June News

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

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NAAEE 36th Annual Conference

Note: There will not be a Virginia EE Conference this year. We will be participating in the NAAEE Annual Conference, Nov. 14-17, 2007, in Virginia Beach, VA.

Teacher Scholarships
The Foundation for VA’s Natural Resources is encouraging statewide representation at the NAAEE conference in November. www.naaee.org The Foundation will offer scholarship funds to all educators, not just classroom teachers, to help support professional environmental educators in Virginia communities. Click here for more information.

Funding sources and upcoming deadlines

VaNaturally School Recognition Program
Applications Accepted: May 1- June 30
Virginia Naturally Schools is the official environmental education school recognition program of the Commonwealth, administered by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries with support from the Department of Education, Department of Environmental Quality and other resource agencies. Schools may submit applications between May 1 and June 30 of each school year. The recognition will be awarded in the following school year. For application and other information visit: www.dgif.virginia.gov/education/van_school_recognition.html#applications or contact Suzie Gilley at (804) 367-0188 or Suzie.Gilley@dgif.virginia.gov

2007 Virginia / West Virginia Water Research Symposium Call for Presenters
Deadline: June 8
Connecting Management to Aquatic Communities  
The Virginia Water Resources Research Center and West Virginia Water Research Institute are seeking proposals. A paper abstract or a workshop proposal is acceptable.  Basic and applied research papers are solicited in all areas related to water and the environment (natural sciences, policy, and socio-economic issues).  Researchers from colleges and universities (faculty, graduate and undergraduate students), federal and state agencies, private organizations, consulting firms, and others are invited to present papers and lead workshops. For symposium information, paper and workshop submission guidelines visit the website :  www.vwrrc.vt.edu or contact Jane Walker  janewalk@vt.edu or call 540-231-4159 or 540-231-5624

Virginia Archaeology Month
Calendar Submissions due by June 15
Virginia Archaeology Month 2007 continues the annual state-wide celebration of archaeology, presenting an exciting calendar of events and an attractive new poster on the theme Engaging Virginia ’s Past. Join in the fun and help highlight the importance of Virginia ’s unique archaeological resources to tourism, to education, and to understanding the past. Volunteer to be a host for Virginia Archaeology Month. Activities and events submitted by June 15 will be listed in the Calendar of Events, which will be posted on the Department of Historic Resources web site www.dhr.virginia.gov/arch_DHR/archaeo_index.htm and sent to schools, all partici pat ing organizations, and other friends of archaeology.

Funding Available for Coastal Wetlands Protection
Deadline: June 29
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is now accepting applications for its National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program. This program was established to acquire, restore, and enhance wetlands in coastal states through competitive matching grants to state agencies. The primary goal of the program is the long-term conservation of coastal wetland ecosystems. Coastal wetlands are valuable resources. http://lgean.org/html/whatsnew.cfm?id=116

Litter and Recycling Grants Application for FY 2007- 2008
Deadline: June 30
The application for the non-competitive litter prevention and recycling grant for FY 2007 - 2008 is now available. The application MUST be postmarked by June 30, 2007 to be eligible for funding. Please go to www.deq.virginia.gov/recycle/documents/LPRApp2007-2008memo1_000.pdf to read the memo and download the application. For additional information contact Steve Coe at gscoe@deq.virginia.gov or Shelia Barnett at smbarnett@deq.virginia.gov .

National Environmental Education Foundation Announces New Award
Deadline: June 30
The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) announces the creation of the Richard C. Bartlett Environmental Education Award to honor an outstanding formal educator who has successfully integrated environmental education into his or her daily education programs. www.neefusa.org/bartlett/index.htm

2007 Chesapeake Bay Education Summit Call for Presenters
Deadline: July 15
The Meaningful Watershed Education Experience (MWEE): Evaluating the Present, Exploring the Future
Experts and dynamic presenters are welcome to submit a proposal to share their knowledge and expertise in the following areas: Technology: Shaping the Frontier of Environmental Education; and MWEE Program Evaluations. www.vanaturally.com/pdf/2007_cbsummit.pdf

Keep Virginia Beautiful 2007 Awards
Deadline: August 15
Keep Virginia Beautiful is seeking award applications from businesses, civic groups, schools and government agencies for their efforts to deliver a more beautiful, cleaner and improved environment through new technologies, improved waste handing and public space stewardship.

Click here for the categories, criteria and award application. Questions, contact Bob Hundley at 804-355-0085.

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Upcoming Events

James River Sojourn
Registration Deadline is June 1
June 16-23
The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay is hosting the 2007 James River Sojourn with a journey from Palmyra on the Rivanna River to and through Richmond ending up in the tidal freshwater portion of the James at Dutch Gap Conservation Area. This week long canoe & kayak expedition is a wonderful way to get out there on the water with family and friends, learn about issues affecting the James River watershed, and reconnect with Virginia’s big river. The theme for the Sojourn this year is "Land Use Along the James, Then and Now." A gear truck carries your camping equipment and all food is provided. Details including itinerary and registration packets are available at www.vanaturally.com/pdf/sojourn07.pdf Registration ends June 1. Contact Chris Savage csavage@acb-online.org or Leslie Middleton lmiddleton@acb-online.org or (804) 775-0951.

National Trails Day
June 2
The first Saturday every June is designated National Trails Day (NTD) in the United States. On that day every year more than a million hikers, bikers, equestrians, and others take part in thousands of events nationwide in celebration of America 's trails. www.americanhiking.org

National River Cleanup Week
June 2-10
Millions of tons of trash wind up in our nation’s rivers and streams every year, and American Rivers, the nation’s leading river advocacy organization is encouragin citiziens to take part and be good stewards and create pride in communities. Organize or participate in a cleanup in your community. Remember, a cleaner river is a healthier one and heathy rivers benefit all communities through which they flow. www.nationalrivercleanup.org

19 th Annual Clean the Bay Day
June 2, 9 am- 12 pm
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation and its partner localities are seeking volunteers for the 19th Annual Clean the Bay Day. It's a great opportunity for individuals, families and groups to help clean up debris from waterways across Virginia . Boaters, divers and landlubbers are welcome.

Shoreline litter is washed from roadways into storm drains that carry it to creeks, rivers and the Bay. In addition to being a public eyesore and nuisance, it can be harmful to fish and wildlife. Litter and debris also can clog wetlands and reduce their effectiveness as buffers fro runoff and as shelter for wildlife. Marine debris such as oil drums, abandoned boats and old engines can be hazards to boaters and swimmers. www.cbf.org/clean

17th Annual Mattaponi and Pamunkey River Stewardship Day
June 2, 8:30 am
The 17th Annual Mattaponi and Pamunkey River Stewardship Day has been moved from its traditional September date to June 2 for 2007. Organizers hope the change in dates will enable more school groups to become involved. Volunteers in boats, canoes and on foot are needed for the river clean up. Numerous landings on both rivers from above Rt. 360 to West Point will be cleaned. In addition to the clean up, volunteers can sign up for other stewardship activities, including a wetlands inventory, water quality monitoring and maintenance at our water trail kiosk sites. Contact Kitty Cox, King William/West Point Litter Prevention Coordinator, at 804-769-4917 to register. www.mpra.org/

 James River Regional Cleanup Day
June 9, 9 am -1 pm
The cleanup is regional effort to involve the community in cleaning more than 50 miles of the James, including sites in Chesterfield , Henrico, Powhatan, Goochland, Cumberland and Charles City counties, as well as Richmond . The James River Advisory Council (JRAC) www.jamesriveradvisorycouncil.com heads organizational efforts for the cleanup.

Register to volunteer online at http://jamesriveradvisorycouncil.com/cleanup/registration.asp

It’s your river. Enjoy it. Care for it.

Butterfly Gardening Class and Demonstration
June 9, 1:30 pm , Hyla Brook Farm
Brian and Marcy Wagner of Hyla Brook Farm will provide participants educational tips and landscaping advice using native plants to create and maintain a butterfly garden as a backyard habitat. Outdoor gardens increase habitat diversity, preserve native plant species and attract wildlife to your landscape. www.hylabrookfarm.com/newsandevents.htm

Enjoy Great Outdoor Adventures at New Quarter Park in York County
June 9

• Bird Walk led by Bill Williams 8-10 am
• Stargazing Night 9-11 pm

For more information and a complete calendar of events visit www.yorkcounty.gov/parksandrec/

Alleghany Highlands Environmental Council Meeting
June 12, 2 pm , Old Dairy in Warm Springs
The regional Alleghany Highlands Environmental Council will hold a bi-monthly meeting. Contact Sally Johnson, VHS Trust sjohnson@homesteadpreserve.com for the meeting agenda.

87th Virginia 4- H Congress
June 18-21, VA Tech University
Join over 700 4-H'ers, volunteer leaders, Virginia Cooperative Extension agents and Virginia Tech and Virginia State University faculty members who are expected to attend the 87th 4-H State Congress at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg . www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/07congress/

Rain Barrel Make & Take Workshop
June 30, 9-11 am , Belmont Recreation Center
For Henrico County residents only
Learn about water conservation and make a rain barrel to use at your home. Interested participants are encouraged to register by June 15. To register, contact Dee Donnelly, Henrico County Recreation and Parks at 804-501-5147. This event is sponsored by Henricopolis Soil and Water Conservation District. www.vanaturally.com/pdf/rain_barrel.pdf

Third Thursday Brown Bag Series
June 21 , 12 pm -1 pm, Jefferson-Madison Regional Library, Charlottesville
The Rivanna Conservation Society invites the public to bring lunch and learn about the Rivanna River . The subject for June is storm water. Greg Harper, the Water Resources Manager for Albemarle County and Kristel Rovvervold, City of Charlottesville will build upon the February Brown Bag discussion by providing details of what is being done to manage stormwater in their respective areas. Visit www.deq.virginia.gov/vanaturally/rcs_brownbag.doc for a complete list of meeting dates and topics. For questions or suggestions for a Brown Bag topic, contact Robbi Savage, at exec@rivannariver.org or call 434-97 RIVER .

Partner updates events & resources

Welcome New Partners

• Apple Ridge Farm, Inc.
• Campbell County Litter & Environmental Commission
• Mid-Atlantic Highland Action Program
• Mountain Stream Stewards
• Museum District Association
• Natural Bridge SWCD
• Pittsylvania County Schools
• Rockbridge County Recycling
• Yellow Brick Road Early Learning Center
• Virginia Sportsman

DEQ Launches new Online Searchable EE Directory
A new online searchable database of environmental eduction materials, programs and services in Virginia is now available to the public. Features include search by topic, region, zipcode, and watershed. The new tool will help the public to find resources more easily. www.vanaturally.com/vnpartners/

2007 Conservation Educator of the Year
Dr. Gail Lee, Nandua High School
Eastern Shore SWCD
The Eastern Shore is one of the largest agricultural communities in the state of Virginia . It is a rural wildlife haven with two National Refuges and one State Park and is surrounded on three sides by marine waters. Dr. Gail Lee, Nandua High School , believes in taking advantage of these natural resources and using them as outdoor classrooms. She encourages hands on projects and involves students in real life situations. Each year her class raises thousands of plants in the school greenhouse and sells them to the local community. Dr. Lee's areas of study include: horticulture science, greenhouse plant production and management, landscaping, biological applications in agriculture and developmental horticulture.

Congratulations to Dr. Lee for her significant contributions to conservation education.

Virginia Recycling Association Recognizes Ten Outstanding Recycling Programs
Each year the Virginia Recycling Association (VRA) recognizes the best waste reduction and recycling programs in the state at an annual awards ceremony. Nominations are sought from the public and private sectors, business, industry, schools, government and non-profit agencies, civic or volunteer organizations and individuals. Awards were presented May 2nd in Williamsburg , VA during the VRA’s annual conference. The 2007 award recipients and categories are as follows:

• EMCO Enterprises, Inc.
  Outstanding Business
• University of Virginia
  Outstanding University Program
• Virginia Beach City Public Schools
  Outstanding Government Program
• City of Norfolk
  Outstanding Municipal Program
• Darrell Steege ( Stuart Drafts High School- Augusta County )
  Recycler of the Year
• Frederick County Recycling
  Spotlight Award
• Trex
  Spotlight Award
• Keep Leesburg Beautiful
  Outstanding Community Volunteer Program

James River Advisory Council 2007 Stewards to the River Awards
The regional James River Advisory Council presented six outstanding community members with its annual Stewards of the River Awards at the Spring Quarterly Meeting and Awards Breakfast on May 10 at the Valentine Richmond History Center . The 2007 award recipients included:

• Pauline Mitchell
  Leadership Award
• Greg Velzy
  Community Partnership Award
• Sue Cecil
  Guardian/Stewardship Award
• Kim Conley
  Communication Award
• Nancy & Bill Trout
  Historical Value Award
• Anne Wright
  Education Award

Visit www.jamesriveradvisorycouncil.com for additional information.

Potomac Conservancy Summer Events
A calendar of all summer special events can be found www.potomac.org/calendar/index.html

Adventure Weeks at York River State Park

• FUN Week: June 25 – 28, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
  Learning about nature can be fun with our ranger guides. How do birds fly? How do trees grow? Are snakes scary, or do they help us by eating mice? Do you know how to be safe in the woods? Nature can be fun when you know its secrets. Ages 6-8.

• Jamestown Week: July 16-20, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
  Could you survive in 1607? Find out skills that were needed by the Powhatan, European, and African people that lived here in the 1600’s. Participants will learn how to canoe, track animals, make a shelter, and create crafts like pottery and baskets as well as discovering the rich cultures of the people that made Virginia what it is today. Ages 8-12. Call 757-566-3036 for reservations and camp fees.

Explore Virginia
So many choices and all in Virginia ! Take a few minutes to explore on your computer and a lifetime to discover Virginia 's Natural Wonders. Visitwww.vanaturally.com/explore.html to see all of the many ways to enjoy what Virginia has to offer.

More Features about Virginia
History and heritage; fabulous natural resources; outdoor recreation; entertainment; Virginia wines; Places to Stay and much more. Visit the Virginia Tourism website and see what all Virginia has to offer. www.virginia.org/site/features.asp?featureID=197

Bicycling in Virginia
Bicycling in Virginia focuses on routes and information of most interest to cyclists. The map presents setting, terrain, elevation and surface conditions. Inset enlargements of selected locations give details for parking and other facilities. The colored areas of the map show Virginia 's state and national parks and tourism regions, making it easy to find more information about food, lodging and other attractions. www.virginia.org/site/features.asp?FeatureID=352

Fun and Family Day Trips in Virginia
For a complete list of family friendly places throughout Virginia www.funforkids.virginia.cc/

Summer Camps in Virginia
For a complete listing of summer camps in Virginia visitwww.summer-camps.virginia.cc/

Sponsors Needed
Virginia Naturally 5K Race
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Pony Pasture, Richmond

Contact Brenda Robinson at 804-740-5605 or this file www.vanaturally.com/pdf/5k_sponsors.pdf All proceeds benefit Junior Academy of Science. www.vjas.org

EPA Releases Nonpoint Source Outreach Toolbox
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released the Nonpoint Source Outreach Toolbox, a comprehensive set of Web-based resources designed to assist communities across the U.S. conduct locally effective watershed education and outreach activities. The Toolbox, online at http://www.epa.gov/nps/toolbox/, includes a searchable catalog of nearly 800 print, radio, and TV ads and outreach materials in the following categories: lawn and garden care, motor vehicle care, pet care, septic system care, household chemicals and waste, and general stormwater and storm drain awareness.

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Your Virginia

Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program
The Virginia CZM Program is part of a national coastal zone management program, a voluntary partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and U.S. coastal states and territories authorized by the Coastal Zone Management Act. The Virginia CZM Program was established in 1986 through an Executive Order, which is renewed by each new governor.  The Program is a not a single centralized agency or entity, but a network of state agencies and local governments which administer the following enforceable laws, regulations and policies that protect our coastal resources:  Tidal and Nontidal Wetlands; Fisheries;Subaqueous Lands: Dunes and Beaches;Point Source Air Pollution; Point Source Water Pollution; Nonpoint Source Water Pollution; Shoreline Sanitation and Coastal Lands.

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) serves as the lead agency for Virginia's networked Coastal Program and helps agencies and localities to develop and implement coordinated coastal policies and solve coastal management problems.

Highlights of Current Virginia CZM Activities/Projects include:

• Living Shorelines
  The Virginia CZM Program will be working with its partners over the next five years to promote “Living Shorelines”, a technique that not only stabilizes the shoreline but provides valuable habitat and improves water quality. Living Shorelines use nature-based techniques such as marsh plantings, beach nourishment, and low profile oyster reefs, breakwaters and sills.   The Virginia CZM Program "Living Shoreline" Strategy includes a living shoreline brochure and website for landowners and a design manual and training program for contractors

• Coastal GEMS
  The new Coastal Geospatial and Educational Mapping System – Coastal GEMS – is a gateway to Virginia ’s coastal resource data and maps; coastal laws and policies; facts on coastal resource values; and direct links to agencies responsible for current data. Access Coastal GEMS at www.deq.virginia.gov/coastal/coastalgems.html.   Not only is GEMS a starting point for accessing more comprehensive coastal resource information which should be considered in planning efforts and in making management decisions, it is also a tool to promote community involvement and environmental education. 

• Virginia Coastal Zone Management Magazine
  The magazine is distributed twice each year in the late spring/early summer and late fall/early winter. The magazine highlights coastal resource management issues and the programs and projects of the Virginia CZM Program partnership. The Spring/Summer 2007 issue of the magazine will be released in June!  The magazine is downloadable at www.deq.virginia.gov/coastal/documents/magss06-06144.pdf.

• Virginia Oyster Gardening Guide
  The guide was produced by the Virginia CZM Program in late 2005 in partnership with VIMS, Virginia CBF, TOGA (Tidewater Oyster Gardening Association), VMRC, Oyster Reef Keepers, NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office and the Virginia Oyster Reef Heritage Foundation.  The guide is downloadable at www.deq.state.va.us/coastal/gardening.html.

• Virginia Seaside Water Trail
  The Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program developed a 100-mile long trail on the seaside of Virginia’s eastern shore as part of its efforts to protect ecotourism.  The Trail website is a comprehensive on-line guide to the 37 routes available on the trail.  It introduces canoe and kayak enthusiasts of all skill levels to extraordinary paddling opportunities.  www.deq.state.va.us/coastal/seasidewatertrail/homepage.html.

More 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.

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Assorted items of professional interest

Water & Watershed Based Science Standards Institutes
June 11-14, 9 am – 4 pm , Russell Middle School , Lawrenceville, VA
June 25- 28, 9 am - 4 pm , Jolliff Middle School in Western Branch
Multi- day explorations of the 6th Grade Science Standards and related concepts from Grades 4-7. Standard Participation is free. Graduate Credit Options Available from Virginia Commonwealth University. In keeping with the overall goal of improving student achievement, these sessions are designed to enhance individual teacher’s qualifications by increasing his/her knowledge and understanding of the sixth grade science core content and related concepts from grades 4-7.

Contact Kristine Jarvis at kdjarvis@deq.virginia.gov or www.vanaturally.com/ssi07_flyer.doc

Southside VA Environmental Educator Training Workshop
“Bringing the outdoors to classrooms near you!”
June 27, 9 am – 3:30 pm , Soutside Community College, Keyesville, VA
The Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Education Committee and the Southside SWCD will provide a free training workshop is for those that provide environmental education programs to teachers, students or scouts. The workshop will focus on providing hands-on learning activities and resource materials to participants. Contact Dana Roberts , VASWCD Education Coordinator, at 804-559-0324 or dana.roberts@vaswcd.org to register. www.vanaturally.com/pdf/southside_wrkshp.pdf

The Chesapeake Bay , Economics & The Environment (for grades K-12)
July 9-13
The Longwood Center for Economics presents this weeklong workshop. Classes will look at environmental issues that impact our environment and specifically at Chesapeake Bay through the lens of economics. Call 434-395-2461 or visit www.longwood.edu/lcee for registration details.

Reading on the River: Nature Journaling Across Curriculum
July 30- August 3
Mary Baldwin Master of the Arts Teaching Program (MAT) is pleased to announce its third annual Reading on the Rover summer project. This year, participants will learn how to use nature journaling techniques to promote student learning, reflection and documentation of environmental experiences. To review complete course schedule and objectives and how to register click here.

Apprentice Ecologist Initiative™
The goals of the Apprentice Ecologist InitiativeT are to elevate young people (including disadvantaged and at-risk youth) into leadership roles by engaging them in environmental cleanup projects, empower volunteers to rebuild the environmental and social wellbeing of our communities, and improve local living conditions for both citizens and wildlife. Volunteers Needed!   www.wildernessproject.org/volunteer_apprentice_ecologist

EPA Looking for Educational Resources PreK- Grade 4
U.S. EPA is looking for preK-4th grade activities to be used in its new Kids Club. In the club, kids receive recognition for completing environmental projects and activities. Previous activities have been on water conservation (turning off the water while brushing your teeth) and energy conservation (turning off the lights when leaving a room).  We are also looking for activities a teacher can do within their classroom. Recognition will be given on the Web site www.epa.gov/kids/ if your activity is used. Contact: Megan Gavin, gavin.megan@epa.gov or 312-353-5282 for additional information.

Bullfrog Films Presents Two Enviro Documentaries

• Edens Lost & Found highlights practical solutions and models for urban transformation that go beyond pollution prevention to tackle the challenge of improving the quality of life in cities for ourselves and future generations.  Entire series is 228 minutes, Grade Level 7-12, College, Adult, US Released 2006-2007, Directed by Harry Wiland
  www.bullfrogfilms.com/catalog/edns.html

• Black Diamonds: Mountaintop Removal & The Fight For Coalfield Justice charts the escalating drama in Appalachia over the alarming increase in large mountaintop coal mines. 72 minutes, Grade Level 7-12, College, Adult, US Release 2006 www.bullfrogfilms.com/catalog/bd.html

Students Guide to Composting
Composting in the Classroom: Scientific Inquiry for High School Students, by Nancy Trautmann and Marianne Krasny, is a comprehensive guide for teachers interested in guiding composting research projects by high school students. Visit http://compost.css.cornell.edu/CIC.html to download guide in PDF format.

Fun Fact

• If your faucet is dripping in your house, 2,700 gallons of water will be wasted each year.