Earth day, earth month, conversation with Breeki Li, Ryan, Amy & Jamie leads to songs about weather (audio)

FM #1184 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1184 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti, Conservation Agent Breeki Li Goodlander and Recreation Director Ryan Jette on Monday, April 29, 2024.    

We get a very brief recap of current events (it’s all about the budget) and jump right into Earth Day and the other activities of the Conservation and Recreation departments

Conservation

• Projects more this year than last
• Friends of Conservation group forming

Recreation 

• Growth in participation 
• Field upgrades at Fletcher & King St
• Beaver Pond has a new kayak launch

We close out with discussion and laughter around the Top 35 songs about weather

 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Eu2npqGS0fH9N0Uc0iB5WCitoawIMFdJ/view?usp=drive_link 

Our conversation runs about 41 minutes.    Audio link -> https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Talk-Franklin--A-Podcast-from-the-Town-Administrators-Office---April-29--2024-e2j2h3e/a-ab7j5t3

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Contact info: for Jamie & Amy -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator 

Conservation page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation 

Recreation page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/recreation-department 

Fact checking update:

• In 1969 at a UNESCO Conference in San Francisco, peace activist John McConnell proposed a day to honor the Earth and the concept of peace, to first be observed on March 21, 1970, the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere. This day of nature's equipoise was later sanctioned in a proclamation written by McConnell and signed by Secretary General U Thant at the United Nations. A month later, United States Senator Gaylord Nelson proposed the idea to hold a nationwide environmental teach-in on April 22, 1970. He hired a young activist, Denis Hayes, to be the National Coordinator. Nelson and Hayes renamed the event "Earth Day"  https://www.earthday.org/history/   

• The group garnered worldwide attention with 1987 album Diesel and Dust. Its singles "The Dead Heart" and "Beds Are Burning" illuminated the plight of indigenous Australians  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midnight_Oil 

YouTube playlist of the "weather songs" ->

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLL2XKlvMgLAnp1WMUR3vAtWNuAJ6ziK1d&si=tNTGfeWOCn7JAKPw

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news/ or  www.Franklinmatters.org/ 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Earth day, earth month, conversation with Breeki Li, Ryan, Amy & Jamie leads to songs about weather (audio)

Sustainability Subcommittee schedules discussion with Conservation & Storm Water - April 30 - 5:30 PM

Master Plan Update Committee

Sustainability Subcommittee

Date:  Tuesday, April 30, 2024 - 5:30pm

Agenda doc contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/sustainability_-agenda_2024-4-30.pdf

Sustainability Subcommittee schedules discussion with Conservation & Storm Water - April 30 - 5:30 PM

Franklin Food Pantry Honors Earth Month by Bringing Attention to Food Waste

Reducing Food Waste Helps the Planet and Neighbors Experiencing Food Insecurity

The Franklin Food Pantry, which provides supplemental food assistance in Franklin, Massachusetts, is honoring Earth Month by raising awareness about food waste and its impact on the community and the planet. 

In Massachusetts, uneaten food accounts for more than 25 percent of the waste stream, amounting to 1 million tons annually. Most of this wasted food consists of fresh, nutritious items that could be used to feed people. Preventing good food from being discarded can combat food insecurity and reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.

Franklin Food Pantry Honors Earth Month

The Pantry is helping reduce food waste by collaborating with local grocery stores and partners including Spoonfuls, a food rescue organization, to acquire food that would otherwise be thrown away. Most rescued food consists of fresh, perishable items such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, and proteins. These foods are among the most expensive, least accessible, and most sought-after items for individuals facing food insecurity. 

“Fresh, healthy food should be in the hands of those who need it, and not in landfills,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. " The Franklin Food Pantry is dedicated to reducing waste and forming meaningful partnerships with organizations that strengthen through environmental stewardship.”

The Pantry encourages the community to reduce food waste at home by:

•  Planning Ahead– Make a shopping list and only buy what you know you’ll use

•  Freezing Food – Save items by freezing them before they spoil

•  Trying New Recipes – Enter the names of food items into the Greater Boston Food Bank’s Click N’ Cook tool to create healthy recipes with everyday ingredients

•  Donating Food – Perhaps you purchased too much gravy for Thanksgiving, or canned goods for a holiday. Rather than throw the items away, donate the items before they expire. 

Food rescue is one of several initiatives undertaken by The Pantry to increase sustainability. This year, The Pantry will maintain eight garden beds at the Franklin Community Garden, and at-home gardeners are encouraged to grow flowers for Pantry clients. These efforts will benefit the environment by providing local, fresh items and creating food and habitats for pollinators such as honeybees, butterflies, birds, bats, and other animals. 

Additionally, The Pantry plans to install a solar panel system, which will help reduce operating costs and have a positive indirect impact on the environment by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referral programs to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. Programs include In-person Shopping, Curbside Pick-up, Emergency Food Bags, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meal Kits, and the SNAP match at Franklin Farmers Market. The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

Update: Earth day events in Franklin POSTPONED to Saturday - Apr 27

Saturday, April 27 from 9 AM to noon

Given the prediction of a 100% chance of rain Saturday and winds ranging from 10-15 MPH, we've made the decision to reschedule Franklin Earth Day to the following Saturday, April 27th, starting at 9 AM. 

We invite you to join us next weekend for the vital task of tidying up our parks, playgrounds, and Town-owned properties, which are in need of a thorough spring clean. We'll kick off the event with coffee and bagels during registration, and the first 100 registrants will receive complimentary tee shirts. The Department of Public Works will provide saplings for planting. 

The clean up event will be held on Saturday, April 20 at Beaver Pond at 9 AM - 12 PM with the clean up of nearly 40 areas across Town.  Meet at Beaver Pond at 9 AM and pick up your bags/gloves and maps.  

First 100 participants will receive an Earth Day t-shirt.  DPW will be giving away tree samplings, coffee, and bagels. 

• Earth Day Map 
• Earth Day clean up rule

Earth day events in Franklin POSTPONED to Saturday - Apr 27

https://www.franklinma.gov/recreation-department/news/earth-day-2024

 Saturday, April 20 from 10 to 11 AM

Saturday's earth day events have been postponed due to anticipated weather - new dates/times TBD, likely next Sat but waiting for confirmation.

Rise Up will still take place, but at our regular location of the Franklin United Methodist Church, 10-11 AM

Join our community for an accessible earth day event! Seed, Stroll, & Roll along the paved pathway around the Franklin Sculpture Park.

Spreading wildflower seeds and artfully decorating a recycled canvas tote.

This event is free and open to the public.  Seed, Stroll, & Roll is weather permitting, please check our social media channels the day of for updates:

• https://www.instagram.com/franklinculture/
• https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation
• https://alirheaume.com/rise-up
• https://www.franklinma.gov/recreation-department

Brought to you by your Franklin community members: Rise up, Franklin Recreation, Conservation & "Arts, Culture the Creative Economy" Departments.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5gGFc-L96X/

 Saturday, April 27 from 10 to Noon

An event for children and families. Join the conservation Commission, Dept of Public Works, Department of Conservation, Recreation, Friends of Franklin Conservation, Agricultural Commission, Energize Franklin, and others to celebrate our shared earth.

(service hours validated for trash clean up and seeding) 

Location: DelCarte Open Space 

• Woods walk & historical talk 10:30a
• Native bee cocoon harvest demo
• Plant native seeds for turtles
• And bees
• Sign up for compost bins & rain barrels  
• Learn about wildlife, ecology, climate

Earth day events in Franklin

https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/come-celebrate-earth-day-conservation-saturday-april-27-10am-12pm

Earth day events in Franklin POSTPONED to Saturday - Apr 27

Saturday, April 27 from 9 AM to noon

Given the prediction of a 100% chance of rain tomorrow and winds ranging from 10-15 MPH, we've made the decision to reschedule Franklin Earth Day to the following Saturday, April 27th, starting at 9 AM. 

We invite you to join us next weekend for the vital task of tidying up our parks, playgrounds, and Town-owned properties, which are in need of a thorough spring clean. We'll kick off the event with coffee and bagels during registration, and the first 100 registrants will receive complimentary tee shirts. The Department of Public Works will provide saplings for planting. 

The clean up event will be held on Saturday, April 20 at Beaver Pond at 9 AM - 12 PM with the clean up of nearly 40 areas across Town.  Meet at Beaver Pond at 9 AM and pick up your bags/gloves and maps.  

First 100 participants will receive an Earth Day t-shirt.  DPW will be giving away tree samplings, coffee, and bagels. 

• Earth Day Map 
• Earth Day clean up rule

Earth day events in Franklin POSTPONED to Saturday - Apr 27

https://www.franklinma.gov/recreation-department/news/earth-day-2024

 Saturday, April 20 from 10 to 11 AM

Saturday's earth day events have been postponed due to anticipated weather - new dates/times TBD, likely next Sat but waiting for confirmation.

Rise Up will still take place, but at our regular location of the Franklin United Methodist Church, 10-11 AM

Join our community for an accessible earth day event! Seed, Stroll, & Roll along the paved pathway around the Franklin Sculpture Park.

Spreading wildflower seeds and artfully decorating a recycled canvas tote.

This event is free and open to the public.  Seed, Stroll, & Roll is weather permitting, please check our social media channels the day of for updates:

• https://www.instagram.com/franklinculture/
• https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation
• https://alirheaume.com/rise-up
• https://www.franklinma.gov/recreation-department

Brought to you by your Franklin community members: Rise up, Franklin Recreation, Conservation & "Arts, Culture the Creative Economy" Departments.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5gGFc-L96X/

 Saturday, April 27 from 10 to Noon

An event for children and families. Join the conservation Commission, Dept of Public Works, Department of Conservation, Recreation, Friends of Franklin Conservation, Agricultural Commission, Energize Franklin, and others to celebrate our shared earth.

(service hours validated for trash clean up and seeding) 

Location: DelCarte Open Space 

• Woods walk & historical talk 10:30a
• Native bee cocoon harvest demo
• Plant native seeds for turtles
• And bees
• Sign up for compost bins & rain barrels  
• Learn about wildlife, ecology, climate

Earth day events in Franklin

https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/come-celebrate-earth-day-conservation-saturday-april-27-10am-12pm

Notice of Intent - Fisher Street Wells 2, 2A and 2B - Conservation

Town of Franklin

Conservation Commission

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 131, s.40 (Wetlands Protection Act), the Franklin Conservation Commission will hold a Hybrid Public Hearing on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 7:09 PM for a Notice of Intent filed by Magdalena Lofstedt of CDM Smith Inc., Boston, MA on behalf of the Town of Franklin Department of Public Works. 

The project proposes to excavate short shallow trenches for the installation of venture flowmeters at existing wells 2, 2A, and 2B. Approximately 175 square feet (sf) of work is proposed within the 100-foot Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW), of which part of the work is proposed within the 25- to 50-foot Buffer Zone to BVW. Additionally, approximately 175 sf of work is proposed within Bordering Land Subject to Flooding (BLSF). 

The Project is located at 100 Public Works Way, Map 288 Parcel 001, in the Rural Residential I Zone.

The hearing will provide an open forum for the discussion. This meeting will be done remotely via the “ZOOM” platform and “In-person” in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street. Residents can visit the Town Website (www.franklinma.gov) and click on the Town Calendar for up to date information on how to access the meeting. 

All records and files for this project can be viewed at the Conservation Office located on the first floor of the Franklin Municipal Building.

Any person or organization so wishing will be afforded an opportunity to be heard. The hearing location is accessible to persons with physical disabilities. If you require a translator or accommodations for a hearing impairment, contact the Conservation Department at the Municipal Building or by calling (508) 520-4929.

Jeff Livingstone

Conservation Chair

Notice of Intent - Fisher Street Wells 2, 2A and 2B - Conservation

Now is the time to apply for Stormwater Credits for FY 2025

Stormwater Credits

• Now is the time to apply for stormwater credits! 

Please visit our website https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division for more information and to learn why keeping stormwater clean is in everyone's best interest.

• Need to order a rain barrel? 

The Franklin DPW has partnered with the Great American Rain Barrel Company to offer residents rain barrels at a discounted price. The Spring program is open until Sunday, April 7th. To order a rain barrel and for more information about this program, visit: https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater.../pages/rain-barrels

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/stormwater-credits

Now is the time to apply for Stormwater Credits for FY 2025

Earth Month activities in Franklin for April 2024

Earth Month activities in Franklin for April 2024

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C5OyAqSRsdc/

Earth Month 2024 celebration coordinated by Franklin Recreation, DPW, and Conservation

Earth Day 2024

Recreation, Conservation and DPW

Earth Month 2024 celebration

Join the Town of Franklin Recreation, Conservation and DPW for a month long
celebration of Earth Month.  

The clean up event will be held on Saturday, April 20 at Beaver Pond at 9 AM - 12 PM with the clean up of nearly 40 areas across Town.  Meet at Beaver Pond at 9 AM and pick up your bags/gloves and maps.  

First 100 participants will receive an Earth Day t-shirt.  DPW will be giving away tree samplings, coffee, and bagels. 

• Earth Day Map
• Earth Day clean up rules

On Saturday, April 27, the Conservation Department is sponsoring an event at DelCarte Conservation Area on Pleasant Street from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM.  

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/recreation-department/news/earth-day-2024

Updated Earth Day activities info found here ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/earth-day-events-in-franklin-are-not.html

Save the Date: City Nature Challenge | April 26-29

The City Nature Challenge is an annual global event that encourages people in cities around the world to observe and document the biodiversity present in their urban environments using the iNaturalist app.

It's a fantastic opportunity for community scientists to contribute to understanding and coexisting with nature. Grab your smartphone, go outside, and snap photos of plants, fungi, and wildlife!

If you're interested in participating, join the iNaturalist project for your city or area and become part of this exciting global event!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/save-date-city-nature-challenge-april-26-29

Save the Date: City Nature Challenge | April 26-29

Don't Forget to Apply to Showcase Your Backyard Habitat by February 29!

Don't Forget to Apply to Showcase Your Backyard Habitat by February 29!

Backyard Ecosystem Education (BEE) Program

This application is for Franklin business owners and residents that have an existing, established habitat to be showcased during the BEE Program field day on Friday, May 10, 2024 between 10a and 2p. Participants of the BEE Program will be bussed around Town for a tour to visit and experience established habitats and we would love to have you as a stop on our tour! Applications and habitats will be reviewed and confirmed by the Franklin Conservation Agent/Natural Resource Protection Manager and an unbiased third-party organization. the Friends of Franklin Conservation. Two habitats will be chosen to be showcased and the property owner must agree to allow their habitat to be shown during the field day to receive an honorarium. The honorarium is $400 per person and expected to be invested back into the existing habitat. (Plants are expensive!) 

Examples of eligible habitats include, but are not limited to, pollinator friendly gardens with non-native, but non-invasive vegetation; native gardens; a managed forest with a Forest Cutting Plan and/or Forest Stewardship Plan; a forest managed for birds; a wetland replication or restoration; an established raingarden; a native grass lawn; a habitat in progress; etc. Ideally, established habitats should have food/forage for wildlife species, cover/nesting material for wildlife species, and a diverse array of vegetation throughout all seasons. Questions if your habitat qualifies? Reach out to Breeka Li Goodlander via email at bgoodlander@franklinma.gov or via phone at (508) 520-4847. 

This application is open between February 2, 2024 and closes February 29, 2024. Applications chosen to receive the honorarium will be determined by March 15, 2024. All applicants, regardless if chosen for the honorarium, will be contacted shortly thereafter with the third-party decision. By submitting this application, you agree to let the Conservation Agent/Natural Resource Protection Manager and/or a representative of the Friends of Franklin Conservation Group visit your habitat to confirm habitat qualification prior to a decision being made.

Should you wish to showcase your habitat to BEE Program participants regardless of an honorarium, please still fill out the form by clicking the below QR code or visiting bit.ly/BEEProgramExistingHab and answer the last question in the registration form.

Please note that even if your habitat is not yet established, we will still gladly consider your application for the honorarium. We realize that habitats take time to develop and our goal is not only to show BEE Program participants a variety of habitats in all different stages of development, but to gift the honorarium to someone that could use it to complete their own backyard habitat.

Don't Forget to Apply to Showcase Your Backyard Habitat by February 29!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/dont-forget-apply-showcase-your-backyard-habitat-february-29

Fwd: Don't Forget to Register for the Backyard Ecosystem Education (BEE) Program!

Don't Forget to Register for the Backyard Ecosystem Education (BEE) Program!

Registration Closes February 29, 2024

The Backyard Ecosystem Education (BEE) Program is an interactive program for Franklin residents and business owners to design and create a native, biologically diverse habitat at their property. The BEE Program consists of five themed workshops and one field day giving residents and business owners the skills to:

• Attract wildlife and plant life to their habitat;
• Support their habitat through climate change and other ecological stressors;
• Plan and design their backyard habitat with professional practitioners; and
• Be considered a Backyard Ecosystem Advocate

Upon successful completion and attendance of the BEE Program, participants will be considered a "Backyard Ecosystem Advocate" and their habitats, once established, will have the opportunity to become "Certified Wildlife Habitats" through the National Wildlife Federation. Register with the QR code above or by visiting https://BIT.LY/BEEPROGRAM. 

Registration is on a first come, first serve basis. Registration closes February 29, 2024. Registration is available to all residents regardless of ownership/rental status or living situation, all Franklin business owners, and up to five FPS high school students. The Conservation Department is currently collaborating with FPS - STEM to excuse up to five students for the scheduled field day, so students - please apply if you are interested! 

Join the Backyard Ecosystem Education (BEE) Program in 2024

Workshop descriptions are listed below. Questions? Email bgoodlander@franklinma.gov.

Workshop Title	Date, Time, and Location	Description
Wildlife	Wednesday, April 3, 2024 4p - 6p Location TBD	Residents will learn common wildlife species that they may find in their backyard habitats and/or how to attract these wildlife species to their habitats.
Plant Life	Wednesday, April 10, 2024 4p - 6p Location TBD	Residents will learn common native and wildlife friendly plants and common invasive plants they may plant and/or find in their backyard habitats.
Landscapes and Regional Context	Wednesday, April 17, 2024 4p - 6p Location TBD	Residents will learn to identify what landscape they live in, its regional context, and how to design a habitat suitable for their surroundings.
Climate and Other Ecological Stressors	Wednesday, April 24, 2024 4p - 6p Location TBD	Residents will learn how to plan their habitat for climate change, design their habitat considering climate resilience, and mitigate future environmental stressors and disturbance events.
Planning and Design	Wednesday, May 1, 2024 4p - 6p Location TBD	Residents will be able to sit down in small groups with professional practitioners to design their own specific backyard habitat applying all lessons learned in previous workshops.
Field Day and Graduation Luncheon	Friday, May 10 10a - 2p Location TBD	Residents will be bussed around Town for a tour of raingardens, biodiversity areas, turtle nesting habitats, regenerative forests, gardens, and more. Lunch and a graduation ceremony will be provided.

 

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/dont-forget-register-backyard-ecosystem-education-bee-program

Join Today: Eclipse Soundscapes Project (video)

The Eclipse Soundscapes Project is a NASA Citizen Science project funded by NASA Science Activation that is studying how eclipses affect life on Earth during the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse. Eclipse Soundscapes will revisit an eclipse study from almost 100 years ago that showed that animals and insects are affected by solar eclipses! Like this study from 100 years ago, Eclipse Soundscapes has asked for the public's help. Eclipse Soundscapes will use modern technology to continue to study how solar eclipses affect life on Earth! (Say "Eclipse Soundscapes" five times fast!)

So, how can you help Eclipse Soundscapes? Eclipse Soundscapes will be collecting your multi-sensory observations and recorded sound data (through an audiomoth - free with application!) from the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse. The observations and sound data collected will help Eclipse Soundscapes understand the impact of the 2024 solar eclipses on various U.S. ecosystems.

How you can participate in the Eclipse Soundscapes Project:

Eclipse Soundscapes

There are many different ways you can participate in the Eclipse Soundscapes Project and support its scientific mission. You can choose just one role or several of the roles linked below. 

Eclipse Soundscapes recommends that ALL participants complete the Apprentice role first, which is free and online. After that, you can choose to engage in any of the other roles. All are very important to the success of the Eclipse Soundscapes Project!

To learn more about Eclipse Soundscapes Project and how you can participate visit here: https://eclipsesoundscapes.org/roles/

Need a spot to observe or want to organize a group to complete Project? Reach out to Breeka Li Goodlander with the Conservation Department and be sure to check out any of our Conservation Areas or Lands throughout Town. You'll be sure to see or hear something. 

Best Fishes and Worm Regards,

Your Friendly Neighborhood Scientist

Eclipse Soundscapes is an enterprise of ARISA Lab, LLC and is supported by NASA award No. 80NSSC21M0008.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/join-today-eclipse-soundscapes-project

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Investment for Forests as Climate Solutions Initiative

"We've done the review – now we're following the science. 

Today's recommendations are the outcome of months of hard work and collaboration with the Climate Forestry Committee. 

We're proud to have resilience at the forefront of our forest management recommendations."

Press Release: 

"Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $50 Million Investment and Milestones for Forests as Climate Solutions Initiative"

Climate Forestry Committee Issues Recommendations for Climate-Oriented Forest Management Practices

Shared from -> https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-announces-50-million-investment-and-milestones-for-forests-as-climate-solutions-initiative

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Investment for Forests as Climate Solutions Initiative

Register for the Backyard Ecosystem Education (BEE) Program Today

Registration Open Until February 29, 2024

The Backyard Ecosystem Education (BEE) Program is an interactive program for Franklin residents and business owners to design and create a native, biologically diverse habitat at their property. The BEE Program consists of five themed workshops and one field day giving residents and business owners the skills to:

• Attract wildlife and plant life to their habitat;
• Support their habitat through climate change and other ecological stressors;
• Plan and design their backyard habitat with professional practitioners; and
• Be considered a Backyard Ecosystem Advocate

Upon successful completion and attendance of the BEE Program, participants will be considered a "Backyard Ecosystem Advocate" and their habitats, once established, will have the opportunity to become "Certified Wildlife Habitats" through the National Wildlife Federation. Register with the QR code above or by visiting https://BIT.LY/BEEPROGRAM. 

Registration is on a first come, first serve basis. Registration closes February 29, 2024. Registration is available to all residents regardless of ownership/rental status or living situation, all Franklin business owners, and up to five FPS high school students. The Conservation Department is currently collaborating with FPS - STEM to excuse up to five students for the scheduled field day, so students - please apply if you are interested! 

Workshop descriptions are listed below. Questions? Email bgoodlander@franklinma.gov.

Workshop Title	Date, Time, and Location	Description
Wildlife	Wednesday, April 3, 2024 4p - 6p Location TBD	Residents will learn common wildlife species that they may find in their backyard habitats and/or how to attract these wildlife species to their habitats.
Plant Life	Wednesday, April 10, 2024 4p - 6p Location TBD	Residents will learn common native and wildlife friendly plants and common invasive plants they may plant and/or find in their backyard habitats.
Landscapes and Regional Context	Wednesday, April 17, 2024 4p - 6p Location TBD	Residents will learn to identify what landscape they live in, its regional context, and how to design a habitat suitable for their surroundings.
Climate and Other Ecological Stressors	Wednesday, April 24, 2024 4p - 6p Location TBD	Residents will learn how to plan their habitat for climate change, design their habitat considering climate resilience, and mitigate future environmental stressors and disturbance events.
Planning and Design	Wednesday, May 1, 2024 4p - 6p Location TBD	Residents will be able to sit down in small groups with professional practitioners to design their own specific backyard habitat applying all lessons learned in previous workshops.
Field Day and Graduation Luncheon	Friday, May 10 10a - 2p Location TBD	Residents will be bussed around Town for a tour of raingardens, biodiversity areas, turtle nesting habitats, regenerative forests, gardens, and more. Lunch and a graduation ceremony will be provided.

 

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/register-backyard-ecosystem-education-bee-program-today

Register for the Backyard Ecosystem Education (BEE) Program Today