February 2011 – RNeighbors

2011 Spring Citizen Forester Training

February 28, 2011

Photo: Here is the group from our 2010 Fall Citizen Forester Training at Quarry Hill Nature Center. When: Saturday, April 9, 2011. 8 am to 2 pm. Where: Quarry Hill Nature Center Community Ed Class Number: TBD Price: $15.00 Become a part of the Rochester urban forester team through this course led by the City of Rochester Forestry Division and RNeighborWoods. This class is packed with tree education, climbing, and planting. You’ll be an active participant in learning tree planting basics, care,…

Read More Read More

Have a comment? Join us on Facebook!

Clean Streets, Clean Streams This Spring

February 28, 2011

The snow is melting and spring rains are on the way! Melting snow banks reveal litter, sand, salt, pet waste and debris – if they reach our waterways they can cause big problems for aquatic life. This spring, we’re asking citizens to step up their own efforts to help keep our water clean. You can help reduce pollution by cleaning debris from your sidewalks and driveways, as well as the curbs and storm drains in front of your property, especially…

Read More Read More

Have a comment? Join us on Facebook!

RAW Winter 2011 Update

February 28, 2011

On Thursday, February 17, the Rochester Arborist Workshop proved to be one of the one of the most widely attended programs of the year. Over 220 foresters gather from as far as Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Ames, Iowa to learn about how they can improve their tree care techniques. Some of the topics discussed during the workshop was how to manage roots from nursery production and establishment through maturity, young and mature tree pruning strategies, pollarding, directional pruning, diagnosing…

Read More Read More

Have a comment? Join us on Facebook!

Litter Facts

February 27, 2011

Litter is waste that is out of place. It may be either man-made or natural materials. If outside a proper receptacle, items such as paper, plastic, glass, metal, building materials, discarded food, cigarette and cigar butts and rubber scraps are litter. Litter provides a breeding place for rodents, insects and disease. One cubic foot of garbage is capable of generating 75,000 flies. Trash thrown from motor vehicles can temporarily blind drivers, and may increase the number of crashes. Debris that…

Read More Read More

Have a comment? Join us on Facebook!

Rochesterfest Button

February 24, 2011

The Celebration of a City Board has chosen the top 4 designs for the Rochesterfest Button. Now YOU can vote for your favorite by going to the Rochesterfest Facebook page! Voting continues until 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 25th. Click Here To Vote: Rochesterfest Button The winner will be announced at 9:30 a.m. next Wednesday, March 2 at City Hall. The winner will receive $500. (Last year’s button is pictured)

Have a comment? Join us on Facebook!

Weekly Green Fact

February 22, 2011

In the process of getting that wonderful tax return, which is very much needed in these tough economic times. Why not try something new this year and get your refund directly deposited into your banking account electronically. This saves the time you spend waiting for a check to be delivered via snail mail and also saves on resources such as the paper used for stamps, and envelopes.

Have a comment? Join us on Facebook!

Saturdays at Slatterly: 3rd Annal Frosty Frolic

February 18, 2011

Come and joins us fro Snowman/Fort making activities for kids. When: Saturday, March 5th from 1-3 p.m. Meet at the Slatterly Park Shelter. Bring your own snowman decorations (i.e….hats, scarves) we will provide carrots for the nose, charcoal for the eyes, and sticks for the arms. There will also be hot chocolate, bonfire, and smores. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Sponsored by:

Have a comment? Join us on Facebook!

Bike Focus Group

February 18, 2011

Ride Bicycle? If you ride, or would like to ride, we need your input! Participate in a Focus Group. Information will help in developing a Bicycle Master Plan. Participants get $25 GIFT CARD to a local BIKE shop! Saturday February 26, 2011 MUST call to sign up and get more information. Rochester-Olmsted Planning Department: 507-328-7105

Have a comment? Join us on Facebook!

Weekly Green Fact

February 15, 2011

Do you want to know the effect your household has on the environment. Check out this simple carbon footprint calculator from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and see how you score. Household Emissions Calculator

Have a comment? Join us on Facebook!

Online Forum: Can Rochester fight crime by aiding troubled young people?

February 11, 2011

MPR News INSIGHT NOW TALK ABOUT ISSUES IN THE NEWS Online Forum: Can Rochester fight crime by aiding troubled young people? Does Rochester spend its money for public safety wisely? Should less resources go toward policing functions and diverted instead to helping young people at risk of being offenders? And are Rochester area people mentoring young people enough? Join the conversation online Friday, February 11, 2011.

Have a comment? Join us on Facebook!