The EcoWeb Program uses smartphones alongside shovels!
Jan 28th
The technology-based EcoWeb program allows schools around the world to initiate, monitor and measure the effects of their own local ecological restoration programs. In the EcoWeb program, a smartphone is just as important a tool as a shovel — students integrate curricular and environmental elements into hands-on projects that truly make a difference through restoration projects and school gardens.
Using an existing GIS platform (GIS Kit) adapted for use as a project tool, the EcoWeb project engages students in gathering diverse types of data and documenting progress as sites develop; the data gathered supports local decision making and helps local communities shape the goals and progress of their projects. Longitudinal data also helps Rock ‘n Renew determine efficient use of funds to optimize successful outcomes at each of our satellite projects.
EcoWeb is an essential innovation that responds to a need faced by many schools whose first attempts at creating campus-based ecology and school garden programs result in costly mistakes during the first few years of development. Rock ‘n Renew values partnerships between professional scientists, educators, community experts and youth; students have the opportunity to develop experience and skills that provide them advantage as they evaluate their future options in earth sciences, food production, higher education and lifelong learning.
Announcing The Rock ‘n Renew Music Group
Dec 8th
The Rock ‘n Renew Foundation has been busy! With over 200 school gardens and our reforestation programs in Hawai’i, the Rock part of Rock ‘n Renew has waited patiently this year for this incredible news.
“Connecting fans and musicians to a plan of action to heal the planet”
The Rock ‘n Renew Music Group is Rock ‘n Renew Records, Rock ‘n Renew Publishing (ASCAP), and Rock ‘n Renew Productions. The RnR Music Group aims to bolster the roster of artists in the Foundation’s artist network to further advance the mission of the Rock ‘n Renew Foundation with ever greater exposure. Rock ‘n Renew Records works to bring music fans the very best new music and some incredible rarities from a growing number of historic catalogues. Our partnerships with King Ferris/Bohemia Entertainment, Broken Halo Records and Long Lives Crime Records aim to broaden our audience and give the R’nR Music Group a diverse array of artists and genres to present. Rock ‘n Renew Productions works hand in hand with the Rock ‘n Renew Foundation’s non-profit activities by coordinating events and talent resources. In addition to our devotion to getting great music to fans while adhering to the principles of the Rock ‘n Renew Foundation, the R’nR Music Group was founded by Susan Ferris, Jonny Dubowsky, and Danny Madorsky to help many up and coming local and national bands with touring, publishing, film/TV music placement(headed up by Director;Brian Boland), corporate sponsorship, and other new-music industry opportunities.
Bayonne Schools Plant Tulips for Climate Study, Set up Bird Feeders, and Ammend Soil for Winter
Dec 4th
Tracking Change in Seasons and Climate Around the Globe
In this international science experiment, students in schoolyards across the northern hemisphere plant tulip bulbs in their Journey North Test Gardens each fall. When the plants emerge and bloom, children announce that spring has arrived in their part of the world.
One garden at a time, the relationship between climate, geography and the arrival of spring is revealed. Students make observations in their own schoolyards, and simultaneously watch the wave of spring as it moves across the globe. More >
Lincoln School- Bayonne, NJ
Jun 6th
Check out the awesome garden build at Lincoln School in Bayonne, NJ.
Seniors from NYC’s Browning School help Rock ‘n Renew Director Jonny Dubowsky and Field Director Alex Wells to build a garden with the kids.
Valley Elementary School Earthday Celebration w/ Rock ‘n Renew and Musket Ridge
May 17th
Musket Ridge Golf Course and Wedding/Catering Facility sponsored a wonderful day of environmental education at Valley Elementary School on Thursday, May 5th. Through this sponsorship, Valley Elementary School received a native plant and vegetable garden built by Rock ‘n Renew that mirrors the one built at Musket Ridge and further establishes the partnership between Musket Ridge and the community. Students from Valley Elementary School will begin to learn about the same zero-food waste composting program and kitchen garden techniques that are currently being utilized at Musket Ridge
Jonny Dubowsky, musician and founder of Rock ‘n Renew Foundation and Musket Ridge Executive Chef Kyle Roberson and students at Valley Elementary School took part in a full day of projects in the outdoor environmental learning center.
About Schools
May 2nd
Why garden with your school?
School gardens are sprouting up all over the United States and other countries.
This international interest in school gardens is refocusing education philosophy on an activity that has engaged children since time immemorial.
Rock ‘n Renew advocates the use of plant-based learning across the curriculum. This goal is achieved by training teachers to incorporate the use of outdoor gardens, natural settings and plant activities in their classroom lessons. Our goal is to help make plant-based learning a part of every school child’s education. Rock ‘n Renew also connects the learning experience to projects that serve to heal the local ecosystem.
An Overview of Rock ‘n Renew Garden Programs
Rock ‘n Renew can help your school to plan for, design, install and maintain gardens of all styles, purposes, and sizes. Rock ‘n Renew has a strong commitment to gardening with schools because of a belief that a school garden is an important platform for active, interdisciplinary student learning.
INTERESTED IN STARTING A SCHOOL GARDEN?
For a detailed description of what steps are necessary to start a school garden, design ideas, and more, download our School Garden Outline. If you are interested in beginning a school garden, Rock ‘n Renew’s staff can help you turn your school’s gardening visions into a real-life outdoor classroom. Email Alex <at> rocknrenew <dot> com for more details or contact us through our Contact page.
The Future of Sustainability
Apr 27th
While Arbor Collective was born with a focus on sustainability, the company is keenly aware that many riders don’t make their concern for the environment a part of their outward identity. Since Arbor Collective launched 15 years ago, the company has geared its product to speak to riders’ identities and lifestyles instead of focusing solely on “identity environmentalists” because they believe that people will support a sustainable and environmentally friendly product as long as it fits in with their individual lifestyle.
Arbor knows its products must be relevant and affordable for today’s market, and Bob Carlson, CEO and co-founder, is quick to admit that it’s not possible to make a completely “green” product. Instead, sustainability must be pursued through steps toward the future.
Arbor is the sponsor of Rock ‘n Renew’s Reforestation Program on the Big Island of Hawai’i.
Panel:How To Create A Community/School Garden @ Powershift 2011
Apr 16th
Panel:How To Create A Community/School Garden @ Powershift 2011
Washington D.C Convention Center
Sat 4/16, 2:15pm – 3:15pm
Room 206
Training on how to start an integrated community garden program with support from the local school board, university, local businesses and overall community. What resources you’d need to take-on this garden project, including a budget for materials and physical manpower hours needed. Included will also be a short and long-term timeline in order to understand the planting season and the stages, in months/years in which to expand the garden program. Also included in the training will be discussion of how to connect with and use the schools in the area in a mutually beneficial way over a sustained period of time. The training will include multiple pamphlets and take-home materials in order to get started as soon as you leave the conference!
Moderator:
Alex Wells-Rock ‘n Renew Field Director
Panel Leader:
Erica Klopf
Florida Gulf Coast University
http://www.powershift2011.org/session/how-create-communityschool-garden
Hanson Host 12-Hour Japan Benefit Live Stream at SXSW; R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe Stops By + Jonny D of Jonny Lives! and Rock ‘n Renew
Apr 14th
“Everyone here has chosen to not do something else to show up,” said Taylor Hanson of his band’s impromptu concert-telethon.
Rock band Hanson hosted a 12-hour live stream from South By Southwest to raise money for Japan. The band was headquartered in Austin’s Bubble Studios and invited fellow musicians to stop by and perform or be interviewed.
Among their guests: R.E.M. singer Michael Stipe, who told the several thousand web viewers streaming via Facebook or the SXSW4Japan site, “There’s no script, but what music and art offers is heart.”
Stipe made note of the countless musicians who’ve toured in Japan, and, looking directly into the livestream camera, conveyed to victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami disasters, “Our prayers and thoughts are with you. We love you and we’re here to help.”
Said Taylor Hanson of the more than 30 guests who stopped by, which included Ben Folds, Cary Brothers, Jonny Dubowsky of Jonny Lives!, Rain Phoenix, and North Mississippi Allstars: “Everyone on this show has chosen to not do something else to show up.”
The effort raised over $98,000.
“This is about creating a united effort powered by the amazing convergence of artists and resources at SXSW,” Taylor Hanson tells THR. “We came into Austin feeling overwhelmed with the tragedy in Japan, but realized there was a huge call to action here. The live stream’s success so far is credited to the artists who have come together to be the soundtrack to action.”
Update: Many of the songs from Hanson’s Japan webethon will be available as part of a digital compilation album, to be released soon. A full list of the artists who participated is below:
All donations can be directed to the American Red Cross by calling 1-800 RED-CROSS or simple $10 donations can be sent by texting RedCross to 90999.
Alpha Rev
An Horse
Andy Grammer
Anna Nalick
AWOLNATION
Ben Folds
Cary Brothers
Charlie Mars
Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr
Drawn From Bees
Emergency Blanket
Gay Blades
Grand Atlantic
Hanson
Hey Battlefield
Jackson Harris
Jenny O
Johnny Polygon
Jojo / Widespread Panic
Jonny Dubowsky
Keaton Simons
Kina Grannis
Laura Jansen
Leslie Stevens
Locksley
Lonely Forest
Luke Rathborne
Michael Stipe / REM
Miles Zuniga
North Mississippi Allstars
Ozomatli
Rain Phoenix
Rayland Baxter
River City Extension
Stephen Kellogg
Taylor Locke and the Roughs
The Boxer Rebellion
The Hours
The Parlotones