Article: Invasive species alter habitat to their benefit Check out this recent research project looks at how invasive species alter their environment to suit their needs. http://www.umich.edu/news/index.html?Releases/2006/Aug06/r080906

Article: Baby's First Bloom Check out more details about the BBG's titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum). http://www.bbg.org/vis2/2006/titan/

Master Forest Owner/COVERTS Volunteer Training From Gary Goff: I am writing for your assistance in soliciting volunteers to participate in this year's new volunteer training that will take place at the Arnot Forest (Schuyler County) Sept. 20-24. I'd like to get at least 10 more candidates signed up to make the most of the effort. MFO volunteers can be a valuable resource for CCE County Associations when conducting Natural Resource programs (including youth programs) and to handle forest and wildlife-related questions.

At this late date, we can waive the requirement for the candidates to meet with their CCE County Educator and have a MFO volunteer visit their forest land, but if at all possible it would be good to have the candidate and their Educator share some mutual insights to County needs and interests via a phone conversation.

The MFO website www.dnr.cornell.edu/ext/mfo/ contains information about the program and application forms that can either be copied and mailed/faxed or completed on-line. We will gladly send information and applications via mail if that is necessary. The deadline is Sept. 6, but sooner is obviously better! Please send candidate names and contact information and/or applications to: Diana Bryant, dlt5@cornell.edu, ph. 607-255-2115, fax 607-255-2815. Rm. 108, Fernow Hall, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY 14853.

Workshop: Growing American Ginseng in the Adirondack Region of NY State Sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Greene County and Cornell University When? Saturday, September 16, 2006 from 1 PM until 3 PM. Research and Demonstration site visit at 2 PM. Where? Cornell Universityís Uihlein Forest, 157 Bear Cub Lane, Lake Placid, NY 12946 What? This program is designed to teach individuals how to get started growing American ginseng on forested land. Cornell Cooperative Extension Ginseng Specialist Bob Beyfuss will cover basic ginseng botany, economics of ginseng production, site selection criteria, harvesting, marketing and rules and regulations regarding wild ginseng in NY State. This seminar will not discuss the medicinal effects of ginseng or ginseng products. It is aimed at landowners who are looking for alternative forest income opportunities as well as individuals who are interested in growing small quantities of ginseng for personal use. Cost? $15, includes a copy of The Practical Guide to Growing Ginseng, by Bob Beyfuss. Registration? Please contact Michael Farrell at 518 523 9337 or mlf36@cornell.edu. Please make checks payable to Cornell University and mail to 157 Bear Cub Lane, Lake Placid, NY 12946

Workshop: Introduction to Forest Mushroom Cultivation Wednesday, September 6, 2006; 6:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M Location: 4-H Camp Owahta Lodge, 4826 Knecht Road, McGraw, NY (3 miles north of State Route 41, just east of the village of McGraw). (Cortland County) Fee: $8.00 per person; includes demonstrations and handouts. You can use trees recently thinned from your woodlot to grow tasty (and maybe profitable) mushrooms! This class is for those interested in growing gourmet mushrooms on hardwood logs and would like a basic understanding of the process. We will take a short walk in the woods, looking for ideal and not-so-ideal trees to be used for mushroom cultivation. Then we will review each step of mushroom cultivation on small-diameter logs, using dowel, sawdust, and plug spawn. This is a good opportunity for people who have thought about mushroom cultivation, and would like to learn the "how to" aspects. We will cover cultivation of several domesticated species of mushrooms, like shiitake and oyster on maple, poplar, and oak logs. Class hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension SCNY Agriculture Team and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chenango County. To Participate: Please pre-register by calling (607) 753-5077.

Workshop: Working Together for the Landscape of Tomorrow October 12, 2006: the Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group (CIPWG) will present an all-day invasive plant conference. Held at the Mountainside Resort in Wallingford, CT (2 miles from Interstate 91). Morning topics will include "Linking Ecology and Horticulture to Prevent Plant Invasions" and "What's New." Concurrent afternoon sessions cover invasive plant management, restoration of invaded sites, and native plant alternatives to invasives. Browse exhibits by various organizations. The registration fee of $35 ($45 if post-marked after September 15) includes lunch and free parking. The full day's agenda and registration information are available at www.hort.uconn.edu/cipwg For additional information, contact Donna Ellis (860) 486-6448

On-line courses and a Master of Science or Master of Agriculture degree in Agricultural Education available from Oklahoma State University Courses include: Leadership in agriculture, Program evaluation in agriculture and extension, Advanced methods of teaching agriculture and Grantseeking. Courses are offered asynchronously using Desire to Learn and Moodle content management systems. Potential students can learn more about our degrees at the following URL: http://aged.okstate.edu/distance.html

Update on Operation Rejuvenation Project The Mississippi state MG association established a fund to help rebuild MG projects impacted by the hurricanes that hit Mississippi last fall. Due to the generosity of Master Gardeners, Garden Clubs, individuals and others the fund now has over $10,000 to be used for qualified MG projects. A list of folks that have contributed to the fund and other information is available at the Mississippi MG Association website. The address is http://msmastergardener.org/index.htm

Grant opportunities -- DEC: Grants Available For Water Quality Improvement Projects Deadline for Applications is October 20, 2006

DEC is making funding available to municipalities, soil and water conservation districts, and not-for-profit corporations for water quality improvement projects. Funding will be available to eligible applicants throughout New York State for projects that focus on nonagricultural nonpoint source abatement and control, municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s), Phase II stormwater permit implementation, water quality management, municipal wastewater treatment, and aquatic habitat restoration. These grants are designed to assist and encourage municipalities statewide to implement projects that will best protect and enhance our vital water bodies and critical aquatic habitats. The grants encourage these communities to work together with DEC in preventing water pollution and preserving New Yorkís natural water bodies. Application materials for Water Quality Improvement Projects have been mailed to each municipality in New York State. Copies are also available by calling (518) 402-8185 or at www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dow/wqip.html on DECís website.

Excellence in Environmental Journalism Awards Deadline: September 15, 2006 Reuters Foundation and the World Conservation Union 2006 Media Awards for Excellence in Environmental Reporting are open to journalists in print and online news services throughout the world. Journalists are invited to submit entries related to environment and sustainable development. http://www.iucn.org/reuters/2006/enter.htm

Organic School Garden Awards Deadline: October 31, 2006 This annual contest, sponsored by the Rodale Institute, is for schools (K-12) that use their organic gardens as a learning tool. Three winning schools receive cash prizes of $250, $500, and $1000. http://www.kidsregen.org/gardens/index.shtml Starbucks Giving Voice Grants Proposals submission period: August 1 - September 1, 2006 This Starbucks grant program is for youth that integrate literacy with personal and civic action in the communities where they live. Grants range from $5,000-$20,000. http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/grantinfo.asp

UNEP Childrenís Painting Competition Deadline: December 31, 2006 Children (ages 6-14) globally are invited to submit their paintings on the theme "Climate Change" to their Regional UNEP Office. http://www.unep.org/tunza/paintcomp/

Energy-Saving Video Competition Deadline: October 15, 2006 The first annual Energy-Saving Video Competition - sponsored by Sneakyuses.com. Video makers can use their creativity to help save our resources and win prizes. Enter by uploading short video clips to Recycle Group at YouTube.com. http://www.youtube.com/groups_videos?add&name=Recycle

For more information contact Lori Bushway
Phone: 607-255-5918