Boston Enlists Goats to Fight Invasive Plants

source image courtesy of buzzfeed

The City of Boston is enlisting the aid of some skilled four-legged helpers in order to combat poison ivy, buckthorn, Japanese knotweed, and other invasive plant species growing on Boston Parks and Recreation Department property. The Parks Department has teamed up with the Southwest Boston Community Development Corporation (SWBCDC) and The Goatscaping Company of Duxbury and Plymouth to host a small group of goats at the West Street Urban Wild in Hyde Park as a sustainable approach to landscape management.

“Goats are an eco-friendly way to regulate overgrowth and manage pests and weeds, while giving nutrients back to the earth,” said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “I’m pleased that the Parks Department is innovating in their lot care, and I look forward to seeing the results of the goat’s work.”

 The idea was generated when teenagers from the Hyde Park Green Team, SWBCDC’s environmental education and job readiness program, approached Mayor Martin J. Walsh to discuss goatscaping at the May 27 Mayor’s Neighborhood Coffee Hour at McGann Playground.  Intrigued by the concept and the Green Team’s enthusiasm, Mayor Walsh directed Interim Parks Commissioner Chris Cook to work with SWBCDC on the project.

 Goats are currently used on Boston’s Harbor Islands and in other states and major cities including Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., as a safe and responsible way of managing overgrown and invasive vegetation. They do their work quietly and without disturbance, unlike expensive and noisy machinery, or herbicides which can be toxic. There is no hauling or dumping of debris as the goats eat the invasive plants, digest them removing harmful seeds and oils, and then deposit a clean and odorless natural fertilizer back into the landscape. They are also tick resistant, reduce the risk of wildfires, and do not damage the soil thanks to their small hooves.

 Four goats will live on-site at the West Street Urban Wild for eight weeks. A low-voltage, solar-powered electric fence will be installed to keep the goats in and coyotes out. The fence is not harmful to humans, including children and the elderly, even those with pacemakers. The goats will have a small hut for shelter. Supplemental water, hay, and grain will be stored on the site.

 The public is welcome to view the goats. The goats won’t bite or buck and are very accustomed to the presence of people of all ages. City officials warn, however, that the animals will be living among and eating poison ivy plants and will have poison ivy oils on their fur. The public should not to pet them. In addition, visitors should not tease or feed the goats.

 Teenagers from the Hyde Park Green Team will check on the goats daily, and provide them with fresh water and the proper amount of supplemental grain and hay. Any residents interested in helping to help feed and water the goats on weekends must first call (617) 364-7300 to receive a short training from SWBCDC staff.

Ryan Woods, Boston Parks Department

Victor Douieb Sculpts the Invasive Lionfish

source image courtesy of epicdiving

In April, artist and conservation activist Victor Douieb gave a lecture at the New England Aquarium as part of their free lecture series. Victor, who was never formally trained in the arts, started his career as a dental assistant making molds of patients' teeth. As an art enthusiast and diver, he wanted to purchase a sculpture of a hammerhead shark for his home, but was unable to find one - so he made his own! Since he began sculpting in 2008, he has created pieces that portray both endangered species and invasive species. My personal favorite is the pop art rhino: 

Victor also talked about his latest work - sculptures of the Lionfish. Lionfish are an invasive species originally from the South Pacific that can now be found all along the east coast. They are highly detrimental to the habitats they invade because they eat almost anything, and have no predators. So how did Lionfish get here? Most likely they were released by humans into coastal waters - theories target the Atlantis resort in approximately 1985. And because they live in reef areas where many endangered species live, it is incredibly hard for people to catch Lionfish without threatening other fish. While there is no immediate solution to the problem, Victor is bringing awareness to the issue through his art in the hopes that people will take notice and come up with innovative ways to reduce Lionfish numbers.

Museum of Science Educates Boston on Bee Decline

source image courtesy of DIYdreamer

Boston's Museum of Science is concerned alongside farmers, agriculturalists, economists and consumers with the sudden decline of the honey bee population.  Bees are responsible for the pollination of flavorful goods such as almonds, peaches, soybeans, apples, pears, cherries and many others.  They are commercially shipped en masse across the U.S. often for rental by farmers.  The bee population has fluctuated over time but this recent extreme loss of bees can is defined by Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD).  The main factor in this phenomenon is that the bees seem to disappear.  In CCD Cases, there are very few dead bees found in the hive or around the apiary and sometimes the bees leave behind larvae and eggs.

Honey bee pollination supports an estimated $25 billion worth of agricultural production.   As of now, there isn’t an explanation for this drop in bee population.   A Museum of Science representative, Erin Ross, mentions that one theory may be, “Varroa mites, viruses, climate change, pesticides, and other factors - combine to create the ‘perfect storm.’” Many organizations, private and government funded, are committed to finding an explanation.

The Museum of Science’s Hall of Human Life offers a section on the bee’s role in food production, their social structure and their unique ability to reverse aging and return to a former body type.  Our Discovery Center allows children to dress up as bees and do the “waggle dance” in order to teach them about how bees communicate the location of pollen and nectar.  From this exhibit you can see three working hives located on the roof, one of which should be very active as the weather warms up. There is also another hive on display in the Museum.

Spotlight: Operation Blue Pride

When our veterans come home from war, many struggle with what to do next. They have often endured immense physical pain and sometimes also suffer from PTSD. Approximately 22 service members commit suicide each day. One organization is trying to heal our heroes and our planet at once. Operation: Blue Pride teaches veterans how to scuba dive and educates them about shark conservation. Scuba training has proven to be a very effective self-healing and empowerment tool helping veterans regain their independence and sense of purpose. One of the first vets to participate in the program was Boston native, Sgt. Chris Maddeford, who spoke to a group at the New England Aquarium in April. "Operation: Blue Pride enriches the lives of severely wounded veterans, and helps save our oceans."

Movie Night Suggestion

image courtesy of tumblr

If you haven't already seen the eye-opening documentary Blackfish, I highly recommend you get on Netflix and watch it ASAP! As a lover of wildlife, I was horrified to learn of the conditions in which many orcas are kept around the globe. While SeaWorld claims that much of Blackfish is false or misleading, the documentary certainly does a good job of making people think of the human-animal relationships in zoos of all types. There are always more than one version of the truth, but an opinion on orca captivity simply should not be made without viewing this film. 

Boston's Eco Activities for this Week

image courtesy of Flickr

MONDAY

• First 70 degree day of spring! Head to Follain to pick up some earth-friendly, chemical free sunscreen. 

TUESDAY

• Check out the Sea Change: Boston Exhibit

WEDNESDAY

• Net Impact Sustainability Breakfast
• Water, Water Everywhere and Not a Drop to Drink Forum at the Museum of Science

THURSDAY

• Green Justice Coalition Energy Efficiency Summit
• Invasion of the Lionfish Lecture at the New England Aquarium

FRIDAY

• Last chance to check out the Museum of Science before the craziness of April Vacation begins. Why not check out their live presentation on climate change?!

SATURDAY

• Save some $$$ while cutting your environmental impact by turning off your heat and committing not to turn it on again until November or December.

SUNDAY

• Enjoy a vegetarian Easter celebration. 

Eco Events in Boston This Week

source image courtesy of flickr

MONDAY:

• Go outside! Temps may hit 60 around noon!

TUESDAY:

• New England Women in Energy and the Environment Awards Gala

WEDNESDAY:

• Its Spring! Time to purchase your Hubway Pass.

THURSDAY:

• New England Aquarium Lecture Series: The Future of Forage Fish

FRIDAY:

• Cannoli Friday at Hub Bicycle Shop

SATURDAY:

• Lecture at Harvard Museum of Natural History - Avian Adaption in a Changing World

SUNDAY:

• Having a lazy weekend? Check out some of Boston Green Blog's Netflix picks!

Avoid Spreading Invasive Insects through Christmas Trees

source image courtesy of Miss 604

This holiday season, The Nature Conservancy in the greater Boston area wants to make sure people know the facts about possible invasive species that threaten our trees. For example, fir trees are very popular Christmas Trees, and several species of fir trees are under attack from the balsam woolly adelgid, a tiny bug that distorts tree growth that can kill the tree. Maple trees, which provide syrup for our pancakes, are under attack from the non-native invasive Asian longhorned beetle. This insect kills maples (and many other species of trees), which could  seriously impact the maple syrup producers in the Northeast.

By now, most of you have already purchased your Christmas Trees, so the important thing is to dispose of them properly:

• Dispose of your tree safely. When Christmas is over, don’t just toss it in the backyard to sit around. If there are any invasive bugs on the tree, - they may spread to trees in your yard or
neighborhood. Search for local municipal tree collectors who will properly chip and dispose of
the tree.

• Don’t move firewood! Remember that warm toasty fire? Make sure those logs came from a
nearby area. Transporting firewood for long distances can spread invasive pests and start a new
infestation in your neighborhood. Instead, buy your firewood from a local, reputable seller or
burn it on the property where it was cut. (This also applies to camping. When you go camping,
don’t bring your firewood with you. Buy it at or near the campsite.)

Pencil it in: Octopus Lecture at NEAQ

WHERE: The New England Aquarium, Boston, MA

WHEN: Tonight! Thursday, December 12, 2013

WHY: The New England Aquarium invites you to the final event in this year's lecture series! Octopuses are well known for their ability to change their shape and color in the blink of an eye. More than 300 species of octopus inhabit the intertidal to the deep sea, ranging in size from smaller than a grape to an arm span of over 15 feet. Join cephalopod biologist Dr. Crissy Huffard as she discusses her research on how wild octopuses move, learn, survive, reproduce and evolve. She will also discuss the scientific evidence, or lack thereof, behind popular ideas and myths about these fascinating animals.

Pencil it in: NEAQ Meet your Local Garbage Patch

WHERE: Simons IMAX Theatre, New England Aquarium

WHEN: TONIGHT! Thursday, December 5, 2013

WHY: The oceanic garbage patches get a lot of press, but do you know what is floating right here in Boston Harbor? The Rozalia Project uses underwater robots, nets and hands to clean our ocean surface to seafloor while studying the problem and running education programs. They operate from aboard the 60' sailing vessel, American Promise, in the Gulf of Maine and Massachusetts Bay as well as from partner docks and vessels throughout the US.  Rozalia Project's Founder and Executive Director, Rachael Miller, will lead an introduction to the problem of marine debris in our waters here in New England. Click here to register.

Pencil it in: Free Lecture at the Aquarium TONIGHT

Register here.

Hope to see you tonight!

Pencil it in: Bee Day

WHEN: Tuesday, September 10, 2013, 1:00pm to 9:00pm

WHERE:  1 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA

WHY: Participate in a day of events and activities highlighting the importance of honeybees and beekeeping to biodiversity, the food supply, and human health. Learn more about the alarming decline of beehives (colony collapse disorder) widely documented in the U.S. and Europe. Check out the schedule of events for more info. All Bee Day activities are free and open to the public.

New Perspectives: Pests to Look Out for in Boston

source: http://www.morguefile.com/creative/xandert

 

From bluebirds to bottlenose dolphins, Massachusetts is home to a fascinating variety of wildlife. If you live in Boston then you should learn who your neighbors are, even if they turn out to be bothersome pests.

Bed Bugs
Bed bugs were virtually eradicated in the U.S. for decades, but they managed to make a major comeback in the 1990s. Bed bug infestations are now commonplace, especially in northern states with temperate climates. Unfortunately, this includes Massachusetts, and their numbers continue to grow at an alarming rate in Boston.

Once bed bugs get inside a home, they breed rapidly and spread throughout the area. They feed exclusively on blood and can turn you and your pets into tasty food sources that never run out. After being bitten by a bed bug, many people develop red bumps and rashes on their skin. Bed bug bites are not infectious by themselves, but scratching at irritated skin leaves it vulnerable to bacterial infections.

Termites
Houses in Boston are certainly not cheap, and termite damage can be unbelievably frustrating. The type of termite that destroys buildings in Massachusetts lives in the soil beneath sources of wood. These subterranean termites can burrow through the tiniest cracks in foundations, and it doesn't take them long to start gnawing through a home's wooden components. Colonies typically contain hundreds of thousands of workers and soldiers, and they can do some serious damage to your property in a matter of weeks. If termites are feasting on your home, try to get rid of the infestation as quickly as you can. Termite queens are egg-laying machines, and the problem will most likely get worse until the insects are removed.

Rodents
While rats and mice make excellent low-maintenance pets when raised in captivity, your safest bet is to think of their wild cousins as furry balls of disease. Wild rodents in Massachusetts spread a variety of diseases through their droppings and urine, including Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, meningitis, and encephalitis. You can get these diseases by touching surfaces that have come into contact with rodents or by inhaling contaminated dust particles. Because their bodies are often covered in salmonella and other bacteria, rodents can cause food poisoning when they forage in pantries and cupboards.

As if these health problems weren't enough, Norway rats, house mice, and many of Boston's other invasive rodent species are extremely destructive houseguests. In addition to gnawing through wooden walls and floors, they cause power outages by chewing through electrical wires. Damaged wiring is one of the leading causes of house fires, so avoid letting rodents hang around on your property for too long.

Bats
The two bat species found in Boston are the little brown bat and the big brown bat. The majority of bats in Massachusetts actually live in man-made shelters, and both species can often be found roosting in attic spaces. The main problem with bats is not the bats themselves, but is the vast quantities of droppings that accumulate in their nesting areas. Piles of bat guano spread fungal infections and other diseases to humans, and contaminated insulation can make people sick even after the bats leave. While the health risks make it a good idea to get rid of bats, try to do it without harming them, as many species are increasingly threatened. Brown bats function as a natural insecticide, and adults eat thousands of mosquitoes and other pests per night.

In the end, be it bats, bugs or termites the best way to keep your home free from them is by practicing preventative pest control. Keep areas clean, dry, and free from food and call a professional exterminator for peace of mind.

Brad Thomaston is a homeowner in the southeastern US, which has made him a pest control enthusiast by necessity. For more pest control safety tips and other information, check out his blog Brad Hates Bugs.

Shark Week!

Source images courtesy of  1 / 2 / 3 / 4

For the past few summers, stories of great white shark sightings off Cape Cod have topped the news. Normally, this doesn't surprise or intrigue me, but after reading Paul Greenberg's Four Fish, I now understand the importance of this issue - and think that it is especially important for Bostonians. We have a responsibility to protect these creatures despite their terrifying reputation. They, like all wildlife, are an essential component to the ecosystem.

This past Tuesday, OCEARCH began a month-long project aiming to tag 10-20 great whites off the coast of Chatham. As of today, none have yet been tagged because the sharks haven't been going for the bait (fish) because their meal of choice (seals) has been quite abundant in the area. But the the project is anticipated to be the largest Great White Shark expedition in U.S. history. “This expedition brings together an amazing team of researchers with broad experience in multiple disciplines. In doing so, we will be conducting over a dozen studies on white sharks, ranging from broad and fine scale migratory patterns to sonograms.  Our knowledge base on Atlantic white sharks will grow exponentially, helping both science and public safety.”

Follow the Expedition #ExpeditionCapeCod

Dam Removal in Taunton, MA

source images courtesy of partners for fish & wildlife / interfluve / how stuff works

Eight years after the Whittenton Dam’s near-failure threatened hundreds of homes and businesses in Taunton, MA, the infamous dam will be removed, and fish passage will be restored to a key segment of the Mill River.

Conservation organizations, state and federal fisheries and wildlife agencies and local planners have joined to create the Mill River Restoration Partnership.  The partnership’s goal is to remove three dams and construct a fish ladder at a fourth dam—the Morey’s Bridge Dam—along the Mill River. Last year, the Hopewell Mills Dam was removed, and the floodplain was restored. The fish ladder also was constructed at Morey’s Bridge Dam. Ultimately, the project will restore native alewives, blueback herring and American eel to more than 30 miles of habitat in the Mill River, Canoe River, Snake River, Lake Sabbatia and Winnecunnet Pond.  The project will also eliminate the public safety threat associated with the aging dams.

Massachusetts is home to approximately 3,000 dams, many of which are over 100 years old. The 2005 crisis prompted the formation of the Mill River Restoration partnership that has led the dam removal project, as well as legislative efforts to make the removal and repair of aging dams easier for Massachusetts communities. Dilapidated dams pose flood risks for surrounding communities, while also slowing the recovery of New England fisheries. Hopefully the Taunton project will continue to draw national attention to the risks of aging dams, and motivate further action.

Green Tips for Visiting the New England Aquarium

Source Images: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

On July 1, 2013 the giant ocean tank at the New England Aquarium re-opened after months of being closed for renovations. Now the Aquarium is fully open once again, and more sustainable than ever! Here are my tips for having a green family adventure at NEAQ.

1. Get there in a sustainable manner. NEAQ is just off Commercial St. which has bike lanes - perfect for a family excursion on Hubway. If the weather is bad, get there via the blue line. Aquarium stop, duh!

2. Visit the new Blue Planet Action Center. This recently-opened exhibit is an interactive display of the impacts of climate change and ocean acidification on corals, threats facing the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale and efforts to protect seafood resources through sustainable fishing practices.

3. Ask a tour guide about the Aquarium's conservation efforts regarding endangered species and habitats. 

4. Check the Events Calendar. Often, the Aquarium will feature eco-themed events such as sustainable seafood tastings, climate change lectures, and conservation-oriented imax movies. 

5. Read the Aquarium's guide to "living blue": 

6. Make knowledge last with a list. Visiting museums is a serious overload of information. To make the best of your trip to the Aquarium, finish the day by making a list of the top 5 things you learned and want to remember. (And maybe add some newly learned ocean-saving lifestyle tips!)

Fun Friday: Interactive Endangered Species Search Tool

image

What do you know about endangered species? After discovering this tool, I realized I didn't know much. But the 100 Most Endangered Species Interactive Search tool makes it fun and simple to learn about these precious creatures. Check it out! 

RECAP: Trust for Public Land 40th Anniversary Event

Last night the Trust for Public Land celebrated its 40th birthday at the Harvard Club in the Financial District. It was a small but passionate group of people that were there not only to celebrate the 40th anniversary milestone, but also to honor George P. Denny III for his outstanding volunteer service with the TPL's Ferguson Award.

Having never heard of the Ferguson Award before being invited to this event, I was a little confused when the room suddenly erupted with bagpipe music - turns out that Ferguson was Scottish, so the award is the Ferguson tartan accompanied by bagpipe music - what a fun tradition!

For those that don't know much about TPL, their mission is to conserve land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and other natural places, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. They have supported some great projects around Massachusetts including the East Boston Parks, Walden Woods, and Minuteman Park. I look forward to learning more about their local initiatives, especially as green spaces become increasingly important in our nation's cities.

Recap: The Future of Nature, Event 1: The Future of Food

On Earth Day, The Nature Conservancy and WBUR hosted a discussion panel on what the future of our food system will look like. Attendees gathered at the Artists for Humanity center in South Boston and mingled and grabbed some freebees from sponsors before hitting the appetizer table for an assortment of cheeses.

Eventually we took our seats and our moderator, Sacha Pfieffer of All Things Considered, took the stage. (Which, as NPR fan, was quite exciting!). The panel contained an interesting set of scientists, chefs, and agriculture specialists ready to share their thoughts on the current food system and what will need to change in order for future generations to get proper nourishment after the population reaches 9 Billion in 2050. Then, each panelists shared their thoughts:

Michael Leviton, Chef, Lumiere Restaurant, Area Four Restaurant, Chef’s Collaborative

-Not only do we need to think about feeding a population of 9 billion people, we need to think about how we will feed them well.

-To do this, we need to learn as a nation to eat less meat - not have meat be “the center of the plate.”

-Local food in certain regions can be extremely expensive which is not sustainable because businesses will have trouble making a profit.

-The best thing you can do as a consumer is to support businesses that are doing the right thing. 

David Cleary, Agriculture Strategy Director, The Nature Conservancy

-As China and India move into the “middle class” they are going to require more complex diets.

-Many of the environmental issues that negatively affect our food sources are man made. 

-To have a healthy agriculture system, we will need to abide by 4 principles: 

     1) manage soils properly 

     2) have natural habitats in and around farms 

     3) manage your imputs properly (water, fertilizers, etc.) 

     4) we need to build agriculture systems that will be resilient to climate change.

Paul Greenberg, Author, Four Fish: The Last Wild Food
-What we must do to ensure we have enough food in the future, is mostly a result of what we have already done to damage natural food systems.
-70% of all seafood Americans eat is in restaurants, so we need to learn to ask questions about our food.
-50% of all seafood we eat is farmed.
-Eat local seafood, not too much, mostly bivalves (good news for me, I LOVE oysters!)


Oran Hesterman, Author of Fair Food and Founder of the Fair Food Network
-Health problems and rampant obesity are caused by a broken food system.
-There are many great initiatives popping up all over the country to address this issue which gives us great hope for the future.
-Individuals and institutions need to make changes.
-The most important thing you can do is put pressure on the government to pass the Farm Bill

After each panelist gave their presentation, the audience was invited to ask questions. The resulting conversation spoke volumes - a majority of the questions were about GMOs. It seems as though the future of food will definitely involve biotechnology! Though the future of food presents some daunting tasks, I left the event that night feeling hopeful and empowered. I look forward to the rest of The Nature Conservancy’s Future of Nature Series. 

Kids learn about local waterways with "e" inc.

Children at the Warren Prescott K-8 School in Charlestown will discover local waterways and aquatic ecosystems this winter and spring. "e" inc., an environmental nonprofit organization, will introduce the school kids to the secrets of the urban underwater world surrounding the city. Along the way, they'll learn how Boston manages its watersheds and how they can prevent water scarcity at home. I wish they had this program when I was a kid! Sounds like a fun way to learn about your surroundings.

"e" inc.'s past initiatives have been very successful,  increasing students' science test performance by 60% in 2012. All of "e" inc.'s day school programs are orientedtoward encouraging kids to take environmentally positive actions atschool and at home.

The program is sponsored by Massport and is offered at no cost to the school.

 This first grader, Grazyella, shows us her diagram of the ocean floor. She is participating in the program at Winter Hill Community School. 

Photo by Margaret Kent