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

VOLUME II, Issue 2
http://www.GreenForNewEngland.org

JANUARY 17, 2001
In this issue:
     1 - Snow Days
     2 - Sample People
     3 - Water World
     4 - The Great Outdoors
     5 - I Know What You Are Doing This Summer

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1 – Snow Days
As a kid, you longed for them.  Listening to the radio, hoping your school is mentioned on the cancellation list. Fun in the snow is what winter is all about.  Well, why not let your children, or a few that you know, in on the Vermont Institute of Natural Science's "Snow Survivors Junior Naturalist After School Club."  It is for kids in grades 1 through 5 and it meets on the following Thursdays from 3:15 to 5 PM: February 1,8, 15 and March 1.  Youngsters will spend time outdoors identifying tracks, burrowing under the snow, and locating snowy shelters in an attempt to unlock the mysteries of how plants and wildlife weather the winter.  For more information contact VINS at (802) 457-2779 or visit www.vinsweb.org.

2 - Sample People
Have you ever asked yourself, "How polluted is the Blackstone River watershed?"  Even if you haven't, you may be able to help find the answer.  The Regional Environmental Council and the Massachusetts Audubon Society, in conjunction with other area organizations, are sponsoring storm water sample collecting throughout the Blackstone watershed, which extends from central Massachusetts into Rhode Island.  To participate and obtain your collection bottle with instructions, contact Ranger Dan Meharg at (401) 762-0250.  Have a street in mind that you would like to sample.  Even if you do not live near the Blackstone watershed, you can view the results from all collections in February at Regional Environmental Council's website, www.ma.ultranet.com/~rec.

3 – Water World
After basking in the holiday season, with its accompanying food and gifts, now is the time to check out that list of New Year's resolutions.  This year, consider giving back to your community.  If you live in Rhode Island, the Narrow River Preservation Association has decided to make "improving water quality" one of your resolutions.  Their new Top Ten list highlights the "Do's" and "Don'ts", all compiled on a handy refrigerator magnet.  You will learn that putting items down your sink that you wouldn't eat or drink is not necessarily a great idea and that you should inspect and pump your septic tank regularly.  To get a magnet of your very own or for more information, contact NRPA at (401) 783-6277 or visit www.narrowriver.org.

4 – The Great Outdoors
The USDA Forest Service recently awarded the Connecticut Forest and Park Association a one-year grant of $30,000 to establish a conservation education program at CFPA's John R. Camp Outdoor Classroom and Demonstration Forest.  Programs at this new facility will include educator training and student learning projects.  The Demonstration Forest has 17 hands-on learning stations to promote environmental education, research, and to showcase good forest management practices.  In addition, this unique "classroom" now has a new boardwalk and observation deck that overlooks a vernal pool in the Demonstration Forest.  For more information on upcoming workshops, contact CFPA at (860) 346-2372 or visit www.ctwoodlands.org.

5 - I Know What You Are Doing This Summer
Yes, it is hard to think about Summer during January in New England.  Nevertheless, if you are looking to break into the environmental field or are simply looking to shift concentrations, the Environmental Careers Organization has just the cure for your Winter blues.  The EPA Office of Environmental Justice recently announced that it would fund 50 summer internships throughout the country in a partnership with ECO.  Thirty of these will be opportunities to learn about environmental protection with non-profit community organizations and the remaining 20 will be focused upon learning about environmental justice at the ten regional EPA offices.  For more information on project descriptions and the application procedure, contact Jing Yang at ECO, (617) 426-4375, extension 129.

Everybody's Sweetheart
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, what better way to celebrate than with Sweetheart candies.  The Environmental Federation has a limited amount of its promotional goodies left - small packages with a Federation decal on them.  If you would like some to distribute to classes or audiences during presentations, or for any other reason, please let us know at candy@GreenForNewEngland.org.  Candy will be sent out on a first come, first serve basis.