NOTE: For more sustainability resources go to my web page here.

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TO:  Western Mass Friends of Sustainability
FROM:  John Gerber, UMass

SUBJECT:  What's Happening?            

 

Upcoming Events and Classes as of February 5, 2009

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From the CISA Events Page (with permission) –

Fresh! Movie Screening and Discussion
Monday February 8th, 6:00 pm
S. White Dickinson Library, 202 Chestnut Plain Road, Whately

New thinking about what we're eating!
"FRESH celebrates the farmers, thinkers and business people across America who are re-inventing our food system." Join us after the film for a discussion led by Margaret Christie, CISA's Special Project Director. Visit www.freshthemovie.com for more information.

And…..

Open Farm and Valentine Sale
Saturday and Sunday, February 13 & 14, 10am - 4pm
Craigieburn Farm Alpacas, Pelham, MA

We will be open Valentine's Day weekend for you to visit our alpacas and shop in our farm store. We have a new shipment of yarn from our own alpacas. See and feel for yourself the warmth and softness of alpaca. Our farm store stocks socks, gloves, scarves, and other items made from alpaca. See these whimsical creatures that produce the gift of alpaca fiber. For more information, contact Steve Rice at 413-253-4485.

            And….

Shearing Day at Little Brook Farm
Saturday, February 20, 9:30am-12pm
Come to Little Brook Farm to join in on the fun at sheep shearing day! Andy Rice of Hoggett Hill Farm will be there to shear the sheep and get them ready for lambing. Learn why, when, and how we shear, handle some fleece (raw wool), and watch the border collies work. This is also a great opportunity to learn about the Summer Farm Camp at Little Brook, and registrations will be available. The event is free, but please call or email Kristen if you plan to stop by. 413-665-3802 or kristen@littlebrookfarm.com

         And lots more at: http://www.buylocalfood.org/page.php?id=12

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Awakening the Dreamer & Changing the Dream

Hopeful new perspectives and possibilities

Featuring video insights from inspiring philosophers, scientists, community leaders and more. 

 

Saturday, Feb. 13, 1-5 pm

2nd Congregational Church, on the Town Common in Greenfield, MA  

On-site registration begins at 12:30 pm

You may pre-register, by clicking here! http://awakeningthedreamer.org/symposium/1540/

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Sustainable Cooking classes…  

                         see: http://www.lesliecerier.com/classes.html 

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NESEA’s Sustainabilty Workshops

NESEA’s sustainability workshop series is aimed at serving professionals and building their knowledge with in-depth, professionally accredited workshops on a wide range of critical topics. NESEA is committed to advancing three core elements: sustainable solutions, proven results and cutting-edge development in the field.  Each workshop is AIA accredited. A full day workshop provides 7 continuing education units and a half day workshop provides 3 continuing education units.  

See;    http://www.nesea.org/sustainabilityworkshops/

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Hitchcock Center Events

For a full listing of Hitchcock programs, please visit www.hitchcockcenter.org

 

Animal Tracking Slide Show

Alan Emond, Little Cree Spy Excursions

Tuesday and Wednesday, February 9 and 10, 7-9pm

(snow date: Thursday, February 11)

Members: $20/Non-members: $25 (includes both evenings)

Pre-registration required; please call 413-256-6006.

Alan has been leading tracking programs here at Hitchcock for a number of years and his programs are universally popular.  He makes the winter woods come alive for those who have not spent much time out observing and learning how to see.  Black bear scat, fisher kill sites and mating tracks, owl pellets…each image will deepen your understanding of local winter animal activities.  His depth of knowledge about our local mammals and birds, together with his fun, informal style, will make for enjoyable and informative classes. Each evening will cover different information and the fee includes both nights.

Winter Nature Walk

John Green

Saturday, February 13, 8-10am

Members: $10/Non-members: $15

Pre-registration required; please call 413-256-6006.

Get out on a winter Saturday and see what is happening in nature in the cold.  We will explore a portion of the Quabbin Reservation.  How do plants and animals survive the subfreezing temperatures and snows of the season?  John will share fascinating natural history details about the lives of our winter birds.  He will open your eyes to the world of mammal tracks and teach you ways to recognize trees and shrubs in winter.  Bring binoculars and dress to be outdoors in the cold.  Directions to the meeting site will be provided upon registration.

Spotted Salamanders and Amherst’s Famous Amphibian Tunnels

Ted Watt

Thursday, February 25, 7-9pm

Free

Pre-registration required; please call 413-256-6006.

As many of us know, the first amphibian tunnels in North America were installed on Henry Street in 1987.  The history of the tunnels is a fascinating glimpse into the workings of international conservation and the interface with local species preservation efforts.  Ted will speak about the history of the tunnels.  He will also show images and describe the spotted salamanders’ life history and adaptations.  Don’t miss this opportunity to catch up on your local and natural history. All will be invited to participate in the upcoming events to maintain the tunnels and census the Henry Street salamander population.

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And finally

 

To receive email reminders about whenever this posting changes or to be removed from the listserve, go to 

 http://lists.topica.com/lists/sustliving

 
For more information on sustainability, see my web page at
http://people.umass.edu/jgerber/
 
Namaste