December News
Special Feature: 2008 Virginia EE Conference
Funding Sources and Award Deadlines
Upcoming Events
Partner Updates and Resources
Your Virginia
Assorted Items of Professional Interest
Fun Fact
2008 Virginia Environmental Education Conference
Save the Date!
September 17-18 at The Virginia Museum of Natural History in Martinsville, VA.
Call for Presenters to be announced soon.
Funding sources and award deadlines
Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards and the Virginia Environmental Leadership Award
Deadline: January 11
Applications being accepted for the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards, which are supported by Virginia 's Governor, the Secretary of Natural Resources, the Department of Environmental Quality, the Department of Conservation and Recreation and other partner organizations. Please support this important opportunity to recognize the Commonwealth's environmental leaders. Visit www.deq.virginia.gov/info/geeaward.html for more information.
2008 Tree Planting Grants Available
Deadline: January 15
Global ReLeaf, American Forests' ecosystem restoration program, is offering annual grants towards tree planting projects for 2008. The Global ReLeaf grant program provides private dollars to support local reforestation efforts. These grants can also be used to match other funding sources. Grants are available to support rural seedling projects which restore damaged forest ecosystems. For more information visit www.americanforests.org/global_releaf/grants/
Environment VA
Early Registration Deadline: January 25
Remember to sign up by the above deadline for the lowest rates on Environment Virginia 2008! Sign up online now to save $50 over regular registration rates. www.environmentva.org/Register/register.asp
2008 American Forest & Paper Association Recycling Awards
Deadline: January 31
American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) announced that entry forms and compete award descriptions are available at https://paperrecyclingawards.org/. In 2008, AF&PA will again recognize outstanding individual, business, community, and school recycling efforts. Winners will be announced during 131 st Annual Paper Week.
2008 Volvo Adventure Awards
Deadline: January 31
In collaboration with the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) the Volvo Adventure Award rewards young people creating their own environmental projects. There are two competitions for the 2008 awards. The Adventure Award is for youth, ages 13-16, working in groups of two to five. The second competition is the Great Big Bob the Bunny Cartoon contest for youth under the age of 13, to create a cartoon picture using Bob the Bunny. www.volvoadventure.org/home.aspx
The Virginia Outdoor Writers Association, Inc.
15th Annual Youth Writing Competition
Deadline: January 31
The Virginia Outdoor Writer's Association, Inc. (VOWA) announces its 15th Annual Youth Writing Competition for 2007. The goal of the contest is to reward young people for excellence in communicating their personal experiences in and of the outdoors. For competition guidelines visit www.vowa.org.vt.edu/ or download www.vowa.org.vt.edu/youthrules.pdfNote: The date is for 2007.
Virginia Naturally Classroom Grants
Deadline: February 1
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
Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Program
Deadline: February 8
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is accepting Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship Program applications from students who will have official junior status in Fall 2008. The Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship program is designed to increase undergraduate training and public understanding, recruit and prepare students for public service careers, and careers as teachers and educators in oceanic and atmospheric science, and to improve scientific and environmental education in the United States. www.oesd.noaa.gov/Hollings_info.html
Environmental Concern and World Wetland Day
Wet Your Appetite, Cuisine for Critters Contest
Deadline: February 8
For complete contest instructions and eligibility visit www.wetland.org
National Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) Program: Request for Proposals
Application Deadline: February 20
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting proposals for the National Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) Program, a voluntary program intended to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies while leveraging Federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection, in conjunction with agricultural production. This is a nationwide competitive grants process with applications accepted from all eligible government or non-government organizations or individuals, including federally recognized tribes. There are two competitions being offered in fiscal year 2008 - national and state. Visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig/ for detailed information on grant guidelines and application forms.
Call for Young Eco Hero Nominations and Applications
Deadline: February 28
Calling all Young Eco Heroes! Action For Nature has a juried annual contest. Cash prizes and other gifts are awarded to young people (ages 8-16), who have initiated and achieved an outstanding environmental success, and whose efforts will inspire others. Nominations are encouraged. Guidelines and application form available at: www.actionfornature.org/
Young Naturalist Awards 2008
Deadline: March 1
American Museum of Natural History announces the 11 th annual Young Naturalist Awards, a research-based essay contest for students in grades 7-12 to promote participation and communication in science. www.amnh.org/nationalcenter/youngnaturalistawards/
EPA to Award Community Grants across Country
Deadline: March 17
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that around $3 million will be available in 2008 to support community-based partnerships to reduce pollution at the local level through the Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program.
EPA anticipates awarding CARE cooperative agreements in two levels. Level I cooperative agreements range from $75,000 to $100,000 and will help establish community-based partnerships to develop local environmental priorities. Level II awards, ranging from $150,000 to $300,000 each, will support communities which have established broad-based partnerships, have identified the priority toxic risks in the community, and are prepared to measure results, implement risk reduction activities, and become self-sustaining.
Eligible applicants include county and local governments, tribes, non-profit organizations and universities. EPA will conduct three conference calls, Jan. 18, Feb. 11 and 27, for prospective applicants to ask questions about the application process. www.epa.gov/care
Wake Up and Smell the Trash
Regional Public Education Campaign
January 15, 10 am – 12 pm, Metropolitan Washington Council of Government, Rooms 4 & 5
Participants of the Annual Potomac Watershed Trash Summit worked together to create a regional public education campaign theme. All seven of this year's working-group roundtables asked for an active and large-scale regional public education and awareness program to send a unified and repetitive Trash Free message to the public. Each of the working-group roundtables will help move the Regional Public Education Campaign forward. What is involved in building a regional public education campaign for our Potomac River Watershed? It is vital to share what's been accomplished -- & to forge ahead together on specifying creative ideas for messaging, reaching target audiences, funding mechanisms, and leveraging the costs of comprehensive campaign components through immediate region-wide participation. Please join us for follow-up meetings on the following Trash Summit Roundtables. RSVP to Penny Weaver at pweaver@fergusonfoundation.org or by phone at 202-518-7415. www.fergusonfoundation.org/trash_initiative/roundtable_calendar.html#wakeupjan
EPA Offers Free Web Seminar on Venue Recycling
January 17, 1:00 pm
EPA is hosting the Resource Conservation Challenge (RCC) Web Academy to provide training and a networking opportunity to State and Local governments, non-governmental-organizations and other stakeholders. The Web Academy is a monthly educational series to learn directly from experts working throughout the country about the issues, projects, and practices for creating successful waste management programs. The RCC Academy will help participants learn about what works and what doesn’t and to find the tools and information you need to: decrease waste, increase reuse, recycling and pollution prevention, and conserve energy and materials.
To register visit www.epa.gov/region1/RCCedu
A Day in the Garden with "Ag in the Classroom"
January 18, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Join “Ag in the Classroom” for a day at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden to explore using a garden in the classroom as an education tool to engage students in hands-on learning. Instructor, David Pippin, brings science, mathematics, and social studies together as he presents activities designed to introduce students to the importance of agriculture in Virginia . Enjoy a tour of the garden and learn more about the many resources available to teachers. Each participant will receive free, SOL-aligned educational materials for his/her classroom. Workshops are provided free of charge by The Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom, a not-for-profit organization. Lunch on your own. Call 804-262-9887 ext. 322 to reserve a spot.
Schoolyard Garden Networking
January 30, 4:00 - 6:30 pm, Colvin Run ES Theater, Vienna , VA
For Teachers, Staff and Volunteers who work on schoolyard gardening or who would like to start.
Join us for a tour of the Colvin Run school garden and listen to a special presentation by Mary McLean, Outdoor Learning Coordinator, Tuckahoe Elementary School , Arlington Public Schools . She will highlight the Tuckahoe garden features and how to integrate schoolyard gardening with VA SOLs. Contact Elaine Tholen at 703-757-0730 to RSVP.
Ask EPA - Water Conservation
January 31, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
The EPA invites the public to discuss how to better protect the environment with top EPA experts. Join Benjamin H. Grumbles, EPA Assistant Administrator for Water, to discuss how using water more efficiently can help save you money and protect the environment. www.epa.gov/askepa
Track Spring's Journey North: Migrations, Mystery Schools , Climate, More
Projects begin February 1
Teachers and students in K-12 classrooms are invited to participate this spring in Journey North's 15th annual global study of wildlife migration and seasonal change. A free Internet-based citizen science project, Journey North enables students in 11,000 schools to watch the wave of spring as it unfolds. They share their local observations with classmates across North America and beyond, and look for patterns on real-time maps. Each Journey North study features many entry points and resources that address learning standards. www.learner.org/jnorth
Partner updates events & resources
Welcome New Partners
2007 Keep America Beautiful Awards
VaNaturally Partners won:
- 1st Place- Beautification and Community Improvement
Keep Hampton Schools Beautiful Program - Litter Education
Keep Southwest Virginia Beautiful
For a complete list of award winners visit www.kab.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pressreleases_2007NationalAwards
Schools in the News….
The Keep Hampton Schools Beautiful Program won the 2007 Keep America Beautiful National Award for Beautification & Community Improvement. The program is a collaborative effort of Hampton City Schools , Hampton Parks & Recreation, Hampton Neighborhood Commission, the Volunteer Center of the Virginia Peninsula , United Way Day of Caring, the Virginia Cooperative Extension Hampton Master Gardeners, the Hampton Clean City Commission, and many individual and group volunteers . The award was presented at the Keep America Beautiful Annual Conference in Washington , DC on December 7.
For more information about the Keep Hampton Schools Beautiful Program or similar programs and activities, contact the Hampton Clean City Commission at hccc@hampton.gov or 727-1130.
Outdoor Classrooms, One Bucket at a Time!
The Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts is pleased to announce their latest educational resources for educators. The kit was the vision of Sandy Greene, Headwaters Soil and Water Conservation District and a VaNaturally partner. Sandy and members of the Education Committee developed the bucket kits to take students outside in their schoolyard, play area, after school program or local YMCA where they can discover the wonders of the natural world. The kit contents encourage exploration and investigations that immerse students (and adults) in an awareness of what can be found in their local watershed, which includes wildlife, water and soils. www.vaswcd.org/outdoorclassrooms.htm
January is National Radon Awareness Month
Test your home for radon. Radon is an invisible radioactive gas that causes lung cancer. The only way to know if your home contains high radon levels is to test for it. www.epa.gov/radon/radontest.html
New on Earth Day Network TV
Discover how to build a sustainable home with our Building Green TV series. www.earthdaytv.net
Winter Feeding Tips for Birds
Winter is a challenging time for those birds that stay behind. They must face the elements of bitter cold and snow. There are few insects to eat and the seeds and berries they usually eat are running low. Birds burn lots of energy just maintaining their body temperature of 108 degrees and must search for food constantly. For tips to help feed winter birds visit www.vt.edu (Type in “birds” in the search box) and www.birds.cornell.edu (Click on All About Birds, then Attracting Birds) For more information on Virginia birds visit www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife
Governor Kaine Signs Executive Order Establishing Commission on Climate Change and Announces Appointments
~ Directs Commission to undertake yearlong study and prepare an action plan ~
RICHMOND – On December 21, Governor Timothy M. Kaine issued Executive Order 59 establishing the Commission on Climate Change. In establishing this Commission, Governor Kaine is fulfilling one of the recommendations of the Virginia Energy Plan, which was completed in September of this year.
The Virginia Energy Plan identified four overall goals, one of which is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2025, bringing emissions back to 2000 levels. The reduction in emissions will be partially achieved through energy conservation and renewable energy actions identified in the Energy Plan. The Commission on Climate Change will further study and formulate an action plan to fully achieve this goal.
“The Virginia Energy plan recognized that climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing us with regard to our use of energy,” Governor Kaine said. “The Commission on Climate Change will provide needed expertise and additional resources to help significantly reduce emissions in Virginia by 2025.”
The Executive Order directs the Commission, which will be chaired by Secretary of Natural Resources L. Preston Bryant Jr., to prepare a Climate Change Action Plan. The Commission will be charged with a number of tasks.
“The 32-person commission I am appointing is a broadly representative one,” said Governor Kaine. “It reflects my goal to consider the impacts of climate change and responses to those changes from economic, environmental, social and governmental points of view.”
The commission includes state legislators; scientists; economists; representatives from the energy, transportation, manufacturing, development, and agriculture industries; representatives from environmental organizations; and local government representatives. The commission will issue a report with recommendations by December 15, 2008 . www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=572
Virginia Receives National Award for Water Quality Improvement Fund
The Virginia Resources Authority and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality were recently recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for excellent work in the area of water quality protection with a Performance and Innovation in the SRF (Clean Water States Revolving Fund) Creating Environmental Success, or PISCES, award. www.chesapeakebay.net/newsvadeq122607.htm
EE Murals to Hang in General Assembly during 2008 Session
Five environmental education murals created by VaNaturally partners were selected to hang on the 5 th floor of the General Assembly Building. They will be available for viewing from December 18, 2007 until March 21, 2008 . Each mural has its own environmental theme and educational message. An educational flyer was developed as a component to the murals and copies are available at the GA Building. The mural project offered the opportunity to provide information about DEQ programs and strengthen the agency’s identity; to coordinate with others to make each mural a reality; to offer both outreach and training along with the recruitment of new partners for the Virginia Naturally network.
Virginia Naturally Annual Report for 2007 Calendar Year
Highlights of the annual report to its advisory board members Virginia Resource Use Education Council (VRUEC) and the entire partner membership include:
- 138 new organizations joined the environmental education network
- 13 Regional Networks are functioning or in early stages of group development
- 41 schools recognized for exemplary efforts
- 34 Partners received local, state and/or national awards.
To read the complete report summary visit www.vanaturally.com
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
10 Ways to Get Kids Environmentally Involved
www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/family/10/23/par.enviro.kid/index.html
Carbon Conscious Consumer Campaign
Carbon Conscious Consumer (C3) is a national climate campaign sponsored by the Center for a New American Dream that challenges individuals to establish climate-friendly daily habits and inspire their friends to do the same. Participants who most creatively and effectively spread the word will win prizes. http://c3.newdream.org/more
Cool Capital Challenge
Cool Capital Challenge unites individuals, schools, congregations, businesses, governments and other institutions to take a billion-pound bite out of the Capital Region's carbon dioxide emissions by April 2008. www.coolcapitalchallenge.org/
Free Astronomy Workshops for EE Educators ~ Online
January 10 – February 7, and February 21 – March 13
Apply now for Astronomy From the Ground Up's next free online workshop for science, nature center, and museum educators! Thanks to support from the National Science Foundation, the workshop is completely free for participating educators. Training is through e-mail, videochat, and telephone. http://astrosociety.org/afgu/index.html
This National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) online course series for middle and high school science teachers combines geoscience content, current climate research, easy to implement hands-on activities, and group discussion. http://ecourses.ncar.ucar.edu/
- CD 101 Introduction to Earth's Climate: Jan. 11 – Feb. 22
- CD 102 Earth System Science: A Climate Change Perspective: Jan. 18 - Feb. 29
- CD 103 Understanding Climate Change Today: Apr. 4 - May 16
Course on Balancing Nature and Commerce in Communities that Neighbor Public Lands
January 28 - February 1,USFWS National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, WV
The Conservation Fund is offering a four-day course that will consist of cross-sectional 'teams' to focus on the economics, natural resources and community character of their area and learn valuable partnership building skills. At the end of the four days, teams will leave with a specific action plan for implementing a collaborative project in their community. www.lgean.org/html/whatsnew.cfm?id=1233
Environmental Education Online Courses
Environmental Education and Training Partnership (EETAP) and University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point are offering two online professional development courses:
- Fundamentals of Environmental Education
Feb. 4 – Apr. 18 ~ Online
This Fundamentals of EE course provides classroom teachers and non-formal educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to incorporate quality EE into their instruction - Applied Environmental Education Program Evaluation
Feb. 18 - May 9 ~ Online
Course designed to assist environmental educators and natural resource professionals in evaluating their education programs, providing the opportunity to develop and apply skills in designing evaluation tools.
To read complete course summary and to register visit www.uwsp.edu/natres/eetap/
Weather Education
This website offers information for children, teens and young adults. Materials range from coloring books, puzzles and games, to lesson plans, brochures, satellite images, and career information for weather related fields, such as meteorology, hydrology and climatology. www.nws.noaa.gov/om/edures.shtml
New EPA Resource for Teens
This Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Web site "Your Environment, Your Choice" was designed especially for high school students to help make environmentally sound choices about the products they use, the waste they create, and the environment in which they live. www.epa.gov/epaoswer/education/teens/act.htm
According to Earth911, in a national survey, 93% of consumers who used a real Christmas tree recycled theirs in some type of community program. Christmas trees are recycled for five main types of large-scale uses for post-harvest trees. These are: chipping (chippings are used for various things from mulch to hiking trails); beachfront erosion prevention; lake and river shoreline stabilization; fish habitat; and river delta sedimentation management. www.earth911.org/master.asp?s=misc&a=misc/xmas/treefacts.html