SRPEDD is a regional planning agency serving 27 cities and towns in Southeastern Massachusetts. Governed by a Commission of local officials and citizens, SRPEDD is tasked with planning the region’s land use, transportation, economy and environment while assisting member cities and towns to operate more efficiently. The Southeastern Massachusetts region is a mix of urban, suburban, and rural landscapes with a population of over 600,000 in 808 square miles. Learn more at SRPEDD.org.

Over the last 20 years or so, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for people to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer.  Here are the basics:  a farmer offers a certain number of shares to the public.  Typically, the share consists of a box of vegetables, but sometimes, other farm products may be included. Brix Bounty Farm is a local SouthCoast CSA where ultra-fresh vegetables are organically grown with respect for the earth and future generations.  And, they have CSA shares for this coming season right now.

Derek Christianson, Manager of Brix Bounty, says that local CSA’s “allow families to develop a deeper connection to where their food is grown.”  CSA’s also ensure more diversity of crops and stability of local food production.  But the best thing is that CSA members get ultra-fresh, delicious food with all the flavor and vitamin benefits while also helping to keep our community clean by reducing pesticides, toxins and the waste of trucking vegetables long distances.  Sounds like you can have your cake and eat it too!

Derek  hopes you’ll come to think of Brix as your farm.  He’s even keeping a blog where he highlights many more great reasons to join the Brix Bounty Farm CSA.  Check it out, and get information on joining at http://www.brixbounty.com/blog/.

A hearty welcome back to SEEAL, to the Coalition for Buzzards Bay!

Buzzards Bay and its watershed (the 432 square miles of land that drain into the Bay) are amongst the most scenic and environmentally important regions on the entire eastern seaboard. We are extremely proud of this and we work hard to protect it.

Founded in 1987, The Coalition is supported by more than 6,000 individuals, families, and businesses. Active programs at The Coalition for Buzzards Bay…

• Involve volunteers Bay-wide-from Westport to Woods Hole-in the collection and analysis of Bay water quality in 30 major coves and harbors along Buzzards Bay’s shores. The Coalition for Buzzards Bay Baywatchers are providing the scientific data needed to fix problems where they exist and protect areas not yet harmed by human activities.
• Education efforts at The Coalition for Buzzards Bay are focused on creating an informed public today and a generation of future bay stewards who will understand the Buzzards Bay ecosystem (how it works, how it is threatened, and their place in it) and will support its restoration and protection.
• Protect the most important lands for conservation in the Buzzards Bay watershed. The Bay Lands Center focuses on enhancing the land acquisition capabilities of each of the Bay area land trusts and increasing the amount of protected shoreline, forestlands, and critical habitats in the Bay area.
• Work with town officials, business leaders, legislators and citizen groups to clean up the Bay’s problem spots and serve as effective advocates for open space protection, coastal habitat restoration, and Bay-sensitive redevelopment. Giving as a voice for the Bay, our Buzzards Baykeeper® Advocacy Program responds to proposals and activities that threaten the health of the Bay.

The Coalition for Buzzards Bay’s education, conservation, research and advocacy programs are supported by our membership. Please join us. Member benefits include a subscription to the Buzzards Bay Current, our quarterly newsletter, The Bay Buzz, our monthly e-newsletter, as well as discounts on Coalition merchandise and invitations to special events. Visit our Membership page to become a member of The Coalition for Buzzards Bay.

At Brix Bounty Farm we focus on investing in our natural capital (soils) and human capital (community) to create a sustainable source of original wealth.   On the web, we offer resources and ideas for community members interested in sustainable vegetable production here on the Southcoast of Massachusetts.”

The UMass Dartmouth Office of Campus and Community Sustainability organizes intellectual working space for the vibrant, disparate, network of interests and activities related to sustainability that exists on campus and in the region.

New Bedford State Pier

P.O. Box 2010
New Bedford, MA 02741-2010
(508) 992-4900

The Schooner Ernestina is a one hundred year old ship designated by the Department of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark. Originally built at the James and Tarr Yard in Essex, Massachusetts and launched February 1, 1894 as the Effie M. Morrissey, she has sailed on through the century to become one of six remaining Essex-built schooners.

She reached within 600 miles of the North Pole and is the last ship to bring immigrants to this country under sail from the Cape Verde Islands. Ernestina was given to the people of the United States by the people of the Cape Verde Islands in 1982. Her history is a remarkable legacy that spans continents, races and generations.

Schooner Ernestina Metrics*

• Sail Area: 8,323 square feet

• Tonnage: 98 gross tons

• Designer: George M. McClain

• Builder: James and Tarr Yard, Essex, Massachusetts

• Launched: February 1, 1894

• Sparred Length Overall: 156 feet

• Hull Length Overall: 112 feet

• Length on Deck: 106 feet

• Length at Waterline: 93 feet

• Breadth: 25 feet, 6 inches

• Draft: 13 feet

Directions to the New Bedford State PierThe office is on the Southeast corner of the Pier and the Ship is on the Southwest corner.Take exit 15 off of 195 either east or west to Route 18 South. At second traffic light take a left on to State Pier The ship is on the right.

Important Websites:
http://ernestina.org/news/
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/southeast/schern.htm