SEP 23, 2009, 7:30p: From Hairy Willow to Wood Nymph. A presentation by Matt Perry, naturalist and director of the Spring Farms Nature Center in Clinton, N.Y. View and learn about some of the hundreds of Flora and Fauna of this huge restoration project. Included will be some non-lethal methods of coping with invasive species. University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free and open to the public. Information: 492-4745, 446-1273.

MAY 27, 2009, 6:00p-9:00p: Environmental Forum. The Sierra Club Iroquois Group and the People’s Environmental Network of New York will convene a forum. The program details are here (note that the date is Wednesday 5/27, not 5/29 as stated in the Iroquois Messenger).University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free and open to the public.

APR 22, 2009, 7:30p: Reduce Runoff. Runoff from our roofs and yards is such a problem, that if we can reduce it, we can avoid having to pay for another sewage treatment plant. Amy Samuels of Cornell Cooperative Extension will explain how various attractive water management techniques can reduce runoff from your property. Small changes can have a big impact. You’ll see slides of a variety of rain barrel and rain garden designs and receive how-to literature to get you started. University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free and open to the public.

APR 17, 2009, 7:30a-4:00p: Energe Symposium. The Annual Symposium, Energy in the 21st Century, will be held at Cazenovia College from 7:30AM to 4:00PM. Speakers will include Cong. Michael Arcuri, NYS Compt.  Tom DiNapoli, Nassau County Exec Tom Suozzi, Rich Kassel of NRDC discussing Smart Growth and Transportation, Solutions and Options For Energy Conservation. The symposium is presented by Cazenovia College, the Gifford Foundation, Syracuse Center of Excellence, and the Environmental Finance Center at Syracuse University and and organized by Rhea Jezer of the Sierra Iroquois Group. Registration and information at http://www.cazenovia.edu/energy and 315-727-0123.

MAR 25, 2009, 7:30p: Nukes in NY. Jean Kessner of Peace Action and a former TV investigative reporter will inform us about the current status of nuclear power in our area. Are permits moving ahead? Are there problems? What actions are environmental groups taking and where does the current administration stand on the proposed plants? Bring your questions and opinions for an informative lecture and discussion. University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free and open to the public.

MAR 6, 2009: State Lobby Day. Visit your Legislator without going to Albany. This is a first-time opportunity to learn how to present your opinions to your state representatives both as an individual and as a member of the Sierra Club Iroquois Group. Our focus will be the Economic Stimulus Package and how it should be spent wisely on projects that create jobs, and protect our air, land, and water. You must bring a photo ID for security. We’ve set up the following schedule to take place at the State Office Building on 333 E. Washington St.
10:30a: Ed Thater, aide to Rep. William Magnarelli
1:00p Chuck Murphy, aide to Sen. John DeFrancisco
1:30p: Sen. David Valesky

And the following to take place at 4317 E. Genesee St in DeWitt.
2:30p: Rep. Joan Christensen
To join us for any of those 30-minute meetings, contact Linda DeStefano 315-488-2140 ldestefano3@twcny.rr.com or Sarah Pralle sbpralle@gmail.com. If you cannot participate at the scheduled times, please drop off a letter or sign a guest book, at your convenience. Let’s get hundreds of Sierrans out for Lobby Day!

FEB 24, 2009, 7:30p: African Wildlife. Dick and June Brickwedde will give a presentation about their 18 day journey through Southern Africa: two days in Johannesburg and then four tent camps on safari in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia. We’ll learn about the devastation caused by the overabundance of elephants and the political problems inherent in dealing with this issue, plus hi-tech solutions to rhinoceros poaching, and more. University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free and open to the public.

JAN 28, 2009, 7:30p: Local Nuke Issues. Jean Kessner of Peace Action and a former TV investigative reporter will inform us about the current status of nuclear power in our area. Are permits moving ahead? Are there problems? Bring your questions and opinions for an informative lecture and discussion. University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free and open to the public.

DEC 3, 2008, 7:30p: Yellowstone. Martin Sage will show slides of hauntingly beautiful Yellowstone National Park and explain the importance and underground mysteries of the largest and least disturbed geyser basin left in the world. University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free and open to the public. More information: 727-0123.

NOV 19, 2008, 7:00p: Green the Holidays. Celebrate with the planet in mind with Marth Loew of Sierra Club. Liverpool Library Carmen Room. More information: 475-0310, ext. 153.

NOV 8-9, 2008: Go Green Expo. Peruse the exhibits and seminars at the New York Going Green Expo, running all weekend at the OnCenter in Syracuse. The Results Group: 425-8741.

OCT 29, 2008, 7:30p: Bhutan Travels.  Rhea and Danny Jezer will show slides and share insights — including a meeting with Secretary of Homeland — from their trip to Bhutan. Learn how this tiny Himalayan kingdom can harness enough hydropower for 100% of its needs with excess to export to India.  University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free and open to the public. More information: 727-0123.

OCT 6, 2008, 10:30a: Nature Conservancy. Take a virtual tour of CNY Nature Conservancy with Jim Howe, CNY director, at 10:30a at the Cavalry Club in Manlius. Reservation and information: 682-7333. Onondaga Garden Club.

SEP 24, 2008, 7:30p: Forum on Green Trends: Sustainability in the Paper and Printing Industries. Guest speakers are Tony Harris, Vice President of Sales and Marketing - Monroe Litho, Jean Sharkey - Sales Representative, RIS, the Paper House, Melanie Stopyre - Director of Purchasing and Business Operations for the Office of Publications at Syracuse University. They will discuss sustainable paper and printing options for "greening" newsletters and other publications. This event will be of interest to anyone involved with publications for a group, organization, institution, or business of any size. Table space will be provided to display publications or paper information. Both the state Chapter and local Group of Sierra Club have passed resolutions setting goals of 100% sustainable paper use. University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free and open to the public. More information: 445-3750 or 492-4745.

JUN 25, 2008, 7:30p: Climate Change in our Backyard, presented by WSYR NewsChannel 9 Chief Meteorologist Dave Eichorn. Learn how climate change affects Central New York by joining us for this informative presentation. Globally, the climate is changing, and it’s doing so faster than many had expected. The program will cover how this is happening both on a global scale, and on a local level and why the evidence is so strong that human influence is accelerating the rate of climate change. University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free and open to the public. More information: 449-2603 or 492-4745.

MAY 28, 2008: Environmental Forum. Sierra Club and People’s Environmental Network of New York will convene a Forum on Wednesday, May 28 from 6p to 9p at the University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee Street, Syracuse. This year we focus on coal gasification and the challenges citizens face when developers want to locate these dangerous refineries near residential areas. Among other activities, there will be a presentation “The Swarm versus Big Coal: Recent Victories for Ordinary People and Mother Earth” by Ted Nace is the director of coalSwarm, a San Francisco based group mobilizing nationwide support for the movement opposing new coal plants and supporting renewable energy and conservation. A former community organizer and entrepreneur, he founded Peachpit Press, a leading computer book publisher. He is the author or co-author of four books, including Gangs of America: The Rise of Corporate Power and the Disabling of Democracy. In this talk, Ted Nace will describe the instrumental role played by a loose coalition of grassroots groups in blocking 59 proposed coal plants in 2007, why this powerful movement went largely unnoticed in the national media, and the factors that hint at even greater success for the movement in the coming years. Following Ted’s presentation, Dr. Kestas Bendinskas, Professor at SUNY Oswego and spokesperson for the Coalition of Responsible Citizens (opposed to TransGas in Scriba). and Sally Rock-Blake, graduate student at SUNY ESF, and Chair of JamPAC. (opposed to TransGas in Jamesville) will join him to discuss the status of the two Transgas power plants. Speakers will then answer questions from the audience.

Forum Schedule:
6:00 — doors open
6:10 — networking and exhibits
7:00 — speaker: Ted Nace
7:45 — question time
8:15 - visit displays and network
8:45 — take down tables for 9:00p close.

APR 30, 2008, 7:30p: China Travelogue. Learn about China and its environmental issues from Dr. Gail Tooker, faculty member at SUNY Cortland. Her PowerPoint presentation will focus on her trip to China in June 2007, including observations of a second grade science class and an environmental center in the Beijing area during an academic tour to Capital Normal University in Beijing. University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free and open to the public.

Table space is free but limited, so RSVP by May 15, to reserve space for your organization. Individual signups are also accepted. Martha Loew: mloew@twcny.rr.com or 492-4745. Vicki Baker: vbaker002@twcny.rr.com or 469-5347. Mail to FORUM, PO Box 182, Jamesville, NY 13078.

APR 11, 2008: Energy Symposium. The Fourth Annual Symposium Energy in the 21st Century at Cazenovia College will be held Friday, April 11, from 7:30a to 4:00p. Speakers include Tom DeNapoli, Pete Grannis, Kit Kennedy, and other experts on carbon trading, environmental audits, RGGI, photovoltaic research, ethanol. There will be trips to Wood Chip Ethanol Process, Fenner Wind Farm, Morrisville College Biodigester, and Fitzpatrick Nuclear Facility. Breakfast and lunch are included in this free package. The symposium is sponsored by Cazenovia College and arranged by Rhea Jezer of the Iroquois Excom. Registration and information at http://www.cazenovia.edu/energy.

MAR 26, 2008, 7:30p: Honeywell on Onondaga Lake. Much has happened since the approval in 2007 of the Honeywell cleanup plan for Onondaga Lake. Honeywell scientists will give us updates on: removal of contamination at the sources, recycling of mercury, 45-foot barrier wall and remediation of the trapped water, habitat restoration, dredge and cap. Come, learn and find out how to be part of our lake's restoration. Public participation is part of the plan. University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free and open to the public. More information: 492-4745.

FEB 27, 2008, 7:30p: NY Solid Waste -Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. We're all familiar with the 3R's, but can they lead to zero waste? Mark Naef, President of Naef Recycling in Syracuse, will talk about New York State's Solid Waste Strategy. We'll learn how Dual-Stream Recycling maintains and strengthens the entire recycling system at a sustainable level, and how it helps to create the mindset of environmental stewardship. Also learn about his Go Green Initiative and ideas on how to improve the market for recyclables. University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free and open to the public. More information: 492-4745.

JAN 20, 2008, 1:00p: Every Cloud has a Quicksilver Lining: the Ecological Effects of Mercury Pollution. Charles T. Driscoll, University Professor at Syracuse University and co-author of Acid Rain Revisited (2001) will present. Professor Driscoll is a leader in the emerging field of environmental systems engineering. His recent research has raised the question of whether OCRRA's nearby incinerator might be contributing to rising mercury levels found in Clark Reservation's Glacier Lake. The location is the Jamesville Fire Station, on Route 173 in Jamesville. Please enter and park in the rear. Free and open to the public.

JAN 30, 2008, 7:30p: Solar Design. Can solar energy really work in Central New York? Is solar electric right for you? Join Art Weaver, President and Project Designer from Renovous Energy, for his interactive and informative presentation on solar design. We're all looking for ways to use less fossil fuel, so come with your questions about solar generation systems and how they can work as alternative means of energy production. University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free and open to the public. More information: 492-4745.

OCT 24, 2007, 7:30p: Zero Waste (or Pretty Darn Close). Presented by Chris Burger, Chair of the Atlantic Chapter of Sierra Club's Solid Waste Committee. One of Sierra Club's goals is zero waste and this presentation includes suggestions from a family that has been reducing its waste for 36 years and now produces less than 3/4 pound per person per year for more than 15 years! University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free and open to the public. More information: 488-2140.

OCT 24, 2007, 10:00a - 4:00p: A related event - Campus Sustainability Day on the SU campus.

NOV 28, 2007, 7:30p: Indoor Environmental Quality Research Conducted at the Syracuse CoE - Implications for Home and Office Environments. Presented by Lisa Cleckner. Learn about the SCoE's environmental initiatives, including the three key areas of clean & renewable energy, indoor environmental quality and water resources. University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free and open to the public. More information: 449-2603.

SEP 26, 2007, 7:30p: Blue Bin update-the Road from Here. An upbeat presentation by Andrew Radin, Director of Recycling and Waste Reduction, for OCRRA. Bring your questions: why this and not this? What happens to the bottles? Learn how your filled blue bin saves you money, helps the environment and more. University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free and open to the public. More information: 492-4745.

MAY 30, 2007, 6:00-9:00p: Annual Environmental Forum: Beyond Fluorescents - Creating Carbon-free Comfort. Presented by Sierra Club, Iroquois Group and People's Environmental Network of New York. Exhibits by local environmental groups and speakers to explain a combination of technologies in your home can help eliminate greenhouse gasses. The speakers are John D. Manning, President of Earth Sensitive solutions, and Mike Wells of True North, a builder of LEED homes. University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free and open to the public. More information: 492-4745.

APR 25, 2007, 7:30p: Coexisting with Beavers. At the University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Sharon Brown of The Beaver Sanctuary (founded by Dorothy Richards, aka Beaver Woman) will help us walk the tightrope between allowing beavers to destroy our wetland environments and allowing humans to destroy beavers. This is especially topical in light of the recent beaver damage to Green Lakes State Park. Free and open to the public.

MAR 31, 2007, 12:30p: Who Killed the Electric Car? and An Inconvenient Truth. At the Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip Street, Liverpool. This is the last event in the Sierra Club Energy Filmfest. This final double feature will be accompanied by popcorn and soda. "Who Killed the Electric Car?" - this documentary investigates the birth and death of the electric car and the role of sabotage, corporate greed, and conspiracy that killed this car. It calls to task the accomplices: government, car companies, and Big Oil. This is a look at the death and resurrection of the electric car as well as the role of renewable energy and sustainable living in our country¹s future. "An Inconvenient Truth" will be shown at 2:30 p.m. The Oscar award winning film by Al Gore birthed a new wave of Global Warming consciousness. All films are free and open to all. Information: 492-4745.

MAR 28, 2007, 7:30p: Too Hot Not to Handle and The True Cost of Food. At the University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free and open to the public. More information: 492-4745.

MAR 10, 2007, 1:30p: Rising Waters. At the Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. A film that puts a human face on the climate change debate through personal stories of Pacific Islanders. Free and open to the public. More information: 492-4745.

MAR 10, 2007, 1:30p: Appalachians. At the Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. A film that features a powerful segment about the mountain-top removal in the Appalachian Mountains. Free and open to the public. More information: 492-4745.

MAR 10, 2007, 1:30p: Bringing Down the Mountains. At the Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. A short film produced by 3 high school students that introduces viewers to mountain-top removal mining and its effects. Free and open to the public. More information: 492-4745.

FEB 28, 2007, 7:30p: Wind Over Water. At the University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. A film documentary that chronicals the fight over America's first offshore windfarm. Free and open to the public. More information: 492-4745.

FEB 28, 2007, 7:30p: Vineyard Energy Project. Aat the University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. A film that portrays Martha's Vineyard's successful effort to implement sustainable energy solutions via solar power. Free and open to the public. More information: 492-4745.

FEB 17, 2007, 2:00p: Too Hot Not to Handle. At the Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. An HBO film documentary featuring leading scientists and showing how many are taking positive actions to reduce global warming emissions. Free and open to the public. More information: 492-4745

FEB 7, 2007, 7:00p: Oil on Ice. At LeMoyne College, Grewen Hall (the main building with the clock on it) room 137, 1419 Salt Springs Rd, Syracuse. A film portrayal of the native Gwich'in Indians taking on powerful global energy interests to prevent invasive oil operations in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge. Free and open to the public. More information: 492-4745.

JAN 31, 2007, 7:30p: French Fries to Go. At the University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. A funny and hopeful short film that documents the origins of Telluride's biodiesel project. Free and open to the public. More information: 492-4745.

JAN 31, 2007, 7:30p: Kilowatt Ours. At the University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. A film that takes viewers on a journey from coal mines to solar panel fields, and shows solutions to America's energy problems. Free and open to the public. More information: 492-4745.

JAN 27, 2007, 2:30p: Out of Balance. At the Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. A film showing the influence of ExxonMobil on governments, media, and citizens, and what can be done about global warming. Free and open to the public. More information: 492-4745.

NOV 29, 2006, 7:30p: A World Without Monarch Butterflies? At University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. How you can help save the monarch by creating Monarch Way Stations along their route? Presenter Janet Allen is certified by Monarch Watch. Free and open to the public. More information: 492-4745.

NOV 18, 2006, 1:00p: Earth to America. At the Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. A global warming comedy special. Free and open to the public. More information: 492-4745.

OCT 19, 2006, 7:00p: Living with Coyotes. At the Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Robert Chambers, Professor Emeritus of Environmental and Forest Biology at the School of Environmental Science and Forestry, will present a slide show and talk on the history and presence of coyotes in NY state, and Jean Soprano, wildlife rehabilitator, will talk about how to peacefully resolve coyote-human conflicts in suburbia. Free and open to the public. More info: 488-PURR(7877) or 492-4745.