What Grows On in Rhode Island News

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!

Greening the RI Economy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 22, 2008

Contact: Denise Parrillo 401-331-6972, 401-864-7974 (cell), [email protected]

“Green Jobs Now” Event Kicks Off a National Day of Action in the Ocean State

Warwick—On Saturday September 27 a community discussion about “Greening the Rhode Island Economy” will be held at the New England Institute of Technology in Warwick, RI.   The event will run from 9:30-11:30 AM.  There will be a petition signing and photo opportunities as part of a national day of action that brings together diverse groups and individuals calling on the federal government to make a greater investment in green jobs and clean energy.  Senator Sheldon Whitehouse will give the keynote address and Providence Mayor David Cicilline will offer remarks.  A panel of experts will then convene. 

“As Rhode Islanders struggle to make ends meet amidst a declining job market, a turbulent economy, stagnant wages, and record high gas prices, our green economy presents an opportunity to dig ourselves out of the ditch,” said Whitehouse. “Investing in clean renewable energy production and improving the efficiency of our cars, homes and businesses will stem the tide of global warming, break our dangerous dependence on foreign oil, and create entire industries of new ‘green collar’ jobs to sustain American workers.”

Providence Mayor David Cicilline has gone so far as to integrate sustainability into the city’s Comprehensive Plan.  “We know that green technology is going to be a major growth area for good jobs in the 21st century. It’s an enormous opportunity for Rhode Island that we must seize, especially in these difficult economic times. We’re working hard on this in Providence and by developing a strong federal-state-local partnership, there will be nothing keeping Rhode Island from being a leader in this field,” stated Mayor Cicilline.

In addition to hearing from Senator Whitehouse and Mayor Cicilline, there will be a panel of experts on hand to discuss various aspects of greening Rhode Island’s economy.  Panelists include:
•    Mrs. Connie McGreavy, Chair-Elect, RI Green Building Council
•    Dr. Joseph Ilaqua, Professor of Economics, Bryant University
•    Mr. Al Durand, Business Manager, Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 99
•    Mr. Steven Kitchin, VP Corporate Education and Training, New England Institute of Technology
•    Mr. Anthony Hubbard, Program Director, YouthBuild
•    Rep. Art Handy, Sustainable RI Coordinator, Apeiron Institute of Sustainable Living

Green for All, 1Sky and the We Campaign call for a Green Jobs Now national day of action that promises to bring tens of thousands of people together to stage 520 grassroots events in 48 states.  People will demonstrate readiness to build an inclusive green economy, strong enough to lift people out of poverty and curb global warming. 

To register for the free RI event, please go to http://www.GreeningRIEconomy.com and click on REGISTER, send email to [email protected], or call Greg Gerritt at 621-8048.  To find out more about the national event see www.greenjobsnow.com.    

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Volunteer Gleaners Needed ~ Fall 2008

From Farm Fresh Rhode Island's email newsletter today:

Fresh for All of Our Neighbors:  750 Pounds of Corn Harvest and Donated to the Food Bank!

Two weeks ago, Farm Fresh RI got a call from Cooks Valley Farm about an abundance of corn in their fields. The farmers didn't have enough time or staff to harvest the corn, so a few volunteers traveled to Wrentham to pick some ears and deliver them to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. After just two hours, Lindsay, the Farm Fresh RI Food Systems Intern, and her friend Emilia picked 750 pounds of corn and delivered it to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank!

The next few weeks are a great time spend a few hours outdoors and volunteer! At this time of year there's plenty to be gleaned at most farms, but many farmers don't have the time to harvest and drive to the Food Bank themselves. Gather some friends, family and a truck for a gleaning day on a farm, and help make a farm-to-food-bank connection that will address local hunger!

If you are interested in joining the e-mail list to learn about volunteer opportunities for harvesting fruits and veggies over the next few week, email Jessica Knapp and ask to be put on the list. We'll send out an alert anytime there's a farm with an abundance of food to be donated to the Food Bank.

DEM Announces RFP for Local Open Space Grants Deadline ~ September 26, 2008

Grants will provide up to 50 percent of funding, up to a maximum of $250,000 per project, to protect open space lands that possess significant natural, ecological, agricultural or scenic values, by direct purchase or conservation easements. Special consideration will be given to projects that provide linkages between or expansion of existing preserved lands.

• A total of up to $2.5 million is available during this round of the grant program.
• All projects must be able to close within 18 months of the award date – no extensions will be granted beyond this time frame.
• All grant applications will be reviewed and scored by the Rhode Island Natural Heritage Preservation Commission Advisory Committee according to the “Rules and Regulations” for the program. The highest scoring grant applications will be forwarded to the Rhode Island Natural Heritage Preservation Commission for approval.
• Grants will be awarded in December 2008 from the RI Open Space Bond Authorizations of 2000 and 2004.
• DEM strongly advise all applicants to insure that DEM has up to date information for all land parcels preserved by local partners; forms to provide this information will be on the website.
• "Preservation of open space is vital to safeguarding our quality of life in Rhode Island," Governor Carcieri said. "Our foresight in funding these grants is keeping important open spaces for ourselves and our descendents to enjoy." Under the last round of grants – with a RFP in 2006 – $5 million was awarded in grants for17 projects across the state to protect almost 1,600 acres of land.

Information:  Grant applications, rules and regulations and the application process are available from the DEM Website: http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/bpoladm/plandev/grants.htm <http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/bpoladm/plandev/grants.htm> Lisa Primiano  (401) 222-2776 x 4307  [email protected]

Stone Wall Workshop ~ September 27, 2008

Saturday, September 27, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

2009 West Main Road, Middletown

$35 per person

Learn to build and repair traditional stone walls in this hands-on experience.  Join master class instructors Chris and Dan Smith for their sixth year of this active workshop.  Reservations required: (401) 324-6090 or [email protected].

Aquidneck Island Energy Conference ~ September 20, 2008

AQUIDNECK ISLAND ENERGY CONFERENCE Share the Power! Saturday September 20th!

Bringing energy conscious providers and citizens together to explore sustainable energy solutions for Aquidneck Island individuals, companies and municipalities

Saturday, September 20th Registration begins at 8 a.m.
Conference 9 a.m. to 5 p.m

Salve Regina University O'Hare Academic Center Newport RI

Keynote Speaker U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse

Dozens of Exhibits, Speakers and Breakout Sessions!

Comparing Non-market Values for Undeveloped Land ~ September 18, 2008

The Environmental Studies seminar speaker this week is Dr. Rob Johnston, the new Director of the George Perkins Marsh Institute and Professor, Department of Economics at Clark University.

Thursday, September 18th at noon, 135 Angell Street in the Urban Environmental Lab, room 106.

"Comparing Non-market Values for Undeveloped Land:  Can Meta-Analysis Inform Conservation?"

Prof. Johnston is an internationally recognized expert in the valuation of non-market resources and ecosystem services. The George Perkins Marsh Institute is home to some 63 faculty, staff, and graduate students, with appointments ranging from the humanities to the social and natural sciences.

We hope to see you there!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Environmental Change Initiative
Brown University
401-863-3032
[email protected]
www.brown.edu/eci

Eelgrass Restoration ~ September 22, 23, 24, 25, 2008

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED SEPTEMBER 22-25TH!

WHAT: Come help The Nature Conservancy, Save The Bay, the Salt Ponds
Coalition, and RIDEM enhance critical marine habitat in Quonochontaug
Pond, Westerly. We need volunteers to help us harvest and transplant
eelgrass. This is a joint restoration project, funded by a NOAA/TNC
Community Restoration Partnership Grant. The eelgrass transplant will
benefit fish and shellfish alike. 

“Green Jobs Now” Event ~ September 27, 2008

Press Advisory

“Green Jobs Now” Event Kicks Off a National Day of Action in the Ocean State

Contact Denise Parrillo, 331-6972, 864-7974 (cell)

What: 
•    Community discussion regarding "Greening the Rhode Island Economy"

•    “I'm Ready” petition signing and photo opportunities as part of a national day of action that brings together diverse groups and individuals calling on the government to make a greater investment in green jobs and clean energy.  Full program available upon request.

When: Saturday September 27, 2008, from 9:30 AM –11-30AM.

Who:
Welcoming Remarks – Greg Gerritt, Founder, Rhode Island Prosperity Project

Introduction of Keynote Speaker and Remarks - David Cicilline, Mayor of Providence

Keynote Speech - The Honorable Sheldon Whitehouse, United States Senator (9:45 AM)

Panel of experts

•    Mrs. Connie McGreavy, Chair-Elect, RI Green Building Council (also, panel moderator)

•    Dr. Joseph Ilaqua, Professor of Economics, Bryant University

•    Mr. Al Durand, Business Manager, Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 99*

•    Mr. Steven Kitchin, VP Corporate Education and Training, New England Institute of Technology

•    Mr. Anthony Hubbard, Program Director, YouthBuild*

•    Rep. Art Handy, Sustainable RI Coordinator, Apeiron Institute of Sustainable Living*

* Indicates affiliation with the Green Jobs Alliance

Where: New England Institute of Technology, 2480 Post Road Warwick, RI in the Student Lounge

Green Jobs Now is a national day of action that will bring tens of thousands of people together to stage hundreds of grassroots events throughout the country.  People will demonstrate readiness to build an inclusive green economy, strong enough to lift people out of poverty and curb global warming. 

To register for the free RI event, please go to http:/www.GreeningRIEconomy.com and click on REGISTER, send email to [email protected], or call Greg Gerritt at 621-8048.

-END-

6th Annual Fall Carnivorous Plant Show ~ September 27 & 28, 2008

Contact: John Phillip, Jr
401~782~4458
Cell: 401~741~7825
[email protected]

For Immediate release:

The 6th Annual Fall Carnivorous Plant Show
Sponsored by the New England Carnivorous Plant Society

Narragansett RI: The award winning New England Carnivorous Plant Society (NECPS) will again be hosting the Fall Carnivorous Plant Show at the greenhouses of the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center, Providence RI. Plant lovers and all those who enjoy something different will be able to get up close to hundreds of carnivorous plants exhibited by the members of the NECPS. Pitcher plants from Malaysia the size of softballs, capable of eating lizards and mice, Sundews from Australia the size of a dime to 12+ inches high, Venus Fly traps of all sizes, and Carnivorous Plants that grow locally in New England and Rhode island are just some of the plants that were displayed at past years shows, and will be on display again with even more plants added.

This is the largest collection of Carnivorous Plants on the east coast on display every year !
Over 300 plants scheduled to be on display !

There will be a Venus Fly Trap feeding area where the public can watch close up how these plants devour insects.  Vendors will be on hand with plants and accessories for sale, along with plants offered by the NECPS.  Plants will be available for purchase for both novice and experienced growers.  The Permanent Carnivorous Plant Bog exhibit will also be available for viewing. Society members will be available both days to explain how the plants feed, what they eat, where they live, and how they can be grown and enjoyed at home.

Admission to the show is FREE with the purchase of regular admission to the
Roger Williams Park Botanical Center

Admission to the RWP Botanical Center is $3 for adults
$1 Children 6 to12, under 6 FREE

Date and time: Saturday, September 27, 2008
11:00 AM till 4:00 PM

Sunday, September 28, 2008
10:00 AM till 3:00 PM

Location:         
Roger Williams Park Botanical Center
Roger Williams Park, Providence RI                                                                                                                                                         
For additional information about this exciting upcoming event, please visit www.NECPS.org
Or email to [email protected]

(Please note that this event is not located at the Zoo. The Botanical Center Greenhouses are located across from the Providence Police Mounted Command station in the Park. Follow directional signs located throughout the park or visit www.NECPS.org  for directions.)

The New England Carnivorous Plant Society
PO box 606  Saunderstown, RI 02874