Environment - Marblehead Current

19 May

LETTER: Why support Question 3?

Submitted ContentEnvironment, LETTERS, Opinion

People have asked, “Why should we support Question 3 to invest $15 million over the next three years?” Rather than just making emergency repairs, we need to invest in our 28 municipal buildings to make the buildings energy efficient, costing the taxpayer less for heating, cooling and lighting. Logan Casey, the former town sustainability coordinator, spent several months compiling data on the energy consumption of Marblehead’s municipal buildings and produced an Energy Reduction Plan, which the Select Board adopted, but needs additional funding to accomplish.…

15 May

CUZNER IN NATURE: Spring is bursting

Rick CuznerAnimals, Columns, Environment, Top Stories

Spring is an excellent time to check out the local ponds and wetland habitats for all sorts of creatures. We have many different types of herons, turtles and frogs, in addition to the large variety of bird species. I was lucky enough to watch this green heron picking up a snack.

12 May

CURRENT EVENTS: Marblehead’s best bets coming up

Julia RocklerAbbot Public Library, Art, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Top Stories

Current Events spotlights notable happenings around town in the coming week. To submit a listing, email info@marbleheadnews.org. Student Spring Art ExhibitThursday, May 14, 4:30–7:00 p.m. Explore an impressive range of student artwork at the annual Spring Art Exhibit by Veterans School and Marblehead High students at Abbot Hall. The opening reception is May 14. The exhibit will remain on view through May 27. Celebrate the 250th with live music, dinnerSaturday, May 16, 6 p.m. Celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary with live music by the Harmony…

12 May

COLUMN: A bee-utiful conservation area

Elaine LeahyColumns, Education, Environment, Opinion

Do bumblebees have a “voice” that only a mother could love? No, it turns out that certain plants, such as the tomato and blueberry, also favor the bee’s buzz. Sometimes compared to a middle-C note, the buzzing sound is produced by the rapid movement of the bee’s wings.“The bees are literally singing to the flowers,” said Nick Dorian, Ph.D., at the Marblehead Conservancy’s annual membership meeting on April 29. This process, called buzz pollination, shakes loose pollen that would otherwise stay trapped, essentially rewarding the…

05 May

News in Brief: Earth Day, Community Champion and more

Leigh BlanderEducation, Environment, Local News, News in brief

Earth Day celebration at Lead MillsThe Marblehead Conservancy will host its 25th annual Earth Day/Arbor Day celebration at Lead Mills on Sunday, May 17, 9 a.m.-noon. The Conservancy has been working for over a decade to convert the weedy Lead Mills into a native wildflower meadow capable of rebuilding native populations of pollinators. “While the weeds are a tough enemy, we are making progress as demonstrated by our latest pollinator count there,” said Chair Don Morgan. He added, “We invite the community to help us…

05 May

CURRENT EVENTS: Marblehead’s best bets coming up

Julia RocklerArt, Community Resources, Culture, Entertainment, Environment, Local News, Top Stories

Current Events spotlights notable happenings around town in the coming week. To submit a listing, email info@marbleheadnews.org. Devereux Beach CarnivalThursday, May 7-Sunday, May 10The annual Devereux Beach Carnival is coming, sponsored by the Marblehead High junior class. Admission is $2 (kids under 36” are free).Carnival hours are:Thursday: 6-10 p.m.Friday: 6-10 p.m.Saturday, 1-10 p.m.Sunday, 1-6 p.m.To buy tickets online visit cushingamusements.com/events. Kids have fun at a recent Devereux Beach Carnival. CURRENT PHOTO / GREY COLLINS Plant Sale - Cottage Gardeners Saturday, May 9, 8 a.m.-noon After a…

04 May

Sustainable Marblehead’s Green Homes Tour a success

Aleka KroitzshCommunity Resources, Environment, Local News

For a few hours on Saturday, neighbors gathered around heat pumps, induction stoves and insulation setups to trade tips on building greener homes. Sustainable Marblehead’s Green Homes Tour featured nine local residences this year, including five new properties and four favorites from past years. Homeowners answered questions from eager visitors about their heat pumps, solar panels, induction stoves and other electric appliances that reduce energy use as well as utility bills. “Pollution has been a problem for a long time,” said Katie Farrell whose home…

01 May

Seeds of community: Marblehead garden clubs grow beauty, connection

Mary ChristieEnvironment, Top Stories

Have you ever asked your neighbors if you could dig up plants from their garden? For members of the Driftwood Garden Club, it's an annual tradition. The effort is part of the club’s Dig & Divide initiative, a key step in preparing for its annual plant sale. “We actually call people in town who have nice gardens and ask if they’d mind if we dig in their garden,” said Barbara Saraceno, a member of the executive committee. “It is really a sight to behold.” From…

28 Apr

SUSTAINABLE MARBLEHEAD: Energy questions? We’ve got answers

Submitted ContentColumns, Community Resources, Education, Environment, Local News

As we face more and more geopolitical uncertainties leading to rising energy costs, most of us have seen our utility bills increase. In addition to being anxious about affordability, many of us are worried about climate change and how that could impact us and future generations in our coastal community. It might be time to make some strategic changes in our home equipment and appliances to stabilize our monthly utility bills, while also helping mitigate the potential effects of rising global temperatures. To help Marbleheaders…

25 Apr

Arbor Day tree planting brings families to Village School fields

Leigh BlanderEnvironment, Top Stories

For Charlie Maynard, 3, the best part of the morning was the worm. He and his brother, Maxwell, and their dad, Jake, were among about 50 people who came out Saturday morning to plant trees along the sports fields at the Village School on Arbor Day. Sustainable Marblehead sponsored the sixth annual event, and town Tree Warden Jon Fobert provided more than 20 shade trees. Charlie Maynard, 3, shows off the worm he discovered while planting trees Saturday morning. CURRENT PHOTOS / LEIGH BLANDER The…