I often feel that Autumn may  be the best season of all -- brilliantly colored leaves reflecting bright sunlight are a treat for the eyes - weather just cool enough for maybe a light jacket, a nice respite from the heat and humidity of August - something almost magical about walking through the carpet of leaves the trees have given to the ground - walking on rustling clouds of color - that induce one to a contentment of the moment mixed with a melancholy contemplation of the past and future.

 

Magic as though -- must be short-lived - if it is to remain potent. 

 

As the buds of spring opened to the green of a new year of growth - so must those same leaves turn to their Autumn coat broadcasting the end of a season of growth --- while promising a continuation of the cycle after the cleansing cold of winter.

 

One aspect of Autumn that I have never understood though, is the vigor with which so many see the leaves as an enemy to their castle grounds - while attacking them with rakes, blowers, bags, front end loaders and a trip to the land fill.

 

All of this animosity to the leaves reminds me of the folks in Arizona who pipe in water from the north to grow green grass in the desert .... instead of appreciating the beauty of the region they live in - they want to transform it to another time and place.

 

My grandparents who migrated here from a peasant life in Poland, approached nature in a much different way.  Whenever possible they used nature to work for them - instead of fighting them.  From mulch piles to using the dinner's dishwater as a natural insecticide on their garden - working with nature is often easier, cheaper and more productive than fighting it.

 

Of course, as to be expected of people who had the initiative and energy to cross an ocean for the promise of a better life, they were no Luddites - and they used the best that innovation and science offered when it was needed.  

 

Taking such a practical approach to the Leaves of Autumn - why do we gather them up and ship them off to a landfill, instead of using them on our lawns, where they have fallen?

 

Contrary to some of the myths popular among lawn farmers, mulching leaves where they sit is easy to do with your normal lawnmower, and it does add to the natural ecosystem of the ground with enrichment for the next years crop of Kentucky Blue.

 

Following is an article that addresses this very issue, from the Virginia State University.

 

What do you think we should do in Shorewood --- bag, burn and bury --- or mulch ?

 

 

Crop and Soil Environmental News, November 2004

'Leave' Them Alone: Lawn Leaf Management

Mike Goatley, Jr. Extension Turf Specialist, Virginia Tech

 

While we enjoy the beautiful colors associated with fall foliage, we also realize that most of those leaves will soon be on the ground. At this time of year, many turf managers quit managing grass and shift their focus instead to leaf management. In some situations, leaf removal by way of blowing, raking, or vacuuming is essential because of turf use (e.g. golf course turf where finding a ball in leaves is next to impossible). However, the treatment and/or disposal of these leaves is a time consuming and costly process. In some areas, it is actually illegal to place bagged leaves at curbside for pickup due to restrictions on placing lawn waste in landfills. Are there reasonable alternatives in leaf management?

The answer is yes. And the technique is one that many of you have used for years -- leaf mulching directly into the turf. There are several university research reports detailing how leaf mulching affects turf performance. In almost every instance, the results show that chopping up deciduous leaves as part of a regular mowing schedule is an effective means of managing them without harming the turf. A research report entitled "Leaf Mulching Effects on Turf Performance" from Purdue University turfgrass researchers Zac Reicher and Glenn Hardebeck can be accessed online at http://www.agry.purdue.edu/turf/report/1999/page24.htm. This report does an excellent job detailing the responses of a perennial ryegrass lawn turf to the application of up to 4000 lbs of maple (Acer sp.) leaves/acre in a single application. Mulching the leaves had no undesirable effects on turf quality or color, growth, thatch accumulation, soil pH, weed populations, or disease pressure. While the leaves did not prove to be a substitute for proper N fertilization practices, the overall assessment was that mulching was overall very positive and economical.

There are some important considerations before using leaf mulching in turf as a method of leaf disposal. While mulching mowers are preferred because of special deck and/or blade designs to mulch clippings, almost any rotary mowing unit can suffice. However, think safety first. Use the rotary mower for leaf mulching, not as a stump grinder or chipper/shredder. Inspect the site and remove sticks and limbs before mulching. This greatly reduces the chance that you or someone else can be hurt, and improves the performance and life of your mower. Wear safety goggles and an air mask over your mouth and nose to protect from debris and dust. Mulch leaves when they are suitably dry rather than soaking wet. While this causes more concerns with dust, dry leaves are much easier to mulch and cause less wear and tear on the mower. Finally, consider the limitations of the mower itself. There is only so much leaf matter that can be handled at one time, so use some common sense regarding how many leaves can be effectively mulched in a single mowing event. Sharpen blades more frequently (to improve the mulching operation and to address the likelihood that your blades will still likely be hitting some debris) and clean filters (air and other) more regularly.

Many pine trees are also shedding a season's worth of needles during the fall as new growth emerges. Unfortunately, mulching is not an effective way to dispose of pine needles because of their size, shape, and composition. Pine needles are highly resistant to microbial breakdown, and even if they are chopped into smaller pieces, they remain physically intact for months. While resistance to decomposition precludes pine needle disposal by mulching, the durability of pine straw is one reason it is so popular as a landscape bedding mulch.

Consider utilizing your rotary or mulching mower as a leaf disposal tool this fall. Mulching leaves directly back into the turf has proven to be a cost (and time) effective means of leaf disposal, does not negatively impact turf performance, and helps reduce the volume of landfill waste.

 

Visit Virginia Cooperative Extension

 

 

 

 

As I was driving on North Oakland the other night, I suddenly realized that even though the Village has torn out half of the streetlights --- there was more than enough light for driving and pedestrian purposes.

Even though the lights on the west side of the street are gone - the ones on the east side do more than an adequate job. The question I have therefore is  -- why do we need so many lights ?

In an earlier posting to Shorelines, I had questioned whether "light pollution" had been considered in the Streetscaping plans --- and I would guess probably not !

Another question that I have about the  proposed lights is whether  new technology was considered ?  Why are we going with the same old electrically hard wired lights --- is there a solar alternative ?

Doing a little research on the internet, I came across a plethora of manufacturers, distributors and information on solar powered street lights.  I have copied one of the pages below as an example of the information that is out there.

Is it too late to reconsider the streetlights ?  Since we have only starting tearing things up, and it appears that no work will be done before Spring 08 at the earliest --- why not do a study on solar lighting.

Just think - no electric bills to keep them running.  No burning of fossil fuels.  No trenching or wiring needed.  In a Power Outage --- the street lights will still be on !

Wouldn't Shorewood be proud to light the way for other villages, towns and cities in the Progressive use of Solar Power for Streetlights  ---  or do we just talk a good talk ?

What are your thoughts on whether we have enough light or need more, and whether solar should be in the equation.

 FOLLOWING IS WEB PAGE FROM INTERNET

SOL's products have historically withstood high wind conditions in hurricanes and typhoons around the world. NOW Independent structural engineers have certified that SOL's SLH series far exceed the 150 MPH, Schedule D wind event requirements as per Chapter 6 of the ASCE 7-05 specifications. The patented SL product series uses a flat panel design. Not only is the solar lighting system certified to this high standard, but the attachment to the pole has also been certified, eliminating any weak points that may cause the system to not withstand the high winds.   Click here for Product PDF Click here for Press Release Founded in 1990 as Solar Outdoor Lighting, SOL INC. is the world's leading manufacturer of commercial grade solar powered lighting products and systems. All of our commercial grade solar powered systems are customized to ensure they meet the needs of each project. SOL develops and markets the most efficient and reliable solar powered systems for lighting applications including parking lot, street lighting, security lighting, general area lighting, trail and pathway lighting, outdoor advertising, billboard and sign lighting, and transit applications. Solar powered systems help people feel safe, lighting up dark areas with dependable off-grid solar power. The systems install easily with no trenching or wiring. SOL's systems have the longest warranty, the most reliable service and the best prices in the industry. SOL INC. customers have enjoyed millions of hours of trouble-free service. We have an international website for solar powered projects outside of the continental United States. This website addresses the special needs of projects outside of the continental USA. International Representatives and Distributors are welcome. Please visit http://www.solarlighting.com/international/ or click on the link provided on this page. Headquartered in Palm City, Florida, SOL's patented products are installed in over 50 countries on 6 continents world-wide.

 

It seems that the Wilson makeover is something of a controversy --- wider, narrower, two lanes, four lanes, stop signs, parking, etc... and from reading responses from the Village Officials, it seems that all is open for discussion, except that which they have already decided to do. Though it would be refreshing if there is some real consideration given to the opinions of the residents.

Steve Koczela's blog regarding Stop Signs is very informative, and hopefully will be considered as to its Green impact.

Another consideration that may or may not apply, is what is underneath Wilson. Since we are planning on tearing up the entire street anyway --- what kind of sewers are there --- storm and sanitary, or just sanitary ? Are the any opportunities here for tweaking our defective sewer system ?

Unfortunately as we read several times a year about Shorewood dumping raw sewage into the river* --- is there an opportunity here for working with MMSD ---- perhaps a "mini deep tunnel" to help with Shorewood's sewage overflows ? Maybe MMSD would help with the reconstruction costs ?

Hopefully our Village officials will look at all these aspects --- and once the Conservation Committee is up and running, they can also provide some guidance as to the Green alternatives in rebuilding Wilson.


* April 7, 2007 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel "A spring storm Tuesday morning that poured more than 2 inches of rain in several hours on communities throughout metro Milwaukee led to the dumping of an unknown volume of sewage and storm water from combined sewers in Milwaukee and Shorewood to local rivers and Lake Michigan. The overflows had not abated by evening"

At its last meeting the Village Board voted to authorize bids for the new Streetscape Plan. Preliminary estimates for the first phase are in the $3 million range.

Many of Shorewood’s residents probably remember the last time Shorewood had a major renovation project, It was the streetscaping of North Oakland Avenue in 1996. That renovation replaced the street, sidewalks and all the streetlights. Also installed were sidewalk pavers, benches, planters and trash receptacles.

We now find, barely more than 10 years after spending all that money on North Oakland Avenue, that all those nice new street lights, pavers, benches and trash receptacles are obsolete !

Apparently everybody involved failed to notice that we have winters in Shorewood, we use salt on our streets, and all those nice new fixtures, made of cast iron, are prone to rust. Reportedly, they have rusted to the point that they need to be replaced.

Our weather has not been especially kind to all of those pavers that were installed along the sidewalks either. Walking on what is left of the pavers, is taking a risk to breaking an ankle ! Patterned cement, in hindsight, would have been much more economical to install and maintain, while achieving the same decorative look.

The average taxpayer probably imagines that when the Village Board was informed that all the tax money that was spent 10 years ago has rusted away --- literally --- the Board was upset, and determined to find out how and why such a major mistake was made, and that the Board decided to get those answers and to thoroughly examine the new proposals, before committing to any new multi million dollar projects.

Unfortunately, the average taxpayer would be wrong !

The only Board Member who dared to rock the boat during the discussion to approve the bid process was Jeff Hanewall. He brought up concerns about the designs that were being proposed for the new streetscaping, and asked questions as to whether they were appropriate for Shorewood. It is noteworthy that Trustee Hanewall is an architect and is well versed in such matters, albeit that design is always of a subjective nature.

In the following discussion, it appeared that all the other trustees and village management considered the plan, as presented, to be a “done deal”, with no room for discussion or dissent.

When the slide show presentation of the plan was made to the board (you can view the same presentation on the Village’s website), there was a heavy emphasis on the fact that the CDA conducted a number of public meetings, and that Shorewood citizens in study groups, actually voted in favor of the plan that was presented.

That story, however, quickly changed upon questioning.

Trustee Hanewall questioned how the process was actually run. He questioned whether the design firm involved limited the selections available to the participants of the groups, and whether the selections were made without the context of viewing the elements as a whole. He pointed out that a popular vote of approximately 20 volunteers was going to be the deciding factor for a multi million dollar project for a village of 13,000 plus residents.

This was when a whole new description of the process by the CDA was quickly offered.

The new line given was that although there was a popular vote of citizen volunteers, the CDA and designers didn’t “really” let that be a deciding factor. They said that they had actually limited the information available to the volunteers, and that they never intended to, nor did they, abide by the consensus of the study groups.

Going on the appearances and actions at the Board meeting, it would be a good guess that the project is pretty much a “done deal”. There does not seem to be any appetite on the Board to study what went wrong with the North Oakland project --- nor to examine in any depth, the proposed elements for the new project.

And that begs the question of whether we in a rush to more obsolescence ? Are all those street light and poles rusted beyond redemption ? Have any restoration experts been contacted to examine the existing poles and assess whether there are any methods which can restore them --- and how that would compare in cost to replacing them with new ones ?

It has been said that we live in a “throw away” society. And perhaps all those nice “10 year old new” light poles are destined to our landfills.

But shouldn’t we expect better in Shorewood --- shouldn’t the Village Board examine this issue much more carefully before actually committing the millions of dollars it will cost --- with at least a minimal expectation that the new streetscape will have a useful life of more than 10 years before it is obsolete ?

In an earlier posting on this blog, I advocated for creating a Green Commission to be a permanent part of Shorewood government. I proposed that the Green Commission have a very broad portfolio, to review all actions and proposals of departments, panels and other commissions, for the affect they will have on the environment.

The need for more space for the Shorewood Police Department would be an excellent start for the Green Commission. Whether it is decided to build a new facility for the Shorewood Blues, or to modify the existing Village Campus, the Green Commission should be an integral part of the process.

Studying how various proposals for SPD’s new facility will affect our environment, and how to limit adverse affects in an economically feasible way, will take a good deal of study and expertise. Some of the ideas that may be considered in such an undertaking could include some of the following:

HEATING AND COOLING

In discussions for modification of the existing Village Campus, the shortage of parking at that location has often been addressed. One of the solutions discussed was to make the existing parking area a two story parking structure. And as the parking area takes up a rather large footprint, there may be an opportunity to exploit what lies beneath it --- which is the stable temperature found underground, even in climates such as ours, that is used for Geothermal Heating and Cooling.

Geothermal Heating and Cooling works by pumping water through a closed loop of pipes buried in the ground. In heating mode, heat is extracted from the water as it passes through a condenser, and released through the evaporator coil. For air conditioning, heat is extracted from the evaporator coil and released into water through the condenser.

So one possible scenario would be to excavate the existing parking lot, bury the Geothermal Loop, and put a two story parking structure over it. Depending upon the physics involved, we may find that our Geothermal source to be large enough to also heat and cool the other existing buildings, such as the Village Hall and the Library.

GREEN SPACE AND WATER RUN OFF

If we have a two story parking structure, and we take the opportunity to excavate the site for our Geothermal source, we can also consider having all the parking underground. The top of the structure can be Green Space, with the added benefit of soaking up rain and snow runoff, instead of having it run off into the storm sewers.

By having underground parking, a couple of other added benefits would be that no snow plowing or salting of the parking lot would be necessary. And the truckloads of snow that the DPW currently hauls by dump truck to the river would not be necessary.

PLUGGING INTO THE SUN

Solar energy is becoming increasingly more practical and efficient. Any new or remodeled structure could incorporate Solar panels into the roofing. The Solar Electricity that we capture can be used for the lighting of the Village Campus, and perhaps even contribute to the electrical needs of the Geothermal System.

GREEN ECONOMICS

According to the Federal Department of Energy
“In large commercial installations, the initial costs of
GHPs are very competitive with boilers and cooling
towers. Major projects (larger than 300 tons) often
attract bidders from all over the country for designing,
drilling, and installation, thereby achieving very competitive
prices.

All these economies add up to a handsome return on
investment for businesses that choose GHPs. If the initial
cost of installing a GHP system is higher, these systems
typically pay for themselves in reduced energy and
maintenance costs in less than five years.”

IN SUMMATION

For the purposes of this posting, I am only able to scratch the surface of the options and benefits that a Green Commission would address. For instance, all the buildings on the Village Campus could have multiple heat exchangers, with excess heat from one zone having too much heat, perhaps from its particular sun exposure, sent to another zone that needs more heat !

If you would like to learn more about Geothermal Heating and Cooling, or other related topics, here are some sources listed by the DOE.

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Office of Geothermal Technologies, EE-12
1000 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20585-0121
(202) 586-5340
http://www.eren.doe.gov/geothermal/

The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Clearinghouse (EREC)
P.O. Box 3048
Merrifield, VA 22116
(800) DOE-EREC (363-3732)
Fax: (703) 893-0400
E-mail: doe.erec@nciinc.com
http://www.eren.doe.gov/consumerinfo

Geo-Heat Center
Oregon Institute of Technology
3201 Campus Drive
Klamath Falls, OR 97601-8801
(503) 885-1750
http://www.oit.osshe.edu/~geoheat/

Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium, Inc. (GHPC)
701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004-2696
(888) ALL-4-GEO (255-4436)
http://www.geoexchange.org/

International Gr

Think Globally and Act Locally .........

Everyone has heard the Mantra --- but how does it, or should it, affect us in Shorewood ?

It is easy to say that we need clean air, clean water and less pollution. Unfortunately, it is even easier to say that the responsibility for the quality of our air and water lies in state, national or international action. After all, what kind of affect can a small village of some 13,000 people have on such a worldwide problem.

The answer is that Shorewood may be one of the best places to address environmental issues, for several reasons (not all inclusive) noted here:

1)We are small enough to be build a consensus in a much shorter time than larger communities.
2)Our smaller size allows us to be flexible --- to continue with those ideas that work, and discard the ones that don't.
3)Shorewood is big enough to test the viability of ideas and ensure they are practical on a large enough scale.
4)With our unique position geographically on Lake Michigan, and as a part of MMSD, and with our sections of antiquated sewer lines, we can have a larger impact on water quality than our physical size would belie.
5)The population of Shorewood is reportedly over represented by academia, scientists, engineers, physicians, and others who can bring a wealth of expertise and innovations in addressing the challenges of a Green Village.
6)Our population typically expresses itself as politically progressive, which would be needed to empower the political will necessary to enact change.

Our present Village Government is composed of the Village Board, and a number of panels and commissions, such as (just to name a few):

o Board of Appeals
o Board of Health
o Community Development Authority
o Design Review Board
o Park Commission
o Plan Commission
o Police Commission

I propose that a new commission, perhaps known as the Green Commission or Ecological Review Commission be created.

I also propose that this Commission have a very broad portfolio, to review all actions and proposals of departments, panels and other commissions, for the affect they will have on the environment.

An example of how this Commission could work, would be if DPW needs a new truck --- a review would be made of the types of trucks that would be suitable for the tasks the truck will be used for, and an analysis would be made of the impact each different type would have on the environment.

Maybe among the types of suitable trucks would be gasoline, diesel or bio-diesel fueled vehicles. A simplistic thought would be that the bio-diesel is the way to go, but perhaps there are other factors which are not so obvious, such as lack of sources for fuel. Or maybe the bio-diesel is an inferior engine that would need to be replaced sooner than a more conventional one, and therefore actually use more fossil fuel energy in the long term, when the replacement and salvage components of the equation are factored in.

Or maybe, bio-diesel is the best choice for protecting the air we breathe and having the least adverse affects on our atmosphere.

In any case, the Green Commission would ensure that Environmental Concerns are part of the equation.

What do you think ? Please e mail me with your comments and ideas.