What is Earth Month?

The 2021 Earth Day theme is "Restore Our Earth" and this April just so happens to be Weston's inaugural Earth Month. In anticipation of the release of Weston's first Climate Action and Resilience Plan, we're focusing our attention the whole month long to encourage residents to think about what we as a community can all do to protect and heal our Mother Earth.

Each week, this email will summarize various social media posts and news that were shared to help you adopt more earth-friendly practices into your everyday life.

This Week

A few news articles published by local advocacy groups that discuss the importance of reducing what goes into the garbage bag, as well as a town department that discusses nature.

Weston Residents Warming up to Idea of Composting - by the Sustainable Weston Action Group
Weston-Wayland Climate Group Discussed Trash Disposal - the Metro Weston Climate Solutions Group's first in a four-part series
Weston-Wayland Climate Group Discusses Transition to Zero Waste - the Metro West Climate Solutions Group's second in their four-part series
MetroWest Climate Solutions Zero Waste Presentation - recording of the March 4th discussion
Conservation Connections Spring 2021 - quarterly newsletter from Weston's Conservation Commission (subscribe so you don't miss the next one)

The Marian Case Nature Classroom

This weekend, why not spend some quality time with Mother Nature and start thinking about what you're willing to do to help her? For motivation and inspiration, make a visit to the Marian Case Nature Classroom at the Case Estates (just off the Legacy Trail). Dreamt up by a tree-loving, all things nature enthusiast and member of Weston Forest & Trail Association, and with the support of the Conservation Commission, Select Board, Weston Public Schools, and Land's Sake Inc., this clearing beneath the white pines and oaks is a peaceful way to breathe in and appreciate how valuable and precious nature is.

outdoor classroom with kids sitting on tree stumps

Stormwater Pollution and
How You Can Help

Stormwater pollution is the fastest growing type of water pollution in Massachusetts. It fouls our lakes, rivers, and streams, and spoils our water supplies and outdoor activities, as well as the fish and wildlife that depend on them. Stormwater is any natural or man-made contamination that finds its way into our natural water sources and there are easy steps we can take and new practices we can incorporate to help protect our water.

Too much fertilizer on your lawn is not good for the environment. When it rains, the excessive nutrients added to grass washes into local storm drains or streams. It can cause algae blooms, harm aquatic plants and wildflie. This season, explore a different approach to ween yourself away from traditional lawn care - or talk to your landscaper. Learn more from this article from Harvard Magazine.

Dog waste in the environment. First, dog poop is not "natural." It has excessive nutrients in it from dog food and can also contain harmful bacteria and parasites. When it decomposes, those nutrients and pathogens can compromise the natural soil and leech into local waterways. This can cause harm to our native flora and fauna, as well as harm our water and aquatic life. Those algae blooms we hear about in the summer? That's from stormwater pollution. Read more about Dog Waste in the Environment on the Town's website and this comical video from a not so polite Poo Fairy. Scoop it every time and bin it every time. Responsible dog walkers do this to protect the environment.

Learn more about stormwater pollution on the Town's website.

Gardening Tips

The weather out there is getting nice and it might be making a few itchy to get out and do some gardening. Cynthia Chapra, member of the Weston Garden Club and Conservation Commission, has a series of videos on Weston Media Center that discusses gardening. Here are a few to get you started:

Episode 1 - an introduction
Episode 3 - winter pruning
Episode 4 - making a green wood cloche
Episode 5 - all about pruning shears

To further help your gardening inspirations, a little yard clean up may be necessary. The town's Brush Dump opens on April 10th for four consecutive Saturdays. All you need is a Recycle Only permit to gain access to piles of free woodchips and composted soil. And, you can leave your yard waste here, too.

If you are in the planning phases of your gardening hopes, the Weston Plant Pollinator Alliance has a helpful guide to promote pollinator survival in your yard.

Did you know the Conservation Commission has a Tree/Shrub Replacement Guide that is very helpful for anyone looking to plant native trees and shrubs?

Assessing Your Place

If you need to gauge where you are currently in order to know where to begin, here are some tools to help guide you.

Carbon Footprint Calculator

Calculate your personal/household footprint so you know where you need to make changes so you can start to reduce it.

Smart Recycling

Test your knowledge on recycling by taking this quick online quiz.

What goes in the recycling bin in Massachusetts? Here's an online guide to help you.

Don't know what is recyclable or trash? Try the Recyclopedia on the Town's website.

What is one man's trash is another man's treasure. Rather than dumping, donate. Find donation sites and proper disposal ideas on the Town's website.

Homeowners Climate Action Toolkit

You may be surprised at some of the smallest changes you can make to make a difference. Take a look at this online guide for homeowners from Weston Ahead.

Sneak Peek at the Month Ahead

Here's just a peek at just some of what to expect this month:

The 4th Annual Town-wide Cleanup is the week of April 11th. It's easy to participate - just grab a bag and start picking up litter in your neighborhood. Post the pics on the public Weston Town Cleanup Facebook page.

The Pay As You Throw Working Group is presenting its report to the Select Board on April 13th.

Weston PTO Green Committee and Parent Education are hosting an online event on April 14th to discuss how to manage your spring cleanouts, indoors and out, more sustainably. Register in advance.

The public comment period for the Weston Ahead Climate Action & Resilience Plan will open the week of April 14th.

The Weston AIC is holding its annual Bike Repair Clinic on the Town Green on April 17th from 1 - 4pm

Land's Sake is hosting its virtual Earth Day, again this year.

Land's Sake is also hosting an Earth Day event on April 24th. Mark your calendars!

Arbor Day is April 30th - we'll be planting some trees

Weston Forest and Trail Association is hosting a Town Center walk with the Garden Club on May 2nd.

Please share!

Share this newsletter and spread the word about Earth Month!
Also, please tell us what you want to do to make a climate positive change to help move Weston Ahead!