Environmental Site of the Month Award 

RochesterEnvironment.com

On the last Sunday of each month, an Environmental Site Award goes out to the best Rochester-area Environmental Site of the Month. 

 

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The award is given to the best environmental web site or blog that best promotes, informs, and offers solutions to our area's environmental issues—using the unique powers of the Internet.   I believe we are in a period of great change in both our environment and in the media. On the one hand, mankind has wrought wholesale changes that make sustainability for our way of life problematic. 

Environmental Site of the Month AwardOn the other hand, we can no longer depend on mainstream media to keep us informed on what is going on with our environment.  Mainstream media has failed us completely on informing us of the urgency of our environmental problems. They have fallen short especially on the investigatory reporting necessary to see that our governmental bodies, corporations, and other countries actively and preemptively monitor and protect our environment.   

The Good news is that many private citizens have taken it upon themselves to point out important environmental concerns and provide information to the public on local environmental issues that need our attention.  So, this Environmental Award goes out each month to focus on those who provide accurate environmental information and who use the emerging powers of the Internet to reach everyone to get involved on the most critical issue of our generation.

 

* Got a candidate for our Environmental Site of the Month Award - send me the link and why you think it should get an award - FrankRegan@RochesterEnvironment.com

 

Previous winners of the monthly RochesterEnvironment.com Environmental award:

  • Christine Sevilla Project http://www.christinesevilla.com/  "Welcome to A Living Project to Preserve a Place in Christine's Honor  For All to Enjoy in Perpetuity Christine's family and friends envision a natural area, including wetlands, preserved in her memory.  This vision includes an educational component, like an interpretive trail to help others recognize what Christine saw - an interconnected natural community of flora and fauna, soil and water. Perhaps even an  Arts and Music Festival to celebrate what Christine so treasured. " [RENewsletter January 2010]
  • Honeoye Valley Association "The Honeoye Valley Association is a not-for-profit volunteer organization that works in a variety of ways to protect and preserve the environmental quality of the Honeoye Lake watershed." (RENewsletter December 27, 2009)
  • Genesee River Wilds Project  “The Genesee River Wilds Project is a coalition of groups and individuals who invest time, energy, funding, and other resources in the development of an environmentally sustainable system of natural parks concentrated along the Genesee River in the “Genesee River Wilds.”  This phrase refers to the Genesee River and its watershed from the river’s sources in Potter County, Pennsylvania, to the southern boundary of Letchworth State Park in New York State.  The Genesee River Wilds Project represents and partners with federal, state, county, municipal, and non-profit organizations; business corporations; educational institutions; landowners; farmers; anglers; hunters; hikers; mountain bikers; kayak and canoe enthusiasts; and many others who participate in various official and unofficial ways.  The coalition works to improve the health of the upper Genesee River and its watershed; protect them from future environmental threats; and enhance their recreational potential. Mission: To restore, protect, and enjoy the upper Genesee River by combining conservation, recreation, and business.” [RENewsletter November 29, 2009]
  • 350.org “TODAY, the 24 October, people in 181 countries came together for the most widespread day of environmental action in the planet's history. At over 5200 events around the world, people gathered to call for strong action and bold leadership on the climate crisis.” [RENewsletter October 25, 2009]
  • Irondequoit’s "The Green Page"  “For the Town of Irondequoit, the definition of sustainable development continues to evolve.   The framework for sustainability is Irondequoit’s Comprehensive Environmental and Energy Policy, adopted by the Town Board in 2007 and updated in 2009.  The Policy presents the Town’s goals for improving the quality of life in Irondequoit for current and future generations, including:  Connected and healthy communities Modern infrastructure Healthy natural habitat and clean waterways  Energy efficiency"  --from  Town of Irondequoit [RENewsletter September 27, 2009]
  • ACT Rochester Community Indicators for the Greater Rochester Area: The mission of ACT Rochester is to stimulate community solutions to our most critical challenges by changing the culture of public discussion and debate.  This will be achieved through focused, independent and objective measurement of key community indicators, through diverse and timely dialogue and by promoting results-oriented actions. ACT Rochester is a collaboration of Rochester Area Community Foundation and the United Way of Greater Rochester.  We developed the Website together, along with assistance from the Center for Governmental Research, and plan to sustain and update it as a central component of ACT Rochester [RENewsletter August 30, 2009]
  • Rochester Greenway “A revolutionary all-weather alternative energy transitway for bikes, e-vehicles, joggers, and skaters connecting RIT, U of R, and MCC, downtown Rochester. Three Opportunities, One Big Idea. The Green path north from U of R on the East Side is a scenic paved bikepath. The Blue path north from U of R on the West Side of the river, also scenic, is part of the City's existing Greenway trail. The river crossing on the the Blue path is an unused railroad bridge that could be rehabilitated spectacularly!” [RENewsletter July 26, 2009]
  • Cool Rochester--Save money, energy, the planet http://www.coolrochester.org/  Cool Rochester is a non-profit group composed of concerned citizens who are engaging the Rochester community in the fight against climate change. We believe dramatic reductions of carbon dioxide emissions are necessary to preserve and protect a functioning planet for this (and future) generations. Our goal is to reduce Rochester area carbon emissions one billion pounds in three years. To achieve this, we need to recruit 80,000 households and workplaces to participate in our program, to reduce their emissions by 25%. By unleashing the power of community we can save energy, save money and save the planet. Join Cool Rochester. [RENewsletter June 28, 09]
  • SUMMER of POWER 2009 ROCHESTER NY | Turning Passion into Action  “The Summer of Power is the idea moved to action that youth MUST lead the way in transforming Rochester into a green, clean and sustainable community. Our mission is to green Rochester by inspiring, supporting, educating, connecting, organizing and mobilizing youth, supported by adults, to increase awareness about "green" issues and opportunities and to convert ideas into action that  will make this a green, clean, and sustainable community for all people. [RENewsletter May 31, 2009] 
  • The Committee to Preserve the Finger Lakes http://www.preservethefingerlakes.com/  We are a group of progressive individuals committed to preserving the natural beauty and the purity of the water in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. The scenic lakes and majestic natural scenery make the Region worth preserving. The topography ranges from steep hills and valleys to gently rolling hills and valleys. The region is home to a large agricultural community that includes a thriving Mennonite population. Some of the various types of agriculture include dairy and crop farms, grape vineyards, and apple orchards -- RENewsletter | April 26, 2009
  • Save Auburn Trail - http://www.saveauburntrail.org/  “Help preserve this special part of the Auburn Trail -   The Town of Victor, NY is planning a six foot wide stone dust trail to replace a narrow footpath through a unique environmental area known as the  Railroad Mills Special Environmental Area (RRMSEA) The Coalition to save RRMSEA believes Victor's plan will have serious environmental impacts and will eliminate the wilderness feeling that makes the area so special.  We propose a compromise that creates an accessible trail that can be enjoyed by a wide range of users, and preserves the sensitive and unique environment.” -- RENewsletter - March 29, 2009
  • Climate Change Central "climate change central is a community resource  center and forum for climate change dialogue in  Rochester, New York.  We believe improved access to  climate change information will empower citizens in  our community to recognize climate induced  hazards, and to make positive changes for their  families and neighborhoods. given the right  resources and tools, people can protect their  families and help their communities in the face of  this crisis." - RENewsletter Feb 22, 2009
  • The Last Experiment: Interested in understanding what climate change will mean in your backyard? Go to www.lastexperiment.com  to see a slideshow and trailer for a documentary about the effects and reactions to climate change in the Rochester area. The documentary is being produced by three local filmmakers. The project needs financial support, and donations through the site are tax-deductible. If you would like to know more about the film, email the filmmakers at producers@lastexperiment.com - January 2009. [RENewsletter January 25, 2009]
  • Go Green Rochester - Global Warming Awareness  -  http://gogreenrochester.com Go Green Rochester is committed to raising environmental awareness throughout the Rochester community. Our new site is designed to educate community members on how to get involved while highlighting the individuals, organizations, and businesses in Rochester who are doing their part to help.  Go Green Rochester is proposing a Bag Global Warming Day for Rochester and its surrounding communities. Our goal is to give away 500,000 bags to the general public, free of charge, dispersed at different locations throughout Monroe County. Companies sponsoring the Bag Global Warming Day will receive premier placement on these bags. (June 2008 RENewsletter Word )
  • Community Health V.O.I.C.E. -  http://urmcch.wordpress - The Community Health VOICE (Volunteer, Organize, Innovate, Collaborate, Empower) Blog was created to serve as a forum for faculty, staff, students, residents and fellows at the University of Rochester Medical Center and our partners in the Rochester area and beyond who are engaged or have an interest in community-based health services, education, research, and advocacy. (May 2008 RENewsletter Word) 
  • Kindersafe -  http://www.kindersafe.org/kindersafe/    “In the fall of 2007 a series of reports on toys that were contaminated with lead, asbestos, cadmium, arsenic, and other dangerous materials alerted the public to a children’s health hazard. While hazardous toys are not a new problem, the problem has grown substantially due to lack of adequate federal action and a dramatic increase in toy imports.  It is currently very difficult to identify safe and unsafe toys.  Many organizations are working to identifying hazardous toys and share that information with the public.  There are also efforts underway to change consumer product policies and improve safety.  This website provides links to information on toy safety and to groups and resources that can be used to take action on product safety.” (April 2008 RENewsletter Word)  
  • CEI: Center for Environmental Information “CEI is a private, non-profit organization that has been been providing environmental communication, education, and information services to Rochester Region for over 30 years. We advocate informed action that seeks to fix the problem, not fix the blame. In other words, we prefer to shed light, not heat, on environmental issues. Our core belief is that environmental health and economic vitality are mutually interdependent. To this end, CEI acts as a facilitator, educator, and convenor to promote informed environmental decision making.” (March 2008 RENewsletter Word )
  • Rochester Roots http://www.rochesterroots.org/  “Rochester Roots develops self-reliance by providing the education and tools that help low-income people obtain nutritious, locally grown food, and through the development and marketing of urban produce and products. We strive to achieve this vision through our participation in the local food system and through education and advocacy.” (February 2008 RENewsletter Word)
  • Wild Wings http://www.wildwingsinc.org/ 27 Pond Road, Honeoye Falls, NY 14472 Phone: 585.334.7790 Fax: 585.334.7563 "Wild Wings is a not-for-profit educational organization that houses and cares for permanently injured, birds of prey (raptors) which are unable to survive on their own in the wild any more. Our mission is to teach environmental stewardship through programs featuring our resident raptors as our teaching partners. We travel with our raptors to schools, scout meetings, and many other corporate and private events, and we also host educational programs and hikes at our facility at Mendon Ponds Park."  (January 2008 RENewsletter Word or January 2008 RENewsletter PDF)
  • PROJECT-HOUSE.US "Project H.O.U.S.E. is designed to be a comprehensive resource for anyone who is looking for information, motivation, organizations, etc. in regard to reducing our carbon footprint, saving energy, and sustaining a livable planet" (December 2007 RENewsletter Word )
  • Micrecycle “Our mission is to provide computers for education. Micrecycle refurbishes donated equipment to supply high-quality, affordable computers to families, schools and community organizations. We support community technology access and training for all members of the greater Rochester community. Micrecycle is a volunteer-based program dedicated to the vision that all people have affordable access to the benefits of computer and information technology. Micrecycle is a program of the Rochester Museum & Science Center.” [November 07 RENewsletter]
  • Rochester Green Living "Our goal is to help lower the environmental impact of the homes and lives of those living in the greater Rochester area. To reach that goal we will provide workshops in sustainability, promote local green events, be a free local resource in sustainable information, and create connections to other green businesses/groups throughout New York. We hope we will be the first stop on your journey to a deeper understanding of sustainability."  [October 07 RENewsletter]
  • Re-TreeWNY.org  "Re-Tree WNY was established on November 3, 2006 by a group of about 40 Western New York residents who saw first-hand the devastation done to our beautiful Western New York living resource -- our trees -- and decided to take action to re-forest every public area that was destroyed by the freak October 12-13 snowstorm. Included on our committee is an eclectic group of professionals who have a passion for Greater Buffalo and a background for being "doers" in our committee. We have government leaders, media personalities, attorneys, park personnel, community activists, volunteer organizations, sales executives, promotional people, media people, retirees, and retail managers in our group." [September 07 RENewsletter]
  • An Urban Sustainability Project -This month’s site/blog of the month is http://urbansustainabilityproject.blogspot.com An Urban Sustainability Project - It’s about a Rochester-area family's attempt to live in a more ecologically sustainable way.  And, because this site is a blog, you can join in the comments. [August 07 RENewsletter]  
  • RocBike.com | The RocBike Review Speaking about environmental blogs, this site is not specifically an environmental site, but seeing how bikes don’t pollute and get us around quickly, we ought to give serious thought to helping those who do commute by bike some attention: Surf to over “RocBike.com” and let them know your ideas on making Rochester a better place to bike. [July 07 RENewsletter]
  • Friends of Irondequoit Bay Here’s a great new site by a community that has gathered together to observe and protect an area in their own backyard.  This kind of site shows how the Internet shines and empowers people to take charge of their own environment. Environmentalists: Friends of Irondequoit Bay “is a non-profit, member based environmental organization whose mission is to help preserve and protect the delicate ecological integrity of Irondequoit Bay wetlands through preservation, education and advocacy.” [June 07 RENewsletter]
  • The Rochester Environment Meetup Group (Rochester, NY) - Meetup.com "We are working on a plan for the process by which problems (see our list --I'll send it) may be addressed. We're also concerned with global warming and Rochester environment. We seek alliances with other groups and new members." [May 07 RENewsletter]
  • Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization "To create, modify, and implement a watershed management plan to allow local governments within the watershed to work together for the purposes of accessing dollars, cost savings, cost sharing, and efficiency of activities among municipalities. This plan when completed will prioritize water quality problems and solutions. The Intermunicipal Organization will provide direction for the regional planning boards and other staff, and oversee the entire project." [April 07 RENewsletter]
  • Pathways to a Sustainable World -Conference on Sustainability - April 13, 14 University of Rochester - "This conference will bring the greater Rochester community together to explore critical issues in creating a truly sustainable world. Communication and education are essential to understand the challenges we face to create the world we want. The conference will highlight inspiring talks by innovators proposing solutions across a wide range of areas, including education, ecology, economics, social policy, arts, and science. It specifically aims to support positive change at the local and regional level, strengthening community and encouraging local economies. It will be a forum for discussion and interaction in which we will share our knowledge and skills, and be inspired and motivated towards creating a genuinely sustainable world. [March 07 RENewsletter]
  • The Nature Conservancy - Protecting nature, preserving life The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to protect the most ecologically important lands and waters around the world for nature and people.  For our area, check out The Nature Conservancy in New York - Central & Western New York --- [February 07 RENewsletter]
  • RochesterAlliance.org  When you join this e-mail based EVENT/ACTION ANNOUNCEMENT listserv you will be part of a growing community of activists that share important EVENTS & ACTIONS around our community with each other. The “Rochester” ANNOUNCE email list is a web network of activists committed to sharing information about upcoming EVENTS/ACTIONS. The moderator passes event information on to literally HUNDREDS of local activists like you! It’s easy to join. Just click here and write: subscribe ANNOUNCE and then write your name or nickname or handle in the subject or body of the message. All three elements must be in the body of the message or the subscription request will not be accepted. Learn more about the “Rochester” ANNOUNCE list by clicking here. Details Rochester List. [January 07 RENewsletter]
  • RochesterBirding: Welcome to the Web Home of the Rochester Birding Association, located in Rochester, NY. Our mission is to enable residents of the Greater Rochester Area to gain a fuller appreciation of the region's birds and its birding. [December 06 RENewsletter]
  • Friends With Feathers A not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about Birds of Prey -The Friends with Feathers aviary is home to birds of prey that can not be released into the wild (due to an injury or defect) and are available for educational programs in ecology and conservation. [November 2006 RENewsletter]
  • The Cayuga Bird Club (CBC), founded in 1913, provides its members and the community at large with opportunities to learn about birds, local birding localities, and the environment. CBC membership is composed of a diverse group of people from various professions and backgrounds, whose common bond is a keen interest in the observation and preservation of bird life. CBC field trips and monthly meetings offer members a chance to meet socially and to focus on a topic or locality of interest. Most field trips visit areas within the Cayuga Lake Basin, although the club regularly visits places farther afield, such as Amherst Island, Ontario; Niagara Falls, New York; and Hawk Mountain, Pennsylvania. Lectures and presentations offered at the monthly club meetings draw from the great variety of professional and amateur researchers at the Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, and Ithaca College, as well as the local community.  [October 2006 RENewsletter]
  • Friends of Webster Trails To manage and promote wild areas, trails and linear parks in partnership with the Town of Webster for educations and recreational purposes. [September 2006 RENewsletter]
  • Animal Service League  Founded in 1953, the Animal Service League is an all-volunteer organization concerned with the rescue, care and welfare of homeless domestic animals in the Rochester New York area. Cats, dogs, birds and other domestic animals in need of shelter and veterinary help are cared for until they can be restored to their original owners or new homes found. No animal is ever destroyed for lack of a permanent home. The animals are cared for on a temporary basis in our Haven Homes until they are ready to be placed in a permanent home. When available for adoption, the animals are shown at "Adoption Day" events held most weekends at various area merchants. This web site and our business line (585) 234-7275 can give you the exact times and locations for these events. [August 2006 RENewsletter]
  • Citizen's Environmental Coalition: Citizens’ Environmental Coalition (CEC) was founded in 1983 by people living with the legacy of toxic pollution. They were united in the belief that no child should be born with toxic chemicals in their body, and began to use their collective grassroots power to influence statewide policy, with a mission to eliminate toxic pollution from homes, workplaces, schools and communities by empowering people. Twenty years later, CEC has grown into 110 community, labor, faith-based, youth, health and environmental groups and over 14,000 individuals throughout New York State with offices in Albany and Buffalo. We serve as the nexus of local communities, statewide policy discussions and national collaborations. [July 2006 RENewsletter]
  • Adopt-A-Stream Delta Laboratories, Inc. , 1820 East Ave, Rochester , NY 14610 (716) 242-2400, Adopt-A-Stream is an interdisciplinary program where teachers and students adopt a waterway and do chemical, physical, biological and microbiological testing to determine water quality. Teachers can select any projects and activities from the Teacher's Guide that best meet their students' capabilities, and materials available to the teacher. Some teachers find that enlisting a community cosponsor to aid them in their efforts is quite valuable. [April 2006 RENewsletter]