enhancing your woodlands
*Eradicating invasive plant species
*Managing your manure
*Improving your pasture land
*Reducing your irrigation water use
*Improving your water quality
*Protecting and enhancing wildlife areas

Whether or not you are familiar with NRCS’ programs, technical and financial assistance available, have completed an application, or plan on completing an application, the workshop will provide valuable information including:

*Summary of programs available to address common conservation needs
*Review Application Process
*Review Planning Process
*Review Contract Process

October 13, 2009
6 PM - 8 PM
Laurel Grange, Corner of Snake & Sawmill Roads, Harmony [Exeter], RI

Please contact Paul Boisvert at 401-397-9421 to register.

Tree-Killing Pests: Asian Longhorned Beetle ID ~ October 5, 2009

From North Smithfield Conservation Commission:

TREE KILLING PESTS ~ How to identify the Asian Longhorned Beetle

Monday, October 5th @ 6p.m. NSPL library

Speaker will be Kate Sayles from the Rhode Island Tree Council

Sponsored by the North Smithfield Public Library and North Smithfield Conservation Commission

Discussion will include how to identify and  help stop this tree killing pest.

For further info: email albfreeri@gmail.com  or call 401-764-5885

Walk in the Forest ~ October 15, 2009

From RI DEM:

WALK IN THE WOODS WITH FORESTERS
Annual Forestry Program Will Be Held on October 15 by the Scituate Reservoir

            PROVIDENCE - The Rhode Island Chapter of the Society of American Foresters (RISAF) and the Department of Environmental Management have announced their 17th annual "Walk in the Forest" program and invite school classes and the general public to participate. The program is designed to educate the public about the benefits of healthy forests and how foresters care for them.

            “The 'Walk in the Forest' program is scheduled in the fall because it is such a beautiful time to be in the woods,” said Paul Dolan, deputy chief of DEM’s Division of Forest Environment and education coordinator of RISAF. Foresters will lead small groups through the woods on hour-long tours, and explain what participants see around them. “Rhode Islanders are interested in learning about their environmental surroundings,” Dolan said. "With 55 percent of Rhode Island covered by forests,” he added, “this educational program has always drawn a good response.”

Tree Survey Training Workshop for Ninigret Park ~ October 14, 2009

The Charlestown Conservation Commission is seeking Volunteers to take part in a Tree Survey of Ninigret Park. Training will be conducted by The Rhode Island Tree Council on Wed. October 14, 2009 from 12:30PM to 2:30PM at the Charlestown Police Station. Please call (401) 364-6471 if interested.

Asian Longhorned Beetle Awareness

From RI Tree Council:

Rhode Island’s trees need your help!  Last August, the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) was found in Worcester Massachusetts- less than thirty miles from Rhode Island’s border.  This invasive pest is responsible for the devastation of over 25,000 of Worcester’s city and residential trees.  Through a cooperative effort with USDA and Animal Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS), the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is coordinating a comprehensive outreach & detection program for the Asian Longhorned Beetle and the Emerald Ash Borer.  DEM has partnered with the Rhode Island Tree Council to implement this program for the purpose of increasing the awareness of the detrimental effects of these invasive pests.  Both DEM and the RI Tree Council will be conducting outreach and surveillance activities in August, during the peak time of the adult emergence of the Asian Longhorned Beetle.  We are looking for your help to keep Rhode Island ALB free! 

The Asian Longhorned Beetle came to the United States in wood shipping crates from China and Korea over ten years ago and has wreaked havoc in cities in New York, New Jersey and Chicago.  This beetle has the potential of wiping out thousands of Rhode Island trees if it goes undetected. I am writing to you today to make you aware that August 2009 will be designated Asian Longhorned beetle Month in Rhode Island. 

History has shown that public education is the key in the detection and eradication of this destructive pest and the education of RI homeowners and the general public can and will save our trees.  DEM and the RI Tree Council will be scheduling “Train the Trainer” sessions to provide information on the signs and symptoms of injury of these insects to increase awareness to you and the general public.  In addition, we are also seeking volunteers to assist us in the survey activities planned during the month of August.  Formal surveys will be conducted in high risk areas in two communities.  We would love to provide you with public outreach materials and post an ALB Alert on the homepage of your website. 

Please partner with us to keep Rhode Island’s tree resources safe!  Contact us if you or your members are interested in assisting us in any of these endeavors.  If interested or you have any questions or need additional information, please contact either Liz Lopes-Duguay of DEM at (401)222-2781 x4510 or me at (401)764-5885.

Thank you for your interest regarding this matter!

Sincerely,

Katherine Sayles
ALB Program Coordinator
RI Tree Council
albfreeri@gmail.com

Asian Longhorn Beetle ~ Survey Volunteers Needed

From RI Tree Council:

RITree is looking for volunteers to help conduct ALB detection surveys during the months of August and September 2009.  The surveys will be held in areas of Cranston, Warwick and northwestern RI.  Volunteers will be required to attend a training workshop where they will be taught to identify the adult beetle, ALB injury, and ALB-host trees, and how to collect and report the survey data.  The location, time and date for the training sessions is provided below:

George Washington Management Area
Thursday, July 16, 2009; 9:30am to 11am

Warwick Public Library, West Shore Road, Warwick, RI
Monday, July 20, 2009; 6:30pm to 8pm

Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, 399 Fruit Hill Avenue, North Providence, RI
Saturday, July 18, 2009; 9:30am to 11am

Must RSVP to RITree @  764-5885

Rhode Island Tree Council
PO Box 6144
Providence, RI  02940
401-764-5885
www.ritree.org

Trees 2020 Press Announcement ~ October 1, 2008

From Doug Still, Providence City Forester:

A press event for Trees 2020 is scheduled for 10 am this Wednesday (10/1) at Waterplace Park. We're very excited about this new initiative, which aims to increase citywide tree cover to 30% through a low-cost tree purchase program for homeowners and other methods.  The Mayor will be announcing the program, and we have 30 volunteers choreographed to provide a surprise display to promote tree awareness.   

Enter from Finance Way and go down the steps next to Waterplace Restaurant.  Parking is tight, so give yourself time to find a spot or find a parking lot.  I hope you can make it!