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June News

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Funding Sources and Upcoming Deadlines
Partner Updates and Resources
Your Virginia
Assorted Items of Professional Interest

Funding sources and upcoming deadlines

VaNaturally School Recognition Program
 Deadline: June 30
 Applications for school recognition are due by June 20. For application and other information visit: www.dgif.virginia.gov/education/van_school_recognition.html#applications or contact Suzie Gilley at (804) 367-0188 or Suzie.Gilley@dgif.virginia.gov

Input needed on Environmental Education facilities for 2007 VA Outdoors Plan Deadline: June 15
 The 2007 VOP, will include a listing of environmental education facilities across the Commonwealth. Such facilities provide opportunities to communities for place-based and hands-on education for all ages. We need to know where sites currently exist and what may be potential sites. Please assist in this inventory by completing the following survey www.vanaturally.com/vopsurvey.php Questions? Contact Janit Llewellyn , VOP Coordinator at 786-0887 or Janit.Llewellyn@dcr.virginia.gov

Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)
 2006 Call for Proposals
 Extended Deadline: June 19
 The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education 2006 conference aims to significantly advance sustainability efforts in higher education, with a special focus on incorporating all dimensions of sustainability in decision-making. AASHE 2006: The Role of Higher Education in Creating a Sustainable World, will be held October 4-6, 2006 , Tempe , Arizona. www.aashe.org/conference/call.php

Litter and Recycling Grants Application
 Deadlines: June 30 and August 31
 Grant Application and Performance and Accounting Report for the FY 2007 locality program grant information is now available on the DEQ website. www.deq.virginia.gov/recycle/forms.html  Program Managers can download Guidelines, the Grant Application and Performance and Accounting Report forms. Please note the 25% carry forward limit on FY 2006 grant funds.The Grant Application must in any case be received/postmarked no later than June 30, 2006. Please contact Steve Coe if you have any questions about the Grant Application package. (gscoe@deq.virginia.gov)

Captain Planet Foundation Grants
 Remaining 2006 Application Deadlines:June 30, September 30, December 31
 Captain Planet Foundation awards are between $500 and $2,500 for schools and nonprofit organizations that develop innovative environmental projects for youth that promote cooperation, planning, and problem-solving skills. www.captainplanetfdn.org/appProcess.html

Mathematics and Science Partnership (MSP) Competitive Grant Program Deadline: June 30
 MSP grants will be awarded to support successful proposals that will provide programs and resources to offer high-quality professional development for (1) elementary (K-5) science teachers in schools Accredited with Warning in science; and (2) secondary Algebra I teachers in high schools with pass rates less than 70 percent on the Algebra I end-of-course Standards of Learning (SOL) test for the entire 2004-2005 testing year. For more information, including the RFP see www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/suptsmemos/2006/inf091.html.

Grants 101: Professional Grant Proposal Writing Workshop
 July 19 – 21, Virginia Commonwealth University
 Professional Grant Proposal Writing Workshop for interested program development professionals, researchers, faculty, and graduate students. It is recommended to register as soon as possible, as space is limited. All participants will receive certification in professional grant writing from the Institute. For more information call (888) 824 - 4424 or visit The Grant Institute website at www.thegrantinstitute.com/

Partner updates events & resources

Welcome New Partners

Carol Heiser awarded Conservation Educator of the Year
 Carol Heiser, Wildlife Habitat Education Coordinator, VA Department of Game and Inland Fisheries was awarded Conservation Educator of the Year for the Northeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies at its annual conference. The association is made up of 20 states and providences in NE North America . www.neafwa.org/conference.htm

Virginian Awarded Rock the Earth Planet Defender Award
 Rock the Earth announced Jason Rutledge , President and Founder of Virginia’s Healing Harvest Forest Foundation as one of the winners of its prestigious Planet Defender Awards. Healing Harvest was established http://community.roanoke.com/main.wsi?group_id=11 to develop, implement and support community-based sustainable forestry initiatives and to create a nurturing coexistence between the forest and human communities. The practices of Healing Harvest simply imitate nature and take the worst trees first, using skilled, modern horse logging techniques that have a very low impact on the forest. For more information about Rock the Earth’s Planet Defender awards and the ongoing work of Rock the Earth, visit www.RockTheEarth.org

Fort Defiance High School Students win State Envirothon
 Read all about this high school winning team at www.vanaturally.com/pdf/envirothon.pdf

Check it out. Live Web Cams!
 Hampton Roads Eagle Cam
Visitors at Norfolk Botanical Garden can now get an even closer look at the American Bald Eagles and their nest, www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/calendar/EaglePics.shtml thanks to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. A new viewing scope has been installed between the base of NATO Tower and the Tropical Garden .  With 20x magnification, the donation from this natural resource agency gives everyone a rare glimpse of the eagle family in its home, high up in a loblolly pine tree.  To help Web surfers understand what they're seeing, there is a link to the VA Department of Game and Inland Fisheries website www.dgif.virginia.gov/eaglecam which has an online journal with expert information provided by a Department wildlife biologist.

Shenandoah National Park Offers Live Falcon Cam of Threatened Peregrine Falcons
 Shenandoah National Park in cooperation with the Center for Conservation Biology at the College of William & Mary, ARAMARK, Shenandoah National Park Association, and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries installed live webcams near the park’s only active peregrine falcon nest. Currently, there are two three-week old peregrine chicks in the nest. This falcon pair is only the second pair of peregrines to re-colonize Shenandoah National Park since the 1950s. Ordinarily, a fieldtrip to a state-threatened peregrine’s nest site wouldn’t be possible, but by using web cameras students can view the nesting peregrine falcons and their young. Images can be seen at www.nps.gov/shen/cams/ or the Center for Conservation Biology website www.ccb-wm.org

June 3 is National Trails Day
 Volunteer in your local, state, or national park to help maintain a trail. The work might include cutting back tree limbs, weeds and removing debris. Don't forget to register the event with Stewardship VA at www.dcrintra.state.va.us/dcr_forms/stewva_request01.cfm

For more information on National Trails Day visit www.trails.com/national-trails-day.asp

Diversity Workshop - Exploring Real Worl d Multicultural Issues within Environmental Education
 June 6, 8:30 am – 4pm ,DC Department of Health
 Join the Environmental Education and Training Partnership for a workshop that is designed to: increase understanding about the dimensions of diversity and how they can shift with increased cultural sensitivity; place cultural sensitivity in a historical context; stimulate collaborative and individual reflection on one's practices; raise awareness about tendencies toward ethnocentric behaviour and develop strategies to encourage more ethno-relative practices. Participants will practice cultural competency skills through a "hands on" group activity and identify strategies for working with diverse groups. The workshop offers an excellent opportunity to develop strategies for becoming more culturally competent Contact Jennifer McDonnell – (703) 519-6867 or jmcdonnell@earthforce.org to register. Space is limited.

Virginia Sustainable Building Network 11 th Annual Meeting
 June 9, 10 am- 5 pm Omni, Charlottesville , VA
Global Change, Local Solutions
 Speakers will address Climate Change issues. John Woody, Business Fellow, Pew Center on Global Climate Change is the special guest speaker. In addition, Virginia Green Innovation Awards will be given. Visit www.vsbn.org/ to register and more information.

Creating Backyard Habitats:  National Wildlife Federation’s Backyard and Community Wildlife Habitat Certification Program
 June 11, 3 pm , Hidden Oaks Nature Center , Annandale , VA
 President of Friends of Hidden Oaks Nature Center will discuss:  the NWF’s Backyard Habitat Program, demonstrate how local homeowners, businesses, and others can create a thriving ecosystem on their properties while protecting the stream valleys and Chesapeake Bay , and the efforts to certify Mason District as a Community Wildlife Habitat.  For more information contact Scott at sbirdwell@cox.net or call Hidden Oaks Nature Center at 703-941-1065.

Middle James Roundtable Informational Meeting
 June 12 , 10 am , Heritage Conference Center at Pocahontas State Park
Registration begins at 9:30 am
 An informational meeting will be held to cover topics including: Roundtables in Virginia , the Local Government Connection, Outlook for Funding and Technical Assistance and the Middle James Watershed Today. Contact Jennifer Sidleck , James Watershed Field Coordinator, (804) 371-0991 Jennifer.Sidleck@dcr.virginia.gov if you plan to attend.

New Volunteer Ambassador Program Training Meeting
 June 14, 6- 7:30 pm, SPSA’s Regional Office Building , Chesapeake
SPSA has started a new Volunteer Ambassador Program. The Volunteer Ambassadors provide a means for citizens to help create awareness about protecting our regional environment and help to educate the community on waste management. The Volunteer Ambassadors would provide assistance with SPSA at community events, fairs, festivals, parades and cleanup events.  Volunteers as young as 8 (with an accompany adult) can participate. This is a great way for families to volunteer together.  Each volunteer must undergo at least one training session.  Dinner will be provided. For more information, please contact Brenna Gintyrapp at bgintyrapp@spsa.com or at (757) 420-4700.

Virginia Council for Litter Prevention and Recycling
 June 15 , 10:30 - 12:30 pm , Henrico Training Center
 Members of the VCLPR will meet in the morning. Please respond to Deb Van Leer if you can/cannot attend deb.vanleer@fauquiercounty.gov . There is an Assign-A-Highway informational meeting afterwards at 2pm .  Bobby Justus, the statewide coordinator, is taking RSVPs for this meeting at bjustus_assignahighway@yahoo.com

Native Plant Walks

Saturday, June 10, 10 am
Join members of the John Clayton chapter for a stroll in the William and Mary Wildflower Refuge as we see native plants that have been rescued from development sites and given a “second chance.” Several species of orchids are among the many plants at the refuge. Free and open to the public. Call Carolyn Will at (757) 565-0306 (after 6pm ) to register and get directions. (Rain date: Sunday, June 11, 2:00 pm )

 Saturday, June 17, 10:00 am
Wesley Greene will lead the John Clayton chapter on a walk in the Bassett Hall woods of Colonial Williamsburg. The rare and lovely blooms of Stewartia are anticipated. Expect easy walking; bring water and snack. Free and open to the public. Call Wesley Greene at (804) 642-0923 to register and get directions.

Saturday, June 24, 10:00 am
Sandy Pait will lead a walk in the diverse habitats of the John Clayton Office site on the Piankitank River in Gloucester County . The event is free and open to the public and is sponsored by the John Clayton chapter. Bring water and lunch.

Call Sandy at (804) 725-1721 or spait@wildblue.net to register and get directions.
Walk Tips: Bring a plastic bag to sit on. Closed-toe and heel shoes recommended, as is bug repellant. Pencil or pen and pad for note taking and manuals, magnifying glass, camera, and binoculars sometimes come in handy.

Living Shorelines Workshop
 June 24, 12:30-2:30 pm , Hull Springs Farm
 Workshop will provide an overview of living shoreline techniques. It will be held at the “Big House” of Longwood University ’s Hull Springs Farm in Westmoreland County , located on State Road 626 in Erica, near the entrance to Glebe Harbor . Call (434) 395-2028 or email hullspringsfarm@longwood.edu if you plan to attend.

Virginia Outdoors Weekend
 July 7-9, Twin Lakes State Park
 Designed to offer the entire family an opportunity to learn out door skills through hands-on courses such as introductory rifle, archery, shotgun skills development, basic fishing, wild edibles, animal tracking, camping, wilderness survival, kayaking, map and compass, outdoor cooking and much more! Participants must be 6 years of age and older. Call the Outdoor Education office at the VA Department of Game and Inland Fisheries 804-367-0656 or email OutdoorEd@dgif.virginia.gov for more information.

New Litter Educational Tool
 HR CLEAN has developed a new educational print piece: Litter Law Facts. It is directed at law enforcement...but all can use. www.hrclean.org/pdf/litter%20law%20fact%20sheet.pdf

Your Virginia

Virginia begins Master Naturalist program emphasizing volunteer training
 A new partnership in the state, the Master Naturalist Program is a grass-roots effort to train a cadre of volunteers who will work in their local communities to improve the environment. Virginia is basing the program on a model that is proving highly successful in other states and that it is similar to the Master Gardener Program. Partners include Virginia Tech’s College of Natural Resources and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Virginia Department of Forestry and the Virginia Museum of Natural History. They recently named Michelle Prysby as coordinator of the newly formed Virginia Master Naturalist Program.

The Master Naturalist Program is all about citizen participation. The Virginia Master Naturalist Program is a statewide corps of volunteers providing education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities. Interested Virginians become Master Naturalists through training and volunteer service. The process for becoming certified typically takes six to 12 months. Persons interested in becoming a master naturalist may contact Michelle Prysby at (434) 872-4580 or visit www.virginiamasternaturalist.org

Virginia Cooperative Extension and America’s Anniversary Garden
In 2007, Virginia will mark the 400 th anniversary of Jamestown www.americasanniversary.com, the first permanent English settlement in the Americas . As part of the commemoration communities and citizens will be improving their streets, parks, schools, businesses and gardens. The VCE has developed the America ’s Anniversary Garden www.ext.vt.edu/americasgarden to help individuals, communities and groups mark America ’s 400 th Anniversary with signature garden planting. Gardens will have a red, white and blue color scheme. All across Virginia , city and town entrance corridors, public gardens and landscapes will display the colorful theme in 2006 and 2007. Every Virginian can have an anniversary garden. Some will be large and some as small as potted plants on a balcony.

For native plants www.ext.vt.edu/americasgarden/plantlist/native.html

Virginia 's Clean Marina Program
Marinas and the Environment. There are approximately 1000 marinas and 230,000 boaters in the tidal waters of Virginia that share in the scenic beauty, economic benefits and general use of Virginia 's waterways. This extensive interaction between users and natural resources increases the potential for negative impacts to water quality from non-point sources of pollution. Marina operators through Clean Marina Program can prevent and reduce these potential impacts through a series of best management practices (BMPs). www.vims.edu/adv/cleanmarina/index.html

Virginia Air Quality
 Visit www.deq.virginia.gov/airquality/ for current air quality and forecasts by region.

Summer Camps in Virginia
For a complete listing of summer camps in Virginia visit http://camppage.com/virginia.htm .

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

Summer 2006 Professional Development Opportunities
 Visit www.vanaturally.com/summer.html for a complete list of opportunities.

Agriculture Counts
 Virginia Agriculture Counts is developed by the USDA's Virginia Agricultural Statistics Office. VDACS does not have anything to do with this publication, but it is one that they promote. www.nass.usda.gov/Education_&_Outreach/NASS_Kids/teachers_1.html

Fostering Sustainable Behavior ListServ
 The "Fostering Sustainable Behavior" listserv provides the opportunity for program managers to easily dialogue with one another regarding a wide range of behavior change programs that support sustainability. To subscribe: email web@cbsm.com with "Subscribe" in the subject line. www.cbsm.com/forums/search.lasso

Learn and Serve America
Learn and Serve America, a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, supports and encourages service-learning for students throughout the U.S. to make meaningful contributions to their community while building their academic and civic skills. www.learnandserve.org/about/lsa/index.asp

National Wildlife Magazine Focuses on Connecting People to Nature
 NWF June/July edition of National Wildlife Magazine features "Nature and Child Reunion" article by celebrated author Richard Louv, "Gardening for Life," and "Inviting the Outdoors In" focusing on connecting people to nature. www.nwf.org/nationalwildlife/

Calling all Gardeners! FREE Trees and Plants
 Every year millions of healthy high-quality plants go unsold and are destroyed. They go to the dump, they get plowed under, and they get burned or buried . It's a huge waste. In an effort to support sheltered workshops and eliminate unnecessary waste visit and reserve plants today. The only cost is shipping and handling. www.freetreesandplants.com/FreeTreesandPlantsWhyWeDoThis.html

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