Boston Flora

Tag: University Of Connecticut

  • Thursday, February 8, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm – Climate Change and Coastal Communities: Exploring Resilience Strategies

    Historic New England is sponsoring a free panel discussion at the Fairfield Museum and History Center, 370 Beach Road in Fairfield, Connecticut, on February 8, with light refreshments served at 5:30 and program beginning at 6 pm. Scheduled speakers include Michael Jehle, Executive Director, Fairfield Museum and History Center, Patricia M. O’Donnell, FASLA, Landscape Architect and Founder of Heritage Landscapes, John Truscinski, Director of Resilience Planning, Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation at University of Connecticut, and Peter F. Viteretto, FASLA, Landscape Architect and Principal. Heritage Landscapes. For more information call 617-994-5934, or email events@historicnewengland.org. Registration encouraged HERE.

    This dynamic free panel and talk is sponsored by Historic New England Trustee Edward F. Gerber. The series brings together preservationists, civic leaders and educators in conversation about issues relevant to preservation in Connecticut.

  • Wednesday, January 26, 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm – Engaging Landowners in Sustainable Stewardship, Online

    The decisions that private owners of woodlands and other natural areas make in the coming decade will play a large role in determining the sustainability of not only our New England landscape but across the country as well.

    How can we reach and motivate this audience to take specific actions that will benefit not only their own lands, but the larger landscape and community? This Ecological Landscape Alliance online presentation on January 26 at noon will share experiences and lessons from a multi-year landowner outreach project in the MassConn Woods, a rural, largely forested region on the border of central Massachusetts and northeastern Connecticut, as well as region-wide efforts to unite rural and urban communities in implementing natural solutions to climate change. We’ll discuss tools and resources for promoting climate change resilience and developing communications to motivate stakeholders across the country to take action in order to care for the places they love.

    Presenter Lisa Hayden  is the Outreach Manager for New England Forestry Foundation, where she works with steward volunteers and leads an outreach program in the MassConn Woods of south central Massachusetts and northeastern Connecticut. Collaborating with numerous partners, her recent grant-funded work focuses on creating and implementing communications tools about climate-informed forestry for land trusts and conservation partnerships. With a Journalism degree from the University of Connecticut and an MA in Urban & Environmental Policy & Planning from Tufts University, Lisa brings experience from The Nature Conservancy developing strategic messaging and blogging about how climate change affects people’s lives. A former journalist covering politics and environment in Connecticut and California, and a woodland owner herself, she is excited to be supporting land owners in her home area.

    Free to ELA members, $10 for nonmembers. Register at www.ecolandscaping.org.

  • Friday, December 10, 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm – Eco-Friendly Healthy Eating: Nutrition to Support Landscape Professionals and Gardeners, Online

    Our planet is changing. Now more than ever, it is important to choose sustainable, climate-friendly foods. In this Ecological Landscape Alliance December 10 webinar at noon, Samantha McCarthy, registered dietitian, will discuss how to incorporate an eco-friendly diet pattern into your life not only to help the planet, but also to improve your health and support the high physical demand put on landscape professionals . Topics discussed will include:

    • Diet and environmental footprint
    • Key diet patterns to minimize eco-impact
    • Seasonal diet changes to support changing activity levels
    • The anti-inflammatory diet
    • Plant-based Diets, the environment, and inflammation in the body

    Samantha McCarthy MS, RD/LDN has worked in the nutrition and fitness field for over 10 years. She currently works at Cedardale Health and Fitness in Haverhill, MA as the Director of Wellness and Group Exercise. She counsels a broad range of clients, specializing in weight loss, chronic disease prevention and management, and sports nutrition. Sam has a passion for helping others reach their health and wellness goals. She has a comprehensive approach to health incorporating nutrition, exercise, stress management, and behavior change into her counseling.

    Sam received her bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Connecticut with a minor in nutrition for exercise and sport. While working in Boston as a dietitian and fitness professional, she received her master’s degree in nutrition and health promotion from Simmons College. In her free time, Sam enjoys cooking, gardening, reading, and spending time outdoors.

    Register at http://ecolandscaping.org

  • Tuesday, January 12, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – University of Connecticut George Safford Torrey Herbarium Virtual Tour

    Native Plant Trust has partnered with staff at university herbaria throughout New England to offer a special inside look at the region’s most impressive plant specimen collections. All programs will be conducted virtually. On Tuesday, January 12, from 1 – 2 pm, Sarah Taylor will lead you, on line, through the University of Connecticut’s George Safford Torrey Herbarium. $12 for NPT members, $15 for nonmembers. Register at http://www.nativeplanttrust.org/events/university-connecticut-george-safford-torrey-herbarium/

  • Saturday, August 18, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Pollinator Activity on Native Shrub Cultivars

    Increasingly native plants have been used to support pollinators in the landscape, but consumers and conservation groups want the best plants to support these organisms. Native plants are primarily sold as cultivated varieties (cultivars), which have been questioned for their ability to support as effectively as “straight species”, plants that have been unaltered from their natural form. Dr. Jessica Lubell-Brand and Jacob Ricker have directed research towards pursuing the answer to this question. Six native shrub species and cultivars at the University of Connecticut native shrub planting are being measured for pollinator visitation. Over ten groups of pollinators are being assessed to find potential similarities or differences among the straight species and their varieties in an attempt to encompass as much diversity as possible. This Saturday, August 18 Tower Hill Botanic Garden presentation from 1 – 2 will entail a summary of the results of two complete seasons of research at the shrub planting. Free with admission to the garden. For more information visit www.towerhillbg.org.

    Jacob earned his BS in 2016 at the University of Connecticut, where he is now in his second year of his Masters Degree in Plant Science working in the lab of Dr. Jessica Lubell-Brand.

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  • Saturday, April 28, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm – Ware River Nature Club Spring Conference: Our Aerial Insectivorous Birds – Current Conservation Issues

    The Ware River Nature Club’s Spring Conference will take place Saturday, April 28 from 8:30 – 4:30 at the Harvard Forest in Petersham. The guild of northeastern avian insectivores—birds that specialize in feeding on flying insects—includes Whip-poor-wills (picture below, courtesy of www.allaboutbirds.org), Common Nighthawks, Chimney Swifts, several species of swallows and flycatchers, and Purple Martins. Most of these species are experiencing dramatic population declines and range contraction. The plight of aerial insectivores is gaining increasing attention since the magnitude of the declines over the past 25 years has been alarming. This conference will address ecology, current status, and theories regarding population decline in several species. Some citizen science opportunities will be explored.

    GUEST SPEAKERS:

    Kim Spiller, UMass ECO Graduate School—Overview: Aerial Insectivore Conservation Concerns

    Pam Hunt, New Hampshire Audubon—The Whip-poor-will: Biology and Conservation of a Crepuscular Enigma

    Marja Bakermans ,Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Andrew Vitz, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife—Migratory Connectivity of the Eastern Whip-poor-will

    KEYNOTE: Margaret Rubega, University of Connecticut—The Disappearance of an Almost-Invisible Bird: The Mysterious Biology and Decline of the Chimney Swift

    Mara Silver, Northeast Swallow Conservation—Conservation of Cliff and Barn Swallows, Two Species in Decline in the Northeast

    Mary Keleher, Cape Cod Bird Club—Mary’s Mashpee Martins

    Jessie Knowlton, Wheaton College—Threats and Coping Strategies of Neotropical Migrants on the Wintering Grounds: Examples from Southern Mexico

    Hollie Sutherland, UMass ECO Graduate School—Using Trail and Web Cameras for Bird Study

    $35 for WRNC members, $45 for nonmembers, lunch included. Contact warerivernatureclub@yahoo.com to register or for more information.

    Image result for whippoorwill bird

  • Friday, March 16, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm – Soil & Water Conservation Society Winter Conference: Healthy Forests, Healthy Habitats

    The Southern New England Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society will hold its 2018 Winter Conference on Friday, March 16 from 8 – 5 at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge. Guest speakers include

    Lois Bruinooge, Executive Director, The Last Green Valley, & Coordinator, Southern New England Heritage Forest Project
    Partners Bring $6.1 Million to the Region for Forest Conservation!

    Michael Downey, MA DCR Service Forester
    Introduction to Agroforestry: The Science, Practice and Possibilities for Massachusetts

    Fern Graves, RI Department of Environmental Management, Forester & Stewardship Coordinator
    Healthy Forests

    Douglas Hutcheson, MA DCR Service Forester
    Forestry Best Management Practices

    Steve Johnson, Ph.D., Senior Ecologist, SWCA Environmental Consultants
    Rare and Endangered Species and Forest Cutting

    Christopher Martin, Forestry, CT DEEP
    Forestry and Water Quality

    John Scanlon, Habitat Program Supervisor, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife
    Young Forest Habitats, Forest Reserves and Rare Species Habitats

    Thomas Worthley, Associate Extension Professor at the University of Connecticut
    Perspectives on Woodland Management in a Parcelizing World

    In keeping with the Forestry and Wildlife theme, we will be joined for the day by members of the Yankee Division of the Society of American Foresters (YDSAF), the professional forestry organization in Southern New England, for their Annual Meeting.

    $65 SWCS Members & SAF Members
    $65 Government Staff
    $90 Non-Members
    $40 Students
    Group Discounts (25% OFF)

    In conjunction with the conference, EnviroCert International, Inc. (ECI) will be leading review courses and a next day exam for several professional certifications including but not limited to the Certified Professional in Erosion & Sediment Control™ (CPESC®) and Certified Erosion, Sediment & Stormwater Inspector™ (CESSWI™) programs. Registration for these review courses and exams are available at http://booking.envirocertintl.org/ and is a separate registration.

    Contact Megan Myers, Executive Director, with questions at info@swcssnec.org

    Image result for southern new england heritage forest

  • Sunday, March 4, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm – NOFA/RI Winter Conference

    Join Northeast Organic Farming Association of Rhode Island on Sunday, March 4 from 8:30 – 4:30 at Hope & Main, 691 Main Street in Warren, Rhode Island for a full day of workshops with speakers locally known and nationally recognized. There will be a potluck lunch.

    Featured in the award-wining documentary, A Small Good Thing, Jennifer and Pete Salinetti (pictured below) have been farming together for over 16 years and have created a thriving farm and CSA business in the Berkshires. Woven Roots Farm focuses on bio-intensive growing using no-till and environmentally sound farming practices. For the past 15 years, Jen has taught classes and has lead garden education programs throughout New England and has been actively involved in the local food movement within the Berkshires. She is currently developing an education center at their homestead in Tyringham. Jen holds a degree in Sustainable Agriculture and Herbal Studies and Pete has has a degree in horticulture.The Salinettis grow more than 75 crops, “all the usual stuff,” plus a considerable amount grown to extend their season. In recent years they have not been using tillage to grow their vegetables. Jen feels that by not disturbing the soil they have a considerable positive impact on carbon sequestration on their land. They have experienced and found a significant increase in quality and yields which has enabled them to create a viable business on a small amount land.

    Also featured is Ben Hewitt of Lazy Mill Hill Farm, speaking on The Family Cow and The Nourishing Homestead. Born and raised in northern Vermont, in a two-room cabin situated on a 165-acres, Ben knows about a thing or two about homesteading. He now lives in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom with his wife and two sons, where they run a small-scale, diversified hill farm. Their focus is producing nutrient dense foods from vibrant, mineralized soils for their family and the immediate community. He’s a freelance writer and author. He is currently working on his sixth book.

    Ryan Bouchard and Emily Schmidt of RI Mushroom Hunting Foundation will give a talk on Spring Mushroom Season. Ryan Bouchard and Emily Schmidt created the Mushroom Hunting Foundation, to educate people about safely hunting for wild mushrooms. It is a nonprofit organization that aims to make mushroom hunting better understood and well-known as part of our culture. Ryan is the author of Gourmet Mushrooms of Rhode Island, the first book and calendar about mushroom hunting in the Ocean State. Look for a new 2019 edition titled Gourmet Mushrooms of the Northeast.

    Learn about Growing Medicinal Herbs from Mary Blue of Farmacy Herbs. Since 2001, Mary has taught classes on herbalism at local businesses, hospitals, universities, conferences and to special interest groups and non profits. Her programs were so popular that Mary started developing the Farmacy’s Herbal Education and Training Program. Her programs focus on herbal medicine, health justice and nutritional healing. Mary holds a teaching associate position at the Brown University Medical School, teaching Western Herbalism to the Integrative Resident Program.

    Chuck Currie of Freedom Food Farm will discuss Onions & Garlic Grown Organically. Chuck studied biochemistry and chemistry before taking a sustainable agriculture course, visiting a small farm run by someone not much older than him, and instantly realizing he had wanted to be a farmer his entire life. After many years of farming in Vermont, Chuck moved back to Southeastern Massachusetts with the goal of providing equal access to good food in more urban communities, and to be closer to family and friends. He started Freedom Food Farm in 2012.

    Julie Rawson and Jack Kittredge of Many Hands Organic Farm will speak on Practical No-Till Carbon Farming. Julie, the Executive Director of NOFA Mass, and Jack, editor of NOFA’s “The Natural Farmer”, are in a unique position as educators and advocates of carbon farming as their farm is one of many to demonstrate that building soil makes both economic and ecological sense for farmers. Over the years, Julie has experimented with various tillage practices and can offer many insights to the challenges of moving to a no-tillage operation. Julie and Jack run a 70-person CSA, raise and sell pasture-raised eggs, broiler chickens, turkeys, beef, and pork, and operate a non-profit, Many Hands Sustainability Center.

    Rick Hermonont presents Tools for a Profitable Livestock Business. After operating a dairy farm for over 30 years, Rick converted the farm to diversified agricultural including turkeys, chicken, pork, beef, misc. cash crops and agri-tourism. For over 20 years, Rick has held sessions to train those interested in records keeping, budgeting, business planning, financial and feasibility analysis, succession planning, business benchmarking and more. Rick is a Farm Business Consultant with Farm Credit East. He holds a BS in Animal Science from the University of Connecticut.

    Finally, Dan Bensenoff, a father, farmer, forager, and fermentation freak, will give a talk entitled Garden Like a Farmer. Before working with NOFA/Mass, he worked as a vegetable grower for 4 years.

    Register at http://nofari.org/events/winter-conference/#.WohhS4JG06d. NOFA member price $50, nonmember $60.

  • Thursday, January 16, 5:15 pm – 7:30 pm – The Fight Before the Flood: Rural Protest and the Debate Over Boston’s Quabbin Reservoir

    In 1919, state engineers proposed solving Boston’s water supply crisis by damming the Swift River, flooding a western Massachusetts valley and evicting 2,500 people. The contentious six-year debate that followed does not fit the standard story of urban conservationists versus rural peoples, as many valley residents defined themselves as rural and conservationist, and thus offers scholars a chance to see fresh nuances in early twentieth-century land management, rural life, and urban development. The Massachusetts Historical Society welcomes Jeffrey Egan of University of Connecticut, with comment by Karl Haglund, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, on Tuesday, January 16 from 5:15 – 7:30, at 1154 Boylston Street in Boston. To RSVP: email seminars@masshist.org or call (617) 646-0579.

  • Friday, November 17, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – The Boatman: Thoreau on the Water

    Robert Thorson, PhD, Professor of Geology, University of Connecticut, and Columnist, Hartford Courant, will speak at the Arnold Arboretum on Friday, November 17, 7:00–8:30 pm in the Hunnewell Building.

    Henry David Thoreau was a boatman, more than he was a woodsman: a lifelong river rat whose sense of place emerged from boating, walking, and skating the Assabet, Sudbury, and Concord Rivers. As a backyard naturalist and river enthusiast, Henry David Thoreau was keenly aware of the way humans had altered the waterways and meadows of his beloved Concord River Valley. And he recognized that he himself—a land surveyor by trade—was as complicit in these transformations as the bankers, lawyers, builders, landowners, and elected officials who were his clients. Robert Thorson shares a compelling story of Thoreau’s intellectual growth and scientific understanding of the changes made to the river he cherished more than Walden Pond. Robert Thorson’s book, The Boatman: Henry David Thoreau’s River Years, will be available for purchase and signing. Fee Free, but registration required. Offered in collaboration with JP Reads. Register at my.arboretum.harvard.edu or call 617-384-5277.