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Special Feature: NAAEE 36th Annual Conference
Funding Sources and Upcoming Deadlines
Upcoming Events
Partner Updates and Resources
Your Virginia
Assorted Items of Professional Interest
Fun Fact

NAAEE 36th Annual Conference

Virginia educators shine at the 2007 NAAEE Conference
 Nearly 200 Virginia educators attended the 36th Annual Meeting of the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) in Virginia Beach . The event provided 4 days of professional development for 1,200 educators from around the world.  Under the adept leadership of local conference chair, Holly Carson from Keep Norfolk Beautiful, Virginia educators provided extensive leadership for the conference, participating in planning sessions, field trips and presentations on Chesapeake Bay, Service Learning, Outdoor Classrooms, Citizen Science, Marine and Energy Education. Congratulations to four Virginia educations were recognized for their work: Erica Baugh (VA Tech), John Sammons (Greenbrier Intermediate), Donna Conners ( Roanoke County ), Chris Petrone, Lisa Lawrence and Vicki Clark(VIMS).

A big thank you goes out to Holly and her team for all their work to show off Virginia and its educators. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation provided an educational oyster roast that was truly memorable. We are especially grateful to the Foundation for Virginia’s Natural Resources for bringing together a number of private donors such as Smithfield Foods and Dominion, to support the participation of 50 educators.

Some statistics we can be proud of:

  • 34 presentations by Virginians
  • 80 Virginians provided volunteer support to NAAEE for the event
  • 23 educators served on 14 local planning committees
  • 50 people attended the Virginia Naturally partners meeting to receive state updates
  • 15 authors from Virginia participated in the conference
  • 6 organizations displayed environmental art murals painted by Virginians
  • 4 Virginia organizations provided conference sponsorship
  • 4 Virginia organizations hosted exhibits
  • 4 educators from Virginia were recognized 

Thank You everyone for making Virginia shine!

Funding sources and award deadlines

VaNaturally Regional Capacity Building Grant
Deadline: December 15
 The Virginia Office of Environmental Education with financial support from EPA is pleased to make available a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Regional Environmental Education Capacity Building . The complete package (RFP and attachments) can be downloaded from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Virginia Naturally Regional Network webpage. Awards ranging from $1,000 to $6,000 will be made. The goal of the program is to sustain delivery of high environmental education programs (EE) by establishing regional networks across the Commonwealth and to identify and develop key leaders in these areas. If you have any questions or if you would like to discuss developing a regional network, contact Nancy Drumheller at 804-698-4550 or nwdrumheller@deq.virginia.gov

Albert I. Pierce (AIP) Foundation Grants
 Deadline: December 15
 AIP, a private foundation supporting the environment and the arts, will be accepting applications for community-based projects in the areas of arts, education, environment or a combination of the three focus areas.  The Foundation will award two grants for $20,000 and four grants for $10,000.  Small grants under $5000 may also be awarded.  Matching funds of at least 25% of the granted amount are required. www.aipfoundation.org/Pages/Guidelines%20Page.html

Brick Awards for Young Community Activists
Deadline: December 31
The annual Brick Awards honor young people (25 and under) in the U.S. and Canada for their community involvement. Nine winners will receive a minimum of $10,000 in community grants and scholarships. One of the nine will be selected as a Golden Brick Award winner and receive a total of $100,000 in community grants to be paid directly to the nonprofit of the winner's choice. www.dosomething.org/brick

Captain Planet Foundation Grant for Environmental Projects
Deadline: December 31
Grant funds support hands-on environmental projects for children and youth. All projects must promote understanding of environmental issues, focus on hands-on involvement, involve children and young adults, help young people develop planning and problem-solving skills and more. For more information visit www.captainplanetfdn./org/aboutUs.html#policies_grant_guidelines

Solid Waste Management Grant for Rural Communities
 Deadline: December 31
 The USDA is offering funding for solid waste management programs in rural communities. Funds can be used to provide technical assistance and/or training to help communities reduce their waste stream or to assist in expanding/improving recycling collection programs, improving the recycling infrastructure, or help in diverting waste.   www.usda.gov/rus/water/SWMG.htm

2008 National Wetlands Award
Deadline: January 15
The Environmental Law Institute's National Wetlands Awards are presented annually to individuals who have excelled in wetlands protection, restoration, and education. In addition to recognizing individuals for their outstanding contributions to wetlands, the awards provide an opportunity for awardees to meet other conservation leaders throughout the U.S. www.nationalwetlandsawards.org/index.htm

Physh Ed National Fishing and Boating Grant
Deadline: January 21
The Future Fisherman Foundation in partnership with the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation are offering grant funds to physical education teachers in K-12 public, private, or charter schools to integrate unique fishing and boating programs into their school curriculum. http://futurefisherman.org/programs/pegrants.php

Toyota Tapestry Grant Program
Deadline: January 28
A partnership between Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. , Inc. and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), the program offers grants to K–12 science teachers for innovative projects that enhance science education in the school and/or school district .http://ecommerce2.nsta.org/toyota/

The Virginia Outdoor Writers Association, Inc.
15 th Annual Youth Writing Competition
Deadline: January 31
 The Virginia Outdoor Writer's Association, Inc. (VOWA) announces its 15th Annual Youth Writing Competition for 2007. The goal of the contest is to reward young people for excellence in communicating their personal experiences in and of the outdoors. For competition guidelines visit www.vowa.org.vt.edu/ or download www.vowa.org.vt.edu/youthrules.pdf

Next Round of Virginia Naturally Classroom Grants
Deadline: February 1st
 Mark your calendar as the deadline for the next round of classroom grants for meaningful watershed educational experiences. Amounts of $500, $750 and $1,000 are available. www.vanaturally.com/classroomgrants.html

Young Naturalist Awards 2008
 Deadline: March 1
 American Museum of Natural History announces the 11 th annual Young Naturalist Awards, a research-based essay contest for students in grades 7-12 to promote participation and communication in science. www.amnh.org/nationalcenter/youngnaturalistawards/

Upcoming Events

2007 Virginia Coastal Zone Partners Workshop
 December 6 & 7, Portsmouth Renaissance Hotel and Conference Center
Workshop participants will join others for a discussion of the impacts of climate change and population growth on Virginia ’s coastal zone and possible Virginia CZM solutions. There will also be an opportunity on Friday afternoon to help inform the next Virginia CZM “focal area.” For details on the agenda www.deq.virginia.gov/coastal/workshopagenda.html#agendaoverview. To register visit www.deq.virginia.gov/coastal/workshopregister.html

Project WILD Aquatic Workshop
December 6, 9 am – 1 pm , Nauticus
 This free workshop emphasizes wildlife because of its intrinsic and ecological values, as well as its importance as a basis for teaching how ecosystems function.  In the face of competing needs and pressures affecting the quality and sustainability of life on earth, this workshop addresses the need for human beings to develop into responsible citizens of our planet. To register, contact Holly Carson at holly.carson@norfolk.gov.

James River “Parade of Lights”
December 8, 5 - 9 pm at various locations
 James River Advisory Council’s 15 th Annual Boat parade between Richmond and Henricus Historical Park theme for this year is “Reflections on the James.” Participating boaters converge on the river at Richmond for a grand illumination, then head downriver. For more information about viewing times and locations, or to register as a participating boater, visit www.jamesriveradvisorycouncil.com or call 804-717-6681.

Project Learning Tree Facilitator Training
 December 10-12, Douthat State Park
 The prerequisite for facilitator training is previous participation in a full-day PLT PreK-8 educator workshop. The first day of training on December 10 will be a PLT educator workshop using the PLT PreK-8 Environmental Education Activity Guide for anyone who needs to complete that requirement. If you have already attended a PreK-8 workshop, then you do not need to join the training until Tuesday morning, December 11. All newly trained facilitators are expected to lead or co-facilitate at least one PLT workshop within 18 months of being trained. www.virginia.gov/cmsportal2/cgi-bin/pw/activity_out.cgi

EPA Offers Free Web Seminar on Single versus Dual Stream
 December 20, 1:00 pm
 EPA is hosting the Resource Conservation Challenge (RCC) Web Academy to provide training and a networking opportunity to State and Local governments, non- governmental- organizations and other stakeholders.  The Web Academy is a monthly educational series to learn directly from experts working throughout the country about the issues, projects, and practices for creating successful waste management programs.  The RCC Academy will help participants learn about what works and what doesn’t and to find the tools and information you need to: decrease waster, increase reuse, recycling and pollution prevention and conserve energy and materials.

To register visit www.epa.gov/region1/RCCedu

Partner updates events & resources

Welcome New Partners

Virginia Office of EE Launches Environmental Educators Leadership Program
 The Environmental Educators Leadership Program (EELP) has been created by the Virginia Office of Environmental Education to help develop, maintain and enhance the professional skills and abilities of Virginia educators for the protection of the environment.  Participants in the EELP will receive free professional training opportunities, access to state sponsored resources and events, tools for self-assessment, and resources for developing professional learning communities.  For more information contact Environmental Education Coordinator David Ruble at dnruble@deq.virginia.gov or 804-698-4039.

2007 NAAEE Conference Awards

VaNaturally Partners won:

  • Outstanding Service to Environmental Education by an Organization
    The NEED Project
  • K-12 Educator
    John Sammons, Greenbrier Intermediate School
  • Audience Choice Poster Winners
    • Service-Learning- Roanoke County Public Schools
    • Marine Education- Virginia Sea Grant, VIMS

For a complete list of award winners visit www.naaee.org/programs-and-initiatives/awards/2007-awards-announced-at-36th-annual-conference

Go GREEN for the Holidays
 Every year Americans generate an additional 6 million tons of waste between Thanksgiving and New Year's. Holiday cards alone add an additional 4.4 million tons of trash! You can reduce your holiday season footprint (impact) by trying some of the suggested tips at the following websites:

What you can do about waste….. www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/citizens.htm

Your Virginia

Make Virginia Your Home for the Holidays
 From colonial Christmas and Victorian celebrations to Civil War and Frontier traditions, Virginia ’s holiday observances and customs celebrate nearly four centuries. Combine your love of history and heritage with the sights, smells and sounds of the season. www.virginia.org/site/features.asp?FeatureID=78

Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Office of Pollution Prevention (P2) |
 Interested in Pollution Prevention (P2)?   The Virginia DEQ’s Office of Pollution Prevention offers a wide array of voluntary programs for Virginia companies, large or small, who want to reduce their environmental impacts.  These v oluntary programs and partnerships create opportunities for assistance, awards, and public recognition.

Programs include:

  • Virginia Environmental Excellence Program(VEEP ) encourages the development of Environmental Management Systems (EMS) by businesses, manufacturers, government agencies, and other organizations as a method of achieving long-term environmental improvement;
  • Virginia Hospitals for a Healthy Environment(VH2E) is a partnership to educate Virginia health care professionals about the significant environmental impacts of the health care industry and the many pollution prevention (P2) opportunities that are available to hospitals and other health care facilities. Environmental impacts from the activities of health care industry can be statistically linked to public health problems and seemingly conflicts with the creed of the health care industry, 'first, do no harm';
  • Businesses for the Bay is a voluntary team of forward-looking businesses, industries, government facilities and other organizations within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Each are committed to implementing pollution prevention in daily operations and reducing releases of chemical contaminants and other wastes to the Chesapeake Bay ;
  • National Partnership for Environmental Priorities(NPEP) is a voluntary program that encourages results by publicly recognizing and showcasing the source reduction, recycling and advanced manufacturing accomplishments of member partners who commit to reducing wastes containing the "Waste Minimization Priority Chemicals". These 31 chemicals are found in hazardous waste and are documented contaminants of air, land, water, plants and animals;
  • Virginia Green is the Commonwealth’s campaign to promote environmentally-friendly practices in all aspects of Virginia ’s tourism industry.
  • Virginia Regional Environmental Management System(V-REMS) is a partnership of over 50 federal, state, and local public and private organizations that collaborate to address regional community and environmental issues.  The innovative partnership strengthens community relationships and promotes environmental sustainability by reducing air emissions, improving water quality, and minimizing waste in the areas where its partners operate. Recent projects have focused on clean school buses, the alternative fuel E-85, energy efficiency and stormwater pollution prevention;
  • Virginia Information Source for Energy(VISE)  is a new web site dedicated to energy resources;
  • Mercury Reduction promotes and coordinates statewide efforts to reduce or eliminate the use of mercury and mercury-containing products; and to collect unused elemental mercury for proper management and recycling;
  • Virginia Clean Marinas Program
  • e-Cycling

For more information and to get involved contact visit the P2 website at www.deq.virginia.gov/p2

Virginia Natural Resource Agency News
 For the latest information about VA’s seven natural resource agencies visit www.naturalresources.virginia.gov/Agencies/agency.cfm and click on the agency link you need

Make Virginia Your Home for the Holidays!
 From colonial Christmas and Victorian celebrations to Civil War and Frontier traditions, Virginia ’s holiday observances and customs celebrate nearly four centuries. Combine your love of history and heritage with the sights, smells and sounds of the season. www.virginia.org/site/features.asp?FeatureID=78

Assorted items of professional interest

Adopt-an-Author Program
 This nationwide program aims to excite middle and high school students about reading. The program combines best selling thrillers and biographies with free curriculum materials, interactive websites and direct contact with authors via email, classroom phone calls and visits. Teachers can register on a first-come, first-served basis. www.AdoptAnAuthor.com

Climate Classroom—What’s Up with Global Warming?
 ClimateClassroom.org helps educate children about global climate change in accurate, developmentally appropriate, and hopeful ways. Sections designed for parents and K-12 educators provide talking points, attractive visuals, instructional guidelines, and helpful resource linksfor investigating the topic with children. An additional section for school-age children offers quality learning experiences and realistic suggestions for becoming part of the global-warming solution http://online.nwf.org/site/PageNavigator/ClimateClassroom/cc_homepage/

Environmental Guidance for Schools
 With a K-12 student population that exceeds 50 million in the United States the EPA has created Environmental Compliance and Best Management Practices: Guidance Manual for K-12 Schools.

The manual if for all school staff as children and their teachers deserve a school environment that protects their health and well being. Teachers can request a hard copy of the manual or download a PDF at www.epa.gov/region02/children/k12

Focus the Nation Teach-In
 Thisunprecedented educational initiative designed to engage faculty and students across the country. This ground breaking teach-in model focuses on global warming solutions for participants to get educated, organize, engage civic leaders, vote on solutions, and act. www.focusthenation.org/nationalteachin.php

Garbage- The Revolution Starts at Home
 Ever wonder what it would be like to live with your own garbage? In Garbage! The Revolution Starts at Home, director Andrew Nisker takes an average urban family, the McDonalds, and asks them to keep every scrap of garbage that they create for three months. He then takes them on a journey to find out where it all goes and what it's doing to the world. http://assets.filemobile.com/31//garbage1sheetpdf_.pdf 

Google Earth in the Classroom
 Google Earth has changed the way today’s computer and Internet users search, map and learn about the world. Google Maps and Google Earth are free to use. www.associatedcontent.com/article/74487/google_earth_in_the_classroom.html

Recycling Curricula from National Environmental Education Week
 According to the National Recycling Coalition, recycling saves enough energy each year to provide electricity for the homes of over 17.8 million Americans.  It is one of the easiest ways to conserve natural resources and slow climate change.

National Environmental Education Week has just added dozens of standards-based recycling curricula to their growing online curricula library.www.eeweek.org/resources/recycle_curricula.htm

Soil Quality Information
 For great information on soil quality visithttp://soils.usda.gov/sqi

Volunteers and Invasive Plants
 America 's National Wildlife Refuges are being threatened and impacted by invasive plants. For refuge managers, these troublesome plants present a complex challenge that demands many resources and long-term attention.

One of a refuge's most valuable resources for addressing invasive plant problems is the dedication of volunteers. Across the country, refuge volunteers are learning about invasive plants and lending a hand in management activities such as prevention, early detection, control, restoration, and outreach. www.fws.gov/invasives/volunteersTrainingModule/index.html

WILD America now on DVD
 Lovers and supporters of the environment and America ’s wildlife will want to add this DVD to their collection. www.wildamerica.com. Contact Marty Stouffer at MartyStouffer@WildAmerica.com

Fun Fact

  • Each week the U.S. white-collar workforce burns more than 583.3 million gallons of gasoline. If the average employee telecommutes outside of work one day a week, it would save the environment 1,680 pounds of CO2 emissions per year. If 12 million employees were telecommuting at least one day per month, it would save 5,040,000,000 pounds of CO2 emissions per year. Telecommuting benefits the environment and workers.

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