08/27/10 by admin | Uncategorized | No Comments »
UVLT is partnering with the Vermont Chapter of the Nature Conservancy to combat invasive plant species and educate landowners about the threats they pose to native ecosystems. Landowners on the Vermont side of the Upper Valley may be particularly interested to learn of this initiative.
The Vermont Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, GreenWorks: Vermont Nursery and Landscaping Association and the Vermont Invasive Exotic Plant Committee have partnered to develop PlantWise Vermont, a Voluntary Code of Conduct for horticultural professionals working in the state.
Under this agreement, participating nurseries, landscapers, landscape architects and designers have voluntarily committed to discontinue the sale, propagation and/or installation of Japanese and Common barberry, Norway maple, Burning bush, Yellow iris, Amur maple and all cultivars of these species.
These plant species, among many others, are known to be invasive in Vermont and easily spread throughout the landscape, threatening the health and diversity of our state’s treasured ecology.
Businesses that agree to the PlantWise Vermont’s Voluntary Code of Conduct will be recognized with a lawn sign and window decals, which can be displayed at their place of business and on their vehicles. They will also be listed on the Conservancy website.
For horticultural professionals, this is a great opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to protecting Vermont’s woods and waterways. For gardeners, encourage the horticulturalists in your area to sign on to the PlantWise Voluntary Code of Conduct. The more who sign on, the greater the impact will be.
Click here for a PDF of the Voluntary Code of Conduct.
To learn more about invasive plants in Vermont, go to the Gallery of Invaders from the Vermont Invasive Exotic Plant Committee.
To learn more about Vermont’s state quarantine rule for invasive species, go the Vermont Department of Agriculture, Food & Markets Quarantine #3 – Noxious Weeds.
08/25/10 by admin | Uncategorized | No Comments »
The Catamount Earth Institute, Co-op Food Stores, Sierra Club, Sustainable Hanover, the Upper Valley Land Trust, the Valley Food Council and Vital Communities are working with community groups, workplaces, and individuals to start many Menu for the Future discussion groups this fall and winter.
Menu for the Future is a six-session discussion series about sustainable food systems. Groups of 8-12 people meet weekly for 1-1 1/2 hours to discuss readings from an anthology compiled of excerpts from some of the best writers on sustainable food systems. Course books may be purchased ($21) or borrowed from the Hanover Co-op Food Store or from participating libraries. Bring together a group of friends, fellow CSA members, or workplace colleagues for your own discussion series. We’ve had 26 Menu for the Future discussion groups in the Upper Valley in the last two years. Let’s have 26 more!
The Menu for the Future readings:
• explore food systems and their impacts of culture, society, and ecological systems
• offer insights into agricultural practices that promote personal and ecological well-being
• initiate conversations about our roles in creating or supporting sustainable food systems
For more information about the readings or to sign up to join a discussion group see http://www.catamountearthinstitute.org/discussion-courses/menu-for-the-future-registration/
08/16/10 by admin | Uncategorized | No Comments »
Saturday, September 18
Local Energy Alternatives Festival (L.E.A. F.)
9 am – 6 pm
Main Street, Bradford, VT
The 3rd Annual Local Energy Alternatives Festival, September 18th on Main Street in Bradford, VT will include free presentations and workshops throughout the day on energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable living and re-skilling. Tours of the hydro-electric dam and visits to solar-powered homes will be available at various times during the day-long event. Over 20 renewable energy vendors will be set up under the big tents to demonstrate and share information about the latest technologies in their fields of expertise.
Live musical groups will add a festive atmosphere to the huge farmer’s and artisan’s market, featuring local foods and other local products. Activities for children and youth will be staged at various locations. A production called “Fashion on a Shoestring”, a fashion show featuring Oxbow High School students modeling recycled clothing from area thrift stores, will show that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to look great.
The day’s events will culminate with a candidate’s forum that will focus on their respective positions on Vermont’s Energy Future.
All events of the day are free, but it is requested that attendees bring a non-perishable food item for the Bradford Area Food Shelves.
Sponsored by the Energy Committee of the Bradford Conservation Commission,
with support from the Byrne Foundation, New England Grassroots Environment Fund and Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission
08/05/10 by admin | Uncategorized | No Comments »
Saturday, August 14, 2010 – 9:00am to 1:00pm Meet at the Bradford Academy. Field portion will take place on town land. Please register by Monday, August 9, 2010 by calling Monique Priestley at 802-222-1909.
Volunteers will be trained to survey for these two invasive forest pests and provide outreach to the public. This workshop will also serve as a basic train-the-trainer class for those who are interested in teaching other volunteers to survey for these pests.
Students learn about the threat we face from non-native forest pests, how to identify the various life stages of alb and eab, and how to recognize signs and symptoms of both pests on infested trees.
Approximately three hours classroom and one hour field. Dress casual and wear good walking shoes or sneakers for the field portion.
Sponsored by the Bradford Conservation Commission.
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