Click here to sign up!

******************************************************
Environmental Federation of New England
E-mail Newsletter
The latest news and events from New England's
top environmental organizations.

VOLUME I, Issue 3
http://www.GreenForNewEngland.org

JUNE 14, 2000
In this issue:
    1 - Boston Urban Gardeners, 1975-2000
    2 - Every Car Deserves A Break
    3 - Narrow River Now Online
    4 - Munch On This
    5 - Energy Efficiency And Your Home
    6 - Games People Play

******************************************************
1 - Boston Urban Gardeners, 1975-2000
After 15 years of organizing community gardens in Boston's underserved neighborhoods, Boston Urban Gardeners (BUG) has decided to officially close its doors due to a lack of funding.  The group, in addition to owning eight gardens in Boston, also loans out tools to area gardeners, distributes free seeds, and runs an educational program called SEEd in which young children are taught about gardening.  While the situation is an unfortunate one for the entire Boston community, BUG's directors hope that it will bring more attention to the difficulties faced by nonprofit organizations protecting open spaces in Boston.

2 - Every Car Deserves A Break
Summer…a time of rest, relaxation, and vacations.  Have you ever thought to reward your hard-working automobile with a break, too? Many people in Vermont did exactly that. Last month, Lake Champlain Committee co-sponsored "Curb Your Car Day", an event that sought to reduce the environmental impact of vehicles during the course of one day. Over 2,000 people participated by giving their car the day off, collectively saving 122,000 miles of driving, 116,000 pounds of air pollution, 5,100 gallons of gas, and $7,600 in gas costs. For more info call the Lake Champlain Committee at 802-658-1405.

3 - Narrow River Now Online
A good number of you have probably been canoeing down the Narrow River in Rhode Island, but not many have had the opportunity to surf it. Now is your chance!  The Narrow River Preservation Association just launched a comprehensive website devoted to the Narrow River watershed area.  It's loaded with news about events, current research projects, education, and resources that will provide you with everything you ever wanted to know and more.  Except maybe a link to the local surf shop.  Check it out at http://www.narrowriver.org.

4 - Munch On This
You've often stopped to "smell the roses," but have you ever wondered what those pretty flowers and plants taste like?  There are over 150 species of edible wild plants that can be found in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and many are more nutritious and flavorful than their cultivated counterparts.  Join the Appalachian Mountain Club on Saturday, June 24, for a full day of exploring various habitats in the Mount Washington and Androscoggin Valleys.  You'll learn identification tips, edible portions of the plant/mushroom, preparation techniques, vitamin content, season(s) of availability, and ways to collect plants while conserving them for the future.  For more info visit http://www.outdoors.org.

5 - Energy Efficiency And Your Home
Is your home an energy guzzler when it comes to heating and cooling? Well, the Center for Ecological Technology recently launched its Energy Mortgage Program (EMP), a new initiative which allows homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient without paying more in their mortgage payments. By utilizing the national Home Energy Rating System program, you'll get cost-effective methods for upgrading your home as well as special rates on state and federal financing programs. For more information, contact CET at 413-445-4556 or visit http://www.cetonline.org.

6 - Games People Play
Games…as well as scientific exhibits, demonstrations and other science-related entertainment were on hand at the 9th Annual Science Expo in Hartford, CT.  Geared toward children ages 4 through 14, there were many participating organizations, including the Housatonic Valley Association.  HVA highlighted its new Housatonic River and Long Island Sound water quality program through two quiz games, a watershed puzzle, and a model of the watershed.  For more info on this program visit http://www.hvathewatershedgroup.org or call HVA at 860-672-6678.

Summer Fun Calendars hit mailboxes June 20!
If you need suggestions for outdoor fun in New England this summer, check your mailboxes June 20th.  The state guides, created by the Environmental Federation of New England (your newsletter sponsors), can also be found at http://www.GreenForNewEngland.org/calendars.

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

Newsletter Archive