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Summer Youth Programming: for 10 to 14 year olds

Summer Stewards

This summer, Groundwork Lawrence is looking for students aged 10-14 to be part of a first-time ever Summer Steward Program. This group of reliable, enthusiastic, and curious students will be responsible for taking care of the Leonard Middle School Garden throughout the summer and occasionally caring for other garden beds in the city of Lawrence. These students will also have the opportunity to learn about nutrition and cook together once a week using in seasonal produce from the garden or a local farm. This is not a paid position, but a summer program for Mondays to Fridays from 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. You may download the application and information here..

Applications must be submitted by Monday June 14, 2010 5:00 PM

  • by mail or dropped off in person at: 60 Island St., 2nd Floor, Lawrence MA 01840
  • faxed to Janel Wright at 978.974.0882

Kite Festival at Pemberton Park June 12 - join us!

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The Kite Festival hosted in partnership with Lawrence Heritage State Park, Greater Lawrence Family Health Center, Northern Essex Community College, and Lawrence Summer Meals Program, is a family-friendly event that includes free kite-making and kite-flying (with Archie Stewart of Kite Education) at Pemberton Park, located on the banks of the Merrimack River. The event features lunch courtesy of the Summer Meals Program, face-painting,
music and free trolley rides. Youth volunteers are needed to help with kite-making.

Update! The free trolley tours are on the hour at 12, 1, 2, and 3. The tours will be to the Great Stone Dam and Gatehouse. Enel is holding an open house at the Gatehouse exhibit from 12 to 2, and the Hydroelectric plant will also be open to visitors from 12 to 2. Hopefully the salmon will be running!

Download the flyer here.
Thank you so much to our partners!

Summer Youth Job Openings

NEW Green City Corps

Groundwork Lawrence (GWL) is looking for members for its NEW Green City Corps program. Green City Corps is a summer program intended for high school students, ages 14 – 18, from Lawrence, MA that will engage young people in assessing the current condition of Lawrence’s Urban Tree Canopy, and creating a strategy for future tree plantings which will ensure sustainability of the City’s tree canopy. Youth will also take 1 experiential field trip, and receive financial literacy and job skills training. Download the application here.

Applications must be submitted by Monday June 14, 2010 5:00 PM

  • by mail or dropped off in person at: 60 Island St., 2nd Floor, Lawrence MA 01840
  • email (scanned with signatures) to Rose Gonzalez
  • faxed to Rose Gonzalez at 978.974.0882

Green Team Summer Program

Groundwork Lawrence is looking for new Green Team Members for its Summer Program (with the possibility of continuing into the year long program). This program offers part-time paid positions for high school students, ages 14 – 18, from Lawrence, MA to help lead local environmental initiatives, learn more about local food and nutrition through gardening and cooking, conduct outreach to their peers, take part in service projects and participate in hands-on improvement projects throughout the City of Lawrence. The program is intended to promote awareness and understanding of: the local food system, important ecological issues like climate change, the relevance of physical activity to our health, the significance of service in our community and region, and the importance of protection and restoration of critical ecological systems and natural resources in the City by engaging teens in advocacy and service-learning efforts aimed at waterways, parks and open spaces. The program has two goals - to prepare youth for a lifetime of environmental leadership, and to develop the community’s capacity to improve the physical environment. Download the application here.

Applications must be submitted by Monday June 14, 2010 5:00 PM
Please, no phone calls. We will call you for an interview if you meet Green Team qualifications. Please note, that references are required and one reference is required to fill out the attached form.

  • by mail or dropped off in person at: 60 Island St., 2nd Floor, Lawrence MA 01840
  • email (scanned with signatures) to Rose Gonzalez
  • faxed to Rose Gonzalez at 978.974.0882

Partner News - Essex Art Center New Paint Scavenger Hunt

Don't miss this fun, FREE, family event . . .

New Paint Artist Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, June 5, 11 AM - 1 PM

Families, be inspired by New Paint artists during a self-guided Scavenger Hunt and then, return to Essex Art Center to create your own Cityscape Masterpiece. Scavenger Hunt and Cityscape Masterpiece are FREE and will be offered between 11 AM and 1 PM on Saturday, June 5.

All Scavenger Hunt participants may enter a raffle to win a Free Summer 2010 Kids Art Class.

Essex Art Center is located at 56 Island Street - join the fun!

Deadlines!- 3 more days of orchard voting and to sign up for the CSA!

vacant lotTurn this into an orchard

Visit Communities Take Root today and vote (you'll have to use the map or index to find our entry-we're the only one in Massachusetts), and click it every day from now through the month of May! Please be patient with their security measures-we appreciate it!

CSA Collage

The last day to sign up for Groundwork Lawrence’s Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program is next Tuesday, June 1! Shares still available and if you would like to sign-up but can’t get your registration form and payment in by next Tuesday, contact Janel at jwright@groundworklawrence.org, we may still have room after June 1. The CSA Program provides members with fresh-from-the-farm fruits and vegetables through a partnership with Farmer Dave’s of Dracut. Share sizes, prices, registration forms, and more information about the program can be found at our website, www.groundworklawrence.org/csa. Just two weeks until the first pick-up! Join us!

Groundwork Lawerence Board Member, Rebecca Veilleux, announced as a winner of 2010 Conservation Teacher of the Year Award

rebecca.JPG This award is given in conjunction with the New England Farm and Garden Association. Please check below for a summary of the accomplishments and contributions these teachers do in their schools to help advance the educational system of the Commonwealth.

Congratulations Rebecca, we are so proud to have you as part of the Groundwork Lawrence Team!

High School
Rebecca Veilleux
Lawrence High School, Lawrence, MA
(High School)

Governor Patrick announces Massachusetts Environmental Trust Grants across Commonwealth

GreenStreets program to receive $40,000 in MET funding for tree planting and support of the Lawrence Urban Forestry Coalition. See press release below:

Patrick-Murray Administration Announces 22 Environmental Grants for Water Protection, Habitat Restoration and Education

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Governor Deval L. Patrick
Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray
Secretary Ian A. Bowles
Press Release Contacts: Catherine Williams — 617-626-1809 or catherine.williams@state.ma.us ;
Lisa Capone — 617-626-1119 or lisa.capone@state.ma.us

BOSTON – May 27, 2010 – Continuing the Patrick-Murray Administration's commitment to environmental stewardship, Energy and Environment Secretary (EEA) Ian Bowles today announced $627,951 in grants from the Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET) for projects to protect and restore rivers, watersheds, and wildlife across the Commonwealth.

The grant, largely funded by proceeds from the purchase of specialty environmental license plates, will help support projects in 20 communities around the state including: Andover, Boston, Boxford, Concord, Lawrence, Lowell, Saugus, Gloucester, Lynn, Kingston, Taunton, Barnstable, Fitchburg, Leominster, Winchendon, Holyoke, Whately, Otis, Becket, and Sandisfield.

"Investments in clean water projects across the state have lasting benefit today and for years to come," said Governor Patrick.

“We’re pleased to award these grants in recognition of the work these groups and municipalities do as stewards of the Commonwealth’s environmental resources,” said Secretary Bowles.

Since it was founded 22 years ago as part of the Boston Harbor cleanup, MET has awarded more than $18 million in grants to organizations statewide that provide a wide array of environmental services, from supporting water projects in their communities to protecting coastal habitats. Grant funding comes from the sale of specialty environmentally-themed license plates, as well as fines for environmental violations.

“The thousands of Massachusetts citizens who have bought environmental license plates have also made possible these investments in clean water,” said Jim Gomes, director of Clark University’s Mosakowski Institute, who chairs the Massachusetts Environmental Trust.

Established by the Legislature as a state trust in 1988, MET is governed by a nine-member board of trustees appointed by the EEA Secretary.

"Water has been front page news recently, reminding us how vitally important clean water is to our health, quality of life and economy,” said Rep. Carolyn Dykema. “I'm so pleased that the state is investing in these local programs that are helping protect our precious rivers, lakes and coastal areas."
“Organizations like these do the real on-the-ground work to clean up our rivers and streams and keep our drinking water safe. I’m pleased that the administration is supporting their work,” said Sen. Jamie Eldridge.

The grant awards range from $8,000 to $50,000 and are listed below.

Partner news-MassAudubon Discovery Days and Photo Contest!

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Everyone’s Invited to Mass Audubon’s FREE Discovery Days
Join Mass Audubon for free fun-filled Discovery Days at select wildlife sanctuaries across the state with special activities for all ages. All Discovery Days will be held on Saturdays from 10am to 3pm, rain or shine.
Drop by and bring your family and friends – everyone gets in free! For more information, visit www.massaudubon.org/sanctuaries or download the flyer (English).

Discovery Day Destinations and Schedule

May 22, 10am – 3pm
Joppa Flats, Newburyport
Birding and Seashore Adventures
Discover birding on the Parker River National Wildlife
Refuge, hunt for treasures on Plum Island’s seashores, and hold live sea creatures from our touch tank aquarium.

June 5, 10am – 3pm
Wellfleet Bay, South Wellfleet
Spring Wildlife by the Bay
Go on an adult and kid-friendly guided tidal flats walk to seek out and tag horseshoe crabs, and join a scavenger hunt along Bay View Trail in search of native plants and animals.

August 7, 10am – 3pm
Wachusett Meadow, Princeton
Historic Farming Exploration
Explore the history and construction techniques of our
200-year old house and barn, make (and eat) hand cranked ice cream, and hike along one of the area’s longest stone
walls that leads to an ancient hickory grove.

September 11, 10am – 3pm
Ipswich River, Topsfield
River and Wetlands Investigation
Take a guided canoe paddle up the Ipswich River to look for turtles, birds, and muskrats; walk to a beaver lodge; discover pond creatures; and explore the famous “Rockery.”

October 2, 10am – 3pm
Oak Knoll/Attleboro Springs, Attleboro
Attleboro Springs Wildlife Sanctuary’s
Grand Opening
See a live owl presentation, participate in hands-on ponding demonstrations, take a natural history tour, and make a fun, nature-inspired craft.

October 16, 10am – 3pm
Arcadia, Easthampton
Fields and Grassland Discovery
Explore an unvisited part of the sanctuary, catch
grasshoppers, build bluebird and American kestrel boxes,
and see live birds up close.

October 23, 10am – 3pm
Blue Hills Trailside Museum, Milton
Wildlife’s Winter Preparations
Learn what happens to our local wildlife during the winter months. Hourly programs and activities will feature live
native animals.

Aproveche la oportunidad de visitar a Mass Audubon en días gratuitos, estos están llenos de diversión.
Podrá descubrir la vida silvestre que existe en algunos de los santuarios a través del Estado. Habrán actividades especiales para todas las edades.

Los días indicados en este programa serán llevados a cabo los sábados de 10am a 3pm, con sol o lluvia. Por favor tenga presente que los programas y materiales en estos días estarán en inglés.

¡Aparézcase y, traiga a toda su familia y sus amigos – todos podrán participar sin costo alguno!
Para más información, visítenos en www.massaudubon.org/sanctuaries o llame al 781-259-2175.

5 de junio del 2010, 10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Bahía de Wellfleet, South Wellfleet
La Vida Silvestre de la Bahía en la Primavera
Adultos y niños podrán participar en una caminata guiada para buscar y marcar a los cangrejos herradura (Horseshoe crabs) y etiquetarlos. Luego, descubra a lo largo del sendero “Bay View” las plantas y los animales nativos.

7 de agosto del 2010, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Wachusett Meadow, Princeton
Exploración Histórica de la Agricultura en la Zona
Explore las técnicas agrícolas usadas históricamente y la construcción de nuestra Casona y el Granero, el cual tiene unos 200 años. Luego, prepare (y coma) el helado que ha hecho manualmente. Camine a lo largo de una de la pared de piedra más larga del área, la cual lo llevara a una vieja arboleda de nogales.

11 de septiembre del 2010 - 10:00 .m.- 3:00 p.m.
Ipswich River, Topsfield
Explorando el río y los humedales
Tome una canoa y reme río arriba en el Rio Ipswich. Luego, camine para observar la morada del castor, descubra a las criaturas de la charca, y explore el famoso “jardín de rocas.”

2 de octubre – 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Oak Knoll y Attleboro Springs, Attleboro
Celebre con nosotros la gran apertura de “Attleboro Springs” un santuario para la vida silvestre en la Sallette.
Vea una presentación en vivo de un búho, participe en demostraciones interactivas en la charca, tome un viaje de la historia natural, y diviértase, haciendo manualidades inspiradas en la naturaleza

16 de octubre del 2010 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Arcadia, Easthampton
Descubriendo los Prados y Pastizales
Explore una parte nunca visitada de nuestro santuario, capture saltamontes, construya cajas para los azulejos y los cernícalos americanos, y vea otras aves vivos de cerca.

23 de octubre del 2010 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Blue HillsTrailside Museum, Milton
La Vida Silvestre se Prepara para el Invierno
Aprenda acerca de lo que le sucede a nuestra fauna local durante los meses de invierno.
Los programas y las actividades se ofrecerán cada hora e incluyen animales locales vivos.

EIAinsurance.com es el Patrocinador de estos eventos para Descubrir a Mass Audubon.

Descubra cuanto se ahorra en seguro para automóviles con la “Environmental Insurance Company”, una “compañía verde.” Obtenga una cotización gratuita en www.EIAinsurance.com llamando al 877-999-9342. ¡Para los miembros de Audubon ofrecemos 10% de descuento.

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Check out the Mass Audubon Photo Contest! Information on their website.

Cronin Park Update-Tree Planting

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Trees were planted at Cronin Park on Friday - this fall should see some lovely red and orange coloring along Alder Street from the new "October Glory" Maples planted along the "front" of the park.

We're in the home stretch for construction now. Completion of the community garden are will be next and then final landscaping and paving. We hope to see many community members at the Ribbon Cutting June 17!