#environmentalstewardship — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #environmentalstewardship, aggregated by home.social.
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#WaterburyCT receives $339K DEEP grant for #RisdonDam removal project
By Dalton Zbierski, 7/4/2026
"A vision in Waterbury is en route to becoming reality, as the city received a grant from the state this week to help kickstart the Risdon #DamRemoval Project on South Main Street.
"The $339,000 Long Island Sound Ecosystems Grant from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will fund an important early stage of the project to remove the aging Risdon Dam.
"The grant will cover the environmental investigation, engineering design and permitting required for the removal of the dam, which is located behind the former factory at 2100 South Main St.
"A release this week from the city announced the award from DEEP and explained the purpose of the project.
"Removing the dam will restore the natural flow of #HopevillePondBrook, a tributary of the #NaugatuckRiver within the #LongIslandSound #watershed.
"The project aims to improve #AquaticHabitat, reconnect #StreamCorridors, reduce #FloodRisk and eliminate a deteriorating structure that poses safety risks for nearby properties and infrastructure, according to city officials.
"It will take approximately one year to complete the planning, design and permitting phase. Then, the construction will move on to bidding.
"On Wednesday, Waterbury Mayor Paul Pernerewski, Jr. said the grant represents another significant investment in the city’s infrastructure and #EnvironmentalStewardship.
" 'Removing the Risdon Dam will improve the health of Hopeville Pond Brook, reduce flood risks and help restore a more resilient #ecosystem for #FutureGenerations,' Pernerewski said.
"The mayor also thanked #DEEP for its support and collaboration in helping the project move forward.
"DEEP Commissioner #KatieDykes, who will be leaving her position this month, said the project marks the state’s commitment to protecting and ensuring the health and perseverance of its waterways and the Long Island Sound Watershed.
" 'Supporting the planning, engineering and design needed to move this project toward construction will help advance future improvements to #StreamConnectivity, aquatic habitat and #FloodResilience,' Dykes said.
"The funding was made available to DEEP through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Long Island Sound Partnership National Estuary Program."
#SolarPunkSunday #RestoreFloodplains #BuildingForResiliency #FloodplainReclamation #Connecticut #DamRemoval #Floodplain #Watersheds #RiverRestoration
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Laws Every Scout Should Know
Being a Scout means more than camping, hiking, and earning merit badges. Scouts are also expected to be good citizens who understand the rules and laws that help keep our communities safe and fair. While Scouts are not expected to be lawyers, learning about important laws can help them become informed and responsible leaders. 1. The Scout Law and the Law of the Land The Scout Law teaches Scouts to be Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, […]https://troop161ma.wordpress.com/2026/06/26/laws-every-scout-should-know/
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Laws Every Scout Should Know
Being a Scout means more than camping, hiking, and earning merit badges. Scouts are also expected to be good citizens who understand the rules and laws that help keep our communities safe and fair. While Scouts are not expected to be lawyers, learning about important laws can help them become informed and responsible leaders. 1. The Scout Law and the Law of the Land The Scout Law teaches Scouts to be Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, […]https://troop161ma.wordpress.com/2026/06/26/laws-every-scout-should-know/
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Menjaga Bumi untuk Generasi Mendatang: Tanggung Jawab Bersama dalam Konservasi Lingkungan
Di era modern yang ditandai dengan perkembangan teknologi dan pertumbuhan ekonomi yang pesat, isu lingkungan menjadi salah satu tantangan terbesar yang dihadapi umat manusia. Perubahan iklim, berkurangnya kawasan hutan, pencemaran udara dan air, serta menurunnya keanekaragaman hayati merupakan dampak nyata dari aktivitas manusia yang kurang memperhatikan keseimbangan alam. Di tengah kondisi tersebut, kesadaran akan pentingnya konservasi lingkungan menjadi semakin relevan. Foto ini […] -
#OgunquitME - #Stewardship #Workday: #BeachPlumFarm
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
9:00 am
Beach Plum Farm
610 Main St, Ogunquit, ME 03907"Beach Plum Farm is the last remaining #SaltWaterFarm in Ogunquit, home to #CommunityGardens, and the office of Great Works Regional #LandTrust.
Join #GWRLT for a Stewardship Workday on Wednesday, May 6th, 9am to noon at Beach Plum Farm, Ogunquit. We will be removing invasive species and a spring cleanup. Let us know if you can help out by registering below."
FMI and to register:
https://gwrlt.org/event/stewardship-2/#SolarPunkSunday #MaineEvents #InvasivePlants #SpringCleanup #EnvironmentalStewardship #LandTrusts #GreatWorksRegionalLandTrust
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Healthy forest floor; ground ivy, common ivy, enchanter's nightshade, etc. The herbaceous layer of a forest is perhaps the most undervalued, but the recognition of its importance to a wooded habitat is increasing.
#environment #environmentalscience #environmentalStewardship #nature #naturephotography #forest #forestecology #ecology #flora #naturalforest #woodland
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Building #Resilience in Your #Garden for Challenges
April 17, 2024 by Hellen James
"Gardening can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s not without its challenges. From unpredictable weather patterns to pests and diseases, maintaining a thriving garden requires resilience. In this article, we’ll explore practical strategies to build resilience in your garden, ensuring it can withstand whatever challenges come its way.
Takeaways
1. Choose resilient plant varieties suited to your climate and soil conditions.
2. Improve soil health with #compost, #WormCastings, and cover crops to support plant resilience.
3. Implement water-efficient strategies such as #DripIrrigation and #rainwater harvesting to conserve water.
4. Utilize #NaturalPestControl methods like introducing beneficial insects and #CompanionPlanting.
5. Adapt to changing climate conditions by incorporating climate-resilient gardening practices.
6. Plan and prepare for each season to optimize plant growth and resilience.
7. Foster #biodiversity through companion planting and native plant selections to enhance garden resilience.
8. Create microclimates to tailor growing conditions to the specific needs of your plants.
9. #Mulch to suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature, and retain moisture for improved resilience.
10. Embrace #SustainableGardening practices to build long-term #resilience and environmental #stewardship.Full article:
https://unifiedgarden.com/building-resilience-in-your-garden-for-challenges/#SolarPunkSunday #GardeningChallenges #ClimateChangeGardening #EnvironmentalStewardship #RainwaterHarvesting #BuildingResiliency #FoodSecurity
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Thinking Green: Why Schools Should Have #NaturalSpaces
December 13, 2023.
"As urbanization and technology increasingly dominate our landscapes and lifestyles, many educational facilities are becoming more and more sterile. However, the presence of green or natural spaces in schools has become more important than ever. Not only do these spaces offer aesthetic value, but they also contribute significantly to the physical, psychological, and educational well-being of students. This article explores the benefits of integrating green spaces in school environments and provides practical strategies, such as sourcing wholesale plants, for schools to achieve this goal.
The Benefits of Green Spaces
"Learning and Cognitive Development: Exposure to natural environments has been shown to improve memory, attention, and concentration in students. This leads to better academic performance and a more effective learning environment. Additionally, green spaces provide sensory experiences and opportunities for hands-on learning experiences and exploration, fostering curiosity and creativity among students.
"Mental Health and Well-being: Green spaces provide a calming effect, reducing stress and anxiety in students. The tranquil environment of natural settings can offer a peaceful retreat from the often hectic school routine, contributing to better mental health and emotional well-being. In fact, studies have shown that children who have regular access to green spaces exhibit fewer behavioral problems, such as hyperactivity.
"Physical and Social Development: Access to green spaces encourages physical activities like playing, walking, and other forms of exercise. This not only helps in tackling issues like obesity but also promotes overall health and fitness among students. Natural environments also foster more organic social interactions that lead to improved social skills, better peer relationships, and greater opportunities for collaborative learning and play.
"Environment Quality: Plants and trees in green spaces function as natural air filters, improving air quality around the school. This is particularly beneficial in urban areas, where air pollution is a significant concern. At the same time, plants can perform the job of being natural sound buffers, reducing noise pollution and creating a more peaceful and conducive learning environment for students.
"Connection with Nature: Regular exposure to green spaces helps students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the #NaturalWorld. Students can learn about plants, animals, and ecosystems firsthand, applying their classroom knowledge to real-life experiences. This connection is crucial for fostering #EnvironmentalStewardship and a sense of responsibility towards nature conservation.
Strategies for Creating Green Spaces
"Creating #SchoolGardens: School gardens can be used for teaching subjects like biology, environmental science, and nutrition. Gardens offer hands-on learning opportunities and can help students understand plant life cycles and food production. At the same time, planting trees around school premises can create shaded areas, reduce heat, and improve air quality. Sourcing native plants from wholesale nurseries can be a cost-effective and sustainable way to establish school gardens and contribute to overall greening efforts.
"Developing #GreenPlaygrounds: Unlike traditional playgrounds that predominantly feature manufactured equipment, green playgrounds integrate natural elements such as trees, grassy areas, bushes, and sand. These spaces are designed to stimulate imaginative and unstructured play, which is crucial for children’s cognitive, physical, and emotional development. By incorporating elements like logs for balancing, natural climbing structures, and areas for digging, children engage in more creative and physically active play.
"Establishing #WildlifeHabitats: By creating spaces like #ButterflyGardens, bird feeders, small ponds, or native plant areas, schools can attract and support various local wildlife species. These habitats provide students with unique, up-close opportunities to observe and learn about different ecosystems and the species that inhabit them. Such initiatives not only enhance #biodiversity but also serve as living laboratories for hands-on learning in subjects like biology, ecology, and environmental science.
"Incorporating Living Walls and Green Roofs: For schools with limited space, living walls (vertical gardens) and green roofs are innovative ways to integrate greenery. Living walls are installations where plants are grown on vertical surfaces, transforming plain walls into lush, living tapestries. Similarly, green roofs involve cultivating vegetation on rooftops. Both these features beautify the school environment and offer tangible environmental benefits, such as improved air quality and reduced urban heat island effect.
"Integrating #Sustainability Action: Integrating sustainability action into the curriculum and #GreenSpace initiatives can help students understand the importance of environmental stewardship. For instance, schools can implement a composting system in the school garden or use upcycled materials in garden projects to promote waste reduction and resource conservation. This form of education encourages critical thinking about how our activities impact the environment."
Read more:
https://campuspress.yale.edu/ledger/thinking-green-why-schools-should-have-natural-spaces/#Curiosity #Creativity #RiskTaking #Resilience #NatureDeficitDisorder #LessScreenTime #MoreGreenTime #SolarPunkSunday #NatureBasedLearning #SchoolGardens #BiophilicDesign
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A Comment on the Aquila Back Forty Wetland Permit
An Aquila Resources map outlines the wetlands that will be impaired by its open pit sulfide mine on the Menominee River.Earlier this morning, I sent this comment on the Aquila Resources Back Forty Wetland Permit to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. Public comments may be submitted here until February 2nd.
To the MDEQ:
You have probably already received a number of comments on the Back Forty Mine wetland permit application from people who live out of state, as I do. Some of those opposed to sulfide mining on the Menominee River live on the Wisconsin side, just across or downstream from the proposed mine site. Others, across the country and around the world, are deeply concerned about the cumulative effects the current leasing, exploration, and sulfide mining boom around Lake Superior will have, and are alarmed to see federal and state regulatory agencies abdicating their responsibilities to the American public in order to do the bidding of foreign mining companies.
Denying the wetland permit is the only prudent and responsible course for MDEQ to take.
As the organization American Rivers noted when it placed the Menominee River on its list of “most endangered” rivers in 2017, the Aquila Resources Back Forty project poses a “significant threat” of acid mine drainage to the river, and to the “cultural and natural resources of the Upper Peninsula, Wisconsin, and the Great Lakes Region.” Allowing Aquila to destroy or compromise area wetlands to construct its mine will only heighten the risk of large scale environmental catastrophe.
The risk is compounded by both regulatory and scientific uncertainty. As you are well aware, the Menominee Tribe maintains that the MDEQ lacks authority to issue this permit, because under provisions of the Clean Water Act the Menominee River and its wetlands are federal waters. This question remains unsettled. In the meantime, a third party, independent review of Aquila’s wetland permit application found errors and inconsistencies regarding the company’s findings on groundwater drawdown and the mine’s feasibility analysis. The wetland permit application you are considering is either flawed, because the people who filed it are incompetent, or misleading, because they have something to hide.
Deceit might be Aquila’s best strategy at this point. The Back Forty project has no claim to social license — none. The Menominee and other Wisconsin tribes have been adamant in their opposition. Local residents are overwhelmingly opposed as well. Of the 90 people who had the opportunity to speak at the January 23rd public hearing in Stephenson, only 4 could muster an argument for the mine, mainly because they put stock in the vague promise of “jobs” made by mining proponents. The rest — 86 out of 90, or 95 percent — stood in opposition to the mine.
Even if Aquila is not deliberately misleading the MDEQ and the public, the Canadian company has demonstrated time and again that it is not a responsible steward of Michigan or Menominee lands. In archaeological surveys of the region, for instance, Aquila claims to have uncovered nothing of “historical significance.” That is telling. These surveys have found nothing because they fail, or refuse to see, the significant Menominee history and culture that is right in front of their eyes. As tribal members have made repeatedly clear, Menominee history, ancestry, and culture begin and end in the river, the land, and the forest. What is historically significant or meaningful is not merely a collection of artifacts; it is a way of life and a deep connection to place. The Back Forty Mine threatens to destroy that connection.
In sum, the wetland permit application is flawed, the company has no social license to operate, and allowing the Back Forty to go forward would violate the public trust.
Postscript: On Monday, 4 June, Michigan DEQ Director Heidi Grether granted this wetlands permit, despite the DEQ’s own findings that the Aquila Resources project will likely cause “an unacceptable disruption to the aquatic resources of the State…and that the activities associated with the project are not consistent with the permitting criteria for an acceptable impact to the resources regulated under Parts 301, Inland Lakes and Streams, and Part 303, Wetlands Protection.” The permit DEQ issued — over its own objections — includes 28 pages of special conditions. It’s unclear why the DEQ did not simply deny the permit, as its findings warranted and in keeping with EPA objections to the Aquila application. More here.
#AmericanRivers #AquilaResources #BackFortyMine #BackFortyProject #CleanWaterAct #culturalResources #environmentalStewardship #federalWaters #historicalSignificance #history #MDEQ #MenomineeRiver #MenomineeTribe #MichiganDepartmentOfEnvironmentalQuality #mining #mostEndangeredRivers #publicHearing #PublicTrust #UNDRIP #UnitedNationsDeclarationOnIndigenousRights #UpperPeninsula #Water #WatersOfTheUnitedStates #wetlands #WOTUS