HRAEE Resources & announcements

Hoffler Creek Wildlife Foundation & Preserve
Certified by the Elizabeth River Project as a Model Level River Star, this wildlife preserve in Portsmouth offers education, bird walks, volunteer opportunities and more! HCWC will also soon be the location of a new 980 sq.ft. Nature Center. To find out more about the Hoffler Creek Wildlife Foundation & Preserver, visit them online at www.hofflercreek.org.

Green Building - How to Green Your Facility
A powerpoint presented by Hanbury Evans, Wright & Vlattas, and KNB. View the accompanying photos.

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

National Environmental Education Week has just added dozens of standards-based recycling curricula to their growing online curricula library.  Click here to access the EE Week Library.  Additional information on funding resources, professional development, and new EE programs are available below.

As always, remember to register your EE activities for National Environmental Education Week, April 13-19, 2008.  Click here to register today.

Read about our own John Sammons, recognized for outstanding achievement in EE!
NAAEE gave kudos to outstanding environmental educators at its annual conference in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on November 17, 2007. Read about the winners and their exceptional accomplishments and contributions to EE.

Environmental Educator Update February issue
Inside, find information on a free school recycling workshop, a Green Careers Resource Guide, a grant just for coastal communities, how to participate in National Environmental Education Week, and tons of free curriculum tools!

Dear VaNaturally Partners and Friend of Virginia’s Environment:
Our December news can be found at www.vanaturally.com/decnews07.html

Sierra Club: Recreation Tops Extraction in U.S. West
A new report released last week by the Sierra Club shows that the economics of the American West have shifted dramatically over the past few decades, with recreational activities supporting more sustainable jobs and economic growth than the extractive industries once critical to the region’s economy.
Go to all articles - Go to this article

Chesapeake 's Notable Yards Contest
Beautiful winning yards in all six Chesapeake high school districts have been recognized by the Chesapeake Environmental Improvement Council (CEIC)!

One winning home in each high school district received a certificate, $50 gift certificate from White's Old Mill Garden Center , and placement of a sign in the yard for a one-month period.  The program is sponsored by the Chesapeake Environmental Improvement Council (CEIC).

To see the winning yards:

Go to:  www.cityofchesapeake.net
Scroll down to:  2007 Notable Yards Winners
Click on:  See the winners

For information on how to create or implement a communications strategy, check out these free resources:

• The "Smart Chart" www.spitfirestrategies.com/pdfs/smart_chart_2.pdf is designed as a tool to help integrate communications and social change goals. This free 17 page booklet walks you through specific steps to build a mission-based communication plan.
• Profiles in Caring www.profilesincaring.com will pay all production costs for 30-minute documentaries about nonprofit programs and is currently seeking submissions.  This is a resource dedicated to broadcasting good news about good work being done throughout the world.

Source:   Nonprofit Congress Update, June 2007

When Everyone's a Volunteer: The Effective Functioning of All-Volunteer Groups
Author Ivan Scheier assists and inspires leaders of volunteers especially in all-volunteer efforts such as service clubs, community groups, PTAs, or religious congregations. From his years of experience as a volunteer and volunteer manager, Scheier offers real-life examples and practical tips including developing a powerful purpose, increasing inclusivity, and maintaining continuity on a bare-bones budget. A highlight of the book is a collection of easy-to-conduct group interaction exercises.  Order from: Energize, Inc., www.energizeinc.com or call 215-438-8342.

New Tree ID Book Available
The Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) has published a new tree identification guide called “Common Native Trees of Virginia.” The 120-page book is available for purchase through the Agency’s Web site  for $1 per copy plus shipping.

“This is the most up to date and accurate version ever published,” said State Forester Carl Garrison. “Many editions have been printed since the first one in 1922, but none has been so complete and useful for anyone interested in identifying the most common species of trees in the Commonwealth.”

In addition to the descriptions and drawings for each of the 78 most common tree species, this new edition includes range maps; a dichotomous key to help determine each species; a list of other tree species found in Virginia that includes those considered invasive species; as well as information on Holiday Lake Forestry Camp, Virginia’s 17 state forests and its two tree nurseries.

Ellen Powell, VDOF conservation education coordinator, led the effort to update this important book.

“A lot of people put a tremendous amount of effort into making this a first-class guide,” she said. “The finished product will prove to be an invaluable beginning tool for everyone who uses it.”

The book is available exclusively from the Virginia Department of Forestry.

60 Seconds to Save the Earth
In order to ultimately force our leaders to take action to solve the climate crisis, we have to use every medium -- including television, radio, and the Internet -- to build public support. And that's just what the Alliance for Climate Protection will do.

The Alliance is a three-year campaign that will push the climate crisis to the top of the nation's agenda using a combination of paid advertising, public service announcements, and grassroots power.

Your voices have carried our movement this far. So as we begin to create our media campaigns, I didn't want to only turn to an advertising firm -- I wanted to turn to you.

If you had 60 seconds to convince all of your friends that they needed to take action to stop the climate crisis, what would you say? How would you get the attention of millions of people all over the world?

Well, now you have the chance! Current TV and the Alliance for Climate Protection have teamed up to sponsor 60 Seconds to Save the Earth.

The premise is simple: make the best 15, 30, or 60-second ad showcasing how you or someone you know is taking action to alleviate the climate crisis -- or create an original, persuasive message that will open eyes, inspire change and empower your audience.

Get the details and create your ad by visiting: http://www.current.tv/ecospotcontes t

After you submit your ad, our panel of celebrity judges will narrow the field to 20 finalists. Then you will be able to help pick the winner through an online vote. The top ads will be aired internationally on Current TV, featured in the Alliance 's national campaign, and showcased on MySpace's Impact channel.

In addition, the grand-prize winner will receive a Toyota hybrid car, while three finalists will win Sony electronic products, and 16 semi-finalists will receive T-Mobile Sidekicks.

So get started -- in 60 seconds you can save the planet. Learn about this incredible contest and submit your ad today by visiting: http://www.current.tv/ecospotcontes t

Thank you, Al Gore

"Jamestown - Journey of Democracy" is proud to announce the formation of an alliance with ThanksUSA.
Founded in the fall of 2005 by nine- and eleven-year-old sisters, Rachel and Kelsi Okun, of McLean , Virginia , ThanksUSA, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) organization, is an effort to thank the men and women of the U.S. armed forces and their families for their service to the country with the gift of education. The organization provides need-based, post-secondary education opportunities to the children and spouses of active-duty status military personnel through competitive scholarships.

ThanksUSA's primary educational activity is its annual "Treasure Hunt" contest.  Sudokus, crossword and other puzzles geared to all levels and ages are designed to give classes and families hours of challenging fun.  This year's contest runs through Labor Day ( September 3, 2007 ). Over 6,000 contestants competed in the 2006 Treasure Hunt for more than $250,000 worth of prizes donated by corporate and individual sponsors. With over 200 questions related to their "Pillars of Democracy", the Hunt's 2007 Clue Book takes participants on an historical and cultural journey across the U.S.   

The official curriculum of www.JamestownJourney.org consists of 12 civics lesson plans, and it is clear that Kelsi and Rachel understand the importance of being civically engaged.  They have taken their vision and converted it to action.  The creation of ThanksUSA is an example of how young people have the ability to make positive changes in their communities and nations if they choose to take action.

"Jamestown? Journey or Democracy" encourages you to visit the ThanksUSA website at www.thanksusa.org for information on scholarship applications, scholarship donations and sponsor opportunities, as well as registration instructions to play the "Treasure Hunt".

Are you ready to be a superhero?
Keep America Beautiful is “reaching new heights” with a creative national outreach effort featuring KAB Man, a superhero for the environment and defender of natural beauty. The campaign launched with three Web-based animated films, viewable from www.kabman.org.

KAB Man is really “just a regular guy” enlisted to help the organization's mission to reduce litter, promote recycling, reduce waste, and beautify communities. He may not know how to fly (yet), but his heart is in the right place.

The Web site features bonus content such as an online "fly and recycle" game, eco-friendly themed merchandise (reusable grocery bags, organic cotton tee shirts, and more), and downloadable posters featuring actress and supermodel Molly Sims (she makes an animated cameo appearance in episode 3).

Funds raised through online donations and purchases of merchandise will support KAB's mission to improve communities through our network of nearly 1,000 local affiliates and participating organizations.

What can YOU do to keep America beautiful? Help spread the good work of KAB Man by forwarding the www.kabman.org site to your friends and family.

Thank you for the important role you play in ensuring that young people today will be prepared to be the environmental stewards of tomorrow.

Dig Into Spring at the Science of Gardening Website
www.exploratorium.edu/gardening/index.html
It's time to begin a new gardening season. This site provides interactives, videos, and articles covering many aspects of gardening, including carnivorous plants, gardening in the Antarctic, and the secret lives of flowers. Get the dirt on dirt. Find out what motivates people to grow giant pumpkins or prized orchids and enter them in competitions. Learn this and more on the Science of Gardening Web site.

The Health Benefits of Volunteering:  A Review of Recent Research
Scientific research during the past 20 years supports a number of  health benefits for those who become involved with charitable efforts.  The Corporation for National and community Service has compiled the results of numerous studies into a 17-page report which demonstrates the connection between altruism, community involvement and good health.

Free online at www.nationalservice.org. 
(Why not weave some of these facts into your next volunteer recruitment speech?!)

Network for Good
Powered by Groundspring, it offers several services to help you raise money online and engage your constituency.   This comprehensive website offers a number of easy, practical and affordable tools which enable you to:

• Design giving pages to look like your web site and send personalized gift receipts to your donors.
• Accept online donations with no monthly costs.
• Reach out to your supporters through email newsletters and online fundraising appeals.
• Learn best practices of online fundraising and donor communications in our workshops and online courses.

Visit www.networkforgood.org and make it happen!

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT AMENDMENT PASSES
House Committee passes amendment to include "landscape architects"

More Info Visit this page: http://capwiz.com/asla/issues/alert/?alertid=9837016&queueid=1227892421

At the request of ASLA’s Federal Government Affairs staff, Congressman Michael McCaul (R,TX) offered an amendment to include *landscape architects* in H.R. 1716, the Green Energy Education Act.

H.R. 1716, would allow the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation to provide grants to colleges and universities to improve engineering and architecture education related to the design and construction of high performance buildings. The amendment calls for improving the ability of engineers, architects, *landscape architects* and planners to work together on designing high performance buildings. The amendment passed the House Committee on Science and Technology’s by voice vote.

Passage of the McCaul amendment is a great victory for ASLA. Passage of this amendment demonstrates that our federal legislators recognize the many contributions that landscape architects are making in the design and construction of energy efficient buildings.

This bill may soon move to the full House of Representatives for floor action. 

Two Free Fundraising Resources
Nonprofit Genie is a free, excellent series of Frequently Asked   Questions and answers about fundraising, written by the   legendary fundraiser Kim Klein.   Go to www.genie.org, and then   click on "FAQs" then on "Fundraising."

How to Succeed in Fundraising by Really Trying, a free 18-page guide of practical advice from philanthropist Lewis B. Cullman. Available as a free download from his website at www.lewiscullman.com

Reserve a Cabin NOW for the NAAEE Conference!!
CBF has acquired a 20% discount on all cabins at First Landing State Park for November 13-18 th. 

The cost for the 4-person cabins is $424.20 per cabin.  Nine cabins are available (36 bunks).

If you are interested in staying at a lovely, guaranteed-fun site for a great price, contact Cindy Duncan at CBF.

No funds are needed at this time, only confirmation of needed space.

Change a Light for National Environmental Education Week!
EE Week to Serve as Pledge Driver for Change a Light, Change the World campaign
In less than three weeks, thousands of educators and millions of students from across the country will join hands to celebrate National Environmental Education Week. Whether in urban classrooms, homeschools, rural schoolyard gardens, or local nature centers, National EE Week will promote stewardship of our natural resources by actively engaging young people in environmental education. Remember to check back to www.eeweek.org to access curricula and resources that can aid you in planning for EE Week in your area.

This year EE Week focuses on energy education by encouraging students and teachers to learn more about where energy comes from, how it is used, and how small lifestyle changes can save energy and protect the environment.

This year EE Week is proud to serve as a Pledge Driver for Energy Star’s Change a Light, Change the World campaign. According to Energy Star, replacing just five standard light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) can reduce electricity bills by more than $150 over the life of those bulbs. More importantly, the switch saves energy and prevents the emission of thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide.

In support of Change a Light, Change the World, EE Week has set a goal of persuading students in 100 classrooms around the country to change at least one light in their home or school to a CFL during National EE Week. If we reach this goal we will eliminate over 44,600 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions and save 28,200 kWh of energy.

Help us reach our goal by encouraging your students to take the ENERGY STAR Change a Light Pledge! Energy Star has created several K-12 lessons for students studying energy efficiency that can supplement your Change a Light pledge activities. See their Energy Star Education webpage to access these resources and learn more about where to purchase CFLs in your area.

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 partici pat ing in this five-minute survey.
www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=570933322394

Learning with Nature Idea Book Connects Kids with Nature
This new book gives practical guidance for helping children learn with nature as they play, and is a valuable resource for KAB affiliates. The Idea Book guides you 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 you through techniques to help you create an effective outdoor learning space. Field-tested guiding principles can be applied to many settings. The Idea Book shows you how to create a space and make nature part of children's daily lives.

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

Environmental Education Online Courses offered in Summer and Fall 2007 –
Applied Environmental Education Program Evaluation and Fundamentals of Environmental Education

Applied Environmental Education Program Evaluation –
Registration has begun for the summer and fall offerings of  the “Applied Environmental Education Program Evaluation” online course through the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.  The 11-week course will be held this summer (June 11 - Aug 24) and this fall (Sept 10 - Dec 7).

The course is designed to assist environmental educators and natural resource professionals in evaluating their education programs. Participants have the opportunity to develop and apply skills in designing evaluation tools such as surveys, observation forms, and interview and focus group guides.  This course was developed as a cooperative effort between the Environmental Education and Training Partnership (EETAP) at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) National Conservation Training Center .  Participants may obtain three undergraduate or graduate credits from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.  The course is also offered as a non-credit workshop for those who are not seeking college credit. 

To learn more, visit the course web site: http://www.uwsp.edu/natres/rwilke/eetap/ or contact Angela Lemar (Angela.Lemar@uwsp.edu ) for a registration form.  These courses have a tendency to fill quickly so if you are interested please contact Angela as soon as possible for a registration form.

To learn more about EETAP visit the EETAP website at http://www.eetap.org/

Fundamentals of Environmental Education
Registration has begun for the summer and fall offerings of  the “Fundamentals of Environmental Education ” online course through the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.  The 10-week course will be held this summer (June 4 - Aug 17) and this fall (Sept 10 - Nov 23).

The "Fundamentals of Environmental Education" online course was 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 discuss the history, definition, and goals of environmental education; develop an understanding of the professional roles and instructional methods of environmental educators; and interact with other educators from across the country. Past course participants have given the course excellent reviews. 

To learn more, visit the course web site: http://www.uwsp.edu/natres/rwilke/eetap/ or contact Angela Lemar (Angela.Lemar@uwsp.edu ) for a registration form.  These courses have a tendency to fill quickly so if you are interested please contact Angela as soon as possible for a registration form.

To learn more about EETAP visit the EETAP website at http://www.eetap.org/

Leave No Child Inside
By Richard Louv, Orion Magazine. March/April Issue, 2007
The movement to reconnect children to the natural world has arisen quickly, spontaneously, and across the usual social, political, and economic dividing lines. Read about this crucially important groundswell in the March-April 2007 issue of Orion. Then tell them what you think, and share what's happening in your school, neighborhood or town to get kids back to nature.

For decades, environmental educators, conservationists, and others have worked to bring more children to nature. We seem to have reached a tipping point. State and regional campaigns, sometimes called Leave No Child Inside, have begun to form in Cincinnati , Cleveland, Chicago, the San Francisco Bay Area, St. Louis, Phoenix, Colorado, Florida, Connecticut, Texas, and elsewhere in the United States . A Canadian movement is also emerging. A host of related initiatives have begun to find common cause, and collective strength, through this issue. The activity has attracted a diverse assortment of people who might otherwise never work together.

• Read more in a new article on Orion Online
• Join Orion readers and post comments here

Solar Action Network Alert – Tell Congress to Make the U.S. a Solar Leader
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005) was signed into law by President Bush on August 8, 2005 .  This was the first Federal major support for solar energy in 20 years, including a 30% tax credit for installing solar energy systems that has resulted in strong growth in solar energy over the last two years. Unfortunately, the tax credits will expire in 2008, unless we are able to extend them now with your help..

The newly introduced “Securing America’s Energy Independence Act” is bi-partisan legislation (introduced in the House as HR. 590 and the Senate as S. 590) that would make America ’s energy future better by making solar energy more affordable.

Specifically, the bill extends the 30% federal investment tax credit for another 8 years, modifies the distributed photovoltaics incentive to $1500 per half-kw of capacity, removes the $2000 residential cap and provides alternative minimum tax relief (view all the bill details at http://seia.org/ITC_One_Pager.pdf).

ASES, following deliberation by its Policy Committee and Board, fully supports the extension of this tax credit for another eight years. This extension is critical to developing the solar industry and the technology that will foment a rapid and full scale transition toward an appropriate and supportable energy pat h.   

The current energy policy of the United States is unsustainable in either the long or short-runs. We need to turn the country around, and the Securing America’s Energy Security Act will ensure that solar energy becomes a major source of power in the years to come.

ASES therefore recommends the following when communicating with your Senators and Representative.

Primary themes:

• The nation needs a bold, dynamic and sustainable energy policy—a policy that supports and encourages the development and commercialization of sustainable energy sources like solar, wind, geothermal, biomass. It must also be a policy that supports reducing the demand for electricity, heating and cooling energy and liquid fuels.

• To continue policies that accelerate our nation’s transition to renewable energy by extending the 30 percent solar tax credit to 2015 by co-sponsoring legislation that accomplishes this, such as the “Securing America’s Energy Independence Act.

Our need at this time is to encourage co-sponsors to sign onto this bill, “Securing America ’s Energy Independence Act”.

Options for your personal action:

1. Telephone the local offices of your members of congress.
2. Use the themes attached as a template and email or fax a letter to your Representative and Senators. You can find contact information for them at        www.vote-smart.org
3. Vote Solar has an easy-to-use webpage that will let you email your Senators and Congressman. Click on the attached link and fill out the form:       http://votesolar.org/action-alerts/act-now.html

www.puppetools.com
This site and program was featured in Edutopia this month. Check it out – it’s full of great ideas!

New Online Course in Volunteer Management
The University of North Texas is pleased to offer its first continuing education course in volunteer management entitled, Are You REALLY Ready for Volunteers? Both first- time volunteer managers and seasoned professionals can benefit by learning what nonprofits need to know when incorporating or revising a volunteer program. Topics include strategic programmatic considerations, best practices, and program assessment techniques.

The 2 1/2 hour self-paced course is now available. Participants have one month from enrollment to complete the course. Best news of all: it is only $20!

For details, contact: lead@unt.edu.

Add Your Organization to the Online EE Directory
Take a few minutes to add your organization to NAAEE's Online EE Directory, the simple first step to building a consistent, quality process for helping EE practitioners find the resources they need. After your organization is in the system, you can gradually add descriptions of all your publications and programs, so that they are easily found by Internet searchers. Having your resources listed in the Directory is the first step in the Resource Review system, NAAEE's effort to build a culture of quality based on the Guidelines for Excellence. Start the process at http://naaee.org/cgi-bin/risee/noram/login

Data Collectors Needed For National Education Study
NAAEE is seeking field data collectors for a tim ely national study that will assess the environmental literacy of students in 6th and 8th grades.

In the spring of 2007, the well-respected GfK-Roper polling organization will provide NAAEE with a random sample of 6th and 8th grade students in public and private schools across the U.S. A stipend is available for chosen data collectors to administer a survey that will assess students' ecological knowledge, ability to identify and analyze environmental issues, and ability to take actions to improve or maintain the environment, as well as how they think about and interact with the environment.

• Read the full press release >>
• Get more information on the project & contact info >>
• Sign up! >>

New resource from the National Environmental Education & Training Foundation (NEETF)
NEETF, in partnership with the Cooperative Program for Operational Meteorology, Education & Training (COMET(r)), has released the first in a series of free online courses relating weather to the environment.  Watersheds: Connecting Weather to the Environment is part of an innovative program to provide environmental education and resources to broadcast meteorologists, enabling them to become "station scientists" who can integrate environmental science information into weather forecasts.  The course is an excellent primer on how weather events relate to the health of a watershed, and how the public can take simple actions to protect watershed health.  Land use managers, teachers, community leaders, and others interested in learning more about watersheds are encouraged to use and distribute this interactive resource.  Check out the online course at http://www.meted.ucar.edu/broadcastmet/watershed/ . You can learn more about NEETF's weather program - Earth Gauge - at www.earthgauge.net.

Energy Efficiency Best Practices Workbook for Local Governments
An energy efficiency “best practices” workbook is now available for any community wanting to reduce its energy use, costs, and greenhouse gas emissions. The California Local Energy Efficiency Program (CALeep) published the workbook to address barriers to community-level energy efficiency initiatives and to recognize the important role local governments can have in meeting state energy efficiency and environmental goals. The workbook describes a basic five-step process that communities can follow to increase their level of energy efficiency, whether starting from scratch or building on existing energy efficiency activities. Read more . . .

Storm Water Outreach Materials Available from EPA
EPA has developed a set of materials that state or local governments can customize and use in their own stormwater outreach campaigns. The first publication, The Role of Local Governments in Implementing the NPDES Stormwater Program for Construction Sites, is a new brochure that provides local governments with a brief overview of the NPDES Stormwater Program on construction sites.  The second publication, Does Your Construction Site Need a Stormwater Permit? A Construction Site Operator's Guide to EPA's Stormwater Permit Program, provides construction companies with a brief overview of EPA's Construction General Permit (CGP) and its requirements. Read more . . .

Curing the Nature Deficit Disorder
Compelling article in George Lucas Education Foundation (GLEF) Edutopia magazine by Milton Chen about the startling revelation that "some high school students have never put their hands in soil and have never grown a plant." Chen poignantly captures it by saying, "Projects that take students into nature allow them to shine in ways that would have been hidden to their teachers and classmates inside the four walls of the schoolroom." http://www.edutopia.org/1629

Free EE Publication & CD
Read about schools that have raised test scores of their students by using the environment to help teach content. EETAP is offering the publication Advancing Education Through Environmental Literacy along with the accompanying CD Teaching Standards Naturally at no cost. The publication focuses on how education and the environment can be linked to advance student learning. The CD provides a sampler to 43 free EE activities linked to different grade levels. Booklet and CD produced by EETAP and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). http://eetap.org/html/free_booklet_cd.php

Nature Stories Podcast
The Nature Conservancy presents the Nature Stories audio podcast, audio downloads of great stories and great places. Each week, Nature Stories will offer a new tale of people's connections with the natural world as an audio download. Many of the stories will be drawn from an upcoming public radio series, Stories from the Heart of the Land, which the Conservancy is developing for launch in 2007. Currently online are features focusing on fire, frogs, fishing culture, and more http://www.nature.org/podcasts/

The Oil + Water Project
To promote the use of alternative energy, the Biofuels Education Coalition (BEC) Oil + Water Project will send a demonstration vehicle fueled by vegetables to communities for public and youth oriented demonstrations. http://www.oilandwaterproject.org/

Earthrace
Earthrace is a bid to break the world record for circumnavigating the globe in a powerboat using only renewable fuels, to raise awareness of sustainable use of resources. http://www.earthrace.net/

Take Pride in America
The Take Pride in America partnership is dedicated to installing a sense of volunteerism and good stewardship in all public land users, promoting volunteerism and other civic-minded programs through a wide variety of organizations and initiatives. The website includes a volunteer opportunity search engine, upcoming events, information kits, award opportunities, and more. http://www.takepride.gov/index.cfm

PLT Premieres "Places We Live" Curriculum
Project Learning Tree (PLT) has developed new secondary EE materials to give students an awareness of the environmental, social, and economic impacts of decisions connected to community growth and change.  Exploring Environmental Issues: Places We Live gets students exploring their own neighborhoods, learning about their community's development through time, and involved in local community action projects.  http://www.plt.org/cms/pages/31_41_39.html

HRAEE Honored at Annual Virginia EE Conference
“In Recognition and Appreciation for Leadership in Virginia Environmental Education to HRAEE"

Signed Suzie Gilley, Chair Virginia Resource Use Education Council and Ann Regn, Director Virginia Office of Environmental Education

Thank you - Virginia Resource Use Education Council and Virginia Naturally

Congratulations to HRAEE 2006 Awardees!

Increasing Communications
Virginia Living Museum – Scoop the Poop

Fostering Partnerships
Virginia Beach Clean Community Commission – Earth Day at Mt. Trashmore

Big Things
John Sammons – Public School Teacher; City of Chesapeake
View the lyrics to the winning song

Earth Day Honors

City of Virginia Beach - Mt. Trashmore ’s Annual Earth Day Festival

Eastern Shore Soil & Water Conservation - 400 participants took part in a seedling give-away at 3 locations celebration at Barrier Island Center/the annual Conservation Poster Contest

James City County Service Authority - Let’s be Water Smart Water Conservation Education Program and PRIDE – Protecting Resources in Delicate Environments Watershed Education Program

Keep Norfolk Beautiful - The Green Reader Program sent 56 volunteers to read to 1200 Norfolk elementary students throughout the month of April

Lynnhaven River 2007 - Led a community Water Friendly Landscaping Workshop and built a buffer garden at Thalia Elementary School in Virginia Beach

Nauticus, the National Mari tim e Center - tabletop activities at the museum related to watershed, recycling and non-point pollution into the Chesapeake Bay

ODY Dept. of Ocean, Earth & Atmospheric Science & Dept. of Physics - 200 visitors of all ages visited an open house

Portsmouth Clean Community Commission – Held a Pre-Habitat for Humanity Cleanup

Southeastern Public Service Authority – Regional earth-action cleanup events collecting 20.02 tons of trash and debris

Suffolk Clean Community Commission

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center – Ocean in Motion traveling aquarium at Mt. Trashmore Earth Day Celebration

York County Junior Master Gardeners - Coventry Elementary School ’s Jr. Master Gardeners built worm composting bins, started a container garden using native bird-attracting plants, studied migratory birds, led a recycling pledge campaign, made scarecrows out of recycled materials, learned about their ecological foot print and planted their first phase of an outdoor classroom.  Mt. Vernon celebrated with environmental songs, read aloud nature and gardening tales, and supplied materials for children to cut out and decorate paper birds of all colors and shapes. 

Greening Your Organization
Many attendees requested copies of the links provided during John Deuel’s presentation.

They are provided below, along with the link to Green Earth Office Supply, our source for the biodegradable and Compostable serving ware.

EPA Resources for Non-Profit Organizations
www.epa.gov/epahome/nonprof.htm

EPA Energy Star Program
www.energystar.gov/smallbusiness (Good tech support)

EPA Waste Wise
www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/reduce/wstewise/index.htm

SF Bay Area Green Business Program
www.greenbiz.abag.ca.gov

Earth 911
www.earth911.org

LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design)
www.usgbc.org

Friends of the Earth Scotland
www.green-office.org.uk

Green Earth Office Supply
www.greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net

Earth’s Birthday Project Announces Recycling Campaign
Join students all over the United States who are collecting plastic bottles for Earth’s Birthday Project’s Big Gift.  This fun activity teachers students that their small actions can add up to a big difference in the world.  This year, students will help The Nature Conservancy project orangutans by conserving precious rainforest habitat in East Klimantan , Indonesia , on the Island of Borneo .  For every usable, 20-ounce bottle that you collect, 5 cents will be donated to the Big Gift program.  To enroll, go to www.earthsbirthday.org.

From the Monterey Bay Aquarium
We've just updated all seven regional versions of the Seafood Watch pocket guide and added an addition pocket guide version, the National pocket guide in Spanish. We currently have the following versions available on our web site: Hawaii, West Coast, West Coast-Spanish, Central US, Southeast, Northeast, National and National-Spanish. Visit www.seafoodwatch.org  to download or order the latest pocket guide.