Welcome to the April 2009 – Part 2 edition of Fort Wayne’s Green City Newsletter

Due to the large amount of information, a second very rare, edition of the April Green City Newsletter is being issued.

RAINGARDENS
The City has scheduled additional Rain Garden Workshops. Remember you must attend a workshop to be eligible for the plant match or cash payment.

April 18, 2009  8:00AM – Noon
301 A&B in the Pope John Paul Center
University of Saint Francis Campus – 2701 Spring Street

April 25, 2009  8:00 AM – Noon
Fort Wayne Botanical Conservatory – 1100 South Calhoun Street

April 30, 2009  6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Omni Room
City County Building – 1 Main Street

May 6, 2009  8:30 AM – Noon
Public Safety Academy – 7602 Patriot Crossing

May 16, 2009  8:00 AM – Noon
Southwest Allen county Fire District Station – 7001 Old Trail Road

May 30, 2009  8:00 AM – Noon
Jerry D. Fox Center at the Lifetime Sports Academy
McMillen Park Gold Course – 3900 Hessen Cassel Road

June 6, 2009  8:00 AM – Noon
Parkview North Hospital Corporate Office Auditorium   -   10501 Corporate Drive

Refreshments will be provided.
“Hands-on” activities are planned, so please dress accordingly.
These workshops are free, but reservations are requested.  To register or for more information, please call:  Fort Wayne City Utilities at (260) 427-1381.

FORT WAYNE FIRE DEPARTMENT OFFERS REMINDER TO AVOID OPEN BURNING

FORT WAYNE, Ind., April 1, 2009 – With the warmer weather, many people work in their yards preparing them for the spring. For those considering burning leaves, twigs, tree branches or trash that have accumulated on their lawns, the Fort Wayne Fire Department (FWFD) reminds everyone to avoid open burning as a general rule.
FWFD Fire Marshal Jim Murua says, “No one is to kindle or maintain open burning consisting of a trash fire, leaf fire, refuse fire, or other open burning according to Fort Wayne City Code.”
  He explains that there are two exemptions allowed under certain conditions.
1. Bonfires celebrating school pep rallies are one exemption which requires obtaining a Burn Permit from FWFD at least 24 hours in advance of the permitted open burning.  Call 427-1170 for more information or with questions.
2. Recreational camp fires for scouting or family cookout activities are allowed without a Burn Permit and are subject to the conditions listed below.
These exemptions must be subject to the following:
• A garden hose connected to a water supply, buckets, shovel, fire extinguisher or other approved fire-extinguishing equipment shall be readily available at the burn site.
• Only wood products shall be burned – no leaves, paper or trash.
• A fire shall be attended by a responsible party at all times until completely extinguished.
• If the open burning creates a smoke nuisance, or a hazardous condition exists, the open burning shall be immediately extinguished.
• A fire shall be located at least 25 feet away from any structure, fence or right of way.
• A fire shall not exceed an area three feet wide by two feet high.
Anyone who recklessly, knowingly or intentionally kindles, or maintains any open burning consisting of a trash fire, leaf fire, bonfire, refuse fire, or other open burning that damages property of another person or spreads to property of another person may be liable for criminal mischief.
Any person who maintains burning of combustible materials out of doors or open burning not permitted shall be in violation and may be fined $50.  If the violator does not appear in response to a notice issued to them within a period of 30 calendar days from the date and time shown on the notice, the penalty shall be $75.  Repeat violators will be fined.
Please take the extra time necessary to exercise safety at all times.

IPFW Celebrates Earth Day
IPFW has announced the second annual Sociology Awareness Week, April 20 through April 24; each day will have planned activities with each day focusing on a different aspect of sociology. For Earth Day, Wednesday, Apr. 22 the planned activity theme is  “Earth Day:  Together, IPFW Can Have an Impact;” will be  held 10 a.m.–2 p.m  on the Science Mall (rain location is Walb Student Union lobby) where you will find educational displays, local resources,  and the 5-point pledge; lunch will be served and reusable shopping bags will be distributed.
If you would like to suggest topics or articles to include in monthly email newsletters, please e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sincerely,
Wendy Barrott
Director of Energy and Environmental Services
Visit the City’s Energy & Environmental Services Website: http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/energy
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