Sponsored by Daemen College
Center for Sustainable Communities and Civic Engagement
and the Natural Sciences Department
Newsletter Contents:
• Articles
• Upcoming Activities
• Tips to help the Environment
Articles:
Smart Growth Commute Initiative The Smart Growth Commute Initiative is a program designed to help individuals buy their homes in areas with public transit. By providing incentives for home ownership and rail or bus use, we can reduce traffic congestion. The Smart Commute Initiative is the result of a partnership that includes the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA), The Summit Federal Credit Union, and the Buffalo Niagara Association of Realtors. Eligible properties are within 0.5 mile from the Main/Amherst Metro Rail System or Metro bus route.
Loans for this program are only available in this area from The Summit Federal Credit Union. To apply for a mortgage contact The Summit Federal Credit Union, 5641 Transit Road, Clarence, NY or call 1-800-836-7328, extension 7010.
Additional benefits of this program include:
• For loan qualification purposes, The Summit Federal Credit Union will add a portion of the potential transportation savings to a homeowner's qualifying income, increasing their home-buying power by $200 per month for one wage-earner households, and $250 for two wage-earner households.
• Depending on their income eligibility, they could qualify for a 3% down payment or as little as $500 down. (Loan rates for this product are the prevailing rate.)
• Also, a FREE six-month Metro Pass will be given to homebuyers who qualify for the Smart Commute Initiative, and complete a mortgage under this program.
For additional details, visit http://www.bnar.org/housing/smartcommuteinitiative.htm.
Wind Energy Roundtables The first of several discussions on wind energy was held on January 26, 2006. The Wind Action Group sponsored this initial discussion to identify issues of concern related to the increased local use of wind energy. This group will follow up with a session that focuses on these identified issues. Buffalo is along a major flyway for migratory birds, so many naturalists worry that placement of wind turbines in this area would pose a significant threat to migratory birds. Locations for windmills must be carefully considered in order to minimize this risk. Attendees at the session also expressed concern that the generation of additional energy through wind power might “fuel” increased consumption. There needs to be a commitment to energy conservation that will simultaneously reduce energy generation at coal-burning plants, while turning to cleaner forms of energy.
Keep Western New York Beautiful Keep America Beautiful (www.kab.org) is kicking off its annual Great American Cleanup Campaign on March 6, 2006. This cleanup involves volunteers from all across the Western New York region. For two decades, millions of Great American Cleanup volunteers have taken action to dramatically improve their communities so that they are safer to play, live in and enjoy. Volunteers are needed for this year’s event and supplies are provided for the cleanup effort (bags, gloves, rakes etc.). There will be several participation incentives from national sponsors, including three $4000 grants from America Honda Motor Company. Awards are based upon the most number of miles cleaned or beautified, largest number of volunteers recruited and the greatest number of pounds of debris collected. For questions or to volunteer, call 851-4370 or email jpavel@ch.ci.buffalo.ny.us.
Erie County Executive Energy Achievement Award This award was conceived to identify, share and recognize projects in Erie County that serve as outstanding energy conservation models. Recognition of these measures will serve to:
-encourage the development and use of renewable energy
-stimulate ideas for energy conservation
-create a resource to assist future projects
-promote a positive future for our region
Environmental responsibility extends to government entities, business, educational institutions, and individuals/households. All have the opportunity to make positive contributions to the future in regulating, educating, and choosing to promote sustainability with clean energy and to actively conserve the use of energy created from fossil fuels. This award will recognize one municipality, one area business, one educational institution, and one individual/household.
Information, applications and instructions are available on the Erie County web page (http://www.erie.gov), from members of the Renewable Energy Committee of the Erie County Environmental Management Council, or at the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning. Applications will be accepted until March 1, 2006. Awards will be presented to the winners by the County Executive at a press conference on Earth Day in April, 2006.
New Advisory Board for Pedestrians and Bicyclists A new bicycle/pedestrian advisory board will be created as a result of new legislation recently approved. Marc Coppola, council member of the Delaware District, sponsored the bill, which will lead to the creation of a 15-member panel comprised of walkers, bicyclists, disability advocates and city officials. Many transportation issues impact walkers and cyclists, but they have rarely had a voice in snow removal policies or the placement of street crossing signals and curb ramps. By increasing walkability and bicycle access in our city, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, decrease our need for additional parking and breathe cleaner air.
Asbury Delaware Church Redevelopment Buffalo will have one more concert venue and art gallery with the renovation of the Asbury Delaware Church. The dilapidated church was considered for demolition by the city, but Ani DiFranco and Scot Fisher saved the historic structure. The owners of Righteous Babe Records began their crusade to save and renovate the church over a decade ago. With financial assistance in tax credits from both the not-for-profit Local Initiatives Support Corporation and HSBC, the team was able to restore one of Buffalo’s gems and set the example for future preservation efforts. “The Church”, as it will now be called, will be completely open for performances later this spring.
Quinn Sponsors Assembly Bill to extend Property Tax Exemptions for Renewable Energy Jack Quinn is sponsoring Bill Number A9398 in the New York Assembly. The purpose of this bill is to extend Real Property Tax Law which authorizes a real property taxation exemption for solar or wind energy systems or farm waste energy systems from January 1, 2006 until January 1, 2016. It also amends the Real Property Tax law to make hydro energy systems eligible for a tax exemption.
A goal of New York’s energy policy is to assure that renewable resources, such as wind and solar energy, play a larger role in meeting our future energy needs. Wind and solar energy have multiple benefits -- they reduce air pollution, decrease our need to import oil and help reduce energy bills. To encourage New Yorkers to install renewable energy systems, the State provides property tax exemptions for certain wind and solar energy systems. Extending this law would help to make these systems more affordable.
Heartwood Wilderness Skills School Heartwood is an experiential education organization dedicated to the preservation of indigenous skills and perspectives worldwide. From the core of Heartwood programs flows an understanding that 99.9% of our human history was spent hunting and gathering in community groups. Pre-agricultural ways behold an excellence that works with Nature, transcends time and must not be forgotten. Therefore, we strive to teach, learn and practice sustainable Earth and community/team skills that foster a healthier connection with humanity, nature, and self. Heartwood recognizes the vital importance of both diversity in nature and cultural diversity and encourages an appreciation, curiosity and tolerance for difference.
Heartwood was founded by Denise Ellen Ashman, an adventure-based teacher and naturalist. She designs and facilitates Action Learning programs for school age, community, corporate, non-profit and government groups. Heartwood customizes unique curriculum featuring hands-on skills training in Deep Ecology, Stone Age- living, Team-building, Collaborative Leadership, and Character Development as well as personal and professional Coaching, Visioning and Action Planning. Heartwood believes that such skills can directly serve to improve the quality of family, community, academic, and professional life. For information on Heartwood programs, call 716-655-7622 or email: deaheartwood@aol.com.
Help with Energy Efficiency available for low-income residents Low-income residents are eligible for the Weatherization Assistance Program, which is designed to help reduce fuel bills and make homes more energy efficient. As part of this program, you home will be tested for hazardous carbon monoxide levels. The program is available to both homeowners and renters who meet certain income guidelines. Single and multi-unit homes are eligible for the program. The PCCB/Urban Center Weatherization Program at 1081 Broadway (893-7222) services the East Side. The NHS of South Buffalo covers other areas in the city with offices at 135 Manhattan (837-0071) and 1937 South Park Avenue (823-3630) . For additional details and specific eligibility guidelines, please call the appropriate office.
Assistance with Lead Paint Problems
If you are a homeowner or rental property owner, you can get free training, materials and supplies to solve your lead paint problems. LEAD Connections is an innovative public/private partnership dedicated to lead-safe housing in Erie County. Call toll-free 888-436-8314 or visit www.leadconnections.org for more information.
Report on Eighteenmile Creek Available
A report card was created by the Eighteenmile Creek Remedial Advisory Committee which provides an overview of the health, improvements and current conditions of the Niagara County Eighteenmile Creek over the last nine years. The Eighteenmile Creek Area of Concern Report Card is available at www.Eighteenmilerap.com
Soil and Water Conservation Districts Tree Seedling Orders
The 2006 Tree Seedling Programs through Soil and Water Conservation Districts are currently accepting orders. Over 56,000 trees were distributed for planting in Erie County in 2005. The last date to order is March 24, 2006. For order forms and descriptions of plants available, visit:
Erie County: website form http://www.ecswcd.org/
Niagara County: email niagaraswcd@ny.nacdnet.org
Farm Environmental Assessments in Niagara County Niagara County Soil and Water Conservation District has received grants to conduct free, confidential environmental assessments of farms for interested farmers. Contact the office at 434-4949 for more information.
Annual Envirothon Event to Promote Awareness in High School Students
The 2006 Regional Envirothon for grades 9-12 will be in early May. This event is a competition among high school teams to test their knowledge on a number of environmental topics. Topics include Aquatics, Forestry, Soils and Wildlife with a particular current issue topic of Water Stewardship in a Changing Climate. Check out www.envirothon.org for more information. Winners of regional competitions will attend the New York State Envirothon at SUNY Oswego on May 25, 2006.
Determine your impact on the planet
How much land does it take to support you? Calculate your ecological footprint by visiting the following website: http://www.earthday.net/footprint/index.asp. This quiz approximates the number of acres that it takes to sustain your lifestyle. The average American requires about 24 acres of land to supply their needs. If all humans lived similar lifestyles, it would take 8 earth-size planets to support everyone. Take the quiz and see how you compare!
Pesticide Disposal Available
Clean Sweep Program of New York offers a legal and economical way for farms, schools, and commercial applicators to dispose of cancelled or otherwise unusable pesticides. The program will hire a professional waste hauler to dispose of pesticides and will provide services to identify unknown pesticide products. Pick up is planned for late April. You must submit an enrollment form by April 14, 2006. Forms may be obtained from your local DEC Pesticide office or via info@cleansweepny.org or toll-free at 1-877-793-3769.
Mentoring Young Scientists
The Buffalo Zoo has initiated the Mentoring Young Scientists program, in cooperation with a number of local organizations. If you enjoy working with youth and can donate time each week to meet with the, consider volunteering with this program. The program is designed to help underserved youth increase their knowledge and attitudes toward life science as well as empower them to set and achieve their goals. Contact Mark Denecke, Volunteer Coordinator at 995-6132 for more information or to request a mentor packet.
UPCOMING Events & Activities::
Tuesday, February 7
“History and Workings of the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens”- a talk by Charles Hunter, curator and instructor of herb and vegetable gardens at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and School of Horticulture in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The Landmark Society of the Niagara Frontier is sponsoring this free event scheduled from 12:15-1pm in the Market Arcade Building.
Wednesday, February 8
"Cold Buildings-A Thing of the Past" –a seminar by Jeff Brennan, sponsored by the Preservation Coalition of Erie County, as part of their Fall 2005-Winter 2006 Speaker Series. The talk will address energy efficiency in old buildings. The talk begins at 7 pm at the Old Editions Book Shop and Café. Cost is $5 for the general public, $2 for members of the Preservation Coalition of Erie County and the Landmark Society of the Niagara Frontier. Call the Coalition at 849-4222 for more info.
Wednesday, February 8
“Geology of Western New York”- an illustrated presentation by Jerold Bastedo, Executive Director of the Penn Dixie Site. The talk is at 7 pm and will be held in the auditorium in Gateway Executive Office, Rt. 5, Hamburg. Cost is $3/person for non-members of Hamburg Natural History Society. Call (716) 627-4560 for more information or visit www.penndixie.org.
Sunday, February 12
Snow Shelters- Learn how to construct an efficient home in the snow with fireplace! Join us for hot soup and baked bread afterward. 1:00-5PM. Cost is $35. To register, call 716-655-7622 or email: deaheartwood@aol.com. This event will be held at the WNY Land Conservancy’s ‘Kenneglenn Nature Preserve’.
Tuesday, February 14
“Gardens in the City”- a talk by Kathy Maloney, executive director of the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. The Landmark Society of the Niagara Frontier is sponsoring this free event scheduled from 12:15-1pm in the Market Arcade Building.
Tuesday, February 21
“The Past and Future of the Zoo”- a talk by Donna Fernandes, executive director of the Buffalo Zoo. The Landmark Society of the Niagara Frontier is sponsoring this free event scheduled from 12:15-1pm in the Market Arcade Building.
Wednesday, February 22
“Teenage Raptors, the Discovery of Two Juvenile Specimens of the Dinosaur Deinonychus”- a seminar presented by Bill and Kris Parsons. The talk is at 7 pm and will be held in the auditorium in Gateway Executive Office, Rt. 5, Hamburg. Cost is $3/person for non-members of Hamburg Natural History Society. Call (716) 627-4560 for more information or visit www.penndixie.org.
Wednesday, February 23
Wind Energy Roundtable- this is a followup session sponsored by the Wind Energy Action Group to discuss issues related to the local use of wind energy. For details on this session, contact: bill.nowak2@verizon.net
Thursday, February 23
Polar Bites 2006- a fundraiser for the Buffalo Zoo which will be held at the Hyatt Regency from 6-9 pm. Tickets are $30 pre-sale and $35 at the door. Call 837-3900, ext. 131 or visit www.buffalozoo.org for tickets and information.
Saturday, February 25
Animal Tracking - Learn how to identify wildlife tracks, gaits and patterns. Practice interpreting animal movement across the landscape! 1:00-4:30PM. Cost is $30. To register, call 716-655-7622 or email: deaheartwood@aol.com. This event will be held at the WNY Land Conservancy’s ‘Kenneglenn Nature Preserve’.
Tuesday, February 28
“Building on our Heritage-a Vision for the Waterfront of Tomorrow”- a free talk by Joan Bozer, director of the WNY Sustainable Energy Association. The Landmark Society of the Niagara Frontier is sponsoring this free event scheduled from 12:15-1pm in the Market Arcade Building.
Tuesday, February 28
Seminar on Ivory-billed Woodpecker Research -Ron Rohrbaugh, Director of Cornell’s Ivory-billed Woodpecker Research Project, will deliver a lecture at the Buffalo Museum of Science at 6:30 pm. Admission is free.
Saturday, March 4
Snow Shoe Adventure Hike- a fitness walk on the 130 acre WNY Land Conservancy’s ‘Kenneglenn Nature Preserve’ from 10:00am- 12:30pm. Appropriate for all ages!! Coffee, hot chocolate and cookies served.. Cost is $15. To register, call 716-655-7622 or email: deaheartwood@aol.com.
Wednesday. April 12
“Backyard Birds”- a seminar presented by Marilyn O’Connell of Wild Birds Unlimited. The talk is at 7 pm and will be held in the auditorium in Gateway Executive Office, Rt. 5, Hamburg. Cost is $3/person for non-members of Hamburg Natural History Society. Call (716) 627-4560 for more information or visit www.penndixie.org.
Friday, April 21-Sunday, April 23
Riverkeepers Spring Shoreline Sweep-Join others in Western New York as we remove debris from our shorelines. Stay tuned to http://www.fbnr.org/ for more details.
Saturday, June 3
"National Middle School Science Bowl”- featuring MODEL FUEL CELL CAR COMPETITION in which middle school students design, build and race model fuel cell cars. Location at the Buffalo Museum of Science. Visit the website of Western New York Sustainable Energy Association for more information, www.wnysustainableenergy.org_
Sunday, June 25
WNY Earth Day Committee’s FAMILY EXPO at the Buffalo Zoo. A host of environmental groups will have displays and activities for the children. Bags of goodies will be given to children participating in the “Environmental Scavenger Hunt.” In addition, there will be a raffle for a mountain bike, live music and lots of earth friendly food!! This year’s event will be chaired by Daemen College Center for SustainableCommunities and Civic Engagement and assisted by Gary Carrel, Erie Co. Department of Environment and Planning, Linda Hardie, Clean Communities of WNY and Erin Cala at UB Green. Please join us for this great family event from 10:00am-4:00pm. For more information, call or email Sharon Benz at 839-8524 / sbenz@daemen.edu
Saturday, September 30
Second Annual Environmental Summit at Daemen College-individuals interested in environmental and sustainability issues are invited to attend. Speakers, round-table discussions and display tables will be featured. Spread the word among friends and have them contact sustainc@daemen.edu to be put on the email list for this event.
Tips for the Environment:
1. Green your Valentine’s Day: show your love for the earth as well as for your valentine. (from the National Wildlife Federation http://www.nwf.org/getgreen)
Buy organic flowers (see the NWF site for a link and coupon), dried flower arrangements, live plants or “flowers” made from cookie dough. Traditional fresh-cut flowers have required pesticides, transportation and refrigeration to get to stores without withering.
Buy organic fair trade chocolate. Not only will you benefit from the ntioxidants, but you can ensure that workers are paid a fair wage and sustainable growing practices are used to minimize rainforest destruction.
Give a homemade card or one that is made with recycled paper. This will reduce logging for paper and the chemicals used for dying and bleaching paper.
2. Improve your gas mileage by reducing wind resistance-remove roof racks and other accessories if you're not using them. A fully loaded roof rack increases consumption by 30%! (from http://www.coopamerica.org/).
3. Check out the ‘country of origin’ on your fruits and vegetables and choose those that have travelled the least distance. Buying locally produced food saves energy and pollution by reducing transportation for goods.
5. Buy environmentally responsible products. The Environmental Protection Agency provides purchasing information for green products in a number of categories including carpets and floor coverings, cleaning supplies and electronics. Visit the following for links to suppliers: http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/epp/pubs/products/products.htm.
6. Stay informed. For more information on regional environmental issues, check out the electronic newsletters and websites of these organizations at the following addresses:
