February 2007 News
Funding Deadlines
Upcoming Events
Partner Updates and Resources
Your Virginia
Assorted Items of Professional Interest
Next Round of Classroom Grants For Teachers, Schools
Deadline: February 15
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
2007 American Forest & Paper Association Recycling Awards
Application Deadline: February 16
American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) announced that entry forms and compete award descriptions are available at www.paperrecycles.org. In 2007, AF&PA will again recognize outstanding individual, business, community, and school recycling efforts. Winners will be announced during 130 th Annual Paper Week at the end of March.
James Watershed Office Accepting Proposals
Deadline: February 21
Up to $15,000 is available for projects relating to activities targeting reductions in nutrients and sediment in the James River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay . They must also meet the additional criteria outlined in the grant RFP. Project proposals must be submitted to by 5:00pm on February 21,2007 . Projects must be completed by June 1, 2007 (Please note the short time frame due to the availability of grant funds ). Click here for details and eligibility requirements. If you have any questions about project eligibility or ideas for projects, please feel free to contact Jennifer Sidleck at jennifer.sidleck@dcr.virginia.gov or (804) 371-0991 or Nissa Dean at Nissa.Dean@dcr.virginia.gov or (804) 225-3390.
2006 Water Quality Improvement Fund Regional Grants Program
First Come, First Serve Basis
Application Deadline: February 23
Up to $10,000 per project is available statewide on a first come first serve basis. Eligible projects include riparian tree plantings (non-CREP areas), rain gardens, stream stabilization, stream restoration, and other tree planting projects to address non-point source pollution.
The VA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation is providing funding to DOF through the WQIF to support this program. All inquiries should be directed to DOF. The DOF Central Office contact person is Barbara White, 434-220-9041 or Barbara.White@dof.virginia.gov.
Red, White & Green Climate Change Grant
Deadline: March 9
Youth Service America and the Civil Society Institute opportunity offers $500 to young people in the U.S. between the ages of 15-25 and to organizations that engage youth 15-25. Applicants are expected to develop and implement a service-learning project about climate change that engages their community, policy makers, and candidates running for election in 2007 and 2008. Projects must take place between May 1 and October 31, 2007. For more information: www.ysa.org/awards or http://redwhiteandgreen.org
Five Star Restoration Grants for Community Groups
Application Deadline: March 9
This grant programs brings community groups together to provide environmental education and training through projects that restore wetlands and streams. The program provides challenge grants, technical support, and opportunities for information exchange to enable community –based restoration projects. Funding average is $10,000 per project. www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/restore/5star/02factsheet.html
MWEE Mini-Grant for Partners (for community and non-formal organizations)
Deadline: March 10
Applications due for summer/fall projects. Award winners will be notified by April 15 and receive funds by June 15. The Virginia Naturally MWEE Mini-Partner Grants program supports efforts by community groups to provide youth with meaningful watershed educational experiences (MWEEs). Funding is intended to help community groups build capacity for delivering and sustaining high quality, meaningful environmental education related to water and watersheds. The mini grant program is provided in partnership with the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, which has provided a total of $42,000 to support Meaningful Watershed Education Experiences throughout Virginia .
www.vanaturally.com/grants.html
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
Note: A free workshop to give an overview of the Small Watershed Grants Program; offer recommendations on what makes a strong proposal, and to answer any questions that potential applicants may have about the significant changes in the grant program will take place Friday, February 16 th at The Chesapeake Bay Program Office, The “Fish Shack” Conference Room, from 9:30 am until 12:30 pm. Contact Amanda Bassow Amanda.bassow@nfwf.org or Brian Kittler brian.kittler@nfwf.org at the Foundation for more information.
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.
North American Lake Management Society Grant for Teachers
Deadline: April 30
The North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) and the Environmental Protection Agency are offering grant funding to lake and watershed oriented projects throughout North America . Grants up to $1,500 for grades 6-12 with projects that promote lake and watershed protection initiatives. For grant information form and information, please contact Amy Smagula, NALMS Education Committee Chair at 603-271-2248 or asmagula@des.state.nh.us
NAAEE Announces 2007 Conference Call for Presenters
Deadline Extended: February 9
2007 North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Annual Conference will be held November 14-17, 2006 in Virginia Beach, VA. The theme is “Explore New Horizons for Environmental Education." Visit www.naaee.org or www.naaee.org/conference/2007-call-for-presentations
Captain John Smith 400 Project Shallop Display (John Smith’s “Discovery Barge”) Science Museum of Virginia
January 11- March 26
Built by Sultana Projects, Inc., the shallop and its educational presentation surrounding the vessel create a wonderful experience. Plan to view this full scale historic reproduction that is so vital to our initial and ongoing understanding of Virginia . Downloadable study guides available at www.smv.org
Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) at Two Locations
- February 16, 9:00 am , Presquile Wildlife Refuge
Conduct Citizen Science at this local refuge and within the State’s newest Audubon Important Bird Area. All sightings will be recorded and posted on GBBC website as part of a national event. The island is accessible only by US Fish and Wildlife Service boat. Limited spaces available. Contact Sue of the Richmond Audubon Society at 804-270-5365 for details.
- February 17, 8:00 am , James River Wildlife Refuge
Conduct Citizen Science at this local refuge and within Virginia ’s newest Important Bird Area. All sightings will be recorded and posted on GBBC website as part of a national event. This is a great opportunity to see this remote protected area, located in Prince George County . Contact Caroline of the Richmond Audubon Society at 804-270-5365 for details.
POW! The Planning of Wetlands
Exciting Professional Development Opportunity for Formal and Non-formal educators
February 17, 9 am – 4 pm , Plaza Middle School , VA Beach, VA
FREE, thanks to a grant from NOAA
Environmental Concern invites formal and non-formal educators to learn how to create their own wetland habitat. To register and for more information, please contact Sarah Toman at 410-745-9620 or stoman@wetlands.net
Streams of Stewardship: A Symposium on Water Management
February 24, 10 am – 4 pm , Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Presented by Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and the Virginia Society of Landscape Design. Visit www.lewisginter.org/streamsofstewardship for details and updates.
George Washington National Park Plan Revision
Public Meetings: First Round
March 5-10
Plan to attend one of the scheduled public meetings on the park plan revision. Click here for dates and locations.
Middle James Roundtable Conference and Workshop
March 8, 10 am – 3:00 pm , Longwood University
Come hear about current and future projects and participate in some workshop training localities, non-profits, watersheds groups etc. in the afternoon. We look forward to seeing you! www.middlejamesroundtable.org/
VA Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
Becoming an Outdoors Women Weekend
March 16-18, 2006 , Appomattox 4-H Center
The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries' Becoming an Outdoors Women (BOW) workshop is designed primarily for women whose outdoor exposure has been limited or they are interested in developing their outdoor skills. This 3-day workshop offers a variety of 4 hour sessions designed to improve knowledge, skills and offers hands-on experience in introductory level outdoor skills in a comfortable and supportive atmosphere. BOW workshops are designed for women who are beginners, so no experience is necessary. Equipment and instruction are provided by enthusiastic, knowledgeable and professional instructors. Register early as event fills up quickly! Participants must be 18 years of age or older. For more information visit www.dgif.virginia.gov/education or contact Jimmy Mootz at 804-367-0656 or Jimmy.Mootz@dgif.virginia.gov
Shenandoah Valley Environmental Educator Training Workshop
“Bringing the outdoors to classrooms near you!”
March 29, 9 am – 3:30 pm , Massanetta Springs, Harrisonburg
The Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Education Committee and the Shenandoah Valley SWCD will provide a FREE one day 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/shenvalley.pdf
Project Underground Facilitator Training
March 29-30, Crystal Caverns at Hupp's Hill, Strasburg , VA
This two day training event is offered for anyone who wishes to become a Project Underground facilitator. A short karst field trip and a karst biodiversity program are included! Lodging and meals will be provided. This program is being sponsored by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) www.vanaturally.com/dcr.doc through an EPA grant. The only cost to the participants will be a $25 registration fee. For more information contact Carol Zokaites , Virginia Karst Education Coordinator and Project Underground Coordinator, email Carol.Zokaites@dcr.virginia.gov or 540-831-4057
"Focus on Fish" – FREE Training Workshop
April 3, 9:30 am- 3:30 pm , Claytor Lake State Park
Register by March 23
This free environmental education workshop for park interpreters, teachers and non-formal educators. Sponsored by the park interpretative staff and VA Office of Environmental Education, the workshop will include a presentation from DGIF biologist John Copeland who has studied the fish population at Claytor Lake . Activities will range from hands-on stations for primary students (about what makes fish different from other organisms) to water quality preferences for fish species for secondary students. Participants will receive the Project WILD Aquatic and Project WET Healthy Water Healthy People educator's guides. For more information or to register by March 23, contact Kris Jarvis, at 804-698-4274 or kdjarvis@deq.virginia.gov and provide your name and full contact information.
18th Annual Environment Virginia Conference
April 10-12, VMI, Lexington , VA
The Virginia Military Institute Research Laboratories is pleased to announce the 18 th Annual Environment Virginia Conference. This year's theme is Leadership, Strategies, and Action . For conference information, registration and lodging visit: www.environmentva.org
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
Save the Date! 2007 Virginia Recycling Association Conference
May 1-2, 2007
Woodlands Hotel and Suites, Williamsburg , Virginia
Early Bird Discount until March 1
Register for this year’s conference online or by downloading the form and mailing it in with your check. To receive the early-bird discount we need to receive registrations by March 1. If you have any questions about the conference give us a call at 888-897-1923. www.vrarecycles.org/conference.htm
“WAVES/Chesapeake Classrooms” Workshop
May 24, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm , Ivy Creek Natural Area, Education Building ,
Cost $ 50.00
WAVES (Watershed Action for Virginia ’s Environment is a curriculum designed and instructed by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, & focuses on methods to incorporate environmental education (watersheds, Chesapeake Bay and other topics) into the core subject areas of reading, math, science, and social studies. The resources used in Chesapeake Classrooms meet state educational standards in Virginia . The cost of the workshop includes the curriculum on CD, maps and videos that go with the curriculum and 1 day training demonstrating a pathway through the curriculum.
Please send completed registration form and $ 50.00 payment (checks payable to VASWCD):
Dana Roberts ; VASWCD; 7308 Hanover Green Drive, Suite 100 ; Mechanicsville VA 23111; 804-559-0324 (O); 804-559-0325 (F); dana.roberts@vaswcd.org
Partner updates events & resources
Welcome New Partners
- 1- 800- Got Junk? www.1800gotjunk.com
- Bath County bathbpz@tds.net
- StreamWatch www.streamwatch.org
- Truxtun Millenium Le7Simm@aol.com
- Virginia Climate Initiative www.vaclimate.org
Volunteers Needed!
Department of Historic Resources- Archaeological Collections
Are you passionate about the past? Help preserve its record by volunteering to work a variety of tasks with archaeological collections. Contact Chief Curator Dee DeRoche at dee.deroche@dhr.virginia.gov or 804-367-2323 x 134 for more information.
Visit www.vanaturally.com/volunteer.html for a list of volunteer opportunities.
Call for 2007 Love- a- Tree Kit Activities
The theme for the 2007 kit is “Land Conservation and Stewardship.” Anyone who would like to submit activities (electronically, if possible) for review please send them to Lane Guilliams at lane.guilliams@dcr.virginia.gov by March 31. The activities should focus on: land conservation, community planning or design, community character, green infrastructure, sustainable development, stewardship or related topics. Activities should be correlated to high school (Grades 9-12) students and may cover any discipline.
VRA is Holding a License Plate Design Contest!
The Virginia Recycling Association is holding a design contest for a license plate to be offered by the VA DMV. Other environmental license plates include Chesapeake Bay , Clean Special Fuel, Wildflower and several Wildlife plates. This new plate will show support for recycling, raise awareness, and provide funds to the VRA for its important work. What a great advertisement for recycling across the state! For more info visit www.vrarecycles.org/plate.htm or call 888-867-1923.
Governor Kaine Announces 2007 Outstanding Scientists and Industrialists
On January 30, Governor Timothy M. Kaine and Science Museum of Virginia Director Dr. Walter R.T. Witschey announced the state’s Outstanding Scientists and Industrialists of 2007. The honorees will be introduced to the General Assembly later in the current session and will receive their awards at the Science Museum on Thursday, April 19.
“These select people are at the top of their fields,” said Governor Kaine. “This year’s Outstanding Scientists and Industrialist have expertise in cancer research, environmental science and hydrology, physics and atmospheric science, technology services and science education.”
To read the full announcement, please visit: www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/newsReleases/2006/Feb06/0228.cfm
2007 VirginiaOutdoors Plan Update
The Virginia Outdoors Plan is the Commonwealth’s official conservation, outdoor recreation, and open space plan, and it is intended to serve as a guide to all levels of government and the private sector in meeting the land conservation, outdoor recreation, and open space needs of the state. The 2007 edition of the Virginia Outdoors Plan (VOP) will be the 9 th produced in Virginia . Preparation of the 2007 VOP has been under development for more than one year. Forty-four public meetings were held throughout the state between October and December 2006; the purpose of those meetings was to introduce the 2007 plan and specifically, regional sections.
At this time, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is considering the comments received and making subsequent revisions. New elements of the 2007 VOP include sections on green infrastructure, environmental education, transportation programs, and watershed programs. Components of the plan support Governor Kaine’s land conservation goal of 400,000 acres by 2010. Publication and distribution of the plan is scheduled for summer 2007. Draft text may be queried at www.dcr.virginia.gov/recreational_planning/vop.shtml
2006 State of the Forest
Annual Report on Virginia ’s Forests
“The Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) is to protect and develop healthy, sustainable forest resources for Virginia . As part of Governor Kaine’s goal to conserve 400,000 acres of land in the Commonwealth by 2010, much land will be forested acreage that is part of Virginia ’s working landscape. The VDOF has one of the lead roles in this conservation effort. Providing services to forest landowners remains a cornerstone of the Agency. VDOF staff work hard to help ensure the quality of Virginia ’s water. They inspected more than 4,700 active timber harvest sites across the Commonwealth- 97 percent of which showed no evidence of active sedimentation. Visit www.dof.virginia.gov to learn what all VDOF offers Virginia .”
For complete report visit www.dof.virginia.gov or contact your local forester or forestry technician.
VA Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Launches New Bi-Weekkly Newsletter
The department has launched a new bi-weekly electronic newsletter, the Outdoor Report, with news clips on wildlife, hunting regulations and seasons, fishing, boating, special events, and more!Renowned wildlife artist and author Spike Knuth will be contributing to the Outdoor Report by providing original illustrations and articles. His artistic talents and extensive knowledge of Virginia 's flora and fauna will help us to feature some of the 925 different species of greatest conservation need that have been identified in the state Wildlife Action Plan. To contact the editor email david.coffman@dgif.virginia.gov
To subscribe, visit www.dgif.virginia.gov and simply fill in the required information.
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
Macroinvertebrates – Part II – For teachers
Saturday, March 24, 9 am – 2 pm , Banshee Reeks Park- Classroom Building
Available Space: 20 educators
This program will build upon, but will not repeat, the material presented during the fall macroinvertebrate workshop!
Plan to bring your own lunch; water will be provided. For further information contact Jennifer McDonnell, jmcdonnell@earthforce.org or 703-519-6867
RSVP for Loudoun Teachers: Sign-up on-line through the “My Learning Plan”
RSVP for All Other Teachers: RSVP through Jen McDonnell
Visit www.vanaturally.com/summer.html for current list of professional development opportunities.
Environmental Concern’s 3rd Annual International Competition
Write On! Wetlands Challenge 2007!!!
Celebrate American Wetlands Month
Deadline: April 1
Theme for this year’s contest is “Uncover Hidden Wetland Treasures.” Visit www.wetland.org/educ_wetlandinfo.htm or www.wetland.org for complete information and tips.
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
High School Essay Contest
Topic is "The Next 100 Years: Women's Contributions to Environmental Sustainability."
Deadline: May 4
Earth Day lesson idea - combine creative writing with science! The Air & Waste Management Association is celebrating 100 years in 2007 with their Annual Conference and Exhibition in Pittsburgh , PA. The Education Council, Women's Professional Development Committee, is sponsoring an essay contest for high school students with cash prizes. Contact: Pamela Heckel, awmaessay@gmail.com and visit www.awma.org/ACE2007/images/EssayPoster.pdf
Promise of Place Website
Website offers program ideas, case studies, research, links and other resources to support place-based education projects. It is a project of the Center for Place-based Learning and Community Engagement. www.promiseofplace.org
EJ Magazine
Published by the Knight Center for Environmental Journalism at Michigan State University , EJ Magazine www.ejmagazine.com is a student-produced magazine about environmental issues in the U.S. It has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists for Best Student Magazine.
Global Warming 101 Begins Next Expedition
This February, Will Steger and his expedition team on Inuit hunters, explorers, and educators will embark on a four-month expedition to get a first-hand look at how global warming is impacting the Artic landscape, wildlife, and human communities. The Global Warming 101 expedition will publicize this change using photo, audio, and text updates they collect and post to the website. Students and teachers around the country can follow along with the Expedition using the freely available educational curricula. www.globalwarming101.com/content/view/32/88888907/
"Applied EE Program Evaluation" online course
Scholarships available for the spring 2007 offering of the "Applied EE Program Evaluation" online course. The spring course will be held February 19 - May 4. These scholarships are available to those holding a leadership position in EE at the community or state level (e.g. directors of EE organizations, programs or nature centers; state program coordinators for PLT, WET or WILD; state EE association board members).
More information about these courses and scholarship qualifications can be found at www.uwsp.edu/natres/rwilke/eetap .