tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17769310603741561632010-02-08T16:42:08.903-05:00Earth-friendly resources for living lightly in North and South Carolina. Bringing ways to conserve water and energy; renewable energy and energy-efficient solutions for helping our environment; sources for buying local and organic foods and growing your own. We provide simple and green ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle in these beautiful lands.S. Conelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195659317968835764noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-61128773292830052442010-02-08T16:03:00.011-05:002010-02-08T16:42:08.912-05:00

We are thrilled to have a gorgeous blue sky today. The first forsythia blooms are showing, and the first tips of the daffodils are out and growing. Another sign of Spring to come: this weekend is The Great Backyard Bird Count!This is always a fun event to do with the family, and it's wonderful to do with children. It only takes fifteen minutes of observation to participate. There is a special joy

S. Conelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195659317968835764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-68007340602398779342010-01-29T17:46:00.001-05:002010-01-29T19:34:03.085-05:00

Habitat and Wildlife Keepers (HAWK) will meet the host of ETV's Expeditions with Pat on February 2, at 7:00 p.m. in the Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell Street, Matthews, NC. This free event showcases the Clemson University naturalist and host of the ETV program, Patrick McMillan.The naturalist will tell us about changes that are happening in plants and animals of the Piedmont. Habitat

S. Conelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195659317968835764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-22965379997925875802010-01-26T18:54:00.006-05:002010-01-26T19:25:38.947-05:00

This name is so fun, I have to share it. The Winyah Rivers Foundation is having their annual River Roast South at a place called Hobcaw Barony.They offer an oyster roast, southern buffet, tea, beer, and wine. Food and drinks are from the Litchfield Beach Fish House and the New South Brewing Company. The annual meeting begins on Friday, January 29th at 5:00 p.m., and the oyster roast and buffet

S. Conelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195659317968835764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-24570759668843121622010-01-16T19:52:00.008-05:002010-01-16T20:44:57.363-05:00

Winter is a great time to plant a few trees, while the roots are dormant. The North Carolina Cooperative Extension office provides two tree giveaways on January 22nd.The TreeFest is a tree event on January 22 and 23 in Wilimington, NC. More than 12,000 trees will be given away-- up to five seedlings per resident. A $3 donation will help buy trees for next year’s event. The event runs from 10 a.m.

S. Conelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195659317968835764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-7552328883997624342009-12-29T21:00:00.018-05:002010-01-06T00:45:22.214-05:00

Clemson University has been awarded $98 million for research to support wind energy! It is the largest single grant ever received by the university, according to the Clemson Newsroom. The Department of Energy (DOE) is giving Clemson $45 million in federal financing under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Local sources are providing $53 million in matching money.In this five-year grant,

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-88717848721246623912009-11-14T08:19:00.029-05:002009-11-15T20:48:38.792-05:00

Thursday night, Sustainable North Carolina (SNC) gave awards to groups and individuals that advance sustainability in our state. Click on the names of this year's award winners to find out more about the great work they are doing!The first three awards go to businesses:The Triple Bottom Line award is for a company that successfully integrates social, environmental, and economic objectives. The

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-18099938306922044152009-10-24T22:00:00.002-04:002009-10-24T22:02:47.453-04:00

We applaud Duke University's plan to become "climate neutral" by 2024, one hundred years after its establishment. "Duke has long been a major center for the study of the environment," President Richard H. Brodhead said. "We are committed to being a leader in best practices in responding to climate change.” Since 2003, their new buildings have met the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-29467230912716241472009-09-25T10:10:00.000-04:002009-09-25T11:07:24.105-04:00

A free event to celebrate National Public Lands Day is happening at the Cradle of Forestry on Saturday, September 26th. A Naturalist will lead a "Water Wonders" (Maravillas del Agua) walk on the paved Forest Festival Trail. The tour will tell about public lands and how the forests affect watersheds and water quality. Kids ages 5-12 can then play in a short game to learn more about the water cycle

S. Conelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195659317968835764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-14921764964351540582009-09-24T19:00:00.006-04:002010-01-09T21:11:00.206-05:00

Welcome to the home of Henry and Bertha Buchanan! Last month volunteers from Habitat for Humanity and the Sierra Club arrived to weatherize their house. It's part of a plan to preserve affordable housing, while reducing the need for energy. And the Buchanans will save on their monthly power bills. At 7 a.m. this Saturday morning, the partnership will tackle two more houses in South Charlotte.

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-15023649721373335712009-09-19T18:11:00.003-04:002009-09-20T02:14:31.299-04:00

The Riverspeak News from the Winyah Rivers Foundation offers an upcoming paddle trip on the Waccamaw River. This photo, taken by Ed Kay, shows members of the Yakkity Yakers Club on a previous river run. The paddle series, “If The River Could Talk,” continues with a new trip you can join. On Saturday, October 3rd, the morning float on the Waccamaw River departs at 9 a.m. from Wacca Wache Marina in

S. Conelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195659317968835764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-72151314618379511702009-08-27T00:03:00.003-04:002009-08-27T00:31:38.636-04:00

This evening, the farm of Mr. Garnett Carr in Roxboro, NC, will host an asparagus how-to class. I thought it was difficult, but the announcement states that this high-value vegetable crop is easy to grow.Presented by Carl Cantaluppi, a Horticulture Agent for the NC Cooperative Extension Service, the meeting will tour variety trial plots planted there. They will examine yields, discuss soil

S. Conelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195659317968835764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-16746419741873047872009-06-06T09:00:00.009-04:002009-09-20T15:03:26.877-04:00

Kathy Mattea, a self- described "recovering country music star," will be the host and feature performer at the Mountain Aid festival June 19th and 20th. Others appearing include Donna the Buffalo, the Slim Redmond Band, and Ben Sollee. This year's proceeds will go to the Pennies of Promise campaign, to build a school for the children of Marsh Fork Elementary. Their current school, in

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-71353377055160679752009-04-30T17:21:00.007-04:002009-05-01T13:22:02.488-04:00

As Earth Month draws to a close, let's recognize Duke University's brand new LEAF Award, for Lifetime Environmental Achievement in the Fine Arts.Robert Redford received the first LEAF during Duke's Reunion Activities. The photo at left is from Duke News. Since the early 70's, he has shown his concern for the environment and the arts in his films, and has used his talents and resources to share

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-31206690503372263992009-04-03T18:00:00.028-04:002009-04-05T07:40:35.235-04:00

After many days of rain, everyone is ready to get out. Let's play in the sun, and dig in the dirt! If you are ready to plant something, check out the native plant sales in the area. Native plants require less work, and grow better and easier than other species. They behave themselves, and don't require you to trim them (with a machete) in a couple of years. Some non-natives are invasive, even

S. Conelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195659317968835764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-57594707495749790512009-03-27T00:27:00.008-04:002009-03-27T01:55:45.287-04:00

"Bless your buttons," my Grandmother used to say. That was my feeling, when I saw the blue balloon buttons all over the area on the Earth Hour map. Thank you to Laurens, and Columbia, South Carolina for joining in; we are so glad you are participating. In North Carolina we see Wilmington, New Bern, Fayetteville, Raleigh, Carrboro, Winston-Salem, Davidson, Charlotte, Asheville, and Dillsboro are

S. Conelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195659317968835764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-70744892113388768522009-03-22T13:00:00.024-04:002009-03-22T14:35:57.781-04:00

One award was given to Jasper County, SC, to help in the restoration of their farmer's market in Ridgeland. You'll enjoy the video on their website, about how an old bean shed became Jasper County Farmer's Market and Auction Center. This season, the retail market will be open on Fridays, beginning April 24.At Riverview Charter School in Beaufort, volunteers from the Ward Edwards Company will

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-61085719267346931812009-03-09T16:20:00.011-04:002009-03-11T22:43:03.964-04:00

This just in: We have our first Earth Hour 2009 city in the Carolinas! Around 25 students from Lincolnton High School attended a City Council meeting to make a request. The students, members of the AP Earth and Environmental Science class, proposed that their town participate in Earth Hour and turn off all non-essential lights at 8:30 p.m. on March 28. The petition was granted, and Lincolnton, NC

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-59123298726027387172009-03-08T13:50:00.009-04:002009-03-08T14:54:41.274-04:00

We are enjoying our beautiful weather today! This is one of the lovely times of year when the temperatures are so comfortable, heating or cooling is unnecessary.Time went forward an hour this weekend for Daylight Savings, and as we adapt to the change in routines, I'm thinking of another hour marking this month. Our readers have asked us to participate in Earth Hour 2009, on March 28th, at 8:30

S. Conelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195659317968835764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-7355215311800129692009-02-22T21:30:00.001-05:002009-02-22T21:43:19.899-05:00

This spring, Clean Transportation, based at NC State University, will recognize individuals and groups for building better vehicles or advancing better fuel. They will present Mobile Clean Air Renewable Energy (CARE) awards in several categories.Local pioneers are making a difference: reducing gasoline consumption and working to reduce air pollution. We've written about biodiesel fuel made from

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-60952043593074556352009-02-18T13:00:00.010-05:002010-01-06T00:29:39.711-05:00

It's the 8K Run & 5K Family Fun Walk to Preserve and Improve Water Quality in the Charleston Area! Runners and walkers will head out from Folly Beach, SC, on Saturday, February 21st at 9 a.m.The event is hosted annually by the Masters of Environmental Studies Student Association (MESSA) of the College of Charleston. All proceeds are donated to a local non-profit group working to improve water

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-40517199216274148332009-02-14T13:48:00.021-05:002009-02-14T15:22:24.284-05:00

Kids can make some green for being green! There is time for South Carolina kids to compete in the Champions of the Environment annual contest. Entries are due March 13, 2009 for the Environmental Awareness Middle School Competition. It is open to middle school-aged students: 6th, 7th and 8th graders in a public, private, or home school setting. Students can enter in the essay or poster division

S. Conelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195659317968835764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-68192742147368319382009-02-01T10:42:00.007-05:002009-02-03T17:07:24.066-05:00

Wait! Before you recycle that orange juice container, take a closer look at it. I almost missed the side that shows the promotion for Tropicana's Rescue the Rainforest. Their offer says that you can save 100 square feet of rainforest for every carton code you enter on a web site.They ask for name, address, and e-mail, and you have the option to receive electronic announcements. That's something

S. Conelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195659317968835764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-23094244950108153062009-01-29T20:22:00.009-05:002009-01-30T10:28:13.060-05:00

It is really enjoyable to see what's happened This Week at Hilton Pond. The snow cover wasn't amazing this past week, but the bird studies really are. Be sure to scroll down that page to see the great photographs and read about them all. There is a good deal of information at Hilton Pond Center of Piedmont Natural History in York County, SC.Director Bill Hilton Jr. is apparently heading for Costa

S. Conelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18195659317968835764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-75617966715306547132009-01-21T18:00:00.001-05:002009-01-21T21:05:33.252-05:00

What's a Cool City? The Sierra Club says it has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions levels. On the Cool Cities America site, we can find local cities listed, from Bethania, NC, to Charleston, SC. Each city pursues its goal in its own way. A Cool City could increase its use of hybrid cars and renewable energy. Another might choose to connect greenways to bus routes and implement

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-70432178431687682372009-01-19T11:00:00.007-05:002009-01-19T11:48:40.965-05:00

If you have ever thought of visiting Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary in Charlotte, Thursday would be a good time. Michael Balough will begin this year's lecture series, speaking about Dwarf Conifers in Southern Gardens. Wing Haven, almost three acres enclosed in brick walls, includes formal gardens, fountains, and statuary, integrated with woodland areas and paths, as shown in the photo at

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0