Thanks to the Department of Conservation and Recreation for sending this info:
There are a ton of upcoming opportunities that are all worth exploring – please feel free to continue to pass the word on about all the great events, awards, grants - even some interesting podcasts and online videos.
Landscape Character Zones at Mt Auburn
Dennis Collins, Horticultural Curator, will explain the patchwork of smaller landscapes that make up the larger Cemetery landscape. Join us in Story Chapel on Thursday, March 18th to learn more about how Mount Auburn is preserving and documenting its historic and ever-changing landscape. These hour-long talks will begin at 12:15 PM. Please bring your lunch. Coffee, tea, and water will be provided. FREE, preregistration not required. Additional information on the series may be found here: http://www.gifttool.com/registrar/ShowEvents?ID=1217&LNG=EN&VER=1&CID=242
CPTC Spring Conference
The annual CPTC Spring Conference takes place on Saturday March 20, 2010 at the Hogan Center at Holy Cross College in Worcester. For more information on the schedule of sessions, topics, speakers and registration information, see www.umass.edu/masscptc
2nd Statewide Agricultural Commissions Conference
Today 130 Agricultural Commissions (AgComs) have organized across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
AgComs are actively engaged in raising the visibility of agriculture in their communities, providing a voice for agriculture in town hall, passing local Right to Farm Bylaws, protecting farmland and farm businesses, promoting farming and local farm products, establishing farmers markets, managing conflicts that arise regarding farming activities, connecting farmers to technical and financial services, and educating the public about the many benefits of retaining and encouraging farming in their communities. Join us on Saturday, March 20, 2010 at the Worcester State College Student Center, 486 Chandler Street, Worcester, MA 01602. This second statewide Agricultural Commissions Conference has been planned by AgCom members for AgCom members and for those interested in supporting agriculture and AgComs. Workshop topics were selected from issues that AgComs identified as high priority for education and discussion. Attendees will also have time for networking and visiting exhibitors. We look forward to seeing you on the 20th! Agenda and Registration Form can be found at: www.massagcom.org.
Old House and Barn Expo
The Expo is back by popular demand with something for everyone interested in old buildings and all that is involved in renovating and owning one. Scheduled for March 20-21 in Manchester, New Hampshire, this year will have a special emphasis on energy efficiency in older buildings and window preservation. For more information, contact: New Hampshire Preservation Alliance - (603) 224-2281 or www.nhpreservation.org.
MA Downtown Initiative Workshop: Design, Design Guidelines and How to Implement A Successful Sign & Facade Program
Steve Cecil, The Cecil Group, will present this hands-on workshop on March 24, 2010, from 9am – 3pm at Braintree Town Hall, in which you will learn how the “concept” of design matters in revitalizing your downtown or town center. Steve will be joined by Ted Brovitz who brings experience both as a planner and a director of a downtown nonprofit. This workshop will address how a downtown can be enhanced through design guidelines and how to implement design guidelines through a sign and façade program and other initiatives.
Registration deadline is March 15, 2010. Register online at : www.mass.gov/dhcd (In the NEWS & UPDATES section, click the link: MA Downtown Design Workshop).
Historic Buildings and Green Design
The Cape Cod Commission and Preservation Massachusetts are offering a workshop on historic buildings and green design. Speakers will include Sally Zimmerman, Historic New England; Chris Skelly, Massachusetts Historical Commission; Rebecca Williams, National Trust for Historic Preservation; Jade Mortimer, Heartwood Window Restoration; and Kevin Galligan, Cape Light Compact. The workshop will be held March 25, 2010 from 11am-3pm at the Harwich Community Center, Harwich, MA. For more information, contact dfox@preservationmass.org
20th Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference
More than 30 workshops on all aspects of land conservation work; this event attracts close to 500 land trust board members, volunteers and staff, open space committees, conservation commissioners, state and municipal employees and students every year. This say-long event will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2010, at Worcester Technical High School, 1 Skyline Drive, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605 Price: $42 if registered by 3/12/10 ; $20 students. Register now! http://www.massconservation.org
Boston Preservation Alliance 2010 Preservation Achievement Awards
The Boston Preservation Alliance is now accepting nominations for our 2010 Preservation Achievement Awards. Preservation Achievement Awards are bestowed annually to honor outstanding achievements in historic preservation and compatible new construction in Boston. Recipients are selected from nominations and consideration will be given to exemplary preservation projects or activities that have been completed within 2009. This year the Alliance will be holding a gala and auction in the Spring, with the Preservation Achievement Awards celebration slated for October. The 2010 nomination form and instructions can be downloaded HERE and nominations will be accepted until Friday, April 16, 2010. For more information on the Alliance's awards program, please contact Christine Piontek at cpiontek@bostonpreservation.org or 617-367-2458.
Architecture Through Urban Design
Join others for a lecture on April 21st on Architecture Through Urban Design at the Boston Public Library, Raab
Lecture Hall, Boston, MA. Sponsored by Boston Preservation Alliance, BSA president Lawrence A. Chan FAIA, shares observations on built environments enhanced and made more meaningful through urban design. For more information, visit: http://www.bostonpreservation.org/future/index.htm
11th Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup
More than 3,000 volunteers will pick up litter along the banks of the Charles River and other streams and ponds in the watershed, at one of the country's largest one-day cleanups on April 24th. Volunteer yourself, or gather a group from your neighborhood, school, or business. Visit www.charlesriver.org/cleanup.html, call 781-788-0007 x303 or reply to this email for more information or to sign up.
Run of the Charles Canoe & Kayak Race
Celebrate 28 years of canoe & kayak races on the Charles River at the Run of the Charles on Sunday, April 25! We are seeking canoe and kayak racers (professional, amateur or recreational), volunteers, and sponsors for this year's race. Or come and watch the action, enjoy live music and vendors at the free Finish Line Festival. To race, sponsor or volunteer, contact Sally at 508-698-6810, rotc@crwa.org, or click here.
CPA – May 8th
The next Community Preservation Act conference will be held in Western Massachusetts, at the Northampton Senior Center, on Saturday May 8, 2010 from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM.