Green Building Training & Expo: April 29-May 1, The WILD Center Museum

Save the Date for the Upcoming
Build a Greener Adirondacks:
Green Building Training and EXPO,
sponsored by the WILD Center, Tupper Lake, NY, April 29-May 1

This 3-day event brings together some of the leading national experts on green building and design to the North Country. For more information see below or go to http://www.wildcenter.org/.

Build a Greener Adirondacks: Green Building Training & EXPO, The WILD Center, Tupper Lake, NY, Friday April 29— Sunday May 1, 2011
http://www.wildcenter.org/

Learn the latest in green building technologies & methods!
For Architects, Contractors, Builders, Homeowners, Businesses,
Municipalities, & Anyone Interested in Green Building

Day 1: Contractor Green Building Training - Friday, April 29, 9am-3pm
For Builders, Contractors & Architects - a 4 hr course on the fundamentals of green building. Upon completion, participants are eligible to take a Fundamentals certification exam to obtain Green Professional (GPRO) certification on new energy efficiency and green building regulations. Additional information at www.gpro.org.
Cost: $150 Advance online registration; $160 Day of (both include admission to Days 2and 3)

Day 2: Green Building Symposium & EXPO - Saturday, April 30, 8am-5pm
For Builders, Homeowners, Businesses, Municipalities, & Anyone Interested in Green Building Assembling over 30 building science, product and technology experts from around the northeast. Presentations on many topics: green building science • reclaimed lumber • effective building insulation • passive design considerations • alternative green construction techniques • and more.
Featuring leading industry experts:
Johnathan Todd, Jonathan Todd Ecological Designs, Eco-design expert in the northeast
Rob Roy, Earthwood Building School, expert on cordwood masonry & green roofs
Robert Clarke, Serious Materials, high performance windows expert
Dan Frering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, national expert on lamp lighting & efficiency

Green Building EXPO & Product Trade Show: Vendors and exhibitors displaying the newest green products, systems, & technologies.
Cost: $45 advance online registration; $55 day of. Day 2 & 3: $55 advanced online; $65 day of

Day 3: Green EXPO, Speakers & "Ask the Energy Expert" - Sunday, May 1, 10am-5pm For General Public, Homeowners, & Families - Celebrate opening day of the WILD Center with experts speaking on energy efficiency & appliances, weatherization, renovations, and an "Energy Doctor is In" booth where local experts can diagnose your home's energy efficiency ailments and provide "remedies." Green EXPO Vendors & Exhibitors, and special ’wild encounters’ for kids led by museum staff.
Cost: Members free or paid admission (adult: $15; Youth 15 & under: $9; Seniors 65+: $13; Ages 3 & under free)

The Essential Nature of Self-Care

Sometimes we just have to slow down, stop, relax, and listen. With a world that seems spiraling beyond our control: unrest in Libya and other parts of the Middle East, rising gas prices, economic uncertainty, it's easy to get caught in a feeling of overwhelm.

It's important to notice when this happens. Some of us manage our daily stressors better than others. For many, financial concerns present a huge level of stress. Even so, no matter what our situation, it's important to step back from all of this swirling craziness or upset, and return to our center, our core - remembering what is most important - our health, our inner peace and happiness, the health and well being of our families.

Ultimately, we are only responsible for our own happiness. And I believe, it is from this place of honoring our own happiness, we are better able to effect the most change in the world.

I think one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and the world is to take care of your self. Whether you are a parent, an active member of the community, married, single, student, teacher, etc. Taking time for self-care is essential. How can we ever expect to effect any kind of change if we operate from a place of 'not enough' 'not good enough' 'undeserving'.

I was reminded of this important element of living, 'take care of yourself', a few weekends ago. I felt the stress in my body building up for several weeks. Some of it self-imposed, and other work deadlines, household and general living demands. And, that nagging feeling I ought to be doing something more - outside enjoying the snow, inside organizing my files, writing, grading, clearing ice, etc etc.

What I realized at the end of that busy week was, no, what I needed was to take a few hours and allow myself and my body the deep relaxation it needed.

So, I scheduled an appointment at the Roosevelt Baths. If you've never been to Roosevelt Baths, I highly recommend a trip. For $25 you get a 1/2 hour soak in the Spa mineral waters. The baths are deeper and longer than a standard bathtub. When you arrive they bring you to a waiting/relaxation room. Someone will then escort you to the bath, provide you with a robe and slippers, and set you on your way to a wonderful 1/2 hr soak. For a few dollars more you can get an herbal oil added.

When finished, they show you to the relaxation area or you can head to the sauna for more watery heat. I chose to skip the sauna and enjoyed a warm cup of tea while relaxing in one of the long reclining chairs, surrounded by peaceful music, warm green tinted walls and the gentle sound of bubbling water from the wall fountain.

I know some people who are seemingly always on the go. They fill their weekends with activities which sound great, but I often wonder, how do they have time to get anything finished? When do they simply just stop, slow down and relax? Perhaps this is one of those 'to each his/her own'.

But I think getting in touch with our own needs of our own inner soul is really essential. However you do that is great. For me, sometimes it's being in nature, sometimes writing, or sometimes simply a quiet relaxing afternoon in a healing place - the Spa, a beach on a warm day, cozying up in front of my woodstove.

From this place of peace and quietitude, we often can find the healing our soul needs, solutions to questions we may be facing, or simply that deep place of healing love acceptance and forgiveness that allows us to move on to a next phase in our lives.

In the study of Permaculture, the inner-self, is called Zone 00. The philosophy behind Permaculture is to create a home/living space, garden, land, that is in harmony with nature - that provides nourishment, creates systems that are regenerative for both the individuals and the earth resources on the site.

This first Zone 00 represents starting from within - the body, mind and spirit. From there the zones extend out to our families, systems inside the house, the immediate land surrounding your home, the forest and larger landscapes beyond.

Installing a water-retention system to capture rainwater for use in watering your garden is an example of a regenerative system. Within a family unit, communicating your needs and desires, and owning how those get met, is essential to creating harmony and peace within the family unit.

I continue to be convinced, we must continually remember to reenergize our inner-self as when we are in harmony and peace within ourselves and our relations, we allow for greater harmony and peace in other spaces and places in our homes and our lives. And this is what builds true sustainability.

Namaste
ps. Here's a link to a resource on EcoTherapy, applying permaculture principles to psychotherapy. I had this 'aha' moment in my first permaculture course - that principles of permaculture apply to all of our relationships, human and otherwise - to self, to others, to community, to nature.

Sustainable Saratoga: Local Economic Literacy 101

Just passing along info on Sustainable Saratoga's upcoming monthly educational speaker event on Local Economic Literacy 101

Local Economic Literacy 101 Community Meeting March 22, 2011 7-9 pm Lillian’s Restaurant
Sustainable Saratoga, a volunteer organization encouraging efforts to improve the quality of life in Saratoga while conserving the vitality and diversity of regional resources, invites all interested to attend the group’s monthly community meeting on Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011 from 7-9 p.m. in the upstairs dining room of Lillian’s Restaurant located at 408 Broadway in Saratoga Springs..

The event, dubbed “Economic Literacy 101,” will feature former Saratoga Springs Finance Commissioner and local businessman Matthew McCabe, who will discuss the underpinnings of the municipal budget for the City. He will expand on sources of the City’s revenue, including the City’s unique application of the County’s Sales Tax Formula, as well as the various expenses incurred and services provided by the City. Mr. McCabe served as Finance Commissioner on the City Council from 2004 through 2007. He will discuss policies that might build a more resilient local economy, and what steps our community could take to encourage more local ownership of businesses, provide more local manufacturing, and generate more local purchasing and procurement. Mr. McCabe will also entertain questions from the audience.

The event will also include a participatory game illustrating the funding of public goods/services, an introduction to an demographic and economic atlas of the Upper Hudson River region, and the presentation of some preliminary findings from a personal spending accounting exercise undertaken by Local Economy Committee Co-Chair Jim Zack. Audience members can expect to leave the meeting with a clearer understanding of the principles of Localism in general, as well as the economic conditions and challenges of the region.

The event is free of charge and open to the public. Dinner can be ordered off the menu upstairs from 5:30 to 6:30. Please join us to learn more about how your local economy works and why it is important to you!

Sustainable Saratoga is a volunteer organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Saratoga while conserving the vitality and diversity of regional natural, human and built resources.

For more information on Sustainable Saratoga go to www.SustainableSaratoga.com

Raptor Festival in Ft Edward, NY: March 12-13

This is a bit off the 'green' topic but it is something of interest to me, and possibly other readers.

Something few people here know or remember about me is I'm a bit of a birding enthusiast. One of my favorite days (well, there have been several), was the day I spent with a zoologist and two other serious birdwatchers getting up at 4am to scope out the birds in a proposed 300-acre natural area along the coast of western Washington State. I'll never forget that first time I caught sight of a Hairy Woodpecker climbing up a Western Hemlock tree. The thrill of being able to identify this bird was really profound.

I don't do so much birdwatching these days, but this festival looks really interesting, and a great opportunity for young and old, newbie to birdwatching or long time birder enthusiast.

Raptor Festival in Ft Edward: March 12-13

When: Sat, Mar 12, 2011 until Sun, Mar 13, 2011
Where: Little Theatre On The Farm, Fort Edward, New York
Cost: FREE ADMISSION
Don't miss the 1st Annual Winter Raptor Fest in Fort Edward this winter season! It will be a two-day celebration of the birds of prey found throughout the Washington County Grasslands IBA!

If you enjoy a rare glimpse of these creatures in their wild habitat, you will love this event! See these impressive creatures swoop, soar, and show off their skills in live demonstrations and learn more about how you can help protect the endangered and at risk birds in the area!

Celebrated regional watercolor artist, Tom Ryan, has donated a captivating original painting of a Short-eared Owl to Winter Raptor Fest 2011. Fine Art Prints, Event posters and digital prints reproduced from the Ryan painting are on sale now. View them here.

It's the first ever Winter Raptor Fest, and the first event of its kind in the region. Families and bird lovers from all over the Northeast are expected to attend, and what better setting than the Little Theatre On The Farm!?

Event Highlights:
See Hawks and owls fly through a "Tunnel of Talons" formed by youth volunteers in an amazing free-flight raptor show and watch fascinating presentations about the endangered Short-eared Owls and other birds.
Also enjoy activities for the whole family including: Guided Snowshoe Walks, Horse-drawn Sleigh Rides (or wagon rides, weather dependent), Children’s Activities, Food Concessions, Snow Sculpture Competition, and more!

Presentations & Programs Will Include:
•Talons! A Bird of Prey Experience
•The Wildlife Institute of Eastern New York – Birds of Prey
•New York State Wildlife Rehab Council
•Greenwich Citizens Committee
•North Country Wild Care
•Cloudburst Cultivated Ecology
•Birds of the Washington County Grasslands Important Bird Area
Winter Raptor Fest is a collaboration between lead sponsor Washington County Tourism Association, Friends of the Washington County Grasslands IBA and other nonprofits, local businesses and the community

Hudson Mohawk Re-Skill Festival - April 9, 2011

Forwarding from the Capital District Permaculture Guild

Mark your calendars for...
Hudson Mohawk Re-Skill Festival with Sharon Astyk

Saturday, April 9, 2011: 9a-9p
The Sanctuary for Independent Media
3361 6th Avenue
Troy, NY

A day of skillsharing and planning as we build a local network of shared
values and knowledge around urban gardens, food networking, food
preservation, passive and alternative energies, water catchment, and
social justice. Together we can manifest the critical and necessary
transition from resource-rich industrial capitalism to bioregional
sustainability and community. Workshops with many local and regional
teachers including Andrew Faust of the Center for Bioregional Living.

Sliding scale registration fee $10-30

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

9am-12pm Morning Tour of Troy Sites:
+ Troy Farmer's Market
+ Capital District Community Gardens - Gardening for Beginners: Planning
Your Garden
+ Hydroponic Window Farm with Carolyn Braunius
+ The Urban Homestead with Amy Holloran and Jack Magai
+ Troy Bike Rescue - Cargo Bike Demonstration

1-6pm Workshop List (evolving):

+ Connecting to the World Around Us - Ancient Living Skills with Felix
Lufkin
+ Trapeze with Leah Penninman (geared towards young people)
+ 'Permaculture: The Growing Edge' Starhawk video & discussion with
Nancy Weber
+ Troy Shares with Abby Lublin
+ Homemade Food Factory: Yogurt, Vegetables and Bread with Amy Halloran
and her son Francis Magai
+ Build A Biochar Kiln with Jim Welch
+ Youth Organics!
+ Working with the City with Albany Chickens and AVillage
+ Confronting our Climate Change Challenge - the Biochar Strategy with
David Yarrow

6pm: Community Potluck

7pm: Sharon Astyk, Featured Speaker

Sharon Astyk is a writer, teacher, blogger, and farmer who covers issues
ranging from agriculture to energy policy, from food preservation and
cooking to religious life and democracy. She is the author of three
books: Depletion and Abundance: Life on the New Home Front, Depletion
and Abundance, and A Nation of Farmers: Defeating the Food Crisis on
American Soil.

Featured Workshop Presenters:

Todd Fabozzi - Faculty member of Geography and Planning Department at
UAlbany, Todd will discuss how auto-oriented growth and other regional
dynamics have played out in New York's Capital District. He will also
articulate the components of ecological urbanism, showing how better
urban design can help address the fiscal, social and environmental
challenges of the 21st century.

Toxic Soil Busters - Youth Led Lead Abatement Cooperative -
Environmental Justice - Community Organizing

Scott Kellogg - co-author of The Toolbox for Sustainable City Living
presenting on Urban Regeneration

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Co-Sponsors: Capital District Permaculture Guild, Capital District
Transition Network, Troy Bike Rescue, Radix Ecological Center, Soulfire
Farm.

For more info go to:
http://www.mediasanctuary.org/reskill2011http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=129783590424439