Connect the Dots on 5/5!


Bill McKibben and the folks at 350.org are spearheading another worldwide day of action. May 5th is Climate Impacts Day, when people around the globe will highlight places where climate change has wreaked havoc on people and planet alike. McKibben’s group will collect images from these gatherings and create a virtual collage of these hotspots, connecting the dots for all to see. There’s much more information about this initiative online at climatedots.org. This powerful 2-minute video from the site shows what’s at stake:

 


If you are interested in participating in this important day, consider joining one of these nearby events:

In Concord — Join Thoreau's May 5th Climate Revolution: The Dot Hurled 'round the World! 
On May 5th at 3:30 pm, concerned citizens and climate action groups from around the Metrowest area will gather at the Old Manse, 269 Monument St. in Concord to continue Thoreau's revolution to honor and preserve nature - as well as to preserve a livable world for humans! The Manse, described as "the centerpiece of Concord's political, literary, and social revolutions," is a natural spot for us to join 350.org's Climate Impact Day, a global effort to "connect the dots between climate change and extreme weather."

This event is co-sponsored by The Old Manse, MaynardCAN!, ConcordCAN! and a coalition of over 40 climate action/ environmental and transition town groups in Metrowest. Fun speeches (Manse director and Maynard resident Tom Beardsley will speak on Thoreau's climate activism, students from environmental groups will be represented), music and a group photo!

In Wayland — Wayland Connects the Climate Dots at the Pubic Library
Gather at 9:30AM for a big group photo in the parking lot at the public library (5 Concord Rd.) commemorating the major flooding of Spring 2010. As you may know, Wayland, situated on the flood-prone Sudbury River, is considered a climate-impact "hot spot" for the Boston Metro area. In Spring 2010, the historic library building -- a pride and symbol of our community -- was inundated. They will take a photo on the spot, and then set it side-by-side (split-screen) with the classic photo taken by Judy Canty Graves of the flooded library parking lot, which appeared on the front page of the Town Crier:

To RSVP (you don't need to, but it would be great if you can), please follow this link: http://act.350.org/event/impacts_en/2613#

In Wellesley — Wellesley Connecting the Dots all Day Long
We're organizing a day of educational and fun events to recognize the impact of climate change and what can be done on an individual and community level. 
8 am Walk on Wellesley Trails beginning on the Brook Path and continuing a 10 mile walk on all the other town trails ending about Noon, led by Wellesley Trails Committee. Do all or part of this walk! www.wellesleytrails.org 
9 am Wellesley Natural Resources Commission along with the Village Congregational Church hosting a tree planting event at Barton Rd—50 trees will be planted! 
10 am Wellesley Books story time for children all about the Weather! 
11-2 Wellesley College environmental groups will be celebrating Open Farm Day at the gardens off of Weston Rd. Students and interns prepare the garden for fruits and vegetables to be planted. Produce is sold on campus during the summer.
2 pm Wellesley Main Library story time and craft for children reading "Energy Island: How One Community Harnessed the Wind and Changed Their World" about the island of Samso, Denmark where residents joined together to become energy independent using wind, solar and other renewable energies, by Alan Drummond. Kids will make their own wind turbine powered action toy to take home. Wellesley College students will be at the library offering face painting and participation on a group art project. 

In Lexington — Tree Trouble in Lexington
10-10:45AM at Paint Mine Conservation Area. From the parking lot at Estabrook School, 117 Grove St., follow the signs.  Meet at the fallen tree on the Robinson Rd. extension. If possible, wear a white shirt. The event is sponsored by Lexington Global Warming Coalition and Lexington Interfaith Environmental Action Team to support the 350.org planet-wide Connect the (Climate) Dots event.  The event will focus on Lexington’s trees as an example of how extreme weather can impact our community. During the “Halloween Storm” of October 29, 2011, snow fell on trees whose leaves had not fallen due to the unusually warm fall weather. We’ll  share stories of how we were affected by the storm, celebrate the environmental benefits of trees, and take a photo of the group around what used to be a beautiful and flourishing ash tree.  An optional walk in the woods will follow.

In Sudbury — Climate Action Rally
12:30 Gather at the traffic circle opposite Sudbury Town Hall to demonstrate your determination to address climate change. Make a "350 ppm" sign. Come in costume as an endangered species. Wear green. Bring your camera. Exercise your creativity and join with fellow Earthlings to "connect the dots" needed to save our planet.

In Boston — Wake Up the Earth Festival
Noon-6 pm Southwest Corridor Park, across from the Stony Brook T stop, Jamaica Plain. The Wake Up The Earth Festival is an annual event that celebrates the best of our community: rich cultural diversity, community arts, a commitment to social change and the parks and gardens that are the result of tireless community organizing. Beginning with a parade down Centre Street in full regalia, the festival fosters a deep sense of community stewardship and pride. This year’s festival will include dancers, stilt-walkers, drummers, music, storytelling, popular theater, food vendors, crafts, a youth stage, children’s activities & more. More info: http://cityfeedandsupply.com/featured-local-spontaneous-celebrations-wake-up-the-earth-festival/ 

No comments: