Did you know that the Town of Scarborough has an active
Sustainability Committee? Their goal is to promote energy and environmental sustainability in Scarborough through research, programs, projects, and policies. For the past few years, Scarborough Public Library has been part of the planning for Sustainable Scarborough Day. This year, the committee decided to take a break and reassess, but the library has taken on the subject with gusto! As is our way!
In September, we hosted Keith Carson, television weatherman extraordinaire and now a spokesperson for
Maine Conservation Voters. He spoke to the crowd about the messaging around climate change, and how to talk to people about it without turning people away. He explained the triggering messages many are exposed to, and how to get around it and into a facts-based discussion. The key is focusing on things everyone can agree on, like breathable air, drinkable water, and affordable heat and energy, among other ideas.
We also hosted the first of four talks by Kate Borduas, in partnership with the
Scarborough Land Trust. "A Day in the Life of a Pond" taught us about the wide range of life forms that are supported by ponds-- from tiny microorganisms to the largest of moose. I learned that a moose eating from the pond and then relieving itself in the woods keeps the woods thriving by spreading all the good nutrients from the pond, something I never thought about before. We also learned more about plants and the evolutionary principle known as "resource partitioning." Kate has another water related talk coming up on October 8 about rivers,
A River Runs Through It: A 'Good News' 'Bad News' Story, that you won't want to miss!
Phew! If you've made it this far, reward yourself with a deep breath of our fresh Scarborough air (Thank you, marsh! Thank you, ocean! Thank you, trees!). Hope to see you soon!
Elsa Rowe
Assistant Director
