August 23, 2005
#249
1) Longleaf Alliance Wins Prestigious Award
2) Study: State Green Industry One of State's Largest
3) Governor Riley Initiates Nuisance Species Task Force
4) Auburn Solar Car Finishes 4th in North American Solar Challenge
5) Project ROSE to Close
6) BEN Notes: Job Announcements, ADEM Pollution Prevention Applications, ADEM Sponsoring Alabama Stream and Wetlands Conference, AWF's Managing For Quail Alabama Seminar Series, 6th Annual Moon Over Three Caves Dance, Alabama Coastal Birdfest 2005
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Excerpt from John Michael Talbot's The Lessons of St. Francis
"Mother Teresa's best known speech is an address she gave to the United Nations. Globe -trotting evangelist Billy Graham made history when he preached behind the Iron Curtain during the height of the Cold War. St. Francis was a tireless preacher who introduced thousands of people to the Christian message and founded a worldwide order. But Francis's most famous sermon is one he gave to a flock of birds, and this singular event explains why Francis is now enshrined in millions of bird feeders around the world.
One day Francis and some friars were traveling through the Spoleto Valley near Bevagna. Looking up and seeing the trees full of doves, crows and daws, Francis "left his companions in the road and ran eagerly toward the birds."
One of the friars recorded the sermon, which overflows with Francis's love of creation and its Creator: "My brothers, birds, you should praise your Creator very much and always love him; he gave you feathers to clothe you, wings so that you can fly, and whatever else was necessary for you. God made you noble among his creatures, and he gave you a home in the purity of the air; though you neither sow nor reap, he nevertheless protects and governs you without any solitude on your part."
Thomas of Celano records that the birds stretched their necks and extended their wings as Francis walked among them touching and blessing them. This event was a turning point of sorts for Francis. "He began to blame himself for negligence in not having preached to birds before" and "from that day on, he solicitously admonished all birds, all animals and reptiles, and even creatures that have no feeling, to praise and love their creator." ...
Every year on the Sunday nearest his October feast day, thousands of Catholic, Episcopalian and Protestant churches around the world host services where animals are blessed. Some people can't get over the sight of people bringing their dogs, cats, and even horses into a church, or a nearby courtyard, but these services are a powerful way to celebrate both Francis's and God's compassionate concern for all creatures.
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1. Longleaf Alliance Wins Prestigious Award
Earlier this year, the Longleaf Alliance (LLA), which was established by Auburn University's Dean Gjerstad and Rhett Johnson a decade ago, was awarded the prestigious Centennial Congress Award in recognition of the group's leadership and dedication to the restoration of the South's longleaf pine forest and the many plants and animal species dependent on this tree and its habitat.
The accomplishments are notable. Since 1995, the Longleaf Alliance has organized and conducted nearly 600 workshops in 15 states; approximately 600 million longleaf seedlings have been sold and planted on about 1 million acres, a seven-fold increase over 1984 seedling production; and the Alliance has received more than 40 research and outreach grants totaling more than $2.4 million since 1995.
To learn more about this nationally recognized organization and all the good work it is performing in Alabama and in the entire Southeast, go to their website at http://www.longleafalliance.org/
2. Study: State Green Industry One of State's Largest
According to a new Auburn University economic study Alabama's Green Industry (which includes nursery and greenhouse, turfgrass and sod and lawn and landscaping operations, as well as retail businesses that sell plant materials related products) is one of the largest "cash crops" in the state contributing $1.9 billion annually to Alabama's economy and providing almost 31,000 jobs. Here are some of the study's findings::
* Alabama has 767 nurseries and greenhouses that contribute $306 million to the economy and employs 4319 workers.
* Alabama's 69 turfgrass and sod operations employ 1030 workers and represent $99 million in total output impact.
* The lawn and landscape sector which includes 1,029 state-licensed operators, provides a $645 million impact and provides more than 8500 jobs.
* Alabama has some 727 retail establishments selling plants employing just under 7,000 people and making a $855 million economic impact.
3. Governor Riley Initiates Nuisance Species Task Force
Finally someone is attacking kudzu and those dreaded zebra mussels.
On June 2nd, Governor Bob Riley established by Executive Order the Alabama Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force. Led by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division and supported by groups such as Mobile Bay National Estuary Program (NEP), the task force will address the non-native invasive species issue, which was identified as one of the five greatest threats to our marine environment. One of the group's primary tasks will be the development of a management plan for non-natives.
To learn more about this problem, which costs over $138 billion annually to combat in the U.S., according to Cornell University, contact the Mobile Bay NEP at 251-431-6409.
4. Auburn Solar Car Finishes 4th in North American Solar Challenge
Last month, Auburn University's Sol of Auburn solar car finished the 2500 mile North American Solar Challenge in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The car notched a 4th place finish in the "Stock Class" and placed 12th overall.
The 'Sol of Auburn" project, which is organized by Auburn University's College of Engineering with a team of four faculty and 20 undergraduate students, is part of a national competition to win a 2,500 cross country race with a car powered by solar energy. You can check out the group's "race diary" and photographs on the web at http://www.eng.auburn.edu/organizations/SOA/ . To learn more about the North American Solar Challenge 2005 go to http://www.americansolarchallenge.org
5. Project ROSE to Close
Some sad news to announce... The State of Alabama's used oil education and outreach program, Project ROSE (Recycled Oil Saves Energy) will cease operations on September 30. On October 1st, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), Science, Technology and Energy Division will assist the public on matters related to public used oil collection and recycling (ADECA can be reached at 800-392-8098).
Founded in 1977, Project ROSE, a non-profit energy conservation program collected annually 8 million gallons of used oil and developed nationally recognized education programs.
6. Job Announcements, ADEM Pollution Prevention Applications, ADEM Sponsoring Alabama Stream and Wetlands Conference, AWF's Managing For Quail Alabama Seminar Series, 6th Annual Moon Over Three Caves Dance, Alabama Coastal Birdfest 2005
Job Announcements
National Forests in Alabama - Position: Forest Fisheries Biologist - The National Forests in Alabama is looking for an energetic and self-directed Fisheries Biologist with a strong interest in enhancing the Forest's sports fisheries program and improving stream habitats. For more info go to: http://m01.webmail.aol.com/display-message.aspx or call Charles Price at 334-241-8166.
Ruffner Mountain in Birmingham - Position: Part-time Teacher/Naturalist - Teach nature education programs, staff visitor's center, assist with administrative duties, and occasional routine animal care. Work as needed basis. $8 per hour. See job description at http://www.ruffnermountain.org
The Black Warrior-Cahaba Rivers Land Trust - Position: Administrative and Outreach Assistant - Entry level position requires excellent and oral communication skills. Duties include newsletter production, website management, volunteer coordination, and all aspects of office administration. Send resume, cover letter, references and salary requirements to: 2121 8th Avenue North, Room 802, Birmingham, Alabama, 35203.
ADEM Pollution Prevention Applications
The Alabama Department of Environmental Management is currently accepting applications for its 2005 Pollution Prevention (P2) Awards. Applications must be submitted to ADEM by September 2nd, 5:00 p.m. For more information about the award categories contact Gary Ellis at 334-394-4352 or email gle@adem.state.al.us
ADEM Sponsoring Alabama Stream and Wetlands Conference
The Alabama Department of Environmental Management is sponsoring the 2005 Alabama Stream and Wetlands Restoration Conference. The two day conference is scheduled for August 31 to September 1st at the Harrigan Forestry Center on the University of Mobile campus. An early registration fee of $50 is applicable until August 24th. For more info call 251-433-6541.
AWF's Managing For Quail Alabama Seminar Series
The Alabama Wildlife Federation is holding a series of Quail Management Seminars throughout Alabama in the coming two weeks. Here are the scheduled events:
August 29th - Leighton, Alabama - Regina K's 8765 Main St.
August 30th - Decatur, Alabama - Wheeler NWR
September 6th - Ozark, Alabama - Ozark Country Club
September 8th - Selma, Alabama - Farmer's Co-op
Space is limited. To register call AWF at 800-822-9453.
6th Annual Moon Over Three Caves Dance
The Land Trust of Huntsville and North Alabama will be holding the 6th Annual Moon Over Three Caves Dance on Saturday, September 17th. To learn more about this important and fun fundraising event, go to http://www.landtrust-hsv.org/moon_dance.htm
Alabama Coastal Birdfest 2005
Start making plans for Alabama Coastal Birdfest 2005, which is scheduled for October 20-23. To download the week-long listing of activities, go to http://www.alabamacoastalbirdfest.com
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