NCLI COALITION CELEBRATES HISTORIC LEGISLATION INTRODUCED ON EARTH DAY ( "Passing the No Child Left Inside Act is a key step in improving the quality of our children's education and preparing them for the complex challenges of the future workforce," Senator Reed said. Research shows that when environmental education is integrated into the curriculum, student achievement increases in core academic areas including science, math, and reading. Additional research finds that schools that teach the core subjects using the environment as an integrating context also demonstrate reduced discipline and classroom management problems; increased engagement and enthusiasm for learning; and greater student pride and ownership in accomplishments. The bill authorizes new funding for states to provide high-quality, environmental instruction. Funds would support outdoor learning activities both at school and in non-formal environmental education centers, teacher professional development, and the creation of state environmental literacy plans. "Environmental education must be a part of the formal pre-K-12 education system if we are to fully prepare students to become lifelong stewards of our natural resources and compete in a green economy," Congressman Sarbanes said. The No Child Left Inside Coalition includes 1,300 organizational members—representing more than 50 million individuals. -more- "That this legislation is introduced on Earth Day, with critical environmental issues looming on the horizon, should be a reminder to us not to take environmental education for granted," said Don Baugh, Chesapeake Bay Foundation Vice President for Education and Director of the No Child Left Inside Coalition. "There is nothing like hands-on environmental education to engage children and pique their curiosity. We are grateful to Senator Reed and Congressman Sarbanes for their leadership in championing an issue that is so fundamental to our long-term success in educating the next generation of environmental stewards." Co-sponsors in the Senate include BenCardin (D-Md.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Christopher Dodd (D-Connecticut), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York), John Kerry(D- Massachusetts), Frank Lautenberg (D-New Jersey), Blanche Lincoln (D- Arkansas), Patty Murray (D-Washington), Bernie Sanders (D-Vermont), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island). Co-Sponsors in the House include Representatives Howard Berman (D-CA), Timothy Bishop (D-NY), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Madeleine Bordallo (D-GU), Lois Capps (D-CA), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Gerald Connolly (D-VA), Elijah Cummings (D-MD), Keith Ellison (D-MN), Bob Filner (D-CA), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Phil Hare (D-IL), Alcee Hastings (D-FL), Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), Ruben Hinojosa (D-TX), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Rush Holt (D-NJ), Michael Honda (D-CA), Ron Kind (D-WI), Barbara Lee (D-CA), John Lewis (D-GA), Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Michael Michaud (D-ME), James Moran (D-VA), John Olver (D-MA), Jared Polis (D-CO), Robert Scott (D-VA), Jose Serrano (D-NY), Joe Sestak (D-PA), Albio Sires (D-NJ), Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH), Pete Fortney Stark (D-CA), John Tierney (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), David Wu (D-OR), and John Yarmuth (D-KY). * * * |
TripAdvisor™ TravelCast is a barometer of what's hot in travel destinations. TripAdvisor engineers have developed a proprietary algorithm that looks at several criteria including changes in search activity and postings throughout the world's largest travel community, http://www.tripadvisor.com/. The TravelCast then predicts the rising stars in travel. TripAdvisor TravelCast Top Ten U.S. Destinations for 2009 1. St. George , Utah 2. Englewood , Florida 3. Keauhou , Hawaii 4. Mount Pocono , Pennsylvania 5. Haines , Alaska 6. Bainbridge Island , Washington 7. New Buffalo , Michigan 8. Pahoa , Hawaii 9. Gurnee , Illinois 10. Ruskin , Florida "An emerging trend is travelers getting greener. They plan to be more environmentally-conscious, and will be more active outdoors this year, taking advantage of some of the outstanding resources in the U.S. , such as our beautiful national parks," said Michele Perry, vice president of global communications for TripAdvisor. "For those interested in going farther afield, TravelCast's top emerging world destination is Budoni, Sardinia, a breathtaking beach destination in Italy ."
TripAdvisor Ranks Ruskin , Florida the #10 Emerging U.S. Travel Destination for 2009: Why? Referred as " America 's Salad Bowl," agriculture was the heart of Ruskin during the early 1900s and thrived through the mid-1980s. Agriculture is still important to the community and recognized with the Ruskin Tomato Festival, held the first weekend in May and dates back to 1935. Another popular festival is the Ruskin Seafood Festival held the first weekend in November. Visitors who miss the Ruskin Seafood Festival and looking for hands-on seafood experiences can join Captain Gus's Crabby Adventures, a four-hour boating and eating journey with a commercial crabber. Depending on the time of year, participants, referred as mates, will catch blue crabs or stone crabs. They're taught how to bait and pull up crab traps and importantly, shown how to clean, cook, and eat crab. Miss the romance of a drive-in movie theater? The Ruskin Family Drive-in Theater shows wholesome movies every night of the year and has been doing so since 1952. The community of Ruskin is located about a 30-minute drive south of Tampa and marked its 100th anniversary this year. Being recognized as one of TripAdvisor's Top Ten Emerging Destinations for 2009, new visitors will discover Ruskin, embrace its unique personalities, and ask themselves why it took so long to discover it. |
Census: Hillsborough one of the nation's top farming counties Despite its urbanization, Hillsborough County continues to be among the nation's major agricultural producers. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30384877/from/ET/ |
| From NWF's Green Hour enewsletter: SPEAK OUT FOR NATURE IN THE CLASSROOM
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joyner.arthenia.s18@flsenate.gov, storms.ronda.s10@flsenate.gov, justice.charlie.s16@flsenate.gov, crist.victor.s12@flsenate.gov, Kevin.ambler@myfloridahouse.gov, rachel.burgin@myfloridahouse.gov, faye.culp@myfloridahouse.gov, bill.galvano@myfloridahouse.gov, rich.glorioso@myfloridahouse.gov, ed.homan@myfloridahouse.gov, seth.mcKeel@myfloridahouse.gov, darryl.rouson@myfloridahouse.gov, ron.reagan@myfloridahouse.gov, betty.reed@myfloridahouse.gov, Michael.scionti@myfloridahouse.gov, will.weatherford@myfloridahouse.gov
joyner.arthenia.s18@flsenate.gov; storms.ronda.s10@flsenate.gov; justice.charlie.s16@flsenate.gov; crist.victor.s12@flsenate.gov; Kevin.ambler@myfloridahouse.gov; rachel.burgin@myfloridahouse.gov; faye.culp@myfloridahouse.gov; bill.galvano@myfloridahouse.gov; rich.glorioso@myfloridahouse.gov; ed.homan@myfloridahouse.gov; seth.mcKeel@myfloridahouse.gov; darryl.rouson@myfloridahouse.gov; ron.reagan@myfloridahouse.gov; betty.reed@myfloridahouse.gov; Michael.scionti@myfloridahouse.gov; will.weatherford@myfloridahouse.gov
Media contact: Dolly Cummings phone: 813-363-5438 Events at Camp Bayou Camp Bayou's annual Spring Open House, held on Saturday, April 18, started off with volunteers for the Great American Cleanup. Over 30 volunteers spent the morning picking up trash, helping in the Children's Activity area (part of 'No Child Left Inside- www.nclicoalition.org), showing visitors around the preserve or enjoying a well-deserved meal. The next event at Camp Bayou is "Poetry in Motion", a Poem in your Pocket Day event, Thursday, April 30 starting at 9:30am. Join a Camp Bayou Naturalist for a walk around the preserve, then create a poem to share with the group. For more on PIYP day visit www.campbayou.org and click on the link in the calendar for April 30 or email Dolly at campbayou@yahoo.com. Don't forget to stop by the Watershed Tent when you visit the Ruskin Tomato and Heritage Festival on Saturday and Sunday, May 2 and 3, 2009 from 10am-5pm (www.ruskintomatofestival.org). The Watershed Tent's environmental organzations offfer lots of great freebies, information and activities plus speakers on gardening topics. For a schedule of Watershed Tent speakers, visit www.campbayou.org and click on the Watershed Tent. Camp Bayou is a defunct RV park that has been converted back to its natural state for community enjoyment as a nature center and preserve. It is a partnership between the Ruskin Community Development Foundation, Inc. and Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation. Camp Bayou is located 3 miles south of SR674 at the end of 24th St SE in Ruskin. For information and directions call 813-641-8545 or visit the website at www.campbayou.org. ### Pictured: Folks from Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Plant City collect several bags of trash for the Great American Cleanup, a Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful event at Camp Bayou. Dolly Cummings www.campbayou.org "I do not understand how any one can live without some small place of enchantment to turn to." Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (Cross Creek) |
The Watershed Tent will include fun and relevant information about our natural environment, coordinated by the Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center. It includes organizations such as Hillsborough County Cooperative Extension, Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful, Florida Department of Forestry, Florida Master Naturalists and more! There will be speakers and demonstrations as well as interactive booths. The Watershed Tent is free with your paid admission to the Ruskin Tomato Festival. Click here for flyer Schedule of Watershed tent speakers and workshops: Saturday: 10am- Welcome to Your Watershed- Watershed Tent opens with activities and freebies from various enviro orgs. 11am- Water-Wise with Maria Carver of Hillsborough County Cooperative Extension Noon- Rainbarrels with Lynn Barber of Hillsborough County Cooperative Extension 1pm- Composting with Barbara Watson of Hillsborough County Cooperative Extension 2pm- Native Plants in the Landscape 3pm- Grow your own tomatoes- Pot up a tomato seedling and learn how to grow the best tomatoes in the neighborhood! Plus storytime with "These Florida Farms!" 4pm- TBA Sunday- all day Nature Crafts including an ongoing Art in Recycling workshop plus hourly Guided Walks to do some beachcombing- fun for all ages! Tomato & Heritage Festival Returns to Ruskin May 2 & 3 Once again Ruskin Florida celebrates its agricultural heritage roots at the annual Ruskin Tomato & Heritage Festival. Always the first weekend in May, this year's event is on Saturday May 2 and Sunday May 3. Featured performers include a tribute to Patsy Cline by Caroline Cline as well as local talent such as Paul Carr. This year in addition to our main stage we are adding a second stage for local country and western performers to come together to "jam." Free tomato plants will be given out each day while supplies last. Even if you miss out on a plant you can still enjoy free tomato slices. Tomato sandwiches will be prepared sold by Ye Royal Krewe of Charlotte DeBerry as a fundraiser. There will also be produce stands open including one by SweetBay Supermarket where you can purchase fresh tomatoes and other vegetables. You won't go hungry with the many food returning food vendors. Enjoy down home foods including fried green tomatoes and juices. Vendors will be bringing crafts, jewelry, sauces, spices and clothing items. Many of our local non-profit organizations will be on hand with helpful information. Plant vendors will be bringing decorative potted flowers, landscaping plants and fruit trees. Our Heritage Village will include a vintage tractor show and demonstrations by a blacksmith, wood lathe worker and old-time trapper. Learn how a spinning wheel works, how to hook a rug or make corn husk dolls, cane a chair & get honey from a comb. There will be a Children's Court to keep the little ones amused with Cowboy Attractions: obstacle course, bounce house, mechanical bull, euro bungee, air brush tattoo, pony rides and face painting. Also this year Home Depot will bring out their kids Workshop to help make useful projects. The Festival is the major fund raiser for the Ruskin Community Development Foundation, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, established to improve life in the Ruskin area. Your sponsorship, whether in actual dollars or in-kind donation, will go a long way in supporting the many ongoing projects of the RCDF. Event Location: E. G. Simmons County Park 2401 - 19th Avenue N.W Ruskin, Florida Hours: Saturday, May 2, 2009, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Admission: Adults - $5 Children 12 and under FREE Website: http://www.ruskintomatofestival.org/ Press Photos available at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/37162608@N05/ Sponsor Opportunities and vendor information: Contact Festival Manager Don Glover, 813.935.4996 # # # |
| From FDEP: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 6, 2009
SPRING INTO APRIL WITH A GREEN HOME ~DEP offers environmentally friendly tips for thinking green when spring cleaning~
TALLAHASSEE- Spring is here and it's time for spring cleaning. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) encourages residents to think green when spring cleaning this year by using eco friendly cleaning products, finding new life for unused items and properly disposing unwanted medications.
"Spring cleaning is the perfect time to begin making choices that protect Florida's natural environment," said DEP Director of Sustainable Initiatives Deas Bohn. "Whether choosing to use non-toxic green cleaners, learning the proper methods for prescription drug disposal or implementing a household recycling plan, these choices not only protect and preserve natural resources, but help to save money and protect human health too."
Many common cleaning products are hazardous to the environment when poured down the drain or thrown away. Consumers can use recipes to make cleaners at home that are equally as effective as traditional products, and safer for people and the environment. DEP offers tips and recipes for "green" cleaning at: www.dep.state.fl.us/pollutionprevention/green_cleaning.htm
For those who don't have time to make their own cleaners, there are now hundreds of environmentally friendly products widely available through stores and the Internet. Important safety and environmental features of these products include being non-toxic, biodegradable, made from renewable resources and petroleum-free. The Green Seal, EcoLabel or other third party certification assures environmentally friendly contents. Old cleaners should be properly disposed of at the nearest city or county household hazardous waste collection center rather than being thrown in the trash.
Another way to think green this spring is to find new life for unused or unwanted items. DEP offers the following tips to give unwanted items a second life: 1. Non-profit thrift stores accept gently used items and usually gives donors a receipt to use for tax purposes. 2. Give away old clothing, household items or lawn care items to a neighbor, friend, or co-worker who may need them. 3. Freecycle Network is a web-based, nonprofit organization that helps people offer up items that other people will happily take (www.freecycle.com). Also, you can offer things for free to people in your area on an online bulletin board or newspaper. 4. Host a yard sale or sell your older items on an online bulletin board. 5. Recycle everything that you can, such as small pieces of unfinished wood, glass jars and boxes gathering dust in your garage. Also, recycle household hazardous wastes such as oil, batteries, fluorescent lamps, paint, and pesticides (www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/hazardous/pages/household.htm). 6. Recycle unwanted televisions and electronics. Recycling your television, instead of throwing it away keeps waste out of landfills, and allows the recovery of electronic components that contain lead and other toxic materials. (www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/electronics/pages/televisions.htm). 7. Convert scrap paper into telephone answering pads or scratch pads. Print drafts on the blank side of used paper. Reuse file folders and ring binders. 8. Many office product suppliers will take back empty ink/toner cartridges, recycle them for you, and allow store credit towards future purchases. (www.recycleplace.com) will pay up to $1 for returned ink/toner cartridges. 9. Reuse packing cartons and shipping papers. 10. Save and reuse gift boxes, ribbons and larger pieces of wrapping and tissue paper.
In addition, when disposing of expired or unwanted prescriptions, and over-the-counter medications this spring, it is important to choose a method of disposal that won't compromise the environment. The preferred method of disposal is with the household garbage rather than flushing medication down the toilet or drain. This method helps protect Florida's water bodies and drinking water by reducing pharmaceutical traces.
"The proper disposal of expired or unwanted medications helps protect Florida's residents and visitors as well as local waters and aquatic life," said Mary Jean Yon, Director of DEP's Division of Waste Management. "We encourage all Florida residents and visitors to be smart about the appropriate methods for disposal of unwanted medications as well as household items and cleaning products."
To protect the environment, please use these guidelines instead of flushing medications: 1. Keep in the original container. This will help identify the contents if they are accidentally digested. 2. Mark out your name and prescription number for safety. 3. For pills, add some water or soda to start dissolving them. For liquids, add something inedible like cat litter or dirt. 4. Close the lid and secure with duct tape or packing tape. 5. Place the bottle(s) inside an opaque (non see-through) container like a detergent container. 6. Tape that container closed. 7. Hide the container in the trash. Do not put it in the recycle bin.
To increase recycling throughout Florida, last summer Governor Charlie Crist signed into law the Energy, Climate Change, and Economic Security Act of 2008 which establishes a new statewide recycling goal of 75 percent to be achieved by 2020. Within the law DEP is directed to develop a program to achieve this goal and submit it to the Florida Legislature for consideration by January 1, 2010. For more information on the new statewide recycling goal of 75 percent, and to share your comments on ways to achieve this goal and view comments from others on our web-based forum, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/recyclinggoal75/.
For information on where to recycle, contact the local county recycling coordinator by visiting www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/recycling/pages/contact_counties.htm. Another excellent resource is Earth 911. Call 1-800-CLEANUP or visit www.earth911.org.
For more information on the proper disposal of unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/medications/default.htm.
DEP's Office of Sustainable Initiatives is comprised of three voluntary, non-regulatory programs that assist Florida industry and citizens in protecting the environment. The Clean Marina Program, the Florida Green Lodging Program and the Florida Pollution Prevention Program offer a variety of services including on-site assessments, consultations, speakers and workshops, all at no cost to citizens or organizations. The goal of the Sustainable Initiatives programs is to meet the needs of the present population without compromising resources for future generations. To learn more about DEP's Sustainable Initiatives, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/green.
To learn more about DEP's P2 Program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/pollutionprevention.
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