Green Knight Newsletter

Residents Encouraged to Remove Standing Water on Property to Reduce Mosquito Population (NJDEP, NJDOH)

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:48:38 -0400

Read the complete press release:
http://www.state.nj.us/health/news/2013/approved/20130507a.html

To prevent mosquitoes this summer, the Departments of Health and Environmental Protection are asking homeowners, businesses and contractors working on rebuilding to drain sources of standing water outdoors and routinely check property for containers collecting water where mosquitoes can breed.

“While we typically don’t identify human illnesses from mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile Virus (WNV) until late summer here in New Jersey, it’s never too early to drain sources of standing water and reduce the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed,” said Health Commissioner Mary E. O’Dowd.

Last year, New Jersey had the largest amount of human cases on record in the state-48 human cases of WNV. Concerns are elevated this year because of Superstorm Sandy has increased potential opportunities for mosquito breeding, which could increase the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, including WNV.

Green Knight Newsletter - May 2013 - Environmental News and Events for New Jersey

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:28:27 -0400

The Green Knight - February 2013 - Environmental News and Events for New Jersey
(7 MB)
Contents include:

River Friendly Business Program
Contemporary Environmental Issues Conference
Rain Barrel Trainers
Environmental Stewards at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
Red Oaks School Speedwell Lake Curriculum
Community Rain Barrel Program in Burnham Park
Upcoming Events

Film Screening: Call of Life, May 15, 2013, Flemington, NJ

Sun, 12 May 2013 18:43:08 -0400

Download the flyer:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/17999905/tumblr/2013_05/COL_flyer_Hunterdon_V2.pdf

Please RSVP: by Monday, May 13th to Susan Schirmer at soupys@att.net

You are cordially invited to join Species Alliance and The Sierra Club for a Special Screening of the Award Winning, Internationally Acclaimed Film, Call of Life on Wednesday, May15, 2013 honoring Endangered Species Day!

This special event is co-sponsored by local area businesses at Hunterdon Medical Center Auditorium. We hope you will able join local residents, educators and businesses, and we encourage you to bring your green team and other guests as you see fit. Please see attached event flyer and formal invitation.

When: Wednesday, May 15, 2013
6:45pm: Bake Sale, Coffee/Tea
7:30 pm: Screening Call of Life
9:00pm: Q & A, Discussion with Rhea Landig, Executive Director of Species Alliance
9:30pm Raffle, End of Program

Where: The Hunterdon County Medical Center Theatre
2100 Westcott Drive, Flemington, NJ 08822
The theater is located through the main hospital entrance, just past the lobby

Call of Life: This beautiful and informative film by Species Alliance is a call to action. All over the world species are becoming extinct at an astonishing rate, from 1000 to 10,000 times faster than normal. The loss of biodiversity has become so severe that scientists are calling it a mass extinction event. This is the first feature documentary to investigate the growing threat to Earth’s life support systems from this unprecedented loss of biodiversity. Through interviews with leading scientists, psychologists, anthropologists, philosophers, and indigenous and religious leaders, the film explores the causes, the scope, and the potential effects of the mass extinction, but also looks beyond the immediate causes of the crisis to consider how our cultural and economic systems, along with deep-seated psychological and behavioral patterns, have allowed this situation to develop, continue to reinforce it, and even determine our response to it. Length 80 min – Additional information and Trailer at: www.calloflife.org

Wild About Wildflowers! Presentation, May 11, Millville, NJ

Mon, 06 May 2013 11:24:35 -0400

Learn more about our native wildflowers on Saturday, May 11, with American Littoral Society’s Delaware Bayshore Program Director Renée Brecht. She will be premiering a wildflower presentation in conjunction with the Downtown Millville Flower Festival.

This presentation will focus on native wildflowers that grow in South Jersey. You will have an opportunity to see the beauty of our native wildflowers, presented in a chronological, month-by-month bloom format. Many of them are old favorites; some of them are more obscure and unusual, and some even rare.

The program will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, at the Millville Public Library, 210 Buck Street, Millville, NJ in the Gant Room.

The presentation is free and open to the public.

More information:
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Wild-about-Wildflowers-.html?soid=1102088071237&aid=G9yZjP1G5UI

Orange fringed orchid

Organic Landcare for Your Home, May 18, South Brunswick

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 08:42:18 -0400

On Saturday, May 18, Middlesex County’s office of Rutgers Cooperative Extension will host an Organic Lawn & Landcare for Your Home workshop at the EARTH Center in Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, 42 Riva Ave in South Brunswick. The program will run from 10 AM to 1 PM

This 3 hour program will teach homeowners how to have a beautiful lawn and garden without depending upon synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Many misconceptions exist about organic lawn and landscape care and this program hopes to shed light on the realities. Topics covered will include organic practices for promoting healthy soil, lawn maintenance and care, organic fertilizers and amendments, using compost and compost tea, and basic plant care. Homeowners will leave with a better understanding of how to have a healthy, self-sustaining lawn and garden that increases biodiversity and promotes beneficial habitat. Dress for some outside field time.

A donation of $20 is suggested to cover the cost of program material. Interested should register at 732-398-5262 by May 15.

Visit the EARTH Center online at http://www.co.middlesex.nj.us/extensionservices/

EcoFair and Native Plant Sale, May 4, Millville, NJ

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:06:27 -0400

Enjoy a variety of fun eco-focused, hands-on activities, exhibits, herbs, flowers, entertainment, food and refreshments throughout the day. Learn how to protect the environment and practice eco-friendly living.

Admission is FREE to the ECO FAIR and to all WheatonArts exhibits, demonstrations and Museum Stores.

Cumberland County Master Gardeners Native Plant Sale

Sat. May 4
WheatonArts EcoFair
1501 Glasstown Rd, Millville NJ
10am to 4pm

Perennials, Trees, and Shrubs

Limited supply of Ramapo tomatoes and Campbell’s soup tomatoes. Common as well as unusual herbs, worm castings, and plant labels.

Plan to visit the Live Butterfly Tent and the Children’s Activity Table, based on this year’s theme, “This Place is for the Birds.”

Plant List for Plant Sale:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/17999905/tumblr/2013_04/Ecofair.pdf

Website for EcoFestival:
http://www.wheatonarts.org/calendar/2013/communitydays/eco2013/

Millville Flower Festival and Native Plant Sale, May 11, Millville, NJ

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:55:00 -0400

The Saturday before Mother’s Day will offer thousands of people the opportunity to experience flowers, plants, herbs, fine art and flower crafts while browsing the shops of the Millville Glasstown Arts District. The sidewalks & shops of the six-block area on High Street, between Broad and Main Streets, will be transformed into a Flower Festival for flower & art lovers alike to shop for someone special and be entertained. This is a rain or shine event.

Cumberland County Master Gardeners Native Plant Sale

Saturday, May 11
10am - 4pm
500 block of High St.
(in the Garden on High)
Millville, NJ 08332

Perennials, Trees, and Shrubs

Limited supply of Ramapo tomatoes and Campbell’s soup tomatoes. Common as well as unusual herbs, worm castings, and plant labels.

Plan to visit the Live Butterfly Tent and the Children’s Activity Table, based on this year’s theme, “This Place is for the Birds.”

Plant List for Plant Sale:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/17999905/tumblr/2013_04/Flower_Festival.pdf

Website for Flower Festival:
http://www.millvillefestivals.com/flower_festival/index.html

Excellence in Water Resources Protection & Planning Award (NJ Section American Water Resources Association)

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:23:26 -0400

Nominations for the 4th Annual Excellence in Water Resources Protection and Planning Award are now being accepted and are due on or before August 2, 2013. The award will be granted at the NJ Sections annual “Water New Years Eve”, being held Thursday, September 26th as part of this years Mid-Atlantic Conference (MAC 2013). If you have any questions about the award or wish to submit a nomination please email John Miller: jmiller@princetonhydro.com, Excellence in Water Resources Award Committee Chair.

Details on the nomination requirements, supporting documentation and the rules are included here:

http://www.nsawra.onefireplace.org/excellence

http://www.nsawra.onefireplace.org/Resources/Documents/Excellence_Award/NJAWRA%20Excellence%20Awards%202013.pdf

Earth Day at the EARTH Center, April 22, 2013, South Brunswick, NJ

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:10:56 -0400

Includes a presentation on Earth Friendly Lawn & Land Care, and a guided tour of Davidson’s Mill Pond Park.

Earth Day at the EARTH Center on Monday, April 22 from 6-8PM, in Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, 42 Riva Ave., South Brunswick.

Middlesex County’s office of Rutgers Cooperative Extension hopes you will join them for an evening of learning and exploration.

For more information, download the press release:
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/17999905/tumblr/2013_04/Middlesex.pdf

Organic Lawn Care is the subject of the 2013 issue of The Soil Profile (from Rutgers Cooperative Extension)

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 10:30:39 -0400

http://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/soilprofile/

From the organic perspective, soil fertility is a much broader term than its use in conventional agriculture where it tends to be defined primarily in terms of chemistry. Soil fertility in organic farming is a more inclusive and has historically considered factors that are now being called soil health or soil quality. Soil fertility is a function of the whole farming ecosystem where biology fully employs synergisms among diverse organisms in the cycling of nutrients and organic matter while producing plant and animal benefits.

In the case of organic lawn care, what needs to be accomplished is translation of organic farming principles into a uniquely managed ecosystem. Cultural practices must be adapted to a grass growing area while achieving acceptable quality for human utility and viewing pleasure.

Organic Gardening Workshop, April 6, South Brunswick

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 11:05:24 -0400

Many residents wish to lead a more “green” lifestyle and lessen their impact on the environment by tending a garden that doesn’t rely on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This class will share techniques to achieve this goal. Instructor for the class will be Rutgers Professor and Middlesex County Agricultural, Agent William Hlubik, who will explain the values of these planting practices.

The workshop takes place on Saturday, April 6, 2013, from 1-3 PM, at the EARTH Center located in Davidson’s Mill Pond Park 42 Riva Ave. South Brunswick, NJ.

For more information:
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/17999905/tumblr/2013_03/Organic.pdf

Rain Barrel Workshop, April 7, Egg Harbor Twp.

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 10:51:00 -0400

Workshop fee is $20.00.

A food grade barrel and all other hardware and tools will be provided.

Sunday, April 7

1 pm - 4 pm

ACUA Recycling Center
6700 Delilah Road
Egg Harbor Twp., NJ 08234

Space is limited!

Please pre-register by Wednesday April 3, 2013.

Cash only. Must be paid at the time of the class.

To register:
http://www.acua.com/acua/forms.aspx?id=4157

Free showing of film on red knots and horseshoe crabs, April 22, Millville, NJ

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 10:52:00 -0400

Celebrate Earth Day with a Free Showing of CRASH: A Tale of Two Species at the Levoy Theatre and Dinner at Winfield’s.

On Monday, April 22nd, 2013
6 pm

CU Maurice River is sponsoring a free showing of CRASH at the Levoy Theatre. CRASH is a PBS/Nature program that documents the relationship of the horseshoe crab and Red Knot and the decline of the Knot due to over-harvesting of the crabs. The footage of the tiny horseshoe crabs still in their eggs, and the amazing vistas at the far corners of the earth will be even more impressive on the big screen. It features Larry Niles and Mandy Dey, two of CU’s 2012 Red Knot Award winners, and they will be available for a Q&A session following the one-hour film.

Winfield’s will be open that night (usually closed on Mondays) so grab some friends for the free movie in the lovely Levoy, and then dinner at Winfield’s. Dinner reservations are necessary. Please call 856-327-0909 for dinner reservations.

For contact information:
http://www.cumauriceriver.org/

(photo: Wikimedia.org)

(photo: http://levoy.net/the-levoy-theatre/facade/)

Build a Rain Barrel Workshop, March 20 and April 10, South Brunswick, NJ

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:59:00 -0400

Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County will present two Build a Rain Barrel workshops at the EARTH Center, in Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, 42 Riva Ave, South Brunswick. They will take place on Wednesday, March 20 at 6:30PM and Wednesday, April 10 at 6:30 PM.

Participants will build their own rain barrel and learn how to install it at home. A rain barrel is placed under a gutter’s downspout next to a house, to collect rain water from the roof. The barrel holds approximately 50 gallons of water which can be used to water gardens. Rain water harvesting can help save money on your water bill, prevent basement flooding, and reduce flooding in local rivers and streams.

To register, see the press release:
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/17999905/tumblr/2013_03/MiddlesexCounty.pdf

Free Volunteer Stream Monitoring Training, June 1, 2013, Hillsborough, NJ

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:02:00 -0400

Get your feet week in this hand’s on training event at the beautiful Duke Farms in Hillsborough, NJ. You will learn how to conduct a biological assessment by collecting samples of benthic macro-invertebrates, small critters whose presence indicate a stream’s health. Biological assessments are essential to monitoring the streams of NJ, but are impossible to complete without the generous support of community volunteers!

The training will take place on June 1st from 12pm to 3 pm at Duke Farms. We supply you will nets and tools. This training is free, but please bring your waders!

To sign up, contact Kelsey Barbella: americorps@raritanheadwaters.org or 908-234-1852 x323

Rain Barrel Building Workshop, May 25, 2013, Bernardsville, NJ

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:00:00 -0400

Did you ever wonder what you could do with the rainwater from your downspout? How about harvesting it with a rain barrel?

Bernardsville’s Green Team, as part of our Sustainable Jersey project, is sponsoring a workshop on how to build a rain barrel on Saturday, May 25th 1pm to 3pm. It’s a great deal: the workshop costs $20 per person, and you will build your very own rain barrel that you can install at home. A rain barrel will help you recycle rainwater by allowing you to use it to water gardens and lawns when you need it!

A rain barrel is a waterproof container placed under a gutter’s downspout that collects and stores rainwater from your roof. Installing a rain barrel at your house will not only save water, save electricity, and can help prevent basement flooding— it will also help to reduce pollution and flooding during heavy rains!

This workshop is for ages 16 and older. Tools will be supplied. To pre-register for the workshop by May 1, email americorps@raritanheadwaters.org

23rd Annual Stream Cleanup, April 20, 2013, Raritan River Watershed, NJ

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:57:00 -0400

The Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA) needs your help again this year at the 2013 Stream Clean-up! Last year, over 500 volunteers collected several tons of trash at 26 sites throughout the North and South Branch Raritan Watershed.

RHA is a non-profit, member-supported conservation organization made up of people who feel a calling to ensure things that make this region such a special place today will be here to make it special for our children and grandchildren. It works to protect, preserve and improve water quality and other natural resources of the Raritan River headwaters, however, it is not possible to do so without the generous support of volunteers. Please help us clean up the waters of our region this year by picking up trash and debris along the Raritan River! The 2013 Stream Clean-up will be held on April 20th from 9:00am-12:00pm.

If you have time and are committed to making a difference in your community, please respond to this email, or call the office at 908.234.1852 ext. 323. Any assistance you can give us will be greatly appreciated, even if it is just passing along this email. Thank you for your help.

Celebrate Earth Day with a Rain Barrel Building Workshop, April 22, Lebanon, NJ

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:52:00 -0400

Did you ever wonder what you could do with the rainwater from your downspout? How about harvesting it with a rain barrel?

Lebanon Township’s Green Team, as part of our Sustainable Jersey project, is sponsoring a workshop on how to build a rain barrel on Monday April 22, from 7-10pm. It’s a great deal: the workshop costs $20 per person, and you will build your very own rain barrel that you can install at home. A rain barrel will help you recycle rainwater by allowing you to use it to water gardens and lawns when you need it!

A rain barrel is a waterproof container placed under a gutter’s downspout that collects and stores rainwater from your roof. Installing a rain barrel at your house will not only save water, save electricity, and can help prevent basement flooding— it will also help to reduce pollution and flooding during heavy rains!

This workshop is for ages 16 and older. Tools will be supplied. To pre-register for the workshop by April 1, email americorps@raritanheadwaters.org, or leave a message for the Environmental Commission at the township municipal building.

Volunteer Stream Monitoring Training, March 24, 2013, Farmingdale, NJ

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:38:00 -0400

FREE to the Public

March 24th, 2013
11:00-2:00pm

Girl Scout Program Activity Center
127 Yellow Brook Road, Farmingdale, NJ

RSVP

Workshop Includes:

Introduction to Visual and Biological Assessments from AmeriCorps New Jersey Watershed Ambassadors
Field work collecting samples to determine the quality of the stream
Certification as a Stream Monitor

What to bring:

A lunch or a snack
Clothes you do not mind getting dirty
Boots or Waders (if you have them)

Flyer:
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/17999905/tumblr/2013_03/Regional_VMT_Flyer.pdf

Soil Health Resources for New Jersey (from Ocean County Soil Conservation District and Rutgers Cooperative Extension)

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 09:41:00 -0500

For factsheets on soil health topics, visit:
http://www.soildistrict.org/healthy-soil-resources/to-10-resources/

New Jersey Soil Health Assessment Guide
Naturalizing Lawns
Backyard Conservation
Low Maintenance Landscaping for the Barnegat Bay Watershed
Impact of Soil Disturbance During Construction on Bulk Density and Infiltration in Ocean County, New Jersey

Rutgers Cooperative Extension Factsheets on Soil Quality Topics:

Soils and Stormwater Management: Soil Quality, Compaction, and Residential Development
http://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.asp?pid=E338
Soil organic matter
http://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.asp?pid=FS1135
Soil Organic Matter Level and Interpretation
http://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.asp?pid=FS1136
Improving Soil Quality By Increasing Organic Matter Content
http://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.asp?pid=FS1137
Lead Contaminated Soil: Minimizing Health Risks
http://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.asp?pid=FS336
Soil Fertility Test Interpretation - Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium, and Calcium
http://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.asp?pid=FS719