We're Going Green

FRAMINGHAM, MA. APRIL 27, 2008 - The Underground will be working on forming an important environmental policy for our organization. Our goal will be to minimize waste and carbon footprint generated by our educational programs. The positive changes that we can make together will go a long way in helping our world conserve resources and preserve our environment.

A draft of our environmental policy follows:
The Underground is committed to minimizing the environmental impact of our programs and workshops through:

• Decreasing the amount of solid waste produced by the event
• Reducing energy and water consumption at the event
• Minimizing or off-setting harmful emissions resulting from vehicular transportation and energy consumption associated with the event
• Disposing of solid and liquid waste in an environmentally responsible manner
• Eliminating the use of harmful chemicals at or for the event

Join us in our enthusiasm for this green initiative by helping us to achieve our goals. Please email your green ideas and suggestions to us. Thanks.

Lyme Disease Program - Thank you to Dori Smith

We would like to acknowledge and thank Dori Smith for her significant contributions to The Underground. As our Vice President and Steering Member, she has not only been a strong advocate for our organization but she has also helped in coordinating some of our educational programs. The latest was our very important program on Lyme Disease where she also participated as a speaker.

We would also like to thank The New England Wild Flower Society and Greg Lowenberg for ongoing support of our wonderful group. NEWFS was a sponsor for this program and has sponsored programs in the past as well.



Thanks also goes to our program volunteers.
Denise Pegrum, Cheshire Cat Organic Gardens, Steering Member
Lori Fitzgerald, Waterwise Gardens Inc.
Alya Shklovskaya, Hidden Gardens
Adaela McLaughlin, Peaceful Valley Gardens

Lyme Disease: Prevention, Treatment and Management for Landscape Professionals and Gardeners

Lyme disease is an increasing threat to those who work in the landscape, with New England ranking among the highest rates per capita and Massachusetts now fourth in the nation in total cases reported. The disease and its possible co-infections have many forms, and if left untreated can cause a major impact on a victim's life and work. This program "Lyme Disease: Prevention, Treatment and Management for Landscape Professionals and Gardeners" provided the latest information on the disease itself - how it is transmitted, its range of symptoms, accurate and timely diagnosis, acute vs. chronic phases, and medical treatment options. We reviewed methods of preventing infection through landscape practices and personal protection. Speakers will also address public health issues, educational efforts, research studies, and community resources available to help individuals as well as companies whose employees are likely to be infected. We hope that attendees will come away understanding the importance of preventive measures and early detection. This special forum is co-sponsored with The New England Wild Flower Society.

Our guest panelists included:
Pat Smith, President of the Lyme Disease Association
Jeanne Hubbuch, M.D., Newton, MA
Rolf Briggs, President of Tree Specialists, Holliston, MA
Dori Smith, owner Gardens for Life, Acton, MA.

Pat Smith, President of the Lyme Disease Association (LDA), has been an activist in Lyme-related issues for twenty years. Under her leadership, the LDA, an all-volunteer organization, has become national in scope and supports many research, education, and patient support activities. http://www.lymediseaseassociation.org

Jeanne Hubbuch, M.D., is a family practice physician from Newton, Massachusetts, with experience with both acute and chronic Lyme and co-infections. Her complementary, holistic treatment approach follows the latest research results, and emphasizes diet, lifestyle, and stress reduction for treatment and recovery.

Rolf Briggs, Certified Arborist, is President of Tree Specialists, Inc., Holliston, Massachusetts, providing tree care services. A twice-victim of Lyme disease, he has developed a company-wide approach to prevent infection among his employees, and promotes methods to reduce tick exposure in the landscape.

Dori Smith, M. Ed., owner of Gardens for Life, Inc., a landscape design/install company. A recent victim of Lyme disease, Dori will discuss the impact of a Lyme disease infection on the victim's life and work. She will act as moderator for this forum.