A Newsletter of ARC's Green Communities Program June 2017 Why Recent Rains Haven’t Eased Drought for Most of Metro AtlantaARC, Natural Resources Most of metro Atlanta remains in a Level 2 drought response, despite recent downpours that have prompted many of us to keep our umbrellas and rain jackets within easy reach. So, what gives? Put simply: Lake Lanier remains well below “full pool.” In fact, it’s about 8 feet low, the third-lowest on record for this time of year. This matters because Lake Lanier is the primary source of water for much of metro Atlanta. Green Communities SpotlightGovernment Rainwater or Reuse Water Local governments can earn points for Green Communities Measure #21 by using captured rainwater or reuse water, instead of potable water, for irrigation at one or more government facilities. The City of Douglasville received credit for this measure by capturing and using rainwater at two of its properties - Hunter Memorial Park Athletic Complex and the majority of its West Pines Golf Course. Together these systems saved the city over 30 million gallons of potable water in 2016. Make it Personal10 Tips for Saving Water at Home
Sustainability News ClipsGreen news from near and far: Atlanta aims for 100 percent clean energy Decatur declares solar avenue for Earth Day Urban agriculture and community engagement take root on PATH400 13 Metro Atlanta nonprofits participate in ENERGY STAR nation building competition Where Tesla plans to expand its charging network in Georgia Brunswick and Georgia Power team up for solar energy competition Combined built environment features help communities get active Solar and energy storage financing for schools Sustainable design and amenities enhance creek restoration Green infrastructure spreads and scales San Diego County moves to lower waste going to landfills Get Green for Going Green Cultural Corridor Consortium Grant Diesel Emission Reduction Program Grant The Southeast Sustainable Communities Fund 2017 Water Reflections Calendar Photo Contest NEA Creative Placemaking Grant Funding for Curbside Recycling Carts Funding for Scrap Tire Clean Up LED Street Lighting Solutions and Training Urban Land Institute 2017 Technical Assistance Panels Kresge Fdn. Healthy Housing & Neighborhoods Initiative Ford Fdn. Sustainable Development Grant SolSmart Community Designation Green by the Numbers 29 billion – gallons of daily household water used across the U.S. Sustainability Happenings30x30 Nature Challenge Trees Atlanta Pruning Series Sustainable Atlanta Roundtable INSS Conference: “Smart, Connected Communities” The Evolution of Stormwater Monitoring Strategies The End of Tree Plagues Atlanta Streets Alive Westside Citizen Science and Open Data in Urban Forestry 2017 EcoDistricts Summit Green Infrastructure – Learn the Environmental, Community and Economic Benefits The Green Matters e-newsletter is designed to give you a glimpse of important sustainability initiatives happening around the metro Atlanta region and beyond. Whether it's the latest research, new educational offerings, environmental stewardship efforts or potential funding opportunities, this e-newsletter will help you stay abreast of what's happening in this important subject area. |