Trainings & Events

The Yale Forest Forum is excited to announce the Spring 2024 speaker series on the topic of “Tribal Forestry: Understanding Current Issues & Challenges in Contemporary & Traditional Management of Forested Landscapes.” Webinars will take place on Thursdays, January 18 to April 25 from 12:00-12:55 pm U.S. ET.

Tribes and First Nations have been forest stewards since time immemorial on the land that is currently called North America. In the face of climate change, tribes and First Nations continue to work with institutions, NGOs, and federal and state agencies to support Indigenous sovereignty and resilient forested landscapes. This webinar will focus on the current state of tribal forest management and Indigenous stewardship with a series of speakers from different tribes, universities, non-profits, and agencies. Beginning with an introduction to tribal forestry and the trust responsibilities, topics will include the history of forest stewardship on tribal lands in North America, federal laws and tribal forestry, contemporary uses of plants and wildlife stewardship, fire, conclusions from the Indian Forest Management Assessment (IFMAT), tribal co-management, and the future of tribal forestry in the face of climate change.

This spring speaker series is co-developed and co-hosted by The Forest School at the Yale School of the Environment, the Yale Center for Environmental Justice, and Salish Kootenai College. Join us every Thursday from January 18 to April 25 from 12:00–12:55 pm U.S. ET. Note there will be no webinars on March 14 and 21.
 

Hear from two powerful organizations about resilience funding and tools - CT Sea Grant and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

CT Sea Grant's LIS Resilience Resource Hub serves as a comprehensive online resource center, offering a wealth of tools, information, guidance, and inspiration to support the sustainability and resilience of Long Island Sound communities. Developed in response to stakeholder needs, this hub acts as a one-stop-shop for resources related to climate resilience planning and project implementation.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF) supports initiatives to improve water quality and foster resilient communities, all with the ultimate goal of supporting the health and living resources of Long Island Sound.

For our next Coffee Hour, staff from CT Sea Grant and the LISFF will share information about these resources and provide guidance on how they can support climate resilience efforts in your community.

Join Sustainable CT for virtual, informal, discussions most third Fridays of each month. We share program updates and resources, explore your questions, and strengthen the network of Sustainable CT champions. These sessions are free and open to all.
 

Rooted Solidarity: A CT Food Justice Gathering is a place for intergenerational knowledge exchange amongst community members engaged in food justice work and people who’d like to learn more. There will be opportunities for individuals and groups to connect and share resources related to their projects.

Date: April 20th, 2024, 9:30-4pm

Location: Meriden Public Library (a 5-minute walk from the Meriden Railroad Station)

Hosted by The Bailey College of the Environment at Wesleyan University, The Conservation Law Foundation, The Foodshed Network, and The CT Food System Alliance.
 

Sustainable CT has partnered with Eversource and Avangrid to host a webinar on Earth Day, April 22 at 10 a.m. for towns, focused on Energize CT programs to advance energy efficiency in municipal/BOE buildings and muni infrastructure. Eversource and Avangrid experts will identify no-cost assistance opportunities available to Sustainable CT registered communities and how they can be utilized for points across Sustainable CT Action category seven, Renewable and Efficient Energy Infrastructure and Operations. Come one, come all for a great conversation that will get you energized for your other Earth Day festivities.
 

In late 2022, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, capping a run of new, climate and energy related funding totalling almost $2 trillion; and 40% of the benefits of that funding (presumably far greater than $2 trillion) are supposed to flow to “disadvantaged communities”. Internationally, the UN Conferences of the Parties over the last few years have also sought to institutionalize financial and policy mechanisms meant to fill an estimated $500 billion/year gap in clean energy finance to the Global South.

As we enter 2024, energy justice is a burgeoning field of real-world practices driving beyond equity and remedies into major domestic and international financial instruments as well as on-the-ground energy projects of significant magnitude. Drawing on Yale’s faculty and practitioners from the field, this energy justice seminar will give attendees detailed insight into the latest thinking and practice and help prepare students to work in this field. The seminar will be inherently interdisciplinary, drawing from multiple disciplines, including but not limited to law, sociology, anthropology, and economics. It will cover topics relating to energy justice in the areas of policy and regulation, community advocacy, legal implications, health implications, and private sector innovation. (note: the seminar will NOT meet on March 12 and March 19)
 

Join The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut on Earth Day to learn about the intersection of Environmental Justice and Climate Resiliency. Hear from nonprofit, municipal and tribal advocates who are implementing conservation strategies while increasing equitable decision making and access to nature. Learn from local experts how you can take steps to support regional efforts to mitigate the challenges presented by climate change. Our Executive Director, Lynn Stoddard, will be making a guest appearance as conversation facilitator.
 

Join the Connecticut Green Bank as they provide program updates and solutions for homes, buildings, and investments. Topics will include updates on Energy Storage Solutions, news on C-PACE, Smart-E, Green Liberty Notes and more.
 

Coffee Talk is an adult lecture series designed by the Connecticut Science Center to fuel your brain and caffeinate your curiosity with intriguing topics and engaging presenters. The series begins on April 24^th and runs for 4 weeks every Wednesday morning from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

PART I: Offshore Wind Energy, April 24, Presented by Kenneth Bowes: Offshore wind energy has the potential to revolutionize the way we power our lives with its abundant, sustainable energy. However, we must tackle some pesky obstacles, including soaring costs, slow-moving permitting processes, not-in-my-backyard opposition, wildlife impacts, and global supply chain woes. In this presentation, we will take you through the exhilarating journey of building an offshore wind farm and provide some exciting strategies for overcoming these challenges.

PART II: The Blue Economy, May 1, Presented by Colleen L. Bielitz, PhD: Dive into the exciting world of the Blue Economy - where the ocean’s resources are utilized sustainably to boost economic growth without compromising the ecosystem’s health. In this presentation, we will explore the fascinating concept of biomimicry - a design technique that takes inspiration from nature - and how it can be harnessed to develop innovative and eco-friendly solutions for managing ocean resources.

PART III: Talking Trash, May 8, Presented by Jackson Somers, PhD: Join us as we delve into the fascinating and oftentimes overlooked world of waste management. From garbage and recycling to the latest advances in tackling food waste, this discussion promises to shed light on the industry’s many challenges today. With a special focus on Connecticut, we will explore the innovative solutions being implemented right now and the exciting possibilities for the future.

PART IV: Our Climate & Our Land, May 15, Presented by Guiling Wang, PhD: Embark on a voyage through Earth’s dynamic ecosystems, where the interplay between climate change and land use unfolds in a compelling saga of resilience and adaptation. As these colossal forces collide, they sculpt our landscapes, providing challenges as well as opportunities for ecosystem services. From verdant rainforests to rugged mountainsides, each corner of our planet weaves a narrative of adaptation, highlighting the invincible essence of Mother Nature herself.

Ticket Prices:

$40 - Series Bundle Includes Mug Purchase by April 24

$12 - Individual Session

$8 - Coffee Talk Ceramic Mug

Each ticket includes the lecture, light refreshments, and a $5 parking voucher.

Tickets are available at CTScienceCenter.org or by calling 860-520-2104 or emailing [email protected].
 

A contributor to Worldwide Climate Justice & Education Week

A contributor to National Drive Electric Earth Month

Thursday, April 25, 2024
Central Connecticut State University
Student Center – Alumni Hall
Free & Open to the Public

Join the Central Global Environmental Sustainability Action Coalition as we examine challenges facing society regarding climate change. 

If you would like to have an exhibitor's table, please contact Dr. Charles Button by email, [email protected], or by phone, 860-832-2788.

The Central Global Environmental Sustainability Action Coalition (GESAC) invites you to learn and teach about the actions humans must take now to ensure that future generations will experience a life of peace, health, and harmony with our one and only home - Earth.
 

We're making Earth Day last.

Who says Earth Day begins and ends on April 22? We're officially extending it - at least on our little corner of the earth - to include April 30. That's when Brenda Mallory, Waterbury native and Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, will join us with an inspiring Earth Day message. Chair Mallory will be followed by Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT 5th), and Senator Richard Blumenthal. Registrants will have the opportunity to ask questions about their approach to improving, preserving, and protecting America’s public health and environment.

Please register to join us for this special event on Tuesday, April 30, at noon. While registering, be sure to let us know what questions you would ask our guests.
 

Join Eversource on the first Thursday of most months to learn about their energy efficiency programs and offerings in Connecticut. These lunchtime webinars are an opportunity to learn directly from your desk.  

For Eversource's premiere First Thursday webinar of 2024, experts will provide an overview of our Small Business Energy Advantage (SBEA) program and the incentives available for our Connecticut small business owners. Guests will be joined by the supervisor of the small business team, Hannah Savage. Hannah and her team will provide a program overview of SBEA and share details on our currently available offerings and incentives for qualifying customers. For reference, small businesses are those utilizing less than 1.25 million kilowatt hours per year at a single Connecticut location.

Why should you attend? 

• Learn about the SBEA program and how it can support small businesses in your community
• Explore energy-saving improvements and incentives for small businesses
• Discuss decarbonization solutions for your business

Join Sustainable CT and Diane Ifkovic from DEEP to learn more about how your municipality can pursue floodplain management strategies through the National Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System (CRS). There will be information about the CRS program, available resources, and earning Sustainable CT certification points under Action 5.9.
 

This conference began as a response to a recommendation by the Long Island Sound Assembly that there should be a venue where all of the current science relating to Long Island Sound could be presented.  The first Long Island Sound Research Conference occurred in 1992. 

The idea was to gather scientists and students from all of the relevant disciplines together, to present and synthesize a big picture of Long Island Sound science. Proceedings volumes were produced, and are still available from Sea Grant via the NOAA Central Library.

Historically, the conference was organized by the Long Island Sound Foundation until 2016, after which the Sea Grant programs of Connecticut and New York. shared in the responsibilities. 

Support for the Long Island Sound Research Conference is provided by the Long Island Sound Study.

Registration: $40 / $30 students
 

Come join the UConn Technical Assistance for Bronwfields program for a webinar on past New England MARC Grant Recipients. Come to learn some tips and tricks for managing your EPA Brownfields grant.
 

This free, three-part, virtual equity workshop series provides a comprehensive framework of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion. Attendance at all three sessions is required. Sessions run 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm on: April 10, May 15, and June 12. Content will be geared to help Sustainability Teams integrate equity considerations into their Sustainable CT initiatives. Who should attend? Sustainability Team members (elected officials, municipal staff, commissioners, volunteers) in registered Sustainable CT communities. Attendance is capped at 35. This will be a live training and will not be recorded. Please only sign up if you intend to participate for the duration of each session.

Attendees will participate in three different workshops:

Beyond Unconscious Bias: Creating Systemic Change (April 10): This workshop goes beyond recognizing unconscious bias to crafting strategies for systemic change. Municipal leaders will learn how to audit policies and practices for bias, engage in reform, and implement long-term strategies for inclusivity. The session offers a mix of theoretical insights and practical tools to reshape the municipal landscape for equity and justice.

Race and Community: Deepening Engagement and Solidarity (May 15): This workshop is designed to deepen community engagement around issues of race and racism. Participants will learn about solidarity-based strategies and how to support movements for racial justice at the local level. This interactive session will focus on building partnerships, coalitions, and networks that can amplify efforts to challenge racism and build equitable communities.

Persuasion for Progress: Influencing Change in Community Attitudes (June 12): Aiming to create progressive shifts in community attitudes, this workshop provides participants with nuanced approaches to persuasion. Understanding that change often meets resistance, this session equips leaders with psychological insights and advanced communication strategies to transform skepticism into support for the Be READI© principles.
 

Join Sustainable CT for virtual, informal, discussions most third Fridays of each month. We share program updates and resources, explore your questions, and strengthen the network of Sustainable CT champions. These sessions are free and open to all.
 

Our Spring into Summer 2024 event will take place at ;Wickham Park in Manchester on June 11 from 4 to 7 p.m.

We're coming full circle - back to the place where we celebrated those who participated in creating Sustainable CT with a "party in the park" in July, 2017. This year, in addition to celebrating the progress Connecticut communities have made over the years, we'll also be bidding farewell to our retiring executive director and founder, Lynn Stoddard. We’ll provide light fare and good cheer, and beautiful Wickham Park will provide the ambiance.

Sponsorship opportunities are available! Join us in working for a better Connecticut. By sponsoring our Spring into Summer 2024 event, you'll align your company with our reputation as a trusted and valuable support program for municipal leaders and an innovative thought-leader in building livable communities. Don't wait: contact Lynn Stoddard,; 860-259-4729, to discuss options and details. And visit our Sponsor Us page to discover the many different ways you can support our work and mission.
 

Sustainable CT is pleased to partner with Eversource Energy, United Illuminating, and the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology’s SmartBuildings CT program to provide energy benchmarking and tracking support to registered Sustainable CT communities within the utility company service territories.

Learn more about the SmartBuildings CT program and how it might help your municipality by earning points towards actions 7.1 Benchmark and Track Energy Use, 7.2 Reduce Energy Use Across All Municipal Buildings, and/or 7.4 Increase Use of Renewable Energy in Municipal Buildings.
 

This free, three-part, virtual equity workshop series provides a comprehensive framework of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion. Attendance at all three sessions is required. Sessions run 10:00 am – 12:00 pm on: June 13, July 11, and August 1. Content will be geared to help Sustainability Teams integrate equity considerations into their Sustainable CT initiatives. Who should attend? Sustainability Team members (elected officials, municipal staff, commissioners, volunteers) in registered Sustainable CT communities. Attendance is capped at 35. This will be a live training and will not be recorded. Please only sign up if you intend to participate for the duration of each session.

Attendees will participate in three different workshops:

Be READI© Leadership: Championing Equity at the Forefront (June 13): This workshop is tailored for those who are ready to lead by example in the realm of equity and inclusion. Building upon the principles and strategies discussed in previous equity training series, this workshop aims to cultivate leaders who not only understand the Be READI© framework but can also effectively champion these values within their municipalities. Participants will explore advanced leadership techniques, including how to influence organizational culture, inspire teams, and lead equitable change initiatives that yield measurable results.

Measuring What Matters: Assessing DEI Impact in Municipalities (July 11): This workshop focuses on the importance of tracking progress and evaluating the impact of DEI initiatives. This hands-on workshop guides participants through the creation of effective assessment tools and indicators that align with the Be READI© framework. Municipal leaders will learn how to collect and analyze data, report on findings, and use insights to drive continuous improvement and accountability in DEI efforts.

Sustainable Change: Institutionalizing Be READI© Practices (August 1): This workshop is designed to ensure the longevity and resilience of DEI efforts. This session will help participants identify and implement policies and practices that embed the principles of Belonging, relevant equity, access, accountability diversity, and inclusion into the DNA of municipal operations. Leaders will be equipped with strategies for policy development, stakeholder engagement, and the creation of a municipal infrastructure that supports lasting DEI integration.
 

Join Sustainable CT Equity Coaches for “Equity Connections” – regular opportunities to share your questions about equity actions, challenges, successes, or just listen to the conversation, and get ideas on how to approach or deepen your equity work. Municipal officials, staff, and Sustainability Team members are welcome to join the Sustainable CT team for these new bi-monthly virtual sharing sessions.
 

Join Sustainable CT for virtual, informal, discussions most third Fridays of each month. We share program updates and resources, explore your questions, and strengthen the network of Sustainable CT champions. These sessions are free and open to all.
 

Join Sustainable CT for virtual, informal, discussions most third Fridays of each month. We share program updates and resources, explore your questions, and strengthen the network of Sustainable CT champions. These sessions are free and open to all.
 

Join Sustainable CT for virtual, informal, discussions most third Fridays of each month. We share program updates and resources, explore your questions, and strengthen the network of Sustainable CT champions. These sessions are free and open to all.
 

Join Sustainable CT for virtual, informal, discussions most third Fridays of each month. We share program updates and resources, explore your questions, and strengthen the network of Sustainable CT champions. These sessions are free and open to all.
 

Join Sustainable CT for virtual, informal, discussions most third Fridays of each month. We share program updates and resources, explore your questions, and strengthen the network of Sustainable CT champions. These sessions are free and open to all.
 

Join Sustainable CT for virtual, informal, discussions most third Fridays of each month. We share program updates and resources, explore your questions, and strengthen the network of Sustainable CT champions. These sessions are free and open to all.
 

Join Sustainable CT for virtual, informal, discussions most third Fridays of each month. We share program updates and resources, explore your questions, and strengthen the network of Sustainable CT champions. These sessions are free and open to all.