Vineyard Conservation Almanac

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In This Issue:

Local News:
VCS is keeping boat shrink wrap out of the waste stream

Feature:
Tougher rules for cars, trucks

Calendar:
Memorial Day Picnic;
2009 Proposed Up-Island Cell Towers Public Meeting;
Toddler Time;
More...

Save The Date:
New Views of Ocean Life at the VCS Annual Meeting;
THE FARM INSTITUTE;
KAYAK QUEST, Felix Neck Sanctuary

Announcement:
Tom Osmers

Job Opportunity:
The Children's School of Science in Woods Hole

Climate Change Update:
Climate Bill Clears Hurdle, but Others Remain

Water Update:
In California, Desalination of Seawater as a Test Case

Wildlife Update:
Fishermen Gather to Celebrate Revival of Home Port, and Point Their Future;
The release of Sea More the giant lobster!

Wind Update:
WIND FARM 'SUPER PERMIT' COULD BE ISSUED TODAY

Sustainable Update:
Island Grown Initiative Launches the Island Grown Schools program;
In Print : Island farm and family

VCS Website gets a thoroughly aesthetic face lift

On Earth Day we launched our new website, vineyardconservation.org. It brings you a wide range of news, information, videos, and photos, as well as direct access to our popular online Conservation Almanac. Check it out! www.vineyardconservation.org

LOCAL NEWS

VCS is keeping boat shrink wrap out of the waste stream
By Marnie Stanton, Vineyard Conservation Almanac

The Vineyard Conservation Society has just launched a new Shrink Wrap Initiative targeting boatyards and boat owners. Many tons of recyclable white shrink wrap boat plastic is generated every season, and VCS board member Tomar Waldman recognized an opportunity.

She approached Ralph Packer, who provided a 20-foot black dumpster which is now in place just beyond the Shell Station on Beach Road in Vineyard Haven.

Go to the Recycle section for the rest of the article.

Feature

Tougher rules for cars, trucks
By Steven R. Hurst
Associated Press / May 20, 2009
Boston Globe

Obama plan cuts emissions, raises efficiency goals

WASHINGTON - President Obama is asking consumers to put their money - $1,300 per new vehicle by 2016 - behind his plan for higher efficiency standards for cars and trucks, and tougher rules on their greenhouse gas emissions.

Obama said yesterday in unveiling the new rule that in return, drivers would make up the higher cost of more fuel-efficient, cleaner vehicles by buying less gas at the pump. It would take just three years to pay off the investment and would, over the life of a vehicle, save about $2,800 through better gas mileage, the president said.

http://www.boston.com/news/
nation/washington/articles/
2009/05/20/tougher_rules_for_cars_trucks/

Using weed killers around the home may put children at risk for one type of childhood brain cancer. A new study of more than 1,000 children found a pattern of increased risk of astrocytoma related to residential pesticide use during the two-year period prior to birth. The use of herbicides by either parent was linked to an almost two-fold elevated risk of this cancer, but the strongest evidence associated risk with the father's application of herbicides on the lawn and garden. In this study, researchers compared children with brain cancer to cancer-free children all of whom lived in Florida, New Jersey, New York, or Pennsylvania. The results were consistent with other studies that have linked parental pesticide use to childhood brain cancer. Learn more in a news report on the Environmental Health News web site: Pesticides blamed for some childhood brain cancers

Calendar

Memorial Day Picnic

Mon, May 25, Memorial Day Picnic 12-4 pm, Tisbury Water Works. Games, ponies, rowboats, free ice cream. Grills provided. Music: Flying Elbows, Tristan Israel. VTA stops at Tashmoo Overlook. Picnic honors Linc Hanson. Rain date: May 31. 508-693-3224.

2009 Proposed Up-Island Cell Towers Public Meeting

Wed, May 27, 2009 Proposed Up-Island Cell Towers Public Meeting at 7 pm in the Public Safety Building, Across from Conroy’s Apothecary-DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS about what DAS is, or where any of the 47“nodes” (mini cell towers) will be located or how it could affect you, your family and your community? Do we need it, what do you think? Each node measures 35' x 18" topped by a 72" x 18" antenna, to a pole/tower measuring 40' x 12" topped by a 96" x 2" antenna. Express your thoughts on the proposed Up-Island cell towers. DAS is a DISTRIBUTED ANTENNA SYSTEM for Cell Phones. COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS should be directed to: BOARD OF SELECTMEN Dianne Powers, Chair, Richard Knabel, Skipper Manter TOWN HALL, BOX 278,WEST TISBURY, MA 02575 508-696-0102 DAS REVIEW COMMITTEE Attn: Chuck Hodgkinson,TOWN HALL, BOX 119, CHILMARK, MA 02535 508-645-2114.

Toddler Time

Wed, May 27, Toddler Time, 10 a.m. to noon at Native Earth Teaching Farm, 94 North Road in Chilmark, with animal visits and farm crafts. Weather permitting. For details, call 508-645-3304 or see nativeearthteachingfarm.org.

Plants, People, and Opportunities

Thurs, May 28, Plants, People, and Opportunities, 10am–noon Volunteers are very important people at the Polly Hill Arboretum. As the Arboretum grows, volunteer opportunities grow as well. Spend a morning with Volunteer Coordinator Nancy Weaver, Executive Director Tim Boland, and other PHA staff for this across-the-board introduction to the many ways you can become involved at the Arboretum. Open to all. No fee. Call Nancy to register. 508-693-9426.

Island Grown Schools Community Meeting

Thurs, May 28, Island Grown Schools Community Meeting, 7-8:30 PM at the Island Co-Housing Common House in West Tisbury.

Children's Earth Education

Sat, May 30, Children's Earth Education 10 am-4 pm, 5 Church St., Aquinnah. Squirrels with Sassafras Earth Education. Ages 6-12. Sliding scale: $30-$50. Also June 13. sassafrasmvy.com.

Gardening Lecture Series

Sat, May 30, Gardening Lecture Series 11 am-12 noon, Vineyard Gardens Nursery, West Tisbury. Container gardens with Kathy James. Free gardening camp for children 6+. Weekly. 508-693-8511.

Bluebird Nest Box Workshop

Plants, People, and Opportunities

Sat, May 30, Bluebird Nest Box Workshop 1-2:30 pm, Felix Neck, Edgartown. Ages 12+. $30; $20 members. Pre-register: 508-627-4850.

Plants, People, and Opportunities

Island Alpaca Jr. Discovery

Sun, May 31, Island Alpaca Jr. Discovery; A fun and exciting farm experience for 8-18 year olds. Every participant will learn the basics about the alpaca, where they come from and why they are important to us, Children will get involved in hands-on activities, such as barn chores, alpaca feeding and care, halter training, and should luck have it, witness a birth of a new herd member! Children should bring sturdy, comfortable shoes or boots an on wet or muddy days, please bring indoor shoes to change into, rain gear if necessary, and light gloves. Program Times: Every Sunday morning, rain or shine, from 9 am-11 am. An introductory rate of $20 per 2-hour session. Program instructor is Sandy D'Amico of West Tisbury. Pre-registration is required. Payments can be made by telephone or at the farm store. ( Open 12 to 4 Daily this summer ) www.islandalpaca.com. You may also call Island Alpaca Farm @ 508-693-5554, info@islandalpaca.com or request a registration form inside the farm store!

Save The Date

New Views of Ocean Life at the VCS Annual Meeting

New Views of Ocean Life the Census of Marine Life is the most ambitious program in the history of marine biology and you will have a chance to preview it at the VCS Annual Meeting this year. The Census of Marine Life began in the year 2000 and involves thousands of scientists from more than 80 nations. The program will report the first census of marine life in October 2010.

Jesse Ausubel, co-founder of the program and VCS Board member will preview some of the major findings and discoveries of the program, which span diversity, distribution, and abundance, from microbes to mammals. The presentation will include still and moving images of the astonishing beauty of ocean life.

Click here to visit Census of Marine Life website

The VCS Annual Meeting will be held on June 30, at 5:30 p.m. at the Wakeman Conservation Center; a light dinner will be served. Call VCS for information 508 693 9588

THE FARM INSTITUTE

THE FARM INSTITUTE
Program Brochure and Events
http://www.farminstitute.org/programs/
2009summer/2009summerbrochure.pdf

Meals in the Meadow- July 18
You are invited to make a difference. Join us for TFI’s premier buffet dinner and auction fundraiser to benefit the programs of The FARM. Fabulous food by Buckley’s Gourmet Catering and special local chefs!

Family & Community Chores
Come lend a hand and help feed the animals and take care of the land. No registration necessary. June 13th, 27th, July 11th, 25th, Aug. 8th, 29th. Suggested donation $5 per person, $10 per family. Tuesday’s

FARM Tease and Tours
Join us every Tuesday this summer from Tuesday, June 23rd to Tuesday, August 25th for FARM tours and tea starting at 9:15. Tell your friends, all are welcome, and it’s FREE!

KAYAK QUEST, Felix Neck Sanctuary

May & June:
Weekdays - call for availability 508-627-4850

July— Early September:
Tuesdays & Fridays 1:00 - 3:30 pm Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays 9:00 - 11:30 am 11:30 am - 1:30 pm 1:30 - 4:00 pm Fee: $30M, $40NM per boat (all equipment included) Enjoy Sengekontacket Pond at your own pace on this self-guided tour. The Quest clues will help you uncover the story of the pond’s people, places and wildlife. Your Quest ends after you find the hidden Quest box. Kayaks, paddles, lifejackets and Quest materials are all included. 508.627.4850

Announcement

Tom Osmers

How would you describe Tom, I asked Bob Lee. “Tom Osmers is a fisherman who embraces a concern for all states of the fishery and the livelihood of the fishermen. He is a true conservationist. He is a man with a practical vision who is not afraid to speak the truth when he speaks the news. He is still going to continue to do his Friday radio show for as long as he can.” Tune into WVVY 93.7 LPFM Grandma’s Basement with Willy Mason, featuring Fish and Farm Report with Tom Osmers on Fridays from 4-6 PM. For all of you who know Tom and want to contribute something to help defray his medical costs, write to him at PO Box 1087, West Tisbury, MA 02575.

Marnie Stanton

Job Opportunity

The Children's School of Science in Woods Hole

The Children's School of Science in Woods Hole is looking for a teacher for its Robotics/ROV class for this summer. The class runs for two sequential 3-week sessions and we are looking for teachers for one or both sessions. It is a ninety-minute class from 8:30 to 10:00 for 13 to 15 year olds. Salary for the full six weeks is $2,286.00. Session A starts June 25th and runs to July 17th. Session B is from July 20th to August 6th. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. E-mail: kschwalbe@whrc.org or mail applications to: Karen Schwalbe 237 Hatchville Road East Falmouth, MA 02536-4051 http://www.childrensschoolofscience.org/

Climate Change Update

Climate Bill Clears Hurdle, but Others Remain
By JOHN M. BRODER
Published: May 21, 2009
NY Times

WASHINGTON — The House Energy and Commerce Committee, splitting largely along party lines, approved on Thursday the most ambitious energy and global warming legislation ever debated in Congress.

The bill’s passage, on a 33-to-25 vote, served as a bookend to a week that began with President Obama’s announcing a deal with auto manufacturers to impose tough new mileage and emissions standards for all cars and trucks sold in the United States starting in 2012.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/22/
us/politics/22climate.html?_r=1&hpw

Water Update

In California, Desalination of Seawater as a Test Case
By FELICITY BARRINGER
Published: May 14, 2009
NY Times

SAN FRANCISCO — The vast $320 million desalination plant approved this week by San Diego’s regional water authorities is likely to serve as a test case for whether such a large project can meet its goals while safeguarding its Pacific environment.

The plant, to be built near Carlsbad, north of San Diego, will be the first large-scale desalination operation on the West Coast and the largest in the hemisphere. “If they build it well and it operates well and the price is right, we will see more,” said Peter Gleick, the cofounder and president of the Pacific Institute in Oakland, Calif.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/15/
science/earth/15water.html?_r=2&ref=science

Wildlife Update

Fishermen Gather to Celebrate Revival of Home Port, and Point Their Future
By SAM BUNGEY
Vineyard Gazette

Hope for an ailing Island commercial fishery was on the menu at the Home Port restaurant in Menemsha Wednesday night, along with some hearty chowder and fresh herb-crusted swordfish.

Most of the Island fishing community was on hand for the first annual meeting of the Martha’s Vineyard Dukes County Fishermen’s Association, along with representatives from Cape Cod and Maine.

Guest of honor was Tom Osmers. The longtime advocate for Vineyard community fishing was praised for his leadership and determination and credited with bringing promise to a local industry which has been in rapid decline in recent years.

http://www.mvgazette.com/article.php?21057

The release of Sea More the giant lobster!

http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/
pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090521/MEDIA0302/90521023/-1/NEWS01

Wind Update

WIND FARM 'SUPER PERMIT' COULD BE ISSUED TODAY
By Patrick Cassidy
pcassidy@capecodonline.com
May 21, 2009

The state Energy Facilities Siting Board could decide today whether to formally approve a "super permit" for the proposed Nantucket Sound wind farm.

In March, the siting board ordered its staff to draft a tentative decision to issue nine local and state permits for the 130-turbine project first proposed by Cape Wind Associates LLC in 2001. If the siting board's tentative ruling is formalized, it would override a 2007 denial of the project by the Cape Cod Commission.

http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/
pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090521/NEWS/905210308/-1/NEWS01

Sustainable Update

Island Grown Initiative Launches the Island Grown Schools program

Island Grown Initiative’s Island Grown Schools program seeks to connect children on Martha’s Vineyard with the local food system. We aim to provide island students with hands-on experiences with the process of growing food through the installation school gardens and curriculum-tied farm field trips; to bring more locally-grown foods into our schools; and to work with teachers to help them find ways to bring farm- and garden-based teaching into their classrooms.

http://www.islandgrown.org/dev_2/island_grown_schools

In Print : Island farm and family
By CK Wolfson
Published: May 21, 2009
MV Times

"Morning Glory Farm and the family that feeds an island," by Tom Dunlop. Photos by Alison Shaw. Vineyard Stories, June, 2009. 156 pages. $24.95.

Debbie and Jim Athearn outside their popular farm stand on the Edgartown- West Tisbury Road.

It is the story of one farm, Morning Glory, founded in 1979, and of one family, the Athearns, James Athearn from West Tisbury and Deborah Galley Athearn from Edgartown, high school sweethearts who married and raised a farming family. But in telling it, in picturing it, an essential understanding of local farming on the Vineyard, of the life and mission of farming, and of the power of family tradition, is captured.

http://www.mvtimes.com/marthas-vineyard/
calendar/2009/05/21/in-print-morning-glory-farm.php

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