State of our coast – updated information

Posted on April 7, 2011 by Dan Earle

Dalhousie’s Environmental Information: Use and Influnce research initiative has concluded a study in collaboration with the Government of Nova Scotia that assessed the initial use and influence of the State of Nova Scotia’s Coast Report, released in December 2009. To get access the the initial report and the Dalhousie research visit the web site:

http://www.eiui.ca/node/178

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TREPA AGM – April 21st

Posted on April 7, 2011 by Dan Earle

Care about the environment?

Want to get involved?

The Tusket River Environmental Protection Association (TREPA) will be holding its 2011 Annual General Meeting at 7 pm on Wednesday, April 21, at the Lake Vaughn Fire Hall, Raynardton.  You are invited to come any time after 6:30 pm for coffee and finger food snacks.

This meeting will mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of TREPA as an organization. TREPA was founded in April, 1986, following concerns about pollution of the Tusket River from the Rio Algom tin mine.  In the years since then, TREPA has addressed a variety of environmental issues affecting southwestern Nova Scotia, with focus on Yarmouth County and the Tusket watershed.

As issues in the area have changed, so have TREPA’s activities.  TREPA members advise and consult with decision-makers on environmental issues, maintain the C. R. K. Allen Nature Reserve, and produce an informative newsletter for members. It supports the Gulf of Maine Institute, which organizes an annual conference for youth from around the Gulf of Maine, from Nova Scotia to Massachusetts, to present and discuss environmental issues of common concern.  TREPA produces a pamphlet in support of direct purchase of food from local farmers.  The organization is providing inputs into upcoming fur farming regulations, and has supported school environment clubs, and other kinds of environmental education.  Members carry out various sorts of research, including annual fish counts and rare plant counts on the Tusket.

As new issues arise, TREPA will continue to do its best to address them.  The biggest limitation TREPA faces is a shortage of active volunteers.  If you want to help, come to our upcoming Annual General meeting, or contact the Executive Director, John Sollows at  HYPERLINK “mailto:nhungjohn@eastlink.ca” nhungjohn@eastlink.ca or 742-2802.

Memberships are $10 per year, but all are welcome at the AGM, whether you join or not.

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TREPA Executive Director hired

Posted on April 7, 2011 by Dan Earle

John Sollows has been hired as Executive Director of TREPA. A biologist, with over 20 years of experience as an international environmental and fisheries consultant and a long dedication to the work of the organization, he was considered the perfect fit for the job that started on April 4.

TREPA has operated for many years with a dedicated volunteer base.  The Executive Director will be providing a central contact person, focus on specific issues in more depth, and working on promotion and fund raising to extend TREPA’s activities in our region.

John is a native of Yarmouh, graduated from the local high school, has a Master’s degree from Dalhousie University, has worked with the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries, and spent much of his career working on fisheries development projects in Asia.

He is the recipient of this year’s Municipal Volunteer of the Year award for his work with TREPA, the Yarmouth County Historical Society, and the Tri-County Multicultural Association. He and his wife, Nguyen, live in Yarmouth.

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Electronics “freecycle” by TREPA

Posted on April 1, 2011 by Dan Earle

It never worked right anyway. "Wired Weird", recycle art by Dan Earle.

Freecycle  2011

On Saturday, April 9, TREPA will have its annual Electronics Freecycle at Beacon United Church Hall, Beacon Street, Yarmouth. If you have any still working electronic items that you do not need any more, bring them to the church – somebody else might want them. Bring items from 9:00 to 10:00 am; from 10 am to 12 noon, browse, pick and take away. Items have to be in working order. Any left over items will be taken to the recycling depot at noon.

Items taken: computers (desktop and laptop), computer monitors, printers, TVs, portable/personal audio/video systems, home audio, video systems, home theatre in a box systems, non-cellular telephones (cellulars are taken back by phone companies at Yarmouth Mall and Tri-Star 88 Forest Street), vehicle audio/video systems (aftermarket).

There is high demand for computers, and limited demand for monitors, so feel free to give your monitors away to interested people at the door of the hall!

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Eat local information

Posted on March 29, 2011 by Dan Earle

This short film is a reminder of how much of our food really does come from away, even things that we are able to grow locally. Interestingly, it is sponsored by Unilever Canada, a large food products manufacturer; they make mayonnaise which I guess goes with everything.

Food Origin Movie

You also might want to visit www.eatrealeatlocal.ca

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