Teacher Spotlight: Ms. Emily Manier: 4th and 5th Grade Science Teacher at Crab Orchard Elementary

By Deb Larkin, Environmental Educator, Bluegrass Greensource 

Emily Manier grew up near Crab Orchard, KY.  She attended Crab Orchard Elementary from Kindergarten through 8th grade.  Her goal, from the time she realized that she wanted to teach, was to come back and teach at her alma mater, her “home” school.  Her teachers there had inspired her, and after graduating from Berea College, she came back.  She has always loved the friendly, welcoming atmosphere and the compassion shown the children at the school.  “The school is just small enough that you get to know the students well even before they get to your grade level”, she says.  All three of her own children have now graduated from 5th Grade at Crab Orchard Elementary.

She feels that the “Leader in Me” and “Crayons to College” programs, as well as partnerships with outside organizations like 4-H and Bluegrass GreenSource, help their students branch out and find the leadership qualities that make them successful.  She says that “these wonderful resources allow our students to learn, broaden their perspectives, and be active in their community.” 

Ms. Manier has worked with Bluegrass GreenSource for the last 8 years of her 18 years teaching at Crab Orchard Elementary.  I have worked with her Science classes for 7 of those years, with monthly classes focused on Recycling (she sponsors the Recycling Team), Litter Abatement (her students do an annual litter clean up of the school grounds) and Water Quality.  This year her classes will also be participating in BGGS’s DEDI and Toyota Energy programs.  Working with Ms. Manier and her students is a highlight of each month for me.   They exemplify the “friendly, welcoming atmosphere” and an excitement about learning that keep me looking forward to returning.  Ms. Manier is carrying on the tradition as an inspiration for her students.

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Bluegrass Greensource Welcomes New Staff Members

Kyle Hager – AmeriCorps VISTA 

Kyle is an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer member serving Bluegrass Greensource. He was raised in Owingsville, Kentucky, and has spent the last several years abroad in Spain and in San Francisco. He holds a BA in History and Philosophy (Morehead State University), and a MA in Linguistics (San Francisco State University), which he uses to inform his approach environmental ethics and communication. He enjoys playing mandolin, making candles, biking, nature photography, and trying to identify birds and plants. 

 

John Paul Beard – Community Education Intern

John Paul was hired as the Community Education Intern at Bluegrass Greensource. He was raised in a small town about 30 minutes outside of Lexington called Wilmore. He attended Bluegrass Community Technical College as an Environmental Science Technology student and gained an Associate Degree in Science. He is now attending the University of Kentucky as a Natural Resource and Environmental Science student. He works with members of Seedleaf to take care of the New Start Garden. John Paul also recently finished up working with the BCTC Balloon Team, a NASA sponsored research team focused on live streaming the total solar eclipse. He enjoys music festivals, taking care of his dog Bella, and hiking, gardening, or anything that brings him outdoors. 

 

Jennifer Lancaster – Public Relations Intern

Jennifer has many interests and several roles in Lexington, KY. She is pursuing a MA in French at the University of Kentucky, she helps to manage the London Ferrill Community Garden with Seedleaf, she works as a private piano instructor on the side, and now she has the pleasure of joining Bluegrass Greensource as their Public Relation Intern. She received her BA from Transylvania University in English Literature and French Language and Literature in 2013. When she has free time, she enjoys wandering in the Red River Gorge or in the Pinnacles in Berea. 

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Green Check Pilot Program Wins Green Initiative Award

By Noel Osborn, Outreach Specialist, Bluegrass Greensource  

Commerce Lexington recently held its annual Salute to Small Business Awards. One of the 8 awards presented, the Green Initiative Award, honors small businesses that have prioritized the implementation of sustainable practices. According to the official criteria, demonstrated practices must include; “written policies, goals and metrics for green practices, provision or use of alternative energy and/or energy efficient products or services, or produce or manufacture a green product or service.”

This year’s Green Initiative Award was presented to Green Check Pilot Business, Bullhorn Creative.  Some of the initiatives that were highlighted at the ceremony include Bullhorn’s offering of a free bike to new employees, the composting of food waste, use of recycled office materials, and the conveniently located bike parking that is also made of recycled bike wheel frames.

You can learn more about Commerce Lexington’s Salute to Small Business Awards and Bullhorn Creative here.

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School Spotlight: Eastern Second Graders Investigate Alternative Forms of Energy

By Melissa Smedley, Second Grade Teacher, Eastern Elementary School, Georgetown

In Science class, second graders at Eastern Elementary School have been taught about alternative forms of energy. They have discussed natural energy sources including water, wind, and the sun. This study, however, took on a very real and delicious meaning to second graders this week.

Bluegrass Greensource is a nonprofit organization which uses grants to fund various environmental education projects for public school students. Through this organization, and with the help of Mrs. Pattie Stivender, second grade classes used solar ovens to make S’mores. Each child created their own packet of deliciousness including graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate. Then, each child observed the construction of a solar oven. When their packets were placed in the oven, and the ovens were placed in the sunlight, the oven went to work melting the marshmallows and chocolate into ooey-gooey goodness. After lunch, of course, each child delighted in their creation and was much more aware of what solar energy is capable of doing for us.

Pictured: Callie Paynter, Allie Kemper, and Fred McNeel from Mrs. Smedley’s class proudly carry the solar ovens.

 

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Now Hiring – Watershed Coordinator

Bluegrass Greensource is looking for a highly motivated and experienced professional to join its staff as a Watershed Coordinator. This position will lead Greensource’s efforts to implement watershed based plans (WBP) in the Clarks Run, Hanging Fork, and Hinkston Creek watersheds. A full job description can be found below.  Email resume, letter of interest, and contact information for three references to amy@BgGreensource.org. Applications will be accepted through September 20th or until the position is filled.

 

Bluegrass Greensource, Inc

POSITION DESCRIPTION

 Job Title:  Watershed Coordinator

 Supervisor:  Executive Director

 Supervises:  N/A

Overview

Bluegrass Greensource is looking for a highly motivated and experienced professional to join its staff as a Watershed Coordinator. This position will lead Greensource’s efforts to implement watershed based plans (WBP) in the Clarks Run, Hanging Fork and Hinkston Creek watersheds. All of the WBPs recommend activities to address high pathogen levels, high nutrient levels, and inadequate riparian buffer zones as well as other non point source pollutants. 
This project will not only continue implementation efforts in these watersheds, but establish long-term water quality awareness and protection as a local priority.  The coordinator will work closely with appropriate local agencies, organizations, school groups and others to expand the reach of this project into the community and across all five counties

Background

Bluegrass Greensource (formally Bluegrass PRIDE) was formed in 2001 to help the citizens in Central Kentucky understand that there are small behavior changes that can make a large impact on our local environment.  Our mission is to empower the Bluegrass to create a sustainable environment.  We currently have a staff of 14 who are dedicated to environmental education about water quality, waste reduction and energy efficiency.  We focus on preK-12, business and adult education in 20 counties.

Position Description
The duties and responsibilities of the Watershed Coordinator include but are not limited to the following:

  1. Oversee all WBP implementation activities in all three watersheds
  2. Provide educational workshops about septic system function, water quality impacts of failing septic systems, and instruction on how to properly maintain residential septic systems
  3. Provide riparian buffer and stormwater runoff education to urban and rural residents. Residents will learn about revegetation along streams and rivers, erosion control, livestock exclusion, and stormwater retrofits such as rain gardens through consultation, demonstration, workshops, and a media awareness campaign.
  4. Assist landowners and homeowners applying for cost-share assistance through local and federal programs for riparian buffer establishment and stormwater retrofits.
  5. Coordinate annual Watershed Festivals in each of the five counties.
  6. Provide outreach and education through newspaper articles, radio PSAs, booths and displays at local events, classroom activities, presentations, online toolkits, social media, and flyers at prominent locations.
  7. Establish or invigorate local citizen based watershed groups

Minimum Qualifications and Characteristics

Knowledge and experience: Commitment to sustainability; broad knowledge and understanding of watershed planning, stormwater best management practices, and native plants; experience convening meetings and engaging citizen groups

Personal characteristics: Highly self-motivated; highly creative; commitment to strategic thinking and innovative action; ability to both lead and collaborate effectively; well-organized, attentive to detail, and able to work on multiple projects at once; keen sense of humor!  The successful candidate will have to work varied hours that include nights and weekends. 

Technology and software: Strong computer skills and strong knowledge of design, website and donor tracking software.

Communications: Strong writing skills; strong interpersonal communication skills.

Physical: Close vision with or without corrective lenses necessary for computer work; manual dexterity needed to operate computer; ability to perform assigned duties in a time-efficient manner; valid driver’s license.

Additional Information
The position offers a competitive salary, based on experience, plus a generous benefits package. Position is based in Lexington, Kentucky. Greensource is an equal opportunity employer.

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