Wednesday, January 9, 2019

MLK Day Workshop: A Natural and Cultural History of Diversity - Piedmont Environmental Center - January 21st 12pm-4:30pm

Please join us on MLK Jr. Day to learn about diversity in our cultures and in nature! See below for the full description. This event is free but please register by emailing carrie.council@highpointnc.gov<mailto:carrie.council@highpointnc.gov>, calling 336-883-8531 or online at www.highpointnc.gov/pec<http://www.highpointnc.gov/pec>. This workshop counts for 4.5 hours towards NCEE criteria 2, 3 or continuing education credit.

A Natural and Cultural History of Diversity
Monday, January 21, 2019
12:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Piedmont Environmental Center
1220 Penny Rd.
High Point, NC 27265
336-883-8531
www.highpointnc.gov/pec<http://www.highpointnc.gov/pec>

Human communities and natural communities share a lot in common. In forests, lakes and even deserts, the diversity of life provides for a flourishing community and a robust ecosystem. Our human communities, with their rich diversity of ethnicity, languages and customs, are a direct reflection of the diversity of species, lifestyles and ecology of nature. Commemorate the Dr.. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and environmental spirit with our speaker, Native American Elder Carlos Velazquez of the Otomi Nation, followed by an engaging hike on the trails to discover animals and plants and their varied and surprising adaptations and behaviors. We will wrap up the day with a "Student Congress" to generate action points for greater inclusion in environmental and recreational opportunities. Parts of this program take place outdoors, so please dress for the weather. Registration is required by January 18, 2019.


Carrie Council
Certified NC Environmental Educator  

Monday, January 7, 2019

Environmental Programs at the Kathleen Clay Library

Save the Date:
Apr 6 - Earth Day – Free eco-fun event for all ages. Come enjoy hands-on nature/technology/STEM exhibits, alternative vehicles, eco-art, nature crafts, face painting, hay-rides, live animals, scout activities, and a Tiny House exhibit. 1 – 5 pm. Contact melanie.buckingham@greensboro-nc.gov to exhibit.



Wed, Jan 2 - Blessing from the Earth: Native American Uses of Wild Plants - Plant ecologist Lisa Lofland Gould will look at many wild plants used by the eastern tribes, and describe some of the challenges in using “wild” medicines. This program is sponsored by the Triad Chapter of the Native Plant Society.
7 – 8:30 pm

Wed, Jan 9 – Introduction to Nature Photography - The Triad Outdoor Photographers will host an exhibit of their nature photography beginning January 9th at the Kathleen Clay Library. They will host share tips and techniques for beginners and more advanced photographers (about) the art of nature photography. 7 – 8 pm.

Thur, Jan 10 – Wetlands - Malcolm Schug Ph.D., Associate Head from the Biology Department of UNCG will speak about the results from UNCG’s constructed wetlands. This program is sponsored by the T. Gilbert Pearson Audubon Society. 7 – 8:30 pm

Mon, Jan 14 - Planning the 3 Season Vegetable Garden – Vegetable gardening is especially productive in the Piedmont because we can grow food at least 10 months of the year. Master Gardeners will teach about planning and succession planting,   To register, call 336-641-2400.  6:30 – 7:30 pm

Thur, Jan 17 – Sparrow Swap – Sparrow Swap Project Manager, Suzanne Hartley will discuss how citizen scientists monitor nest boxes, record their observations, remove invasive house sparrow eggs, and then send the eggs to the NC Museum of Natural Sciences for research.  This program is sponsored by the Piedmont Bird Club. 7 – 8:30 pm

Fri, Jan 18 – Red Tails in Love: A Wildlife Drama in Central Park – Discover New York's Central Park through the story of nature lovers devoted to observing and protecting the park's rich wildlife. Delight in how these people are transformed into obsessed hawkwatchers and be inspired by their stories. This program is sponsored by the Green Reads Book Club. Pick up a copy of the book at the branch prior to the program. 12 – 1 pm.

Thur & Fri, Jan 24 & 25 – Methods of Teaching Environmental Education – Sarah Yelton, Environmental Education Coordinator for the UNC Institute for the Environment will facilitate this 10 hour workshop. Receive credit towards the NC Environmental Education Certification and CEU credits. To register, e-mail melanie.buckingham@greensboro-nc.gov .

Sun, Jan 27 – Beginning Birder Workshop - Dennis Burnette will lead a program about how to identify birds. Practice bird identification in the park. Supervised older children are welcome. This program is sponsored by the T. Gilbert Pearson Audubon Society and the Piedmont Bird Club. 2:30 – 4:30 pm

Mon, Jan 28 – Proper Pruning Prevents Poor Plant Performance – Master Gardeners will teach about the tools, techniques, and especially the timing for pruning small ornamental trees and shrubs. Learn how to have healthier, prettier and longer-lived plants. To register, call 336-641-2400. 6:30 – 7:30 pm

Wed, Feb 6 - Nothing is Forever: A Brief Look at Native Annuals, Biennials, and Short Lived Perennials - Lynda Waldrep will provide a brief look at native annuals, biennials and short-lived perennials. This program is sponsored by the Triad Chapter of the Native Plant Society. 7 – 8:30 pm

Wed, Feb 13 – Totally Tomatoes – Time to start planning for tomatoes. Master Gardeners will share tips and techniques for your own home-grown tomatoes. To register, call 336-641-2400. 6:30 – 7:30 pm

Thur, Feb 14 – Invasive Plants - Lisa Lofland Gould, Plant Ecologist and former Coordinator of the Rhode Island Invasive Species Council will speak about how to tackle invasive plants in your own backyard. This program is sponsored by the T. Gilbert Pearson Audubon Society. 7 – 8:30 pm

Fri, Feb 15 – The Hidden Life of Trees – Forester Peter Wohlleben, relies upon on groundbreaking scientific research to describe how trees are like human families and shares his love of trees and forests. This program is sponsored by the Green Reads Book Club. Pick up a copy of the book at the branch. 12 – 1 pm

Mon, Feb 18 – Beautiful and Sustainable Lawns – Discover how to have a sustainable lawn by using good growing practices all year, to save you time and money as well as reducing environmental impact. Master Gardeners will share how to have a healthy stand of grass and minimize issues with weeds and diseases. To register, call 336-641-2400. 6:30 – 7:30 pm

Thur, Feb 21 – North Carolina’s Bird List - Nate Swick, editor of The American Birding Association Blog, social media manager for the ABA, and host of the ABA’s American Birding Podcast will explore the past, the present, and make wild and not so wild guesses about the future of North Carolina's bird list. This program is sponsored by the Piedmont Bird Club. 7 – 8:30 pm

Fri, Feb 22 - Radical Waste Reduction Program: A Beginner’s Guide to Zero Waste Living - If you try and make this significant of a life change happen immediately, chances are, it won’t stick. So if you’re any bit interested in living a zero or less waste lifestyle, Laine Roberts, Recycling Education Specialist will share some key things to keep in mind when starting this journey. 12:30 – 1:30 pm

Wed, Feb 27 – Film and Discussion  - Homecoming is the first film to explore the rural roots of African American life. There are only 18,000 Black farmers left in America and it is predicted there will be none in the next century. This film argues that Black farms, though small in number today, can continue to provide African Americans with a sense of cultural stability and family unity into the 21st Century.  7 – 8:30 pm

Mon, Mar 4 - Grow Your Best Vegetable Garden – Master Gardeners will teach how to prepare the soil, the selection and timing of vegetable varieties, good upkeep, and integrated pest management. To register, call 336-641-2400.  6:30 – 7:30 pm

Wed, Mar 6 – Trillium - Mark Rose, an expert on orchids, trillium and ginger species will share about the variety of NC trillium species, where they grow and their individual requirements to be grown successfully. This program is sponsored by the Triad Chapter of the Native Plant Society. 7 – 8:30 pm

Thur, Mar 14 – Bird of the Year - Curtis Smalling, Director of Bird Conservation, Audubon North Carolina will speak about why this year’s bird was chosen. This program is a joint program sponsored by the T. Gilbert Pearson Audubon Society and the Piedmont Bird Club. 7 – 8:30 pm

Mon, Mar 18 – Made in the Shade - Master Gardeners will discuss a variety of shrubs, annuals, perennials, and woodland plants that will brighten and add color to your shady areas. To register, call 336-641-2400. 6:30 – 7:30 pm

Tues, Mar 19 – Women’s History Month Stroll - Bring your daughter, mother or a friend, nibble on a trail snack, and enjoy a stroll through the Women’s History Walk in Price Park. The stroll is available rain or shine so please dress for the weather. Noon – 1 pm

Fri, Mar 22 – The Stranger in the Woods – Christopher Knight disappeared into the woods of Maine for 27 years not conversing with another human during that time and living off the land and through stealth. Enjoy Green Reads Book Club for a thoughtful discussion of this last true hermit. Pick up a copy of the book prior to the program. 12 -1 pm

Fri, Mar 29 - Bringing Citizen Science Into Your Teaching - This free workshop taught by the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, introduces educators to citizen science and provides information, tips, and tools to incorporate it into your outdoor environmental education programs or classroom lessons.  You’ll get hands-on experience participating in four projects and ideas for how to use the data from the projects to support student learning. To register, chris.goforth@naturalsciences.org 10 am – 5 pm

Apr 8 - Backyard Habitat - Master Gardeners will teach how to observe and support nature such as birds, butterflies, and other creatures who find habitat in our yards. Discover ways to prevent any uninvited animals who may sometimes come to your habitat. To register, call 336-641-2400. 6:30 – 7:30 pm

Apr 9 – Nature Poetry Stroll - Bring a friend, munch on a lunchtime trail snack and discover nature poetry through a poetry trail in Price Park. The stroll is available rain or shine so please dress for the weather. Noon -1 pm

Apr 11 – Bats and Mice - Matina Kalcounis-Ruppell, Ph.D. Professor and Chair UNCG Department of Biology will speak about bats and mice in your backyard. This program is sponsored by the T. Gilbert Pearson Audubon Society. 7 – 8:30 pm

Apr 12 - No Impact Man – Colin Beaven and his family chose to live in New York City for a year trying to create the least amount of environmental impact from their choices. Come for a fascinating discussion with the Green Reads Book Club about Beaven’s lifestyle choices. Pick up a copy of the book, prior to the program.   12 – 1 pm

Apr 14 – Beginning Birder Workshop – Dennis Burnette will share how to attract birds to gardens and feeders. Practice bird identification in the park. Supervised older children are welcome. This program is sponsored by the T. Gilbert Pearson Audubon Society and the Piedmont Bird Club. 2:30 – 4:30 pm

Apr 18 – Uwharrie Mountains - John Gerwin, Research Curator, Ornithology, at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, has spent years studying the unique habitat in these underappreciated
mountains, including a disjunct breeding population of Black-throated Green Warblers. Come hear John talk about his work banding birds, tracking populations, and helping to preserve this North Carolina treasure. This program is sponsored by the Piedmont Bird Club. 7 – 8:30 pm

Apr 22  - Easy to Grow Culinary Herbs - Some of us already grow basil, oregano, and thyme – but what about stevia, sage, or lemon grass? By knowing the characteristics of the plants, you can have lots of fresh herbs to use year round. Master Gardeners will talk about being successful at growing the herbs that you want to use in your kitchen. 6:30 – 7:30 pm

May 9 – Moths - Stephen Hall, Ph.D Landscape Ecologist and Terrestrial Invertebrate Zoologist, NC Natural Heritage Program will share the unseen diversity in moths and the unexpected importance of that diversity. This program is sponsored by the T. Gilbert Pearson Audubon Society. 7 – 8:30 pm

May 10 – Plastic Free: How I Kicked the Plastic Habit and How You Can Too – Beth Terry kicked the plastic habit after hearing about the detrimental effects of plastic on the environment. Come for a discussion with the Green Reads Book Club and discover practical ways to make that transition through tips from the book. Pick up a copy of the book, prior to the program. 12 – 1 pm

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Greensboro Recycling Waste Wizard

Wondering whether or not an item can be recycled?

You can check using the Waste Wizard on the Greensboro Recycling Website!

Just type in the name of the item and it will tell you whether it can be recycled in the Greensboro Recycling program, if it needs to be taken to the Hazardous Waste Center or the grocery store, or if it will have to go to the trash.

  • Did you know that plastic packing like bubble wrap, plastic 'air pillows,' and shrink wrap can be recycled in the plastic bag recycling bins at grocery stores? 
  • Did you know that plastic recyclables less than 2" x 2" need to be contained in a closed recyclable plastic container for recycling?  
Check the recycling website for more useful information!

Also, take a look at this link for more information about plastic bag and plastic film recycling.



Monday, November 5, 2018

Civil Rights, Food Justice, and Climate Change - November 12th from 6-8pm - Graham 106






Green Drinks - Community Mapping Project - November 16th at 5:30pm at Scuppernong Books

Green Drinks Greensboro - November 16, 5:30 pm
Sierra Club Ready for 100 Community Mapping Project
At Scuppernong Books 304 S. Elm Street, Greensboro

The Sierra Club’s Ready for 100 Greensboro campaign has been working with students from Guilford College, 
UNCG and NC A&T to gather a solid base of community information on sustainability efforts in Greensboro. 
Come hear video interviews of local leaders, movers and shakers within the community 
who are doing great work towards making Greensboro a clean energy city.

As part of our community mapping project students will present their video clips from community leaders including:
  • Justin Catanoso, International Climate Science journalist, Wake Forest University, 
  • Steve Drew, Assistant City Manager of Greensboro
  • Tori Carle, Waste Management GSO
  • Vicki Foust, NC A&T and Community Sustainability Council
  • Tay Genevieve Bomstein, The Green Society, Guilford College
  • NC A&T Climate Justice League representative
  • Bill McNeil, Solar Power Now coalition 
  • Jordan Brewster, VF Corporation
  • Nicole Spivey, City of Greensboro Community Sustainability Council
  • UNCG Sustainability office and others. 

Students will be introducing their video clips and be available afterwards to discuss what next and how you can get more involved. 
They will be also be unveiling our new Story Mapping website.

For more information contact:
Sierra Club RF100 Greensboro on Facebook or 
kblatham@aol.com (lead organizer)


No Straw November Kickoff - November 10th from 3-6pm at Center City Park

Hi Waste Reduction and Recycling Friends!

We have partnered with Water Resources to bring No Straw November to Greensboro!

Please join us for the kickoff at Center City Park - 200 N Elm Street on November 10th 3 – 6 pm.

No Straw November Fun 3 – 5:30 pm

Screening of the documentary STRAWS on the lawn 5:30 – 6 pm.
Bring your blankets and chairs and join us!

If you haven’t already, please follow us on Facebook and Nextdoor to stay up to date with campaigns and new recycling information! If you can’t make it, I challenge you to share the event with a friend!

Recycle On!
Laine Roberts
Recycling Education Specialist
Certified NC Environmental Educator
Office: 336.373.2342
Cell: 336.937.2565


Monday, October 22, 2018

Upcoming Environmental Programs at the Kathleen Clay Library - October - November

Monday Oct 22 - Great Plants and Great Ideas for Winter Interest - Discover which plants have special characteristics and colors that add winter interest to your landscape?  Master Gardeners will discuss choosing and growing some wonderful plants that can make your winter garden more captivating and unique. 6:30 – 7:30 pm

Fri, Oct 26, 9:30 am - 4 pm - Flying Wild - Educators, parents, and youth leaders learn hands-on activities to teach youth about birds, birding and the importance of wildlife.  Participants can earn EE Certification Credit and CEUs and receive the Flying WILD educator guide along with materials specifically about North Carolina wildlife. To register, e-mail melanie.buckingham@greensboro-nc.gov .

Sun, Oct 28 - Beginning Birder Workshop: Introduction to Birds and Birding - This introduction to birds and birding, begins with a 45-minute class, followed by bird identification practice around the library. Supervised older children are welcome. This is a joint activity with the T. Gilbert Pearson Audubon Society and the Piedmont Bird Club. 2:30 - 4:30 pm

Monday, Nov 5 - Composting and Vermicomposting - Composting is a great way to recycle, and produce an organic amendment that improves the texture and fertility of your soil.  Learn what should and shouldn’t be composted.  Master Gardeners will go over the easy steps for having a successful “worm bin” at home. 6:30 – 7:30 pm. To register, call 336-641-2400.

Wednesday, Nov 7 – Plant Families - Learn about some of the many plant families of the southeastern US from Olivia Lenahan of NCSU. This program is sponsored by the Native Plant Society. 7 – 8:30 pm.


Thursday, Nov 8 – Wild Turkeys of North Carolina - Christopher D. Kreh, Upland Game Bird Biologist for the NC Wildlife Resources Commission will speak about wild turkeys in North Carolina including grouse, quail and turkeys. This program is sponsored by the T. Gilbert Pearson Audubon Society. 7:00 – 8:30 pm.

Sun, Nov 11 - Thomas Berry Award Celebration - The Thomas Berry Award recognizes an individual(s) or organization that has implemented sustainable and outstanding environmental programs or has engaged in re-imagining the human-earth relationship through scholarship, writing, poetry, or the arts.  Meet this year’s award recipient and see a new art piece installed to recognize award winners. 3 - 5 pm

Thursday, Nov 15 – NC Neighborhood Nestwatch Study –Citizen Scientists participate by supplying data from re-sightings of color banded birds, which reflect how long birds live within their yard and nearby surroundings.  Elizabeth Farley-Dawson, the Raleigh Coordinator, Field Technician & Educator for NC Neighborhood Nestwatch at Smithsonian Institution, will talk about the data, analysis, and some of the recent outcomes of this study. 7 – 8:30 pm

Friday, Nov 16 - Thomas Berry Discussion - Elaine Stover will help lead a discussion of Thomas Berry’s book, The Great Work: Our Way Into the Future.  According to Berry, “A truly human intimacy with the earth and with the entire natural world is needed.” Pick up a copy at the branch prior to the program. Noon – 1 pm.

Wed, Nov 28 - Journey of the Universe. Film and Discussion - Join us for the Emmy-award winning film by Brian Thomas Swimme and Mary Evelyn Tucker which weaves a story about the role of humans and the nature of the universe combining astronomy, geology, biology, ecology, and biodiversity.  The film is inspired by The Universe Story written by Thomas Berry and Brian Thomas Swimme. 7 - 8:30 pm

Wednesday, Dec 5 – Seeds - Join us to share seeds, photos from the past years observations and edible goodies (store bought) during our winter celebration. This program is sponsored by the Native Plant Society. 7 – 8:30 pm

Friday, Dec 14 – E.O. Wilson Discussion - Join us for a discussion of the books written by E.O. Wilson, and American biologist, researcher, naturalist, and Pulitzer Prize winner.  Wilson has been called the “father of biodiversity.”  Pick up a copy of the book prior to the program. Noon – 1 pm.