A Program to Finance Energy Efficiency Improvements in your Home

ELIGIBILITY
Green Jobs - Green New York Residential Loans are available to participants
in the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Program to finance the installation of recommended energy efficiency improvements that may be repaid through energy savings.

How to Participate: visit NYSERDA

Happy 40th, EPA

Taken from Resource Recycling Electronic Newsletter

On Dec. 2, 1970 President Richard Nixon created the Environmental Protection Agency with the stroke of a pen. To celebrate its birthday, Green for All, a social justice and environmental organization, has launched thankyouepa.com. The website touts the accomplishments of the agency, and allows visitors to share them with others through social media.
The EPA itself also launched a website highlighting its 40 years, and has announced that it has commissioned a National Research Council study that will help the agency focus more on sustainability, rather than just reducing pollution. Called the "Green Book", the report is aimed at assisting the EPA in finding links among its various existing functions, while shifting its focus toward a sustainable use of resources and its connection to human health.

From Law of the Land

NY Appeals Court Upholds Approval of Motorcycle Track on Farm Agreeing with Board’s Interpretation of Recreational Use
The Wilzigs purchased a 250-acre farm in the Town of Tafhkanic in order to build a motorcycle track on the premises. However, as the track was being completed, Callahan, Tachkanic’s Code Enforcement Officer and Building Inspector, contended that the track was in violation of the Tachkanic’s Use Regulations and, therefore, issued an “Order to Remedy Violation.” In response, the Wilzigs appealed, maintaining that the track was an accessory use of their property and that, therefore, a permit was not required for its construction. The Zoning Board of Appeals for the Town disagreed with this interpretation, and the Wilzigs brought a combined CPLR article 78 proceeding and declaratory judgment action. The trial court dismissed the claim....the article continues here

Facilitator Workshop Project Learning Tree

Saturday December 4th, 2010 from 8:30am to 5:00pm (1/2 hour for lunch) Facilitator Workshop Project Learning Tree- Pre-K through 8. Held at the Montezuma Audubon Center in Savannah 2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY; (315) 365-3580. Montezuma Audubon Center. Cost is free please bring your own lunch.Environmental To register, call or email: Mary Jeanne Packer or Pam Bianco-Dennis 607-535-9790. Education trainers and PLT facilitators will:

• Expand their options for offering professional development to environmental educators, classroom teachers, and home school instructors;
• Engage in hands-on activities;
• Investigate environmental topics through indoor and outdoor lessons—please dress for the weather;
• Receive PLT’s PreK-8 Environmental Education Activity Guide, correlated to national and state academic standards;
• Obtain a copy of NY-PLT Facilitators Handbook with resource CD.

Christmas Lights Recycling Program

Send your old incandescent Christmas lights to HolidayLEDs.com for recycling and receive a coupon good for 25 percent off any purchase.

What happens to the lights you send?

They are taken to a recycling facility located in Jackson, MI, where they are put through a commercial shredder, which chops them into little pieces. The pieces are further processed and sorted by the various components that make up the lights (pvc, glass, copper). These materials are then separated and transported to a regional cnter for still more processing.

Send holiday lights for recycling to:
HolidayLEDs.com
Attn: Recycling Program
118 Rosehill Dr.
Suite 1
Jackson, MI 49202

Include your name and e-mail address (clearly printed). All coupons are e-mailed (about once a month), which is why your e-mail address is required.

How to pack lights for shipping
Please follow these instructions for sending your old lights to be recycled:

*Coordinate with family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and other groups to collect and send lights in a bulk shipment. This helps reduce shipping has on the environment.

*Make all lights sets as compact as possible so that they fit into the smallest packaging feasible.

*Use cardboard boxes or other packaging that can easily be recycled.

Putting Smart Growth to Work in Rural Communities

Many rural communities are facing challenges, including rapid growth at metropolitan edges, declining rural populations, and loss of working lands. This report focuses on smart growth strategies that can help guide growth in rural areas while protecting natural and working lands and preserving the rural character of existing communities. These strategies are based around three central goals: 1) support the rural landscape by creating an economic climate that enhances the viability of working lands and conserves natural lands; 2) help existing places to thrive by taking care of assets and investments such as downtowns, Main Streets, existing infrastructure, and places that the community values; and 3) create great new places by building vibrant, enduring neighborhoods and communities that people, especially young people, don’t want to leave.

Download: Putting Smart Growth to Work in Rural Communities

Hard copies of the report are available by emailing nscep@bps-lmit.com or calling (800) 490-9198 and requesting EPA 231-K-10-003.

Schuyler County Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County Association, scheduled for Thursday, December 2, 7:30-9 a.m., will feature Dr. Jennifer Wilkins, Sr. Extension Associate with Cornell University’s Division of Nutritional Sciences, who will speak on “Local Food for Healthy People and Strong Communities.” CCE Annual Meeting Flyer.

The Annual Meeting is open to the public and will include a full breakfast, short business meeting with election of members to the Board of Directors, and our featured speaker. Cost is $10 per person. Reservations with payment are required by November 30, 2010. Call 607-535-7161 or email to schuyler@cornell.edu for information. We hope to see you there!

Proper Medication Disposal Just Got Easier

There is now no waiting required to properly dispose of your unused or expired medications. Henderson’s Healthmart is actively participating in an effort organized by the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) which is promoting pharmacists as medication experts from dispensing to disposal. Starting November 1, 2010 Henderson’s Healthmart will be accepting unused or expired medications for proper disposal. For more information on why you should participate please visit Dispose My Meds

Henderson Healthmarts are located at:
320 W. Main Street, Montour Falls 535-7272
210 N. Franklin Street, Watkins Glen 535-4660

Rust to Green New York State

Rust to Green New York State is an emerging network and action research initiative. We are academic, citizen and community partners collaborating to explore and advance green futures for New York’s rust-belt cities. Rust to Green NYS identifies and designs innovative ways to assist cities in realizing their potential to become livable and resilient places.

Rust to Green website

DEC official: Chesapeake Bay cleanup plan would have 'jaw-dropping' impact on Southern Tier

Article highlighted in the Star Gazette By Jon Campbell •jcampbell1@gannett.com • October 27, 2010, 9:00 pm.

DEC official: Chesapeake Bay cleanup plan would have 'jaw-dropping' impact on Southern Tier

From the Law of the Land

NY Appeals Court Annuls Planning Board’s Denial of Site Plan for Senior Housing Finding Decision Arbitrary and Capricious- for full blog please read here

NY Enacts Smart Growth Public-The Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Act went into effect in New York on September 29, 2010 and requires most state agencies and all state authorities, prior to approving or funding any public infrastructure project, to prepare and file a Smart Growth Impact Statement finding that the project is consistent with ten Smart Growth Criteria or justifying why it is not practicable to do so..... to read the rest of the article read here.

DOE Proposes Higher Efficiency Standards for Refrigerators

DOE released a new proposed energy efficiency standard for residential refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers on September 27. Under the proposed standard, the energy use of most refrigerator-freezers would decrease by 20%-25% by 2014. Thanks to technological advances and current efficiency standards, today's refrigerators already use two-thirds less electricity than models sold in the mid-1970s.


If the proposed standard takes effect as planned in January 2014, it will save nearly 4.5 quadrillion Btu and would avoid 305 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions over the following 30 years. By 2043, the standard would also eliminate the need for up to 4.2 gigawatts of new generating capacity, equivalent to eight or nine coal-fired power plants. DOE will host a public meeting on the proposed standards on Thursday, October 14, in Washington, D.C., and will accept public comments on its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) until November 26. See the DOE press release and the NOPR .
The Alliance to Save Energy, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, the Appliance Standards Awareness Project, and the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) all hailed the new proposed standards, noting that the standard reflects a consensus reached among appliance manufacturers and energy efficiency, environmental, and consumer advocates. Under an agreement made in July, the organizations are also recommending new standards for clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, and room air conditioners, which DOE is evaluating for future rulemakings. See the press release and agreement on the AHAM Web site.

Energy Volunteers Needed

Schuyler County Cooperative Extension is looking for 3-4 volunteers to be trained by Cornell University and the EnergySmart Communities Coordinator to conduct basic home energy audits for Schuyler County residents. Volunteers will be part of a pilot program that will encourage homeowners to increase their energy efficiency and introduce all of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s financing options. Each volunteer will be expected to attend four half day trainings in Elmira (transportation provided) and conduct 2 home energy audits (locations will be provided). Other than the trainings, this is a very flexible program and can fit into anyone’s schedule. No prior experience necessary. Trainings will be held on October 25, November 1, 8, 15 from 9:00 pm- 1:00 pm. Please let us know by October 20th if you are interested in participating by contacting Jenna Hicks at 535-7161

Lowe´s installs recycling centers in U.S. stores

Sept. 28 -- Home improvement retailer Lowe´s Companies Inc. said today it has installed recycling centers in nearly 1,700 U.S. stores to provide a one-stop recycling destination for customers.
In addition to recycling shipping materials such as pallets, wraps and cardboard, Lowe´s stores are now offering to recycle hard-to-handle products like mobile phones, batteries and CFL bulbs.

"Lowe´s is always looking for new and better ways to serve our customers and continue to be responsible stewards of the environment," said Michael Chenard, Lowe´s director of environmental affairs. "Recycling is a simple way to help reduce unnecessary waste in our communities. The recycling centers make it easier for customers to make a difference, and we look forward to continuing to partner with them to promote and support community recycling."

Urban Resilience Planning for Dummies

by Warren Karlenzig


With all the efforts going into urban climate action plans and carbon reduction, will many cities and suburbs be caught unprepared for other sustainability crises, such as acute water or energy shortages? Read full article

How to Put Your Garden to Bed

How to Put Your
Garden to Bed

October 2 from 10am to noon (or later)
Laurie Scullen Farm
5545 Route 224 Odessa NY 14869

Dividing perennials for you to take home
Fall trimming hints
Vegetable Garden tips
Bring your own lunch and don’t forget
To pre-register by Oct 1st and workshop fee is $5.
Contact Roger Ort with questions 607-535-7161 or rlo28@cornell.edu.

 
 

Green Building focused weekend in Ithaca

Join us for a thought-provoking evening as John “Jack” Elliott, Associate Professor in Cornell University’s Department of Design and Environmental Analysis, discusses the environmental impact of the built environment, the advances we’ve made through green building practices, and where we still need to go. There will be a tour of Weill Hall, a LEED Gold-rated building, before Prof. Elliott’s presentation.Building Tour, 6”:”00pmPresentation, 7”:”00-9”:”00 pm$5 suggested donation
Attaining a promise.

Join us for this weekend-long event as more than 30 homes and businesses in the Tompkins County area welcome visitors for the 9th Annual Green Buildings Open House. Once again this year, the tour will feature the very latest in green building methods and materials.
Open house tour

Save Energy, Save Dollars

Home Energy Conservation Workshop

Presented by Schuyler County Cornell Cooperative Extension. Come find out if you qualify for a free home energy audit and learn about all the programs available to Schuyler residents to help offset the cost of winterizing your home. Explore the many ways to reduce your heating bill through easy no-cost/low-cost energy actions. Choose ideas that work for you and see how much money you can save. All attendees will receive a FREE Energy saving kit worth $15.

Monday, October 4, 10:00 am – noon at the Human Services Complex
Wednesday, October 20, 2:00- 4:00 pm at the Human Services Complex
Tuesday, October 26, 6:00- 8:00 pm at the Burdett Presbyterian Church
November 4th 10:00 am – Noon at the Human Services Complex
November 22nd 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the Human Services Complex

These workshops are free and open to the public. Prior registration is required by calling Cooperative Extension at 535-7161.

These Workshops are conducted by Cornell Cooperative Extension as part of the HeatSmart NY workshops and are sponsored by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

National Pharmaceutical Collection Day Saturday, September 25 from 10:00 am till 2:00 pm

The Schuyler County Sheriff’s Department will be collecting old and unwanted medications (pills and capsules only, NO needles or liquids) free of charge at the Tyrone Fire Department (3600 St Rte 226, Dundee) and the Odessa Fire Department (300 Main Street, Odessa). It is no longer suggested by state officials to flush pharmaceuticals down the toilet due to possible water contamination. Instead, store them in a safe secure location out of children’s reach and take them to a collection location. It is anticipated that Schuyler County will hold one collection event annually in September. For more information on the national collection day please visit the Department of Drug Enforcement’s website at http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/takeback/. For more information on the Schuyler County event please call the Sheriff’s Department at 535-8222.

New York Makes Progress With Energy Efficiency Programs

Katherine Underwood- WENY
September 3, 2010


A new report shows New York is one of the leading states for energy efficiency progress.
The Center for American Progress says officials at the state and municipal levels have taken an aggressive, multi-faceted approach to reducing energy use.
The report says energy efficiency has been improved in more than 45,000 homes, 71,000 apartment buildings and nearly 18,000 commercial facilities.
More than 115,000 low-income customers statewide have received energy efficiency assistance.

For more information on energy conservation please visit www.sc-landuse.org.

Experts Say Pending Guides Could Upend Efforts, Make Some 300 Environmental Seals of Approval Unsustainable

FTC Green Guidelines May Leave Marketers Red-Faced - Advertising Age - News


Attention, Marketers: Within the next few weeks, you may be recasting your entire green-marketing strategy.

A convienent local resource for those interested in purchasing green

Finger Lakes Buy Green!

Do you need cleaning, maintenance, office or garden supplies? Check out www.fingerlakesbuygreen.org for local resources and information on where to make environmentally friendly purchases.


Finger Lakes Buy Green

Do septic additives really work?

A portion of the DEC Myth Buster website.

Do septic system additives work? (Spring 2008)

Q: Do septic system additives advertised as cleaners, activators, uncloggers, or restorers really work?

A: The short answer is NO.

At least 1.3 million households in New York State have septic systems. When they are working properly, septic systems keep harmful organisms out of our waters and protect our health.
We've all seen ads that claim adding commercial powders, liquids or granules to septic systems will increase their efficiency, extend their lives, eliminate the need for pumping, or restore failing systems. According the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, these types of products have not been proven effective. Some can actually interfere with the treatment process and contribute to septic system failure.
The life of a properly installed and maintained septic system and drainage field is about 20-30 years. A home septic system is a significant investment, and a failed one is expensive to replace. To get the most out of your investment and extend its life:
• Have the tank pumped and inspected regularly (every five years is recommended)
• Put only biodegradable wastes into the system
• Restrict garbage disposal use
• Conserve water in the home and repair any leaking faucets and toilets
• Don't plan trees or build over the drainage field

Help manage aquatic plants

Show us what you know!
Since early 2009 the Finger Lakes Institute and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County has worked collaboratively to manage invasive European frogbit and other aquatic plants through research and educational outreach. The project, funded by the New York Great Lakes Protection Fund Large Grants Program, has included field and laboratory experiments on different control methods, such as hand pulling, surface covers, biological controls, and public education and awareness building programs on European frogbit and other invasive aquatic plant species.
Help us gauge your knowledge and understanding of aquatic invasive plants! Complete the public survey! If your name and contact information is provided on your completed survey, you will be entered to win a prize ($30 value)!! Your feedback will be used to develop educational programs, identify environmental issues of the Finger Lakes, and target future research projects. Learn more about the ‘Managing invasive European frogbit through research and educational outreach in the Great Lakes Basin Project’ here!

DEC SEEKS PARTICIPANTS FOR SUMMER TURKEY SURVEY

York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner PeteGrannis today encouraged New Yorkers to participate in the Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey, which kicks off in August.

Since 1996, DEC has conducted the Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey to estimate
the average number of wild turkey poults (young of the year) per hen statewide and among major geographic regions of the state. This index allows DEC to gauge turkey populations and enables wildlife managers to predict fall harvest potential. Weather, predation and habitat conditions during the breeding and brood-rearing seasons can all significantly impact nest success, hen survival, and poults survival.
“Citizen science efforts such as this not only provide our wildlife managers with
invaluable data and but also give people the opportunity to partner with DEC to help monitor New York’s natural resources,” Commissioner Grannis said.
During the month of August, survey participants record the sex and age composition of
all flocks of wild turkeys observed during normal travel. Those who want to participate can download a Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey form from the DEC website to record your observations. Detailed instructions can be found with the data sheet. Survey cards can also be obtained by contacting your regional DEC office, by calling (518) 402-8886, or by e-mailing fwwildlf@gw.dec.state.ny.us (please type “Turkey Survey” in the subject line).

On the DEC website:
Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/48732.html
Citizen Science Initiatives: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/1155.html
DEC Regional Office Contact Information: http://www.dec.ny.gov/about/50230.html
###

Gary Goff, Sr. Ext. Assoc., Rm. 104 Fernow Hall, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY 14853
ph. 607-255-2824 fx. 607-255-2815 e-mail
www.cornellmfo.info

New York State get first Solar Farm

The Green County Industrial Development Agency is purchasing land in Coxsackie and Cornerstone Power Development will lease the 128 acres of land.
The $60 million solar farm will become a 15-megawatt facility....to read the rest of this article please click here

American Bird Conservancy- Prevent Birds from Flying into your windows

The American Bird Conservancy has provided a pdf that has some quick, easy and affordable ways to prevent birds from flying into your windows and dying.


Collisions Flyer

DEC gives New York State low marks for recycling

With New York State recycling only 20% of it's solid waste, compared to the National average of 33% DEC is setting new goals for New York to reach by 2018. To find out more details read New York State: Extra Trashy

Land Use Leadership Alliance in the Southern Tier

The Cornell Cooperative Extension website featured a story on the Land Use Leadership Alliance (LULA) program which was established in 1995 at PACE University. To learn more about the program and training in the Southern Tier, read the full article click here

Waterworks

Check out this fun cartoon explaining the life of a water molecule. Created and produced by Science North... a company out of Ontario that specialize in science communication.


Watch the cartoon

The National Summit of Rural America

From the Rural Tour blog......The National Summit of Rural America: A Dialogue for Renewing Promise.
The Rural Summit took place on the campus of Jefferson College in Hillsboro, Missouri.

The Summit was an opportunity for rural Americans to share their vision and ideas for creating a more prosperous and more promising future for rural America. Farmers, ranchers, and foresters from around the country, as well as policymakers from all levels of government and community leaders discussed the key priorities and policies necessary to get rural America growing again......To read the rest of the article please click here.

Plastic Century

In honor of Jacques Cousteau's 100th birthday, Plastic Century has created an exhibit that truly makes people think about how plastic impacts so many aspects of our lives. The exhibit consists of water coolers that each represents different periods of time 1910 to 2030, each cooler is filled with plastic and viewers are asked the very thought provoking question "which one would you choose to drink from?" To read the blog at BoingBoing please click here.

"The Wild Harvest Table" a blog by CCE Seneca

Seneca County CCE offers "The Wild Harvest Table" a blog with recipes and nutritional information on game/fish that is currently or about to be in season. The recipes are very easy to locate using the menu on the right hand side of the page. Check it out


Seneca Wild Harvest

The latest blog finished in time for Turkey season highlights a wild turkey with sherry and broccoli recipe....

Breaking our addiction to Highway Level of Service Stnadards

Note from PCJ Editor Wayne Senville: this is the third in a series of postings about a recent two-day workshop I attended. Sponsored by the Project for Public Spaces, it focused on "streets as places."

In this post I'm passing along some of what I learned from transportation engineer Gary Toth. Toth, who is now Senior Director of Transporation Initiatives for the Project for Public Spaces, worked for 34 years for the New Jersey Dept. of Transportation, where he served as Director of Project Planning & Development. He has been one of the leading national advocates for integrating land use and community considerations into transportation planning.......

To read the full article click here

Lyme Disease can have Devastating Effects

By PATRICIA DOXSEY
Freeman staff

"LYME disease ruins us."

Those words, written in a recent blog by Saugerties resident Eric Rutulante, speak volumes about a disease that, virtually unheard of 35 years ago, is so prevalent now that it’s impossible to live in the Hudson Valley without knowing someone who has had it
To read the full article and watch video click here

Permeable Parking Lot Project

Courtesy of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Site

Permeable Parking Lot Project

The US EPA's Permeable Parking Lot project was completed in October 2009 at the EPA Edison Research Facility in Edison, NJ.

The permeable parking lot is made of 3 different surfaces that capture rain and collect the runoff in a basin beneath the parking lot.

The parking lot helps the environment because it reduces storm water volume flowing to receiving waters, improves water quality by removing solids and other environmental contaminants, and helps to reduce urban heat island effects that occur with conventional parking lots. As part of on going research, all of these features will be monitored over time.

Schuyler County Marcellus Shale Risk Assessment- Executive Summary

Executive Summary prepared by Kevin Dowd

This report provides a spatial analysis of the various risks associated with Marcellus Shale well pad placement in Schuyler County. The analysis utilizes a weighted overlay methodology to determine the environmental and community risk of each piece of county land, considering surface, subsurface and proximate features. An
overall risk score is then tabulated by combining the environmental and community risk components.

Excluding wetland acreage, over 60 percent of County land registered as moderate risk. Approximately 5 percent of lands fall into the high risk category. Of note, a large portion of high risk areas are located in the western portion of the County, due to a combination of hydrological features and inadequate infrastructure
access. Conversely, the largest concentrations of low risk areas are located immediately west of Seneca Lake in Reading and Tyrone, due to transportation networks, low population densities, and land use classifications. Using a preliminary survey of parcels encumbered by third party gas leases, the report found similar risk dispersion to the overall County: approximately 30 percent of leased parcels were classified as low risk, 65 percent as moderate risk, and 5 percent as high risk.
To view the entire assessment please click here

Regional Land Use Class Graduates 34 Leaders

On April 29, 2010, the Southern Finger Lakes / Southern Tier region saw its first graduating class of local leaders trained through Pace University’s award-winning Land Use Leadership Alliance program. Thirty-four participants from Tioga, Tompkins, Schuyler, Chemung and Steuben counties completed an intensive series of four-day courses on land use practice, law and community decision making in New York State.

The training, hosted by Watkins Glen International, received $10,000 in financial support from both Cargill, Inc.’s Watkins Glen plant and the Global Partnership Fund. Don Chutas, Cargill Salt's Plant Manager explained that "Cargill looks to partner with higher education institutions that provide access to the best people and ideas relevant to land use." According to Chutas, The LULA program accomplishes just that by providing environmental conservation education to the area's leaders.

Originally developed by Pace University’s Land Use Law Center, over 1,000 local land use leaders have attended the popular LULA trainings in the Hudson River Valley. Cornell University’s Community and Regional Development Institute (CaRDI), with financial support from Cornell’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) University Center, has taken the lead in partnership with both Pace and Albany Law School’s Government Law Center to make the training available in other parts of the state. The LULA training has won multiple awards, including the 2009 National Leadership Award for founder John Nolon from the American Planning Association.
Organizers for the training included the Cornell Cooperative Extension associations and planning departments for the five counties, as well as CaRDI and Farm Bureau. Organizers hope to offer future trainings in the region on an annual basis.

SCHUYLER COUNTY PLANT SWAP

Plant and Seed Swap

MONDAY, MAY 17th 2010
Time: 11am-1pm

Held at the:
Human Services Complex
323 Owego Street
Montour Falls NY 14865
Room 120


Set up anytime from 10am on.
Please have all your things out of the room by 2pm at the latest.
Please be responsible for your own clean up.
Bring baggies, digging spoons and whatever else you think would help others take any new items home.
Horticulture staff will be on hand to answer questions.
You do not need to bring a plant to take one home!!

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!!

eCycling Event- Fundraiser

This Saturday, May 1st 2010
From 10am to 2pm in the Odessa Montour High School Parking Lot
This fundraiser is going to benefit environmental education for Odessa-Montour Students.

Bring any unwanted items including;computers, monitors, peripherals, test equipment, medical equipment, TVs, VCRs, CD players, DVD players, Fax machines, copiers, cell phones, phones, communication equipment, remote controls, MP3 players, etc. to be recycled.
A $1.00 fee will be charged for each item!

This fundraiser is sponsored by: B.C. Cate Parent Faculty Organization, REACT, Inc. (Recycling Electronics and Computer Technologies)

New Jersey Enacts Suite of Renewable Energy Law

From the Law of the Land blog

Regulations have taken effect so that municipalities that are controlling small wind energy systems in their communities are being prohibited from unreasonably limiting aspects such as tower height, required set back from property and setting a noise level limit. To read the full article please click here

Target Launches Recycling Stations in All Stores

Target has launched permanent community recycling stations in all of its 1,740 stores to kick-off a month-long celebration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day this month.

The recycling stations provide shoppers a way to drop off for recycling aluminum, glass and plastic beverage containers, plastic bags, MP3 players, cell phones and ink cartridges, and other materials. A full description of recyclables that are accepted is available here

What is Compost???

Jenna Hicks, CCE Schuyler County Environmenatal Educator, teaches basic backyard composting techniques. Fee is $5 to register.
APRIL 10th,2010
10am-11am
This workshop will be held at the
Human Services Complex
323 Owego Street
Montour Falls NY 14865
Room 160 the Silver Spoon Cafe

Please call 607-535-7161 or email cab377@cornell.edu to register.

Friday Video Shorts

The Planning Commissioners Journal website highlights weekly videos in a blog referred to as "Friday Video Short". These are fun, informative clips that include topics such as planning, environment and the arts. Click here to go to the site and check out some additional videos.

See a video on Maya Lin's "Wave Field" below!

ARNOT FOREST JOINS NEW YORK STATE MAPLE WEEKEND

Come Join Us!!!
MARCH 20 & 21
Saturday and Sunday
8am to 4pm

*Join us this Saturday and Sunday starting at 8am for an Old Fashion Pancake Breakfast. Lunch items start at noon.

*Watch and learn how maple syrup is actually made.

*Taste real maple syrup and smell the comforting aroma that fills the sugarhouse as the sap is boiled.

*Take our guided tour from sap collection to the finished product.

*Pass through our gift shop and take home pure NYS Maple Syrup to share with your family and friends

For GPS use: 611 County Rte. 13, Cayuta, NY 14824
DIRECTIONS: (From the North (ie. Ithaca):
Take NY Route 13 South (toward Elmira) from Ithaca. Approximately 4 miles from the intersection of Routes 13, 34, and 96, turn left at the intersection of Route 13 and Trumbulls Corners Road. Turn right on Main Street at the “T”. Take the first left, onto VanKirk Road. Proceed approximately 4 miles, bear to the left (sharp left) at the Irish Hill Road “intersection”. Travel about 3 miles (down hill) past the driveway (on the right), to the gated road, follow signs to the Sugar House (also on the right).
From the South:
Take NY Route 13 North (toward Ithaca) from Horseheads, turning right onto NY 224 at Alpine Junction. Proceed approximately 6 miles, turn left on County Route #13 and proceed 1.4 miles, to bridge, turn left at the gated road to Arnot Forest Sugar House(also on the left).

Arnot Forest
611 County Rte. 13, Van Etten, NY 14889
Phone 607-589-6076 FAX 607-589-4277
E-mail arnot@cornell.edu

HOMEGROWN- The 21 Century Family Farm

We have set the new date for March 12 from 7pm to 9pm at the Silver Spoon Cafe. 323 Owego Street, Unit #7 Montour Falls NY 14865.

Please come out and help support the Schuyler Counties community garden projects!!

LOCAL FOODS FESTIVAL A SUCCESS

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben and Schuyler Counties held their first "locally grown foods festival" on February 19th in Corning. The event was a huge success and demonstrates the fact that people are increasingly interested in buying local. Informative gatherings such as this one are trying to reduce the negative trends of the US now importing more food than it produces and the average “food mile” of dinner being 1500 miles.
To read the article written by WENY-TV and view the video please click here

When Meetings Go Bad

Ethical conduct and decision-making is at the heart of sound local land use practices. Unfortunately, the drama of controversial issues and decisions can sometimes cloud better judgment and lead to some shady actions. Take a look at the Fritz v Charter Township of Comstock decision from the Law of the Land blog to see how a special use permit application led to a denial of 1st Amendment rights, retaliation, and general bad behavior.

DEC Summer Camp Scholarship Opportunity

The Schuyler County Environmental Management Council is sponsoring 3 to 4 Schuyler
residents between ages 12 and 17 to attend a week at the Department of Environmental
Conservation Education Camp of their choice this year, a $325 value. Camp offers a blend oflearning and recreation that heightens camper’s environmental awareness. If you or someone you know likes fishing, hiking, canoeing and other outdoor activities and is between 12-17 years of age please contact Jenna Hicks at 535-7161 for application materials or visit www.sclanduse.org. Applications will start to be reviewed on March 10. Early applications will be given preference.

LOCAL FOODS FESTIVAL- Corning, NY

Know your Farmer, Know your Food!

Ever wonder how to find local vegetables, fruit, and meat all year? The answer is simple; attend the Locally-Grown Foods Festival, Friday, February 19 in Corning, NY. Meet dozens of Finger Lakes farmers and learn how and where to buy local products.

Cornell Cooperative Extension cordially invites the public to a unique tasting experience. Sample locally produced meats, vegetables, fruits, cheese, wines, microbrews and other farm products! Get to know farmers from the region, like Robin and Andy Nistock, owners of Nistock Farms and producers of locally grown lamb and wool. Robin and Andy have been raising lamb in Steuben County for 10 years. Their customers can purchase individual cuts of lamb, wool, hand spinning fiber, sheepskins, and even lamb burger for pets with special dietary needs.

Several other products will be available for sampling and purchasing, these include beef, pork, rabbit, poultry, wine, apple butter, assorted cheeses, maple, honey, and vegetables.

This event will also feature a series of mini-classes on working with local butchers, how to join a Community Supported Agriculture cooperative, the benefits of buying local foods, and more.

The Locally-Grown Foods Festival takes place Friday February 19 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Union Hall, 100 Civic Center Plaza – next door to the Nasser Civic Center Skating Rink. Make an evening of it; consider hitting Market Street for the Gaffer District’s Cabin Fever event, featuring wine and craft beer tastings. The skating rink is also open to public from 8:00 to 10:00pm, so bring the family along and enjoy the evening in downtown Corning! Admission is $5 per individual/$10 per family. Credit, Debit and EBT cards accepted for product purchases. Contact Cornell Cooperative Extension at 607-664-2300 to register or register online at www.putknowledgetowork.com. Reservations are appreciated by February 17.

Weather Observers Needed

Learn how to track local weather patterns without leaving your own backyard!
Cornell Cooperative Extension is offering a workshop on the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow (CoCoRaHS) Network monitoring program (www.cocorahs.org) CoCoRaHS is a unique, non-profit, community-based network of individual and family volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, who take daily measurements of rain, hail and snow in their backyards and post their findings on the web. Scientists, resource managers, decision makers and others use the provided data to make important management decisions.
No prior experience needed.
Must be willing to collect precipitation information on a daily basis.
Must be able to access the internet daily.
March 22nd
6:00-7:30
Human Services Complex
323 Owego Street
Montour Falls
$5.00 fee
(RSVP Members FREE)
Free rain gauge with commitment to monitor-A $25.00 value!
(Supplies Limited)
Pre-registration required by March 12 by calling 535-7161

National Radon Action Month

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County is celebrating National Radon Action Month by offering free radon test kits on a first come first served basis to Schuyler residents in January. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is produced by the breakdown of uranium. Radon is odorless, colorless and can only be detected with special tests like the ones being offered by Cooperative Extension. Next to smoking, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US and should not be ignored.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies have identified Schuyler County as an area with recorded high radon levels and suggest homeowners test for radon. If your test results show radon levels higher than 4 picocuries per 1 liter (pci/L) of air it is suggested that you look at mitigation. Mitigation techniques can cost between $800- $2,500 depending on your home with the most effective consisting of piping and fans. When looking for a contractor it is important that they are trained in radon mitigation because if done improperly, it could actually increase the amount of radon in your home.

To pick up your free test kit, stop by Cooperative Extension located in the Human Services Complex, 323 Owego Street, Montour Falls. For more information call Jenna Hicks, Environmental Science Educator at 535-7161.