Wednesday, August 2, 2017
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
League of Extraordinary Youth Battle R.I. Invasives
Posted by Wayne G. Barber
For five weeks this summer, six high-school students and a college sophomore will tear, chop, cut and pull oriental bittersweet, black swallow-wort, privet and a host of other invasive plant species from conserved lands across the state.
The Rhode Island Youth Conservation League was created seven years ago by the Rhode Island Natural History Survey and the Rhode Island chapters of the Audubon Society and The Nature Conservancy. It was formed as a follow-up to the Natural History Survey’s 2010 Forest Health Works Project summer youth crew.
On a late-July day ecoRI News caught up with the six teenagers — Keishla Santiago-Garcia, Edward Moniz, Courtney Naughton, Deanna Phan, Grace Rumowicz and Anna Stansfield. The high-school sophomores and juniors from North Kingstown, Central Falls and The Greene School were at the Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge on Seapowet Avenue. Wearing matching yellow T-shirts, the students, led by Audubon Society conservation assistant Kyle Hess and University of Rhode Island sophomore Brittany Amaral, were clearing trails of fast-encroaching oriental bittersweet and in-the-way tree branches. They also spent a considerable amount of time avoiding poison ivy.
So far this summer, besides working at the Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge, the group spent four days on Block Island and spent time at the Narrow River Land Trust’s Winter Preserve in South Kingstown, securing a trail with water bars and clearing brush from old building foundations and an historical cemetery.
But beating back invasives trying to take over preserved Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management lands is the main task of this annual summer crew.
In 2011, for example, the group of teenagers eradicated mile-a-minute vine from many Rhode Island locations.
The program’s goals are to create summer jobs for high-school students that include outdoor stewardship work around the state, address the need for hands-on labor to help steward Rhode Island’s protected land, and strengthen connections between people and nature.
Students work four days a week, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., and are paid $9.60 an hour, Rhode Island’s minimum wage. Funding has come from the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, the Rhode Island Conservation Stewardship Collaborative, National Grid and others.
Source: FRANK CARINI/ecoRI News staff
For five weeks this summer, six high-school students and a college sophomore will tear, chop, cut and pull oriental bittersweet, black swallow-wort, privet and a host of other invasive plant species from conserved lands across the state.
The Rhode Island Youth Conservation League was created seven years ago by the Rhode Island Natural History Survey and the Rhode Island chapters of the Audubon Society and The Nature Conservancy. It was formed as a follow-up to the Natural History Survey’s 2010 Forest Health Works Project summer youth crew.On a late-July day ecoRI News caught up with the six teenagers — Keishla Santiago-Garcia, Edward Moniz, Courtney Naughton, Deanna Phan, Grace Rumowicz and Anna Stansfield. The high-school sophomores and juniors from North Kingstown, Central Falls and The Greene School were at the Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge on Seapowet Avenue. Wearing matching yellow T-shirts, the students, led by Audubon Society conservation assistant Kyle Hess and University of Rhode Island sophomore Brittany Amaral, were clearing trails of fast-encroaching oriental bittersweet and in-the-way tree branches. They also spent a considerable amount of time avoiding poison ivy.
So far this summer, besides working at the Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge, the group spent four days on Block Island and spent time at the Narrow River Land Trust’s Winter Preserve in South Kingstown, securing a trail with water bars and clearing brush from old building foundations and an historical cemetery.
But beating back invasives trying to take over preserved Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management lands is the main task of this annual summer crew.
In 2011, for example, the group of teenagers eradicated mile-a-minute vine from many Rhode Island locations.
The program’s goals are to create summer jobs for high-school students that include outdoor stewardship work around the state, address the need for hands-on labor to help steward Rhode Island’s protected land, and strengthen connections between people and nature.
Students work four days a week, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., and are paid $9.60 an hour, Rhode Island’s minimum wage. Funding has come from the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, the Rhode Island Conservation Stewardship Collaborative, National Grid and others.
Source: FRANK CARINI/ecoRI News staff
Thursday, July 27, 2017
North Smithfield Fly Tying Classes
Posted by Wayne G. Barber
COMMUNITY FLY TYING PROGRAM
JOIN US FOR FUN, FLY TYING, AND FLY FISHING! FREE!
The North Smithfield Public Library and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Division of Fish and Wildlife, are hosting a FREE fly tying and fly fishing event Participants will learn to make their own freshwater flies over several weeks then have the opportunity to fish using the flies they created at a private fly fishing event in Rhode Island.
FISHING DATE: 8/27/2017 2PM-6PM No experience is necessary and no fishing license is required to participate in this program. Equipment will be provided or you may bring your own! Anyone wishing to participate is required to register for the program in advance for planning purposes. Walk in’s will not be allowed to participate.
To register: contact Scott Travers at scott.travers@dem.ri.gov or 401-539-0019
This course is geared towards novices and experienced fly tiers alike. North Smithfield Public Library- 20 Main Street Slatersville, RI 02876 FLY TYING DATES: (Attend one or attend all, we will be making a different fly each class!): Monday: 8/7/2017 6pm-8pm Monday 8/14/2017 6pm-8pm Monday: 8/21/2017 6pm-8pm
COMMUNITY FLY TYING PROGRAM
JOIN US FOR FUN, FLY TYING, AND FLY FISHING! FREE!
The North Smithfield Public Library and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Division of Fish and Wildlife, are hosting a FREE fly tying and fly fishing event Participants will learn to make their own freshwater flies over several weeks then have the opportunity to fish using the flies they created at a private fly fishing event in Rhode Island.
FISHING DATE: 8/27/2017 2PM-6PM No experience is necessary and no fishing license is required to participate in this program. Equipment will be provided or you may bring your own! Anyone wishing to participate is required to register for the program in advance for planning purposes. Walk in’s will not be allowed to participate.
To register: contact Scott Travers at scott.travers@dem.ri.gov or 401-539-0019
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
Why Are Barns Painted Red?
Posted by Wayne G. Barber
Ever wonder why old barns are usually red in color? Red is (or, perhaps, was) a popular color for barns due not to its color shade but for its usefulness.
The history of paint is long and complicated, but the stuff we buy in cans today has only been around since the late 1800s when Sherwin-Williams began selling ready-to-use paint. Before that, you basically had to make your own.
Many years ago, choices for paints, sealers and other building materials did not exist. Farmers had to be resourceful in finding or making a paint that would protect and seal the wood on their barns. Hundreds of years ago, many farmers would seal their barns with linseed oil, which is an orange-colored oil derived from the seeds of the flax plant. To this oil, they would add a variety of things, most often milk and lime, but also ferrous oxide, or rust. Rust was plentiful on farms and because it killed fungi and mosses that might grow on barns, and it was very effective as a sealant. It turned the mixture red in color.
When paint became more available, many people chose red paint for their barns in honor of tradition.
Ever wonder why old barns are usually red in color? Red is (or, perhaps, was) a popular color for barns due not to its color shade but for its usefulness.
The history of paint is long and complicated, but the stuff we buy in cans today has only been around since the late 1800s when Sherwin-Williams began selling ready-to-use paint. Before that, you basically had to make your own.
Many years ago, choices for paints, sealers and other building materials did not exist. Farmers had to be resourceful in finding or making a paint that would protect and seal the wood on their barns. Hundreds of years ago, many farmers would seal their barns with linseed oil, which is an orange-colored oil derived from the seeds of the flax plant. To this oil, they would add a variety of things, most often milk and lime, but also ferrous oxide, or rust. Rust was plentiful on farms and because it killed fungi and mosses that might grow on barns, and it was very effective as a sealant. It turned the mixture red in color.
When paint became more available, many people chose red paint for their barns in honor of tradition.
Woonsocket: Red Cross Helping Family After Fire Sunday Night
Posted by Wayne G. Barber
WOONSOCKET, RI — The American Red Cross is helping one family – one adult – two children after a fire yesterday on Sixth Avenue, Woonsocket. The Red Cross provided assistance to meet the family's immediate needs. Responders included: Melissa Shires and Ruth Jacobs.
According to Lt. John Polacek, in the Woonsocket fire marshal's office, the fire department received a call at 6:59 p.m. and responded to the home. No one was injured, including firefighters. He was not informed about any pets in the house, he said.
"It was a small kitchen fire," he said. The firefighters knocked it down quickly, but the kitchen was extensively damaged, he said. He could not say when the people will be able to return. The building inspector has been called to assess the situation.
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| One adult and two children were displaced after a fire in their home Sunday night. |
According to Lt. John Polacek, in the Woonsocket fire marshal's office, the fire department received a call at 6:59 p.m. and responded to the home. No one was injured, including firefighters. He was not informed about any pets in the house, he said.
"It was a small kitchen fire," he said. The firefighters knocked it down quickly, but the kitchen was extensively damaged, he said. He could not say when the people will be able to return. The building inspector has been called to assess the situation.
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Summer Concert Series at Jesse M. Smith Library
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| Slippery Sneakers |
All performances are FREE and open to the public. Performances are held outside in the Pavilion, weather permitting. (If it rains, we move indoors.) Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Some refreshments are available. Library restroom facilities are open.
July 15 — Saturday at 6:00 p.m.
Concert: Brass Attack
Southern New England’s finest live dance band. Enjoy a nine-piece band featuring four horns, a rhythm section, and a lead vocalist performing classic hits from the 30s to today.
July 22– Saturday at 6:00 p.m.
Concert: Grandevolution
Join locals Sarah and Scott Kenyon under the pavilion as Grandevolution plays their catchy original alternative rock influenced by 90s alternative rock and pop bands.
July 29 — Saturday at 6:00 p.m.
Concert: The Aviators
An awesome Burrillville band making its return to the Riverwalk. Playing hits of the 50s through the present day. Dance the night away!
August 5 — Saturday at 6:00 p.m.
Concert: Jesse Liam Band
Always a foot-stomping, hand-clapping, thoroughly enjoyable concert. The band plays original music and hits from the 50s to today. Be prepared to leave with a smile on your face!
August 12 — Saturday at 6:00 p.m.
Concert: Live Music Band
A classic rock and roll band playing music from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s High energy performers that keep you dancing all night.
August 19 — Saturday at 6:00 p.m.
Concert: Whiskey Rhode
A fantastic rock and roll dance band. Playing classic and contemporary rock, rhythm & blues, and even some country. A great way to end our concert season.
August 26 — Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
Concert: Slippery Sneakers
A high energy Zydeco dance band. It’s not summer without a visit from this amazing band! Always a rousing good time— be sure to bring your dancing shoes!
Friday, July 14, 2017
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