This year's theme explores the many dimensions of water. Water is the basis of life on Earth. It is one of the most abundant elements of our atmosphere. It shapes the land, from highest mountain to deepest valley. It is embedded in our history, in our culture, and in our daily lives. Modern society cannot function without regular access to abundant sources of water - for drinking, for growing food, for cleaning and basic sanitation, for transportation, and for innumerable other purposes. Two-thirds of Earth's surface is covered in water, and yet only the tiniest fraction of that water is fresh and directly usable. Managing and protecting our water resources in a sustainable manner is crucial to the welfare of society and the planet. We invite you to participate in this year's Earth Day events to celebrate, contemplate and discuss the many dimensions of water.

AMY VICKERS is a nationally recognized water conservation expert, engineer, and author of the award-winning Handbook of Water Use and Conservation: Homes, Landscapes, Businesses, Industries, Farms. She also wrote the national water efficiency standards for plumbing fixtures that were adopted under the U.S. Energy Policy Act of 1992, a measure that will save an estimated 6 to 9 billion gallons of water daily in the U.S. by 2020. Most recently, Ms. Vickers's Boston Globe op-ed, "Putting a cap on the bottled water industry," resulted in a public hearing at the Massachusetts State House on the growing problem of excessive groundwater withdrawals by commercial bottled water companies. In early 2009, she wrote a bill that was introduced into the Mass. Legislature which calls for a moratorium on new and expanded extractions for bottled water. As president of Amy Vickers & Associates, Inc., an independent research and consulting practice based in Amherst, MA, Ms. Vickers has assisted over 100 public water utilities, organizations, and private industries across the US, Canada, England, and the Middle East.

Contact Prof. Krishna Mallick at 978-542-6298 or kmallick@salemstate.edu for more information.

This year’s Earth Days celebration will include an indoor and outdoor exhibition of environmentally-related student artwork. A miniature golf installation by students will be exhibited in the outdoor central courtyard, John L. George Garden, of Meier Hall on North Campus. The installation can be viewed and played from April 13 through April 24. Click on the image to the right to see short video clip of the art installations (RealMedia player - 8mins).

Representatives from state and federal government, environmental organizations, activist groups, watershed groups and more will attend. Students should come to network with environmental professionals, to investigate summer and academic year internships, and learn about potential jobs. Faculty coordinator for this event: Prof. Rick Brandt, Geography

Over 80 research posters, submitted by SSC students in many disciplines, will be judged in the morning. Visitors are encouraged to view the posters and speak with the students who created them during the competition phase and until 12:30pm. We will also be featuring an Earth Day art exhibit and competition in Vets Hall.
Faculty coordinator for poster competition: Prof. Marcos Luna, Geography
Faculty coordinator for art exhibit & competition: Prof. Ken Reker, Art

This panel will explore the challenges and opportunities in sustaining water resources on the North Shore and greater Boston area, with question and answer period for the panel.
Panelists: Bob Zimmerman - Executive Director of the Charles River Watershed Association,

Joan LeBlanc - Executive Director of the Saugus River Watershed Council ,

Kerry Mackin - Executive Director of the Ipswich River Watershed Association and President of the Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, and

Barbara Warren - Executive Director of Salem Sound Coastwatch and Regional Director of the Massachusetts Bays Program
Panel Organizer and Moderator: Prof. John Hayes

Come watch this documentary about water quality on the North Shore and meet the producer. Also to be shown will be a film short: “Taking a Second Look: Communities and Dam Removal”. This video discusses the new era in hydrology, namely, the taking down of older dams that are no longer serving any useful purpose. The video focuses on the northeastern US. Food and drinks will be provided.

Sponsored by the Salem Geographical Society

Do you really think you can tell the difference between tap and other sources of water? Here is your chance to prove it! Come to the Economics Club’s Water Tasting Event and participate in our water tasting. All those who participate will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win either a $25 gift certificate to Bagel World or a gift certificate for two hours of private kayak instruction with Salem Kayak (a $160 value).

Panelists include: Dakota Hamill, co-Chair, SGA Greens Committee, Prof. Doug Allen, Geological Sciences, and Prof. Vanessa Ruget, Political Science.

Organized by Nikki Estey, SGA Greens Committee Chair. Sponsored by the SGA Greens Committee and the Earth Day Planning Committee.

[carpooling will be available from the North Campus tennis courts beginning at 1:45pm]

Participants in the Cat Cove tour will observe aquatic organisms being produced and grown for restoration, enhancement, and commercial initiatives. A brief history of the facility and how it has evolved will be provided. Projects from Cape Ann to Cape Cod will be discussed and linked to securing a safe and dependable supply of high quality seafood (whether from the ocean or freshwater; such as largemouth bass being grown in cranberry bogs). Tours will be led by Drs. Mark Fregeau and/or Joe Buttner, with assistance provided by Hatchery Manager Scott Weston and student workers.

Come enjoy a free smoothie powered by the sun! Learn about MassPIRG's global warming campaign and internship opportunities.

Based on Sandra Postel’s book, Last Oasis, the film takes an in-depth look at how America’s large dams became prototypes for water projects abroad in developing countries. Pizza & drinks will be provided.
Sponsored by the Biological Society (Biology Student Club)

Presented by Prof. Kevin Beckwith, Economics Dept.
Sponsored by the Economics Student Club.
Value a resource in order to preserve it! Kayakers care about awater. They use it, but don't abuse it. Please come and see what the sport is all about. There will be boats for people to try, demonstrations, instruction and a lot of fun to go around. For more information, contact Prof. Kevin Beckwith at 978-542-7412 or kbeckwith@salemstate.edu.

Jason Sorensen works in the MA-RI Water Science Center of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and will talk about the USGS and water.
Sponsored by the Earth Science Association

Do you really think you can tell the difference between tap and other sources of water? Here is your chance to prove it! Come to the Economics Club’s Water Tasting Event and participate in our water tasting. All those who participate will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win either a $25 gift certificate to Bagel World or a gift certificate for two hours of private kayak instruction with Salem Kayak (a $160 value).

Sara Cohen is a Water Resources Specialist at the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. She works on water policy, planning, and research to promote healthy streamflows, effective storm water management, and sustainable drinking water supplies. Currently, she manages a $1 million federal grant to demonstrate and evaluate the potential of low-impact development and water conservation techniques to improve streamflows in Massachusetts' Ipswich River. She has a Masters of Science in Resource Ecology and Management and a Masters of Urban and Regional Planning, both from the University of Michigan, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Yale University.
Sponsored by the Economics Club

Please come for coffee, tea, and delicious desserts! Meet the members of our Earth Day Planning Committee and the speakers & award recipients for our evening program!

Environmental books showcase by the SSC Campus Bookstore.

Live music provided by SSC Music Majors.

Introductions & Opening Remarks

Announcement of student poster competition & juried Art Exhibit winners

Presentation of "Friend of the Earth" Awards by John Hayes to the following groups and/or individuals and their acceptance comments:

• Wenham Lake Watershed Association - Jan R. Schlictmann, Esq., and Lori A. Ehrlich (State Rep-Eighth Essex District)
• Pam Kampersal, Renee Mary, and Mary Rodrick, Environmental Activists, Beverly
• Kerry Mackin, Executive Director, Ipswich River Watershed Association
• Barbara Warren, Executive Director, Salem Sound Coastwatch

Closing Remarks and thanks to all

Contact the Co-Chairs of the Earth Day Planning Committee:
John Hayes, Geography, 978-542-6922
Hope Benne, History

The Biological Society, the Earth Science Association, the Economics Club, Green Committee of the Student Government Association (SGA), MassPIRG, the Peace Club, and the Salem Geographical Society

Nicole Chasse and Sarah Hecht, students in Prof. Peter Oehlkers class in graphic design, Communications Department, Salem State College

President Patricia Maguire Meservey, Office of the President, Salem State College
Dean Marc Glasser, The Graduate School, Salem State College
Tefferteller Foundation
HealthLink