Resource! Colorado Springs Utilities "Re: Sources" Blog

This post is worth it just for the photo!  Be sure and check CSU Re:Sources blog for great tips, news, and other information.  This post is about Range Anxiety.  Do you know what that is?  Hint: it's nothing to do with the cow in the photo.

Class! Taming Energy and Water Waste

Don't miss the last session in a 4 part series on Saving Money:  Taming Energy and Water Waste. Downloads from previous sessions are available.  From their website:

Session 4 will focus on residential renewable energy.  The basics of how solar and wind energy systems work; how much do they cost; what’s the return on investment; “are they right for me?”– limitations of these systems.

Guest speaker:  Mr. Phil Brodhagen, Owner, El Paso Green Energies. Local installer certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)

The Southeastern Colorado Renewable Energy Society (SECRES) presents a series of 4 energy efficiency seminars designed to help residents and businesses make wiser decisions with their energy and water use. Choose one or all of the seminars to become more aware of your consumption, explore the benefits of saving resources, both financially and ecologically, and discover how you can become an energy producer, rather than just a consumer.

Resource! Environmental Working Group

From their website:

The Environmental Working Group’s mission is to empower people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. With breakthrough research and education, we drive consumer choice and civic action.
We are a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to protecting human health and the environment. 

Organization! Seeds Cafe

If you haven't visited Seeds Cafe, you've missed a great experience and fresh, locally grown food.  From their website:

Empowering People through the Power of Food

We believe that food literally has the power to change lives.

It happens every day at Seeds Community Cafe’. 

Our pay-as-you-can, pay-it-forward model helps us to give people a hand up, not a hand out. When a person no longer has to worry about where their next meal is coming from, they have the power to begin to create the life they see for themselves.
At Seeds, we help them do this through the act of sharing a meal, which goes beyond just creating community. It is our mission to bring people from all walks of life together, serve them locally-sourced healthy food, and encourage them to communicate and connect. Seeds is about honoring the humanity in each other, that which binds us to each other. We are about inclusion, regardless of status, education, or religious beliefs. It is about dignity and allowing those who cannot afford to pay for a meal the opportunity to volunteer in exchange for it. We never turn away a hungry person.

Event! Local non-profit fundraisers coming up.

A couple fund raisers coming up for local sustainability non-profits and others:

Eat, Drink, and Give!

November 10 @ 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm

OVER 25 NON PROFITS UNDER ONE ROOF!
LIVE MUSIC • FOOD • DRINKS • PRIZES

WHERE: ENERGY RESOURCE CENTER
114 W. RIO GRANDE STREET,
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80903

WHERE: ENERGY RESOURCE CENTER
114 W. RIO GRANDE STREET,
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80903

Ute and Yeti Give Night

November 4 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Community donation night with entertainment, prize drawings and more!
Five awesome non-profits are getting together for a party at the Ute and Yeti. Come on over for some food and drink specials. Donate through Give! to one or all five groups. For each group you donate to you will get a ticket for the prize buckets! We hope to see you there.
Who will you meet there?
Catamount Institute
Upadowna
Seeds Community Cafe
Rocky Mountain Field Institute
Millibo Art Theater

Event! U.S. Green Building Chapter Colorado Green Schools Summit

The U.S. Green Building Chapter Colorado has announced this year's Green Schools Summit happening November 6, 2015 at the Arvada Center.  From their online site:

The Green Schools Summit is an annual education and networking event hosted by USGBC Colorado and organized by a dedicated group of volunteers from the Green Schools Initiative. It is Colorado’s only conference dedicated to convening green building industry professionals, school decision makers, educators and parents. The event provides a truly unique opportunity for open and productive dialogue on how to create better learning environments for our kids.
Volunteer at the Summit! Volunteers get free admission to the conference. Fill out this form and someone will be in touch with you soon.

This year’s theme is "The Balancing Act." 

Sponsors/exhibitors and community partners make this educational conference possible.
LEED professionals, AIA architects and teachers can earn up to 5 hours of continuing education.

Resource! PPLD Green Team Facebook page

In order to give our patrons even more information on current events, programs, and timely projects and sustainable practices, the PPLD Green Team now has a Facebook page.  It will probably be more current than this blog, but this will be a great place to look when searching for regional resources, organizations and annual events. 

Resource! Recycle Yard Waste for Free

 With all the rain this summer, everyone will have lots of leaves and other yard waste to dispose of. Put it to good use rather than sending it to the landfill. Rocky Top accepts free yard waste (with some restrictions) Saturday afternoons, with a non-perishable food donation.

Events: Sustainability Opportunities in October

It's going to be a beautiful October, but sources say we may have a cold, wet winter ahead.  Now's the time to make a green living resolution to keep Colorful Colorado the natural wonder it has always been, inspite of burgeoning population and urbanization.  Start with some of these upcoming events to get yourself on the Sustainability train.


Colorado Springs Utilities is offering at least one class this month, on DIY and professional energy and water audits:  CSU classes

University of Colorado Colorado Springs is having a  Campus Sustainability Day . Not many details at press time, but check it out later this month.

CRES is offering the second in a series of seminars on sustainability and saving money: Saving Money: Taming Energy and Water Waste Seminar 2

Farmers  Markets are winding down, but don't miss the last opportunities to get out and enjoy fresh, wholesome, locally grown produce while supporting our local growers.
And finally, but probably most cool, don't miss  Cool Science Carnival Day  coming up this Saturday.  Amazing how science and sustainable practices can connect.

Resource! Habitat For Humanity ReStore

From their website:

The ReStore is a great place to find new, gently used and reconditioned supplies for virtually any kind of project you have around your home or office. Of course you could wander around one of the big box stores looking for what you want, but when you shop at the ReStore you're helping Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity build our community. Our inventory changes every day so be sure to come by often.

Create Your Own Compost Bin

Using found scrap and stock material, our very own Green Team member, Robin, created a compost bin for the PPLD Green Team Garden. You can find many supplies needed by checking out the Habitat for Humanity Restore.  Food grade drums are recommended! At this time of this blog post, a quick search of Craigslist (using keyword “Drums”) found several ads of metal and plastic drums ranging from $15 to $25. Watch the videos below and create your very own compost bin! More step by step instructions can be found on WikiHow . Let us know how your bin turns out.

Event! Cool Science Carnival Day

Don't miss this fun event for kids!  Cool Science Carnival

Organization! Two local groups to keep an eye on

Check out these two local organizations!  This month is Bike Month at UCCS.  A couple events are over, but there are some great ones still to Come.

Here's their website with a link to a Facebook page:
UCCS Office of Sustainability

And Colorado Springs Food Rescue is doing great work getting healthy, local food out there where it's needed.  Here's their Facebook page:


Colorado Springs Food Rescue

Event! Colorado Springs What If Festival

Don't miss this exciting event!  Among all the other things to do, this year’s What If Festival will feature a local foods area.  It will have demos of canning and flour grinding, information about soil, aquaponics, building greenhouses, tiny farms and more.  Venetucci Farms and Chico Basin Ranch will be in that area – and a tiny house to tour too!  Check out their website for a map and complete listing of activities.

Have a sustainable August

Maybe more than any other time of the year, August is the month we wonder:  why worry about sustainability?  You look around and our world seems to be able to take care of itself, just fine.  The question we should really be asking is, what would it be like to live without all this?  So keep on track, and don't lose sight of all the resources in the Pikes Peak region to keep our Augusts looking like they do this year:

Farmers markets are going strong

Stop by Harlan Wolfe Ranch garden and pick some organic produce

Colorado Springs Utilities is still having monthly classes and events

The Colorado Springs Utilities blog has great tips, updates and news for the region

Check out the news for CEC:  Clean Energy Collective

Check out the Green Cities Coalition blog

Sign up for CRES's upcoming series on Saving Money on Energy and Water Waste

There are some great benefit concerts coming up through the Catamount Institute

Event! Colorado Grown Festival

Coming up this weekend:  Colorado Grown Festival.  Don't miss out on the fun and great ideas!

Resource! Community Gardens in the Pikes Peak Region

Did you know the Pikes Peak Library District has a community-style vegetable garden?  Community gardens are all the rage, if you haven't made the plunge, think about it.  A great organization to consult is Pikes Peak Urban Gardens.  Not only do they list all the garden options in the region, they also offer classes, garden tips, and opportunities to otherwise get involved.

Here's a photo of the library's garden from 2014:

Have a Sustainable July

Welcome July!  Hope you're having a happy and sustainable summer.  Though this is primarily an Earth Month blog, going into May, we wanted to post something so you know the PPLD Green Team is alive and well.

This is just a quick update.  Not a lot of events planned based on their event calendars, but check out the organizations and resources described in March, April and May which are active with resources and services available year round.

Coming up this month, don't miss:

 Farmers markets are going strong:



Colorado Springs Utilities is still having monthly classes and events:

And also, The Colorado Springs Utilities blog has great tips, updates and news for the region

High Prairie Library is offering a gardening event later this month


And otherwise, get out and enjoy all that the region has to offer (in a sustainable way, of course)!

Sustainability in June

June is a great month to celebrate sustainability. As we mentioned last month, this is mostly an Earth Month blog, but the organizations and resources described in March, April and May are active and available year round.

Coming up this month, don't miss:

 Farmers markets are starting up:

Don't miss Colorado Springs Utilities open house event at their Mesa Road complex that we posted last month

Colorado Springs Utilities is also having monthly classes and events:

And finally, Colorado Springs Utilities has great tips, updates and news for the region

Lastly, Green Cities Coalition is promoting World environment day with a party June 5th at Hillside Gardens

Colorado Springs Utilities Open House

From the Colorado Springs Utilities website:

Curious of which water-wise plants are best suited for your yard? Wondering how you can make your home more energy efficient?
Join us at our Open House to discover answers to these questions and more.

• Saturday, June 6
• 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Conservation and Environmental Center at 2855 Mesa Rd. (map)
• Free parking and open to the public

Ask the experts, participate in free classes and demonstrations, take home money-saving giveaways and enter to win great prizes! Plus, kids will learn about energy and water through a scavenger hunt and other activities.
Classes include:

• Renewable energy: Learn about solar power from a local installer
• Energy efficiency at home: The Energy Resource Center will share easy ways to save energy and money
• Xeriscape: Discover which low-water plants are best for your landscape

Demonstrations, tours and booths

• Electric vehicle test drives from BMW and Nissan
• Xeriscape garden tours
• Irrigation system how-to workshop
• Energy and water experts on hand to discuss your efficiency improvements
• Get hands on with our energy and water interactive home
• Visit our demonstration yards and take home easy-to-follow landscape templates
• Ask the experts: Local energy and water experts will be on hand to answer your home improvement questions
• Bake sale presented by the Friends of the Mesa Garden

Enter to win

• Window air conditioner provided by Home Depot
• High-efficiency faucet with installation provided by Team Plumbing
• Energy-efficient 5 cubic foot freezer provided by iHeart Media
• WaterSense labeled toilet and free installation from Rampart Supply
• Gift cards from Phelan Nursery, Colorado Tree Farm and Summerland Gardens
• Compost bin from Ace Hardware
• LED lights from CLEAResult
• Spin the wheel to win prizes from iHeart Media (KCCY, KKLI and KVUU will be on site)

Giveaways and exchange

• First 25 households to arrive receive a free hose nozzle
• Xeriscape perennial flower seeds
• Exchange: Bring in up to two old showerheads and receive new WaterSense labeled showerheads and a shower timer (details here)

Kids' activities

• Scavenger hunt
• Dewey, Louie the Lightning Bug and Sniffy mascots
• Water system interactive display

Thanks for following the PPLD Green Team blog!

Since this is a seasonal blog, we won't be updating as often as during Earth Month. But you'll still find many of the organizations and resources listed here helpful year round. We'll try to add a monthly entry with sustainability events, but otherwise, check back with us next March!

Resource! CS Utilities Blog Posts

This message from Colorado Springs Utilities:

Hope you enjoy and spread this great information to your customers, clients and friends:

General Water Supply and Education The relationship between measuring snow pack and water supply

Understanding graywater use and rainwater harvesting

Landscape Information Free Xeriscape Classes

Spruce Up Your Sprinkler System

April's Featured Plant

Conservation 4/20 Leaky Toilets and Stewardship

Resource! Nature Conservancy DVD's from PPLD

Want to be inspired or motivated?  Check out one of these great movies about nature conservation from your local Pikes Peak Library District facility.

Organization! Clean Energy Collective

From the Clean Energy Collective website:

Clean Energy Collective has partnered with Colorado Springs Utilities to provide community solar for their customers that live in Denver, Arapahoe, Boulder, Jefferson, and Summit Counties. Space is limited, so act fast and reserve your panels before they’re all gone!

Event! Arbor Day is May 2

We're celebrating Arbor Day in the Pikes Peak Region May 2!  Plant a tree for yourself and generations to come.  Here's the Arbor Day website.

Event! Grand Opening High Prairie Seed Library

Come to the Grand Opening of the High Prairie Seed Library!! Learn how to "check out" seeds and meet fellow gardeners.

Date: 4/25/2015
Start Time: 10:00 AM
End Time: 12:00 PM

Library: High Prairie Library - 7035 Old Meridian Rd.   
Location: HI Study Room (paper sign-in)
Contact: Rhonda
Contact Number: 260-3650

Organization! Green Cities Coalition

 From their website:

Green Cities Coalition Mission

The purpose of the Green Cities Coalition is to promote ecologically, economically and socially healthy cities in El Paso County, for the benefit of present and future residents of the Pikes Peak region. We envision healthy, equitable and sustainable communities, both human and natural.
More than 450 organizations, businesses and individuals have participated with our coalition, developing initiatives in many areas that impact the sustainability of the region. Our 2014 Champions are Jane Ard-Smith, The Bag Ladies, Blue Planet Earthscapes, Colorado College Office of Sustainability, Colorado Springs Public Market, Growthbusters, Jan-Pro Cleaning Systems, Manitou Arts Center, Market Local Food, Pikes Peak Community Foundation, Pikes Peak Justice & Peace Commission, Ranch Foods Direct, Seeds Community Café and Terra Essentials. Please visit the working group links to see what we have been working on or to join a group that shares your interests.

TOGETHER, WE CAN GREEN THE REGION!

Resource! Kids, can't play outside? Try these online activities.

For fun and learning, try these online activities for kids.  The site is EcoKids from Canada.

Earth Day 2015 -- 45 years!

Happy Birthday, Earth Day!  You're 45 years old, and the earth you celebrate is 4.5 billion years old. Here's to the next 4,500,000,000 years!

Resource! ERC--Energy Resource Center

From their website:

About ERC

The Energy Resource Center works closely with Colorado Springs Utilities as well as other utility providers and nonprofits in El Paso, Denver, Jefferson, Teller, Fremont, Elbert, South Douglas, Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Saguache and Rio Grande counties.

Our mission is to help income-qualified residents make energy efficiency improvements to their homes or apartments that will increase their quality of life, save them money on energy bills. Our efforts help to keep southern Colorado families warm and protect them from the risks associated with dangerously low temperatures and carbon monoxide poisoning

We have been helping families save money and conserve energy since 1979.

About ERC

The Energy Resource Center works closely with Colorado Springs Utilities as well as other utility providers and nonprofits in El Paso, Denver, Jefferson, Teller, Fremont, Elbert, South Douglas, Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Saguache and Rio Grande counties.

Our mission is to help income-qualified residents make energy efficiency improvements to their homes or apartments that will increase their quality of life, save them money on energy bills. Our efforts help to keep southern Colorado families warm and protect them from the risks associated with dangerously low temperatures and carbon monoxide poisoning
We have been helping families save money and conserve energy since 1979.

- See more at: http://www.erc-co.org/about/#sthash.PMxiCjnb.dpuf

About ERC

The Energy Resource Center works closely with Colorado Springs Utilities as well as other utility providers and nonprofits in El Paso, Denver, Jefferson, Teller, Fremont, Elbert, South Douglas, Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Saguache and Rio Grande counties.

Our mission is to help income-qualified residents make energy efficiency improvements to their homes or apartments that will increase their quality of life, save them money on energy bills. Our efforts help to keep southern Colorado families warm and protect them from the risks associated with dangerously low temperatures and carbon monoxide poisoning
We have been helping families save money and conserve energy since 1979.

- See more at: http://www.erc-co.org/about/#sthash.PMxiCjnb.dpuf

About ERC

The Energy Resource Center works closely with Colorado Springs Utilities as well as other utility providers and nonprofits in El Paso, Denver, Jefferson, Teller, Fremont, Elbert, South Douglas, Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Saguache and Rio Grande counties.

Our mission is to help income-qualified residents make energy efficiency improvements to their homes or apartments that will increase their quality of life, save them money on energy bills. Our efforts help to keep southern Colorado families warm and protect them from the risks associated with dangerously low temperatures and carbon monoxide poisoning
We have been helping families save money and conserve energy since 1979.

- See more at: http://www.erc-co.org/about/#sthash.PMxiCjnb.dpuf

About ERC

The Energy Resource Center works closely with Colorado Springs Utilities as well as other utility providers and nonprofits in El Paso, Denver, Jefferson, Teller, Fremont, Elbert, South Douglas, Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Saguache and Rio Grande counties.

Our mission is to help income-qualified residents make energy efficiency improvements to their homes or apartments that will increase their quality of life, save them money on energy bills. Our efforts help to keep southern Colorado families warm and protect them from the risks associated with dangerously low temperatures and carbon monoxide poisoning
We have been helping families save money and conserve energy since 1979.

- See more at: http://www.erc-co.org/about/#sthash.PMxiCjnb.dpuf

Organization! Southeast Colorado Renewable Energy Society

From their website:

The Southeast Colorado Renewable Energy Society (SECRES) is a chapter of CRES, whose members come from the Arkansas River drainage – Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and the southeastern section of the state.  SECRES was founded in June 2003 to promote, educate and advocate for solar and renewable energy.
If you’d like to learn more about renewable energy, or connect with the renewable energy community in our region, please join us! 

Vote for the Greenie Awards

You can vote online for winners in five categories.  Show your appreciation for those individuals and groups in our region that make a sustainable difference!

Resource! Energy Myths

Turn off those florescent lights and your computers and monitors.  Don't believe the myths.  The University of Oregon offers this information on common household myths:

Energy Conservation Myths

Resource! Sustainability Quotes

Check out the quotations on this website, one of many collecting the wisdom of the ages about living sustainably:
Sustainable Baby Steps

Event! Spring into your Backyard Series: Seed Saving Secrets and Seed Exchange

In this exciting presentation you will be introduced to the basic seed saving techniques for common garden vegetables. Topics include the difference between heirloom and hybrid, proper isolation to prevent crossing, and best choices for beginners to start with. After the presentation there will be a seed exchange. Make sure to bring some seeds to share! 

 

Library: Fountain Library - 230 S. Main Street
Location: Fountain Meeting Room

Other Information:

 PPLD sponsered event

Contact Number: 382-5347

Event! Tackle Trash

From the Colorado Springs Independent:

El Paso County is hosting the third annual Tackle the Trash, a County-wide “spring cleaning” event on Saturday, April 25, 2015, and encourages civic organizations, churches, scout groups, schools, families and individuals to participate.

Volunteers will pick up trash in seven specific areas around County parks, trails, town centers, public areas, creeks and roadways. This year a new pick-up area in Manitou Springs has been added to the list. County Commissioners will greet volunteers and assist with cleaning chores at various check-in sites beginning at 9 a.m. The County provides trash bags and safety vests. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own gloves, bottled water and sunscreen.

“El Paso County residents are proud of this beautiful place we call home,” Commissioner Chair Dennis Hisey said. “Tackle the Trash is a great opportunity for all of us working together to spruce up the community.”

Last year, more than 500 volunteers tackled the trash. For additional information including map locations of the Check-In sites and to register for the event you can go to www.tacklethetrash.com or call 520-7871. You can also send an email to: info@tacklethetrash.com. Participants younger than 16 must be supervised by an adult.

Event! This Saturday, Garden of the Gods Earthday Celebration

Don't miss this Saturday's event in Garden of the Gods.  Something for everyone in the family.  See the full schedule here.

Resource! Colorado Springs Utilities Efficiency Rebates

From the Colorado Springs Utilities Website:

Whether you are remodeling your home or just trying to reduce your monthly utility bill, we are here to help with money-saving rebates on energy and water efficient products.

Start by identifying areas in your home where you may be wasting valuable energy and water by completing a free home energy audit and review our water efficiency resource pages. When you take advantage of these efficiency tips and recommendations, you can reduce your usage, lower your utility costs and save natural resources.

Next, you can put money back in your pocket by taking advantage of rebates for efficiency upgrades, appliances, irrigation and renewable energy.

Start saving now.

https://www.csu.org/Pages/resrebates.aspx

Don't miss all our March posts!

Many upcoming events, classes, and ongoing resources and organizations are highlighted in our March posts.  Be sure and look back at those as well!  And you can always search by labels listed to the right, all applicable posts.

Event! Tween Shrink Your Carbon Footprint Program

Cheyenne Mountain Library is having a sustainability program for tweens.  Here's the event on their Facebook page.

Event! Bear Creek Nature Center Spring Programs

Bear Creek Nature Center is having a Sustainability series as well as many other great programs.  Check out their spring schedule here.  And be sure to register.

Event! High Altitude Gardening

You are invited to a garden chat with Karen Anderson, "The Plant Lady," from Paradise Gardens. Karen has been specializing in high altitude, organic, and native gardening since 1977, and is offering to share her experience, knowledge and passion with you in a casual , informative gathering at the Ute Pass Library! She will begin with working with, and building your soil, and then address other questions in the gardening world. Bring your notebooks!. This is a free class thanks to the generous support of the Ute Pass Friends of the Library.
Library: Ute Pass Library - 8010 Severy
Contact: Lisa Steck-Gillen
Contact Number: 684-9342
Presenter: Karen Anderson

Classes! H.A.S. Vegetable Gardening Success Lecture

Heres an upcoming lecture sponsored by the Horticultural Arts Society, including a tour of theformer Penrose home gardens:

The April 11th Spring Lecture Series of the Horticultural Art Society is being held at the Carriage Room at Penrose House, 1661 Mesa Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, starting at 10 am. A garden tour of the beautiful grounds of the former home of El Pomar founders Spencer and Julie Penrose, will follow the lecture.
The Lecture will be “Yes You Can: Veggie Gardening Success: Come learn the ABCs of vegetable gardening, plus some special tips and techniques that will help you succeed in our challenging area. ” Planning and persistence will pay off when you go out to harvest your own veggies! Lecturer Leslie Holzmann has been growing plants since she was a toddler, a very long time ago. The lessons learned from over 20 years of successes and failures in her Black Forest vegetable garden, added to the knowledge gained during an eleven year stint as a volunteer Colorado Master Gardener, enable her to offer proven advice to help you succeed in growing your own food here in the Pikes Peak region.
This event will be free to HAS members AND to the general public. PLEASE NOTE: Please pre-register (seating is limited) at hasgardens@gmail.com or by phone (719)357-9427.
We are always delighted to see everyone at this event.  We take great pride in offering an event at this lovely conference center each year.  If you have any questions, please call or email us at the above address and phone.

Resource! Free Hazardous Waste Disposal

Here's another great resource for getting rid of dangerous household items:  the El Paso County Household Hazardous Waste Facility.  They've even got a nifty video about what they do.

Resource! El Paso County Recycling Directory

Don't know where to recycle that unusual item?  Don't throw it away.  Find a local recycling option in the El Paso County Recycling Directory.

Event! April Sustainability Breakfast -Spirituality & Sustainability

The Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future, along with the Catamount Institute and Sustainable Fort Carson are holding their monthly Sustainability Breakfast Series on the topic of Spirituality and Sustainability on Thursday, April 9th, from 7:30 - 9:00 AM in the Wildcat Room at the Ivywild School.

Join a panel of religious thought leaders for discussion of Faith and Environmental Stewardship in the Pikes Peak region. What do religious texts say about taking care of the Earth? What has been lost in translation? How can sustainability strengthen a congregation? These questions and much more will be discussed. Stay tuned for a list of panelists and save the date!

• Thursday April 9, 2015
• 7:30am - 9:00am
• Ivywild School, 1604 S. Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80905 

No need to RSVP - just come! Free & Open to the Community.
Bring your own breakfast or come early and grab something in the Principal's Office or Old School Bakery.

Resource! CSU Extension CMG Garden Notes

Colorado State University Extension offers great resources in conjunction with their Master Gardener program. Take at look at these guides to: Climate Summary: Colorado Springs, Colorado Vegetable Planting Guide

Organization! Pikes Peak Earth Month

Take a look at their website: "You found the go-to website for Pikes Peak Earth Month! Earth Day is more than just a day. It has spread to every day of our lives and April has become a month to celebrate our daily endeavors toward sustainability through local actions. April is also a great time to reach out to those who may not be aware of the benefits of making smart choices about the earth and its resources, to share our collective knowledge, and increase our connection with our community and the earth history."

Event! Garden of the Gods Earth Day

Join in the fun at this annual event!

Organization! Catamount Institute

From their website: Catamount Institute is a non-profit organization based in Colorado Springs, CO, whose mission is to develop ecological stewards through education and adventure. From School Rooms to Board Rooms, we create a vibrant community, where each of us takes responsibility for our actions and business leaders engage in practices that respect our natural resources, give back to the community, and positively affect the bottom line. Our children experience the wonders of the outdoors firsthand, while developing life skills that will serve society, as well as themselves. .

Resource! Checkout Kill A Watt Meters.

From Colorado Springs Utilities website: We've teamed up with the Pikes Peak Library District, PPLD, to provide Kill A Watt meters that can be borrowed, just like books, to help you check-in to energy savings. A Kill A Watt meter is a simple and remarkably useful device that reveals how much plug-in appliances are costing you to operate. Two meters are available at each PPLD location for check-out. To measure an appliance’s electricity use, simply plug the meter into a wall socket and then plug an appliance or small electronic item into the meter. The meter will display how much energy the device uses over a specific period of time – even when the electronic is supposedly switched off. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that about 10 percent of household electricity use is consumed by idle devices, or those that continue to draw power when they are off. This waste can be measured by the Kill A Watt meter. Once the high-energy use appliances are identified, you can take special care to turn them off, unplug them if not needed or replace them. By making energy-saving adjustments, you can take charge of your electricity use and lower your utility bill. We have energy and water experts available to answer your questions at the Conservation and Environmental Center. To find a library location, visit the PPLD website.

Classes! Colorado Springs Utilities Xeriscape Classes

From the Colorado Springs Utilities site: "We are committed to the intelligent use of water. We provide classes with experienced instructors to help you make the best use of this precious resource. There is no charge for classes and reservations are not required, unless otherwise noted; however, seating is limited and first come, first served. All classes are held at Colorado Springs Utilities Conservation and Environmental Center, 2855 Mesa Road, home of our beautiful xeriscape demonstration garden. For more information call (719) 668-8232." Click here for more information.

Event! Vegetable Container Gardening

Garden anywhere! For those of you who don’t have space for a garden, or prefer to stick to a smaller space -- container gardening is a great way to grow. Julie, from Summerland Gardens, will talk about which plants thrive in containers. No registration required for this free program. Click here for more information Library: Cheyenne Mountain Library - 1785 S. 8th Street Suite 100 Date: 4/11/2015 Start Time: 10:30 AM End Time: 12:00 PM

Event! The Big Cool Science Festival at Colorado College Saturday, April 4, 2015

It's Cool Science time at Colorado College! Come kick-off Earth Month with us and find out how much fun science, math and engineering really is with live "Science Magic" demonstration shows, tours and dozens of fun and engaging hands-on science activities, including real magic tricks based on science. Presented by Cool Science, the Colorado College Cool Science Club and local companies, schools, clubs, nonprofits, museums and other organizations. The event is free, but please pre-register, and a $2/child (or $5/family) donation via Paypal (or cash at the door) will be appreciated to help cover our costs. Most activities are intended for students ages 8-15, but there will be fun for all ages.

Resource! Pikes Peak Library Green Living Resources

Pikes Peak Library staff is pleased to recommend a plethora of resources for our patrons interested in living green. Click here to explore. You can always find it as a category, listed under All Subjects in the Research column of our website: PPLD.org. Be sure and explore our subscription Databases if you want reliable, up-to-date info. There's a wide range of topics listed under recommended Websites. Composting, Recycling, Energy Savers, Local Organizations--they're all there. Finally, connect to the PPLD catalog for items of particular interest. You can further limit these catalog results if you want a specific type of item (DVD's for instance), or age group.

What this Blog is all about!

This blog is maintained by the Green Team of the Pikes Peak Library District. Every spring, we will highlight local events, organizations and resources enabling the community to live a greener, more sustainable life. In line with the library district’s mission, we hope you will SEEK: sustainable practices, ENGAGE in earth-wise living, and TRANSFORM the world that it might be an even better place for our children and generations to come!