April 2007 News
Earth Day Resources
Funding and Award Deadlines
Upcoming Events
Partner Updates and Resources
Your Virginia
Assorted Items of Professional Interest
The 37 th annual observance of "Earth Day", a celebration to raise awareness of the Earth and its resources, is April 22, 2007. Visit www.vanaturally.org/earthday.html for local Earth Day events and activities across Virginia along with educational resources.
Additional Earth Day Community Events and Cleanups
Visit www.vanaturally.com/volunteer.html, www.dcr.virginia.gov/stewardship/svevents.htm and www.cvwma.com for additional listing of events.
Plan now to participate in Stewardship Virginia
April 1- May 31
Building a Better Outdoors- Today, Tomorrow…Everyday
Stewardship Virginia is a statewide initiative held twice annually to help citizens with projects that enhance and conserve Virginia 's natural and cultural resources. Its focus is on projects that enhance water quality,control invasive species, improve recreational resources, preserve historic and cultural resources,preserve natural heritage resources,educate people about recreational, historical, cultural, wildlife and water resources and improve wildlife habitat. Get involved! Register a project today! Visit www.dcr.virginia.gov/stewardship or contact Bonnie Phillips at 804-786-5056.
The National Fish and Wildlife Small Watershed Grants
Deadline: April 2
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Program will be accepting proposals through the beginning of April. For more detailed information and application materials visit www.nfwf.org/chesapeake
Deadline: April 5
The James River Green Building Council (JRGBC)m a Chapter of the US Green Building Council, will be awarding a $10,000 grant to promote the inclusion of green features to schools and affordable housing projects in Central Virginia. For more information and a grant application visit www.jrgbc.org/grants/ Awards will be made nolater than April 30, 2007.
Fund for Wild Nature
Deadline: April 27
Applications are due to the Fund for Wild Nature for campaigns to save and restore native species and wild ecosystems, and actions to defend wilderness and biological diversity. www.fundwildnature.org/proposal.html
2007 Virginia Environmental Stewardship Awards
Nominations Being Accepted
Deadline: April 30
The Secretary of Natural Resources and the Virginia Petroleum Council (VPC) have announced that nominations are now being accepted for the Year 2007 Virginia Environmental Stewardship Awards. The environmental recognition program in its twelfth year is sponsored by the Virginia Petroleum Council and the Commonwealth. Nominations that exemplify innovative and effective stewardship initiatives and educational approaches to help enhance Virginia ’s attractive natural resources will be considered. Contact Mike Ward at 804-225-8248 or virginia@api.org.
Deadline: May 15
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) have funds for state projects addressing nonpoint source pollution in urban, suburban and rural developed lands. DCR will be hosting six statewide workshops for interested applicants that offer an overview of eligible project categories. For a complete version of the 2007 WQIF proposals and detailed workshop schedules visit: www.dcr.virginia.gov/soil_&_water/wqia.shtml
Restore the Legend Photography Contest
March 1 through April 30
Lynnhaven RiverNow and First Landing State Park are sponsoring a contest open to both amateur and professional photographers. Winning photos will be posted on the www.lynnhavenrivernow.org website and be published in the 2008 Lynnhaven RiverNow Calendar. Photographers may submit 5 photos for consideration and all photos must have been taken within the Lynnhaven River watershed. Visit www.lynnhavenrivernow.org for contest rules and submission guidelines.
Fifth Annual Maymont- VCU Discovery Institute Lecture Series
"Birding Along the James: In celebration of Jamestown 2007”
Thursdays, March 29- April 26
Virginia Commonwealth University and the Maymont Foundation join forces again to present an annual series of lectures investigating the life sciences. The spring 2007 series will focus on birds along the James River including historical perspectives on birding in honor of America ’s 400 th anniversary. Lectures begin at 7pm ; reception and galleries open at 6pm. Light refreshments provided. Bird-watching field trips, led by Audubon Society staff, will take place on the Saturdays after April lectures (April 7, 14, 21 and 28). www.vanaturally.com/pdf/maymont_vcu.pdf
18th Annual Environment Virginia Conference
April 10-12, VMI, Lexington , VA
This year's theme is Leadership, Strategies, and Action . For conference information, registration and lodging visit: www.environmentva.org
Enjoy Great Outdoor Adventures at New Quarter Park
April 7, 14, 21 and 28
For a complete list visit www.yorkcounty.gov/parksandrec/parks/nqp_winter.pdf
2007 Virginia Conference on Volunteerism and Community Service
April 11-13
The Governor’s Commission on Community and National Service, Virginia Corps and the Office of Volunteerism and Community Service are pleased to present the 2007 Virginia Conference on Volunteerism and Community Service www.vaservice.org/go/conference/home/. The conference is the largest and most comprehensive event of the year for individuals and organizations working to strengthen their communities through service. Participants represent nonprofit and faith-based organizations, public and private school systems, colleges and universities, large and small businesses, and national service programs, including AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA). www.vaservice.org
Loudoun County Environmental Education Conference
April 13, 9 am – 4 pm
The first conference for non-formal environmental education in Loudoun County . It will explore how collective efforts can enhance life in Loudoun County , and better preserve its precious natural resources and historic value. Click here to view the conference agenda, registration and directions.
19th Annual Loudoun Arbor Day Celebration
April 14
The 19 th Annual Loudoun Arbor Day Celebration at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve from 10 am-3 pm will kick off with a parade at 11:00 a.m. that will lead into the formal ceremony which will include Tree City USA acknowledgements; recognition of Poster Contest Winners and presentation of awards to students by Dr. Edgar Hatrick and recognition of Photo Contest Winners. For a complete list of the activities, exhibits, and demonstrations highlighting the numerous uses and benefits of trees visit www.deq.virginia.gov/vanaturally/loudoun_arbor.doc
Douthat State Park Saturdays in April
April 14, 21 and 28
Many of Douthat's activities will meet at the Discovery Center . To get there: turn onto the gravel road towards Camp Carson Shelter, continue past the children's fishing area, across the low water bridge, and park in the parking area. The Discovery Center is the shelter on the left. View the flyer.
- Girl Scout Day at Douthat
May 5, 10:30 am - 5:00 pm
If you are a Girl Scout, this is the event for you! Activities for the day will include Civilian Conservation Corps History Demonstration, Owl Kapers, Owl Pellet Adventure, A Stroll in Nature, Going In-Seine, Frontier Games, Pastimes and Magic of Douthat. All programs correlate to Try-Its, Badges and Interest Projects and scouts will also earn a participation patch for the day. Registration is required. A fee of $5 is also included. View the flyer.
For more information, contact the park by phone at 540-862-8100 or email at douthatinterpreter@dcr.virginia.gov.
National Environmental Education Week
April 15-22
National Environmental Education Week (NEEW) is a weeklong learning event that maximizes the educational impact of Earth Day (April 22) and promotes environmental education and literacy in a host of venues around the country. www.eeweek.org
Earth Day Celebration at Fort Lee
April 19
The Fort Lee Environmental Management Office is planning an Earth Day celebration on April 19, 2007 at the Fort Lee Field House www.lee.army.mil/ . We are reaching out to community groups and other agencies to invite them to join in the celebration with us. The Field House will have both indoor and outdoor display areas to accommodate a variety of displays. If you would like to participate, please contact me at daniele.johnson@us.army.mil or 804-734-5123.
Third Thursday Brown Bag
April 19, 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 April is Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). Rick Parrish, Senior Counsel with the Southern Environmental Law Center and Rochelle Garwood, Environmental Administrator, Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, will talk about Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) what they are, how they are developed, the challenges of TMDL implementation and the process for creating a TMDL on the Rivanna River . For a complete list of all monthly meetings and topics click on www.deq.virginia.gov/vanaturally/rcs_brownbag.doc
For questions or suggestions for a Brown Bag topic, contact Robbi Savage, at exec@rivannariver.org or call 434-97 RIVER .
“Classrooms, Cubicles & Cucurbits- Bridging the Gap Between Local Food & Institutions ”
April 20, Airlie Conference Center , Warrenton
The Local Food Project at Airlie presents "Classrooms, Cubicles & Cucurbits" a one-day conference and collective brainstorm on how institutions can further advance the local food movement. Presentation topics include the institutional purchasing of local foods, innovative education and research-oriented farm and garden projects, and the hosting of local food production on institutional land. While the focus of the conference is on the roles institutions can play in advancing the local food movement, conference presentations will have wider applications to all aspects of local food production, marketing, consumption, and the growth of local food as a whole. Conference presenters include Fred Kirschenmann ( Leopold Center ), John Dickman (Google), and Kelsey Siegel (The Edible Schoolyard).
For more information visit www.airlie.org/activities/foodproject.htm and click here to register www.airlie.org/activities/images/localfood_brochure.pdf
PLT Workshops
April 20-22
Virginia Project Learning Tree (PLT) is offering two workshops as part of the upcoming Virginia Forestry Association Convention in at Fort Magruder in Williamsburg www.vaforestry.org/annualconv.htm
Register by April 6 for:
- April 20- PLT PreK-8 Environmental Education Activity Guide - at the New Kent Conference Center near Providence Forge, 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. , $15 fee
View the flyer. - April 20- PLT Exploring the Environment: Places We Live secondary module - at the Crowne Plaza Williamsburg, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. , FREE
View the flyer.
Questions? Contact Lisa Deaton, Virginia LPT State Coordinator at 804-328-3031 or lisa.deaton@dof.virginia.gov
Earth Day Richmond
14th Annual Fish Festival
April 21, 10 am- 4 pm , Mayo Island to Art Works/Plant Zero
For a complete list of events for the day please visit www.earthdayrichmond.org/
Plan to attend the Larval shad release from 10 am to 4 pm (or as long as they last). See baby shad and learn about their life history. Then release a few into the James River , hoping they will return in four years to spawn. South End of the Mayo Bridge and down to the river. No fee. No pre-registration. Sponsored by Virginia Commonwealth University and USFW's Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery . Contact: Anne Wright, 804-828-0145, abwright@vcu.edu
National Wildlife Week
April 21- 29
Connect with nature in your neighborhood
Children, teens and adults are invited to observe National Wildlife Week by getting outdoors, learning about and helping wildlife in their neighborhoods and beyond. Download a list of wildlife and natural phenomena to observe in backyards, neighborhoods, communities and other special places. Report findings by posting them to the NWF website. www.nwf.org
The National Wildlife Federation mission is to inspire Americans to protect wildlife for our children’s future. To support a greater public connection to wildlife—visit www.nwf.org/nationalwildlifeweek/ .
Project Learning Tree & Your Backyard Classrooms Workshop for K-12 Educators
April 25, Log Cabin at George Washington Birthplace National Monument
Join Karen Cox from Virginia Cooperative Extension, John Magruder with Three Rivers Forestry Consulting and Steve Davis from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation for a day of exploring two tremendous teaching resources for K-12 educators: Project Learning Tree PreK-8 Environmental Education Activity Guide and Virginia ’s State Parks… Your Backyard Classrooms, Chesapeake Edition . Please wear comfortable clothes and footwear. Be prepared for outdoor activities. Lunch and beverages provided.Call Steve Davis at 804-493-8821 for further information. View the flyer.
April 27 is Celebrate Arbor Day in Virginia
Arbor Day is a nationally celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care. Visit www.arborday.org/arborday/index.cfm for resources to plan an event which can occur throughout the month. Here are some ideas for activities in your area: www.dof.virginia.gov/urban/arbor-day.shtml
Shenandoah National Park Annual teacher workshop
April 27, 9am-3pm at the park
This annual workshop will provide the training needed for K-1st teachers to lead a successful field trip in Shenandoah National Park . Participants will be introduced to the park's kindergarten and first grade programs and will receive instruction on pre/post visit lessons, on-site activities, field trip logistics, and hands-on outdoor teaching techniques. The workshop is offered free of charge, and all program materials are provided. Workshop participants may earn recertification credit. View the flyer.
Reservations are required. Please call 540-999-3489 for reservations or more information.
Volunteers Needed for Stewardship Tasks
April 28, 9 am- 12 pm , Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve
Volunteers are needed to perform a variety of stewardship tasks (trail maintenance, facilities maintenance, litter pick-up, invasive species control) to help preserve this special place in Russell County . Bordering Big Cedar Creek- a state scenic river- for two miles to its confluence with the Clinch River , Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve is characterized by fascinating geological formations and a diverse array of rare plants, animals and natural communities. For more information and to volunteer for this cleanup day contact Bill Dingus, Southwest Operations Steward at bill.dingus@dcr.virginia.gov or 276-628-1586.
Bring Your Own Bucket
Flounder & Critter Collection
April 28, 1 pm - 4 pm , Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Virginia
Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point , VA
Want to set up an aquarium in your classroom but don’t know how or where to collect the critters for it? The Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Virginia is holding a Flounder Collection day at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science on Saturday, April 28, 2007 from 1pm-4pm . CBNERRVA education staff will provide use of collection gear (seine nets, dip nets, etc), instruction on easy vs. difficult species to keep in aquaria, and feeding strategies for collected flounder. Learn about CBNERRVA flounder experiment piloted in Gloucester and Mathews counties 7 th grade classrooms that you can conduct in your classroom. Collect all the critters you’d like plus water to fill your tanks! Bring several excited students with you to help in pulling the nets and getting critters if you would like. If interested in registering, contact Sarah McGuire at mcguire@vims.edu or 804-684-7878.
Ivy Creek Foundation
Natural History Day 2007 and the Annual Virginia Native Plant Sale
Sunday, April 29, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Celebrate Earth Week with local environmental organizations and clubs for an afternoon of nature and fun at the Ivy Creek Natural Area in Charlottesville and learn about all the wonderful opportunities for nature lovers in our community. Hands-on fun for the whole family. And don't miss the unique opportunity to purchase garden grown native wildflowers, trees, and ferns from the Jefferson Chapter of the Virginia Native Plants Society.
For a complete list of monthly events visit: http://ivycreekfoundation.org/calendar.html
2007 Virginia Recycling Association Conference
May 1- 2, Williamsburg , Virginia
Are you ready for a Recycling Revolution? Register for this year’s conference online or by downloading the form and mailing it in with your check. If you have any questions about the conference give us a call at 888-897-1923. www.vrarecycles.org/conference.htm
Virginia Food Security Summit
Grow Jobs, Build Health, Protect Land
May 11, 8:45 am – 4:30 pm , University of VA Alumni Hall
State and national speakers will address why and how Virginia can become more food-secure. You will hear practical ideas, proven lessons from other states, policies and incentives to consider, and more. Building new local and regional markets for Virginia 's food makes good sense. Fresh, healthy food is bringing people together from all corners of the Commonwealth: farmers who want to pass their farms on to their children; parents, doctors and schools who are concerned with childhood obesity and diet-related disease; people who want to find and grow jobs for stable local economies; restaurants, schools and hospitals that are looking for sources of fresh, local food; and people trying to protect open space and working farms. For more information, contact us at 434-924-0263 or annwhitham@virginia.edu
Partner updates, events & resources
Welcome New Partners
- Berkeley Glenn Elementary School
- Green Earth Recycling of Virginia
- Lake Monticello Owners’ Association
- Madison County 4-H
- Middlesex County 4-H
- Reston Association
- Virginia Master Naturalist- Alleghany Highlands Chapter
- Virginia Master Naturalist- Beagle Ridge Chapter (Ellen Reynolds)
- Virginia Master Naturalist- Rivanna Chapter
- Virginia Master Naturalist- Historic Rivers Chapter (Kari Abbott)
EPA Administrator Recognizes Virginia Leader, Jay Gilliam, for Dedication to Volunteer Service
(Philadelphia ) -- EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson honored Jay Gilliam of Rockbridge County , Va. , with the President’s Volunteer Service Award on March 19, 2007 during a speech to the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) in Mount Vernon , Va. Gilliam has been an active volunteer and leader in Virginia water monitoring for more than 15 years, working with Virginia Save Our Streams and the Foundation for Virginia ’s Natural Resources.
Gilliam is also the chairman of the Foundation for Virginia ’s Natural Resources, one of Virginia ’s newest efforts, which assists in developing non-regulatory conservation programs and promotes environmental education and pollution prevention. www.fvnr.org/
Go to www.volunteer.gov or call 1-877-USA-CORPS to find an existing volunteer service opportunity in your area or to find more information about service programs, including national service programs such as the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Citizen Corps. USA Freedom Corps is also highlighting youth volunteer service. Visit www.volunteerkids.gov for games and ideas to see how America 's youth are making a difference.
For more information about the award, please visit www.presidentialserviceawards.gov.
Invitation to Judge
Virginia Junior Academy of Science
The Virginia Junior Academy of Science (VJAS) has issued its invitation to Judge. The Virginia Junior Academy of Science will hold its 2007 Annual Meeting in conjunction with the Virginia Academy of Science at James Madison University , Harrisonburg , VA. in May. The purpose of this meeting is to give approximately 750 students in grades 7 through 12 from throughout the Commonwealth the opportunity to present papers, which will report original research they have conducted. www.vacadsci.org/Invitation%20to%20Judge.htm
Judges are needed in all fields: agriculture and animal science, animal behavior, botany, chemistry, computer science, consumer science, earth and space science, engineering, environmental science, genetics and cellular biology, math and statistics, medicine and health, microbiology, physical science (pilot), physics, psychology (general, learning and perception, and social), and zoology. Please contact Susan Booth, susanscience@msn.com
Volunteer Opportunities
America’s 400 th Anniversary
Volunteer now for America 's 400th Anniversary May 11-13, 2007 . A variety of opportunities are available where volunteers must be able to work at least 5 hours or the length of the assignment which ever is shorter. Event volunteers will provide public and behind the scenes support for the events of the 400th Anniversary. On Call volunteers needed to accept last minute assignments.
Volunteer assignments include parking attendants, exhibit hosts, bus attendants, hospitality hosts, admissions hosts, entertainment assistants, information booth attendants, arts area hosts, ushers, trash collection attendants and more. If you would like to personally get involved in the commemoration, organizers are looking for volunteers for the remaining Signature Events. Volunteers are the commemoration's lifeblood, and thousands are needed for Anniversary Weekend alone. Call (757) 220-7078 or visit www.Americas400thanniversary.com for more information.
Queen Elizabeth II, to Visit Virginia
(Richmond ) – Governor Timothy M. Kaine released the following statement on today's announcement from Buckingham Palace that Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, and His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, will visit Virginia May 3rd and 4th, 2007, in recognition of the 400th anniversary of Jamestown :
“On behalf of all Virginians, my family and I will be honored to host Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, in May.
“We are pleased Her Majesty has chosen to visit during this momentous year for Virginia . Her Majesty’s first visit to the United States in 1957 coincided with the 350th anniversary of Jamestown, and for the Queen to spend two days in Virginia during her first visit to the United States in 16 years is extraordinary.
“This Royal visit speaks to the importance of Jamestown to both of our countries, reaffirms the strong, historic ties between our nations, and demonstrates a mutual commitment to reinforce these connections as we go forward together.
“Our Commonwealth will welcome the Queen with true southern hospitality, and our year-long commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Jamestown certainly will benefit from the international attention that this Royal visit will bring.”
As more information becomes available, regular updates about the Queen’s visit to Virginia will be available online at www.governor.virginia.gov. In addition, information on the Royal visit will be available through the Virginia Tourism Corporation at 877-876-8282 or visit www.vatc.org/.
VA Department of Conservation and Recreation
Virginia State Parks offer two new vacation guides
(Richmond ) – Planning summer fun in the Old Dominion is made easier with two new guides from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, which manages the award-winning Virginia State Parks . The new publications highlight Virginia ’s yearlong 400 th anniversary commemoration and the opportunity to explore the American experience in a Virginia State Park .
“As the nation celebrates the founding of Jamestown , we’re celebrating 400 years of history and nature in state parks across Virginia ,” said DCR Director Joseph H. Maroon. “A special section of the 24-page Virginia State Parks Guide profiles unique programs in Virginia State Parks that highlight the Commonwealth’s rich and remarkable history.”
The Virginia State Parks Guide and the Virginia State Parks 2007 Outdoor Adventures Guide and Calendar introduce visitors to exciting outdoor activities and make planning easier for seasonal fun in the Commonwealth.
“These two publications are the first stop in planning a Virginia State Parks vacation,” said DCR State Parks Director Joe Elton. “Our programs, festivals, concerts and activities represent the best Virginia has to offer. From traditional outdoor activities like canoeing, fishing clinics or night hikes, to arts and crafts festivals and bluegrass concerts, visitors will always find something to do in our parks.”
Both guides are available at Virginia Welcome Centers, local visitor centers, Virginia State Parks , or by calling 1-800-933-PARK. Up to the minute, comprehensive Virginia State Parks information is also available at www.dcr.virginia.gov.
Chesapeake Club Water Quality Campaign
(Richmond ) --- An innovative awareness campaign urging homeowners to do their part to help local rivers and streams that flow into the Chesapeake Bay began March 5 in the Richmond and Hampton Roads markets. The Chesapeake Club campaign focuses on the connection between individual lawn care and the health of local rivers and streams. "This campaign takes a humorous look at a serious concern," said Joseph H. Maroon, director of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. "While many people are concerned about local water quality and the Bay, they aren’t aware that their actions - such as how they fertilize their lawn - can have an impact. This campaign helps show that link and offers homeowners one simple way that they can help improve our waters."
The campaign was developed by the Chesapeake Bay Program and had a successful two-year run in the Washington , D.C. market. As a Bay Program partner, DCR has been involved with Chesapeake Club since its inception. It is coming to Virginia as the result of a partnership with state, federal and local governments. The Virginia Coastal Zone Program and DCR provided funding while Chesterfield , Hanover and Henrico counties, the city of Richmond and HR STORM in Hampton Roads have signed on as Chesapeake Club partners.
For more information, check out the Chesapeake Club website www.chesapeakeclub.org/ and keep an eye out for the commercials!
For complete press release www.dcr.virginia.gov/pr_relz.shtml#ccri
Virginia Arts Festival
The 11 th Annual Virginia Arts Festival will be held April 17- June 2. With venues throughout the 50-mile region, extending from Williamsburg to Virginia Beach, the Virginia Arts Festival hosts top-flight artists from around the world in classical music, dance, theater, world music and jazz, along with the annual Chamber Music series, led by André-Michel Schub. The Virginia International Tattoo, a signature festival event, features more than 850 performers, including military bands, massed pipes and drums, dancers, acrobats, and more. Come out and experience the arts! www.virginiaartsfest.com
Virginia Master Naturalist Program
The Virginia Master Naturalist Program is a statewide corps of volunteers providing education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities. Interested Virginians become Master Naturalists through training and volunteer service. Chapters are in development across Virginia . In an area where there is no existing chapter, several interested people and an advisor from a sponsoring agency can start their own. Our current list of chapters is posted at www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/chapters.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.
Assorted items of professional interest
For a current list of Summer Professional Development Opportunities for educators, please visit www.vanaturally.com/summer.html
Discovery Channel Presents - Planet Earth
March 25 through April 22 at 8pm ET on the Discovery Channel
Planet Earth showcases global habitats from deep oceans to mountains in unparalleled detail. The 11-part series will air Sunday nights, March 25 through April 22, and concludes with an 11-hour Earth Day marathon showing each episode.
http://dsc.discovery.com/guides/planetearth/planetearth.html
Ecological Forecast Workshop ANNOUNCEMENT
June 4, 10 am – 4 pm , Annapolis
The Cooperative Oxford Lab (COL) and NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office (NCBO) have begun a joint education training initiative, and will be hosting its first one-day workshop on June 4th. This workshop will address integrating components of the Summer Ecological Forecast into environmental education. Topics pertaining to the Bay's health that will be focused on include: dissolved oxygen, harmful algal blooms and changes in aquatic grass distribution. www.vanaturally.com/pdf/forcasting_flyer.pdf
To register for the workshop email: cbtraining@noaa.gov If you have any questions you may contact Shelby Laubhan at 410-267-5722
Forestry Issues for Teachers 2007
June 25-29
Registration Deadline: May 29
The Trees to Products teachers’ summer program is designed to provide teachers with factual and credible information about Virginia ’s hardwood forests and link these concepts to VA SOLs. To read about entire workshop click here.
Children & Nature Network
Leave No Child Inside by Richard Louv
The movement to reconnect children to the natural world has arisen quickly, spontaneously, and across the usual social, political, and economic dividing lines. Richard Louv's article about this crucially important groundswell in the March-April 2007 issue of Orion can be found at www.orionmagazine.org/pages/om/07-2om/Louv.html
Learning with Nature Idea Book
This new book gives practical guidance for helping children learn with nature as they play . The Idea Book guides reader through field-tested outdoor classroom principles. The book is ideal for anyone wishing to create or re-create outdoor spaces that nurture children's sense of wonder and encourage rich learning. The fully-illustrated, 52-page Learning With Nature Idea Book guides the reader through techniques to help create an effective outdoor learning space. Field-tested guiding principles can be applied to many settings. At a cost of $19.99 plus S/H, you can order your copy online at: www.arborday.org/Shopping/sourcebook/MerchDetail.cfm?ID=31
The Grade 6 Science and Chemistry Enhanced Scope and Sequence is now available at www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/EnhancedSandS/science.shtml. Please keep in mind that the activities in these documents are meant to be another resource for classroom teachers. The Science Enhanced Scope and Sequence is not intended to be a full curriculum for any grade level or subject area, nor is it prescriptive as to what every Virginia science class should be doing.
Chesapeake Bay Summer Camp for Youth
July 9-13
Scholarships Available!
Nauticus and NOAA are offering a Chesapeake Bay Summer Camp for students ages 9-12 interested in science and history. They are looking for students to participate in the NOAA @ Nauticus Discovering Our Chesapeake Bay Camp the week of July 9-13, 2007 ! There are scholarship positions available! Please pass this onto any teachers that might have students that are interested in the program. Scholarship applications are due April 30th! www.vanaturally.com/k12ed/students.html
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.
Environmental Justice Survey
The Environmental Education Council of Marin (EECoM) is seeking to learn about important environmental justice issues in communities throughout the county. Please help by participating in this five-minute survey. www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=570933322394