Boston Flora

Tag: US Green Building Council

  • Leo Roy Appointed Commissioner of Department of Conservation and Recreation

    Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton announced that Leo Roy will serve as Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Leo Roy returns to public service after 15 years in the private sector, most recently as a Principal at VHB – an infrastructure planning, design, engineering, and environmental firm. Leo brings to the Department of Conservation and Recreation his experience in natural and cultural resource management, sustainability, ecological restoration, and agency management. The DCR is steward to 450,000 acres of public land, including state forests, state parks and drinking water supply protection areas.

    As an environmental consultant Roy worked for state and municipal governments, colleges and universities, airport and port authorities, and private corporations and developers. He was named a LEED Fellow by the US Green Building Council for over a decade’s work in promoting sustainable building design, construction, and operation, and was certified as an Envision Sustainability Professional by the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure in 2012.

    Previously, Roy served as Massachusetts Undersecretary of Environmental Affairs from 1992 to 1997. He has been an active supporter of numerous non-profit environmental organizations, serving on the Board of the Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC), and as Chair of the Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership.

  • Tuesday, October 12, 1:00 – 6:15 pm, and Wednesday, October 13, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm – Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts Tri-Refresher

    Come to Ashfield, Massachusetts Tuesday, October 12 and Wednesday, October 13 for a two day intensive course in the foothills of the Berkshires.  This course of study will explore Beaver Lodge, a residence designed by Marie Stella, who spoke to The Garden Club of the Back Bay in March, 2010.  This handsome laboratory setting will offer information on the promotion of sustainability, innovative use of native plant materials, construction of rain gardens, green roofs, and vegetated walls.  Rainwater harvesting and organic vegetable gardening will also be featured.  A “petting zoo” of green materials will help familiarize you with the latest products available.  Enjoy locavore gourmet meals and learn about Slow Food.  Beaver Lodge is Platinum LEED certified, the highest level of achievement designated by the US Green Building Council in Washington, DC, and the only such home in western Massachusetts.  Cost per person for the two day Tri-Refresher Workshop (Landscape Design, Gardening Studies School, and Environmental Studies) is $200 for eight hours of instruction.  Room and Board: Per night including breakfast (12 persons can be accommodated dormitory style at Beaver Lodge), $75.  Tuesday dinner and Wednesday lunch – organic local produce and products: $75.  Note: One group can stay overnight Tuesday and the other on Wednesday.  Total immersion is an integral part of the Beaver Lodge experience.  A list of items to bring will be mailed to participants, as well as directions.  To register, or for a copy of the complete schedule, contact Marie Stella, 719 Barnes Road, Shelburne Falls, MA by emailing marie@mariestellabeaverlodge.com.  You may also check her website at www.mariestellabeaverlodge.com.