Earth2Lincoln Radio on KZUM 89.3 FM

World Population Growth & The Hunt for Sustainability

2011-01-18T10:24:00.000-08:00

The 1/18/2011 earth2lincoln radio program will discuss the implications of sustainability relative to world population growth. W. Cecil Steward, CEO & Founder of the Joslyn Center Institute for Sustainable Communities, will be our guest for program.

Cecil Steward is professor and dean emeritus of the College of Architecture at UNL, where he served as dean for 27 years. In 1996 he founded the Joslyn Castle Institute for Sustainable Communities. He currently serves as the President and CEO of the JCI. Cecil is also a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and a former national president of the American Institute of Architects.

Cecil will outline his international work along with the myriad of local sustainability initiatives that he has seeded in Lincoln and other Nebraska communities. Local work includes:

Josyln Center Institute for Sustainable Communities - www.ecospheres.com
EcoStores Nebraska - www.ecostoresne.org
Lincoln Green by Design - www.lincolngreenbydesign.com

Cecil has also played a pivotal role in organizing a statewide dialogue on sustainability and Nebraska's environment called Conversation Conferences via his work with the Nebraska Sustainability Leadership Workshop Series. More info on the discussion can be found at, www.nslw.org.

earth 2 lincoln encourages listeners to check these sites out for more info on how to get involved with sustainability actions here in Lincoln and Nebraska.

Human Dimensions and Population Growth

2011-01-11T09:08:00.000-08:00

This is a first! I'm actually posting information about a show BEFORE the show!

My guest is Donna Woudenberg, Drought Management Specialist at UNL's School of Natural Resources. She is the first person at UNL to receive a degree in Human Dimensions with a Natural Resources emphasis. We chatted about what Human Dimensions is, how it combines social science with physical science and what is classes are emphsized in the Human Dimensions major. To find out more about the program, visit http://snr.unl.edu/gradstudent/special/spec-humandimensions.asp

The Earth2Lincoln program's January theme is population growth and resulting overpopulation. Donna and I talked about how understanding cultures, countries, religions, and many other aspects of humans will help policy makers' strategies in the future. National Geographic Magazine has an interesting article about population growth in their January issue. You can access it at this website: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/featurehub

If you would like to get involved with in sustainability and the environment here in Nebraska, there is an upcoming conference that may be of interest to you. It is called the "Conversations Conference on Nebraska Environment and Sustainability", and it is being held on Feb. 11, 2011, for 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's East Campus Union. For more information, visit http://www.nslw.org/conversations_registration.html by January 14.

You can also contact Katie Torpy at ktorpy@sustainabledesign.org or 402-933-0080.

Thanks for visiting.

Chris the Bird Lady

Daniel Quinn, Alan Thornhill Dialogue

2011-01-04T17:13:00.000-08:00

Hi folks, the rest of the dialogue can be heard here: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7826621532426926190#
Take Care,
Adam

Corridor Alliance and Spring Creek Prairie

2010-12-10T10:16:00.000-08:00

Hello!
Sorry I haven't been on for a while. It's amazing how much time can pass before you know it! My October guest was Meghan Sittler, Program Coordinator for the Lower Platte River Corridor Alliance. This is a group of private, state, federal, and local entities that work together on issues concerning the lower Platte River. Meghan talked about projects that the LPRCA has been working on lately, what they've done in the past, and what is planned for the future. One of the large projects the LPRCA continues to work on is to coordinate with agencies to remove old bridge pilings that can cause problems to recreational users of the river, such as airboaters, kayakers, and canoers.

To find out more about the LPRCA, go to: www.lowerplatte.org.

My November guest was Deb Hauswald, Education Coordinator at Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center near Denton, NE. Deb and I chatted about all the great educational programs that SCP has to offer both school groups and the public. One really exciting program that has been going on for a few years now is the Prairie Immersion hikes. Fourth grade students from Lincoln Public Schools enjoy a full day on the prairie discovering what the prairie is and what might live there.

Another fun opportunity that folks can enjoy while at SCP are self-guided discovery hikes. Backpacks with suggested activities and discoveries are available for a variety of interests including: ornithology, entomology, agronomy, and others.

SCP is open year-round, and have many events throughout the year. Visit their website for dates and times: springcreekprairie.audubon.org

My next show on December 20 will be during KZUM Cares, and Nancy Furman, Director of Pioneers Park Nature Center will be my guest.

Thanks for Listening!
Chris the Bird Lady

Buffalo Bruce Urainium Mining and Nuclear Power

2010-09-27T15:14:00.000-07:00

Here's some links from the show:
http://www.nirs.org/ Nuclear Information and Resource Services

http://news.legislature.ne.gov/nat/ Natural Resources Commitee of Nebraska

http://www.les.com/ Lincoln Electric Systems

http://www.neo.ne.gov/ Nebraska Energy Office

Thanks for Listening!

Trust Going Strong

2010-09-21T07:35:00.000-07:00

Hello!

My guest on Monday, Sept. 20, was Mark Brohman, Executive Director of the Nebraska Environmental Trust. The Trust was established in 1992 to "conserve, enhance and restore the natural environments of Nebraska". Through Nebraska Lottery, Powerball, and scratch-off ticket receipts, nearly $15 million dollars per year is available for the Trust to distribute using a competitive grant application system. Nearly $160 million dollars have been available to organizations through this granting process since 1992.

Every county in Nebraska has benefitted from this program. In 2010, the Trust received about 110 applications, totaling around $54 million. They hope to have between $16 and $17 million to distribute this year. In February 2011, recommendations for funding are sent to the Trust Board from experts that have reviewed the applications. There is a public comment period, and then final results are announced in April 2011.

The Nebraska Environmental Trust is unique to Nebraska. Only Colorado has a program, called Great Outdoors Colorado or GO-CO, that is somewhat similar to our Trust.

The 2010 grant application due date has passed (Sept. 7), but there are still smaller grants available, called PIE grants (Public Information and Education). These grants are distributed through the Nebraska Academy of Sciences. They are also called "mini-grants" because they have a limit of $3,000 per grant request. The next deadline for PIE grants is Friday, October 8, 2010, so there is still time to apply.

For more information about the Nebraska Environmental Trust, visit their website at http://www.environmentaltrust.org/. You can access information about the PIE grants through the Trust website or go to the Nebraska Academy of Science website at http://neacadsci.org/.

Thanks, Mark, for a great informational show.

Chris the Bird Lady

Nebraska League of Conservation Voters

2010-08-23T14:35:00.000-07:00

Hi folks
Here's a link to the Nebraska League of Conservation Voters. www.nlcv.org
Here's a more direct link to the Benifit show Thursday. http://nlcv.org/117.php
And if you'd like to sample some of the bands playing.
Kris Lager Band www.krislagerband.com
Son of '76 www.sonof76.com
Stonebelly http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stonebelly/131559150199344

Environmental Literacy Plan moving forward

2010-08-19T14:17:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
On Monday, August 16, Harry Heafer, president of the Nebraska Alliance of Conservation and Environment Educators (NACEE) was on the show to explain what NACEE is and to tell folks how the Environmental Literacy Plan (ELP) is progressing.

NACEE has been instrumental in writing the ELP, and have also written an Enviromental Education Master Plan for Nebraska. NACEE is open to anyone who has an interest in teaching about our environment.

The No Child Left Inside Act prompted the formal writing of an Environmental Literacy Plan for Nebraska. Each state will need to write one if they are to be eligible for federal funds to move the plan forward. At this time, the Nebraska Board of Education has seen the ELP and are just waiting for congress to move the Act forward for funding. That will have to go through the next legislative session.

You can find out more about NACEE and the ELP by going to the NACEE website at www.nacee.org

Next month, on Sept. 20, my guest will be Mark Brohman, Executive Director of the Nebraska Environmental Trust.

Listen every Monday from 6 to 6:30 p.m. for other great programs on the Earth 2 Lincoln show!

Till next time,
Chris the Bird Lady

July 26 2010 Jane Kleeb of Bold Nebraska

2010-07-28T15:32:00.001-07:00

Hi folks,

To learn more about Bold Nebraska and the Transcanada Pipeline check out www.boldnebraska.org

To see what a tarsand mine looks like check out www.plainsjustice.org

Click the link to hear the whole show again. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQkpkXQ_pJs

2010-07-22T07:31:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

My guests on July 19 were Sue Ellen Pegg, Recruitment Coordinator for the UNL School of Natural Resources, and Kate, an Environmental Science student. The ladies and I chatted about how important environmental and natural resource professions are now and will be in the future.

Sue Ellen spoke about the many majors available for students to choose from at the School of Natural Resources. Several of the majors are increasing in enrollment; others are just getting started, like Environmental Restoration Science. Kate spoke about all the many interesting classes available for students, and how the Environmental Science major exposes students to a wide range of subjects.

To find out more about UNL School of Natural Resources, or are interested in finding out more about classes and majors, here are the sources:

Email: snrrecruiting@unl.edu

Website: http://snr.unl.edu/

Facebook: Keywords: UNL School of Natural Resources

Next week, July 26, Adam will be the host and his guest will be Jane Kleeb from BOLDNebraska.org and they'll be discussing the proposed TransCanada pipeline.

Thanks for listening!

Chris the Bird Lady

Master Naturalists

2010-06-30T08:33:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Sorry about the late post. Why is it that summer seems to go by at warp speed, while winter crawls at a snail's pace?

We had a great show on Monday, June 19, with Annabel Major and Brandy Lively from the Nebraska Master Naturalist program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Annabel and Brandy told listeners what Master Naturalists are, and how people can become certified. Their first session starts in July, and they hope to have more sessions in the future.

A Master Naturalist is someone who is interested in educating people about natural resources including animals, birds, plants, insects, geology, climate, and many more areas. People are trained in a variety of subjects that will enhance their knowledge so that they may in turn use their knowledge to educate others about our natural world.

To find out more about the program, contact Annabel or Brandy at:

website: http://naturalist.unl.edu

email: naturalist AT unl.edu

phone: 402-472-8689

Thanks for listening. My next show is Monday, July 19, at 6 p.m.

Chris the Bird Lady

Birds, birds, everywhere!

2010-05-25T06:28:00.000-07:00

Hello!

On my recent show (May 17), I invited Joel Jorgensen, nongame bird program manager from Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, to talk about migratory birds that travel through Nebraska. Particularly, we talked about the Peregrine Falcons (see photo on right by Joel Jorgensen) that nest high up on the state capitol building. That nest has a live-feed webcam on it, and the website to access it is outdoornebraska.org. Just scroll down the page to the article on Peregrine Falcons. The Game and Parks Commission also has a webcam on an American Kestrel nest.

We also talked about the International Migratory Bird Day, which is held the second Saturday in May every year. IMBD is celebrated from South America to Canada, and it started in 1993 as a way to bring awareness to the importance of the habitat not only where birds nest, but also where they spend the winter months.

This is a great time of year to get out and see birds. Places around Lincoln that have great birding opportunities are Pioneers Park, Wilderness Park, Spring Creek Prairie (near Denton), the old dump north of Lincoln, and city and east campuses of UNL.

If you're interested in where to go in the state to see particular bird species, or are just curious about other great birding spots, visit the Nebraska Birding Trails website at nebraskabirdingtrails.com.

Until next time,

Chris the Bird Lady

2010-05-04T13:41:00.000-07:00

Earth2Lincoln 5-3-2010

1. Dona Enriqueta Contreras (0:00-5:08)

2. Stephanie Dank (5:08-26:48)

3. Drew Dillenger (26:48-29:37)

Happy Earth Day!

2010-04-22T14:37:00.001-07:00

April 19th we celebrated our first anniversary of Earth 2 Lincoln with a show that included all the present programmers. It was really fun to all be together and tell our listeners about Earth Day and how important it is to live Earth Day every day.

Here are a couple of websites that you can look up for events going on this weekend around Lincoln. http://www.lincolnearthday.org/ and http://www.lincoln.ne.gov/ keyword: earth day

Go out and celebrate Earth Day!

Sustainability and Energy-Use Reduction

2010-04-19T12:18:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
Sorry about the late post. My Monday, April 12, guest was Dr. Don Wilhite, Director of the School of Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. We had a nice discussion about how Hardin Hall on East Campus has become a model and leader of campus-wide energy reduction.

Ways that Hardin Hall has reduced energy are: occupancy sensors on all 9 floors of the "tower" in offices and restrooms that not only turn lights off but also turn off heating or cooling; small stickers on all the light switches that remind us to turn the lights off when not occupied; and lowering heating or cooling in the evening and weekends (University-wide).

We talked about the SNR's Sustainability Committee and the great work they have done to accomplish these actions, and UNL Facilities for putting forth some funding to help this happen.

Another area that we touched on was the proposed Outdoor Classroom at Hardin Hall that would be a hands-on teaching lab. This is still in the planning/funding stage so there should be more information about this as it becomes available.

Up next (today) all of the Earth2Lincoln programmers (Adam, Dan, Laurel, and I) will be in the studio for a 1st anniversary party of sorts, and talk about the coming 40th Earth Day.

Thanks for listening, and thank you, Don, for a great session.

Chris the Bird Lady

Nebraska Wildlife Conservation Fund

2010-03-23T07:18:00.000-07:00

Hi Earth2Lincoln fans!
Last night I had a great conversation with Kristal Stoner, Wildlife Diversity Program Manager with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. We talked about how the Nebraska Wildlife Conservation Fund (also known as the state tax check-off fund) was essential for non-game species (thoses species not hunted or fished). I learned that only 1% of the state's species are considered game animals and fish.

There are several ways to contribute to the Nebraska Wildlife Conservation Fund:
- if you are getting a refund on your state income tax, you can donate part of that refund, either using the written state tax form or TurboTax.
- you can go to outdoornebraska.com and contribute electronically.
- you can contact Nebraska Game and Parks Commission at 402-471-0641 and ask how to contribute.

For every dollar that is contributed to the NWCF, 3 dollars are contributed by various federal funds. With a $40 contribution, you will receive a t-shirt with a jumping Swift Fox on it.

Kristal and I also talked about the Nebraska Natural Legacy Project. This project, required by the federal government to receive federal funds, was initially written in 2005. The Nebraska Project has become a model for other states. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project has developed and is implementing a blueprint for conserving Nebraska's flora, fauna and natural habitats through the proactive, voluntary conservation actions of partners, communities and individuals. In 2010, it is time to revisit the Project and make adjustments where needed. There will be a series of public input meetings starting in May. Check the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website at outdoornebraska.com for more information.

Thanks, Kristal, for being my guest! My next program is April 12, and my guest will be Dr. Don Wilhite, Director, UNL School of Natural Resources. We will be talking about the newly-installed, energy-saving appliances, lights, etc., that are in Hardin Hall, and other energy-saving measures the School is implementing.

Until next time,
Chris the Bird Lady

Sandhill cranes theme of February 22 show

2010-02-25T09:58:00.000-08:00

Hi all,
I hope you got to catch the show on Monday! I had two great guests, Dr. Paul Johnsgard, emeritus University of Nebraska Foundation Professor of Biological Sciences, and the author of more than 50 books, mostly about the biology of birds, and the natural history of Nebraska and the Great Plains. Three of his books deal with cranes, and a fourth (Ancient Voices over America's Wetlands) should be published within a year. I was also pleased to have Linda Brown on the show. She is an almost retired pharmacist at Bryan LGH Medical Center, who took Dr. Johnsgard's ornithology class in 1989 and has planned most of her vacations around birds ever since.

Paul, Linda, and I talked a lot about the spectacular Sandhill Crane migration that happens every year starting in February and going through April in central Nebraska. The majority of the cranes that pass through are Lesser Sandhill Cranes, but we also have Greater Sandhill Cranes, Whooping Cranes, and rarely Common Cranes.

We also talked about the upcoming Rivers and Wildlife Celebration (RWC) that is held in Kearney. This year marks its 40th year, the long-running birding festival of its kind in the nation! During the Celebration you can reserve space in blinds near the Platte River and watch cranes arrive at dusk or depart at sunrise, attend workshops put on by experts, ride along on field trips with bird experts, and attend seminars. This year there will be an addition called the Wild Experience room where families can come and do hands-on activities and see live raptors and herps. The room and Celebration are located at the Kearney Holiday Inn and Convention Center.

Finally, we talked about the opening of a show at the Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) that will be a kind of a kick off for the RWC. It is a combination of artwork and photography by Paul, Linda, and Allison Johnson from their trip to the Galapagos Islands. The show is called "Celebrating Darwin's Legacy: Evolution in the Galapagos Islands and the Great Plains" and will be held 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 19.

For more information about cranes and the RWC, go to www.nebraska.audubon.org
To learn more about cranes, you can also visit www.savingcranes.org
To find out where you are most likely to see Sandhill Cranes in Nebraska, go to www.nebraskabirdingtrails.com

See you on March 22 when I'll talk about the Check-Off for Wildlife Fund.

Chris the Bird Lady

P.S. Thanks, Dan, for your great assistance!

Bruce Johansen discusses Global Warming.

2010-02-07T18:07:00.001-08:00

Bruce E. Johansen is a professor of Communication at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and author of Hot Air and Hard Science: Dissecting the Global Warming Debate and the two-volume Encyclopedia of Global Warming Science and Technology. He is also a regular contributor to The Nebraska Report, Nebraskan's For Peace's newspaper.

Check out his articles at www.nebraskansforpeace.org

Hello from one of the new kids on the air!

2010-01-28T13:40:00.000-08:00

I'm Chris Thody and I hosted my first earth2lincoln radio show on Monday. What fun! I work for the Tern and Plover Conservation Partnership as an Outreach Coordinator. My first guest was Mary Bomberger Brown, who is the Program Coordinator for the Partnership.

The Tern and Plover Conservation Partnership helps protect federally and state endangered Interior Least Terns and federally and state threatened Piping Plovers, little birds that nest on sand. Nesting areas in Nebraska include river sandbars, sand and gravel mines, and lakeshore housing developments. The Partnership works together to both protect the birds and allow necessary activity at the housing areas and mine sites.

For more information about Interior Least Terns, Piping Plovers, and the Tern and Plover Conservation Partnership, visit our website at http://ternandplover.unl.edu
During our program Mary mentioned a couple of upcoming events. Here is that information:
Tuesday, February 23 - The Annual Nebraska Tern and Plover meeting will be held at Hardin Hall, 3310 Holdrege Street, Lincoln, NE. Registration is from 9:30 to 10:45.

A poster session, and short monitoring and reporting workshop start at 9:30 a.m.; the general welcome starts at 10:45 a.m. and presentations run from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Lunch will be served (a free will donations gladly accepted). At 6:00 p.m. there will be a reception to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Tern and Plover Conservation Partnership. Registration is free for this event. You can view the complete schedule (subject to last minute changes) at http://ternandplover.unl.edu
Contact Chris Thody at cthody2@unl.edu or 402-472-8741 for more information and to register.

March 18-20 - The 40th annual Rivers and Wildlife Celebration (crane festival) will be held at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Kearney, Nebraska. Come out and see the most spectacular Sandhill crane migration in the world, where nearly half a million of these birds stop and bulk up for their journey north. For more information, visit the Audubon Nebraska website at www.audubon.nebraska.org.

Thanks for listening to earth2lincoln, and I hope you'll tune in every Monday from 6 to 6:30 p.m.!

Chris

January 18th 2010 Bioneers and Lonesome Traveler

2010-01-18T17:14:00.000-08:00

Hey folks!
It was great to participate in the show today! Here are the details of the events covered.
Bioneers Potluck:
Their website: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lincolnbioneers/
Jackie will host a Bioneer gathering on January 28, 2010 at 6:30 pm. There will be a potluck and a 30 minute DVD from the October 2009 conference "Joanna Macy- The Hidden Promise of our Dark Age: Discovering our Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty in the Midst of a Crisis". For location and to RSVP, please call 435-1975.

Lonsome Travelers website: lonesometraverlerband.com
The veggie bus demonstration will be at 6:15pm at the 7th street loft at 7th and K Street. The show will be at 7:30pm.
Thanks for listening and making Earth2Lincoln more than just a radio show!
Adam Hintz

Earth 2 Lincoln 10-26-09

2009-10-27T18:24:00.000-07:00

This is part II of our series talking with environmental studies majors at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Sammy and Justine, senior Environmental Studies majors, were our guests last night. Click below to listen to the show:

Earth2Lincoln 10/26

2009-10-26T10:39:00.000-07:00

Tonight's Earth2Lincoln will feature part 2 of our series discussing issues with UNL environmental studies students. Join us tonight at 6 p.m. on KZUM 89.3 FM in Lincoln and online at www.kzum.org

Check back this evening for streaming audio from tonight's show.

350-A Day Of Action

2009-10-20T22:58:00.000-07:00

350--The most focused and coordinated day of climate action approaches rapidly. A dizzying frenzy of mountain climbs, underwater demonstrations in island nations, bike rides, rallies, and speeches will take place across the globe, underscoring the indisputable consensus: we need action, right now--based on sound science--to protect our planet. For more information, click here. For a challenge, Dutch and Polish translations are available on the website.

The even better news. Lincoln has two critical events for 350! The first is a post-Nebraska football recycling and clean up session, this Saturday, October 24th. Interested individuals should meet at the west end of the Vine Street parking loop at 2:30 p.m. Gloves and bags are provided. Enthusiasm is self-supplied.

And on Sunday, October 25th at Noon, hundreds of bikers will mass on the north side of the Capital building. We will ride through downtown as a collective call to awareness and call to action.

For more information, auditory stimulation in the form of a KZUM PSA:

Both of these events are sponsored by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Progressive Student Coalition. They have a nifty website, available right here.

Hyde Observatory--Observing Solar Since 1978

2009-10-20T22:10:00.000-07:00

Hyde Observatory is a stacked facility. As a community access astronomical observatory, it regularly opens its doors to sky-gazers. But it also has been at the vanguard of solar energy. Since 1978, or for some 11,315 days, the Observatory has metamorphosed sun rays into pure, clean energy. The photovoltaic panels adorning the rooftop now provide 40% of the building's energy--while any extra energy is funneled back to LES.

Erik Hubl, a Lancaster County G.I.S. Engineer and Hyde Observatory volunteer, shares his insights into Hyde's solar past and solar future:

Click HERE to view a Hyde Observatory solar PowerPoint stocked with charts, graphs, photos, tables and more!

Earth 2 Lincoln 10/5-Ethanol

2009-10-05T20:56:00.000-07:00

University of Nebraska-Lincoln agronomist and chair of the Nebraska Center For Energy Sciences Research, Dr. Kenneth Cassman, shared his research and insights into corn ethanol's current and future role in the domestic energy equation.

The United States is the world's leading ethanol producer, with production of over 9 billion gallons last year. The 2007 Renewable Fuels Standard calls for 36 billion gallons of ethanol by 2022, much of that from the 1-2 punch of corn ethanol furnished by Nebraska and, ugh, Iowa.

Cassman and his colleagues at UNL have developed the BESS or Biofuel Energy Systems Simulator, a software tool to calculate energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions and natural resource requirements of corn-to-ethanol production systems. Try it out, here

Finally, stay tuned to legislative news as Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson recently co-sponsored legislation encouraging a higher blend of ethanol (from 10% to 15%) to be sold at gas stations nationwide.

Click here to listen to Monday's program:

Earth 2 Lincoln 9/28-Solar Powered Future

2009-10-05T20:45:00.000-07:00

Dr. Bing Chen and Michael Shonka of the Nebraska Solar Energy Society shed light on the current and future state of solar energy. Brighten up!

Svata Louda--October 19th

2009-09-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

UNL Biology Professor Svata Louda will be paging Earth 2 Lincoln on Monday, October 19th. Louda's areas of interest include ecological interactions of insects with plants in the dynamics, distribution and persistence of plant populations and communities. Can she eradicate beg-bugs once and for all? Tune in Monday, October 19th at 6 p.m. on KZUM 89.3 FM and www.kzum.org to find out.

Professor Louda has also conducted intensive reserach on biological control insects and the positive and detrimental impacts on their introduced environment.

Ken Cassman-October 5th

2009-09-29T08:05:00.000-07:00

UNL Agronomy and Horticulture professor Ken Cassman will join us next week, October 5th, to discuss the current state of corn ethanol and biofuels.

Cassman recently published a paper on "Improvements in Life Cycle Energy Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Corn Ethanol." We'll need those ethanol ameliorations--the 2007 Renewable Fuels Standard calls for 36 billion gallons of biofuel by 2022, with much of that coming from Nebraska's bountiful cornfields.

In etho-politics, the Benator (a.k.a. U.S. Sentor Ben Nelson) joined several other corn-belt legislators, introducing biofuel legisltaion with two primary prongs, a) to increase the minimum blend from E10 to E15 (fuel enriched with 15 % ethanol instead of 10 %) and to limit the EPA from penalizing domestic ethanol producers for environmentally-damaging land use.

Solar Energy Tour--This Saturday!

2009-09-29T06:30:00.000-07:00

The Nebraska Solar Energy Tour takes off this weekend.

The tour is part of a nation-wide movement to increase awareness of solar energy, organized and promoted by the American Solar Energy Society.

Events are spread throughout the Good Life state, including demonstrations and tours in Omaha, Scottsbluff, Grand Island and Sioux City.

You thought Lincoln wasn't going to break off a piece of the solar pie?

The solar tour begins at 10 a.m. this Saturday, October 3rd and continues through 2 p.m. at the following locations:

Hyde Observatory, 3701 South 70th
3002 Browning Street, (north of South Point Mall- follow signs north from 32nd and Pinelake Rd. Jessican Freeman and Chirstopher Marks, 3.5 KW of photovoltaic solar panels.
8800 South 55th, (just south of Yankee Hill Road- follow signs from 1/3 mile south of 56th and Yankee HIll Road- west on Rebel Drive & north on 55th St)Randy and Linda Schantell Thermal solar retrofit

For more information, www.nebraskasolartour.org

Earth2Lincoln 9-14-09

2009-09-15T13:12:00.000-07:00

DJ Dharma welcomed Robert Smith of The Arbor Day Foundation and Jessica Kelling of ReTree Nebraska for a lively discussion on the importance of trees in our lives. On Saturday, ReTree Nebraska kicks off ReTree Week. Channel your inner John Muir and keep Nebraska’s ecological diversity flourishing this Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at Antelope Park for a tree planting celebration. ReTree Nebraska is a 10-year, cooperative initiative to promote the proper planting and care of 1 million trees in communities across Nebraska by 2017.

Click below and listen to the show:

Action Alert: Repower America

2009-09-07T23:00:00.000-07:00

There are times when a bustling schedule, lethargy, and shortsightedness conspire to sap our environmental activism. Now is not that time. And hear to fill the void is Repower Nebraska. Repower is enlisting volunteers from all walks o' life to join in the effort to enact clean energy legislation this year. I joined them at a rally last week outside the Embassy Suites in downtown Lincoln, where we lofted signs skyward and bellowed "Go Big Green" to eager Cornhusker fans. Get involved by sending an email to nebraska@repoweramerica.org

-Jesse

Earth 2 Lincoln 8/31

2009-09-07T22:01:00.000-07:00

UNL Electrical Engineering Professor Jerry Hudgins offers a comprehensive take on wind energy's challenges and opportunities and current and future and role in Nebraska's energy matrix.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection

2009-08-27T22:10:00.000-07:00

Here's the ideal opportunity to gut the garage and prudently dispose of that Turpentine, WD-40 and Turtle Wax. Bring your household hazardous waste to Lincoln Industries, 600 West E Street, this Saturday (August 29th) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For a comprehensive list of what to bring, and what not to bring, take a journey here

And if you miss this one, bring your carburetor cleaner to Veyance Technologies (Goodyear), 4021 North 56th Street, on September 19th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Will There Be Enough Water To Grow Enough Food?

2009-08-25T12:04:00.000-07:00

David J. Molden, Deputy Director of the International Water Management Institute in Sri Lanka, will give a free public lecture. Molden has extensive experience in managing water for agriculture.

Hear Molden mold his argument this Thursday at 3:30 p.m. in the Nebraska Union Auditorium on City Campus, 14th and R.

August 31st: UNL Professor Jerry Hudgins

2009-08-25T11:07:00.000-07:00

Fact: Nebraska has the 6th highest potential for wind energy in the nation, but ranks 22nd in production, behind Iowa, Colorado and Minnesota. UNL Electrical Engineering Professor and Department Chair Jerry Hudgins wants to change this. He recently co-hosted a wind conference that drew over 100 participants from around the world. Last year, he received a $100,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy for UNL to direct the state's Wind For Schools program, which engages rural communities in alternative energy research by installing small-scale wind turbines at rural schools. Hear it in his own words, Monday, August 31st at 6 p.m. on KZUM-FM and www.kzum.org

2009-07-13T05:06:00.000-07:00

Help build a stronger Lincoln, urge our city council members to support sustainbale efforts here in Lincoln.

Joint Public Hearing - Lincoln City Council and Lancaster County Planning Commission
Tuesday, July 14, 5:30pm in City Council Chambers

Come make your voice heard. Support the addition of "sustainability" language to the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Commission has already voted 8-0 for approval, now it is up to the city council.

If you cannot come and show your support, please consider contacting your council representative.

Thanks, DJ Dharma

Action on Sustainability—Tell them YES! By Marilyn McNabb, Concerned Citizen

At 5:30 on Tuesday, July 14th, both the Lincoln City Council and the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners, meeting together, will consider an amendment to the City County Plan adopting the principle of sustainability. One description of ‘sustainability’ is to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Often when we try to influence public policy we are saying “no.” This amendment gives us a chance to say what we support and what we value.

Here are some ways you can help elected officials understand how important it is to us that future generations of Lincolnites live in a world as good or better than the one we live in today.

Go to the hearing. 5:30 pm in Room 113 in the County City Building, 555 S. 10th St. Speak up!

Email Council Members:
Jon Camp, jcamp@lincoln.ne.gov
Jonathan Cook, jcook@lincoln.ne.gov
Doug Emery, demery@lincoln.ne.gov
Eugene Carroll, ecarroll@lincoln.ne.gov
Adam Hornung, ahornung@lincoln.ne.gov
John Spatz, jspatz@lincoln.ne.gov
Jayne Snyder, jsnyder@lincoln.ne.gov
Or to all of them at council@lincoln.ne.gov

Or Fax them at (402) 441-6833.

Or Write to them at County City Building, 555 S. 10th St. Room 110 68508
Email County Commissioners:
Bernie Hier, Chair, commish@lancaster.ne.gov
Larry Hudkins, commish@lancaster.ne.gov
Deb Schorr, dschorr@lancaster.ne.gov
Ray Stevens, rstevens@lancaster.ne.gov
Bob Workman, workbob@msn.com
Or to all of them at commish@lancaster.ne.gov

Or Fax them at (402) 441-6301

Or Write to them at County City Building, 555 S. 10th St. 68508 When you see council members and commissioners in the community, talk to them!
The meeting will be televised live on Channel 5.

June 22: What Homer Simpson can't tell you about Nuclear Power!

2009-06-22T12:40:00.000-07:00

Right now we are at a pivotal time for energy in America. We are days away from the highly anticipated vote in the House of Representatives on the American Clean Energy and Security Act. This act puts in place a cap and trade system on harmful greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to curb the effects of global warming. The bill redirects the focus of our energy development toward natural renewable resources as well as makes provides for investments in modern energy efficiency technology; all in hopes of expediting the new clean energy economy.

As clean energy advocates work to make wind, solar, and geothermal energy resources to be the priorities of new energy generation in the U.S. other industry interests are pushing for America to 'reaffirm its commitment to nuclear energy'

So, what is the status of nuclear energy?

The last nuclear power reactor was constructed in 1978.

Nebraska currently has two nuclear plants.

The latest version of the Nebraska State Energy Plan includes plans for new nuclear

The major energy bill from the Energy & Natural Resources Committee in the U.S. Senate calls for support of the nuclear industry

What else should we know about nuclear energy? Is it the most viable alternative to coal power because of its 'clean' and 'reliable' nature?

Tonight's show will feature guest, energy expert Dennis Keim, who will attempt to shed some light on this issue.

Music will be taken from the 'No Nukes' concert from 1979.

Orleans - Plutonium is Forever

Gil Scot Heron - We Almost Lost Detroit

For more information about nuclear power, Kiem recommends :

http://www.everythingnuclear.org/

You can also keep up on energy through Kiem's own blog:

http://webfarmer.livejournal.com/

Remember you can tune into our show, Mondays 6:00-6:30 pm on KZUM, 89.3 on your FM dial

or stream us on the web, go to kzum.org

Event on Monday May 18

2009-05-04T15:03:00.000-07:00

The final installment of the Devil is in the Details lecture series titled ‘Renewable Energy – the Devil is in the Details’

Monday May 18, 7:00 PM
The Nebraska League of Conservation Voters Education Fund is hosting a discussion about integrating renewable energy into the energy grid, how do you make an intermittent resource reliable?

With Mr. Bob Zavadil, Vice President & Principal Consultant for EnerNex Corp.
Date: Monday, May 18
Time: 7:00P M. – 8:00 PM Location:Hardin Hall
University of Nebraska –Lincoln, East Campus (Home of the School of Natural Resources)
3310 Holdrege Street
Lincoln, NE 68508

For wind energy to play a role in supplying the nation's energy needs, integrating wind energy into the power grid of the United States is an important issue to address. Large amounts of wind energy are located in areas of the United States without transmission lines to the power grid, and the natural variability of the wind resource raises concerns about how wind can be integrated into the existing transmission system.

The Nebraska League of Conservation Voters Education Fund is proud to host energy consultant and wind integration expert Bob Zavadil Vice President & Principal Consultant of the EnerNex Corporation to discuss integrating wind and making it reliable. Join us for this exciting event to hear from one of today’s foremost experts on wind integration and the clean energy future.

Bottom line, when we flip the switch, we expect the lights to turn on… can renewable energy do that for us?

The event is on Monday, May 18 on UNL’s East Campus in the Hardin Hall Auditorium at 7:00 PM for more information visit nlcv.org or contact Eva Sohl at esohl@nlcv.org/438-9341.

Mayor's Survey!

2009-04-27T19:54:00.000-07:00

Taking Charge Budget & Program Priorities Survey

https://unl.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_3VsHYvliNHCj63q&SVID=Prod

Message from Mayor Chris Beutler:

Thank you for your interest in our community. We invite you to again have your voice heard regarding budgeting and related issues.

In 2008 as a key part of my PRIORITY LINCOLN initiative, you provided valuable input to the City. This year, the City is continuing the budget conversation. As part of “TAKING CHARGE: Progress Measures and Program Prioritization,” the City has worked with the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center to develop this survey.

Your voice is important. Last year, your perspectives were discussed, debated and used by City officials in their budget determinations. YOUR INPUT INFLUENCED OUR BUDGET PRIORITIZATIONS, and this year, your input is even more important.

Key decisions need to be made for the 2009-10 budget. Trade-offs must be considered. We hope you will take this survey to let us know your preferences about City spending. This survey asks questions about programs identified through consensus as lower priority. These programs are at risk for reduction or elimination. The survey will take about 20-25 minutes to complete, although some people may take more time. We appreciate the time you are taking to make your voice heard.

Policy to Prosperity

2009-04-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

Nebraska's clean energy future will be shaped by public policy - so how do we make sure that policy leads to prosperity for Nebraskans?

Pathway to Prosperity: How the Best State Energy Policies Capitalize on

New Energy Economics

presented by

Glen Andersen, Energy Policy Specialist

National Conference of State Legislatures

Wednesday, April 29 - 7:00 p.m

Hardin Hall, Auditorium 107

University of Nebraska-Lincoln East Campus

The utility industry touches nearly every aspect of our economy and our quality of life. As renewable energy moves to forefront of national attention, state governments must redesign policies and incentives to take advantage of emerging opportunities while ensuring affordable, reliable power. This lecture will focus on the hallmarks of the best state policies to promote comprehensive and integrated renewable energy development.

Glen Andersen has reviewed and evaluated state policy on climate change, energy efficiency and renewable energy for more than 8 years. As staff for the National Conference of State Legislators, he has conducted research and analysis for state legislators across the nation, and facilitated communication between legislators, regulators, industry and advocates on best practices. Mr. Andersen is the author of numerous publications on environmental and energy policy.

With the introduction of LR 83 by the Unicameral's Natural Resources, an interim study to analyze issues relating to expanded development of wind energy in Nebraska, this lecture will be essential to any citizen hoping to see Nebraska take its rightful place in the renewable energy economy.

For more information about this event, please contact Eva Sohl, esohl@nlcv.org, 438-9341.

Residential Energy Efficient Tax Credits

2009-04-21T08:51:00.001-07:00

Here is an interesting article by a local accountant that explains the new energy efficient tax credits:
http://www.bizactions.com/index.cfm/ba/e105/fa/106388518G1875J1993171P0P10107568T0/