Category: KRB Staff Picks

Climate Change and Environmental Justice

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time.  It is seen in the droughts, fires, floods and spread of dangerous invasives and disease that are impacting us today. These environmental impacts are intimately linked to the health and economic and social well-being of everyone, but they are disproportionately affecting the poor – often people of color – here at home and around world.  We have an opportunity and a responsibility to understand the science of climate change and its impacts.  We can all act individually and collectively to reduce our carbon footprint and create resilient, sustainable communities for all.

To learn more about the science of climate change and its impacts: 

There is no such thing as a weed…

… only a plant whose value we don’t understand.

Have you seen dandelion leaves in your local produce section? They’re delicious in a salad and incredibly nutritious. But please don’t pick them from the lawn or garden unless you know it has not been treated with pesticides. Unfortunately, our local herbivores and omnivores can’t be so discerning. Pesticides applied to ‘producers’ like dandelions accumulate in species up the food chain – that includes us! Watch this short video on how to manage your garden naturally little to no pesticides.

Yes, there are Connections: Climate, Population, & COVID-19

Tuesday, May 12th at 7pm

The current Coronavirus is not the first virus in the last few decades to jump from wild animals to human beings, causing epidemics or pandemics. Think of Ebola, Zika, SARS, and even HIV-AIDS. Will we see an increasing number of these epidemics in coming years? 

Join a discussion led by Ecologist and Bard Professor, Felicia Keesing, about why we are suddenly seeing more viral epidemics passed from wildlife. Ms. Keesing will explain some of the causes, such as population growth and climate change, both leading to loss of habitat, and factory farming. 

“Yes, there are Connections” is presented by Rockland Sierra Club, together with 350 NJ/Rockland, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rockland, Rockland Citizens Action Network, and Nyack Library.  

Register  This event is free, but RSVP is required.

*The discussion is preceded by Sierra Club’s activist meeting at 6:30 PM.

April 22: 50th Anniversary of Earth Day

How Can You Make Everyday Earth Day?

The 50th Anniversary of Earth Day is 4/22/20! How will you celebrate the day and, most importantly, make every day Earth Day? For now, it’s not safe to clean up outside, but there are so many ways you can make a difference! Prevent litter by responsibly disposing of your wipes and gloves; keep recycling, reusing, and finding other ways to reduce waste; help protect pollinators and biodiversity by planting natives in your garden; fix those faucets and conserve water; switch to LEDs and turn off the lights – save energy and minimize your carbon footprint. These are just a few. Check out this list from the NYSDEC with several more simple suggestions to help you.   

April 22: EI Live Earth Day

Earth Institute of Columbia University – Special Earth Day Events

Earth Day 50/50: Looking Back, Moving Forward, 10:00 am – 11:30 am 

Register Now


 Our special Earth Institute LIVE conversation with Columbia University experts, alumni and students will reflect on what environmental science and activism accomplished since the first Earth Day. Then we will examine today’s challenges and opportunities. Finally, we’ll chart pathways to a more sustainable, equitable, resilient future for humanity through the next 50 years and beyond.

EI Live will also feature a series of Earth science educational live and recorded sessions. For more info

Check out Microplastics, Mega Impact by Laurel Zaima, Education Program Assistant, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory

Join Laurel and explore the science behind microplastics. They have been found everywhere, from Arctic snow to the depths of the Mariana Trench. They are even found in our food webs and our laundry! Laurel will introduce students to exactly what they are, where they can be found, and why we should care about their emergence in multiple aspects of our lives.

April 22: American Museum of Natural History’s Virtual Earth Fest 

Events from 10am to 9pm for participants of all ages. 

more info

Here’s some fun at 11 am  – Bergy Bits: Understanding Rivers of Ice using Glacier Goo At-Home Activity with LDEO 

‘Bergy Bits’ are simple activities introducing science concepts and glacier physics through student experimentation with ‘Glacier Goo’! Named for small pieces of ice found in both the Arctic and Antarctic, ‘Bergy Bits’ in nature are small pieces of floating ice that break from an iceberg, ice shelf or glacier. Join in by doing these experiments at home to better understand these rivers of ice!

April 22: Wild & Scenic Film Festival

14 Fantastic Short Films – Don’t forget the popcorn!

It’s Free – Register Now



The Wild & Scenic Film Festival is coming back to Rockland County to uplift, inspire and connect you with the world and its wonders. You watched before, now watch again in the comfort and safety of your own home.  Share this with your family and friends.

Where? Your computer/big screen at home; When? Pre-film livestream starts at 6:00pm; Film Festival starts at 7:00pm; What? Full Film Program with live emcee. For details go to SuffernFilmFest.com.  See the full lineup. 

ROSA 4 Rockland wants to extend a big thank you to Rivertown Film for co-hosting this event and helping ROSA to bring this fantastic community screening to you at this time. Donations to ROSA 4 Rockland (501c3) are welcome to help cover the costs of this event and to support ROSA’s ongoing mission to protect the environment, promote open space and encourage sustainable development. Donations are deductible to the fullest extent of the law.