Dr. Sherri “Sam” Mason (left) and Rachel Carson

JAMESTOWN – St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and the James Prendergast Library, coordinators of the Greenup Jamestown initiative, will present Dr. Sherri “Sam” Mason, Professor of Chemistry, and Chair, Department of Geology and Environmental Sciences at Fredonia State University of New York, on Wednesday, March 8, 7 p.m. in the library’s Community Room.

• RELATED: Listen to our GreenUp Jamestown Interview

Mason’s slide lecture, “Silent Springs Eternal: A Perspective on the Life and Legacy of Rachel Carson,” will reveal Carson’s lifetime achievements as a writer, naturalist, scientist, US Fish and Wildlife Service editor-in-chief, and author. Her book, “Silent Spring” merges Carson’s poetic and scientific writing as a means to change public policy to heal Earth. “Silent Spring” has been recognized as one of the most significant nature books of all time.

A noted environmentalist herself, Dr. Mason is helping to transform public policy to heal the Great Lakes ecosystem—the largest fresh water source on the planet.

“Micro-plastics can affect fish, birds, and other wildlife if ingested, causing internal blockage, dehydration, and death in these species,” said Dr. Mason.

Fredonia State professor and researcher Dr. Sherri Mason speaking to the County Legislature in September 2015, prior to its vote on a local law banning the sale of products containing microbeads.

Dr. Mason’s team’s research spearheaded new legislation in Erie, Chautauqua County, and New York State, and contributed to Congress’s Microbead-Free Waters Act. Visit TEDx “Beads of Destruction” to hear Mason’s story.

Dr. Mason’s talk also kicks off the Prendergast Library’s county-wide Eco Read, featuring Rachel Carson’s first book, “Under the Sea-Wind (first subtitled “A Naturalist’s Picture of Ocean Life”).

The presentation provides an opportunity for grandparents, parents, and children to understand how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) play a crucial role in understanding the nature of Nature. Critical thinking and imagining, and scientific methods are essential tools for separating truth and reality from logical fallacies and fishy facts. High school and middle school students interested in biology and environmental studies are especially welcomed and encouraged to attend this presentation and to participate in the EcoRead.

Wednesday’s event is free and open to the public. The first 50 attendees will receive a free copy of The first 50 folks to show up to the lecture get a free copy of  “Under the Sea Wind” thanks to a generous grant from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. 

About GreenUp Jamestown: Greenup Jamestown is a collaborative partnership of several local organizations that is intended to unite community members who support conservation and sustainability, and who advocate clean renewable energies, economies, and jobs. The group has worked to organize a series of excellent programs to optimize teaching and learning experiences and encourage citizens to make green pledges at home, school, and work. The talks, workshops, and interactive events will be held throughout the spring at a variety of locations, culminating with an “Art Happening Event” hosted by St. Luke’s and the Jamestown Concert Association and featuring the Percussion Group of Cincinnati, on Earth Day, April 22, 2017.

For more information about Greenup Jamestown, including a list of upcoming events, visit https://www.greenupjamestown.com/ or call St. Luke’s at 716-483-6405.

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman Monday released a report saying the microbeads – a harmful form of plastic pollution – showed up in the effluent of 25 of 34 wastewater treatment plants studied. Many of those plants empty directly or indirectly into the Great Lakes and Finger Lakes.

Microbeads used in products such as facial scrubs and hand cleaners can wash into bodies of water, where they can be ingested by birds and fish.

Schneiderman said the study shows that waste water treatment plants aren’t screening out the microbeads and that the only way to halt microbead pollution is to eliminate them in products.

• List of Products that DO NOT Contain Microbeads

Schneiderman last year proposed legislation, the Microbead-Free Waters Act, that would ban the sale of personal cosmetic products containing with microbeads less than 5 millimeters. Versions of the bill are before both the Assembly and Senate.

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has also called for federal legislation to list microbeads as contaminants in the Great Lakes.