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December News

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Funding Sources and Upcoming Deadlines
In The News
Partner Updates and Resources
Assorted Items of Professional Interest

Funding sources and upcoming deadlines

American Forest & Paper Association Recycling Awards Deadline February 17, 2006
The 2006 American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) RecyApril 5, 2006rograms that promote the recovery of high quality paper. The 2006 awards will recognize an individual, two businesses (small and large), two comApril 5, 2006ling Awards recognize schools that have implemented successful recycling programs with a monetary prize and framed original artwork, given to a classroom recycling program and a school-wide recycling program. For more information: www.paperrecycles.org/recycling/awards/

Watershed Funding
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has created new pages on their watershed funding www.epa.gov/owow/funding.html website to provide tools, databases, and information about sources of funding to help non-profit watershed organizations, state and local governments and funders (such as foundations) more easily access information on how to effectively obtain and invest reApril 5, 2006 www.epa.gov/ogd/forms/forms.htm

 2006 Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grants Program Request for Proposals
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Program, is pleased to announce the Request for Proposals for the 2006 Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grants Program.www.nfwf.org/chesapeake As in previous years, we will be offering a series of free grant workshops at locations www.nfwf.org/programs/chesapeake/workshop.cfm around the watershed in mid-December.

Earthwatch Educator Fellowship Awards
Awarded through a competitive application process, the Earthwatch Educator Fellowship Awards are considered based on geographic region, financial need, and the benefits that would result from participating in an expedition. Elementary, middle, and high school educators and administrators of any discipline are eligible to apply. Applications accepted on a rolling basis. www.earthwatch.org/education/educator/apply.html

Grants and Awards
Visit www.vanaturally.com/grants.html for grant information and writing tips. Information is updated on a regular basis. The Classroom Grants deadline is February 16, 2006.

In the news

Governor Warner Announces Captain John Smith Trail
Gov. Mark R. Warner unveiled Virginia ’s newest trail at a meeting of the Chesapeake Bay Program Executive Council on Nov. 29. Capt. John Smith’s Trail on the James River is a boating and driving tour that chronicles Smith's explorations of the waterway between 1607 and 1609. The route includes historic sites, nature parks and museums.

“As Virginia prepares to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Jamestown settlement, it’s fitting that we create this trail that traces Captain Smith’s first adventures in this country,” said Warner. “The trail is an exciting opportunity to experience the James River and the wonders of the Chesapeake Bay just as Smith did. Now, visitors and students can retrace Smith’s journeys in a kayak or canoe as well as from a car or a classroom.”

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) www.dcr.virginia.gov and the Virginia Tourism Corporation www.vatc.org developed an interactive Web site www.JohnSmithTrail.org and educational poster to compliment the trail. Both feature educational information that correlates to Virginia 's Standards of Learning (SOLs) for elementary and middle school students. 

The poster design incorporates elements of Smith's famous 1612 "Map of Virginia." Copies are available at no cost to Virginia educators by contacting Mrs. Lane Guilliams , Conservation Ed. Specialist at Lane.Guilliams@dcr.virginia.gov or at (804) 692-0903.

DCR works with Virginians to conserve protect, and enhance their lands and waters and promotes the stewardship and enjoyment of natural, cultural and outdoor recreational resources

Chesapeake Bay Executive Council Signs Chesapeake Watershed Education Agreement: Fostering Chesapeake Bay Stewardship during the National Geographic Summit held Nov. 29, 2005
Members of the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council signed a new educational agreement. The Council is committed to making environmental education and outreach a priority. The new agreement includes a focus on geography, history and environmental literacy. Citizens can download the entire education agreement at: www.chesapeakebay.net/info/pressreleases/ec2005/doc-education_adoption_statement.pdf

VA Dept. of Environmental Quality’s Community Involvement Update
About 20 people attended the Department of Environmental Quality’s community meeting for the Valley area on November 17, 2005 . Participants at the meeting in Harrisonburg included area residents and representatives of local organizations. Discussion focused on air quality, water quality and waste management issues in the Valley area. www.deq.virginia.gov/community/

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.

Partner updates & resources

Welcome New Partners

Northern Piedmont Environmental Education (EE) Informal Planning Meeting
December 8, 2006, 10 am to noon, Madison County 4-H Office
Community Educators in the Northern Piedmont region are invited to attend an informal planning meeting discuss program opportunities and obstacles, funding opportunities, potential partnerships, and volunteer assistance. Our hope is to enhance working relationships between our schools, non formal education sites and volunteer groups to meet the environmental educational needs of this area. Please bring any information you might like to share. Call Kelly Mallory at 540/948-6881 if you plan to attend.

60 th Year Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center Forestry Camp
June 19- 24, 2006
Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest
For students ages 13-16 with an interest in learning more about conservation, natural resource management, and careers in natural resources, including urban forestry. Students ages 13-16 must be nominated by a teacher, Extension Agent, natural resource professional, youth group leader or other sponsor. Nominees should have good academic standing and an interest in forestry, wildlife or related conservation activities. Previous campers are not eligible.

Nomination forms will be available on the VDOF website www.dof.virginia.gov/edu/camp.shtml Jan.06

Mark you calendar for the 2006 4-H Forestry Judging Contest
The 2006 state 4-H Forestry Judging Contest (seniors only) will be held in conjunction with the state FFA Forestry Judging Contest, April 28-29, 2006 , in Southampton County . Although the FFA contest concludes on the 28 th, we will take an additional day to complete the portions of the contest that are unique to 4-H. Also, we will select our state team by using an “all-star” (top four individuals willing to commit) approach this year. If you have individuals or teams that expect to participate, please let Jeff Kirwan www.cnr.vt.edu/forestry/faculty/Kirwan.html know by Apr.1, 06.

Assorted items of professional interest

Environment Virginia 2006 Registration begins December 1
Student Environmental Leadership Summit
April 19, 2006 , 8:30 am &ndaApril 5, 2006dDate --> Learn about- Energy, Green Architecture, Biodiversity, Recycling, Chesapeake Bay and Environmental Ethics. Students will hear from national and state experts, learn in hands-on sessions and interactive sessions with each other.

Be part of this exciting pilot program which dovetails with the Commonwealth’s premiere environmental conference, the 17 th Annual Environment Virginia Symposium, attended by professionals from across Virginia . Registration begins December 1, 2005 . Limited to 200 students - Cost: $10.00www.environmentva.org/Students.asp

Fundamentals of EE Course Deadline: February 6, 2006
February 6 – April 21, 2006 ~ Online
10-week online course about the fundamentals of environmental education is appropriate for both classroom teachers and for non-formal educators who work with students and/or teachers. Developed by the Environmental Education and Training Partnership (EETAP) in collaboration with national EE experts, it provides educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to incorporate quality environmental education into their instruction. Participants may obtain three undergraduate or graduate credits from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point or take the course as a non-credit workshop. http://www.eetap.org/html/online_ee_courses.php All students are eligible for the in-state tuition rate. Contact Angela.Arkin@uwsp.edu or Jennifer.Jenquin@uwsp.edu for a registration form.

 The Environmental Education & Training Partnership (EETAP) has a limited number of scholarships available www.uwsp.edu/natres/rwilke/eetap/#Scholarships to EE leaders interested in taking the online "Applied EE Program" (February 20 – May 5) or "Fundamentals of EE" (February 6 – April 21) courses.

Summer Opportunity for High School Students Deadline February 15, 2006
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, sponsored by the American Fisheries Society, is designed to stimulate interest in careers in fisheries science and management among groupsApril 5, 2006norities and women. Students (Grades

10-12) spend 8 weeks in the summer working alongside their mentor who is a fisheries professional in their local community. Participants receive a $3,000 scholarship paid out in 6 installments over the summer months. Applications at: www.fisheries.org/html/hutton.shtml

Track Spring’s Journey North: Migrations, Mystery Classes, More
Teachers and students in K-12 classrooms are invited to participate this February through May in one of the Journey North project’s free online global studies of wildlife migration and seasonal change. One of the nation’s premier Internet-based “citizen science” projects, Journey North enables students in 11,000 schools to watch spring sweep across the northern hemisphere by following the migration patterns of monarch butterflies, bald eagles, whooping cranes, and other animals; the budding of plants; changing sunlight in “mystery class” locations; and other natural events. Students share field observations with classmates across North America and analyze live maps and data from other classroom and professional scientists. Thanks to a grant from Annenberg/CPB and Journey North www.learner.org/jnorth participation is free.

Participate in National Environmental Education Week April 16-22, 2006
The National Environmental Education & Training Foundation (NEETF) is pleased to announce the second annual National EE Week.  National Environmental Education Week will take place April 16-22, 2006 and will be the single largest environmental education event in the U.S.   It is coordinated by NEETF in cooperation with hundreds of outstanding schools, environmental education organizations, education associations, nature centers, zoos, museums, aquariums, and state and federal agencies.  National EE Week is a full week of educational preparedness for Earth Day and will involved thousands of educators and millions of students. www.eeweek.org.

National Science Teachers Association E-Issue focuses on Bridging the Disciplines
The November e-issue of the “Science Class” focuses on how bridging the science disciplines helps to address today’s complex problems, and it encourages teachers to do this “bridging” by branching out of their traditional one-discipline approach. The first article especially has a strong ecological component - more support for the environment serving as an effective integrating context! Read how teachers have bridged the disciplines by visiting http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2005-11/news_stories_high.htm

Call for Papers
The Science Teacher , NSTA's peer-reviewed journal for secondary science teachers, encourages authors to submit original manuscripts, IdeaApril 5, 2006cation topic at any time for further consideration by the peer-review panel and field editor. TST is also seeking manuscripts on inquiry-based units or activities in biology, chemistry, physics, Earth and space science, and integrated science. www.nsta.org/420

Forests Are Fun
Download the free booklet http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/forestry/Publications/Forests_are_Fun.pdf brought to you by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. This educational forest activity book is designed for preschool children through second grade. Activities include coloring, leaf rubbing, connect-the-dots, recognizing seasonal changes, simple animal and bird identification, and more.

4-H Virtual Forest
The importance of forests to Virginia ’s citizens is well documented. In addition to economic significance, Virginia ’s forests protect water quality, provide recreational opportunities, and provide habitat for a diversity of wildlife species. The 4-H Virtual Forest is an interactive, web-based learning experience that introduces forest management concepts to youth aged 9-13. Seven learning modules cover the following subjects: land-use management, renewable resources, photosynthesis, tree identification, old-field succession, tree measurements and timber harvesting. To explore visit www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/virtualforest

Environmental Education (EE) Posters
Help teach students to protect the environment with everyday choices! From soccer balls to cell phones to DVDs, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s "life cycle poster series" teaches students to understand the environmental impacts of everyday products. These posters track where products come from, how they are manufactured and transported, how to maximize their useful life, and what happens to them after use. The series helps teens (grades 6-12) make informed decisions to protect the environment in their day-to-day lives. Also available in Spanish. To order your free copies, visit: www.epa.gov/epaoswer/education/index.htm

A Resource You Can Use: Professional Development Guidelines for EE
The recently revised "Guidelines for the Preparation and Professional development of Environmental Educators" is a resource to help you design and implement effective high-quality EE professional development programs. Available to download (free): www.naaee.org/npeee

Earth Day 2006
Beginning Earth Day 2006, Earth Day Network (EDN) is initiating a campaign Climate ChangeSolutions Campaign to generate discussion and create solutions to the increasingly urgent issue of climate change. Educators are encouraged to become engaged members of this campaign. Climate change is truly a global threat www.earthdaynetwork.org

Blue Zones Project Summary
Blue Zones is a three-year project of Quest Network, Inc. that offers audiences innovative, nationally delivered information to help people discover*for themselves*the keys to a healthy lifestyle. Further, it provides an opportunity for audiences of all ages to explore the world's best practices in health and longevity and then gives those audiences tools to put healthy practices to work in their own lives. Partially funded by the National Institutes on Health, the Blue Zones team is advised by an internationally recognized panel of academic and scientific experts on the topic. www.bluezones.com/pages/index.php.

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