The Kent Environmental Council invites all environmentally concerned residents of the Kent area to join us in accomplishing our local action agenda for 2009. We will be working on the following focus areas:

Communication and Publicity
Purpose
Supports the informing and educating of KEC members and the public through targeted communication and access to environmental and ecological resources.

Contact
Audrey Kessler (Web site manager and newsletter editor); Larry Cole; Nancy Adams; Jim Geisey

Environmental Education
Purpose
Seeks to teach the community about sound environmental stewardship. Promotes community support for KEC’s two Portage Foundation accounts, especially the continuation of funding for Legacy of Learning Projects. To read more, click here.

Contact
Nancy Adams

Green Economy and Energy Conservation
Purpose
Supports effective energy-conservation techniques to ensure greater energy efficiency in community agencies, offices, homes and businesses. Advocates greater use of renewable-energy resources.

Contact
Ted Voneida

Archives 2009: Report on Clean Fuels Ohio Meeting . . . Green Energy and Conservation Focus Group Concerns

Haymaker Landscaping
Purpose
Oversees the improvement and maintenance of KEC’s landscaping area along Haymaker Parkway (north side of roadway, between South Mantua and River streets).

Contact
Ann Ward

Special Tasks
Spring and summer volunteer gardening sessions on the parkway (check our calendar for dates, times and tasks to be done).

Archives 2009: Work Continues on KEC Haymaker Parkway Adopt-a-Spot

Neighborhood-Supported Agriculture
Purpose
Promotes the creation of neighborhood gardens, the sharing of resources (tools, equipment, ideas and labor) and the purchase of locally grown foods. This group has been formed recently and will be exploring its goals and possible projects. New members are welcome.

Contact
Kelly Ferry

Parks and Trail Development
Purpose
Supports the extension, improvement and maintenance of the ity of Kent, Kent State University and Portage County parks and trails systems.

Contact
Susan Blair, Portage Park District, 330-297-7728

Sustainable Community Development
Purpose
Represents KEC’s interest in sustainable community planning and development. Monitors city of Kent, Kent State University and Portage County plans and programs in terms of environmental and ecological impacts and concerns.

Contact
Gene Wenninger

Special Projects
Revision of Kent City Zoning Code: Jeff Farmer   
Also: Main Street Kent, downtown planning and development (Phoenix Project, Fairmount development, Whitewater Park project, Kent State University/city of Kent collaborations)

Transportation
Purpose
Seeks a specific acquaintance with the existing modes of transportation available in the region, as well as clarification of transportation-related issues. Advises the KEC Board about issues that deserve the organization’s attention.

Contact
Harold Walker

Archives 2009: KEC Members Take 'May Day' Field Trip to Akron METRO Intermodal Transit Center . . . Proposal for KEC Focus Group on Transportation

Watershed Conservation
Purpose
Monitors the use and health of the Cuyahoga River Watershed, including the Kent/Brimfield Bog.

Contact
Edith Chase 330-673-1193 (watershed)
Gordon Vars (bog)

Archives 2009: Friends of the Kent Bog: A KEC Focus Group . . . KEC's Edith Chase Receives Environmental Award

Young Families for the Environment
Purpose
Encourages young families who want to spark interest and enthusiasm in their children about green issues so that they become actively engaged environmental action. The group is still in the early stages of planning, so interested families will have an opportunity to be in on the ground floor in developing projects. Ideas so far include workshops on how to "green" your home, engaging all family members in organic gardening projects and tackling bigger environmental issues (such as use of pesticides and chemicals in our surroundings).

Contact
Lynn Gregor

Archives 2010: Holden School Gardeners Thank KEC for Support