Yale Bulletin and Calendar

April 12, 2002

Volume 30, Number 25

Museum spearheading annual
cleanup of New Haven Harbor

In conjunction with the annual Earth Day celebration, the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History and School of Forestry and Environmental Studies are joining with the Quinnipiac River Watershed Association (QRWA) to mobilize students and area residents to help clean up New Haven Harbor.

The event -- to be held 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, the day before Earth Day -- is part of the QRWA's annual "Source to Sound River Clean-up." This is the third year that the Peabody is spearheading the New Haven Harbor component of the trash cleanup.

The Quinnipiac River runs south through the heart of Connecticut and spills out into Long Island Sound by way of New Haven Harbor. The southern portion of the river flows through a heavily industrialized zone. The river and harbor were once heavily polluted with toxic chemicals, garbage and hazardous waste. Over the last two decades, more stringent environmental regulations and localized clean-up efforts have helped improve water quality.

The nearly 300 participants in last year's Source to Sound River Clean-up removed an estimated 40,000 pounds of trash, debris and heavy metals from the beaches and banks of the river. These volunteers were rewarded with T-shirts and a celebration with food and music.

The Peabody Museum was rewarded as well, earning a Green Circle Award from the State of Connecticut each of the past two years. This award is given to public and private organizations and individuals that have shown an outstanding commitment to the protection and preservation of the state's natural resources.

This year's event will also provide opportunities all day to learn about the Quinnipiac's ecology and natural history. Participants will be able to visit interactive and educational displays, staffed by local watershed protection groups, either in the morning before heading out or after returning from clean-up sites. The museum will also have an "exhibition at large" of "The Muskrat and the Osprey: The Hidden Quinnipiac Marsh" at the main staging area, with microscopes for close-up looks at aquatic life and experts on hand to provide further information.

A keynote presentation on the natural history of the marsh and harbor will highlight the value of cleaning up and protecting New Haven's unique aquatic habitats.

All volunteers will again receive a T-shirt compliments of the QRWA and a picnic lunch on the harbor. A shuttle will run throughout the day between the Peabody, 170 Whitney Ave., and designated locations. Visit the website at www.peabody.yale.edu/ events/earthday/ for details.

T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S

Zedillo named head of Center for Study of Globalization

Other International Initiatives at Yale University

SOM Institute to explore how corporations are regulated by world's governments

Journalists covering Latin America will discuss the region's 'global reach'

HUD secretary to visit as a Chubb Fellow

Visiting architect describes his creative process

In Focus: Yale Recycling

Exhibition features art by 'consummate storyteller'

Peabody receives grant for Machu Picchu exhibit

Difficult quest for black education explored in forum

Noted psychologist Neal E. Miller, pioneerin research on brain and behavior, dies

Study estimates the likelihood of stroke in elderly patients who have had heart attacks

Biotechnology companies are thriving in Connecticut with help from Yale science

Lecture to explore how biomaterials 'will change our lives'

Conference on 'God and the Ethics of Belief' pays tribute . . .

Event to explore latest research on mental illness

Gustav Ranis reappointed as Henry R. Luce Director of YCIAS

'Hot Flashes' explores world of womanhood after 50

Museum spearheading annual cleanup of New Haven Harbor

At the powwow

Transatlantic polo

Campus Notes