Here in Rhode Island, the national election race is getting a lot of attention, but let's not forget that when it comes to our local environment, local votes can make all the difference.

A key bond issue will be on our local ballots next month, and the RI Land Trust Council wants to get the word out -- VOTE YES ON  QUESTION 2 - OPEN SPACE BOND!! To ensure that our farms and forests will be preserved for the future. Click on "More..." for more details about this issue from the Land Trust Council.

On the last couple of weekends, teams of volunteers have worked across South County to label hundreds of storm drains on the URI campus and in Narragansett, to help deter the public from using the drains as dump sites. The labels ensure that everyone knows these drains empty directly in the Bay and have an impact on our local coasts and water quality.

The volunteers were organized thanks to efforts by URI, Save The Bay, The Audubon Society of RI, the Surfrider Foundation, and the Town of Narragansett.

 Click on "More..." for more photos. Thanks to Vanessa Venturini of URI for the pix!

If you ever worry that the world we are leaving to our children isn't in as good condition as it should be, there is one easy but positive and lasting thing we all can do -- plant a tree!

This fall, Groundwork Providence and the RI Tree Council are working toplant 40,000 trees in Providence by 2020 -- that's right FORTY THOUSAND! You can bet that will make a difference in all kinds of ways -- all those thirsty roots will soak up the runoff that today gets into storm drains and carries contaminants to the Bay. All that shade will cool neighborhoods in summer. And every tree will absorb carbon dioxide, to help curb global warming, and give off oxygen, to help sweeten our air. 

So what could be better than to help plant trees?! Volunteers are needed for Tree Teams who will help ensure that young trees are planted properly and cared for with love.  For more info, contact Ray Perrault at 351-6440x14 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

by Mary Grady

This being Rhode Island, lots of folks seldom make it all the way down to Westerly -- but if you are one of them, you are missing out on enjoying a beautiful and interesting part of our state. Recently, the folks at Save The Bay decided our south shore needed more attention, and opened their first-ever branch office in one of downtown Westerly's old historic buildings along the Pawcatuck River. Coastkeeper David Prescott and outreach coordinator Rebekah Kepple keep an eye on our coastal waters along the salt ponds and Little Narragansett Bay, where the Pawcatuck empties into the Atlantic. They work nonstop to create awareness, build coalitions, protect ecosystems, and monitor the water quality.

Recently, David and Rebekah took me along one morning as they headed out in their small boat to collect water-quality data around the little Bay. It was a great chance to explore the area, learn more about what they are up to in South County, and see how it is similar to yet different from the issues we are more familiar with in the big Bay. Click on "More..." to join a photo tour of our Other Bay, learn more about David and Rebekah's work, and learn how you can help support them by having a great time and enjoying some delicious food, at an upcoming fund-raising event.

Click on "More..." for a photo tour of Little Narragansett Bay, and info about a great event coming up soon where you can enjoy local food and wine while supporting Save The Bay's work.

A local group of activists is working to promote a Green Jobs Now agenda for this November's election, and all are welcome to take part. An event will be held September 27, and a meeting will be held next week to come up with a plan for that event. The organizers promise to keep this meeting to 90 minutes or less! Join them at New England Tech, on Post Road in Warwick, on Wednesday, August 27, at 3:30 p.m. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for more info.

A new group called the Newport Energy & Environment Commission has sprouted in the City by the Sea, an offspring of the former Newport Goes Green Task Force. The purpose of the Commission is to investigate cost-effective methods for the City to conserve energy, improve efficiency, and reduce carbon emissions, and encourage residents to do the same. The movers and shakers behind this effort include Beth Milham, Annie Colella, Marty Grimes, Kara DiCamillo, Jane Dyer, Cathy Coyne and Al Lowe, an energetic and knowledgeable bunch who are sure to contribute a great green force to the City.

You can meet the new Commission at an open meeting on Tuesday, August 26,  7 to 9 p.m., at The Hotel Viking. A cash bar with food and beverage will be available. They will discuss their goals, introduce other groups who are working on compatible goals, and encourage input from residents. The meeting is open to all.

Looking to do some good for your enviroment this summer? The Rhode Island Natural History Survey needs volunteers to help in an attempt to eradicate an invasive plant recently discovered in Belleville Pond, North Kingstown, on this Saturday, July 12. Volunteers will gather at the pond at 9 a.m. with canoes and kayaks to hand-pull the invasive plant water chestnut (Trapa natans) from the pond. Additional volunteers are welcome, but are asked to pre-register by calling 401-874-5800 or emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Click on "More..." for more info about this project.