Environmental Education Community Connections

N.C. Environmental Education Centers: Economic Development Engines?

2010-02-17T11:27:00.007-05:00

Environmental education mentioned in a real estate blog? It's not as unusual as it sounds.

This recent post on a Charlotte area real estate Web site touts four N.C. Environmental Education Centers as incentives for locating in the Huntersville area! Why? Science and nature centers, state parks, camps and other outdoor recreation and education venues have been shown to support local and state economies. The Office of Environmental Education will continue to research this topic. Readers are encouraged to send any relevant research or data to Marty.Wiggins@ncdenr.gov.

Garner's White Deer Park Combines History, Conservation and Sustainability

2010-01-26T17:18:00.005-05:00

This slideshow from the Garner Citizen shows the true community efforts that went into the development of the Town of Garner's White Deer Park. This passive nature park is already offering recreational opportunities to the citizens and will begin environmental education programs soon (update: Programs have started!). It also reveals the dedication to sustainable design and how it will be used to educate visitors.

N.C. State Parks Boomed with Business in 2009

2010-01-26T17:06:00.003-05:00

This blog post from the Charlotte Observer notes the record attendence at N.C. State Parks in 2009. 2009 visits numbered 14.16 million, a jump of 13 percent over 2008. The direct economic impacts of parks, greenways and open space are noted in several reseach studies.

"The Daily Views" quotes Lewis Ledford, state parks director: “Beyond the quality recreation experiences, health benefits and exposure to the natural world, state parks also offer economic benefits to the local communities where they’re located. A 2008 economic study revealed the state parks system has an annual economic impact of more than $400 million, much of it in direct contributions to local tourism economies.”

Click on the link above to see the full economic study--it's worth a read.

Leland hosts series of workshops on going green

2009-10-06T11:30:00.002-04:00

'Taking steps to become greener, the town of Leland invites its residents to have lunch at town hall and talk about the environment together.

The first workshop, part of the weekly Earthwise series, is scheduled for noon on Oct. 14. Headed by Jill Peleuses of Wilmington’s Wild Bird and Garden store, the discussion will center around birding in coastal N.C.

“The Leland Earthwise series is intended to educate citizens about issues in the natural world around them,” wrote Niel Brooks, Leland’s head of Parks and Recreation. Brooks is preparing Leland's comprehensive bicycle plan, which aims to connect the town’s neighborhoods and reduce traffic impact on the roads and environment.' Read the whole story in the Star News Online.

N.C. Fit Community Request for Proposals Released

2009-10-02T10:57:00.005-04:00

Fit Community Designations and Grants PromotingHealthy Lifestyles
Available to NC Towns and Counties

RALEIGH, NC – Today (October 1) the NC Health and Wellness Trust Fund (HWTF) released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a fifth phase of its Fit Community designation and grants program.

With escalating numbers of diseases and preventable deaths in North Carolina linked to physical inactivity, poor nutrition and tobacco use, the public health implications of being overweight have become a growing priority for HWTF. These behaviors increase the risks for cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity, and many other serious chronic illnesses.

“North Carolina’s communities are taking steps to become healthier places for all people to live, work and play,” said Dr. Chuck Willson, HWTF chair. “A Fit Community designation is a visible sign of achievement among communities across North Carolina that attracts new residents and promotes tourism.”

All North Carolina municipalities, counties, and lead agencies that represent municipal or county partnerships and meet specified eligibility criteria outlined in the RFP are eligible to apply for the designation. Grants up to $60,000 will be awarded to applicants that demonstrate need, proven capacity, and opportunity for positive change in addressing physical activity and/or healthy eating in North Carolina. HWTF is committed to selecting designees that represent a broad geographic range, diversity of needs, and range of strategies used to address those needs.

There is no fee to apply for the Fit Community designation or grant. For more information about the Fit Community program, or to download a Fit Community application, visit www.fitcommunitync.com. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on January 15th, 2010.

About the NC Health and Wellness Trust Fund
The NC Health and Wellness Trust Fund makes North Carolina stronger, both physically and economically, by funding programs that promote preventive health. Created by the General Assembly in 2000 to allocate a portion of North Carolina's share of the national tobacco settlement, HWTF has invested $199 million to support preventive health initiatives and $102 million to fund prescription drug assistance programs. For more information, please visit www.HealthWellNC.com.

DOT officials celebrate first NC "green" rest area

2009-10-02T08:35:00.003-04:00

N.C. Transportation Secretary Gene Conti recently officially opened the state's first "green" rest stop/visitor center on U.S. Highway 421 North in North Wilkesboro.

Real time data from the center's energy saving technology can be seen on this online dashboard.

Golden LEAF Foundation Local Food Inititative Grants

2009-09-21T16:54:00.002-04:00

Deadline is Nov. 2nd!

As part of its mission of promoting economic development in rural, tobacco dependent, and economically distressed areas of North Carolina, the Golden LEAF Foundation has funded projects designed to help farmers access new and expanding markets, including the market for local foods.

Recently, public interest in local foods has grown, creating new economic opportunities for North Carolina farmers and businesses. In response, the Golden LEAF Foundation Board of Directors has developed a strategic initiative to expand local food opportunities for North Carolina farmers and businesses.

More details and application available on the Golden LEAF Web site.

Guide Offers Smart Growth Help for Coastal and Waterfront Planners & Developers

2009-09-21T16:34:00.003-04:00

'NOAA, along with the Environmental Protection Agency, the International City/County Management Association and Rhode Island Sea Grant, has released a guide to bring smart growth to coastal and waterfront communities.

“Smart Growth for Coastal and Waterfront Communities” offers communities 10 coastal and waterfront-specific guidelines to help them balance development with the environment and the economy while maintaining the quality of life that makes these communities attractive.'

More information is at the Consortium for Ocean Leadership Web site.

Carolina Thread Trail

2009-09-21T14:44:00.002-04:00

From the Charlotte Observer:

Thread Trail markers to go up in some communities

Visited a greenway lately? Without knowing it, you might have been jogging, walking or sitting on a park bench along the Carolina Thread Trail. It's planned as a 15-county Carolinas network of paths linking cities, towns and attractions spread over 7,300 square miles. Completed segments so far are local greenways and trails, with markers bearing their individual names. Article continues here...

Learn more on the Carolina Thread Trail Web site.

Agriburbia comes to North Carolina

2009-09-21T09:04:00.002-04:00

This from Morgan Josey Glover's greenNotes in the Greensboro News and Record:

'Forward-thinking (or is it backward-thinking?) residential developers, builders and architects see the writing on the wall for traditional, mid-20th century-style suburban subdivisions and they are coming up with some innovative alternatives.

One such alternative is "Agriburbia," a trademarked term for development-supported agriculture that started in Colorado and now includes a project in Granite Quarry in Rowan County, about an hour south of Greensboro.' Article continues here...

Photo from mindgutter

N.C. Passes 5,000 Mark for Certified Wildlife Habitats

2009-09-21T08:53:00.003-04:00

'One of the state's oldest conservation organizations, the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, has announced that North Carolina has now certified more than 5,000 Certified Wildlife Habitats.
Only eight other states have met such a distinction. NCWF and the National Wildlife Federation jointly provide certification procedures for private and public landowners interested in managing their properties to provide wildlife habitat. Read the article in the Salisbury Post.

"Passing the 5,000-mark is a tremendous accomplishment and testament to the wildlife and habitat efforts of NCWF's chapters, volunteers and staff," said Tim Gestwicki, executive director of the organization.'

Urban Parks: Good for the City and the Environment

2009-09-09T16:36:00.003-04:00

Dr. Dr. Bill Chameides, Dean of Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment, discusses the value of urban parks and greenspaces in this brief video.

Dr. Chameides has more videos and related content on his blog, the Green Grok.

Rep. Etheridge Praises "Green" Education

2009-09-09T15:44:00.000-04:00

Congressman Bob Etheridge recently visited Central Carolina Community College and praised their various sustainbility programs, which include building and agriculture.

"This is really exciting," [Etheridge] said. "That's what the community college system is about, not only telling, but showing; not only showing, but doing."Etheridge, who is a part-time tobacco farmer in Harnett County, said the "campus is absolutely on the forefront of green education, helping to train the next generation of leaders ready to take their place in a green economy. They'll be the ones to move us to sustainable growth."

Complete article from the Durham Herald-Sun.

Near is the New Far: Green Flight, Slow Travel and Nearby Nature

2009-09-08T15:22:00.000-04:00

Really insightful piece by Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder. In this Psychology Today Blog, Louv argues that our changing economy, increasing scarcity of oil and concerns over climate change could bring nature back to our cities, and that it could be a good thing--psychologically, socially and economically.

You Don't See This Often...Bypass Designated as 'Scenic Byway.'

2009-09-04T11:55:00.000-04:00

The U.S. 70 Clayton Bypass has been designated as a Scenic Byway. DOT notes that the way the road was constructed, which follows natural topography, had a lot to do the getting the designation. This project, which was actually completed ahead of scedule, included several environmental conservation efforts, including a wildlife underpass, hazardous spill basins and various innovative erosion control devices. More information on the Scenic Byway program.

NC Fit Community Grants to Be Released

2009-09-03T15:27:00.000-04:00

The Fit Community initiative is about to lauch a fifth cycle of grant funding and designation applications, to be released on or around Monday, September 21st, 2009.

Fit Community is a designation and grants initiative that recognizes and rewards North Carolina communities for excellent and innovative strategies to increase physical activity and healthy eating, especially through supportive policies and community design. Any North Carolina municipality or county is eligible to apply for a designation. Those who apply for designations may also apply for grant funding, though there is a separate review process for both awards (i.e., receipt of one award is not tied to receipt of the other). Lead agencies may include local governments or non-profit organizations. The Fit Community website contains additional information about the initiative, as well as frequently asked questions, http://www.fitcommunitync.org/.

Outer Banks Plastic Bag Ban Takes Effect

2009-09-02T15:56:00.000-04:00

The new plastic shopping bag ban that covers Dare, Currituck and Hyde counties took effect on September 1, 2009. Details on how the ban works are in this story from the Virginia Pilot.

A July 5th story in the Daily Advance (Elizabeth City) reported that Walmart was OK with the ban, and that a Walmart executive welcomed it as a part of the company's green initiatives.

photo by cucchiaio

Santa Monica Non-Profit uses EE to Promote Sustainability, Community Development

2009-08-31T09:58:00.000-04:00

SustainableWorks in Santa Monica is probably similar to a number of other non-profits that promote sustainablity, but they are unique in the fact that environmental education is emphasized strongly. Learn more about them...

The Smoky Mountains: From farming to franchising

2009-08-31T09:25:00.000-04:00

When Smokies became a national park, tourism followed — and hasn't stopped growing since

This very thoughtful piece from the Knoxville News Sentinel looks at the impacts of tourism on the Smoky Mountains, and addresses how local governments are now trying to balance development with environmental and aesthetic concerns.

Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity selected for green building initiative

2009-08-28T16:39:00.000-04:00

Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity will be one of 123 recently selected Habitat affiliates to take part in a $30 million green building initiative named Partners in Sustainable Building.

PSB is an initiative brought about by a partnership between The Home Depot Foundation and Habitat for Humanity International, the first between the two entities on a national level in the United States. Wilmington Star News. Read the whole story...

Secretary Chu Announces Nearly $300 Million in Clean Cities Grants to Support Clean Fuels, Vehicles, and Infrastructure Development

2009-08-28T16:02:00.000-04:00

August 26, 2009

Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced the selection of 25 cost-share projects under the Clean Cities program that will be funded with nearly $300 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These projects will speed the transformation of the nation’s vehicle fleet, putting more than 9,000 alternative fuel and energy efficient vehicles on the road, and establishing 542 refueling locations across the country. The Department of Energy also estimates they will help displace approximately 38 million gallons of petroleum per year.

Read the entire release...

Putting a price on walkability

2009-08-24T16:14:00.000-04:00

This story from CNN Money discusses a report by the group CEOs for Cities that shows a correlation between the "walkability" of neighborhoods and home values.

How much is walkability worth? An intriguing new study suggests that people are willing to pay considerable premiums for houses in neighborhoods that are highly walkable — that is, where you can actually get to nearby stores, schools, and parks without having to hop in the car. Read more...