Boston Flora

Category: Volunteer Opportunity

  • Real Food Challenge Seeks Office Space

    Nina Mukherji is Director of Programs at Real Food Challenge (www.realfoodchallenge.org), and has contacted us with a request. Currently located in Dorchester, they are looking for any space in the Boston that could be the new home office of Real Food Challenge. Real Food Challenge is a network of college and university students organizing to shift food the food at their schools to fair and sustainable sources, collectively creating a better food economy.

    “We have a small core staff and over a dozen organizing fellows around the country. We are growing and moving out of our parent organization, The Food Project, to a new fiscal sponsor, Third Sector New England. As part of the transition, we are looking for a new office space to accommodate 4 full time staff people and up to 5 part-time staff/organizers/interns.”

    Requirements are a central location, accessible to folks on Green, Orange, and Red lines (Downtown, Chinatown, Back Bay, Fenway, Longwood, Harvard Square. Parts of JP or Lower Roxbury)
    800-1000 square feet
    3-4 rooms
    One room that is large enough for 6-8 people to meet in
    A phone connection
    DSL or Cable for wireless
    Access to a kitchen space (nice, but not necessary)
    Windows
    Not too expensive– they’re a small, lean, movement-building machine!

    If you have any suggestions, contact Nina at 617-997-8440, or email her at mukherjin@gmail.com.

  • The Bottle Bill

    As you may know, on July 19th the Bottle Bill passed the Senate! This is a huge victory after a long, 14 year struggle. Now, the Emerald Necklace Conservancy needs the House of Representatives to jump on board and YOU can help!

    What is the Bottle Bill?  The Bottle Bill is the state’s most successful recycling and litter prevention program. Since the Bottle Bill’s inception in 1983, over 30 billion containers have been redeemed, contributing to a healthier environment, cleaner and safer communities, and a stronger economy.

    An Updated Bottle Bill would expand our container deposit system to include “new age” drinks such as non-carbonated beverages, water, iced tea, juice, and sports drinks. Projected to save cities and towns over $4 million in reduced cost for trash removal, this update would create jobs at redemption centers and at the companies that make products with the reclaimed materials. For more information from the Sierra Club about the Bottle Bill, please click here.

    Why is this Important?  An estimated 20 billion “new-age” beverages are consumed annually in the US, and this number is only expected to increase. As consumers purchase more of these beverages, an increasing number of containers are finding their way to landfills — an estimated 69,000 tons nationwide. An updated Bottle Bill would decrease litter – and increase recycling.

    What can YOU Do? Tell your State Representative to help pass this bill by signing the letter of support. Every House member needs to be contacted and get the message! Please contact your state representative by email or phone TODAY.  To find your House Representative, please Click Here.

  • Charles River Clean Up Boat Update

    Charles River Clean Up Boat Update

    From our friend Tom McNichol of the Charles River Clean Up Boat, a post Fourth of July update:

    “We got the river clean early this year with help for the Charles River Yacht Club, and kept it clean until the 4th of July.

    Again we all had a world class party, one the whole city can be very proud to be part of. Even the evacuation and rain had little effect on the enthusiasm, and patriotism, displayed. Part of the deal is after every party you have to clean up. We expect it every year, and consider it our contribution to the bash. We started our part of the clean up on July 5th.

    Now a little information on fireworks. Every rocket has a tube it is fired from. These tubes are loaded days in advance and each one has a colorful plastic cap covering the upturned end. It’s purpose is to keep water and debris out of the charges prior to firing. When the weather is good these caps are removed prior to firing. This year it is a good thing that they were not removed, as it began to pour just as the first rocket was fired. You guessed it, the down side is hundreds, maybe thousands were fired into the river in addition to the normal residue from the rockets. See attached photos.

    We will keep finding them for months as they come out from under docks and the bushes. The good news is, after 4 days on the river, we have picked up all of the obvious ones. The rest we will get on subsequent trips, but you should not see any as you walk along the river. In fact we are back to a clean beautiful river.

    Funding wise we are getting to where we need to be. I am sure a number of our supporters just haven’t got around to sending the check.. I need to get on the phone and make some calls. Just not my favorite activity and I tend to procrastinate.

    As to volunteers…WOW… we already have crews for every scheduled day for the rest of the year. This is the first time we have filled up so early. Thank you very much, everybody

    The boat is running strong, the weather has been clear and dry, for the most part, the river is clean and the concerts are in full swing.

    You have played a part in keeping the wonderful playground beautiful. Come out and enjoy.”

    If you are interested in making a donation to support the operation of the Clean Up Boat, please contact Tom McNichol at 508.877.3624, or email  cleanupboat@yahoo.com.

  • Saturday, July 14 (raindate Sunday, July 15), 8:30 am – 4:00 pm – 23rd Annual Concord, Massachusetts Xerces/NABA Butterfly Count

    The NABA Butterfly Counts, a program for the North American Butterfly Association, is a compilation of all butterflies observed at sites within a 15-mile diameter count circle in a one-day period. The annually published reports provide a tremendous amount of information about the geographical distribution and relative population sizes of the species counted. Comparisons of the results across years can be used to monitor changes in butterfly populations and study the effects of weather and habitat change on North American butterflies.

    The 427 U.S. counts in 2011 were held in 47 states plus the District of Columbia. Florida led in number of counts (62, down from 68 last year), followed by California (28, down 3 from last year) and Michigan (22, up 4 from last year). Thirteen other states submitted 10-25 counts, 25 states reported 2-9 counts, and six states plus D.C. reported a single count. No counts were submitted from Hawaii, Kentucky, or Nevada.

    This year’s Xerces/NABA butterfly count will be held on Saturday, 14 July with a rain date of 15 July. Dick Walton hopes you will join him to continue the tradition.  There is a $3 fee for each count participant. Cost of the annual summary for all Xerces/NABA Counts is $6.00 ($4.00 for NABA members). Dick will provide a Concord Count summary to all participants.  So, oil up your nets and get ready. Meet at 7 Concord Greene # 8 in Concord at 8:30 A.M. Bring your own lunch. We will have a picnic and count down around 4:00 P.M.

    Please email to confirm your participation to dwalton@comcast.net and feel free to invite a friend and/or butterfly enthusiasts.

  • Tuesday, June 12, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Bowker Overpass Meeting

    The Department of Transportation has announced a formal meeting to discuss the future of the Bowker Overpass and new ramps from that structure to the turnpike.  The meeting will take place Tuesday, June 12, from 6 – 8, at the Mezzanine Conference Room of the Boston Public Library in Copley Square.   The Friends of the Charlesgate ask that we come to the meeting and show support at this all important event.  Decisions could be made there that will determine the long-term fate of both the Bowker and the Charlsgate, and could impact the quality of life in the city of Boston for many years to come.

    Charlesgate Park, located in Back Bay West, is the link to the Charles River from the historic Emerald Necklace and was destroyed with the construction of the Bowker Overpass in 1967.  This overpass connects Storrow Drive to Park Drive and upper Boyston Street.  Now, as the 40 year old structure approaches its final years as a safe and viable roadway, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Transportation is faced with a critical decision: rebuild the Bowker Overpass or remove it permanently, establishing alternative routes, and restore the once lovely parkland known as the Charlesgate to its intended use as an urban green space in the downtown neighborhoods of Boston.  The restoration could potentially provide a pedestrian-friendly passage to the Esplanade as well as reestablish the continuity of the Commonwealth Mall to Kenmore Square.

    The Friends of the Charlesgate is actively seeking to remove the overpass. With the support of Representative Marty Walz and Boston City Councillor Mike Ross, they have met to discuss this issue with representatives from Mass DOT, the Boston City Transportation Department, the BRA, the Medical Academic and Scientific Community Organization, the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, and the Muddy River Restoration Project.  Visit their website at http://cgatepark.com, and while there you may sign the petition supporting the restoration of Charlesgate Park.

  • Saturday, June 9, 7:30 am – 5:00 pm – BioBlitz at the Northfield Town Forest

    Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust is joining with the Town of Northfield to host a BioBlitz on Saturday, June 9th, at the Northfield Town Forest. Volunteers are invited to come down and join the BioBlitz—an event in which people gather to survey a property and compile an extensive list of species, both plants and animals, present in the area.

    Volunteers of every level of outdoor experience are encouraged to attend. Trained experts in a variety of fields will be on hand to make final identifications of species found. The BioBlitz will have two shifts. A morning walk for bird species will be led by birders Bill and Jay Rasku and by Mount Grace Stewardship Biologist Tom Wansleben from 7:30-9:30 am.

    In the afternoon, from 1-5pm, volunteers will gather to catalog plants, fungi, and signs of animals. Participating team leaders include biologists Kasey Rolih and Brad Compton from UMass, Foresters Helen Johnson and Mike Barry, outdoor educators Clare Green and Ted Watt, tracker David Brown, and Mount Grace’s MassLIFT-AmeriCorps Land Steward Meghan Cornwall.

    There will be an arts and crafts table for children which will be led by Mount Grace’s MassLIFT-AmeriCorps Outreach Coordinator Aja Lippincott. Kids will be able to draw what they have found, help create a logo for the Town Forest and more. Kids of all ages are welcome to assist on the walk and create nature art.

    The information gathered at this event will be used to help plan future stewardship at the Northfield Town Forest, a 151-acre property protected in 2011 with assistance from Mount Grace. Come help discover the town forest on Saturday June 9th at the Northfield Town Forest trail head on Gulf Road.

    Directions to the Northfield Town Forest are as follows: From the Northfield Town Hall, head south on 63, turn east (left) onto Maple St. Continue onto Gulf Rd for about 2.2 miles. The event headquarters will be at the parking area for the Brush Mountain Conservation Area. Volunteers will be helping to direct parking. Please carpool, if possible.

    For more information or to RSVP to this event please contact Meghan Cornwall, at (978) 248-2055 x 14 or steward_americorps@mountgrace.org.

  • Tuesday, May 22 – Thursday, May 24 – Hands On Wetland Creation Workshop

    As part of the Spadefoot Toad Restoration Project, the Massachusetts Audubon Society, in collaboration with the Center for Wetlands and Stream Restoration, Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the SFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, will conduct a two day hands on wetland creation workshop in Barnstable on Tuesday, May 22 through Thursday, May 24.

    Isolated wetlands provide vital habitat to many species of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Unfortunately, a majority of these ecosystems have been lost due to draining and filling throughout North America. These landscape modifications are now affecting recovery efforts for endangered species, reducing water quality, increasing flooding, and reducing ground water supplies. Fortunately, it’s now possible to construct ponds and wetlands that look and function similar to natural wetlands, with desired hydro-periods, aquatic vegetation, and animal life. While protection and restoration of natural wetlands remain the highest priorities, creation can be an important option where wetland habitats have been lost. This hands-on workshop is designed for individuals interested in learning how to use practical, low cost techniques for building wetlands for wildlife. Participants will see how wetland projects can be planned in forested and open areas, on vast expanses of public land, and even on school grounds to benefit plants, animals, and people. Attendees will discover how to select the best locations for building wetlands, test soils, choose construction techniques, work with heavy equipment operators, and establish native plants. Also, through a series of presentations, participants will learn about conservation efforts using reintroduction, translocation, and habitat restoration techniques and learn about Eastern spadefoot toad conservation efforts on Cape Cod. A field trip to a nearby spadefoot population is included.

    Who should attend? Biologists, foresters, hydrologists, engineers, technicians, educators, land trusts, and other non-profit and environmental org professionals.

    Cost: $240 which includes lunches on three days, hand-out materials, signed copy of the book Wetland Restoration and Construction – A Technical Guide by Thomas Biebighauser, and more!
    Location: 345 Bone Hill Rd. Barnstable, MA .  Please hurry, registration is limited to 30 participants! Visit www.massaudubon.org to download the complete brochure.

  • Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28, 8:30 am – 2:00 pm – Boston Shines and Alley Rally

    Join Mayor Thomas M. Menino for Boston Shines 2012, the 10th annual citywide neighborhood cleanup, on Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28 from 8:30 am – 2:00 pm.  To volunteer, or for more information, contact the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services at 617-635-3485.  For information after working hours, call 617-635-4500, or visit www.cityofboston.gov to register online.

    In Back Bay specifically, The Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay sponsors Alley Rally 2012. Spring is definitely here, and Alley Rally 2012 will sweep through the neighborhood on Saturday, April 28, 2012, from 9:00 a.m. through noon. Coordinating with Mayor Menino’s Citywide Cleanup, come and join your neighbors, including groups from local fraternities and some of our Back Bay schools, in sweeping the alleys and side streets. Thanks to donations from our local businesses, we provide coffee, juice and doughnuts at the Clarendon Street Playground starting at 8:30 a.m. At 9:00 a.m., we will divide in groups and head off to clean. After we finish, there will be a picnic lunch (also donated by Back Bay businesses) for the volunteers at the playground. This is a great way to get to know your neighbors and spruce up the neighborhood at the same time. NABB has been conducting the Alley Rally since 1967! For further information, please contact Ellen Rooney at parnell3@verizon.net.

  • Saturday, April 28, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm – Invasive Species Pull

    Join Historic New England at the Lyman Estate in Waltham on Saturday, April 28 from 9 – 1 for a morning of removing invasive species – garlic mustard, celandine, dame’s rocket, and bishop’s gout weed – that are crowding out the native plants and are not supportive of wildlife.  Enjoy guided tours of the landscape and greenhouses in appreciation of your generous service.  Obviously free (you can’t charge people to pull weeds, after all!) but registration is requested by calling 617-227-3956, or at www.historicnewengland.org.

  • Saturday, April 21, 9:00 am – 12:00 noon – Two Cleanup Events at the Muddy River and the Kelleher Rose Garden

    Volunteers, take note.  The Emerald Necklace Conservancy will sponsor two spring cleanup events on Saturday, April 21, from 9 – noon.  If you’re interested in the Muddy River Cleanup or the Wake Up the Kelleher Rose Garden morning, rsvp to Kevin O’Grady at projectassistant@emeraldnecklace.org.