Fall 2003   Number 77
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Table of Contents

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Upcoming ASPI Events

Immediately - 2004 Simple Lifestyle Calendars Ready to Ship

Immediately - Live-in Volunteers Wanted

Saturday, November 15 - FREE Solar Net Metering Workshop,   9am, at Berea College.  Learn about hooking solar   electric systems to the electric grid, an arrangement   offered by Berea College Utilities allowing their    customers to offset their electric bill with solar power,  called net-metering.  

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NOTICE TO NEWSLETTER RECIPIENTS

As communicated in our Winter 2003 newsletter, we have been making an effort to conserve paper, staff time, and Martha’s sanity by offering an E-mail option for our newsletter recipients and making sure that our newsletters are going to good addresses, willing recipients, and recipients who are contributing at a minimum support level.  Please contact us if you would prefer to receive your newsletter by E-mail, if you are not the designated recipient, or if you would prefer not to receive it anymore.  

This will be the last newsletter sent to everyone on our mailing list regardless of contribution level.  You may continue receiving the newsletter in one of two ways: 1) A donation of $10 or more; or 2) A purchase of $15 or more (including shipping) of ASPI merchandise (calendars, note cards, light bulbs, books, technical papers, videos, etc.).  We will remove the names of those that have not met the above support levels just before the Winter 2004 Newsletter goes out in January.  We are sorry to have to do this but our mission and the current financial situation demand it.  If you have not been contributing up to now, I request that you take a look at the work we are doing in the context of our current energy woes and the gutting of environmental regulations, and contribute on behalf of a sane and sustainable future for the region.

In pruning our mailing list, we are sure to make mistakes, so please don’t take it personally if we accidentally cut off your newsletter.  Just bring it to our attention and we will remedy the situation immediately.  As always, we will make exceptions in cases of financial hardship or special need.

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New Survey of Eastern Old-Growth Forest Released
By Al Fritsch

ASPI has released a revised edition of “Old Growth in the East: A Survey” by Mary Byrd Davis.  The 249-page report was released in September and was published through ASPI’s Eastern Old-Growth Clearinghouse Project.  It contains brief descriptions of known old-growth sites in the eastern United States.

Davis defines old-growth as “forest, woodland, or savanna that looks largely as it would appear had Europeans not settled North America and that has experienced little or no direct disruption by Euro-Americans.”  In other words, it is forest that has experienced little or no grazing by domesticated animals or logging.  Specific criteria for old-growth vary with the ecosystem and location, so a floodplain forest in Louisiana will not be defined by the same old-growth characteristics as a dry upland forest in Virginia.

The geographic area covered by the report runs from the Atlantic ocean in the east and to a line running from east Texas in the south to western Minnesota in the north.  It is arranged by region and then by states within the region.  Under Kentucky, for example, Davis describes 2,239 acres of old-growth forest in the heart of the Blanton Forest State Nature Preserve in Harlan County; 870 acres of Mississippi River floodplain hardwood forest in state-owned Latourneau Woods in Fulton County; and Tight Hollow, a 72 acre virgin Tulip Tree-Eastern Hemlock stand within the Daniel Boone National Forest in Wolfe County, among others.

A hard copy of the report is available from the Eastern Old-Growth Clearinghouse at PO Box 131, Georgetown, KY  40324.  The cost is $35 post paid.  Checks should be made out to “Earth Island Institute/Old Growth”.  The report should soon be out in CD form also.  You may direct inquiries to Mary at  mdavis@old-growth.org.


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2003 Solar Tour Boasts Record Turnout
by Josh Bills

The Central Kentucky portion of the National Solar Tour, organized by ASPI, was twice as successful as in past years.  In all, over 40 people participated, traveling from as far away as Louisville and Ashland, Kentucky and Tennessee to see the solar systems at the ASPI office in Mt. Vernon and two beautiful “off the grid” residences, which get all their power from solar electric panels.

The major change ASPI made this year, was to provide a 20-passenger bus and a mini-van from R-Tec Transportation, a local company.  ASPI also offered it’s own mini-van.  Having a group tour allowed technical guidance by Joshua Bills, who helped with the installation at each of the three sites toured.  It gave the solar homeowners a chance to address the group as a whole about their experiences and their transition to solar power.  Many excellent questions about solar power were raised, allowing everyone in the group a chance to hear the questions and responses.

After first visiting the ASPI office in Mt. Vernon, the group headed to Timi Reedy and Tammy Clemon’s Owl-at-the-Moon Farm and solar geodesic dome home.  This home is the end result of a community effort with many local hands helping in its construction.  The solar system powers a refrigerator, lights, stereo, and computer.  It also pressurizes rainwater for indoor plumbing.  Drinking water is collected from a nearby spring and water is heated by a propane instantaneous water heater.

The final stop on the Tour was the log cabin home of Julya Westfall at the Redbud Farm.  This traditional mountain style home was built with over 90% of the wood collected and milled on site.  Julya has lived many years without electricity or indoor plumbing.  She recently added an addition to her home, which includes an indoor toilet and bathtub, and her solar electric system was installed in conjunction with the addition.  The solar system facilitated construction, allowing work to proceed without running a loud gas generator for power tools.  Her solar system powers a washing machine, lights, stereo, and computer, in addition to pressurizing spring water collected in a small pond nearby.  

Also noteworthy this year, was that much of the tour was videotaped by Tom Hansell of Appalshop.  He is helping ASPI develop an educational videotape on net metering for the upcoming Kentucky Legislative Assembly and Public Service Announcements on the benefits of solar power.  Tom is also seeking funding for a film to be titled “The Electricity Fairy”, which seeks to lay bare the connection between coal mining and the “magic” of our light switches and electric outlets.

If you made the tour, ASPI wishes you luck on your entry for the $11,000 solar system to be given away.  If you missed the Tour, join us next year (first Saturday in October), or visit the ASPI office and library anytime during business hours.  Give a couple of days notice if you want a tour of our solar greenhouse, solar water heater, and grid-intertied solar electric system (which helps power the ASPI electric car).


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Dan Bond Takes Over Ginseng Project
by Ben Perry

Local Rockcastle County resident Dan Bond has taken over the Ginseng Project since the departure of Therese Tackett in June.  The project was leaderless for a couple of months during the summer but we feel that it is in good hands now.  Dan has been a grower for 4 years and is well read on the subject of Ginseng and about any other subject you can name.  He does double duty as our Computer consultant and webmaster, is a black belt in ITF style Tae Kwon Do, and an accomplished musician to boot.  He is a true renaissance man and we’re lucky to benefit from his services.

Dan has been doing consulting work for ASPI since 1992 and we hope he will bring long-term commitment and continuity to the project.  He will be writing some articles and coordinating the AGF newsletter, as well as attending some events and keeping up on the Ginseng-related trends and issues as time and funding permit.  Unfortunately, the project is funded only at a very basic level at present, so we will have to be selective about where we concentrate our efforts and we won’t be able to do all of the things we would like.

ASPI associate Jack Kieffer will continue to keep us posted on what is going on in the lab and in our collaborations with Southern Illinois University, Eastern Kentucky University and Berea College.  Master grower Syl Yunker will continue to contribute his experience and an occasional article to the newsletter, in addition to reporting on the many ginseng-related events he attends in the region.  In addition, Kristin Johannsen, who is currently writing a book on ginseng and doing regular research in ASPI’s library, has also agreed to contribute articles based on her research and travels to the orient.

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ASPI to Host Energy Festival in 2004
By Ben Perry

ASPI is in the early stages of planning an event tentatively titled the Bluegrass EnergyFest (or Expo), to be held in August 2004.  The event is designed to bring together energy-focused people and organizations representing business, non-profits, education, and government to stage an event that will educate the people of Kentucky about energy issues and technologies.  The event will focus on energy efficiency and sustainable technologies and the target audiences will be homeowners, small business owners, and the construction and design communities.  The event will include a trade show, speakers, workshops, energy demonstrations, and an area for groups promoting energy-related issues.

Event Goals are as follows:

1) Raise awareness of energy issues for citizens, educators, government and the
business community
2) Expose target audiences to sustainable, energy efficient technologies and the
companies that make and market them
3) Raise business-to-business awareness of available technologies, with a focus
on the construction and design communities
4) Connect consumers with institutions offering financing options for capital-
intensive energy technologies with longer payouts

ASPI Goals include:

1) Networking with energy-focused businesses, government officials, educators, and   non-profits and create working relationships with key collaborators
3) Increase awareness of ASPI in Kentucky and beyond
2) Establish an annual source of earned income for ASPI energy projects and matching
funds for grants

We are now looking at locations and dates for the event, and have begun contacting potential sponsors and steering committee members representing various energy-related sectors.  Any ASPI supporter who has experience with such an event that they would like to share is encouraged to contact us.  Likewise, anyone who would like to serve on the steering committee, volunteer in some way, or be an event sponsor Is welcome indeed.  I have experience in coordinating small events and small portions of large events but not large portions of large events, so I am counting on experienced people stepping forward to help me make it a success.  We already have a commitment for $10,000 to $15,000 worth of creative work and TV/radio advertising and the event is going to be free to the public, so we are anticipating many thousands in attendance.


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Nature Center NEWS
By Andri Kukas

Appalachian Ecology Program Gets Rave Reviews!

“Excellent program.”  “The students were engaged the whole time.”  “I really feel like it (the program) will help scores.”  “I liked the walk in the forest the best.  Our children rarely get to learn in this environment.”

These are just a few of the universally positive evaluations from teachers who have been through the Appalachian Ecology program this fall.  The program, which began last spring, focuses on teaching ecological principals and stewardship to third grade students in schools that are below the state average for mandatory science testing.  A week of in-school programming is followed by a field trip to ASPI’s Mary E. Fritsch Nature Center.  So far this fall about 350 students from seven elementary schools in Knox and Laurel counties have participated and our goal is to see 800-1200 students by the end of the school year.

New Environmental Education Intern Hired

We are pleased to have Clare Datillo on board this fall as an environmental education intern.  Clare is doing a fabulous job teaching during school field trips, and helping to organize a project funded by Eastern Kentucky PRIDE, which involves the building of a bird blind and habitats for birds, butterflies, and bats around the Nature Center.  Volunteers with expertise in these habitats are encouraged to contact Clare at our office.  Please contact Andri Kukas at andrileigh@hotmail.com or 606-256-0077 if you are interested in a similar internship for the spring semester.  You do not have to be a student.

Pine Knot Job Corps Volunteers Do a Wonderful Job

We have been working since last spring with PKJC to design, build, and install identification signs for our Appropriate Technology demonstrations on the Rockcastle River.  Work was completed in early October and the cedar signs with routered lettering look marvelous.  We owe a special thanks to Ceina Penn with the PKJC for overseeing the numerous students who contributed to the project.  Our next step is to add descriptive text to the identification signs so that visitors can take self-guided tours.  ASPI is currently looking for funding for labor on that phase of the project.

Project WET Workshops Upcoming

We have secured funding for 60 Kentucky educators to get their nationally recognized Project WET certifications.  Schools with outdoor classrooms would especially benefit from this training.  The book that participants receive uses the theme of water to teach each of the subjects, which are taught at different age levels through interactive lessons.  Please contact ASPI if you or your school is interested.

Wanted: Two ASPI On-Site Volunteers

Simple Living Volunteer Opportunity on the Rockcastle River

Where: ASPI cordwood house on the Rockcastle River, 3 minutes off I-75 at exit 49
Travel Times – 15 min to London, 30 min to Berea, 75 min to Lexington
When: Available Immediately
Lodging: A rustic “cordwood” log house with compost toilet and cistern water
Duties: 20 hours per week – Assist w/ gardening, trail work, repairs and maintenance, building projects, special events, community outreach, and tours, plus assist with ASPI projects or create your own
Skills Needed; Self-Discipline, Dependability, Moderate strength and fitness, Clean and  Organized, Eager to learn, Cooperation, Writing and basic math
Skills Desired: Gardening, Construction, Mechanical, People skills, Outdoor skills
Compensation: Living stipend of $50/week. You may work full or part-time in the area as long as you donate 20 hours per week to ASPI.  There may also be paid work for you with ASPI depending on your skills and available funding

Second Live-In Volunteer Opportunity in Mt. Vernon, KY

Where: Apartment next to ASPI Office, 3 minutes off I-75 at exit 62
Travel Times – 15 min to Berea, 30 min to London, 60 min to Lexington
When: Available Immediately
Lodging: Apartment in rectory of Our Lady of Mt. Vernon Catholic Church
Duties: 20 hours per week – Assist w/ office work, mailings, special events, community outreach, gardening and yard work, and tours plus assist with ASPI projects or create your own project
Skills Needed; Self-Discipline, Dependability, Moderate strength & fitness, Clean and Organized, Eager to learn, Cooperation, Writing & basic math, Skills Desired: Computer/Office, Fundraising, People skills, Gardening
Compensation: Living stipend of $50/week.
You may work in the area as long as you   donate 20 hours per week to ASPI, and one day per month to the church.

For More Information: Contact Ben Perry or Martha Bond @ 606-256-0077, or e-mail Ben at benperry@a-spi.org  

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THANK YOU!

July 11 - October 20, 2003  Bill Simpson, Michael Jackson, Steve & Susan Kute & Family, Becky Czarnik, Celeste & Darwin Jireles, Shirley Reynolds, Robert Blinn, Dave & Sandy McFarland, Diane Faircloth, Nancy Jackson,       Judith Wilson, Mark & Joni Morgan, Ben Atkins, James Uleman & Marilyn Cleveland, Willanne       McNamara, Virginia Voss, Margaret Bowerman, Albert Ruschman, Jane Bluel, Beth Grendahl,       Patricia Smithson, Lori Nadene White, Michele Handelman, Mary Yocum, Patti Staton, Philip       Williams, Imogene Margison, Sharon McComb, Marjory Donn, Angela Showalter, Glenn Ihrig,      Jaime Botero, Fred Wickenmann,  Jack Vetter, Bruce Griffith, Diane Mashaben, Connie Schmitt, John Stoeckinger, Barbara Wetula, Diane McCalley, Jane Rector Donaldson, Charlotte Offerdahl, Lee Amundsen, Francis Link, John & Anne Horstman, Fr. Henry Atkins, Sally Firestone, Joeli Armstrong, Hazel Robinson, Herb Petitjean, Pat Bing, Ann Magner, Lilian Lawrence, Penny Clark, Theresa Cross, Paula Ferrenburg, Shari Coleman, Helen Harms, Kathi & Ken Beerbohm, Margaret Kiekhaefer, Holly Holyk, Jason & Sharon McGaughey, Virginia Carrigan, Carole Russell, Barbara Hellegan, Barbara Sullivan, Ian Rudick, Kit Pilgrim, Lynn Chong, Marge Cipkar, Dr. Joyce Eisold, Leah Aasen, Judith McCandless, June Tosh, Ed & Christina Fritsch, Charles & Katherine Fritsch, John & Jean Rosenberg, Ron Roberts, Mary Pat Hill; OSM, Dan & Lauren Chapman, Mary Grisco, Judy Hilton, Betty Johnson, Jim Gormley, Al Fritsch, Sara Mahy, Stephanie Barrett, Jane Thompson, Katrina M. Cometa, Lyle Starr, Catherine Cameron, Sherri Pond, Donna Goebeler, Barbara Spicer, Allene Long, Geoffrey Young, Janet & Andy Ingraham Dwyer, Richard Peckham, Sr. Sharon A. Yanak, Laurel Krisken, Dawn Ramsay, Paula Hayes, Claire Farnsworth, Virginia Polanski, Liz Swinfen, Paul O Keefe Buterbaugh, Kris Stroad Moore.


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