By Steve Saddlemire, Earth & Climate Ministry
As we enter 2025, there is good news to report regarding UUCWC’s efforts to follow the River Friendly guidelines established by The Watershed Institute in Pennington, New Jersey (watershedinstitute.org). Projects and protocols that earned UUCWC’s gold status as a River Friendly organization include efforts coordinated by the Grounds Committee and Earth & Climate Ministry.
Over the spring and summer, the Grounds Committee completed the summer’s mowing protocol by leaving the grass height higher and clippings uncollected. The previous parking lot underwent minor repairs. Meditation trails, our veggie garden (Allie’s Garden), native plants, and pollinators were all maintained despite challenging weather conditions.
Monthly nature hikes were conducted alternating between New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Usually held on the third Sunday of each month, the hikes are family friendly and provide opportunities to socialize with other UUCWC members and to explore and savor nature.
Recently, the church held two events where we used recyclable or compostable dinnerware following our policy to reduce waste. Thank you, Food Ministry (chili lunch at the December big band concert) and Capital Campaign (dedication celebration).
In conjunction with Julie Rigano, Family Minister Director, UUCWC members Steve Saddlemire and John Unger guided children in the religious education youth engagement program as they completed constructing and painting three birdhouses that will be placed on the property to enhance and support wildlife habitat.
Our work is not complete. Earth & Climate Ministry continues to investigate eco-friendly deicing materials, install native plant signage, review our stream buffers, and create a map of stormwater run-off.
Earth & Climate Ministry hopes that by setting achievable environmental goals, our members will follow sound environmental practices in their homes and properties. Contact us for help or advice on any environmental questions or concerns at earthministry@uucwc.org.