Saturday, January 31, 2015

Conservation Patch Design Contest



The SEM Conservation Committee wants you to design our Conservation Patch!  We are looking for some creative ideas for our patch and would love your support. 
The only rules are:
1.      Patch must contain, “AMC, SEM, and Conservation”
2.      Patch detail must be simple enough to place on a 3”x3” area.
3.      All entries must be emailed to conservationvicechair@amcsem.org by May 8, 2015.
4.   Name must be on entry (first and last).

The top 3 entries will be determined by the SEM Conservation Committee and/or the SEM Executive Board; finalist will be showcased in the June issue of the Breeze.  Members and the public will be able to vote on the final 3 patch ideas (more details to come on where and how to vote).

If you still haven’t checked out our Conservation Patch Program, please do.  Participating in the program is a great way for families to bond while saving the planet, or for the individual looking to set clear conservation goals.   If anyone has any questions about the Conservation Patch Program, or any other SEM Conservation topic please contact me at conservationvicechair@amcsem.org. 

, Joshua Tefft
AMC SEM Conservation
Vice Chair

Friday, January 30, 2015

Snow time like the present to start planning your garden

There may be two feet of snow on the ground but don't let that get you down, because spring is just around the corner.  Now is the perfect time to start thinking about what you want in your  garden this year, especially if you are still waiting to get plowed out.  I always have a hard time deciding what fruits and vegetables I would like to grow, but I know I want something good for myself and the environment.  So, if you are also looking for a sustainable, healthy, non-GMO choice try heirloom seeds.  Heirloom fruits and vegetables allow you to use seeds from your harvest year after year, unlike the usual store bought seeds.  Also, the Concord Seed Lending Library will have new seeds available Monday, March 2, 2015.  Happy growing, and don't forget to save me some strawberries and cucumbers.

Joshua Tefft
AMC SEM
Conservation
Vice Chair
 

Monday, January 19, 2015

SEM Conservation Patch Program

Are you an AMC SEM member who loves tackling list and striving towards goals?  Are you looking to add to your patch collection (all you 4000 footer people know what I'm talking about)?  Or are you just trying to do some good for your family/community, and want a little recognition for all your hard work?  Well...the SEM Conservation Committee has just what you're looking for.  We are implementing a Conservation Patch Program exclusively to our Chapter members (initially).  This is a great program that can be accomplished as a family or an individual.  If you are interested in our program check it out and spread the word.  Please send your questions or comments to me at conservationvicechair@amcsem.org.

Thank you,

Joshua Tefft
AMC SEM
Conservation
Vice Chair

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

January AMC SEM Breeze Article




SEM CONSERVATION CORNER
 
 
What’s new in SEM Conservation?
Hello everyone!  I’m Joshua Tefft, the new Conservation Vice Chair. While conservation may not be at the top of everyone’s list, it is the cornerstone for what we love as outdoor enthusiast.  Without conservation we wouldn’t have so many outdoor parks and other areas to enjoy.  But conservation isn’t just about having special areas for nature to thrive, and people to visit; it is about the human/nature interaction in its entirety.  Everyday our actions affect the environment in some way (for better, or worse); these actions not only affect nature, but our own wellbeing too.  It only takes a little effort for everyone to contribute to the conservation of our planet’s natural resources; it can be as simple as recycling, or repurposing an item.
009.JPGThe SEM Conservation Committee is hoping to help everyone become more conservation savvy, and live more sustainably (if you choose).  The SEM Conservation web page will be updated soon with new links related to conservation, including where to recycle electronics, water and energy saving tips, and suggested reading list.  We will also be contributing a monthly article in the Breeze, and establishing a Conservation Patch Program.

Saving money and energy in an un”bear”able winter
A lot of us in New England love the winter months, the beautiful snow covered peaks and frost laden forest.  However, there is nothing pretty about a hefty heating bill.  High heating bills not only have a negative effect on your wallet, but the environment too.  The simplest money saving tip is to turn your thermostat down when you’re not home (save 10% a year).  Sealing cracks and holes in your house with weather stripping or caulk is another great tip, which will pay for itself in a year.  For those of you wanting to cut more off your heating cost (35%-50%) a pellet stove is a great investment.  Click energy saving tips for more ways to save this winter, and winters to come. The EPA also has a new Energy Star Tool to help homeowners save money this winter. So by applying a few of these suggestions you could not only save the environment, but a few dollars along the way.  For any questions, comments, or to volunteer on the committee please contact me at conservationvicechair@amcsem.org. Stay warm and happy.
, Joshua Tefft
AMC SEM Conservation
Vice Chair

 

Friday, January 2, 2015

Conservation in the New Year

Every year most of us make a resolution to minimize something (whether it be our waistline, or our spending), but I think we should focus more on what we can gain, rather than lose.  By losing weight we can gain a better sense of health and self-esteem.  By cutting our spending we are able to save for that backpacking trip we've been dreaming about.    In terms of conservation, we can make lasting improvements to the environment (and our own well-being) by reducing our impact on the planet.  The Nature Conservancy has a pretty interesting page dedicated to conservation resources called "Conservation Gateway".  While it isn't an AMC sponsored site, it is still worth a look (especially People and Conservation).  I am making a resolution to gain a healthier Earth and community this year.  What will you gain in 2015?


Joshua Tefft
AMC SEM
Conservation
Vice Chair