Celebrate First Day 2011 with the New Haven Land Trust and the Elm City Parks Conservancy from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan 1, featuring the 11th annual Polar Plunge to benefit parks, community gardens, and environmental groups.

After Planning Commission Chairman Robert McIntyre called the meeting in the woods to order and instructed the group to ask only site orientation questions until the next public hearing, the hiking tour of the site began.

Groton, CT — The Groton Open Space Association (GOSA) has purchased a 63-acre tract in the Poquonnock uplands of Groton with a loan from The Conservation Fund. The acquired parcel will be open to the public for passive recreation, and will function as an outdoor classroom for all ages, providing opportunities for historical and natural
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In discussing a burgeoning plan to turn waste into clean energy, Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch said we have no energy policy and the state raids the energy conservation fund all the time.

GLASTONBURY — The town is looking to add to its open space inventory while forming a greenway in the process. Town Manager Richard J. Johnson recently announced that he had reached an agreement to purchase a 55-acre parcel known as the Yanaros property. via 55 Acres: Glastonbury looks to purchase 55 acres – Courant.com. Blog
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A proposed major upgrade of the town of Manchester’s wastewater treatment system will be the focus of a public hearing on Jan. 4.

BNE Energy’s plan to build a wind farm in rural Colebrook is running into strong opposition by some residents.

A new initiative to help Wiltonians reduce their energy use is underway. The goal of the program, the Connecticut Neighbor-to-Neighbor Challenge, is to help residents achieve a 20% energy reduction goal, according to Paula Byrdy of Wilton Go Green. via Wilton joins ‘green’ challenge | Wilton Bulletin. Blog this! Bookmark on Delicious Digg this post
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The solar industry’s future is dependent on a sound, long-term energy policy and industry experts are looking to Gov.-elect Dan Malloy to push for the creation of a solar renewable energy credit, or SREC, program in Connecticut.

From a New Year’s Day Hike in Hamden to First Wednesday Walks with the New Haven Bird Club, walks in Osbornedale State Park, a talk with Dr. Robert DeCandido at a meeting of the Menunkatuck Audubon Society, the History of New Haven Bird Club with John Triana. The New Haven Register has a nice nature
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Late last week Milford town administrators agreed to hire Energy Education Inc. to monitor the use of heating oil, natural gas and electricity in the 14 school buildings after a company representative promised savings of $6.5 million over the next 10 years. via Milford hires company to save money on schools’ energy costs – Connecticut
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The first transportation problem Gov. Dan Malloy and the General Assembly must solve in 2011 is financial.

Easton’s Planning and Zoning Commission, after months of debate, denied Saddle Ridge’s application to build affordable housing in a public watershed. The decision came after five public hearing sessions in which dozens of residents spoke in opposition to the plan, which would have required changes to the town’s zoning regulations, housing density and conservation and
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Sunday’s Stratford-Milford Christmas Bird Count went on despite the weather forecast.

CTLCV is urging members of the legislative Regulation Review Committee to pass the streamflow standards and regulations scheduled for a vote on Tuesday, Dec. 21. Citizenz’ calls to legislators would be timely.

Ken Salazar announced recently the award of more than $19 million to support 24 conservation projects benefiting fish and wildlife on more than 5,900 acres of coastal habitats in 12 states not including Connecticut.

The grants will be matched with $21M and will be used to acquire, restore or enhance coastal wetlands and adjacent uplands to provide long-term conservation benefits to fish, wildlife and their habitat.

If you’ve been thinking about adding solar power, solar hot water heating or solar pool heating to your home or business, this free seminar Sat. Jan. 8, will provide you with some answers to your questions.

Bridgeport Holiday Inn’s participation in the Energy Opportunities and Energy Conscious Blueprint Programs paid off — energy improvements made will save the business 9,830,463 kWh or $124,555.00 annually.

Have you had problems with pidgeons or squirrels nesting and under your solar panels? A reader wants to know ….

Government avoids listing the polar bear as ‘endangered’ as that would protect areas rich in oil and gas.