| ©2004 Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council P.O. Box 17164, Lansing, Michigan 48901-7164 (517) 214-5684 jessicayorko@sustainablesolutions.biz |
| Mid-MEAC News and Events |
Stream monitoring on the
west branch of Red Cedar
west branch of Red Cedar
Volunteer stream monitoring
training
training
Bingham walks and bikes to
school
school
Lansing Parks Master Plan
Public Hearing
Thursday, March 18, 6pm-8pm
Gier Community Center
2400 Hall Street, Lansing
Give input on the 5-year Lansing Parks Master
Plan, which is used to determine funding
applications, projects and use of Parks
Millage funds.
More info at www.lansingparks.info
Lansing Parks Master Plan
Public Hearing
Tuesday, March 23, 6pm-8pm
Southside Community Center at Harry Hill
Career Academy, 5815 Wise Road, Lansing
Give input on the 5-year Lansing Parks Master
Plan, which is used to determine funding
applications, projects and use of Parks
Millage funds.
More info at www.lansingparks.info
April 2 Mid-MEAC Land Use Lunch
Landon Bartley, City Planner for City of Grand Rapids, will speak on the subject of greening the
building and zoning codes -- that is, incorporating environmental benefits from standards such as
Energy Star and LEED into local ordinances and municipal standards -- at the April 2 First Friday
Land Use Luncheon. The monthly luncheons, sponsored by the Mid-Michigan Environmental
Action Council, include a buffet lunch, presentation by an expert speaker, and Q&A. They are held
from noon to 1:00 at the Central United Methodist Church at Capitol and Ottawa.
Low Impact Development Events - March 25
Protect your property from flooding, save money, and help the environment using Low Impact
Development (LID):
The Greater Lansing Regional Committee (for Stormwater Management) is hosting a series of
presentations from experts on many different topics related to stormwater management and low
impact development. The committee expects the series to span throughout the entire year.
Presentations will be held on the last Thursday of every month. February 25: Grey Water Systems,
David Christian, DC Engineering, 2 p.m. Lansing Twp Hall. March 25: Pervious Concrete, Aaron
Harris, MI Concrete Association, 2 p.m.Lansing Twp. More information at www.mywatersheds.org
and www.midmeac.org/LID
Volunteer!
Walk and Bike Lansing! is seeking volunteers to help with a condition inventory of Lansing
sidewalks in 2010. Training will begin in March, assessments in April. Contact Payal Ravani to
sign up and get details: payal.ravani@gmail.com or 248-342-1695.
Michigan Bicycle Summit - March 27
Andy Clarke, Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists, will keynote LMB's 2010
Michigan Bicycle Summit, and Chris Phelan, founder of the Ride of Silence, will be a special
guest. Come meet and greet these two nationally known bicycle advocates on March 27 in
Lansing, MI. Details at www.lmb.org or 334-9100.
Grand River Expedition - July 14-26
Drawing on experience from Expeditions in 1990 and 2000, paddlers in canoes and kayaks will
explore and document today's conditions in Michigan's Grand River and its watershed. We'll
contribute to the appreciation and awareness of the Grand and how it connects our communities
across the state. Learn more at michigan.sierraclub.org/issues/greatlakes/articles/gre2010.html
Ingham County Parks
Ingham County is facing budget deficit problems, and may cut funding to the Ingham County
Parks (Hawk Island, Burchfield, Lake Lansing, Potter Park). To voice your thoughts and feelings,
send a quick e-mail to the County Services Committee (Becky Bennett at bennett@ingham.org)
and Commissioner Dale Copedge, and contact other County Commissioners at: www.ingham.
org/BC/BDOCOM.HTM
New Healthy Lifestyle Newsletter from Ingham County
The Ingham County Health Department, Public Health Services Division announces the release
of the first issue of 'Our Health: Examining Topics from Our Health is in Our Hands.' 'Our Health' is
a 1-page, quarterly brief focusing on a specific health topic among residents of Ingham County.
The first edition of 'Our Health' entitled, "Physical Activity in Middle-aged & Older Adults in Ingham
County", focuses on the physical activity habits of middle-aged and older adults, one of the fastest
growing segments of our population. You can view the current issue in the 'Publication' page of
the Ingham County Health Department website or by clicking on the following link http://hd.ingham.
org/media/11301/ichdphysicalactivityfactsheet.pdf Upcoming topics of 'Our Health' include
diabetes, asthma, and cardiovascular disease related deaths. Email clarrieux@ingham.org to
subscribe.
Space to Plant Your Garden - Ingham County Land Bank
Have you considered growing a garden but don't have the space? Would like to grow a garden
but don't know how? Would like to show students how to grow a garden? Or maybe partner with
that wonderful Senior neighbor who has always told those great stories about their past
gardening? The Ingham County Land Bank, has many vacant lots around Lansing that are just
waiting for a new look and the possibility to help feed a family, teach our students how to tend a
garden, simply beautify an area with flowers. Contact the Land Bank for more information on this
wonderful idea and a way to help build a new relationship with someone by sharing time, teach
kids how to grow plants, or simply enjoying some down time for yourself. Ingham County Land
Bank: http://www.inghamlandbank.org/, 267-5221, info@inghamlandbank.org.
Tri-County Appropriate Transportation Coalition
Tri-County Appropriate Transportation Coalition is a group of advocates in the Ingham, Clinton,
Eaton areas of Michigan who are interested in promoting bicycling, walking and other modes of
transportation which are generally more affordable, fun, healthy and not as polluting as other
modes. Join the google group at http://groups.google.com/group/tcatc or the facebook fan page
at Tri-County Appropriate Transportation Coalition or contact flyingdutchman63@gmail.com.
Michigan Now - www.michigannow.org/
MICHIGANNOW.ORG is a one-stop resource for news and information about how Michigan can
succeed in the new economy. Beyond being a public radio news series, we showcase new
thinking, new technology, new products, and new ideas that have the potential to be catalysts for
Michigan's recovery.
MICHIGANNOW.ORG is also featured in online magazines promoting Michigan cities and metro
areas, including Model D, Metromode, Concentrate, Capital Gains, and Rapid Growth. Chris
McCarus created our public radio news series in 2005. A former Peace Corps volunteer and BBC
reporter, McCarus has traveled the world getting the story. He is committed to covering news from
around the state and the country that reflects ingenuity, vision, hard work, and perseverance, and
that has the potential to put Michigan at the forefront of the nation's economic recovery.
Asian Carp
From www.stopasiancarp.com: Bighead carp grow to 100 pounds, have no stomach and eat up
to 40% of their bodyweight every day, eliminating food supplies for native fish and causing their
populations to crash. Visit the website to read more and sign an online petition.
Energy Tidbits
Want to get a monthly summary of energy-related project in Michigan? Energy Tidbits is free and
is prepared by John Sarver, Michigan Dept. of Energy, Labor, & Economic Growth. To subscribe,
contact sarverj@michigan.gov. Previous copies can be found at www.michigan.gov/energyoffice
under Publications.
Community Calendars
Local environmentalist LeRoy Harvey has created a wonderful online calendar of “green” events
in the Okemos/Haslett area. Scan it for local nature, outdoor, recycling, community planning, and
other environmentally-related events: http://suapi2.org/api/169/s/hc/options:p=c
Thanks LeRoy!
You can find out about Lansing events at: http://www.lansingmi.gov/calendar_news.jsp
And East Lansing events at: http://www.cityofeastlansing.com/Home/Modules/CityCalendar/
Lansing Adopts Complete Streets Ordinance
On August 17, 2009 the Lansing City Council adopted the Lansing Complete Streets Ordinance.
This new policy for Lansing states that the city will have a non-motorized network plan, and will
update it every 5 years. This is major step forward for Lansing to become a walk and bike friendly
city. The adoption of this policy is largely a function of the tremendous grassroots support of more
than 100 volunteers and supporters who collected 5,000+ signatures in May and June, sent more
than 80 letters to the City Council in August, gave more than 60 individual comments at the August
10 City Council meeting, and created and presented a photo gallery of Lansing’s incomplete
streets. Many people came together to raise awareness about the issue of Lansing’s incomplete
streets and the need for a non-motorized network plan. The message was heard by the Lansing
City Council, and we thank them for adopting the ordinance!
The next step is creating the non-motorized network plan. Many people have already given input
and participated in sessions about the plan. More input is needed. Visit www.walkbikelansing.
com/designnetwork to learn more. Contact jessica@walkbikelansing.com if you would like to get
involved.
Mid-MEAC Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program
Mid-MEAC coordinates a volunteer stream monitoring program on the Red Cedar River, and is
looking for volunteers! Monitoring involves collecting and identifying macroinvertebrates (bugs).
Monitoring sessions are Saturdays from 9am-2pm, one held each spring and each fall. Bug
identification is handled on a separate day, typically in the evening from 5pm-7pm. We are always
looking for new volunteers to get involved in this program. Orientation and training are provided.
We currently monitor six sites located in Lansing, Okemos, Williamston, Stockbridge, and
Webberville. It’s a wonderful way to “get in touch with nature”, learn more about our ecosystems,
and collect valuable data about our local rivers and streams. We are currently scheduling our fall
session. Please contact contact Chip Kosloski, at 517-507-1303 to learn more.
More News and Events:
Public Hearing
Thursday, March 18, 6pm-8pm
Gier Community Center
2400 Hall Street, Lansing
Give input on the 5-year Lansing Parks Master
Plan, which is used to determine funding
applications, projects and use of Parks
Millage funds.
More info at www.lansingparks.info
Lansing Parks Master Plan
Public Hearing
Tuesday, March 23, 6pm-8pm
Southside Community Center at Harry Hill
Career Academy, 5815 Wise Road, Lansing
Give input on the 5-year Lansing Parks Master
Plan, which is used to determine funding
applications, projects and use of Parks
Millage funds.
More info at www.lansingparks.info
April 2 Mid-MEAC Land Use Lunch
Landon Bartley, City Planner for City of Grand Rapids, will speak on the subject of greening the
building and zoning codes -- that is, incorporating environmental benefits from standards such as
Energy Star and LEED into local ordinances and municipal standards -- at the April 2 First Friday
Land Use Luncheon. The monthly luncheons, sponsored by the Mid-Michigan Environmental
Action Council, include a buffet lunch, presentation by an expert speaker, and Q&A. They are held
from noon to 1:00 at the Central United Methodist Church at Capitol and Ottawa.
Low Impact Development Events - March 25
Protect your property from flooding, save money, and help the environment using Low Impact
Development (LID):
- LID captures rainwater for reuse.
- LID absorbs rainwater to help prevent flooding.
- LID renews groundwater supplies for drinking water.
- LID cleans rainwater that has collected pollution (like litter, dirt, and oil) from our roofs and
paved areas, instead of sending it into our rivers. - LID is simple, affordable, and easier than maintaining big lawns and paved areas.
The Greater Lansing Regional Committee (for Stormwater Management) is hosting a series of
presentations from experts on many different topics related to stormwater management and low
impact development. The committee expects the series to span throughout the entire year.
Presentations will be held on the last Thursday of every month. February 25: Grey Water Systems,
David Christian, DC Engineering, 2 p.m. Lansing Twp Hall. March 25: Pervious Concrete, Aaron
Harris, MI Concrete Association, 2 p.m.Lansing Twp. More information at www.mywatersheds.org
and www.midmeac.org/LID
Volunteer!
Walk and Bike Lansing! is seeking volunteers to help with a condition inventory of Lansing
sidewalks in 2010. Training will begin in March, assessments in April. Contact Payal Ravani to
sign up and get details: payal.ravani@gmail.com or 248-342-1695.
Michigan Bicycle Summit - March 27
Andy Clarke, Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists, will keynote LMB's 2010
Michigan Bicycle Summit, and Chris Phelan, founder of the Ride of Silence, will be a special
guest. Come meet and greet these two nationally known bicycle advocates on March 27 in
Lansing, MI. Details at www.lmb.org or 334-9100.
Grand River Expedition - July 14-26
Drawing on experience from Expeditions in 1990 and 2000, paddlers in canoes and kayaks will
explore and document today's conditions in Michigan's Grand River and its watershed. We'll
contribute to the appreciation and awareness of the Grand and how it connects our communities
across the state. Learn more at michigan.sierraclub.org/issues/greatlakes/articles/gre2010.html
Ingham County Parks
Ingham County is facing budget deficit problems, and may cut funding to the Ingham County
Parks (Hawk Island, Burchfield, Lake Lansing, Potter Park). To voice your thoughts and feelings,
send a quick e-mail to the County Services Committee (Becky Bennett at bennett@ingham.org)
and Commissioner Dale Copedge, and contact other County Commissioners at: www.ingham.
org/BC/BDOCOM.HTM
New Healthy Lifestyle Newsletter from Ingham County
The Ingham County Health Department, Public Health Services Division announces the release
of the first issue of 'Our Health: Examining Topics from Our Health is in Our Hands.' 'Our Health' is
a 1-page, quarterly brief focusing on a specific health topic among residents of Ingham County.
The first edition of 'Our Health' entitled, "Physical Activity in Middle-aged & Older Adults in Ingham
County", focuses on the physical activity habits of middle-aged and older adults, one of the fastest
growing segments of our population. You can view the current issue in the 'Publication' page of
the Ingham County Health Department website or by clicking on the following link http://hd.ingham.
org/media/11301/ichdphysicalactivityfactsheet.pdf Upcoming topics of 'Our Health' include
diabetes, asthma, and cardiovascular disease related deaths. Email clarrieux@ingham.org to
subscribe.
Space to Plant Your Garden - Ingham County Land Bank
Have you considered growing a garden but don't have the space? Would like to grow a garden
but don't know how? Would like to show students how to grow a garden? Or maybe partner with
that wonderful Senior neighbor who has always told those great stories about their past
gardening? The Ingham County Land Bank, has many vacant lots around Lansing that are just
waiting for a new look and the possibility to help feed a family, teach our students how to tend a
garden, simply beautify an area with flowers. Contact the Land Bank for more information on this
wonderful idea and a way to help build a new relationship with someone by sharing time, teach
kids how to grow plants, or simply enjoying some down time for yourself. Ingham County Land
Bank: http://www.inghamlandbank.org/, 267-5221, info@inghamlandbank.org.
Tri-County Appropriate Transportation Coalition
Tri-County Appropriate Transportation Coalition is a group of advocates in the Ingham, Clinton,
Eaton areas of Michigan who are interested in promoting bicycling, walking and other modes of
transportation which are generally more affordable, fun, healthy and not as polluting as other
modes. Join the google group at http://groups.google.com/group/tcatc or the facebook fan page
at Tri-County Appropriate Transportation Coalition or contact flyingdutchman63@gmail.com.
Michigan Now - www.michigannow.org/
MICHIGANNOW.ORG is a one-stop resource for news and information about how Michigan can
succeed in the new economy. Beyond being a public radio news series, we showcase new
thinking, new technology, new products, and new ideas that have the potential to be catalysts for
Michigan's recovery.
MICHIGANNOW.ORG is also featured in online magazines promoting Michigan cities and metro
areas, including Model D, Metromode, Concentrate, Capital Gains, and Rapid Growth. Chris
McCarus created our public radio news series in 2005. A former Peace Corps volunteer and BBC
reporter, McCarus has traveled the world getting the story. He is committed to covering news from
around the state and the country that reflects ingenuity, vision, hard work, and perseverance, and
that has the potential to put Michigan at the forefront of the nation's economic recovery.
Asian Carp
From www.stopasiancarp.com: Bighead carp grow to 100 pounds, have no stomach and eat up
to 40% of their bodyweight every day, eliminating food supplies for native fish and causing their
populations to crash. Visit the website to read more and sign an online petition.
Energy Tidbits
Want to get a monthly summary of energy-related project in Michigan? Energy Tidbits is free and
is prepared by John Sarver, Michigan Dept. of Energy, Labor, & Economic Growth. To subscribe,
contact sarverj@michigan.gov. Previous copies can be found at www.michigan.gov/energyoffice
under Publications.
Community Calendars
Local environmentalist LeRoy Harvey has created a wonderful online calendar of “green” events
in the Okemos/Haslett area. Scan it for local nature, outdoor, recycling, community planning, and
other environmentally-related events: http://suapi2.org/api/169/s/hc/options:p=c
Thanks LeRoy!
You can find out about Lansing events at: http://www.lansingmi.gov/calendar_news.jsp
And East Lansing events at: http://www.cityofeastlansing.com/Home/Modules/CityCalendar/
Lansing Adopts Complete Streets Ordinance
On August 17, 2009 the Lansing City Council adopted the Lansing Complete Streets Ordinance.
This new policy for Lansing states that the city will have a non-motorized network plan, and will
update it every 5 years. This is major step forward for Lansing to become a walk and bike friendly
city. The adoption of this policy is largely a function of the tremendous grassroots support of more
than 100 volunteers and supporters who collected 5,000+ signatures in May and June, sent more
than 80 letters to the City Council in August, gave more than 60 individual comments at the August
10 City Council meeting, and created and presented a photo gallery of Lansing’s incomplete
streets. Many people came together to raise awareness about the issue of Lansing’s incomplete
streets and the need for a non-motorized network plan. The message was heard by the Lansing
City Council, and we thank them for adopting the ordinance!
The next step is creating the non-motorized network plan. Many people have already given input
and participated in sessions about the plan. More input is needed. Visit www.walkbikelansing.
com/designnetwork to learn more. Contact jessica@walkbikelansing.com if you would like to get
involved.
Mid-MEAC Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program
Mid-MEAC coordinates a volunteer stream monitoring program on the Red Cedar River, and is
looking for volunteers! Monitoring involves collecting and identifying macroinvertebrates (bugs).
Monitoring sessions are Saturdays from 9am-2pm, one held each spring and each fall. Bug
identification is handled on a separate day, typically in the evening from 5pm-7pm. We are always
looking for new volunteers to get involved in this program. Orientation and training are provided.
We currently monitor six sites located in Lansing, Okemos, Williamston, Stockbridge, and
Webberville. It’s a wonderful way to “get in touch with nature”, learn more about our ecosystems,
and collect valuable data about our local rivers and streams. We are currently scheduling our fall
session. Please contact contact Chip Kosloski, at 517-507-1303 to learn more.
More News and Events:
Smart Commute bike
commuting classes
commuting classes
Stream monitoring on the
west branch of Red Cedar
west branch of Red Cedar
Reflections in the Red Cedar
River
River
| Become a Member Today! Click here to learn about the Smart Commute Program and view the newly developed Smart Commute Guide to the Capital Area. Mid-MEAC is now on facebook Click here to become a fan! |
Volunteer stream monitoring
training
training
Bug Identification session
Biking on the Riverwalk
Smart Commuting on the bus
Bike lanes on MSU campus
Storm Drain Labeling
Stormwater drain off the west
branch of the Red Cedar
branch of the Red Cedar
Mothers on the riverwalk
Smart Commuting Class
Searching for specimens
