Volunteers are needed for River Sweep 2012, scheduled for Saturday, June 16th along the shoreline of the Ohio River and its many tributaries. River Sweep is a riverbank cleanup that extends the entire length of the Ohio River and beyond. More than 3,000 miles of shoreline will be combed for trash and debris. This is the largest environmental event of its kind and encompasses six states. The River Sweep is sponsored by the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO). ORSANCO is the water pollution control agency for the Ohio River and its tributaries.
Most people understand the concept of a carbon footprint but what about your nitrogen footprint? Now scientists have created a nitrogen footprint calculator to help you determine your nitrogen footprint. Why is this important? Nitrogen is an element that is essential for life. About 78% of the earth's atmosphere is made up of nitrogen gas. However, burning fossil fuels, food production and nitrogen fertilizers release lots of surplus nitrogen into the environment. Just like a carbon footprint, your nitrogen footprint is how much nitrogen your daily activities produce over a period of time.
As part of Montgomery County's Neighborhood Stabilization Program, the Home Builders Association of Dayton is presenting the first Eco-Rehabarama in the community of Huber Heights. Ten near-historical located in one of the original sections of Huber Heights, Ohio, will be rehabilitated to meet or exceed today's standards for safe, comfortable, efficient and sustainable living. These once abandoned or foreclosed homes will be totally reconstructed after major deconstruction that will take the homes back to the original framed structure and infamous Huber brick veneer.
When do two wheels become six? When you bike and ride on Metro. Every Cincinnati Metro bus is equipped with a front-mounted bike rack that's easy to use. Best of all, when you pay your fare your bike rides free! To celebrate Bike to Work Day, bicycle commuters can ride for free an Metro, Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky buses, and Clermont Transportation Connection buses on Thursday, May 17th, when they transport their bike on the bus bike rack. Bike racks are on the front of all Metro, TANK and CTC buses and can be used at any bus stop including Government Square.
On Thursday, May 24th, from 6:30 - 10:30 pm, join the Little Miami River Keepers for an outdoor art auction at Sugar Valley Golf Club to help raise funds for the 2012 Little Miami River Cleanup and other future preservation efforts. Local artists have generously donated original pieces of art that celebrate water to help raise funds for preserving the beauty of the Little Miami River. The silent auction will begin when you arrive and the live auction begins at 8:00 pm. To make a reservation call (937) 848-8426.
May is Asthma Awareness Month. The United States Environmental Protection Agency is encouraging Americans to take action against asthma by learning more about the disease and how it affects their families and communities.
The United States has one of the safest public drinking water systems in the world. Tap water not only provides water for daily activities such as drinking, bathing and cooking, it also benefits the entire community by providing water to serve businesses, school and hospitals and promoting overall health. May 6th - 12th is Drinking Water Week, an annual observance whose theme this year, "Water: Celebrate the Essential", will underscore the many services provided by public drinking water in the United States.
The Mill Creek Watershed Council of Communities enables Mill Creek communities to protect and enhance the value of the Mill Creek, its tributaries and watershed. Through collaborative action, the Council strives to make the Mill Creek area a more desirable place to live, work and play. On Friday, May 18th, the Council welcomes people of all ages to tour the Upper Mill Creek Watershed. Participants will be led on a journey through various Upper Mill Creek neighborhoods wile discussing projects, goals, and future endeavors.
If you own an electric car or hybrid or are just interested in learning more about an eco-friendly alternative to conventional gas-fueled cars and their ecological footprints, Cincinnati's Electric Car Club invites you to their first meeting. Joining the club will allow you to meet other hybrid and plug-in electric enthusiasts to discuss what is possible for the newly formed group.
Thinking about raising chickens of your own? Learn the basics at Imago's Introduction to Backyard Chickens Presentation and Field Trip. Heather Redden from Nature's Harbor Farm will cover the basics of keeping chickens in an urban setting. Heather will cover such topics as housing, care and feeding, choosing breeds, keeping peace with neighbors, the biology of egg laying, the benefits of producing your own eggs, chicken behavior and much more. The presentation will be followed by a chicken and duck tour of the Enright Ridge Urban Ecovillage.
