April 2008
I don’t just save fuel, I save money
Gas prices getting you down? What better month than April—particularly Earth Day on April 22—to think about trading up for a car that gets better mileage. A collaborative website of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy can help. Determine your own car’s energy impact score. Get the MPG ratings on all 2008 cars. Find and compare various makes and models for their fuel efficiency, annual fuel costs, carbon footprint, and air pollution rating. Search for hybrids, diesels, and alternative-fuel vehicles. Learn about the tax incentives available when choosing a greener car. From tips on getting better mileage to where to buy E85, go here and reap the rewards.
Watch the plants grow
Got plants? Then join thousands of people across the country participating in Project Budburst, a nationwide initiative coordinated by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research engaging citizen scientists in carefully observing the life cycle events of plants. When did your plant first flower? When did the leaves unfold? Project Budburst wants to know this and more. The data helps detect long-term impacts of climate change. Learn more here. It’s a program that anyone—especially students, teachers, and families—will grow to love!
Indigenously yours
Native plants are a natural fit in the home landscape, simple to grow, easy to maintain. They nourish song birds and butterflies and feed our appetites for beauty. As the original inhabitants of this land, natives deserve a chance to thrive. The patriotic gardener who plants them is rewarded with a bountiful increase in biodiversity. This spring as you build your garden, request them at your favorite garden center or go here for a list of locally-sponsored native plant sales.
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PAiCon of the month
Meet Cory from Zelionople, our first PAiCon of the month, who says “Life is too short not to do your part.” Share your words of conservation wisdom by joining the growing ranks of PAiCons. In June, we’ll be drawing the name of one lucky iCon who’ll win a two-night state park stay!
Did you know?
Every year, from May through September, Pennsylvania’s rivers host more than a dozen sojourns—guided, educational multi-day paddling expeditions. Are you ready to go with the flow? Visit here for more information.
Spotlight on…
The 2nd Great Green America Fest on the grounds of the Mount Hope Estate in Manheim, Pa., May 3-4. Get green and get groovy at this fun and educational event or check out the special Green and Growing school day on May 2 (reservation only). Enjoy acres of outdoor adventure, organic foods, earth-friendly vendors, interactive games, and festive music. Get details here.
Congratulations to Beverly Narwich of Philadelphia, the winner of the first monthly drawing from the SEEDS subscription list. Ms. Narwich receives a copy of the It’s Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth Friendly Living.
Congratulations to Sally Roberts of Clifford, Pa., the winner of a special two-night stay in a state park camping cottage. In celebration of the full-scale launch of the iConservePA program, a name was randomly selected from the list of SEEDS subscribers.
Sign up if you received this e-mail from a friend and would like to add yourself to the Seeds mailing list.
iConservePA is a program of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Edward G. Rendell, Governor.
© 2007 Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources