Hudson-Mohawk Group And Related Events

Hudson-Mohawk And Related Events

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The Tomhannock Watershed Public Lecture Series
The Tomhannock Watershed Lectureship Program is presented by the Rensselaer-Taconic Land Conservancy to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the commissioning of the Tomhannock Reservoir.

Programs will be presented at 7:30 PM at the Bush Memorial Center (Corner of 1st Street and Congress) on the Russell Sage College Campus, Troy, NY. They are open to the public and free of charge.

January 23, 2007: Watershed Systematics
Roger Armstrong, Professor Emeritus, Russell Sage College, Troy, NY

February 6, 2007: Historical and Contemporary Water Supply Systems In Troy
Robert Moore and Neil Bonesteel, John F. Buckley Water Treatment Facility, Troy, NY

February 20, 2007: Benefits and Practices of Easements and PDRs to Protect Watersheds
John Middlebrooks, Executive Director, R-TLC

March 6, 2007: TBA

March 20, 2007: BioFilm Relationships in Northern Wetlands
David Domozych, Biology Professor, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY

April 10, 2007: Panel Discussion

Cool Cities and "An Inconvenient Truth"
Hudson-Mohawk Group will hold a meeting Tuesday, March 27, 2007 to show Al Gore's dramatic movie on global warming and what to do to stop it. We will talk about the Sierra Club "Cool Cities" campaign, our top national priority to convince and assist local governments to do their part to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Bring someone who has not seen the movie yet and learn how to help reduce global warming.

The Colonie Library is at 629 Albany-Shaker Road, 1/2 mile east of Northway Exit 4. Doors open at 6:30 PM and the program will begin at 7 PM.

How Local Governments Can Create a Supportive Business Environment for Farming
Increasingly, farmers are being forced to redefine their businesses to stay viable amidst a globalizing market, decreasing workforce and increasing regulation. Local regulations that were oftentimes written without agriculture in mind can sometimes hinder a farmer's ability to grow and diversify his or her business. An educational session will be held Wednesday, March 28, 2007 from 7 PM to 9 PM at the Brunswick Family Community Center, Keyes Lane, Brunswick, NY to discuss solutions to these and similar issues.

Tom Kilcer of Rensselaer County Cornell Cooperative Extension will describe ways towns can develop effective regulations that are more supportive of agriculture. Tom Gallagher of Albany County Cornell Cooperative Extension will explain how comprehensive plans and local regulations can be overly restrictive and limit a farm's ability to operate and diversify. Matt Brower of the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets will explain how the Agricultural Districts Law protects farmers against unreasonably restrictive local laws. All sessions are free and open to the public thanks to funding from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

Low Carbon Local: Step Up To the Plate Picnic
On Saturday April 14, 2007, from 11 am to 2 pm, Honest Weight Food Coop will host a picnic, open to the public, in Washington Park and the Washington Park Lake House. Then plan to rally, make music, dance, talk, and make our way to the New York State Capital Steps, hopefully to meet with other groups in Albany organizing Step It Up! activities, rallying to help convince our government officials to take the issue of global warming seriously. (And consider working up an appetite for the picnic by joining Hudson-Mohawk Group 9 am - 11 am for our April 14 Route 9 cleanup.)

The Sierra Club is a partner of Stepitup and April 14 activities all around the USA. If interested in Sierra Club activities for Stepitup, or to help with the Sierra Club's Cool Cities Campaign for localities to reduce energy consumption and use renewable energy, please contact Pete Sheehan at 518-489-5803 or hmk-energy_at_newyork.sierraclub.org, or Susan Lawrence at 518-489-5721 or hmk-chair_at_newyork.sierraclub.org.

The Rural Vernacular: Granville Hicks, the WPA, and the CCC
On Saturday May 12, 2007 historian and author Warren F. Broderick will explain how Granville Hicks delineated the values of small town life and became its champion through the publication of Small Town, and a famous public radio debate and Life Magazine article that followed that made Grafton famous. Noted author, editor, and book designer David Larkin of Cherry Plain will speak and present slides on the legacy of the WPA and CCC.

Meet at the Grafton Inn on Route 2 at 9:30 AM for the brunch, which is by reservation only. Reseervations must be made by Tuesday, May 8. The brunch costs $10 for adults and $5 for children.

For brunch reservations and additional information call the Grafton Historical Society at 518-658-3737, or send email to the Rensselaer-Taconic Land Conservancy at RTLC_at_RTLC.org. For directions to the Grafton Inn you may also call 518-279-9489. Warren Broderick can be reached at 518-235-4041 or by email to wbroder_at_nycap.rr.com.

This is a joint event of the Sierra Club, the Grafton Historical Society, the Rensselaer-Taconic Land Conservancy, and Grafton Community Library.

Regular Periodic Events

Sierra Club Socials
Anyone interested in finding out more about your local Sierra Club? Join us for our Sierra Club Socials! They're fun-filled as we share ideas over great food and beverages. The date for the next Social is February 15, 2007 at 7 pm, at the Malt River Brew Pub in the Latham Circle Mall, located about a half mile east of Exit 6 of Interstate 87 (the Northway), at the south-west corner of the Latham Circle, the intersection of Route 9 (Loudon Rd.) and Route 2 (Troy-Schenectady Rd.) in Latham, NY, not far north of Albany. As well as our general socializing, lately we've been having on-going discussions on renewable energy and on our plans for local elections in 2007. Call John Nemjo at 518-279-4777 for more information. Thanks, and see you there!

Some Past Events

Katrina and Urban Health
The W. Haywood Burns Environmental Education Center will hold a conference, "Healthy Urban Environments - Katrina, A Case Study", at the New York State Museum in Albany, NY on February 18, 2006, from 9:00am until 5:00pm. There will be a reception at the Museum on February 17, from 6:00pm until 8:30pm. Sierrans are invited to the reception, and to join the conference on Saturday. More information is available at www.w-haywoodburns.org.

Take Back the Hudson
Join us Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2006 at 7 pm, at the Colonie Public Library, for a showing of the film "Taking Back the Hudson", produced by Marist College students, about the plight of the towns of Hudson Falls and Fort Edward, at ground zero in the fight over cleaning up PCBs in the Hudson River. Local high school students voice their concerns over the serious impact of PCBs on their families' health and the need for the clean-up. Chris Ballantyne, Sierra Club Regional Representative in the Northeast field office, will update us on issues regarding clean-up plans. In 2002 Chris received a Special Achievement Award from the Sierra Club for his extraordinary work in the campaign to force GE to clean up PCB's in the Hudson River.

The Colonie Library is at 629 Albany-Shaker Road, 1/2 mile east of Northway Exit 4. Doors open at 6:30pm.

Yunnan, China
On Tuesday, March 28, 2006 at 7:pm, at the Colonie Public Library: "People, Landscapes, and Conservation in the Northwest Yunnan". The Yunnan Province of China features mountains up to 22,000 feet tall and is the most botanically rich area in the temperate zone. Ecologist Ted Elliman has been leading ecotours in the region for the past 11 years and will share his photographs and knowledge of the fascinating natural and cultural history of the Yunnan.

The Colonie Library is at 629 Albany-Shaker Road, 1/2 mile east of Northway Exit 4. Doors open at 6:30pm.

Earth Day Tabling Activities
This Earth Day, April 22, 2006, there are three opportunities for the Hudson Mohawk Group to do tabling at environmental events. Hudson Mohawk group will have a table at Honest Weight Food Coop, 484 Central Ave, Albany.

If there are enough volunteers, we can also table at either or both of the following. Tabling can be great fun, and a great way to meet people, give them stuff, hear how they feel about environmental issues, and bring them up to date on how Sierra Club feels.

Earth Day 2006 Celebration at Mabee Farm Historic Site, Rotterdam Junction, 10am to 3pm, sponsored by the Environmental Clearing House of Schenectady and other organizations. Various environmental groups will have tables, and NYSERDA and Renewable Power Systems, LLC will have tables.

Citizens Environmental Coalition Green Living Expo and Concert, Empire State Plaza and Convention Center, Albany. Tabling time is 12:30pm to 8pm. There will be a large environmental mall at the Convention Center, including organizations tabling with information and selling environmentally safe goods and crafts. There will be day long concerts and other acts, which will continue until 11 pm. See the CEC website www.cectoxic.org for a few more details.

Tabling means providing educational materials, membership forms, bumperstickers, etc; talking with people about environmental issues and about Sierra Club and Hudson Mohawk Group; asking people to sign petitions; selling some SC merchandise; and so on. Tabling is interesting, rewarding, and fun. If you are new to tabling, we'll help you learn. For more information about helping, particularly at the ECOS or CEC events, please contact Susan or Lucinda. Susan's phone number is 518-489-5721, her email address is hmk-volunteers_at_newyork.sierraclub.org.

Atlantic Chapter Lobby Day in Albany
Please join the Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter in Albany on Tuesday April 25, 2006 to lobby lawmakers and key legislative staff about Sierra Atlantic's 2006 legislative agenda. We will be encouraging measures to protect wetlands, promote energy conservation, increase recycling, and preserve natural areas. There will be a light breakfast beginning at 9am, highlighting the events of the day. From 10am to 3pm we will lobby and participate in a press conference to celebrate Earth Day 2006. After 3pm, we will have a debriefing to share the results of our lobby visits.

Please RSVP by emailing Theresa Cassiack at theresa.cassiack_at_sierraclub.org or calling 518-426-9144. We look forward to seeing you on April 25th.

"Kilowatt Hours", a Movie About Energy Solutions
On Tuesday evening April 25, 2006 we'll watch "Kilowatt Hours: A Plan to Re-Energize America", an award-winning film by Jeff Barrie. From the coal mines of West Virginia to the solar panel fields of Florida, Jeff Barrie highlights solutions to America's energy related problems. Find out how he and his wife Heather cut their energy bills in half and use a portion of their savings to buy green power. Best of all, "Kilowatt Hours" will teach you how to dramatically cut your own energy bill. After the film we will have a group discussion on what people can do right now and in the future to save energy locally. Included in the discussion will be the Sierra Club Cool Cities program and what you can do to participate.

This will be a regular Hudson Mohawk Group program, held at the Colonie Public Library. Doors will open at 6:30 pm at the Library and the program will last until about 9:00 pm, with plenty of time for questions and discussion. The Library is at 626 Albany-Shaker Road, just east of Northway Exit 4 and the intersection of Wolf and Albany-Shaker Roads.

Picnic at Saratoga Spa State Park
Join us Sunday May 21, 2006 from 1 to 5pm, for a special Members Gathering to meet new friends and renew acquaintances. It's an opportunity to talk about our environmental concerns and about how to get involved. Bring your family and friends. We'll be at the Karista Pavillion, which is near the playing fields and playgrounds. HM Group will supply hot dogs and burgers (vegetarian and meat), rolls, soft drinks, paper products, and condiments. Please bring a salad or dessert to share.

Cost is $5.00 for each adult and child over age 7--younger children are free. To make a reservation (please reserve by May 19th) or for directions, contact Susan Lawrence at 518-489-5721 or 5-8424-6296, or by email at hmk-programs_at_newyork.sierraclub.org.

Information about Saratoga Spa State Park is available at its New York State Parks webpage, and at the Friends of Saratoga Spa State Park website, which has a downloadable nature trails map showing Karista Pavillion's parking which is in the Geyser picnic area parking lot.

Practical Solar Technologies Information
On Tuesday May 23, 2006 we'll have a discussion, slide show, and hands-on demonstration of solar electric and hot water system technologies by professionals from Renewable Energy, LLC. Learn about state rebates and tax credits, sales tax exemptions, and federal tax credits and how they can be used for your solar PV or solar hot water system.

Two Special Sails Aboard Clearwater
The sloop Clearwater, Saturday September 9, 2006:
10 AM - 1 PM, at Rensselaer Riverfront Park: Hudson River PCB Cleanup Sail. Join with people who are working hard to cleanup PCBs from the river and to protect impacted local communities. Call 1-800-67-SLOOP x116 for reservations.

2pm-5pm, Rensselaer Riverfront Park: Public Sail. For anyone unable to attend the morning sail. Call 1-800-67-SLOOP x107 for reservations.

Clearwater Member Rates: $30.00 Adults; $22.50 Senior; $18.75 Children under 13. Non-Member Rates: $40.00 Adults; $30.00 Seniors; $25.00 Children under 13.

Clearwater, 112 Little Market Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

Public Lands in Public Hands
Join us Saturday, September 30, 2006, in celebration of National Public Lands Day, to demonstrate citizens' support for the continued ownership, protection, and restoration of our public lands. The City of Albany receives tipping fees for each load that trucks dump at the Albany landfill. Last year the City made $13 million profit from this operation. The City now wants to expand the landfill into the Pine Bush Preserve and in wetlands in the Town of Coeymans. Join the members of many activist environmental and outdoor organizations in celebration of National Public Lands Day through our "Public Lands in Public Hands" campaign. From 10 AM to 2 PM, at the Pine Bush Preserve on New Karner Road and the Albany landfill on Rapp Road.

For information contact Joe Gardner at 518-439-8719 or jgardnjr_at_nycap.rr.com.

Friends of Stanford Home
On Friday, November 24, 2006--Black Friday, the big shopping day--some citizens who love history, beauty, and the grand trees of the Ingersoll/Stanford Mansion on Balltown and State Street will gather with some signs to draw attention to the plight of the historic lands. Anyone who wishes to join these peaceful people, or just honk horns in support of salvation or preservation of this spot of beauty and cultural heritage, should come between noon and 3 PM on this day, the day after Thanksgiving. Walk off the turkey and pie. Walk for the Stanford house and its hillside groves. Meet across the road from the traffic light exiting Mohawk Commons. Park at the Commons.

Hudson-Mohawk Group 2006 Annual Awards Dinner
Join us at the 2006 Hudson-Mohawk Group Annual Awards Dinner, which will be held Friday December 1, 5:30 - 7:30 PM, at New Visions, 334 Krumkill Road, Slingerlands. The speaker will be James Kunstler, nationally known expert on smart planning to prevent sprawl and on the perils of reliance on fossil fuels. He is the author of Geography of Nowhere and The Long Emergency. Enjoy with us this opportunity to socialize with fellow conservationists, learn from a very stimulating speaker, give recognition to some dedicated volunteers, and raise some funds for our many endeavors.

Dinner will be a light buffet. If you have something that you can bring for a "Silent Auction", such as outdoor equipment, art, books, dinner at a nice restaurant, etc., it would be much appreciated.

To get to New Visions from Route 85 South, take the exit for Krunkill Road, turn right and go about a mile, New Visions is on the left. From New Scotland Avenue going west in Albany, turn right on Buckingham Drive, drive over Route 85, go about a mile and New Visions is on the left.

To attend the dinner, please send your reservation with a check for $30 a person to Sierra Club, Hudson Mohawk Group, P.O. Box 8447, Albany, NY 12208-0447. We would like to have reservations made by Tuesday, Nov. 28. You can contact Susan Lawrence at 518-489-5721, or hmk-programs_at_newyork.sierraclub.org.

We are looking forward to you joining us on December 1.

The Environment Beat in a New Media Era
On Thursday February 15, 2007 Dan Shapley, Environment Editor and New Media Editor of the Poughkeepsie, NY Poughkeepsie Journal, will talk at the Standish Room in the University at Albany Science Library, beginning at 2:45 pm. This is a lecture in the Spring 2007 series "Scientists and Journalists: Dialogues for the 21st Century", sponsored by the University at Albany Journalism program supported by a grant from the Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation. All events in this series are free and open to the general public

Climbing and Trekking in Cold, High Places Around the World
On Friday morning, February 16th, 2007 at 10:30 am, Nola Royce, who has been involved with the Adirondack Mountain Club and its Albany Chapter for almost 30 years, will give a slide presentation at the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 47 Clifton Country Rd., just west of Northway Exit 9 in Clifton Park, NY. Her talk will cover some of the high and cold places she has trekked and climbed during her career as an avid, mature mountaineer. Nola has climbed on all 7 continents and reached heights of 7,000 meters on more than one occasion. This potpouri of slides will contain some of the highlights of a number of those trips. Admission to this event is free.

Carbon Neutral Trekking in the Alps, & Wind Energy for Today
On Tuesday February 27, 2007 Linda Burtis of Community Energy will update us on the wind technology industry in New York State, and how one can purchase renewable energy for your home, workplace, or other institution in your community. Linda will show a power point presentation on her summer trekking adventures with her husband Dave in the Swiss and Italian Alps. She will illustrate the impact of global warming on receding glaciers and lack of snow.

Programs for Purchase of Development Rights: Resources and Funding Opportunities for Local Governments
What is a Purchase of Development Right (PDR) Program? How can PDR be funded? What makes a good application to state and federal funding programs? What resources are available to towns interested in protecting land through PDR? All these questions and more will be answered at this workshop to be held Thursday, March 15, 2007 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Saratoga County Planning Office, 50 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY.

Speakers will include Jaime O'Neill from the Saratoga County Planning Department; Jennifer Viggiani, Open Space Coordinator for the Town of Clifton Park; Isabel Prescott of Riverview Orchards, Clifton Park; and Liz Brock, Hudson Valley Field Representative for American Farmland Trust. Participants will learn the benefits and challenges of PDR, how to make the most of local, state and federal funding opportunities, and how towns are protecting land through creative local funding strategies. All sessions are free and open to the public, thanks to funding from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

3rd Biennial Conference on Agriculture in the Hudson River Valley
On Friday, March 16, 2007, at Columbia-Greene Community College, Hudson, NY, the Hudson Valley Agricultural Partnership will hold a conference from 9 AM to 5 PM. Topics to be covered will include Success Stories from Our Own Backyard, Farm Profitability, Farmland Protection, and Agricultural Economic Development.

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URL: http://www.newyork.sierraclub.org/hudsonmohawk/outings.html