Some upcoming events of interest to Greenpoint readers:
Surviving the Developing Oil Crisis
Clifford Wirth, professor emeritus in political science from the University of New Hampshire, and
Bill Reinhardt, senior project manager of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and a founding member of the Capital Region Energy Forum, will be in the region next week to discuss the oil crisis and how to cope with it.
Wirth and Reinhart will talk about the developing recession that is generated by high oil prices, and their concern that this recession will only worsen this year and in years to come. The two are known for their writings and lectures on the developing oil crisis, and the tremendous challenge that the expected diminishing supply of oil will have on Western civilization.
On Monday, June 9, at 7 p.m., Wirth and Reinhardt will address the Capital Region Energy Forum at the College of St. Rose in Albany. The talk, to be held in St. Joseph’s Hall on Madison Avenue, is entitled “How Must We Respond to the Emerging Oil Crisis?” The public is invited.
On Wednesday, June 11, at 7 p.m.. Wirth will address the Energy Group CORE (Community Renewable Energy Project) in Troy as part of a panel of local officials. This event is open to the public and will take place at The Sanctuary for Independent Media, on 3361 Sixth Avenue in Troy.
On Thursday, June 12, at 8 p.m., Wirth and Reinhardt will address the high-tech community of the Capital District, the Chief Executives Network, This event, also open to the public, will take place at the Watervliet Arsenal, 44 Balliba Ave. in Watervliet.
For further information, click here.
Seed collectors needed
The Albany Pine Bush Preserve is looking for volunteers to collect collect native Pine Bush seeds. Collection will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Saturday on June 9-14 and 16-21.
Albany Pine Bush Preserve staff will lead volunteers in the collection of wild blue lupine flower seeds for use in restoring habitat for the Karner blue butterfly. Collection tools will be provided, and participants will be treated to a continental breakfast at the start of the day.
Volunteers meet at 9 a.m. each day at the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center at 195 New Karner Road, Albany. For more information, contact www.albanypinebush.org and click on “Get Involved” or call 518-456-0655, ext. 1250 to pre-register.
The Karner blue butterfly, a once thriving species, is now threatened by the increasing loss of its habitat. Within the Albany Pine Bush, populations have declined by more than 90 percent over the past 10 years. Both the state and U.S. government have placed the butterfly on their endangered species lists.
Karner blue caterpillars feed exclusively on wild blue lupine, and the survival of the butterfly hinges directly on the survival of the lupine. Adult Karner blues also rely on other food sources, including butterflyweed, horse mint, New Jersey Tea, dewberry and wild strawberry.
The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission offers monthly outings and programs about the ecology, natural and cultural history of the Pine Bush area.
