Rain Garden Volunteer Opportunity this Saturday!

Rain Garden Volunteer Training/Opportunity this Saturday, September 26th 10am-2pm!
Rain Gardens help to reduce storm water runoff and improve water quality. We will be discussing rain gardens, their role in stormwater management, how to locate a site and construct a rain garden, plant selection, care, and maintenance of a rain garden, and how to renovate an existing rain garden. The workshop format provides both classroom and hands-on instruction including working examples and a hands-on exercise in renovating an existing rain garden.

This Saturday we are offering an opportunity to our volunteers to learn about the basics of rain garden, and then get some hands-on experience working in a local rain garden.

When: September 26th, 10am – 2pm
Where: Bluegrass Greensource office and Morton Middle School
Schedule: Training 10am – 11:45
Lunch 11:45 – 12:30
Rain Garden Maintenance 12:45 – 2pm

Space is limited! Please register by emailing ashley@bggreensource.org by Friday September 25th!

*If you are interested in installing a Rain Garden, this workshop makes you eligible for a $250 grant to install one at your home!*

This training is open to new volunteers!
Please pass on this opportunity to your friends and family.

This work was funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under §319(h) of the Clean Water Act.
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September Newsletter

RAIN GARDEN NATIVES: KARA’S PICKS

Folks around Central Kentucky often ask me which plants are appropriate for a rain garden. Rain garden soil conditions can vary from wet to dry, making them tough places for many plants to grow. Read More…

SEPTIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE TIPS TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY

Many of Kentucky’s streams and rivers are unsafe for wading, swimming, fishing, and other forms of water recreation due to the presence of high levels of E. coli bacteria. Human sources provide the most prominent contribution to E. coli exceedances. Rural areas not serviced by municipal sewage collection systems have higher human pathogens contributions from failing septic systems or straight pipes. When bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens are released into the ground, they eventually enter waterways, harming or killing native plants, fish, and shellfish. Read More…

MEET OUR NEW STAFF: JACKIE AND OLIVIA

Hear from our new Environmental Educator, Jackie Gallimore, and AmeriCorps VISTA, Olivia Oakley as they describe their first few weeks at Bluegrass Greensource and the journey that brought them here.  Read More…

SUSTAINABLE LIVING NEEDS SUSTAINABLE GIVING

Small changes lead to big impacts.

At Bluegrass Greensource, we see this in action every day.

Providing support for schools to recycle leads to recycling rates more than doubling in one year. Supporting local businesses in implementing sustainability initiatives leads to reductions in energy usage and the amount of waste produced. Partnering with major events to help them achieve a Zero Waste status leads to significant amounts of materials being diverted from landfills and into recycling and compost streams. Read More…

2015 FALL WASTE TIRE COLLECTION SCHEDULE

The Waste Tire Collection Program is an ongoing effort to rid Kentucky’s landscape of waste tires. Established in 1998 as part of the Energy and Environment Cabinet’s (EEC), the Waste Tire Collection Program works to ensure the recovered tires are recycled into beneficial products, such as tire-derived fuel or crumb rubber.

During the waste tire collection event, individuals can drop off their unwanted tires at the specified location within their county at no cost. To date, tire amnesty is responsible for the proper disposal of more than 19 million waste tires. Read More…

Check out our Events Calendar to learn more about upcoming green events in your community! Submit your organization’s green event here.

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Sustainable Living Needs Sustainable Giving

toddlers with crayfish 3Small changes lead to big impacts.
At Bluegrass Greensource, we see this in action every day.
Providing support for schools to recycle leads to recycling rates more than doubling in one year. Supporting local businesses in implementing sustainability initiatives leads to reductions in energy usage and the amount of waste produced. Partnering with major events to help them achieve a Zero Waste status leads to significant amounts of materials being diverted from landfills and into recycling and compost streams.
These and other outreach activities lead to a healthier, stronger environment in Central Kentucky. But providing this support comes at a cost to Bluegrass Greensource.
One small change you can make that leads to big impacts is becoming a sustainable giver. By donating a little each month, you can turn $5 into $60, $15 into $180, or $25 into $300. You can provide a steady stream of support for Bluegrass Greensource’s outreach efforts and show your strong commitment to a greener, more sustainable Central Kentucky.
To learn more about how you can support Bluegrass Greensource and what your support will help us achieve, click here.
Bluegrass Greensource is also proud to partner with the Amazon Smile program. Now you can support Bluegrass Greensource every time you shop at Amazon.com. Just click on the link to learn more and get started!

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Meet Our New Staff: Jackie and Olivia

Jackie Gallimore

11949799_1040927829259046_53628851_nAs a student at Western Kentucky University I did an internship in the Environmental Education department at Mammoth Cave which sparked a passion in me to encourage the younger generation to take on a more sustainable future. I later pursued a Masters in Natural Resources with emphasis in Environmental Education from the University of Idaho and went on to work in the environmental education and outdoor recreation field. Previous to coming to Bluegrass Greensource I was working in West Virginia as a Science Educator at a museum, the Director of Outdoor Education at an adventure resort and as a zip line guide.

My first couple weeks at Bluegrass Greensource have been a whirlwind of learning the ropes, being welcomed by my kind and passionate co-workers and moving back to my hometown of Lexington.  I have been impressed with the variety and depth of programming that we have and the commitment to green and healthy lifestyles that are modeled at BGGS. My favorite thing so far has been meeting with the teachers that I will be working with in coming year. They have all shown so much enthusiasm for our program and mission. I am excited for the coming months and years of teaching environmental education to my community.

Olivia Oakley

DSC_0397I am Olivia Oakley, and I am the AmeriCorps VISTA for Bluegrass Greensource. I am serving my VISTA term as an energy efficiency educator. In this position I will be focusing on presenting weatherization workshops for low-income adults, updating the energy efficiency audit kits and BGGS website information on energy efficiency, and creating new energy efficiency activities for Title 1 school children. Originally from London, KY I moved to Lexington, KY to go to college at Transylvania University. There I designed my own Bachelor’s degree in American Studies consisting of three fields -U.S. History, Gender Studies, and Religion. During my years as a Transylvania Pioneer I served as co-coordinator of V.O.I.C.E. (Transylvania University’s feminist organization on campus), an August Term Scholar, a secretary for TUnity (Transylvania University’s LGBTQ* alliance and community organization), and as a Volunteer Coordinator intern with the Office of Community Service and Civic Engagement. I am particularly interested in issues impacting the well-being of queer and trans youth, problem solving sustainability issues in urban areas, and ending poverty in our Lexington community. My first couple weeks has been filled with lots of research and communicating with BGGS staff on energy efficiency. I am excited to get the energy audit kits back to the lexington public libraries and hopefully get more people interested in using them through weatherization workshops in the following fall/winter months!

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Septic System Maintenance Tips to Improve Water Quality

Many of Kentucky’s streams and rivers are unsafe for wading, swimming, fishing, and other forms of water recreation due to the presence of high levels of E. coli bacteria. Human sources provide the most prominent contribution to E. coli exceedances. Rural areas not serviced by municipal sewage collection systems have higher human pathogens contributions from failing septic systems or straight pipes. When bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens are released into the ground, they eventually enter waterways, harming or killing native plants, fish, and shellfish.

The following maintenance tips can help homeowners properly care for their septic systems:

  1. Locate your septic system and drain field.
  2. Have your septic system inspected every three years by a licensed contractor, and pumped every 3-5 years, depending on tank and household size.
  3. Use water efficiently and prevent leaks in the home.
  4. Don’t flush items other than human waste and toilet paper.
  5. Whether you’re at the kitchen sink, bathtub, or utility sink, never pour grease, drain cleaner, paint, or toxic chemicals down the drain.
  6. Consider eliminating or limiting the use of garbage disposals.
  7. Stagger the use of water-generating appliances. Purchase Energy Star appliances to help conserve water.
  8. Never drive or park on your drain field, and never construct decks or patios in this area.
  9. Plant trees and shrubs an appropriate distance from your drain field.
  10. Keep downspouts, sump pumps, and other rainwater drainage systems away from your drain field area.
Adapted from EPA’s Septic Smart Guidelines: www.epa.gov/septicsmart


To help improve water quality in the Dix River watershed area, Bluegrass Greensource offers homeowner workshops in Boyle, Garrard, and Lincoln Counties. Participants will learn about local watersheds and water quality, how to properly care for septic systems, and how to identify problems with septic systems. Following the workshop, participants can apply for a cost-share grant for septic system repairs, or for a free septic tank pumpout. To be eligible for the grants, homeowners must reside within the Dix River watershed in Boyle, Garrard, or Lincoln Counties.

The next free septic system workshop will be held on:
Saturday, October 17th
10:00-11:00 am
Boyle County Cooperative Extension Service
90 Corporate Drive
Danville, KY 40422

This program is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act, through the Kentucky Division of Water.
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Rain Garden Natives: Kara’s Picks

Picture courtesy of Michler’s Garden Center
Picture courtesy of Michler’s Garden Center

Folks around Central Kentucky often ask me which plants are appropriate for a rain garden. Rain garden soil conditions can vary from wet to dry, making them tough places for many plants to grow. The plants chosen for rain gardens are adapted to these conditions and typically have extensive roots that help pull water into the ground, which can help reduce stormwater runoff.

To help you get started on your rain garden, I’ve picked out a few of my favorite Kentucky natives that really thrive in moist or well-drained soils.






Eupatorium maculatum – Joe Pye Weed

15638101339_214e2973a3_o A Butterfly Magnet, the extravagant Joe Pye Weed is crowned with clusters of bright pink flowers in late summer. Eupatorium maculatum is perfect for planting in damp soil in marshy areas, along streambanks, and on pond edges. Joe Pye Weed (also called Spotted Joe Pye Weed) also thrives in rich garden soil. If you love Joe Pye but have too much shade, try Sweet Joe Pye Weed.

 

Monarda didyma – Bee Balm

22222 A pollinator favorite, Beebalm’s red bloom makes it especially attractive to hummingbirds. One of only a few red-flowered natives, it holds a special place in the mid-summer color scheme. Native to the Appalachian Mountains, Monarda didyma will grow well in zones 4 – 7. Does best in a rich soil with a good organic matter content to provide moisture during the heat of summer. Also known as Oswego Tea, American Beebalm or Scarlet Beebalm.

 

Chelome obliqua – Turtle Head

1111 Turtleheads are native wildflowers that adapt beautifully to garden conditions. In this species, plants form an upright, bushy mound of green foliage, bearing upright stems of large bright-pink hooded flowers beginning in late summer. Best in a moist or wet site, this also adapts well to average border conditions. Terrific at the waterside. Excellent for cutting. Showy and long lived. Attractive to butterflies. Plants are easily divided in spring.

If you would like to learn more about rain garden and apply for a $250 grant to build a rain garden at your own home check out our web page or register for a workshop!

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

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2015 Fall Waste Tire Collection Schedule

The Waste Tire Collection Program is an ongoing effort to rid Kentucky’s landscape of waste tires. Established in 1998 as part of the Energy and Environment Cabinet’s (EEC), the Waste Tire Collection Program works to ensure the recovered tires are recycled into beneficial products, such as tire-derived fuel or crumb rubber.

During the waste tire collection event, individuals can drop off their unwanted tires at the specified location within their county at no cost. To date, tire amnesty is responsible for the proper disposal of more than 19 million waste tires.

Estill County

September 9-12
State Dept. of Highways
KY 52
Ravena KY
Contact:
Roy Arvin
606-723-3768

Madison County

September 17-19
State Dept. of Highways
2441 Lexington Rd (US 25)
Richmond KY
Contact:
Brandon Mcintosh
859-623-2454

Powell County

August 27-29
State Dept. of Highways Garage
966 Pendleton St
Stanton KY
Contact:
Dorsie Terrill
606-603-4460

Scott County

September 24-26
State Dept. of Highways Garage
216 Maddox St
Georgetown KY
Contact:
Stacy Skinner
502-863-1434

Bourbon County

October 1-3
State Dept. of Highways Garage
1175 Clintonville Road
Paris KY
Contact:
Blaine Earlywine
859-987-1520

Clark County

October 8-10
State Dept. of Highways Garage
Early Drive (off KY 627@I-64)
Winchester Ky
Contact:
Wayne Hall
859.737.7687

Harrison County

October 15-17
State Dept. of Highways Garage
207 KY Hwy 32
Cynthiana KY
Contact:
Travis Fryman
859-234-5242

Nicholas County

October 22-24
State Dept. of Highways Garage
324 North Walnut St
Carlisle KY
Contact:
Steve Stacy
859-289-5392

Franklin County

August 27-29
State dept. of Highways Garage
1900 US 127 South
Frankfort KY
Contact:
Mike Dees
502-564-6998

Anderson County

September 10-12
State dept. of Highways Garage
1631 Harrodsburg Rd
Lawrenceburg KY
Contact:
Jeremy Claunch
859-330-8630

 

Woodford County

September 17-19
State Dept. of Highways Garage
360 Crossfield Drive
Versailles Ky
Contact:
Ryan Sanifer
859-873-6796

 

Mercer County

September 24-26
Merce Co Road Dept.
898 Moberly Rd
Harrodsburg KY
Contact:
Billy Humphrey
859-734-6340

 

Fayette County

October 1-3
County Property
1631 Old Frankfort Pike
859-425-2255

 

 

 

Garrard County

October 8-10
State Dept. of Highways Garage
416 Industry Rd (KY 39)
Lancaster KY
Contact:
Kurk Lear
959-792-2411

 

Boyle County

October 15-17
State Dept. of Highways Garage
331 North Stewarts Lane
Danville KY
Contact:
Jeff Sparks
859-239-7065

 

Lincoln County

October 22-24
State dept. of Highways Garage
Stanford Bypass (US 27)
Stanford KY
Contact:
James Coddle
606-365-2388

Jessamine County

October 29-31
State Dept. of Highways Garage
260 Wilson Drive
Nicholasville KY
859-885-5281

 

For more information about the Waste Tire Collection Program, please visit their website.

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