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New Group Formed to Preserve, Enhance, Protect the Blue
Ridge Mountains |
Sample electric cars were on display at a LCCSS-sponsored event in
April at which the film “Who Killed the Electric Car” was screened.
LCCSS Works Toward Energy-Secure Future
By GINA FABER
Member, LCCSS
More and more climate change is being reported by the media, but what
can citizens do about it? In 2005, Sustainable Loudoun/Loudoun County
Committee for Sustainability (LCCSS) founder Tony Noerpel challenged
Loudouners to work for sustainability NOW, in order to prepare for an
energy-secure future for our children.
Sustainable Loudoun’s mission is to promote the development of a local
community economy based on environmental stewardship and the sustainable
use of resources. Examples of the group’s efforts include sponsoring
public education guest expert lectures, films and Science Fair prizes,
organizing conferences, and creating questionnaires for Loudoun School
Board and Board of Supervisors candidates. A recently formed education
subcommittee is focusing on the environmental health of Loudoun
children.
More than 120 Loudoun citizens and representatives of industry and
government share information through an internet mailing list about
global environmental issues, alternative energy and reducing carbon
emissions. Initiatives in local industry, government, education and
public policy have been the major thrusts of their efforts.
Sustainable Loudoun will present its second free annual Alternative
Energy Summit on Nov. 9. It will feature industry representatives
discussing state-of-the-art solar, wind, geothermal and biodiesel
energies, and will give attendees the chance to “be part of the
solution.” (See LCCSS website for details.)
Learn more about Sustainable Loudoun at
www.sustainableloudoun.org.
Subscribe to the main internet mailing list to enter the conversation
about energy efficiency, climate change and alternative energy as it
relates to living in Loudoun. There is also a low-volume LCCSS
announcement list of educational activities and events sponsored by or
promoted by Sustainable Loudoun. |
By AL VAN HUYCK
Vice President, FBRM
The mission of the newly-formed Friends of the Blue Ridge Mountains is
to preserve, enhance and celebrate the Blue Ridge Mountains as a
valuable resource and treasured space for present and future
generations.
Two standing committees have been formed.
The Land Use Committee will be responsible for monitoring development on
the mountains; preparing maps; conducting research on land use, historic
structures and cultural sites; and making proposals for preservation of
the mountains.
The Celebrations Committee will be responsible for organizing
educational programs, field trips, lectures, public relations and
membership events.
The FBRM is a membership organization open to all who share the mission
of the organization. Members are invited to join in all the activities
of the organization.
Anyone interested in joining is urged to contact Al Van Huyck by phone
at 540-338-3524 or email
avanhuyck@aol.com. |
By JOE COLEMAN
Vice President, LWC
Thirteen years ago, three Loudoun County residents who lived just south
of Round Hill became concerned with the rapid and daily loss of wildlife
habitat. Because of the negative impact of the loss on the richness of
the county’s wildlife, they decided something had to be done to reverse
the trend.
Envisioning a county where people would live in balance with wildlife
and act with an understanding of the value and importance of nature,
they formed the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy (LWC).
LWC’s mission is to promote the preservation and proliferation of
healthy wildlife habitats throughout Loudoun County by fostering an
understanding of the value of nature and providing opportunities for
applying that knowledge for the betterment of the natural environment.
Since 1995 the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy has grown to over 600
members who represent all areas of the county.
LWC’s activities include:
• Programs featuring wildlife specialists and guest speakers;
• Nature studies and wildlife watching;
• Amphibian monitoring;
• Bluebird nestbox monitoring;
• Annual butterfly count;
• Bird surveys and walks;
• Stream monitoring programs and classes;
• Habitat restoration;
• Tools for reaching out to public officials;
• Hands-on classes, field trips and adventures for all ages; and
• Publications and handouts highlighting local wildlife and habitats.
For more information, visit
www.loudounwildlife.org. |
