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Norfolk County
Host’s
Location:
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Description of site:
The Blue Hill Observatory is the oldest continually operating weather observatory in all of the USA. Since 1885, we have been gathering all kinds of information on weather and climate. It is a National Historic Landmark.
Green roof technology is used to reduce energy use and improve water quality. A back-up power generator is fueled by hydrogen.
At the Science Center, you can learn about wind power, green roof technology and ecological conservation. There are several activities available involving kites, plants, soil, weather and more.
Please visit us at www. bluehill.org
Availability for visits:
Fee-based programs, including interviews, are available the entire year from 9:00am to dusk.
A special BHOSC program called Women in Natural Sciences (WINS) enables free short visits and interviews on most weekday afternoons for girls in grades 2 – 12. Please inquire about a variety of options for boys and co-ed groups.
Considerations and opportunities noted by host:
Many of our activities are outdoors, and we have many ways to serve you in any weather, so please make a bad weather plan with BHOSC to ensure your most pleasant experience. We will expect you unless you reschedule more than 24 hours in advance.
Some nearby opportunities might include:
Visiting the Trailside Museum on the west side of Blue Hill at Rt 138
Fishing, swimming or playing at Houghton Pond south east of Blue Hill
Skiing at Blue Hill in the winter
Riding at the horse stable in Quincy on the east side of Blue Hill
Lodging at Camp Sayre (Boy Scouts) and hiking one hour to Blue Hill
Renting an Appalachian Mountain Club cabin on Ponkapog Pond
The Science Center offers outreach programs all over New England and activities could include tagged balloon releases; weather instrument construction; traction kiting demonstrations and rides, and several others.
To arrange a visit interview:
Contact Don McCasland or Stephanie Radner at dmccasland@bluehill.org or 617-696-0562
Directions:
The site is located at the top of Great blue Hill, and can be accessed by various short hikes, ranging from easy to challenging. Permission is required to access service road. See http://bluehill.org/location.html and discuss specifics as you arrange your visit.
Note: When making arrangements, be sure to double check directions with the host.
Host’s Name(s): Robert Phinney Location:
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Description of site:
The Clay Center for Science & Technology
Dexter School - Southfield School has a 5.4-kilowatt solar array and a 1-kilowatt wind turbine on a roof deck you can safely walk out on to see the systems up close. All the electricity inverters are visible inside through glass panels so you can learn about how the energy flows from the solar panels into the building. Further information can be found at www.claycenter.org click on the solar/wind button
Availability for visits:
Availability depends on time and staff. You can schedule an appointment for the day or evening.
Considerations and opportunities noted by host:
An expanded visit on-site could include the world-renowned astronomy observatory for solar viewing by day and stars viewing by night. There is also a Stars Court with classical constellations of the northern sky with stars that light up at night by fiber optics. Great for lessons about star constellations! For any Girl Scouts studying for an Amateur Radio license, the Clay Center has a HAM radio shack with short wave, HF, VHF, and UHF equipment and 2 amateur frequency repeaters. The best off-site destination is Lars Anderson Park and Auto Museum on the hill across the street. There is a small pond at the base of the hill, short walking trails, and a beautiful view of Boston from the top of the hill. This is a good destination for a picnic on a nice day. Also, Jamaica Pond is a 2-minute drive away. Arnold Arboretum is a 3-minute drive away. Nearby is Bertucci's Pizza in Westbrook Village on West Roxbury Parkway.
To arrange a visit interview:
Email or call Bob Phinney directly with host site requests.
bphinney@dexter.org or (617) 454-2718
Directions:
Located on Newton Street opposite Lars Anderson Park and Auto Museum on the campus of Dexter and Southfield Schools. Details and maps at http://www.claycenter.org
Note: When making arrangements, be sure to double check directions with the host.
Host’s Name(s): Robert Loebelenz Location:
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Description of site:
At Lion Spring Farm there is a photovoltaic system and a wind turbine to see.
Availability for visits:
Please co-ordinate visit timing directly with Bob Loebelenz.
Considerations and opportunities noted by host:
Please come with an understanding of how critical the energy picture is to our way of life. Do some extra research into energy issues in advance of your visit.
To arrange a visit and interview:
Call Bob at (617) 930-2317 or email lionspring@comcast.net
Directions:
Dedham St. is one of two main East-West Streets through Dover; it is simply an extension of Chestnut St. in Needham. The farm is located close on to the road just at the junction of Strawberry Hill St. with Dedham St. The wind turbine is evident at this point.
Note: When making arrangements, be sure to double check directions with the host.
Host’s Name(s): Gino Buccella Location:
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Description of site:
My home is well insulated and heated by solar energy. It is a simple construction using off the shelf materials. I will also display photovoltaics and a solar cooker for visiting Girl Scouts.
Availability for visits:
Afternoons are best, between 1:30-2:30 pm, as long as the sun is out.
Considerations and opportunities noted by host:
There is a McDonalds near by.
To arrange a visit and interview:
Call Gino in the mornings (781) 337-7024, and leave a message if there is no answer
Directions:
From Massachusetts I93, take Route 3A South to Weymouth. Cross Four River Bridge, Bayview, and take your 3rd left. There is plenty of Parking.
Note: When making arrangements, be sure to double check directions with the host.
Host’s Name(s): Rein and Carla Verschoor-Kirss Needham, MA 58 Fairfield St
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Description of site:
Our family saves energy by using solar electric in our home and a hybrid car for transportation.
Availability for visits:
We are flexible, but please call ahead.
Considerations and opportunities noted by host:
To arrange a visit and interview:
Call us at home from mid to late afternoon at (781) 455-9048
Directions:
Route 128 to Great Plain Avenue. Pass through the first light (intersection with Greendale Ave). The first right is Fairfield. Our house is on the left by the fire hydrant. It is a blue, two-story colonial.
Note: When making arrangements, be sure to double check directions with the host.
Host’s Name(s): Martin Pearson Location: |
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Description of site:
At Stone Comfort Fire Place Gallery we sell and install super efficient, clean burning masonry heaters that use renewable resources such as wood. I would like to spread the word about clean energy, for instance, a two hour fire gives 24 hours of heat and more.
Availability for visits:
Open Saturdays from 10am-4pm by appointment for school visits.
Considerations and opportunities noted by host:
Go to stonecomfort.com for more information
To arrange a visit and interview:
Call Martin during the evening at (508) 695-2787.
Directions:
Ask when making arrangements.
Host’s Name(s): James H Loehlin Location: |
Description of site:
Come to our house to see active and passive solar heating with a gas back-up system. Our house was modified 25 years ago and we collect rainwater from half the roof to water the lawn and garden. We have taken a normal house and have tried to adapt it to minimize our use of non-renewable resources. The solar heating system was installed 25 years ago. I drive a 7 year old all electric car. We recycle as much as possible, compost our yard and kitchen waste, collect rainwater for watering lawn and gardens, etc. We try to think of ways to minimize waste without making ourselves uncomfortable.
Availability for visits:
Thursdays are probably best for visits but afternoon visits on Sundays are possible too. One or two visits per month.
Considerations and opportunities noted by host:
My wife is a potter, with her studio, etc. in the house. She makes functional, beautifully decorated items (100% hand made).
Wellesley College is about 1 mile away. Consider a drive through the campus. Visit the greenhouses, as they are open every day. The astronomy observatory has open houses a couple times a year. The art museum might arrange for group visits as well. The new student center might be a place to get a snack.
To arrange a visit and interview:
Call Jim at (781) 235-9484 or email jloehlin@wellesley.edu.
Directions:
Ask when making arrangements.
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