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VOLUME II, Issue 13
http://www.GreenForNewEngland.org

JULY 3, 2001
            1 – Bursts of Color
            2 – Watch Out Wal-Mart
            3 – Watering Hole
            4 – Surf’s Up
            5 – Flag Day
            6 – Dr. Know

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1 – Bursts of Color
After you have been amazed by the spectacular fireworks displays on July 4, head to World’s End Reservation in Hingham, MA, for a show of color that is sure to be just as dazzling.  Maintained by The Trustees of Reservations, World’s End is home to over 40 species of butterflies and is regarded as one of the best places to view these beautiful insects in New England.  Join local butterfly expert and researcher Mark Mello of the Lloyd Center for Environmental Studies in Dartmouth for a detailed examination of these delicate creatures.  The workshop takes place on July 7 at 10 AM.  For further information contact World’s End at 781-821-2977 or visit The Trustees’ website at www.thetrustees.org.

2 – Watch Out Wal-Mart
The Center for Ecological Technology has recently opened its ReStore Home Improvement Center in Springfield.  The ReStore collects valuable home improvement goods that were headed for the trash heap and resells them at a discounted price to homeowners, landlords, and tenants that can make use of them.  The ReStore also accepts donations of quality items as well, including cabinets, doors, and windows.  For more information contact CET’s Northampton office at 413-586-7350.  CET also found time in the past several weeks to host a symposium entitled, "Creating a Market for Green Energy in the Berkshires."  The day-long workshop for aspiring citizen leaders explored the journey of electrons from power plants to the light switches in homes and offices, the complexities of utility restructuring, and the potential for solar and wind power in the region.  For more information on CET’s renewable energy projects, contact their Pittsfield office at 413-445-4556.

3 – Watering Hole
Will there be enough water in the Merrimack River in 2020 to meet demand and protect the river as well?  A study has been launched by the Merrimack River Watershed Council to answer that very question.  The study focuses on filling the need of municipalities, agencies, and other economic interests to understand the effects of water withdrawals from the Merrimack.  In turn, this will aid decision-makers in determining the best way to maintain water flow in the river to protect the ecological and societal benefits the river provides.  Currently the study focuses on the main stem of the Merrimack River from Manchester, NH to Newburyport, MA.  More information about this study can be obtained by calling 978-681-5777 or visiting their website at www.merrimack.org.

4 – Surf’s Up
Save the Sound recently held its annual Gala at the Riverside Yacht Club in Greenwich, CT.  This year’s event was noteworthy as it was the inaugural installation of the Save the Sound Hall of Fame.  The Hall of Fame is a way to recognize local individuals and companies that have made substantial contributions to protecting the natural resources throughout the Long Island Sound watershed.  This year’s inductees included former Governor Lowell Wiecker, Norwalk Oil Abatement Committee, ShopRite Foods, Elbin Mena as an individual environmentalist, and Edouard Weygandt as Volunteer of the Year.  In addition to the presentation of these awards, Gala goers were treated to music, food, and an auction featuring surf lessons and theater and sporting event tickets.  For more information about what Save the Sound is up to, visit www.savethesound.org. 

 5 – Flag Day
The innovative flagging system used by the Charles River Watershed Association to warn boaters and other users of increased bacteria levels in the water is now into its fourth season.  CRWA monitors water quality at four points along the Charles River Basin, which stretches between Watertown Dam and Boston Harbor.  This area is the most heavily used portion of the Charles.  When levels of fecal coliform bacteria rise above the level deemed safe by the Mass. Department of Environmental Protection, CRWA flies red flags to warn boaters of the health risks.  Blue flags are flown when bacteria levels are at a safe level.  Red flags are usually seen following heavy rainstorms, like those that passed through last weekend, which cause storm drains and combined sewer outflows to discharge pollutants into the river.  Visit CRWA’s newly redesigned website at www.crwa.org for more information about CRWA.

6 – Dr. Know
Not only do most individuals have trouble determining what to recycle, but towns and companies are often faced with the same questions.  What can be recycled? How do we recycle?  Why recycle in the first place?  The Northeast Resource Recovery Association’s Guide to Commercial Recycling can answer these questions and more.  Made possible by a Climate Change grant from the EPA and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, this handy resource guide has everything you can think of, including a list of materials that can be recycled, the value of various recycled materials, and transportation costs and options.  If you think your city or town could benefit by having this guide around, contact NRRA at 603-798-5777.

Need Ideas for Summer Fun?
If you need suggestions for outdoor fun in New England this summer, check out our Lazy Days 2001 Summer Calendars at www.GreenForNewEngland.org/calendars.  You’ll find new and interesting ways to keep busy in all six New England states!

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