Join us as we change and grow! The Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters has worked to protect public health and natural resources in Wisconsin by electing conservation leaders to the state legislature since 2002, with an office in Green Bay since 2004. We have grown and changed a lot in the last five years…and have had some natural resource victories along the way, thanks to YOUR support!
Please mark your calendar and join us to meet the new Northeast Organizer, Kim Biedermann, socialize with other conservation-minded citizens, and raise funds to support our work!
Thursday, November 29th
5:30-7:30 pm
Riverside Place Condos
118 S. Washington St., Green Bay
(View Map Here)
The building is located behind the building on Washington Street and is located on the river.
If you have not already, please RSVP to Kim Biedermann at (920) 429-9008 or e-mail her at kim@conservationvoters.org.
If you are unable to make it but would like to become a member of WLCV and support our work to protect the Great Lakes from diversions, restore conservation integrity, fight global warming, and elect conservation champions, you can donate online at http://www.conservationvoters.org/ and click on ‘Donate’.
Thanks!
Kim Biedermann, Northeast Wisconsin Organizer
Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters Institute
1642 Western Ave., Green Bay, WI 54303
(920) 429-9008
(At the last Green Drinks, Andy was overheard saying, "She's really nice".)
Monday, November 19, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Dec. 3 meeting with Dave Hansen
Here is YOUR chance to meet with State Senator Dave Hansen to discuss global warming issues. We REALLY need our "leaders" to demonstrate some leadership on this issue. It would be nice to have a great turn-out. Here are the details.
What: Meet with Senator Hansen to discuss Senate Bill 81, the Wisconsin Safe Climate Act(http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2007/data/SB-81.pdf)
Who: Anyone in Senate District 30 (http://waml.legis.state.wi.us/)
Where: The Attic Coffee and Books on Bodart Street
(You can have your meeting and your coffee, too!)
When: Monday, December 3 at 3:30 pm
Why: We need constituents to let Senator Hansen that we need a plan to combat
global warming in the state of Wisconsin!
Please RSVP to Kim Biedermann at kim@conservationvoters.org or call her at (920)
429-9008.
What: Meet with Senator Hansen to discuss Senate Bill 81, the Wisconsin Safe Climate Act(http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2007/data/SB-81.pdf)
Who: Anyone in Senate District 30 (http://waml.legis.state.wi.us/)
Where: The Attic Coffee and Books on Bodart Street
(You can have your meeting and your coffee, too!)
When: Monday, December 3 at 3:30 pm
Why: We need constituents to let Senator Hansen that we need a plan to combat
global warming in the state of Wisconsin!
Please RSVP to Kim Biedermann at kim@conservationvoters.org or call her at (920)
429-9008.
Conservation Lobby Day 2008
Represent Green Bay at the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters Conservation Lobby Day!
Do you want your legislators to vote to protect clean water, clean air, natural areas, and sporting opportunities? So do we! Join us for Conservation Lobby Day 2008 and ask legislators to Be YOUR Voice for conservation!
On Wednesday, January 30, 2008, join citizens from across Wisconsin at the state Capitol to tell legislators that you expect them to vote well on natural resource issues.
On Conservation Lobby Day 2007, over 400 Wisconsinites descended on the state Capitol to share their conservation values with their State Legislators. Speaking with a unified voice was an energizing day for citizens and the conservation community. It opened legislators’ eyes to the tremendous support that exists for conservation.
Legislators need to continue to hear from you! Help demonstrate that the majority of citizens in Wisconsin value clean air, clean water, special places, and sporting opportunities.
Join us for Conservation Lobby Day 2008—January 30, 2008, State Capitol
RSVPs now being accepted! Please email kim@conservationvoters.org and let her know who you are and that you will be attending!
You can sign up now right HERE.
Do you want your legislators to vote to protect clean water, clean air, natural areas, and sporting opportunities? So do we! Join us for Conservation Lobby Day 2008 and ask legislators to Be YOUR Voice for conservation!
On Wednesday, January 30, 2008, join citizens from across Wisconsin at the state Capitol to tell legislators that you expect them to vote well on natural resource issues.
On Conservation Lobby Day 2007, over 400 Wisconsinites descended on the state Capitol to share their conservation values with their State Legislators. Speaking with a unified voice was an energizing day for citizens and the conservation community. It opened legislators’ eyes to the tremendous support that exists for conservation.
Legislators need to continue to hear from you! Help demonstrate that the majority of citizens in Wisconsin value clean air, clean water, special places, and sporting opportunities.
Join us for Conservation Lobby Day 2008—January 30, 2008, State Capitol
RSVPs now being accepted! Please email kim@conservationvoters.org and let her know who you are and that you will be attending!
You can sign up now right HERE.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
learn how to make a rain barrel
Brought to you by UW Extension and Sustainable Green Bay:
Rain Barrels: Learn how to make a rain barrel to conserve water
Aug. 25
Rain Barrels: Learn how to make a rain barrel to conserve water
Aug. 25
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Green Bay Buses Equipped with Bikeracks
From the City's website:
Mayor Schmitt took a bus ride to demonstrate how easy it is to take your bike with you. Buses are now equipped with bike racks which
will hold two bikes. The Mayor demonstrated the ease to secure your bike and remove it at the end of your bus ride. The bike racks were partially funded by a Federal grant to encourage the use of bikes in combination with public transit. These new racks make it easy for metro system passengers to use the many recreational trails, as well as bike to and from bus stops to their final destination.
The bike racks are actually pretty cool and very easy to use. Yesterday I took the bus to where I get my haircut because I figured it would be common courtesy when I got there to not be all sweaty and then I rode my bike home. The bus driver hollered at me for not putting my back in the spot closest to the bus. That is VERY logical, but I was nervous as this was my first time. Put your bike in the rear position so that there is room for another one in front. He did NOT have to honk and yell at me thought.
I have seen many bikes on the racks. People are using them!
PLEASE help me win a prize by going to this link to pledge to
Also, someone emailed me this interesting article the other day:
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Air Alert for August 2
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is issuing an Air Quality Watch for Both Ozone and Particulates effective Thursday, August 02, 2007 12:01:01 AM through Thursday, August 02, 2007 11:59:59 PM for Brown, Calumet, Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Door, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Jefferson, Kenosha, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Racine, Rock, Sauk, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha and Winnebago counties. The watch is being issued because of the forecast for elevated levels of both ozone and fine particles in the air. Ground level ozone is formed when pollution from power plants, factories and other industrial sources, vehicle exhaust and volatile organic compounds chemically reacts with hot temperatures, high humidity and atmospheric stagnation. Fine particle pollution is composed of microscopic dust, soot, liquid droplets and smoke particles that are 2.5 microns or smaller. These fine particles come primarily from combustion sources, such as power plants, factories and o ther industrial sources, vehicle exhaust, and outdoor fires.
The Air Quality Index is forecast to reach the orange level, which is considered unhealthy for people in sensitive groups and others, including people who are not in sensitive groups but who are engaged in strenuous activities or exposed for prolonged periods of time. People in those sensitive groups include those with heart or lung disease, asthma, older adults and children. When an air quality watch is issued, people in those groups are advised to reschedule or cut back on strenuous activities during the watch period.
People with lung diseases such as asthma and bronchitis and heart disease should pay attention to cardiac symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath or respiratory symptoms like coughing, wheezing and discomfort when taking a breath, and consult with their physician if they have concerns or are experiencing symptoms. Ground level ozone can irritate the respiratory system, reduce lung function, aggravate asthma and chronic lung diseases, a nd, over time, cause permanent lung damage. Fine particle pollution deposits itself deep into the lungs and cannot easily be exhaled. People who are at risk are particularly vulnerable after several days of high particle pollution exposure.
To receive air quality advisories by e-mail, visit http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/air
There are several actions the public can take to reduce their contributions to this regional air quality problem.
- Reduce driving when possible and don't leave vehicle engines idling.
- Postpone activities that use small gasoline and diesel engines.
- Minimize outdoor wood fires.
- Conserve electricity.
For more information:
- Federal interagency air quality web site, for information on the Air Quality Index and nationwide air quality forecasts and air quality conditions, http://airnow.gov
- DNR's statewide air quality monitoring web page, http://dnrmaps.wisconsin.gov
/wisards - For local DNR air management program contacts, http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/air
/staff/regions.htm
Monday, June 25, 2007
Air Alert 26 June
Air Quality Watch in Effect The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is issuing an air quality watch for 23 counties in the southeastern and south central Wisconsin effective tomorrow, Tuesday, June 26, 2007. The counties covered by this watch are Brown, Calumet, Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Door, Fond du Lac, Green, Jefferson, Kenosha, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Racine, Rock, Sauk, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha and Winnebago.
The watch is being issued because of the forecast for elevated levels of ground level ozone or fine particles or both. Ozone concentrations will be of primary concern in counties near Lake Michigan. Ground level ozone is formed when pollution from power plants, factories and other industrial sources, vehicle exhaust, and volatile organic compounds chemically reacts with hot temperatures, high humidity and atmospheric stagnation. Fine particles are microscopic dust, soot, liquid and smoke particles coming primarily from combustion sources, such as power plants, factories and other industrial sources, vehicle exhaust and wood fires or outdoor burning. Current weather conditions leading to this watch are a warm humid air mass that is forecast to intensify over the Lake Michigan region tomorrow with hot, hazy and stagnating weather conditions developing.
Air quality is forecast to reach levels considered unhealthy for people in sensitive groups and others (orange on the Air Quality Index). People in those sensitive groups include those with respiratory diseases, such as asthma, older adults, and active adults and children. When an air quality watch is issued, people in those groups are advised to reschedule or cut back on strenuous outside activities during the watch period.
People with lung diseases such as asthma and bronchitis, and heart disease should pay attention to cardiac symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath, or respiratory symptoms like coughing, wheezing and discomfort when taking a breath, and consult with their physician if they have concerns or are experiencing symptoms. Poor air quality can irritate the respiratory system, reduce lung function, aggravate asthma and chronic lung and heart diseases, and, over time, cause permanent lung damage.
There are several actions the public can take to reduce their contributions to this regional air quality problem.
Reduce driving when possible and don’t leave your vehicle’s engine idling.
Postpone filling your vehicle’s gas tank or using gas powered lawn maintenance equipment until late afternoon or evening.
Practice electrical energy conservation.
For current air quality readings in your area, call the Daily Air Hotline at: 1-866-DAILY AIR (1-866-324-5924). To receive air quality watches and advisories by e-mail: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/air/health/listserv.html.
For more information:
Federal interagency air quality web site, for information on the Air Quality Index, and nationwide air quality forecasts and air quality conditions, http://airnow.gov
DNR’s statewide air quality monitoring web page, http://maps.dnr.state.wi.us/imf/dnrimf.jsp?site=wisards
For local DNR air management program contacts, http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/air/staff/regions.htm
The watch is being issued because of the forecast for elevated levels of ground level ozone or fine particles or both. Ozone concentrations will be of primary concern in counties near Lake Michigan. Ground level ozone is formed when pollution from power plants, factories and other industrial sources, vehicle exhaust, and volatile organic compounds chemically reacts with hot temperatures, high humidity and atmospheric stagnation. Fine particles are microscopic dust, soot, liquid and smoke particles coming primarily from combustion sources, such as power plants, factories and other industrial sources, vehicle exhaust and wood fires or outdoor burning. Current weather conditions leading to this watch are a warm humid air mass that is forecast to intensify over the Lake Michigan region tomorrow with hot, hazy and stagnating weather conditions developing.
Air quality is forecast to reach levels considered unhealthy for people in sensitive groups and others (orange on the Air Quality Index). People in those sensitive groups include those with respiratory diseases, such as asthma, older adults, and active adults and children. When an air quality watch is issued, people in those groups are advised to reschedule or cut back on strenuous outside activities during the watch period.
People with lung diseases such as asthma and bronchitis, and heart disease should pay attention to cardiac symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath, or respiratory symptoms like coughing, wheezing and discomfort when taking a breath, and consult with their physician if they have concerns or are experiencing symptoms. Poor air quality can irritate the respiratory system, reduce lung function, aggravate asthma and chronic lung and heart diseases, and, over time, cause permanent lung damage.
There are several actions the public can take to reduce their contributions to this regional air quality problem.
Reduce driving when possible and don’t leave your vehicle’s engine idling.
Postpone filling your vehicle’s gas tank or using gas powered lawn maintenance equipment until late afternoon or evening.
Practice electrical energy conservation.
For current air quality readings in your area, call the Daily Air Hotline at: 1-866-DAILY AIR (1-866-324-5924). To receive air quality watches and advisories by e-mail: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/air/health/listserv.html.
For more information:
Federal interagency air quality web site, for information on the Air Quality Index, and nationwide air quality forecasts and air quality conditions, http://airnow.gov
DNR’s statewide air quality monitoring web page, http://maps.dnr.state.wi.us/imf/dnrimf.jsp?site=wisards
For local DNR air management program contacts, http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/air/staff/regions.htm
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Air Quality Watch in Effect
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is issuing an air quality watch for 25 counties in the eastern third of Wisconsin effective tomorrow, Wednesday, June 13 and Thursday, June 14, 2007. The counties covered by this watch are Brown, Calumet, Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Door, Fond du Lac, Green, Green Lake, Jefferson, Kenosha, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marquette, Milwaukee, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Racine, Rock, Sauk, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha and Winnebago. In addition, air quality today may deteriorate due to developing weather conditions and a polluted air mass. The watch is being issued because of the forecast for elevated levels of ground level ozone or fine particles or both. Ground level ozone is formed when pollution from power plants, factories and other industrial sources, vehicle exhaust, and volatile organic compounds chemically reacts with hot temperatures, high humidity and atmospheric stagnation. Fine particles are microscopic dust, soot, liquid and smoke particles coming primarily from combustion sources, such as power plants, factories and other industrial sources, vehicle exhaust and wood fires or outdoor burning. Current weather conditions leading to this advisory are a warm temperatures, light winds and a stagnant and increasingly dirty air mass over the Lake Michigan region.
Air quality is forecast to reach levels considered unhealthy for people in sensitive groups and others (orange on the Air Quality Index). People in those sensitive groups include those with respiratory diseases, such as asthma, older adults, and active adults and children. When an air quality watch is issued, people in those groups are advised to reschedule or cut back on strenuous outside activities during the watch period.
People with lung diseases such as asthma and bronchitis, and heart disease should pay attention to cardiac symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath, or respiratory symptoms like coughing, wheezing and discomfort when taking a breath, and consult with their physician if they have concerns or are experiencing symptoms. Poor air quality can irritate the respiratory system, reduce lung function, aggravate asthma and chronic lung diseases, and, over time, cause permanent lung damage.
There are several actions the public can take to reduce their contributions to this regional air quality problem.
- Reduce driving when possible and don’t leave your vehicle’s engine idling.
- Postpone filling your vehicle’s gas tank or using gas powered lawn maintenance equipment until late afternoon or evening.
- Practice electrical energy conservation.
For current air quality readings in your area, call the Daily Air Hotline at: 1-866-DAILY AIR (1-866-324-5924).
To receive air quality watches and advisories by e-mail: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/air
For more information:
- Federal interagency air quality web site, for information on the Air Quality Index, and nationwide air quality forecasts and air quality conditions, http://airnow.gov
- DNR’s statewide air quality monitoring web page, http://maps.dnr.state.wi.us
/imf/dnrimf.jsp?site=wisards - For local DNR air management program contacts, http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/air
/staff/regions.htm
Monday, April 30, 2007
Green Bay Earth Week 2007--Baird Creek Clean-Up! Sat, April 21st
Many hands make light work! 
Breakfast before the Clean-Up Youth Group 'Cristo Vivo' from Saint Willebrord Parish
Friday, April 27, 2007
Green Bay Earth Week 2007--Izaak Walton League's TeddyBear Hunt in Bellevue! Sunday, April 22nd
Lunch at Osprey Point on GV
Fishing opportunities for Ike members!
The bear hunt begins!
After the hunt comes the reward! For more information about the Brown Co. Izaak Walton League and Osprey Point, visit http://www.bellevue-wi.com/departments/dept_parkandrec/parklocations.htm.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Green Bay Earth Week 2007--EcoJam Concert, featuring Augie & the Sandwich Factory, CopperBox, and Burnt Toast & Jam!
CopperBox 
Burnt Toast & Jam
Everybody gets a chance to jam!
De Pere Environmental Club
Environmental Hero Award Winner, presented by the Helfenstein Soup CouncilGreen Bay Earth Week 2007--EcoBingo on Broadway, cont'd
Oneida Nation's Solar display 
WPS's Solar Truck
NEW Zoo Zoomobile
WPS Solar Wise and Nature Wise booth
Fun kids activities!Green Bay Earth Week 2007--EcoBingo on Broadway, cont'd
New Zoo's giant rabbit! 
Making butterfly magnets
Volunteers try out face paint designs
De Pere Environmental Club raises awareness about the Solar Olympics
The future of fishing and automobiles?Green Bay Earth Week 2007--EcoBingo on Broadway! Saturday, April 21st
Culver's Fry Mobile--runs on fry oil!!!
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary petting zoo
Making recycled paper beads & necklacesGreen Bay Earth Week 2007--Leave Your Car at Home Day Challenge! Thursday, April 19th
Green Bay East students display Traveling Trophy to Action 2 News 
Green Bay East student explains what each of us can do to reduce carbon emissions and save energy
Green Bay Mayor Schmitt leaves his car at home by taking the bus!
Green Bay Earth Week 2007--Recycling Weigh-Off!
De Pere student explains common sense of recycling 
Bay View Middle School Weighs-In!
Green Bay East Environmental Club at the Port & Solid Waste Dept.
Green Bay East poses with Senator Cowles
Green Bay Earth Week 2007--Storytime and Green Drinks
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Kagen and the Fox River
a GREAT column in today's Press-Gazette:
Kagen right to question plan to cap Fox River PCBs
By Andy Buchsbaum
I could not have said it better myself.
Kagen right to question plan to cap Fox River PCBs
By Andy Buchsbaum
I could not have said it better myself.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Step It Up 2007 Green Bay
Participate in the NATIONAL DAY OF CLIMATE ACTION! Go to the link below to RSVP!Green Bay, WI
April 14, 2007 12:00PM to 12:30PM
Event Description:
FINALIZED PLAN: Everyone meet out in front of the courthouse downtown at NOON. Bring your hybrid, walk, etc. I think it would be great to line the streets with hybrid cars and bicycles! If you want to bike, meet at KaVarna at 11 am, we will be leaving KaVarna at 11:30 am, and biking throughout downtown and then meeting at the courthouse. Wear whatever you want, bring signs, do what you feel you need to do in order to show your support!
Location:
100 South Jefferson Street, Green Bay
Directions:
It's at the corner of Jefferson and Walnut in Downtown Green Bay
Saturday, April 07, 2007
first sighting 2007
I had my first "Green Bay" white pelican sighting of the year today. Very exciting. MORE exciting than seeing the first robins. I know they have been back for awhile but I did not see any until today.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Earth Week Events
Green Bay-area Earth Week 2007!
Monday, April 16th
6:00-7:30pm--Durga Kar of ADIRE on renewable energy and sustainable living in rural India
UWGB, Mary Ann Cofrin Hall (MAC Hall), Room 206
Free to attend.
Tuesday, April 17th
6:00-7:30pm--Fred Schnook, former Mayor of Ashland, on bringing together business, government, & environmental interests
UWGB, MAC Hall, Room 210
Free to attend.
Wednesday, April 18th
6:00-7:30pm--Laura Manthe on sustainable living on the Oneida Reservation
UWGB, MAC Hall, Room 223
Free to attend.
Thursday, April 19th (kid-friendly, student volunteer hours)
All Day--Leave Your Car at Home Day challenge!!!
City-wide! Bus, bike, walk, or carpool to work or school!
Click here for participation guidelines, and here for the Mileage-Saved recording chart.
6:00-10:00pm--Green Drinks at Kavarna
112 S. Broadway, Green Bay
Free to attend.
7:00-8:00pm--Storytime and Live Frogs at Barnes & Noble
2498 S. Oneida St, Ashwaubenon
Free to attend.
Friday, April 20th
4:30pm--School Recycling Weigh-Off! (All schools encouraged to participate!)
Port & Solid Waste Department, 2561 S. Broadway, Green Bay
Click here for participation guidelines.
6:30-9:00pm--Free showing of An Inconvenient Truth, discussion to follow
Brown County Library, 515 Pine Street, Green Bay
Saturday, April 21st (kid-friendly, student volunteer hours)
9:00-Noon--Baird Creek Clean-Up!!!
Preble Park, near Sunrise Ct and Skyline Blvd off Finger Rd, Green Bay
Light breakfast provided. Free.
9:00-Noon--Riverside Clean-Up for Paddlers--bring your own canoe!
Optimist boat landing, end of Lazarre St. where Monroe/57 intersects
Snacks and water provided. Free.
8:00-Noon--East High School hosts Joannes Park Clean-Up
Meet at front of East High School on E. Walnut & S. Jackson, Green Bay
Free to attend. Plastic bags provided, but bring your own gloves!
Noon-4:00pm--EcoBingo on Broadway, plus kids crafts, petting zoo, fishing games and more!
Pick up your Bingo card at the AmerIndian Center, 407 Dousman St, Green Bay
Free.
Noon-3:00pm--Bay View Middle and Bay Port High Schools host Pamperin Park Clean-Up!
Meet at Pamperin Park, 2477 Shawano Ave, Green Bay
Free.
5:00-Midnight--EcoJam Concert, featuring Augie & the Sandwich Factory, Copper Box, and Burnt Toast & Jam! Plus, presentation of Environmental Hero Award and Leave Your Car At Home Day trophy!
Holiday Inn City Centre, 200 Main St, Green Bay
Cost is $3 for students, $5 for adults, and free with a UWGB or WPS ID.
Sunday, April 22nd (kid-friendly, student volunteer hours)
Noon-4:00pm--Izaak Walton League's 'Bear Hunt in Bellevue!'
Osprey Point, on Hwy GV, about 1 mile south of 172
A family 'hunting license' costs $10.
Monday, April 16th
6:00-7:30pm--Durga Kar of ADIRE on renewable energy and sustainable living in rural India
UWGB, Mary Ann Cofrin Hall (MAC Hall), Room 206
Free to attend.
Tuesday, April 17th
6:00-7:30pm--Fred Schnook, former Mayor of Ashland, on bringing together business, government, & environmental interests
UWGB, MAC Hall, Room 210
Free to attend.
Wednesday, April 18th
6:00-7:30pm--Laura Manthe on sustainable living on the Oneida Reservation
UWGB, MAC Hall, Room 223
Free to attend.
Thursday, April 19th (kid-friendly, student volunteer hours)
All Day--Leave Your Car at Home Day challenge!!!
City-wide! Bus, bike, walk, or carpool to work or school!
Click here for participation guidelines, and here for the Mileage-Saved recording chart.
6:00-10:00pm--Green Drinks at Kavarna
112 S. Broadway, Green Bay
Free to attend.
7:00-8:00pm--Storytime and Live Frogs at Barnes & Noble
2498 S. Oneida St, Ashwaubenon
Free to attend.
Friday, April 20th
4:30pm--School Recycling Weigh-Off! (All schools encouraged to participate!)
Port & Solid Waste Department, 2561 S. Broadway, Green Bay
Click here for participation guidelines.
6:30-9:00pm--Free showing of An Inconvenient Truth, discussion to follow
Brown County Library, 515 Pine Street, Green Bay
Saturday, April 21st (kid-friendly, student volunteer hours)
9:00-Noon--Baird Creek Clean-Up!!!
Preble Park, near Sunrise Ct and Skyline Blvd off Finger Rd, Green Bay
Light breakfast provided. Free.
9:00-Noon--Riverside Clean-Up for Paddlers--bring your own canoe!
Optimist boat landing, end of Lazarre St. where Monroe/57 intersects
Snacks and water provided. Free.
8:00-Noon--East High School hosts Joannes Park Clean-Up
Meet at front of East High School on E. Walnut & S. Jackson, Green Bay
Free to attend. Plastic bags provided, but bring your own gloves!
Noon-4:00pm--EcoBingo on Broadway, plus kids crafts, petting zoo, fishing games and more!
Pick up your Bingo card at the AmerIndian Center, 407 Dousman St, Green Bay
Free.
Noon-3:00pm--Bay View Middle and Bay Port High Schools host Pamperin Park Clean-Up!
Meet at Pamperin Park, 2477 Shawano Ave, Green Bay
Free.
5:00-Midnight--EcoJam Concert, featuring Augie & the Sandwich Factory, Copper Box, and Burnt Toast & Jam! Plus, presentation of Environmental Hero Award and Leave Your Car At Home Day trophy!
Holiday Inn City Centre, 200 Main St, Green Bay
Cost is $3 for students, $5 for adults, and free with a UWGB or WPS ID.
Sunday, April 22nd (kid-friendly, student volunteer hours)
Noon-4:00pm--Izaak Walton League's 'Bear Hunt in Bellevue!'
Osprey Point, on Hwy GV, about 1 mile south of 172
A family 'hunting license' costs $10.
Sustainable Green Bay
Mayor Schmitt's Sustainable Green Bay Task Force recently completed their initial report. A press conference will be held in the near future. If you want a paper copy of the report let me know! Any feedback would be greatly appreciated by the group. In the meantime, the Sustainable Green Bay website is now online.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
urban sprawl
In yesterday’s Press-Gazette, there was an article about urban sprawl called “Urban growth a threat to state agribusiness”. It offers some interesting statistics about the loss of Wisconsin farmland during the last ten years. What struck me was the apparent inevitability of it all. The article was peppered with these phrases: “you can’t stop progress”, “you really couldn’t stop it, it was going to happen”, and it “can snowball in a hurry”.
I have also heard local environmental leaders comment that this problem really can’t be solved, that it is something that is just going to happen. I disagree. I think that urban sprawl and the loss of forests and farmland are very solvable problems. Some cities around the country, such as Missoula, MT, have begun to deal with it by enforcing some very strict planning and zoning laws that protect a green ring of countryside around their cities.
Chuck Lamine, Brown County’s planning director, hints at solutions when he discusses the Smart Growth plan. In the article, he talks about how we need to encourage higher-density developments in order to protect agricultural land. Unfortunately, our Smart Growth Plan is not due until 2010. After that, leaders have to decide to follow the plan and give it some teeth.
Urban sprawl needs to be dealt with now. Green Bay does need to encourage high-density community style developments as opposed to McMansions on the hill with huge lots and big boxes. We need to permanently set aside large areas of farmland that are still within our city’s boundaries on the east side. (We’re going to need it!)
-and while I’m at it: We should not build a new suburban “Taj Mahal High School”. The proposed new high school would be sure to trigger a lot of new development and draw people away from the inner city. If a new facility really is necessary, it should be built in town and should be used as part of a plan to draw people to and keep people in the city.
It takes a lot political courage for our leaders to stand up to the powerful development interests in this area and deal with this issue. They need to know that many people see this as a problem. As the article makes clear, sprawl is not progress.
eddy out,
rich
I have also heard local environmental leaders comment that this problem really can’t be solved, that it is something that is just going to happen. I disagree. I think that urban sprawl and the loss of forests and farmland are very solvable problems. Some cities around the country, such as Missoula, MT, have begun to deal with it by enforcing some very strict planning and zoning laws that protect a green ring of countryside around their cities.
Chuck Lamine, Brown County’s planning director, hints at solutions when he discusses the Smart Growth plan. In the article, he talks about how we need to encourage higher-density developments in order to protect agricultural land. Unfortunately, our Smart Growth Plan is not due until 2010. After that, leaders have to decide to follow the plan and give it some teeth.
Urban sprawl needs to be dealt with now. Green Bay does need to encourage high-density community style developments as opposed to McMansions on the hill with huge lots and big boxes. We need to permanently set aside large areas of farmland that are still within our city’s boundaries on the east side. (We’re going to need it!)
-and while I’m at it: We should not build a new suburban “Taj Mahal High School”. The proposed new high school would be sure to trigger a lot of new development and draw people away from the inner city. If a new facility really is necessary, it should be built in town and should be used as part of a plan to draw people to and keep people in the city.
It takes a lot political courage for our leaders to stand up to the powerful development interests in this area and deal with this issue. They need to know that many people see this as a problem. As the article makes clear, sprawl is not progress.
eddy out,
rich
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Eric Hansen Sierra Club Presentation - Feb 8
Eric Hansen is a writer and traveler with a lengthy resume of exploring the inspiring landscapes of the American West and Upper Great Lakes. His writing credits include extensive work for Backpacker magazine, as well as other journals.
He is a veteran of 22 treks to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and successful ascents of most of the high peaks of Glacier National Park. Eric walked a memorable 1,700 miles while researching his northern Michigan and Wisconsin guidebooks. Eric Hansen website
Join him for an evening slide show with Award-Winning Author and Noted Hiker Eric Hansen on February 8, 2007 at 7:00 PM at Bubolz Nature Preserve in apleton. Click [HERE] for directions.
Eric will present a slide tour of the Northcountry’s best hikes and offer his thoughts on the land, its compelling themes and its almost mythic place in the imagination of people throughout the Midwest. The author of Hiking
Wisconsin and Hiking Michigan’s Upper Peninsula – A Guide to the Greatest Hiking Adventures in the U.P., Eric walked 1,700 miles while researching these guidebook projects.
He found miles of quiet Lake Superior shoreline,
thumping waterfalls and sparkling cascades, and rock balconies with knock-your-socks off views that stretch 50 miles and more. Eric will cover hidden gems like Shining Cloud Falls, Lost Creek Falls and the fabled Falls of the Yellow Dog as well as scenic viewpoints like the Trap Hill’s Norwich Bluff and the Tip of the Keweenaw’s Bare Bluff.
He has highlighted the Northcountry’s natural heritage in adventure features in Backpacker Magazine, the op-ed pages of the Chicago Tribune, and in interviews on Wisconsin Public Radio.
His Northland hiking slide shows are popular—twice drawing
overflow crowds of more than 300 people. Widely traveled, Eric is a veteran of 22 treks to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
The Outdoor Writer’s Association of America recently awarded him first prize for 2005 conservation and environment newspaper writing in its annual Excellence in Craft Awards. A widely-acclaimed op-ed essay in the Chicago Tribune highlighting the U.P.’s iconic Coaster Brook Trout, and the threat of sulfide mining, lead to that award. That essay is available at www.eric-hansen.com.
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