Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Media Release- Photo Contest

CAMP BAYOU 10TH ANNIVERSARY PHOTO CONTEST 2009
Can it be 10 years already?
In recognition of Camp Bayou's ten years of increasing awareness and understanding of our natural and cultural resources in the Little Manatee River Watershed, this year's Holiday Open House will have a special exhibit of pictures taken at Camp Bayou since that first hopeful year. Anyone who has ever taken a picture at the preserve, or who plans to in the next month or so, is invited to enter this celebratory contest. The basic rules are:
1. To enter submit a matted, unframed, 8x10 black and white or color photo that has been taken at Camp Bayou. Only photos from Camp Bayou will be accepted.
2. Information securely affixed to the back must include name, address and telephone number, an approximate location where taken and the date
when taken. Please indicate if you would be willing for your entry to be used for Camp Bayou displays and publicity. Acknowledgement will be given on any uses of photos.
3. You must be 18 or older to enter.
4. Photos that have previously won a Camp Bayou photo contest are in- eligible.
5. No fee to enter.
6. Entries are due November 30, 2009. Award winners will be announced at the Camp Bayou 10th Anniversary Holiday Open House, Saturday, December 5th, 2009.
7. The winner will be invited to be a judge in the next Camp Bayou Photo Contest.
8. Entries may be brought to Camp Bayou during open hours, Thursday- Saturday, 9am-2pm, or mailed to Camp Bayou Photo Contest, c/o 106 Janie St., Ruskin, FL 33570.
9. For questions call Jeri at 813/633-9479
Camp Bayou is nether a campground nor a summer camp. It was an RV park before the County's ELAPP program purchased the land but it is now open for day use only, open to the general public. Through volunteers, donations, membership and grants, the RCDF offers pre-scheduled programs to schools, youth groups, adult groups and families plus it's open from Thursday- Saturday from 9am-2pm for passive recreational pursuits such as wildlife watching.

Camp Bayou is a public- private partnership between the non-profit Ruskin Community Development Foundation, Inc. (RCDF) 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. More information is on the web at http://www.campbayou.org .


###
A variety of photos are available for use with this release at http://picasaweb.google.com/campbayou .
All photos credits are 'Dolly Cummings' unless otherwise noted.

An Inconvenient Truth In The Classroom: Free High School Curriculum

For those who wish to incorporate some additional educational activities into a viewing of an Inconvenient Truth, check out An Inconvenient Truth In The Classroom: Free High School Curriculum
Haven't seen the movie? A copy is available at Camp Bayou that can be borrowed. Please email Dolly at campbayou@yahoo.com if you are interested.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Open House - St. Petersburg Science Center

The St. Petersburg Science Center's 11th Annual Open House and Earth Science Day for Fourth Graders

"Understanding Climate" is the theme for the 2009 Open House. Scientists will share how plants, animals and rocks give us clues to understanding the earth's climate secrets. Hands-on exhibits provide an opportunity to learn about the many ways climate affects the world around us.

Friday, November 6, 2009, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Annual Earth Science Day for Fourth Graders
This date is reserved for registered 4th Grade teachers and their students. For more infomation, see the letter for 4th grade teachers. To register online, go to: Teacher Registration.

Saturday, November 7, 2009, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Open House for the General Public and Educators
The general public is welcome and a special exhibit will feature free educational resources.
For more info, visit:
Open House - St. Petersburg Science Center
or to print the flyer


Via Daniel A. - Thanks!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Don't be Scared


Just in time for Halloween...
Stop in at Camp Bayou, October 29-31 from 9am-2pm, and pick up a "Don't be Scared" Scavenger Hunt activity sheet. Anyone who finds all the items listed will receive a piece of candy as a treat. What's the trick? Getting folks to see the wonders of the natural world around us, without fear, just some commonsense.
An example to look for:
Spider- the base of many people's fears, arachnaphobia stops folks from seeing the beauty in a creature that is generally not capable of doing much damage to humans. There are exceptions, of course, so a smart rule is to observe but don't touch.

Camp Bayou closed Oct 22; Oct 23 night hike cancelled

UPDATE Friday, October 23:
The Waxing Moon night hike scheduled for Friday, Oct 23 has been cancelled due to still smoldering hot spots. Better safe than sorry. Please check back for future night hikes within the next few months.

Camp Bayou will be closed today, Thursday, October 22, due to a prescribed burn in progress. We will be open tomorrow, Friday, October 23 from 9am-2pm as usual unless there are any unforeseen complications.
Tomorrow night's Waxing Moon Hike may be cancelled depending on how the burn goes today. Some factors to consider based on experience from previous burns:
- smoke/particulates in the air may pose problems for anyone with respiratory issues.
- fire smoldering may cause concern for new flare-ups- not something you want to worry about in the dark.
- lingering smoke will cause the stars to be obscured which will prevent seeing Cygnus, part of the Great World Wide Star Count activity.

Be Out There

Be Out There (www.nwf.org/beoutthere)is a national movement to return to the nation's children a connection to the natural world around us and the joy and sustenance it brings. Studies show that children who spend time in nature are healthier, happier, and become better stewards of the environment.

NWF has teamed up with the movie Where The Wild Things Are (www.wherethewildthingsare.com) to formally launch Be Out There. Where The Wild Things Are is a collaborative effort between innovative director Spike Jonze and celebrated author Maurice Sendak that tells the story of a rambunctious and sensitive boy who feels misunderstood at home and escapes to the island of the Wild Things.

Want to get involved? Help spread the word! Let your networks, friends and families know about the Be Out There campaign and partnership with Where The Wild Things Are.

1. Send this post to others
2. Organize a service project for students to help them explore local wild things and wildlife by creating a garden or doing a habitat restoration project.
3. Share Be Out There activities online by posting the language below on Twitter and Facebook:

- Want to play "Wild Things Bingo"? Check out our Activity Guide for Kids -- adults can play too, ya know!
(link to http://www.nwf.org/beoutthere/kidsactivities.html)

- Get ideas for planning your own Wild Rumpus Day: (link to http://www.nwf.org/beoutthere/parentsguide.html)

- Start your Be Out There adventure by heading outside to watch for animals near you with help from Wildlife Watch (www.nwf.org/wildlifewatch).

Post via National Wildlife Federation (NWF) ambassador e-newsletter

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Chalk one up to Childhood

Camp Bayou will be at the Season Opening Day of the Ruskin Community Market this Saturday, October 24 from 9am-noon. Stop in and find your inner child while creating a chalk drawing reflecting a natural subject. Bioartifacts will be on display to help with inspiration.

This is our event for the Ruskin Big Draw as well as our contribution to 350.org's International Day of Climate Action! (What is 350? Find out here) Saturday is also Make a Difference Day - come out and see what you can do!

Monday, October 19, 2009

NASA -The 2009 Orionid Meteor Shower

Caused by debris from Halley's Comet, the 2009 Orionid meteor shower peaks on Wednesday, Oct. 21st, and forecasters say it could be an unusually good show.
NASA -The 2009 Orionid Meteor Shower

METEORS FROM HALLEY'S COMET: Earth is entering a stream of dusty debris from Halley's Comet, and this is causing the annual Orionid meteor shower. If forecasters are correct, the shower will peak on Wednesday morning, Oct. 21st, with dozens of meteors per hour. The best time to look is during the dark hours before local dawn.

For the past three years, Orionid rates have been unusually high, with reports of 60 or more meteors per hour. Researchers believe this is a result of some very old and rich debris from Comet Halley drifting across Earth's orbit. Computer models of the debris suggest that it is still in the neighborhood, so the trend of "good Orionids" could continue in 2009. Visit http://spaceweather.com for photos and updates.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

NOAA on the job tracking Climate Change since 1895

Blogging for BAD09

From NOAA:

September Temperature Above-Average for the U.S.

The September 2009 average temperature for the contiguous United States was above the long-term average, according to NOAA’s monthly State of the Climate report issued today. Based on records going back to 1895, the monthly National Climatic Data Center analysis is part of the suite of climate services NOAA provides.

The average September temperature of 66.4 degrees F was 1.0 degree F above the 20th Century average. Precipitation across the contiguous United States in September averaged 2.48 inches, exactly the 1901-2000 average.

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20091007_septusstats.html

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Going Green Tampa Bay EXPO 2009

The Planning Commission and USF are proud to present the 2009 Going Green Tampa Bay Expo. Join us!
 
For info visit:  www.goinggreentampabay.com
When:      Fri., Oct. 9 from 1 pm -5 pm & Sat., Oct. 10 from 9 am to 4 pm
Where:     USF Tampa Campus – Marshall Student Center
Cost:         FREE
Who:        EVERYONE who wants to build a more sustainable future!
The Going Green Tampa Bay EXPO 2009 is designed to focus on sustainability issues and opportunities that face the Tampa Bay area, showing the nation and the world that our region a viable place to grow a sustainable business or industry.  The 2009 EXPO will showcase sustainable products and services as well as information about creating a more sustainable Tampa Bay area.  The EXPO will also feature ways we all can do our part to live more sustainably and reduce our impact on our environment.
Formal exhibits and workshops will take place inside the Marshall Student Center (left) while a small business Marketplace along with solar exhibits and eco-vehicles can be found around the beautiful Marshall Student Center grounds.  Fun for the young and young-at-heart as well as local restaurants will be part of the Expo.
The EXPO will:
  • Showcase goods, services, information and ideas about renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable design, resource efficient development and green building
  • Foster growth of local sustainable product lines and services
  • Stimulate community-wide interest in sustainability, and jump start actions to avert climate change
  • Highlight sustainability-related career opportunities
  • Provide family fun and interactive activities to explore
  • Provide food from local restaurants
Over 3,000 people visited the 2008 EXPO.
Don't miss this one!
For info visit:  www.goinggreentampabay.com

Monday, October 5, 2009

There's Still Time To Cut The Risk Of Climate Catastrophe, Study Shows

ScienceDaily (2009-10-05) -- A new analysis of climate risk shows that even moderate carbon-reduction policies now can substantially lower the risk of future climate change. It also shows that quick, global emissions reductions would be required in order to provide a good chance of avoiding a temperature increase of more than 2 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level -- a widely discussed target.
Read the full article at Science Daily.
Blogging for BAD09

Ruskin Community Market opens for 2nd season Oct. 24







The Ruskin Community Market re-opens for the season on Saturday, October 24.

From 9am to 1pm the outdoor market will be open, offering fresh local produce, foods, plants, arts, crafts and music.

Join local artist Cory Wright to learn about the time honored tradition of Italian Street Painting- with chalk as the medium and the pavement as the canvas. Cory will explain various techniques for working with pastels and provide valuable tips, as well as give a short presentation of Street Painting examples.

Kids (and even adults who still connect with their inner-child) can make their mark on the pavement under the Camp Bayou tent during the Seasonal Opening of the Ruskin Community Market. Chalk will be provided as well as some natural objects as starters to get the creativity flowing, or bring your own vision of nature to create your masterpiece. No charge or RSVP but if questions contact Dolly at campbayou@yahoo.com

The Ruskin Community Market is located across from the Ruskin Post Office, in the 600 block of First Street , NE. New vendors are welcome. Please call 813 645-6028 to reserve a spot.

The market is a project of the Ruskin Community Development Foundation, www.RuskinFoundation.org

Proceeds from vendor space rentals will go to fund various Ruskin community projects.

###

Media Contact - Fred Jacobsen

fred@GoThere.com

Photo credit – Fred Jacobsen

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Dialogue on Climate Change and Coastal Conservation:

Register Today

The Dialogue will be held on October 23rd, prior to the Audubon Assembly, at the Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park from 9am until noon. © Dave Kandz

On October 23rd, participate and be part of a lively discussion on climate change adaptation strategies and ways to maintain our coasts as places where people and wildlife can thrive. The Dialogue on Climate Change and Coastal Conservation will explore what we must do to prepare for the challenges of a changing coastline. The Dialogue will build on and increase cooperation for protecting natural resources and the economy in response to the effects of global warming.

When: October 23rd, 2009 from 9am until noon.
Where: Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park,
950 Lake Carillon Drive,
St. Petersburg, FL 33716

The Dialogue on Climate Change and Coastal Conservation is free and is being held prior to the 2009 Audubon Assembly. Seating is limited so register now to reserve your place.

Blogging for BAD09

Friday, October 2, 2009

'Killer' Southeast U.S. Drought Low On Scale, Says Study

ScienceDaily (2009-10-02) -- A 2005-2007 dry spell in the southeastern United States destroyed billions of dollars of crops, drained municipal reservoirs and sparked legal wars among a half-dozen states -- but the havoc came not from exceptional dryness but booming population and bad planning, says a new study.
(Note: Bold face accent is mine-

More warm up for Blog Action Day 2009

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Climate Change: News

Great background and explanation of climate change fluctuations by NASA scientists.

Climate Change: News

'Warming up' (pun intended) for Blog Action Day- October 15, BAD09.

Waxing Moon Night Hike

Friday, October 23, 2009

Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Location: Camp Bayou

City/Town: Ruskin, FL

Walk the trails, without flashllights, just after sunset. End at the campfire for s'mores and star-gazing. Final night for the Great World Wide Star Count. We'll be looking for Cygnus as well as other timely constellations. If possible, bring a reclining beach chair to make it easier to gaze skyward. $5 donation requested per person. 20 person limit.

RSVP at campbayou@yahoo.com. Directions at http://www.campbayou.org/ .

BTW, we are looking for donations of reclining beach chairs so we can keep a supply on hand for future star-gazing events. Contact Dolly- campbayou@yahoo.com .