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January/February 2010 Newsletter

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Funding and Award Deadlines
Upcoming Events
Partner Updates and Resources
Your Virginia

Litter Picks
Assorted Items of Professional Interest
Become Inspired

 

Funding and Awards Deadlines

NEA Foundation Green Grants
Deadline February 1, 2010
K- 12 public school teachers can apply for up to a $5,000 grant for teaching green concepts in the classroom. To apply for a green grant, go to: www.neafoundation.org/pages/educators/grant-programs/nea-foundation-green-grants/

American Forest & Paper Association Awards
Deadline February 9, 2010
Does your school, business or community have a paper recycling program? Are people educated about paper recycling? Do you track the paper? How? The AF&PA will give $2,000 to each of their award winners and will promote your program at national and local levels. Go to:www.paperrecyclingawards.com/

EPA Hosts Video Competition to Promote “Three Rs” of Consumer Waste
Deadline February 16, 2010
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency invites 13 – 18 year olds to submit short films for the contest called “Our Planet, Our Stuff, Our Choice.” The videos should be 30 to 60 seconds in length and should address reducing and reusing, recycling, composting, and/or consumption and its effect on the environment. For more information go to: www.epa.gov/osw/wycd/video.htm

BRICK Awards to Recognize Community Work of Young People
Deadline March 1, 2010
This program honors and funds the efforts of dynamic leaders age 18 and under who have devised and implemented innovative solutions to problems in their local communities in the areas of community building, health, and the environment. Each BRICK winner receives a $5,000 higher education scholarship, a $5,000 grant for continued community work, pro bono services, and other support and recognition. The 2010 application is now available.

Thatcher Environmental Research Contest
Deadline April 5, 2010
The Institute for Global Environmental Strategies is sponsoring the 2010 Thatcher Environmental Research Contest. This contest is for students in grades 9 – 12 who design research programs using satellites and other geospatial technologies or data to study the Earth. The technology used must study some aspect of the Earth’s environment. For more information, go to: www.strategies.org/education/index.aspx?sub=education&sub2=scholars&sub3=scholars2010

Upcoming Events

Visit the Virginia Naturally Calendar for a complete list. 

Free Photography Workshops to be held at three area State Parks

Westmoreland State Park 
January 30^th 9 – 11 a.m.
Brad Ramsey, Chief Ranger – (804) 493-8821 or Brad.Ramsey@dcr.Virginia.gov

Belle Isle State Park 
January 30^th 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Charlene Talcott, Chief Ranger Interpreter – (804) 462-0162 or charlene.talcott@dcr.virginia.gov

Caledon Natural Area 
January 31^st 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Sammy Zambon, Chief Ranger – (540) 663-3861 or sammy.zambon@dcr.virginia.gov

Winter Nature/Outdoor Photography workshops will be held at Belle Isle State Park in Lancaster, Westmoreland State Park near Montross and Caledon Natural Area in King George. The class will be a two-hour program for digital photography and will cover: your camera; composition & artistry; tools & settings and techniques and shooting modes in the field – advise and critique.

Bring your camera and something to take notes. Part of the class will be outside, weather permitting. The two-hour class is free, but parking fees will apply and participants will be asked to share photos taken with the park. Donations to help support programming can be made to the “Friends” support organization of each park. Reservations are required.

Alleghany Highlands Master Naturalists 
Class Registration Deadline February 1, 2010
The Alleghany Highlands Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists will hold its fourth annual Master Naturalist Training Class at Douthat State Park starting February 18, 2010. The class will be held on Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Douthat Lake View Restaurant. The cost is $125 per person and includes dinner before each class. There will be 10 evening classes and 3 Saturday field trips. For more information, go to: www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/alleghanyhighlands.html or call Keith Carlson at (540) 474-2858.

The Wonders of Wetlands Workshop 
February 3, 2010 at 8:30 a.m.
Ernie Morgan Center, Norfolk
The Wonders of Wetlands is an instructional guide for educators that provides a resourceful and creative collection of wetland activities, information, and ideas. WOW! includes: over 50 hands-on multidisciplinary activities in lesson plan format, extensive background information on wetlands, ideas for student action projects, and a wetlands resource guide. For additional information contact Holly Carson, Keep Norfolk Beautiful, at holly.carson@norfolk.gov or (757) 441-1347.

No Child Left On the Shore Eco-Heritage Project
EE Volunteer Educator Training Workshop
Free, 14 hours teacher credit
March 13 -14, April 17 -18, May 15 – 16
The Watermen’s Museum in Yorktown in partnership with the Schooner Alliance is conducting educational training workshops for the environmental science program "No Child Left On the Shore" (NCLOS). This free 14 hour, multidisciplinary workshop will train educators to conduct scientific method based comparative sampling on the shore of the York River and in the main channel on the Schooner Alliance. The workshop also includes Project Aquatic Wild, and NCLOS Special Needs Educator training.

Details are available at www.watermens.org For more information contact Michael Steen at Msteen1781@cox.net or 757-887-2641.

Virginia Maritime Heritage Eco-Heritage Project
CS Volunteer Educator Training Workshop
Free, 14 hours teacher credit
June 26 – 27, August 14 - 15
The Watermen’s Museum in Yorktown in partnership with the Maritime Museum Education Consortium is conducting educational training workshops for the cultural studies program "Virginia Maritime Heritage" (VMH). This free 14 hour, multidisciplinary workshop will train educators to conduct comparative cultural history and natural science components focused on Virginia Indian Studies, Exploration, Pirates, and Colonial Maritime History. The workshop also includes Project Aquatic Wild, Virginia Indian Maritime Heritage Curriculum, and NCLOS Special Needs Educator training. Details are available at www.watermens.org For more information contact Michael Steen at Msteen1781@cox.net or 757-887-2641.

Chesapeake Classrooms Course
Watershed Action for Virginia’s Environment
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
Course 8 on February 12, 2010
See the VaN Calendar for more details.

On-Line Environmental Education Classes offered by the University of Wisconsin.
The Environmental Education and Training Partnership (EETAP) in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin are offering four environmental education classes. They are:

• Making EE Relevant for Culturally Diverse Audiences
• Leadership Development in Natural Resources:
  Strategic Planning and Implementation
• Fundamentals of Environmental Education
• Applied Environmental Education Program Evaluation

Click on one of the links above to get additional information about the class or visit the website at: www.uwsp.edu/natres/eetap/index.aspx

Partner Updates and Resources

Welcome new partners:

• Bash the Trash Environmental Arts, LLC, www.bashthetrash.com
• Roanoke Valley Master Naturalist Chapter, www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/roanokevalley.html
• Windows on Our Waters, www.windowsonourwaters.org/index.php

Your Virginia

Virginia Scenic River Program – Calendar of Events 
Deadline January 31
The Virginia Scenic River program is developing a Calendar of Events of river related activities that will take place throughout the year. Please contact Roberta (Robbi) Savage, Executive Director, Rivanna Conservation Society if you have events that you would like to include in their calendar of events. You may call her directly at 434-985 1802 or reach her by cell phone at  202-297 3563. Her email is exec@rivannariver.org For additional information about the Scenic River Program and its 40^th Anniversary, go to www.dcr.virginia.gov/recreational_planning/srmain.shtml

400,000 Acre Conservation Goal Exceeded
On January 8, 2010, former Governor Timothy Kaine announced that the Commonwealth exceeded his goal of conserving 400,000 acres of land. The final total was 424,103 acres. For additional information, go to: www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/newsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=1191

Plastic Bag Pilot Programs in Virginia Show Promising Results
Last year the City of Alexandria received $10,000 and Isle of Wight County received $28,000 from Virginia’s Litter and Recycling Fund to conduct plastic bag “take back” programs. The pilot programs are giving the General Assembly an opportunity to study what alternatives may be available to curtail the problems that plastic bags in the environment pose in lieu of a plastic bag ban in Virginia. The City of Alexandria is an urban pilot project and Isle of Wight is a rural pilot project.

Isle of Wight County provided additional recycling receptacles in various locations around the County and is promoting the use of reusable bags. Plastic bags are a problem in this community because Isle of Wight County is primarily an agricultural community. When plastic bags are harvested with cotton, it decreases the value of the cotton because the plastic does not absorb dye like the cotton fibers. The bags also break the machinery used to conduct harvests. Animals also eat litter and a cow was documented as having died after ingesting a plastic bag. The educational campaign to make the public aware of the problems of plastic bags in the environment is called “Isle Be Green.” Isle be Green encompasses living green practices which encompasses using reusable shopping bags and recycling plastic bags.  As of January 2010, the County has collected a total of 6,893.84 pounds of plastic bags in four months since the project began in August, 2009. To learn more about the Isle Be Green program go to: http://islebegreen.com/isle-be-green-program/

The City of Alexandria reported 2,053 pounds of plastic bags collected from between September 2009 through January. Their campaign is called “Make the Right Choice! One Plastic Bag at a Time!” The City has promoted the campaign by sponsoring an art contest and using the winner’s posters to make people aware of plastic bag collections and recycling. The City of Alexandria has a webpage dedicated to its plastic bag program. Go to: http://alexandriava.gov/tes/solidwaste/info/default.aspx?id=24482 

Litter Picks

The Non-Competitive Litter Prevention and Recycling Summary Report for FY 2009 is now available. Click here to access the report. To see reports from previous years go to: www.deq.virginia.gov/recycle/programs.html and scroll down the page to the caption “Grant Program Reporting.”

VCLPR to Meet on February 17^th
The Virginia Council of Litter Prevention and Recycling (VCLPR) held their quarterly meeting on December 16, 2009. The VCLPR discussed whether it should continue as a separate entity, or if it should merge and become part of Keep Virginia Beautiful. The VCLPR members present voted to remain an independent 501(c) 3. 

The next teleconference for the VCLPR will be on February 17 at 10:30 a.m.

The City of Lynchburg Launched a Report a Litterer Program
The Lynchburg Police Department and the Citizens for a Clean Lynchburg, Inc. launched a Report a Litterer Program. They have a brochure about the program that they are asking local government offices and private businesses to display.  Chris Tarbell, Lynchburg Police Department, Christopher.Tarbell@lynchburgva.gov, maintains a supply of the brochures. Although no charges will be filed against the vehicle owner and no further action will be taken, the Lynchburg Police Department hopes that this program will serve as a deterrent to roadside littering. For additional information about the program contact Kenneth G. Smith, Coordinator, Citizens for a Clean Lynchburg, Inc. (434) 384-0857 or (434) 610-3277 www.cleanlynchburg.com

Cigarette Litter Down 48% in National Grassroots Program
Keep America Beautiful reported that cigarette litter is down 48% in communities that have implemented KAB’s Cigarette Litter Prevention Program (CLPP). CLPP is in its seventh year and has been implemented in over 200 locations throughout the nation.

Keep Southwest Virginia Beautiful reported cigarette litter dropped 70% in one locality. Other localities reported a decline of between 26 and 62% in cigarette litter. According to KAB, cigarette butts represent nearly 38% of all littered items.

For more information, go to: www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/keep-america-beautiful-reports-48-cigarette-litter-reduction-in-national-grassroots-program-79815557.html

Keep Virginia Beautiful Recognizes Carol Doss
Carol Doss received the Professional Leadership Award given by Keep Virginia Beautiful on December 7, 2009 at the National Conference. To read the full story go to: www.kab.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pressreleases_2009ProfessionalLeadership_Doss

Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Safety Video for Cleanups
VDOT created a video to illustrate how to safely conduct a litter cleanup along a road. Go to: http://www.virginiadot.org/programs/prog-aah-default.asp

Garbage Patch – Charles Moore on You Tube
The link below will take you to an interesting video about litter. This is a good introduction video to introduce the public to the problems and impact of litter.  To view, go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrAShtolieg&feature=related

Assorted Items of Professional Interest

Central Virginia Environmental Education Team Meeting – RSVP by January 25
The Central Virginia Environmental Education Alliance is hosting a networking and professional development event on January 30 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Claytor Nature Center in Lynchburg. This meeting will be an opportunity to connect with fellow formal and non-formal environmental educators, share news from around the region, and hear news from the Virginia Resource Use Education Council.  We’ll also have an opportunity to learn from wetlands educator Mike Hayslett, Naturalist-in-Residence at Sweet Briar College, about the Schools for Pools Program. Lunch will be provided for this event! RSVP to cohen.d1@lynchburg.edu

Environment Virginia Symposium 
Early Bird Registration Deadline – January 31
April 7 – 8, 2010, Lexington
There are seven tracks that will feature four sessions each. They are:

• Regulatory updates – air, water, stormwater, waste;
• Restoring the Chesapeake Bay;
• Strategic land conservation;
• Energy Development;
• Viable and sustainable farms and forests;
• Adapting to Climate Change; and
• (Re-) Development.

For additional information and to register go to: www.vmi.edu/environmentva

2010 NAEE Conference 
Deadline for Presentation Proposals is February 1
The North American Association of Environmental Education will host the 2010 NAEE conference in Buffalo-Niagara, New York from September 29 – October 2. The theme is “Building Connections – Bridging Gaps” and includes the following strands:

• Arts, Culture, and Spirituality
• Conservation Education
• Innovative Programs and Practices
• Network and Leadership Development
• Place-based Education
• Socio-ecological Justice and Community Engagement
• Teaching and Learning Sustainability
• Energy Education and Green Technology
• Urban and Rural Interface

For additional information, go to: www.naaee.org/conference/call-for-presentations

Big Concepts – Explained Simply
Check out New York State’s Department of Conservationist for Kids Newsletter.   Each issue addresses a big environmental topic and explains it simply. Curriculum resources, classroom activities and additional suggested resources are also provided. Go to: http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/53998.html

New Tool for Educators to teach about the Chesapeake Bay
Interested in teaching about environmental issues and the Chesapeake Bay, but don’t know where to start? Check out the Bay Backpack, the source for Chesapeake Bay education resources, field studies, trainings and funding opportunities.  Use this great resource to discover engaging ways to get students outdoors learning about the local environment.  Click Here for additional information or contact Kristina Hopkins at krhopkin@chesapeakebay.net or (410) 267-5667.

Environmental Justice Commission Online Newsletter - Call for Submissions
200-300 word article submissions are sought for the EJ Commission Online Newsletter. Content can include: EJ related awards given or received, new or continuing programs and their missions, ongoing work, successes, upcoming events; interesting articles in the field that are worthy of being shared; and lastly, anything else noteworthy, people, places, etc. relating to EJ.  Pictures are welcome and encouraged. Also encouraged and strongly suggested, forward this call for submissions to all interested parties in your line of work, circle of friends, anyone you know or know of who might be interested in submitting to our EJ online newsletter. Submissions are due by March 5^th and can be submitted digitally to Cat Ruble at chr216@aol.com.

More information about the EJ Commission can be found at http://www.naaee.org/about-naaee/committees-commissions-councils/environmental-justice-commission.

Become Inspired

In Loving Memory of Ann Davey Masters
April 16, 1935 – December 18, 2009
Ann served as the Executive Director of the Clean Valley Council since 1994. She hosted a Clean Valley Day, Fall Waterway Cleanup Day, and the annual Earth Day Summit.  The following poem, one of Ann’s favorites, was read in unison at her memorial service at Greene Memorial United Methodist Church in Roanoke on Saturday, December 26.

Rainbow God, we praise you for the beauty of planet earth;

For the deep blue of the oceans

With the splendor of sea creatures,

Shy shellfish hidden in crevices,

Spouting whales majestically riding the waves,

Playful dolphins trying new games

And vast shoals of multi-colored fish;

Rainbow God, we praise you for the beauty of planet earth;

For the deep blue of the oceans

With the splendor of sea creatures,

Shy shellfish hidden in crevices,

Spouting whales majestically riding the waves,

Playful dolphins trying new games

And vast shoals of multi-colored fish;

For the variety of sea life,

For the green meadows and heather-covered hills,

For orchards abundantly producing apples, red and green,

For fields of barley, corn and yellow mustard,

For herds of cows, replete with milk

For flocks of sheep, caring for playful lambs,

For horse chestnut brown, milk white and coal black;

For all the variety of the countryside

For the sun that shines bright in the sky,

For the clouds, pregnant with rain, showering blessings,

For scent-filled air, life-sustaining,

For the majestic eagle, soaring over mountains,

For the lark, filling the air with her song,

For lines of geese, heading for home;

And for the home that awaits us all.