EnviroPolitics A daily compendium of environmental and political information

              Enviro-Events Calendar
Environmental events, including seminars, workshops and social events
in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York--and beyond

February 7
Geocache Adventure – Winter Wonderland 10 AM-1 PM, Families and Adults, FREE, Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington NJ Geocachers new and old will enjoy the fun and adventure of this event-cache on the Watershed Reserve. Watch for more details at www.geocaching.com or contact the Buttinger Nature Center at (609) 737-7592.

February 7
Feel the Love 7 p.m., The Willow School, Gladstone, NJ. What could be a better prelude to Valentine's Day than indulging in romantic treats? Spend a winter evening enjoying some of life's indulgences. Taste a variety of fine wines and hors d'oeuvres paired with exquisite chocolates while supporting the New Jersey Conservation Foundation's land preservation efforts in the Black River Greenway in Morris, Hunterdon and Somerset Counties. Tickets
are $100 each. For information and reservations, contact carol@njconservation.org or call 908-234-1225.

Moonlight Walk at Historic Whitesbog Village Experience a different side to New Jersey’s nightlife on this refreshing 3-5 mile walk around Whitesbog with the help of an experienced guide. During the jaunt, the walk leaders will share their knowledge about South Jersey and Whitesbog history, folklore and nature.

We will search for Tundra Swans: magnificent birds that nest in the Arctic Circle, and migrate to the Pine Barrens and points south for the winter. Meet at the General Store at 7 PM. Guests should be prepared for a relatively vigorous walk, are encouraged to dress for the weather and bring everything that may be needed for a mid-winter hike: warm coats, gloves, hats and flashlights. Light refreshments will be served. Inclement weather cancels. Fee is $5 per person. Reservations by Friday, February 6 are required: leave name, telephone number and number of people attending on main voice mail, (609) 893-4646 or email to WhitesbogPreservationTrust@comcast.net. Visit www.whitesbog.org for more information about moonlight walks and other upcoming events. The Moonlight Walks were featured as one of the “Best of South Jersey” attractions by SJ Magazine in 2006, and have been referred to as “almost magical” in the Philadelphia Inquirer. All proceeds benefit the Whitesbog Preservation Trust in its tireless efforts to restore and protect Historic Whitesbog Village and its surrounding lands. Whitesbog Village is located at mile marker 13 on County Route 530 in Browns Mills, (Pemberton Township) NJ. To find out information and directions: telephone (609) 893-4646, email WhitesbogPreservationTrust@comcast.net or visit website www.whitesbog.org.

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February 8
Pascack Sustainability Group, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Community Room, River Vale Library, 412 Rivervale Road, River Vale, NJ. The Pascack Sustainability Group brings together adults and students of all ages who want to ‘do something’ to solve today’s critical environmental problems. Areas of focus include climate change, organic gardening, recycling, pollution, open space, and wildlife preservation. The group’s mission is to encourage and promote environmental responsibility and sustainable practices among residents, business owners, schools, and government in the Pascack Valley. Our February meeting will focus on initiatives currently under way including:
an Environmental Fair showcasing local services and products from companies, organizations and public utilities
to be held on Sunday May 3, 2009; a public awareness program to reduce plastic bag usage (a joint initiative with Pascack Valley High School Environmental Club); and the planting and care of a new Community Garden in River Vale. Other areas the Pascack Sustainability Group will address include: energy conservation, recycling in homes, businesses and schools, organic gardening and organic lawn care, green space and recreation (parks, bike paths, sidewalks), and an environmental film series. The Pascack Sustainability Group will feature guest speakers and encourage discussion, brainstorming and personal and/or group action. For more information, contact Rosemary Dreger Carey at rdreger@optonline.net or call and leave short message at 201-476-9336.

February 9
Preparing for a Sustainable Water Future 7:30 to 10 p.m. Fire Station Headquarters, 1 Pine Street, Montclair. Knowledge of State environmental regulations increases municipalities' ability to accomplish sustainable land use planning and development review that protects important local resources. The workshop, sponsored by the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions, will cover: New State regulations for water resource protection, Improved local planning, and Innovative development techniques that protect water quality.
Registration Fees: $10 for ANJEC Members; $15 for non-members. If your Commission or Committee is on the ANJEC Workshop Plan, there is no charge to attend this workshop. View Complete Brochure For further information, to register and for directions, email or call 973-539-7547. This workshop was made possible through funding from the Environmental Endowment of New Jersey.

February 10
Winter Waterfowl and Raptors 8 to 11 a.m., Duke Farms, 80 Route 206 South, Hillsborough, N.J. Join naturalists from the N.J. Audubon Society on a search for winter birds. The lakes, fields and forests of Duke
Farms attract a wide variety of waterfowl, hawks and other species of birds during the winter months. View these seasonal visitors to our area and work on improving your bird identification skills. Cost: $15 per person. Space is limited. Advance registration is required at www.dukefarms.org or (908) 722-3700. Please note that this program
will run rain or shine.

February 14
Stormwater Monitoring: The Nuts & Bolts for Citizen Groups, Valley Forge, PA. Sponsored by the
Stroud Water Research Center, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, U.S.G.S. and Widener University School of Law, this interactive workshop is designed to assist citizen groups interested in monitoring the impacts of stormwater on their local streams by providing information and hands-on activities that demonstrate how they can effectively ensure proper stormwater practices are being maintained in their community. For more information, download a workshop brochure or contact Kristen Travers, Stroud Water Research Center, at ktravers@StroudCenter.org or calling 610-268-2153 ext 239.

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February 9-13
CERAWeek 2009, Houston, TX - What will the global economic crisis mean for the energy future?
How will the industry respond to the new risks and opportunities? What are the implications of the
new US administration for the energy industry? Economic security and the new realities of risk are reshaping energy strategies. CERAWeek 2009, our 28th annual event, will be a timely and significant opportunity to address the new challenges—and to gain insight and perspective on the choices and decisions in the wake of the economic crisis. Priorities and plans are being tested and revisited as companies and countries seek to restore confidence and create resilient approaches for a turbulent time. The landscape has changed for energy, geopolitics, markets, and investment. Demand is on a new course. CERAWeek 2009 will bring together a remarkable community of executives, officials, and experts from across the energy industries and the financial community—along with thought leaders from CERA, joined by experts from outside the industry and from CERA sister companies
in IHS. Of particular interest to the electric power community are 3 full days of in-depth and comprehensive insight into the future of the global and North American power industries. Part of the expanded power program is a separate, full day event from our sister company, The McCloskey Group, a respected authority on coal markets and analysis. Some of our confirmed speakers will be: Mr. Ralph Izzo, Chairman, President and CEO, Public Service Enterprise Group; David Joos, President and CEO, CMS Energy; James Miller, Chairman, President and CEO, PPL Corporation, and Daniel Yergin, med CERA chairman. Register by November 30, 2008 to save $1,000 on each CERAWeek Pass

February 10
New Jersey Retail, Office, Hotel, Industrial & Residential Real Estate Markets, Now and In The Future,

8 to 9:30 a.m., Hilton Hasbrouck Heights. Experts in the these primary real estate sectors present their perspectives, insights and advice on the future of the market. They will discuss where we are now and where we will go in the near future. Sponsored by the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey's Real Property Roundtable. CIANJ members:$30; non-members: $50. Additional information and online registration

February 12-13
BioPower Generation Held in Brussels as part of the EU Sustainable Energy Week 2009, the conference gives you a unique opportunity to listen to 8 real case studies from leading utilities. Together with leading market players they will identify the main opportunities, challenges and barriers faced by the bio power industry. Claude Turmes,
a member of the European Parliament, will open the proceedings. He is joined on the speaking panel by leading utilities who are pioneering the use of bio power. Register Now

February 13
New Jersey Pinelands Commission 9:30 a.m., Richard J. Sullivan Center for Environmental Policy and Education, 15C Springfield Road, New Lisbon, New Jersey. For agenda items and more information please call (609) 894-7300.

February 18
LEED from 2005 to the Present," 5 p.m., Princeton Triumph Brewing Co., 138 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ. A Winter Social & Educational Series event presented by the Central Branch of the U.S. Green Building Council-NJ. Jason Kliwinski will speak at 5 p.m. in the Sky Room followed by networking at the bar starting at 6:30 p.m. Seats for Jason's presentation available for the first 60 people to arrive. You can come for both parts or just networking. Networking space available for up to 100 persons. Express online registration

February 20
Leave a Legacy: Our Natural Resources and the Laws that Protect Them, Berks County Conservation District, Leesport, PA, Event Information

February 21
Winter Waterfowl and Raptors 8 to 11 a.m., Duke Farms, 80 Route 206 South, Hillsborough, N.J. Join naturalists from the N.J. Audubon Society on a search for winter birds. The lakes, fields and forests of Duke Farms attract a wide variety of waterfowl, hawks and other species of birds during the winter months. View these seasonal visitors to our area and work on improving your bird identification skills. Cost: $15 per person. Space is limited. Advance registration is required at www.dukefarms.org or (908) 722-3700. Please note that this program will run rain or shine.

February 23-24
Evolving the market for large scale solar power, Barcelona, Spain To view a the agenda please click here

To register for the conference click here

February 23

Green Building Seminar 7 to 9 p.m., Cherry Hill Library on 1100 Kings Highway North, Cherry Hill, NJ. Sponsored by Sustainable Cherry Hill (SCH). Since its quirky inception in the 1970's, the green building movement has morphed into the mainstream. Rooted in energy conservation, green building continues to evolve with more ingenuity taking eco strategies to the next level. Sustainable efforts from building manufacturers like waste reduction and the recyclability of building materials continue to develop the definition of modern green building and increase consumer resources. Recognizing the benefits of eco friendly building and home design can benefit residential properties, businesses and large community projects. Using examples from a commercial project and recent home renovation project, our guest speakers will help you understand how to benefit from building green while saving some "green" in the process. This program is relevant for developers, builders, residents and anyone interested in learning more about the
future of building, remodeling and community planning. Please pass this invitation on to anyone you think may
be interested. About the presenters: Scott Downie, LEED accredited architect and SCH Board Member;
Monica Hennessy, Attorney and SCH/Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia Board Member
Sam Leone, Project Director, Conifer Realty, LLC, and Carl Cox, Owner, Redesign Contractors.
The workshop, sponsored by Sustainable Cherry Hill, is free but registration is required. Register online or call Robin Bland at: 856-903-1202.

February 23
Watershed Meet and Greet7:30 PM, Mercer County Library Hickory Corner Branch, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor, NJ, FREE What do you treasure? Tell us when we visit your town. Join us for an informal gathering of Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed neighbors and friends. Come learn about what we are doing in your town and how you can help. We want to hear from you too! Tell us what is important to you and what you treasure most. Bring a friend! For more information, contact Anneli Terry Nelson at aterrynelson@thewatershed.org or
(609) 737-3735 x14.

February 24-25
Electric Business Understanding- A two-day primer on the electric industry New York City

This beginning level two-day seminar presents an in-depth overview of the electric business from generation to end user. You will learn how the electric business operates, who the key players are, how the physical system was designed and delivers electricity to end users, who are end users and what are their needs, regulatory structures and rate designs, market design models and how deregulation has dramatically evolved, how physical and financial strategies are used to make money and manage risk, why we've seen such dramatic turmoil in the industry, and much more. Click here for more information and a detailed course outline

February 24
Film Screening: "Garbage! The Revolution Starts at Home" 7 p.m., Carslake Community Center, Bordentown, NJ. "Garbage! The Revolution Starts at Home" follows a family of five who agrees to save their garbage for three months; follows where their trash goes and the effects it has on people and the planet; and offers inspiration and solutions for reducing, reusing and recycling. Sponsored by the Bordentown City Environmental Commission

February 24
Daylighting and Lighting Controls 6 p.m., Kitchen 233, 233 Haddon Avenue, Westmont, NJ. Sponsored by the South Branch of the US Green Building Council-NJ. 'Commercial Daylighting Systems' will be presented by SolaDesign, while 'Shading and Lighting Control Systems' will be presented by Kay & Sons. The presentations will be followed by cocktails and networking. Express online registration

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February 26
Birds of a Feather: Two men's passion for birds take flight 7-8:30 PM, The Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon St., Princeton, FREE One collects decoys, the other admires the real thing. Come join Princeton resident and decoy collector Jay Vawter and Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association Education Director
Jeff Hoagland for an evening of history, story-telling and passion for our feathered friends as the Watershed Association celebrates its 60th Anniversary. Jay, a longtime Watershed supporter and Advisory Board member,
will share a few examples of his extensive decoy collection and discuss the history of decoy making from the primitive lure to its evolution into an art form. Jeff, a passionate environmental educator and avid birdwatcher, will share stories from his own experience in the wild. To attend, contact Nancy Apple at (609) 737-3735 x10.

February 26- March 1
International Power Summit 2009 Rome, Italy IPS 2009 is a unique event attracting key Utilities and Supplier delegates from across the EMEA power generation market and is established as the world’s number one meeting platform for procurement in the power industry Information

February 27

New Jersey Future's 2009 Redevelopment Forum Hyatt Hotel and Conference Center, New Brunswick, NJ Join experienced local leaders and professionals as they explain, step-by- step how to achieve innovative, high-quality, community-minded redevelopment in light of current economic and environmental constraints. Workshops are structured in a hands-on, case-study format, featuring instructors who have faced the challenges of redevelopment in communities throughout New Jersey. For details, visit: www.njfuture.org/forum. Admission is $75 for members and $115 for non-members. There will be an additional fee
of $25 for registration after February 15. Registration at the door is $150. We are seeking AICP Certification Maintenance credits for the conference; there will be an additional $25 fee assigned to attendees interested in the CM credit program. Click here to register. Click here to register and sign up for AICP CM credits.

February 27
Meet NJ Governor Jon Corzine's chief advisors 7:45-10 a.m., Forsgate Country Club, Monroe Township, NJ

Cost: $75 per person for NJBIA members and
$125 for nonmembers (includes breakfast).
Register online now, or contact Stacy Wichner
at 609-393-7707, ext. 213, for more information.
To become a sponsor contact Sherry Esteves
at ext. 219.
Ask questions, get answers and make new contacts at this great networking event. Seating is limited, so register today

February 28
Maple Sugar Brunch and Hike Saturday, two sittings: 9:30-11:30 AM or 11 AM-1 PM, Families and Adults,
Fee: Watershed members - $15 adult, $12 child under 12 years old; Non-members - $20 adult, $17 child under 12 years old; FREE children under 3 years old, Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington NJ Bring your entire family to the Watershed Reserve to learn about our maple sugaring process.
This program includes a demonstration of tree tapping, sap collection and boiling, and a brief discussion of the ecology and history of maple sugaring. Included is a pancake brunch, complete with buttermilk pancakes, bacon, fruit, coffee/tea, juice and hot cocoa, as well as homemade Watershed syrup. Registration is required – NO day
of event walk-ins. Full payment required at time of registration. Call (609) 737-7592 to register.

March 1-3
Utilities & Energy Compliance & Ethics Conference JW Marriott Hotel, Houston, TX Learn more Register online

March 2-3
KEMA's 20th Executive Forum, Westin Galleria, Houston Texas. As the retail energy industry’s premier networking event, KEMA’s Executive Forum will assemble senior leaders from across North America to discuss critical strategic issues facing competitive and clean energy markets. For more information and to register, please visit: KEMA Forums

March 4
Woodcock Watch Wednesday, 6 PM, Families and Adults, FREE, Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington NJ Discover the local harbinger of spring, the woodcock, with Education Director Jeff Hoagland. Near the end of winter, woodcocks return from the south with the males performing their highly unusual courtship flight to impress females. Join us at dusk as we watch and learn more about their fascinating life. This program is co-sponsored by Washington Crossing Audubon Society.

March 7
13th Annual New Jersey Land Conservation Rally, Hyatt New Brunswick, NJ. New Jersey’s Land Conservation Rally is one of the nation’s largest statewide land conservation training and networking events. Over 300 land conservationists, committed to protecting New Jersey’s forests, farms, trails, parks, water, and natural resources, attend each year. The Rally is a daylong event offering more than 30 educational workshops, informative roundtables, and plenty of time to network and visit exhibitors. The 2009 Keynote Speaker is Charles Jordan. Registration will open in January 2009. For more information visit: http://www.njconservation.org/rally/index.htm Rally Planning Committee Member Organizations: Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions, Conservation Resources, Inc., County of Passaic Planning Department, D&R Greenway Land Trust, Monmouth Conservation Foundation, New Jersey Audubon Society, New Jersey Conservation Foundation,
NJDEP Green Acres Program, NJDEP Land Use Regulation Program, State Agriculture Development Committee, Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, The Land Conservancy of New Jersey,· The Nature Conservancy, Trust for Public Land and the Upper Raritan Watershed Association

March 8-10
EnergyBiz Leadership Forum Renaissance Mayflower, Washington, D.C. Energy Central, the leading resource in the global power industry for news, events, databases, insight and analysis, announced today that T. Boone Pickens will be a keynote speaker at the first annual EnergyBiz Leadership Forum More information about the forum

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March 9
2009 Schuylkill Watershed Congress. Montgomery County Community College West Campus in Pottstown, PA.

Whether you are a volunteer dedicated to improving your watershed, a municipal official who cares about water resources, a conservation professional charged with protecting our waterways, a teacher who wants to inform others about watersheds, or a student who wants to know more about stream function, the Schuylkill Watershed Congress offers something for you. The event will feature concurrent and poster sessions covering a broad range of watershed topics and exhibits by watershed organizations, environmental consulting firms and government agencies. The keynote speaker will be Andrew Pitz, Vice President, Strategic Policy & Planning, Natural Lands Trust, who will be presenting a talk titled Climate Change in the Watershed. Pitz's presentation will address climate science, present specific regional data and include an interactive discussion. For more information, visit the Schuylkill Watershed Congress webpage or call 215-369-1188 ext. 109

March 10-12
Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV The Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo North America (formerly POWER-GEN Renewable Energy & Fuels) has a proven track record as renewable energy’s leading event. It offers a worldwide audience who will hear papers, panel discussions and presentations during technical sessions related to technology, markets, business strategies and policy covering the wind, solar, biomass, hydro, geothermal, biofuels and hydrogen fuels sectors. There has never been a better time to be a part of the exciting, ever-growing world of renewable energy! Click here to register now!

March 11-13
Transmission Summit 2009 Almas Temple Club, Washington, DC The theme of this year's Transmission Summit is “Regulatory Challenges and Strategic Opportunities for the Next Phase of Transmission Development.” This year's Summit will discuss both the opportunities and challenges being presented as many transmission industry owners and operators move projects from the drawing board through construction. Download brochure

March 12
Watershed Meet and Greet Thursday, 7:30 PM, Millstone Township Community Center, 463 Stagecoach Road, Millstone Township NJ, FREE What do you treasure? Tell us when we visit your town. Join us for an informal gathering of Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed neighbors and friends. Come learn about what we are doing in your town and how you can help. We want to hear from you too! Tell us what is important to you and what you treasure most. Bring a friend! For more information, contact Anneli Terry Nelson at aterrynelson@thewatershed.org or
(609) 737-3735 x14.

March 12
LEED for New Construction and Major Renovations and Technical Review workshop 8 a.m., UMDNJ Stratford Campus, Academic Center Multi-Purpose Room, One Medical Center Drive, Stratford, NJ. This will be
the last LEED-NC and Major Technical Review Workshop offered in NJ! Sponsorship opportunities still available. Gain the knowledge needed to maximize building performance, achieve LEED certification and take the LEED Professional Accreditation Exam. Please join us as we host the LEED NC technical review workshop in South Jersey . Space is limited! Late registration fee kicks in March 5th! Continuing Education Credits provided.
Click here for details and registration.

March 12-13
Back Office Operational Efficiency in the Energy Trading Market Marriott Houston West Loop, Houston, TX

March 13
New Jersey Pinelands Commission 9:30 a.m., Richard J. Sullivan Center for Environmental Policy and Education, 15C Springfield Road, New Lisbon, New Jersey. For agenda items and more information please call (609) 894-7300

March 14
Environmental Commission Training to Protect Natural Resources 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Tinton Falls Borough Hall, 556 Tinton Avenue, Tinton Falls, NJ. Sponsored by the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC). This one-session workshop is an ideal introduction for new commissioners and a good refresher for more experienced ones. The Commissioners’ Course is designed to provide practical information and project ideas that will assist commissions as they face the challenges of protecting their towns’ natural resources. ANJEC staff and other invited speakers will present an overview of environmental commission responsibilities and powers, and discuss the basic tools and techniques-- master planning, ordinance development, site plan review, and environmental resource inventories--used by commissions as they work at the local level to promote sustainable land use and protect quality of life. Learn how to work effectively within local government and with
your community, and find out about current grant opportunities to fund projects. Registrations Fees: $35 ANJEC Members; $40 non-members. If your commission or committee is on the ANJEC Workshop Plan, there is no charge. For more information, to register, or for directions, email or call 973-539-7547.

March 15-18
2009 IEEE PES Power Systems Conference & Exhibition Washington State Convention Center, Seattle, WA. The event will offer attendees the most comprehensive technical and business program of any event serving the multi-faceted field of electrical power systems. Registration

Environmental Commission Training to Protect Natural Resources 5:30 to 9 p.m., Pilesgrove Town Hall, 1180 Route 40, Pilesgrove, NJ. Sponsored by the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC), this one-session workshop is an ideal introduction for new commissioners and a good refresher for more experienced ones. The Commissioners’ Course is designed to provide practical information and project ideas that will assist commissions as they face the challenges of protecting their towns’ natural resources. ANJEC staff and other invited speakers will present an overview of environmental commission responsibilities and powers, and discuss the basic tools and techniques-- master planning, ordinance development, site plan review, and environmental resource inventories--used by commissions as they work at the local level to promote sustainable land use and protect quality of life. Learn how to work effectively within local government and with your community, and find out about current grant opportunities to fund projects. Registrations Fees: $35 ANJEC Members; $40 non-members. If your commission or committee is on the ANJEC Workshop Plan, there is no charge. For more information, to register, or for directions, email or call 973-539-7547.

March 18
Building Municipal Partnerships: How to Help Your Local Government Protect Natural Resources 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Pinelands Preservation Alliance, 17 Pemberton Road, Southampton, NJ. Attend this interactive workshop, sponsored by The Watershed Institute, to learn how your organization can partner with local governments to assess and strengthen their zoning, ordinances, and policies for natural resource protections. Work in a small group to develop an action plan for partnering with your municipalities. For more information, visit www.thewatershedinstitute.org, or contact Alyse Greenberg at 609-737-3735 x27 or agreenberg@thewatershed.org.

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March 20
Underwater Worlds: A photographic journey Friday, 7:30 PM, Kingsford Room, Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington, FREE For 60 years the Watershed Association has
been protecting your water and environment - For 30 years award-winning underwater photographer and watershed resident Jeff Rotman has been capturing the wonder of our underwater worlds on camera. From sharks to sea anemones, join Jeff for a pictorial tour of his global underwater adventures. Recognized as the BBC Underwater Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Jeff has been published in top national magazines and authored numerous books for children and adults, which he will be signing at the event. To register call Nancy Apple at (609) 737-3735 x10.

March 21
First Day of Spring Birding Adventure 8 to 11 a.m. Duke Farms, 80 Route 206 South, Hillsborough, N.J.
As the winter resident birds begin to leave and spring migrants begin to move through, a birder never knows what might be hanging around. There is no place better for such an adventure than Duke Farms, where a diversity of habitats from lakes to meadows to forests are found. Join N.J. Audubon Society naturalists for this birding adventure where we will all be surprised together. This birding tour is open to anyone interested in birds, novice and advanced birders are all welcome. Cost: $15 per person. Space is limited. Advance registration is required at www.dukefarms.org or (908) 722-3700. Please note that this program will run rain or shine.

March 24
NJBIA's Meet the Decision Makers: Taxes and Spending 7:45- 10 a.m., Forsgate Country Club, Jamesburg, NJ Get the inside story on the State budget (taxes and spending) from NJ's State Treasurer, David Rousseau, and leaders from both the Senate and Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committees at this special briefing. The cost to attend is $75 per person for NJBIA members and $125 for nonmembers. For more information, contact Stacy Wichner at 609-393-7707, ext. 213. Download event brochure

March 24-25
Fundamentals of Energy Trading & Hedging, Houston, TX. This course, offered by Paradigm Strategy Group, Inc., introduces you to the fixed-price concepts (price curves, basis, etc.) and tools (forwards, futures, swaps) central to contemporary energy markets and hedging techniques. Recently, energy markets have endured wave after wave of disasters. Hotel Arrangements: When booking your stay at the Renaissance Houston Hotel Greenway Plaza hotel, please ensure you mention “Paradigm” in order to claim your discounted room rate of $149/night + taxes. Click Here For A Complete Course Brochure

March 25
NJBIZ 3rd Annual Real Estate Symposium 7:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., Hilton Woodbridge, Iselin, NJ

March 25
Spring Dance of the Woodcock 6:30 p.m. until dark Duke Farms, 80 Route 206 South, Hillsborough, N.J.
The woodcock, a long-billed woodland bird that probes in the soft wet soil and eats its weight in worms in a day, will return in early spring to mate and nest. Males of the species begin calling and performing an aerial courtship display flight when the afternoon shadows are almost gone. Join N.J. Audubon Society naturalists for an early evening walk to listen for and hopefully view these incredible birds. Cost: $15 per person. Space is limited.
Advance registration is required at www.dukefarms.org or (908) 722-3700.

March 28
Build a Birdhouse Saturday, 10 AM-12 PM; Families; Fee per birdhouse: $12, Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington NJ Experience the joy and excitement of watching a bird raise its family by building your own birdhouse with one of our naturalists. As we walk the Reserve property, we will examine several natural bird homes and discover some of the truly strange places birds will build their nests.
Each participant can construct their own birdhouse from a kit and take it home.

March 29
Environmental Commission Training to Protect Natural Resources 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Essex County Environmental Center, 621-B Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland, NJ. Sponsored by the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC), this one-session workshop is an ideal introduction for new commissioners and a good refresher for more experienced ones. The Commissioners’ Course is designed to provide practical information and project ideas that will assist commissions as they face the challenges of protecting their towns’ natural resources. ANJEC staff and other invited speakers will present an overview of environmental commission responsibilities and powers, and discuss the basic tools and techniques-- master planning, ordinance development, site plan review, and environmental resource inventories--used by commissions as they work at the local level to promote sustainable land use and protect quality of life. Learn how to work effectively within local government and with your community, and find out about current grant opportunities to fund projects. Registrations Fees: $35 ANJEC Members; $40 non-members. If your commission or committee is on the ANJEC Workshop Plan, there is no charge. For more information, to register, or for directions, email or call 973-539-7547.

March 30-31
Waste & Recycling News Capitol Hill Summit, Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D.C. This 1-1/2 day summit
will bring together environmental, waste and recycling executives from corporations both large and small, as well
as companies that provide environmental services to corporate America. Drawing on the experience of industry experts, this forum will provide opportunities to be part of interactive sessions with local, state and federal government and regulatory leaders. The conference will address all waste streams: solid waste, hazardous waste, wastewater and air pollution. Focus issues will range from regulatory concerns about greenhouse gas to emerging developments and regulations affecting the disposal, recycling, and reuse of waste and industry byproducts. To preview the distinguished roster of speakers and panel discussions, click this link now http://www.capitolhillsummit.com/2009/speakers.html. Obtain all the latest details about the event including early bird conference registration for the event and special hotel accommodations at the historic Omni Shoreham Hotel by visiting the official Capitol Hill Summit web site, just click on this link for easy access: http://www.capitolhillsummit.com/2009/index.html.

April 1 -2
European Wind Farm Site Selection Summit Hamburg, Germany Conference Brochure

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April 4
Vernal Pools of the Sourland Mountains Saturday; 10AM-12 PM; Families and Adults; FREE Vernal pools are an often overlooked and unique feature in some of our field and forest ecosystems. These pools are filled with water during the spring breeding season and harbor a variety of life including amphibians, insects, reptiles, plants and other wildlife. Join naturalist Allison Jackson on this hike and explore vernal pools in the Sourland Mountains, learning about life cycles and the food web, perhaps encountering wood frogs or spotted salamanders as well as a variety of other native creatures. This program does not meet at the Buttinger Nature Center. This program is co-sponsored by the Sourlands Planning Council. Call (609) 737-7592 to register and for location details.

April 6/7 and 8/9
Spring Mini-Camp I and II Two-day sessions; Monday/Tuesday or Wednesday/Thursday; 9:30 AM-4 PM Extended day available 8:30 AM-5:30 PM at extra cost; Children 6-12 years old Fee per child: $110 members/$135 nonmembers; Extended day fee: $20 per child per day Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington NJ Join the Watershed Teacher Naturalists on a two-day adventure in field and forest during spring school vacation. Our activities will focus on the arrival of spring. We will bushwhack through the Reserve in search of nesting voles and geese, watch for emerging wildflowers, insects and amphibians. We might visit the Pond or Stony Brook to look for the last signs of winter and the beginning of a new season. Bring your lunch daily. Sessions are conducted outdoors. Choose either Monday/Tuesday or Wednesday/Thursday. Registration is required, no day of event walk-ins. Full payment is required at time of registration. Call (609) 737-7592.

April 7
Spring Break Nature Surprise for Families 8:30 to 11 a.m. Duke Farms, 80 Route 206 South, Hillsborough, N.J. Spring is here and many of our plants and animals are beginning to wake up and prepare for summer. Join N.J. Audubon Society Naturalist Michael Pollock on this of the Duke Farms property where we will be looking for these signs of spring. This program is geared for families with children in grades K-4 who have a desire to explore the marvelous mysteries of nature. Cost: $8 per person; maximum charge of $20 per family. Space is limited. Advance registration is required at www.dukefarms.org or (908) 722-3700. Please note that this program will be offered rain or shine; dress for the weather and be prepared to have fun!

April 11
Nature Camouflage Egg Hunt Saturday, 10 AM; Families (children 3-11 years old) Fee per child: $7 members/$10 nonmembers; No charge for adults; Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington NJ Join our Naturalists for the ultimate egg hunt challenge. Wander through the fields and forests of our nature reserve to see how many naturally dyed eggs you can discover. What else will we find along the way? Claim a special prize for finding the ‘golden egg’.

April 11
Birding by Bicycle 8 to 11 a.m. Duke Farms, 80 Route 206 South, Hillsborough, N.J. Join N.J. Audubon Society Naturalist Michael Pollock on this unique adventure that combines two of our most popular activities—watching birds and bicycling! We will visit several different habitats including forests, meadows and lakes, each of which will provide us with a variety of bird possibilities. This trip is open to anyone interested in learning about the birds of Duke Farms. Participants are required to bring their own mountain bikes and protective headgear for this tour. The ride includes both paved and gravel roads and does include some inclines. Open to birders, age 12 and up, with bicycles. Cost: $15 per person. Space is limited. Advance registration is required at www.dukefarms.org or (908) 722-3700.

April 14/15
Spring Mini-Camp III Tuesday/Wednesday; 9:30 AM-4 PM; Extended day available 8:30 AM-5:30 PM at extra cost; Children 6-12 years old Fee per child: $110 members/$135 nonmembers; Extended day fee: $20 per child per day; Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington NJ Join the Watershed Teacher Naturalists on a two-day adventure in field and forest during spring school vacation. Our activities will focus on the arrival of spring. We will bushwhack through the Reserve in search of nesting voles and geese,
watch for emerging wildflowers, insects and amphibians. We might visit the Pond or Stony Brook to look for the last signs of winter and the beginning of a new season. Bring your lunch daily. Sessions are conducted outdoors. Registration is required, no day of event walk-ins. Full payment is required at time of registration. (609) 737-7592.

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April 17
New Jersey Pinelands Commission 9:30 a.m., Richard J. Sullivan Center for Environmental Policy and Education, 15C Springfield Road, New Lisbon, New Jersey. For agenda items and more information please call (609) 894-7300

April 18
Think Native for Earth Day: An Introduction to Native and Invasive Plants for the Home Gardener 10 a.m. to noon Duke Farms, 80 Route 206 South, Hillsborough, N.J. The health of our natural landscapes depends on maintaining a diverse population of native plants. In New Jersey, as well as in most of the developed areas of the world, non-native invasive plants are escaping from cultivation or being accidentally introduced in record numbers and adversely impacting local environments. At Duke Farms, a substantial effort is underway to remove invasive non-native plants. On this walk through a portion of the property, Michael Pollock, N.J. Audubon Society teacher-naturalist and restoration specialist, will examine the importance of native plants and address ways in which the home gardener can become more aware of this issue and help prevent the adverse impact of invasive plants. Cost: $15 per person. Space is limited. Advance registration is required at www.dukefarms.org or (908) 722-3700.

April 21
Green-By-Design: Semi-Annual NJ Regional Conference and Workshop, Morris County. CEU credits available. Hold the date. More details to follow. If you're interested in exhibiting at the event, contact:
susan@miltonterry.com or glenn@miltonterry.com

April 24
Frog Slog Friday, 8 PM; Families (children 6+) and Adults; Fee: $8 members/$12 nonmembers; Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington NJ Discover the secret life of frogs on this
special night hike with Jeff Hoagland at the soggy and sonic landscape of the Watershed Association's pond. Learn where and when to find different frogs and toads and learn how to distinguish one frog "song" from another. Come with sharp ears, sharp eyes (and a flashlight), and be prepared for wet, frog-slog conditions.

April 26-28
Statewide Environmental Justice Conference, Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey Hotel, Harrisburg, PA.

A first of its kind conference to educate and improve communication among members of environmental justice communities, community organizations and government officials. Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Drexel University with the support of the departments of Transportation, Public Welfare, Education, Health, Community and Economic Development, as well as SimmonsCooper Coney & Conway, Waste Management and individual donors. A privately-funded scholarship is available to help offset hotel and travel expenses for conference participants. Scholarship guidelines, criteria and applications, as well as conference information, are available on line at www.depweb.state.pa.us/ejconference Applications must be postmarked by Jan 30. Scholarship recipients will be announced Feb. 27

May 8
New Jersey Pinelands Commission 9:30 a.m., Richard J. Sullivan Center for Environmental Policy and Education, 15C Springfield Road, New Lisbon, New Jersey. For agenda items and more information please call (609) 894-7300

May 8-9

Advanced Wetland Delineation 8:30 to 5, This two-day combination classroom and field course is designed for environmental professionals who have completed a basic wetland methodology course and want up-to-date information on current wetland delineation practices, the use of additional indicators, and problem situations. This is an excellent refresher for those who have taken the basic wetland delineation course! Read Full Course Description

May 16
Beginning Birding 8 a.m. to late morning Duke Farms, 80 Route 206 South, Hillsborough, N.J. The variety of habitats at Duke Farms attracts a variety of migrating birds. Join N.J. Audubon Society naturalists and explore the property to seek out some of the more interesting and beautiful species. This trip for beginning and intermediate birders will focus on the techniques of bird watching and the identification of some of the more common species. Cost: $15 per person. Space is limited. Advance registration is required at www.dukefarms.org or (908) 722-3700.

May 17
Summer Camp Family Open House Sunday, 1-4 PM; Families of first-time campers; Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington NJ Meet and greet Summer Camp Director Tammy Gotsch this afternoon! Tour the Watershed Reserve, ask questions, and register your child for summer camp if you haven’t already done so (availability in all sessions is not guaranteed). This open house is for first-time camp families, not returning campers. Held rain or shine – pre-registration to attend open house is not required.

May 23
Advanced Birding 8 a.m. to late morning Duke Farms, 80 Route 206 South, Hillsborough, N.J. The variety of habitats at Duke Farms attracts a variety of migrating birds including some that are not commonly found in other habitats. Join N.J. Audubon Society naturalists to explore the property and locate some of the less common birds that are present during this migration period. This trip for intermediate and advanced birders will seek out the rarer species and focus on keys to their identification. Cost: $15 per person. Space is limited. Advance registration is required at www.dukefarms.org or (908) 722-3700.

May 30
Wild and Woolly Saturday, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM; Families (children 6+) and Adults; Fee: $6 members/$9 nonmembers; Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington NJ A wool sweater comes from a store… or does it? Enjoy a demonstration of wool spinning by Naturalist Tammy Gotsch, hear a ‘woolly’ story and make your own drop-spindle to bring home and learn to spin! Space is very limited and pre-registration is required. Call (609) 737-7592.

May 30
Raising Moths and Butterflies 1 to 2:30 p.m. Duke Farms, 80 Route 206 South, Hillsborough, N.J. This family program led by Michael Pollock, a naturalist with the N.J. Audubon Society and member of the North Jersey Butterfly Club, will show participants how to care for and raise a butterfly or moth. Cost: $8 per person; maximum charge of $20 per family. Space is limited. Advance registration is required at www.dukefarms.org or
(908) 722-3700.

June 7
Ferns for the Beginner 2 to 4 p.m. Duke Farms, 80 Route 206 South, Hillsborough, N.J. Join N.J. Audubon Society Teacher-naturalist Dorothy Smullen to explore the different species of ferns found in New Jersey through
an identification key. Learn about the relatives of ferns that arose more than 400 million years ago. Participants
will walk the grounds to discover some of the ferns found at Duke Farms. Cost: $15 per person. Space is limited. Advance registration is required at www.dukefarms.org or (908) 722-3700.

June 12
New Jersey Pinelands Commission 9:30 a.m., Richard J. Sullivan Center for Environmental Policy and Education, 15C Springfield Road, New Lisbon, New Jersey. For agenda items and more information please call (609) 894-7300