Environment
Cayuga Bird Club Members Participate in the 2021 Christmas Bird Count
Members of the local Cayuga Bird Club started out the New Year in an energetic and optimistic fashion by participating in a long-standing local tradition, the annual Christmas Bird count. This citizen science project is sponsored by Audubon. WRFI News Contributor Esther Racoosin speaks with Paul Anderson, past President of the Cayuga Bird Club, about…
Read MoreEnvironmental Groups Report that NYS Municipalities May Be Using Oil and Gas Liquid Waste For Road Deicing
Three environmental groups: NYPIRG, Earthworks and Food and Water Watch, have published an analysis showing that some municipalities in New York State have been granted permits to use liquid waste from gas and oil operations for deicing roads. Liz Moran, Environmental Policy Director for the New York Public Interest Research Group, or NYPIRG, discusses their…
Read MoreInterview: The Reverend Billy Talen on shopping, activism, and the end of the world
It’s black Friday, and, as the coronavirus spikes around the country, retailers closely eye holiday spending. Radical performers Reverend Billy Talen and the Church of Stop Shopping blend activism, music, and humor to trace the connections between consumerist culture, climate crisis, and the coming “shopacalypse.” “Reverend Billy Radio – Preacher for the Planet” makes it’s…
Read MoreSeneca Lake Guardian Conveys Concern About Proposed Garbage Transfer Station
Joseph Campbell, President of Seneca Lake Guardian, talks about a proposed new garbage transfer facility to be constructed in the Town of Cayuta, in Schuyler County. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation has determined that the facility poses no environmental impact to the surrounding area. Campbell discusses why his organization disagrees with the DEC’s…
Read More“Plants Have Families, Too”, a Remote Youth Learning Program That Introduces Kids To Plant Science [AUDIO]
Cornell Botanic Gardens presents a remote youth education program called “Plants Have Families, Too”! The program is facilitated by Raylene Ludgate, Youth Education Coordinator, as well as by Graduate Students in the Cornell School of Integrative Plant Science. The 4 week program is directed towards youth age 8 to 11 years old. Youth who are…
Read MoreEducator Laurie Rubin Talks About Observing the Natural World [AUDIO]
Educator Laurie Rubin talks about how and why we should take time to go outside and observe the natural world. The former elementary school teacher developed a curriculum using nature study to inspire students to develop their writing and science skills. She is the author of the book To Look Closely: Science and Literacy in…
Read MoreLocal Activists Establish Mutual Aid Tompkins [AUDIO]
Juliana Garcia and Josh Dolan, two of the organizers of the Tompkins COVID-19 Mutual Aid Response Facebook Group, discuss what they and other activists are doing to assist local residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. They describe components of the Facebook Group and encourage folks to join whether they need assistance or would like to provide…
Read MoreDiane Morton, President of Cayuga Bird Club, talks about the 2020 Christmas Bird Count
Diane Morton, President of the Cayuga Bird Club, talks about the 2020 Christmas Bird Count. Starting in the wee hours of New Year’s Day, volunteer birders will venture out to count birds in a 15 mile diameter area around Tompkins County. This will be the 58th year that the local birding club will take part…
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