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

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1 – Paradise City
The Trust for Public Land recently had one of those days that we all dream about. No, not visiting a tropical and sunny location to get away from the extreme New England weather. Instead, an anonymous private foundation and individual gave $85,000 to TPL to launch the New England Urban Land Center. The Center, which is in its preliminary design stage, will focus on creating and expanding parks, playgrounds, natural areas, and recreational resources in New England’s urban areas, and raising the profile of urban land conservation as an environmental and social justice issue. The generosity of the anonymous donors will allow TPL to complete research, a business and staffing plan, and a fundraising feasibility study for this innovative program. For more information, contact TPL at (617) 367-6200.

2 - Welcome to the (Concrete) Jungle
Although we hear all the time about over-development and our disappearing natural resources, the concept can be difficult to comprehend. The Farmington River Watershed Association recently completed a project that demonstrates the impact development is having along the river. FRWA calculated the ratio of impervious surfaces, such as paved roads and parking lots, to natural ground cover in seven areas along the river. They found that six of the seven areas have been developed to the point that water-repelling materials cover more than 10 percent of the land. Proponents of the study hope that this project will become a tool for determining future development in the watershed. FRWA is already planning to do similar studies in other communities in the Farmington Valley where development is encroaching. For more information, contact FRWA at (860) 658-4442 or visit www.frwa.org.

3 – February Sunshine
Even though the Northeast got a bit of snow recently, don't bet on it sticking around to keep the kids busy during February vacation. Instead, check out the mini-camps that several environmental groups are holding. For instance, from February 20-23 the Massachusetts Audubon Society's Boston Nature Center will present two daily sessions of "Exploring Winter Habitats," for children ages 8-11. The morning program goes from 9-12, and the afternoon program begins at 1 and ends at 4. Squeezed into the middle of these two sessions is a Storytelling Lunch from 12-1, which will feature a winter nature tale centered on the theme of exploring winter habitats. To register for these activities, contact the Center at (617) 983-8500. Don't forget to bundle the kids up for their outdoor explorations! At the New England Aquarium, kids can learn everything they ever wanted to know about water. At the first session, February 20-21, kids will find out "What happens to the water when I flush the toilet or drain the sink?" From February 22-23, learn about where your water comes from and who maintains water quality. Sessions are for 4^th and 5^th as well as 6^th and 7^th graders. Camps run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For reservations call the Aquarium at (617) 973-5206.

4 – Relevant History
The historic mansions and gardens of Newport have again made history. The Preservation Society of Newport County’s properties were designated "Official Projects of Save America’s Treasures." This is the first time that the White House Millennium Council and the National Trust For Historic Preservation have distinguished so many of one organization's properties at a time. The Save America's Treasures selection goes to a remarkable group of historic resources that represent U.S. treasures in need of support. The ten properties, including The Elms Garden and the Green Animals Topiary Garden, form a compelling history of America from the Colonial Era through the Gilded Age. Visit them soon as they commemorate and make history. For more information, contact the Society at (401) 847-1000 or visit www.newportmansions.org.

5 - 100 Years and Counting
It isn't often that you get to celebrate a 100 year old's birthday, so 2001 is your lucky year. The New England Wild Flower Society is celebrating its Centennial Year with a number of special events in the coming months, including a touring caravan of sorts in March and April. NEWFS has put together a symposium of authors and practitioners who will be in Natick, MA, Hanover, NH, Portland, ME, and Farmington, CT, on March 31, April 1, 3, and 5 respectively. This traveling troupe will make presentations on "The Human Habitat," "Restoring the Future New England Landscape," "Guilt-Free Gardening," and "Why You Can't Buy Forest in a Can." To register or to keep up-to-date on other programs that NEWFS will be sponsoring, contact them at (508) 877-7630 or visit www.newfs.org.

New Position Announcement
The Environmental Federation of New England is currently seeking a Director of New Corporate Partnerships. The Director of New Corporate Partnerships will develop and carry out a program to establish relationships with New England area companies and corporate executives. The purpose of this initiative is to generate new workplaces willing to sponsor employee giving campaigns. The campaigns benefit the environmental charities that compose the Environmental Federation. A full description of this position, including responsibilities and requirements, can be viewed at www.GreenForNewEngland.org.