NRCM Blog: NRCM

Using our muscles to move mussels on the Sebasticook

NRCM staff and members have had the opportunity to work with others to help relocate mussels in the Sebasticook River over the past two weeks. Many of those who volunteered wanted to share their experiences with others and have done so below. We hope that if you volunteered on this project as well that you will let us know about your experience "using your muscles to move mussels."

Michelle (NRCM summer intern): Mussel moving was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that combined environmental stewardship and a fun day at the river. Overall, the experience was great, and I learned a lot about mussels that I absolutely never would have otherwise.

Molly (NRCM summer intern): It was really amazing that within a half hour, we were all experts at mussel identification and were able to get a lot done. The whole day was a perfect example of community members coming together to be responsible stewards for their environment, and we had a great time doing it!

Windy (NRCM receptionist) I truly felt honored to be part of this historical moment in our beautiful state. The removal of this dam has been a long time coming. We all learned a great deal about mussels and the process of identifying, safely transporting, and replanting them in the river bed. This was my first chance to actively take part in such a worthy cause, and I’m sure it won’t be my last.

Leisa (NRCM advocacy assistant): Up to this point I have done very little volunteering. This has mostly been due to making time in my busy schedule in a typical hectic life. Having 2 kids, a husband, 1 full-time job, 1 part-time job and many pets, it is often hard to find time to get anything else in. This has been very disappointing.

Just yesterday I decided I was going to try and volunteer. I have decided to try new things and experience life like I haven’t in the past. I wonder, like many I am sure, if I could do what was being asked? How hard would it be? Would I just get in the way or truly be a "great volunteer."

I answered all those questions when I finally stepped up to the plate and volunteered to help relocate mussels in the Sebasticook River this past Tuesday...

Continue reading "Using our muscles to move mussels on the Sebasticook" »

Posted at 07:34 AM in Clean water, Dams, NRCM, Wildlife | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Where in the World is Your NRCM Bag?

I am very excited that more and more people are using canvas bags for their groceries, shopping at local stores, and for their travels (canvas bags are great travel totes). I am also excited to see folks posing for photos with their NRCM tote bags. On Earth Day, we launched this new “where in the world is your NRCM bag?” project in which we ask members and supporters to take their NRCM bags with them on vacation to local Maine landmarks or to other exotic locales in order to show us where and how they use their canvas bags. We are trying to raise awareness about the use of canvas bags rather than paper or plastic bags that fill up landfills, take years to biodegrade, and also cause harm to wildlife.

Here's one of my favorite pictures that has been sent in so far. It's of Jewell Childs on her way home to Maine from her winter in Florida:

I hope you will join our effort by buying an NRCM bag or use the NRCM bag you already have. Please send us a photo from your bag-toting adventures! See where other people have been with their bags by visiting our website.

What are some ways that you use your canvas tote? I always make sure I come home from buying groceries and immediately unpack my canvas bags, put the groceries away, and then fold up my bags and put them right back in my car before I forget. I am always stopping at stores to buy one or two things, and now I can either use my canvas bags or just tell them that I am all set and don’t need a bag for my few purchases. I used to have more plastic bags at my house than I knew what to do with – and now I get probably one plastic bag every month or so – and I then take it to be recycled the next time I am at that store. I know that my using canvas bags isn’t going to change the world all at once, but I feel like everything we can do, big or small, can make a difference.

Here’s a great blog post about canvas totes and the “paper or plastic” debate: www.thestreet.com/s/paper-or-plastic-neither-one-please/newsanalysis/environmental-stock-picks/10412988.html?puc=googlefi&cm_ven=GOOGLEFI&cm_cat=FREE&cm_ite=NA

So, where in the world is YOUR NRCM bag?

Beth Dimond

Posted at 11:02 AM in NRCM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

Join us on Tuesday, March 11 for Citizen Action Day

Ever wonder what happens over at the State House? See the action first hand and speak to your legislators about important environmental priorities by joining NRCM staff for Citizen Action Day on Tuesday, March 11th. You can register online and learn more about the agenda at http://supporters.nrcm.org/site/Calendar?view=Detail&id=100101&JServSessionIdr004=hqjb6q26l1.app2a

We’ll start the day at NRCM’s office in Augusta where we’ll give you some background information on three different bills: LD 2048, “An Act to Protect Children’s Health and the Environment from Toxic Chemicals in Children’s Products,” a bill to eliminate toxic chemicals in children’s products; LD 1957, a bill that will help restore the alewife population to the St. Croix River; and LD 2179, a bill that would require new homes to meet energy efficiency standards.

We’ll also give you tips on how to effectively speak to your legislators. Then we’ll walk over to the State House (only a block away), and we’ll help you find your legislators so you can discuss these important bills. Your input truly influences how your legislators vote on these bills. We hope to see you on Tuesday, March 11th!

For more information, please contact me at 800-287-2345.

Caitlin Cleaver
NRCM Action Network Coordinator

Posted at 03:16 PM in Event, NRCM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)