Biscayne Bay is Miami’s most vital quality of life asset, and it’s the mainstay of our economy.
Irela Bague, Chair of the Biscayne Bay Task Force
Biscayne Bay
Articles by MelanieDawn
September 22: Pivoting School Sustainability Programming in the Time of COVID
Date: Tuesday, September 22 | Time: 3-4 p.m. EST
The school year is under way but so much is different this fall. Four green school district champions will share how they’ve shifted their educational and behavior change programming to take advantage of opportunities for outdoor learning, home-based engagement activities, energy auditing, and online zero waste education. Join us for our final event in the Sustainability COVID series to hear about lessons learned and new ideas for keeping sustainability programming moving forward in a realistic way this next school year.
Presenters
- Tresine Logsdon, Energy & Sustainability Curriculum Coordinator, Fayette County Public Schools
- Caroline Coster, Energy Manager, Metro Nashville Public Schools
- Amanda Mortl, Zero Waste Specialist, Austin Unified Public Schools
- Ghita Carroll, Sustainability Coordinator, Boulder Valley School District
More information:
We believe that all students deserve to attend sustainable schools that enhance their health and prepare them for 21st century careers.
Our work brings sustainability to life in the classroom and encourages communities to work together toward a future that is healthier for people and the planet. We welcome you to learn and to advance the green schools movement along with us.
The Center for Green Schools
September 15: Biscayne Bay Task Force Report & Recommendations
Join Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins (District 5) and Irela Bague, Chair of the Biscayne Bay Task Force, as they discuss the Biscayne Bay Task Force Report & Recommendations, release in June 2020. The report and recommendations proved to be horrifyingly prescient in light of the Biscayne Bay fish kill last month.
September 15: Mental Health & Resiliency in the Time of COVID
Date: Tuesday, September 15 | Time: 3-4 p.m. EST
The pandemic has taken a significant toll on people’s mental health, especially those working in schools. Presenters from the Green Schools National Network and districts across the country will help webinar attendees understand the importance of sustaining one’s own health and wellness as well as provide examples of social emotional programming that could be used to support teachers, school staff, students and the broader school community manage through this stressful time.
This webinar is the fourth in a five part series focused on keeping sustainability alive in k12 schools during COVID. We are excited to co-host this event with the Green Schools National Network.
More upcoming webinars
- Pivoting Sustainability Programming in the Time of COVID
September 22 | 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET
More information:
We believe that all students deserve to attend sustainable schools that enhance their health and prepare them for 21st century careers.
Our work brings sustainability to life in the classroom and encourages communities to work together toward a future that is healthier for people and the planet. We welcome you to learn and to advance the green schools movement along with us.
The Center for Green Schools
Saving Biscayne Bay – Afterword
Earlier this evening, I watched Louise Aguirre’s special “Saving Biscayne Bay” on WPLG Local 10; and participated in the Facebook Live town hall with FIU Institute of Environment researchers:
- Dr. Tiffany Troxler, Associate Director of Science, Sea Level Solutions Center & Member of the Biscayne Bay Task Force
- Dr. Thomas Frankovich, Research Assistant Professor, Southeast Environmental Research Center
- Dr. Todd Crowl, Executive Director, Institute of Environment
- Dr. James Fortrum, Director of Oceans & Coastlines Division
- Dr. Piero Gardinali, Director of the Freshwater Resources Division, Southeast Environmental Research Center
- Dr. Ligia Collado-Vides, Senior Lecturer, Associate Chair, Department of Biological Sciences
It was an amazing an informative hour and a half, and I highly recommend for everyone to watch for themselves.
While tonight’s event was prompted by the fish kill in Biscayne Bay last month, the underlying causes have been a matter of great concern for a long, long, long time.
“Saving Biscayne Bay” focused on the immediate crisis of the fish kill and some of its causes, including sewage leaks/spills and pollution. Images of piles of plastic & other pollution in Little River & San Souci canals was particularly disturbing.
The town hall went into those causes a bit deeper with experts from FIU’s Institute of Environment taking audience questions.
In response to overwhelming audience requests, the latter part of the town hall including recommendations for what we, as ordinary citizens, can do to help save our Biscayne Bay. Suggestions included reduction/elimination of fertilizers (especially from May through September) and the use of native landscaping; don’t through grass clipping, palm fronds or other yard debris into the waterways, reporting clogged storm drains, and education.
Resources
- Biscayne Bay Task Force Report and Recommendations, June 2020
- Consensus statement on fish kill and algae bloom in Biscayne Bay
- go.fiu.edu/BayHealth
- environment@fiu.edu
- @FIUcase
- @FIUenvironment
Saving Biscayne Bay
Tonight at 8:00 p.m., ABC Local 10 Miami will be airing a special half-hour broadcast: “Saving Biscayne Bay”.
Local 10 environmental advocate Louis Aguirre investigates the issues Biscayne Bay is now facing, how we got to this point, and how we as a community can change the Bay’s future.
Immediately following @WPLGLocal10’s special on Saving Biscayne Bay (9/2 @ 8 p.m.), we will host a town hall on Facebook Live on what is happening in the Bay.
@LOUISAGUIRRE will take your questions and our @FIU researchers will provide answers LIVE
FIU
- Link to FIU’s “Q&A: The Science Behind Saving Biscayne Bay” Online Event
- Link to WPLG Local 10 ABC
A Street
A street is a spatial entity and not the residue between buildings.
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September 1: Recycling and Composting in the Time of COVID
Date: Tuesday, September 1 | Time: 3-4 p.m. EST
Keeping on track with recycling and composting goals is a challenge in normal times, but the increased packaging, eating in the classroom, and PPE waste, as a result of COVID, is creating real issues for sustainability champions. Hear how school systems are proactively responding by pivoting recycling education, food reuse programs, and collection systems to ensure their programs stay on track.
Presenters:
- Rina Fa’amoe-Cross, Resource Conservation Specialist, Seattle Public Schools
- Kathleen Corrardi, Zero Waste Program Manager, New York City Dept of Education
More upcoming webinars
- Mental Health and Resiliency in the Time of COVID
September 15 | 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET - Pivoting Sustainability Programming in the Time of COVID
September 22 | 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET
More information:
We believe that all students deserve to attend sustainable schools that enhance their health and prepare them for 21st century careers.
Our work brings sustainability to life in the classroom and encourages communities to work together toward a future that is healthier for people and the planet. We welcome you to learn and to advance the green schools movement along with us.
The Center for Green Schools
August 25: Energy and IAQ in the Time of COVID
Date: Tuesday, August 25 | Time: 3-4 p.m. EST
As schools discuss how to reopen safely, all eyes are on indoor air quality. Join this webinar to hear how energy and facilities staff are shifting operations and maintenance of their school buildings and what new technologies are being considered for providing healthier spaces. Presenters will also discuss the ongoing challenge of balancing energy conservation and health goals during this pandemic.
Presenters:
- Shannon Oliver, Assistant Director of Energy & Sustainability, Adams 12 – Five Star Schools
- Chris Ralston, Facilities Manager, San Juan Unified School District
- David Sturtz, Partner, Coop Strategies
More upcoming webinars
- Recycling and Composting in the Time of COVID
September 1 | 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET - Mental Health and Resiliency in the Time of COVID
September 15 | 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET - Pivoting Sustainability Programming in the Time of COVID
September 22 | 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET
More information:
We believe that all students deserve to attend sustainable schools that enhance their health and prepare them for 21st century careers.
Our work brings sustainability to life in the classroom and encourages communities to work together toward a future that is healthier for people and the planet. We welcome you to learn and to advance the green schools movement along with us.
The Center for Green Schools
August 25 LEED Case Study: Barnett Tower Historical Building
One advantage to our current virtual environment is that we can attend events like this no matter where we are! The U.S. Green Building Council – Florida is hosting a LEED Case Study of the Barnett Tower historical building in Jacksonville, Florida and you are invited!
Learn how the 1926 Barnett Tower was transformed into a LEED-certified, mixed-use facility
The Barnett Tower, originally built in 1926, was the main headquarters of Barnett National Bank, which was at that time the largest commercial bank in the state of Florida. Until the erection of the Aetna Building in 1954, the 18-story, 223 ft (68m) tall Barnett Building, nestled in Jacksonville’s urban core, laid claim to being the tallest building in the North Florida region. The Owners’ decision to rehabilitate the building came with significant challenges, but also with a great opportunity to contribute to the revitalization of Jacksonville’s historic downtown.
LEED Case Study: Barnett Tower Historical Building
When: August 25 from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: Online event
Credits: 1 GBCI LEED Specific BD+C, 1 AIA LU/HSW
Speakers
- Ryan Fryman | PE, LEED AP BD+C, CxA, Principal, TLC Engineering Solutions
- Mark Gelfo | PE, LEED Fellow, CxA, EMP, Principal, TLC Engineering Solutions
Schedule
11:25 p.m. | Webinar opens
11:30 p.m. | Program begins
11:45 p.m. | Presentation
12:40 p.m. | Q&A and discussion
1:00 p.m. | Webinar closes
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