KRA Grant Opportunity

October 15, 2015By 0 comment

unnamedWishing you could find some funding to help improve your favorite local stream, river or lake?  Are you located in the Kentucky River Basin?

If so, please consider applying for a Kentucky River Authority Watershed Grant. Applications are being accepted until November 16, 2015.

In 2003, the Kentucky River Authority (KRA) initiated a Watershed Grant Program to provide financial assistance to organizations within the Kentucky River Basin.  These grants encourage local interest in protecting water quality by funding watershed education, water quality sampling or water quality improvement activities.  Grants of up to $3,000 have been provided to recipients annually. Please click here for details about past grant projects.

Grants are awarded to legal non-profit organizations, such as schools, city/county agencies, environmental groups, youth organizations, etc. with an interest in:

  • Educating the public or students about local water quality status;
  • Improving water quality of local streams, rivers or lakes;
  • Encouraging appreciation and use of community water resources.

Completed grant applications are due no later than November 16, 2015. They should be submitted to Malissa McAlister at mmcalister@uky.edu. You  may also direct any questions about the grant program to this email address.

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Announcing: Septic System Maintenance Workshop

October 15, 2015By 0 comment

Improving Water Quality in the Dix River Watershed

Kentucky River PhotoThe Dix River watershed and its tributaries, which flow into the Kentucky River, are considered imperiled due to high levels of E. coli bacteria. Many of the streams flowing into the Dix River are unsafe for wading, swimming, fishing, and other forms of water recreation. Studies have determined that failing septic systems and straight pipes contribute to bacteria in our waterways. High levels of bacteria and other pathogens can harm or kill native plants, fish, and shellfish, and can be a hazard to human health.

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

Registration for the workshop is encouraged but not required. Homeowners can register by calling Bluegrass Greensource at: 859-266-1572.

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.
Photo Credit:
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Energy Audit Kits to the Rescue

October 15, 2015By 0 comment

oliviaBluegrass Greensource provides free Energy Audit Kit’s through the public libraries for checkout. The Energy Audit Kit’s are designed to guide you through the first steps of making your home more energy efficient. By using this kit you can find areas in your home that could use more insulation, are leaking cold air, or appliances that are using energy even when turned off. The Energy Audit Kit’s tools include: kill-a-watt meter, Infrared Thermometer, Foot Candle Meter, Refrigerator Thermometer, and an Instant Read Thermometer. Each of these tools provides information on how energy is used throughout your home. For example, the kill-a-watt meter is used for measuring the energy usage of appliances that generally stay plugged-in such as televisions, radios, and lamps. Many appliances go into ‘stand by’ mode even when turned off and still consume power. After seeing how much energy is consumed by appliances that are turned off, you can consider plugging electronics into power strips and turning off the strip when not in use. This will eliminate appliances using energy while in standby mode. Another example would be the Infrared Thermometer which is used for identifying poorly-insulated areas in walls, floors, and ceilings. By using this tool in the Energy Audit Kit, you can decide where insulation is most needed in your home. Not only does the Energy Audit Kit have tools, it also comes with an Audit Kit manual and a Simple Savers booklet. The manual provides instructions for each tool and how to assess their information, energy saving tips, incentives and rebates related to energy efficient changes in the home, and free to low cost resources in the community to provide weatherization assistance. The Simple Savers Booklet is a DIY manual that will guide you through the energy efficient changes you can make to your home. The purpose of the home Energy Audit Kit is for everyone in Lexington to have easy access to finding out how energy efficient their home is, and then providing them the knowhow on how to make the necessary changes to their home. Energy Audit’s can be expensive and difficult to schedule for busy individuals. The Energy Audit Kit is available to anyone who wants to make changes without spending the money and time to have an energy audit done for you. Also by doing the energy audit yourself; you can save kill-a-watt hours just by seeing how your home uses energy and making behavioral changes. Making energy efficient changes, infrastructural or behavioral, can help you save money this winter on your utility bill and also reduce environmental impact. Make a difference in your home and environment by checking out an Energy Audit Kit from your local library today!

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Bridget’s Native Tree Picks

October 15, 2015By 0 comment

Fall is upon us, and it is the perfect time to think about planting trees. Whether you are planting in the fall or planning for an early spring planting, choosing the right native species for the site is essential for the survival and vigor of the tree. Native trees are those that are indigenous to a certain area, have evolved in their local environment, and are adapted to the surrounding soils and climate. Native plants help improve water quality by slowing and infiltrating stormwater, provide habitat and biodiversity, reduce the urban heat island effect, and enhance the aesthetic value of our city centers and urban neighborhoods. To assist you in selecting trees, I have picked a few of my favorite native species that grow well in Central Kentucky:

Blackgum

Nyssa sylvatica

Photo 1-Blackgum FoliageBlackgum’s shiny foliage in the fall, distinct form in winter, and thick, plated bark make this tree an excellent choice for ornamental planting. This tree grows best in moist, well-drained soils, but can also withstand wet conditions and drought. Blackgum will grow in full sun or partial shade. Its leaves are dark green and glossy in the summer, and brilliant crimson, orange, and purple in the fall. Insignificant, greenish-white flowers in the spring are an exceptional nectar source for bees. Small, sour, bluish-black fruits ripen in the fall and attract many species of birds and mammals. Few insects or diseases affect this tree, making it low-maintenance in the landscape. Blackgum can reach a height of 80 feet on moist sites.

Eastern Hophornbeam

Ostrya virginiana

Photo 2-Eastern HophornbeamEastern hophornbeam’s rusty fall foliage, shredded bark, and distinct seeds make this tree a less showy but attractive choice for the landscape. This tree prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils, but can also adapt to wet, dry, rocky, poor, or alkaline soils. Eastern hophornbeam can grow in full sun or partial shade. Its simple leaves are delicate, and turn yellow to reddish orange in the fall. Male and female catkins are visible in the winter and spring, and the fruit, called nutlets, are distinct “hop-like” papery capsules. This tree has no serious insect or disease problems. Eastern hophornbeam can reach a height of 20-40 feet.

Alternate-leaf /Pagoda Dogwood

Cornus alternifolia

Alternate-leaf dogwood, also known as Pagoda dogwood, is an excellent alternative to the commonly planted flowering dogwood tree. Its whorled horizontal branches, showy flowers, late-summer berries, and vibrant fall foliage make this tree an eye-catching specimen. This tree prefers moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soils. Alternate-leaf dogwood grows best in considerable shade, but can also grow well in full sun. Unlike other native dogwoods, the leaves grow in an alternate, rather than opposite arrangement. Fall foliage, though not brilliant, turns red, purple, and yellow. In late spring, cream-colored, showy, broad, fragrant flower clusters attract many pollinators. In late summer, bluish-black fruit are born on red stalks and attract birds. This tree is susceptible to twig blight, leaf spot and canker, but these diseases are generally not lethal. Alternate-leaf dogwood can reach a height of 15-25 feet.

Photo Credits:
1- Blackgum foliage- U.S. National Arboretum
2- Eastern hophornbeam foliage- Melissa McMasters
3- Alternate-leaf dogwood flower- Distant Hill Gardens
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Rain Garden Volunteer Opportunity this Saturday!

September 22, 2015By 0 comment

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

September 15, 2015By 0 comment

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

September 15, 2015By 0 comment

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

September 15, 2015By 0 comment

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

September 15, 2015By 0 comment

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

September 15, 2015By 0 comment
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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