Our Volunteer Coordinator, Maryam Hjersted, wants to hear from you if you're eager to help on our various projects . . . Call her at (913)723-3636
Choose among: Transition Kaw Valley, Kaw Permaculture Collaborative, Eco Village Land Trust, Growers' Land Trust , Electric & Human Powered Vehicles, Community Garden Projects, Energy Workshops: solar food dehydrators, cold frames, rain catchments, etc.
DONATIONS TO SUSTAINABILITY ACTION ARE NOW TAX DEDUCTIBLE
please donate to our Annual Giving Campaign - (contact info at bottom of page)
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KKFI COMMUNITY RADIO ¤ ECOLOGICAL SHOWS
Listen at KKFI-FM 90.1, or web-streaming at http://www.kkfi.org/
Tuesday, 1 March, 12:00-1:00pm ¤ locally produced Eco-Radio KC
Host, Steve Mann will talk with Marty Kraft about no-till gardening and bio-char for healthy soil, and small scale agriculture's role in environmental health. Bio-char, if done meticulously, has potential for carbon sequestration also. They will also have news of the upcoming KC Food Circle Farmers' Expos on 26 March and 2 April (more info below).
Thursday, 3 March, 9:00am ¤ Sprouts | Pacifica.org
Eco-tourism in the environmental paradise of Costa Rica depends on commercial development, which requires dredging gravel from their rivers. As Kansans who are familiar with the stream degradation resulting from in-river sand dredging, the parallels are striking (see item below). This Sprouts show will reveal the contradictions facing Costa Rican eco-tourism.
Friday, 4 March, 9:30am ¤ Bioneers Radio Series
This award winning series brings us "Connecting the Drops".
Saturday, 5 March, 2:30pm ¤ Women's International News Gathering Service
Dr. Helen Caldicott lectures from her encyclopedic knowledge of nuclear energy's many problems: health, safety, and political, that are continually ignored by those determined to profit from the energy/arms industry. Part 1 of 2, from a talk on 13 November 2010.
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PEAK OIL & A CHANGING CLIMATE ¤ YOU-TUBE VIDEO SERIES
Wednesdays, up through 16 March 2011, on your computer
current video - We're Not Running Out of Oil, Just Cheap Oil | #8 of 11 with James Howard Kuntsler
Peak Oil is the point at which petroleum extraction reaches its greatest rate just before going into perpetual decline.
On Wednesday, 2 March, Thom Hartmann will appear in interview #9 of the Peak Oil and a Changing Climate | video series. Hartmann is an engaging political analyst who hosts "The Thom Hartmann Show", and recently broke the mold by signing on with RTTV (Russia Today Television) to host "The Big Picture". "Hartmann is a true believer in the power of media to convert the skeptic to the progressive point of view, and his radio guests are mostly conservatives, whom he debates with gusto, armed with an historian's knowledge of America's recent and distant past." - AlterNet, by Adele M. Stan
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FOOD NOT LAWNS ¤ COMMUNIVERSITY CLASS #2310 A
Wednesdays, 2,9,16,23 March 2011, 4 sessions, 7:00-9:00pm - $$
UMKC School of Medicine, Theatre C, 24th & Charlotte Streets, KC MO
Grow food not lawns! Increase local food security, improve your diet, beautify your surroundings, build community, reduce pollution and energy use (It takes 87 calories of fuel to transport one calorie of perishable fresh fruit from west coast to east coast). As supporters of the Food Not Lawns national movement, we will hold four sessions dealing with topics that include whole system design, garden preparation, permaculture, water-wise gardening, seed saving, planting, and free resources. Presenters include master and highly-qualified gardeners. Class fee is $18, plus $5 for materials. Register at UMKC Communiversity. More info at Food Not Lawns KC, or
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ECOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES IN PRACTICING PERMACULTURE ¤ 3RD LECTURE
Friday, 4 March 2011, 6:00-9:00pm - $$$
Dreher 4-H Building, 2110 Harper St., Lawrence KS 66044
Permaculture features communities of plant, insects, and soil micro-organisms that replicate naturally occurring ecosystems, and greatly enhance productivity. This third session of nine will cover the inter-relationships of these elements, and how humans can create sustainable and balanced ecosystems that provide an abundance of food while maintaining species diversity and environmental stability.
Steve Moring of Vajra Farm Permaculture Center is teaching this Design Certification Course with assistance from Michael Almon and Michael Morley. The lecture will be followed by a viewing of the film "Last Stand of the Tallgrass Prairie". The following day on Saturday, 5 March, there will be a Field Day Practicum of composting and bio-dymanic preparations at Vajra Farm for students wishing to acquire a design certificate. Preregistration is required, and a percentage of the fees will support the Kaw Permaculture Collaborative and it's parent organization, the Sustainability Action Network. For more info go to Kaw Permaculture Collaborative, or contact Steve Moring at (785)691-7305 or
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DEFENDING THE WAKARUSA WETLANDS ¤ SIERRA CLUB SYMPOSIUM
Friday, 4 March 2011, 7:00pm
Ecumenical Christian Ministries, 1204 Oread Ave., Lawrence KS 66044
The Wakarusa Wetlands have been here for tens of thousands of years. The last remnant S.W. of 31st & Haskell Ave. (mistakenly called the Baker Wetlands) has been under threat of paving over by the South Lawrence Trafficway, and desecration of Native American sacred ground, for 25 years. That's the date when plans were drawn up in secret, by illegal meetings of the Lawrence City Commission and the Chamber of Commerce.
The road has been held at bay for 25 years through advocacy by citizens and Haskell University students, by challenges to the Environmental Impact Statements, and by two lawsuits. The Save The Wetlands attorney, Bob Eye, will present the legal context for their current lawsuit. And other panelists, Dan Wildcat, Patrick Freeland, Joe Collins, and Mike Caron, will speak about the spiritual, historical and environmental significance of these wetlands. For more info, contact Melissa Rogers, (785)764-0826 or
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FRUIT TREE PRUNING WORKSHOP ¤ LAWRENCE FRUIT TREE PROJECT
Saturday, 5 March 2011, 12:00noon-2:00pm - $$
1036 New York St. Lawrence KS 66044
(rain date, 6 March 2011, 1:00-3:00pm)
This introductory tutorial will cover the basics of fruit tree pruning and training, with hands-on demonstration on some of the trees in the urban orchard. Space is limited to nine participants, and pre-registration is required by contacting
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PERMIT COMMENTS DUE FOR IN-RIVER SAND DREDGING & ON-LAND SAND MINING
by Wednesday, 9 March 2011
Friends of the Kaw River have been advocating for years that in-river sand dredging be banned because of severe stream degradation. Operations have gradually been shut down, and all remaining existing permits are due for re-evaluation in 2011. Permit #2003-1759reopen a dredge in Shawnee County has been submitted to the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) to actually .
As would be expected, sand companies have been seeking on-land open pit sand mines in lieu of the fading in-river sites, and they target locations with lax local regulations. All too often this means places very close to rivers in former river meanders, places where the river has deposited sand-laden silt. The Friends of the Kaw oppose sand pit mining in these fragile riparian corridors, and ACE Permit #2009-1688 is one such site, immediately upstream from Eudora in Douglas County. Serious problems would be: potential for bank erosion that could undercut the Kansas River bridge pilings, contamination of Eudora's fresh water wells just west of the open pit, destruction of half the trees on the site, and permanent removal of 114 acres of highly productive prime farm soils.
Public comment on each of the two permits is due by March 9, 2011. Comments should be submitted separately for each permit, and each comment should refer to the official permit number listed below. (See the Friends of the Kaw press release)
Permit requesting to re-open in-river sand dredging site in Shawnee County
Permit No. 2003-1759
For a copy of the permit and Friends of the Kaw's analysis, click here.
For a sample public comment, click here.
Permit for proposal to construct commercial sand pit mine west of Eudora in river flood plain
Permit No. 2009-1688
(Note: Comments on this permit must be submitted to both KDHE and USACE - KDHE only accepts comments in writing)
For a copy of the permit and Friends of the Kaw's Analysis, click here.
For a sample public comment, click here.
For full background information, click here Sand mining & dredging permits: comments due by 9 March
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LAWRENCE SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY BOARD
Wednesday, 9 March 2011, 5:30pm
location TBA, Lawrence KS
The March agenda is unavailable to date. The S.A.B. meets monthly to discuss any and all aspects of furthering sustainability policies and practices by the City of Lawrence government and private persons. The public is welcome. Minutes are finalized in about a month after each meeting http://www.lawrenceks.org/wrr/
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KANSAS CITY ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
Wednesday, 9 March 2011, 4:00-6:00pm
Mid America Regional Council, Rivergate Center 2nd floor, 600 Broadway, KC MO
The Environmental Management Commission promotes environmental awareness and resource efficiency to the City's leader and staff, to assist the progress of Kansas City toward sustainability. The general public is encouraged to attend and observe meetings and to join and participate in its efforts. More information and the EMC April 2009 minutes are available at http://www.kcmo.org/manager.
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BREAKING THE SILENCE ECOLOGICAL CONFERENCE
Friday-Saturday, 11-12 March 2011, $1 per day
Reardon Convention Center, 520 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City KS 66101
Sponsored by Building Sustainable Earth Community, the conference will feature keynote speakers, breakout session, youth projects, not-for-profit and vendor booths, and a luncheon of locally supplied food. The theme will be Ecological Literacy, in hopes that individuals will come to understand how major environmental occurrences impact us at the local level and how we can initiate personal and political efforts to correct damaging practices.
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SUSTAINABILITY ACTION NETWORK - MONTHLY MEETING
Sunday, 13 March 2011, 6:00pm
location TBA, Lawrence KS
Local Solutions for Transition to a Sustainable Economy
Organizing societal scale action in our personal lives, and through public policy changes.
The meeting agenda will include:
- Annual Giving Campaign report
- Growers' Land Trust Community Garden
- S.A.N. and social media use
- Earth Day booth prep
- community workshops: super adobe, solar food dehydrator, cold frames, rain barrels, etc.
- S.A.N.web site: list-serve, auto-subscribe, content, pay pal, etc.
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S.A.N. COMMUNITY GARDEN ¤ GROWERS' LAND TRUST
Great garden soil adjacent to Lawrence for apartment dwellers or folks with small and shady yards - that's the vision of our Growers' Land Trust Community Garden. As the first step towards a permanent site, we are planning to lease some acreage just north of the Kansas River levee with prime ag soils. Garden plots will be rented to growers on a annual basis with proceeds going towards site preparation, water supply, deer fencing, etc. If you are interested in renting a plot, or in volunteering to help prepare the site, contact either Michael Almon at
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LAWRENCE SUSTAINABILITY TRAILBLAZERS ¤ APPLICATIONS DUE
by Tuesday, 15 March 2011
As a joint project between the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, the Lawrence Journal World, the University of Kansas, the City of Lawrence, and Douglas County, they are accepting applications from organizations and businesses who are using ecological sustainable practices. This could include: a building that incorporates green materials, sourcing products locally, minimal or no toxic chemicals used, or educational opportunities for employees. A panel of independent reviewers will choose the winners (total number is not available) who will be honored on Earth Day, be included in a Sustainability Map, be featured in a section of SunflowerHorizons.com, and more. Apply at Sustainability Trailblazers / LJWorld.com, and get more info from
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CITY OF LAWRENCE COMPOST SALE
Thursday-Saturday, 17-19 March 2011, 8:00am-3:00pm (til 4:00 on Sat.)
1420 E 11th Street, Lawrence KS (east of 11th and Haskell, over the tracks)
The material is composted from leaves, grass clippings, and prunings collected by the City. Quantities are restricted to pick-ups and small trailers for residential use, not commercial use. Cost is $10 per load if loaded by tractor, or free if self-loaded by hand; dump truck quantities are not allowed. Cash only. For more info, contact the Waste Reduction and Recycling Division at 832-3030 or visit www.LawrenceRecycles.org
Note from S.A.N. - the compost is not free of lawn chemical residue, so it is not recommended for use on food crops. A particularly persistent herbicide, Clopyralid by DowAgrosciences, remains for years in minuscule parts per billion, and causes stunted growth in many garden crops - Clopyralid residue in compost.pdf. Lawrence spot checks and certifies their compost for Clopyralid presence, but not all parts of the piles can be reasonably checked.
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DOUGLAS COUNTY FOOD POLICY COUNCIL
Monday, 21 March 2011, 7:00pm
location TBA, Lawrence, KS 66046
The Food Policy Council seeks to identify the benefits, challenges and opportunities for a successful, sustainable local food system. By advising the Douglas County Commission on public policies that will support local producers, preserve local agricultural resources and land, and create more local jobs, the F.P.C. hopes to improve the community’s access to a local food supply and distribution networks. For more info go to Dg County Food Policy Council.
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KANSAS CITY "EAT LOCAL & ORGANIC FOOD EXPO", 13th ANNUAL
VENUE #ONE
Saturday, 26 March 2011, 9:00am-2:00pm
Sermon Community Center, 201 N Dodgion St, Independence MO (near Truman & Noland Roads)
VENUE #TWO
Saturday, 2 April 2011, 9:30am-2:30pm
Shawnee Civic Centre, Phlumm & Johnson Dr, Shawnee KS
There will be local growers of organic and free range produce selling their wares, including garden plant starts, as well as free organic gardening information and free 2011 Producers Directory. There will be a free workshop on CSA's and Organic Farmers Markets, food preservation, and cooking demonstrations.
Both Food Expos are free admission with free parking and free music. More information on the KC Food Circle and the two food expositions can be found at Kansas City Eat Local Food Expo or (913)334-0556 or email to
The SUSTAINABILITY ACTION NETWORK, Inc. is a 501(C)(3) tax-exempt organization. DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE. Mail checks to P.O.Box 1064, Lawrence KS 66044.
Our mission is to advocate and organize societal scale action to address sustainability issues. The triple crises of Energy-Ecology-Economy are building so rapidly that large scale action is needed immediately and methodically to overcome institutional barriers and advance public policy that preserves ecological sustainability. Our focus is to build a relocalized economy-ecology in concert with the Transition Town movement occurring in many other communities. To join the Sustainability Action Network please contact us at
Our current projects include:
1) Transition Kaw Valley - initiating transition to a relocalized post-carbon economy, and municipal-level Peak Oil response planning.
2) Kaw Permaculture Collaborative and Kansas Permaculture Institute - developing skills and resources for polyculture sustainable food production.
3) Eco Village Land Trust - Designing and focalizing a sustainable intentional community near Lawrence.
4) Growers' Land Trust - organizing interested stakeholders to acquire prime farmland in the urban fringe for land-based economic development and regional food security.
5) Weekly Sustainability Announcements - informing and encouraging others to become active in the Sustainability Action Network, or other action driven groups.
6) Water Rights and Watersheds - protecting the water commons, the source of all life, from privatization and contamination, and restoring our watersheds.
7) Electric & Human Powered Vehicles - promoting neighborhood electric vehicles and utility tricycles, including infrastructure and pro-active regulations.
8) Energy Conservation & Renewables - advancing a green economy through decentralized renewable energy and conservation.
9) Collaboration with sister organizations - such as: The Light Center eco-village; Kaw Valley Food System farm-based economic development; Citizens for Responsible Planning; Films for Action; Kansas River Valley Growers fighting for local water rights; national efforts by the Sustainable Energy Network; KC Metro groups like the Kansas City Food Circle and the All Species Project, etc.
We welcome suggestions for items to be included. Please send items to
To subscribe to this list, please send an e-mail to
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