March 2007 News
Funding Deadlines
Upcoming Events
Partner Updates and Resources
Your Virginia
Assorted Items of Professional Interest
MWEE Mini-Grant for Partners (for community, non-school organizations)
Deadline: March 10
Applications due for summer or fall projects. Award winners will be notified by April 15 and receive funds by June 15. MWEE Mini-Grants for partners program supports efforts by community groups to provide youth with meaningful watershed educational experiences (MWEEs). Funding is intended to help community groups build capacity for delivering and sustaining high quality, meaningful environmental education related to water and watersheds. The mini grant program is provided in partnership with the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, which has provided a total of $42,000 to support Meaningful Watershed Education Experiences throughout Virginia . http://www.vanaturally.com/mweegrants.html
Captain Planet Foundation Grants
Deadline: March 31
The Captain Planet Foundation (CPF) annually funds projects involving children and young adults. Recipients are often schools and non-profits that propose projects promoting understanding of environmental issues. These projects must include children and young adults (aged 6-18), hands-on involvement, interaction and cooperation within the group, development of planning and problem solving skills, and adult supervision. Generally, the monetary sum of awarded grants is between $250 - $2,500. Deadlines for submitting grant applications are March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. www.captainplanetfdn.org/grants.html
The National Fish and Wildlife Small Watershed Grants
Deadline: April 2
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Program will be accepting proposals through the beginning of April. For more detailed information and application materials visit www.nfwf.org/chesapeake
Project Learning Tree (PLT) Green Works! Grants Available
Deadline: April 30 (Round 1)
GreenWorks! is the community action, service-learning component of PLT, built around action projects that partner educators, students, and communities. GreenWorks! blends service activities with the academic curriculum and addresses real community needs as students learn through active engagement. www.plt.org/greenworks/grantinfo.cfm
North American Lake Management Society Grant for Teachers
Deadline: April 30
The North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are offering grant funding to lake and watershed oriented projects throughout North America for up to $1,500 for grades 6-12 with projects that promote lake and watershed protection initiatives. For grant form and information, please contact Amy Smagula, NALMS Education Committee Chair at 603-271-2248 or asmagula@des.state.nh.us
Call for Nominations
JRAC Community Educator Awards
Deadline extended to March 7
James River Advisory Council (JRAC) Stewards of the River Awards award committee has extended the deadline for submitting nominations to March 7. See attached criteria and nomination form. Questions, please contact Nancy Drumheller at 698-4550 or nwdrumheller@deq.virginia.gov The recognition program will take place at JRAC’s quarterly meeting in April.
USDA Forest Service “More Kids in the Woods”
Deadline for Proposals: March 16
The Forest Service "More Kids in the Woods" is a pilot challenge cost share program aimed at engaging engage children and youth in recreation activities and nature-based learning, thereby establishing meaningful and lasting connections with nature. Project proposals must be submitted by a Forest Service office or field unit. Partner organizations wanting to participate should contact their nearest national forest, grassland or Forest Service office to submit a joint proposal. Projects need to engage non-federal partners with at least a 1:1 match. Matching contributions may be in the form of in-kind or cash. The selected projects will be announced at a special event with Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods – Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder , on May 22, 2007, in Washington, D.C. www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/woods/index.shtml
Green Building Benefits in the Commercial Marketplace
March 20, 7:30 am – 10:45 am , Marriott Courtyard- Crystal City
Virginia Sustainable Building network in sponsorship with LandAmerica Commercial Services and Weissburg Corporation invite developers to attend this half-day workshop on the benefits of green building. Registration information www.vsbn.org
VDGIF Becoming an Outdoors Woman Weekend
March 16-18, 2006 , Appomattox 4-H Center
The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries' Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) workshop is designed primarily for women whose outdoor exposure has been limited or they are interested in developing their outdoor skills. This 3-day workshop offers a variety of 4 hour sessions designed to improve knowledge, skills and offers hands-on experience in introductory level outdoor skills in a comfortable and supportive atmosphere. Participants must be 18 years of age or older. For more information visit www.dgif.virginia.gov/education or contact Jimmy Mootz at 804-367-0656 or Jimmy.Mootz@dgif.virginia.gov
Captain John Smith 400 Project Shallop Display (John Smith’s “Discovery Barge”)
Science Museum of Virginia through March 26
Built by Sultana Projects, Inc., the shallop and its educational presentation surrounding the vessel create a wonderful experience. Plan to view this full scale historic reproduction that is so vital to our initial and ongoing understanding of Virginia . Downloadable study guides available at www.smv.org
1st Annual GREEN Film Festival
March 23- 24, 5-11 pm ,Sycamore Rouge, Ole Town Petersburg
The first annual GREEN film festival will offer the community ways to experience subject matter through powerful images of film. Filmmakers offer diverse and compelling ways of understanding and exploring environmental issues on a global scale. Environmental stewardship thrives on the vigilance of citizens and youth, but it also requires the special gifts of scientists, formal and non formal educators, government officials, architects, and artist.
Visit www.riskids.org/film_festival.htm for a complete list of films and activities and tickets.
College and Universities Recycling Workshop
March 27, University of Richmond
Register by March 21
Join environmental and recycling managers from Virginia Colleges and Universities for a free workshop sponsored by the Virginia Department of General Services and the University of Richmond . For further information and to register, contact Georgiana Ball at 804 786-0103 or georgiana.ball@dgs.virginia.gov. View the flyer and the registration form.
"Focus on Fish" – FREE Training Workshop
April 3, 9:30 am- 3:30 pm , Claytor Lake State Park
Register by March 23
This free environmental education workshop for park interpreters, teachers and non-formal educators is sponsored by the park interpretative staff and the VA Office of Environmental Education, the workshop will include a presentation from DGIF biologist John Copeland who has studied the fish population at Claytor Lake. Activities will range from hands-on stations for primary students (about what makes fish different from other organisms) to water quality preferences for fish species for secondary students. Participants will receive the Project WILD Aquatic and Project WET Healthy Water Healthy People educator's guides. For more information or to register, contact Kris Jarvis , at 804-698-4274 or kdjarvis@deq.virginia.gov and provide your name and full contact information. View the flyer.
Alice Ferguson Foundation 19 th Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup
March 31 and April 1, Times range from 9 am - 12:30 pm
People throughout the watershed are invited to partici pat e and show their community spirit by picking up litter and trash in the waterways and shoreline. Virginia sites include:
Visit www.fergusonfoundation.org/trash_initiative/trash_cleanup.html for more information.
18th Annual Environment Virginia Conference
April 10-12, VMI, Lexington , VA
The Virginia Military Institute Research Laboratories is pleased to announce the 18 th Annual Environment Virginia Conference. This year's theme is Leadership, Strategies, and Action and includes many sessions of interest to community partners. For conference information, registration and lodging visit: www.environmentva.org
National Energy Education Development (NEED) Program
- 2007 Youth Awards Program for Energy Achievement
Scrapbooks are due to state committees by April 15
To participate in the NEED Youth Awards Program for Energy Achievement follow guidelines in Energy Projects and Activities, available at www.need.org/youthawards If your need additional assistance contact NEED at info@need.org or call 1-800-875-5029. - 2007 National Energy Conference for Educators
Register by April 30
Conference Dates are July 15-19, Washington, DC
For more information, or to register visit www.need.org/summertraining Graduate credit is available.
National Environmental Education Week: Partner Spotlight
April 15-22
National Environmental Education Week (NEEW) is a week long learning event that maximizes the educational impact of Earth Day (April 22) and promotes environmental education and literacy in a host of venues around the country. This year’s theme is energy. Visit www.eeweek.org
Earth Day Network’s TV Turnoff Week
A Joint Project of Earth Day Network and Center for SCREEN-TIME Awareness
Did you know that the average television consumes 200-300 kilowatt-hours per year, accounting for an estimated 3-4% of the annual electronic usage in the USA ? That’s a whopping 46.9 billion kilowatt-hours a year! Or, in environmental terms, approximately 36 million tons of carbon dioxide, a green house gas. Sign up your classroom for TV Turn Off Week! Earth Day Network is offering a prize to the top three schools with the greatest emissions and energy savings. Your results will be posted on our website. www.earthday.net/involved/teachers/join-Network.aspx and find out more!
19th Annual National & Global Youth Service Day
April 20-22
Millions of youth will participate in National & Global Youth Service Day, the largest service-learning event in the world, on April 20-22, 2007 . They will tutor young children, engage in disaster relief, register new voters, educate their communities about good nutrition, distribute HIV/AIDs prevention materials and meet many more community needs through their service. National & Global Youth Service Day supports youth on a life-long path of service and civic engagement, and educates the public, the media, and elected officials about the role of youth as community leaders. www.ysa.org/nysd
61st Annual Forestry Camp
Deadline for Nominations: April 20
June 18-23, Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center, Appomattox -Buckingham State Forest
For nomination forms and Camp information visit www.dof.virginia.gov/edu/camp.shtml or contact Ellen Powell at 434-220-9083 or ellen.powell@dof.virginia.gov
Celebrate Earth Day with Wetland Education
April 21, 9 am- 2 pm , Vencil Learning Center at Wetlands Estonoa, St. Paul High School
Register by April 6
Free hands-on workshop sponsored by VA Department of Environmental Quality, Virginia Naturally and Team Estonoa. Educators of all levels are encouraged to attend this introduction to WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands. This instructional guide provides a resourceful and creative collection of wetland activities, information and ideas. To register, contact Terry Vencil at tvencil@wise.K12.va.us
Second Annual Environmental Fair
April 21, 10 am – 6 pm , Chesterfield Town Center
Discover how to be a responsible protector of the environment at this educational fun event sponsored by Chesterfield County Environmental Management and Chesterfield County Anti-Litter Program. Learn environmentally friendly tips, and register for free prizes. Participants include VA Department of Environmental Quality, VA Department of Transportation, James River Advisory Council, Environmental Solutions, Central Virginia Waste Management Authority (CVWMA) and Tidewater Fibre Corporation. View the flyer.
CVWMA will offer ecycling at the Environmental Fair in the mall parking. For more recycling information, visit www.cvwma.com/recycling_programs/electronics.whp or call 804-340-0900.
Save the Date!
2007 Virginia Recycling Association (VRA) and Virginia Council for Litter Prevention and Recycling Conference (VCLPR)
May 1-2, 2007, Williamsburg
VRA is pleased to announce that the Virginia Council on Litter Prevention and Recycling (VCLPR) and the Solid Waste Association of North America Old Dominion Chapter (SWANA) are actively planning sessions to coincide with the VRA conference in May. SWANA is offering Continuing Education Units at their sessions and VLPRC will provide a Nuts and Bolts program that covers grants, reporting, litter education and more.
Register for this year’s conference online or by downloading the form and mailing it in with your check. If you have any questions about the conference give us a call at 888-897-1923.
www.vrarecycles.org/conference.htm Click here to read VRA’s online newsletter www.vrarecycles.org/test_erica.htm
Call for Volunteers!
America’s 400 th Anniversary Weekend
May 11-13, Jamestown Settlement, Historic Jamestowne and Anniversary Park
Volunteers are needed for this spectacular event honoring America ’s 400 th Anniversary through cultural and educational family- oriented events, interactive exhibits, live music, commemorative dedications and much more. Volunteers 18 and over (preferred) and must be able to work one 5-6 hour shift over the three day event. Applications online at www.Americas400thAnniversary.com at the Volunteers Section or contact Lynn Smith, Volunteer Office, Historic Triangle Host Committee 757-220-7008 or vols2007@cwf.org
Partner updates, events & resources
Welcome New Partners
- Audubon Society of Northern VA ( Annandale ) www.asnv.org/
- Camp Holiday Trails www.campholidaytrails.org
- Central Piedmont Chapter- VA Master Naturalist hodgesl@ceva.net
- Environmental Services & Consulting, LLC www.es-and-c.com
- Pocahontas Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society www.vnps.org/chapters/pocohantas
- Wytheville Convention & Visitors Bureau www.VisitWytheville.com
Virginia loves events! Around every bend, visitors will find something going on. It might be a huge street festival honoring a particular holiday, season or historic event. It might be a celebration for a particular food, harvest crop or beverage. Spring is a great time to get outdoors. You can find out where the action and customize your own adventure visiting Virginia ’s Office of Tourism’s Virginia is For Lover’s website: www.virginia.org/site/content.asp?MGrp=3&MCat=11&Rgn=10000
March Events in Virginia
‘Tis the month for wearin' of' the green with plenty of St. Patrick’s Day events. It's also Women's History Month, the start of steeplechase, craft shows and battle reenactment seasons. It's springtime in the gardens and more events and exhibits commemorate Jamestown 's 400th Anniversary! www.virginia.org/site/features.asp?FeatureID=187
Plan now to participate in Stewardship Virginia
April 1- May 31
Building a Better Outdoors- Today, Tomorrow…Everyday
Stewardship Virginia is a statewide initiative held twice annually to help citizens with projects that enhance and conserve Virginia 's natural and cultural resources. Its focus is on projects that enhance water quality,control invasive species, improve recreational resources, preserve historic and cultural resources,preserve natural heritage resources,educate people about recreational, historical, cultural, wildlife and water resources and improve wildlife habitat. Get involved! Register a project today! Visit www.dcr.virginia.gov/stewardship or contact Bonnie Phillips at 804-786-5056.
Virginia Residents Offered Discount Admission to Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center on selected weekends in 2007 and 2008
WILLIAMSBURG , Va. — Virginia residents are invited to join in commemorating “ America ’s 400th Anniversary” with a 50 percent discount off general admission to Jamestown Settlement and the Yorktown Victory Center on Saturdays and Sundays in February, August and October 2007 and January and February 2008. The two state-operated living-history museums tell the story of the nation’s beginnings, from the arrival of America ’s first permanent English colonists in 1607 to the American Revolution and the formation of a new nation in the 18th century.
Jamestown Settlement and the Yorktown Victory Center are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from June 15 through August 15. A regularly priced combination ticket for both museums is $17.75 for adults; $8.50 for children ages 6-12. Jamestown Settlement admission is $13.50 for adults, $6.25 for ages 6-12. Yorktown Victory Center admission is $8.75 for adults, $4.50 for ages 6-12. Children under 6 are free. A separate admission ticket is required for Jamestown Settlement during “ America ’s Anniversary Weekend,” May 11-13, 2007 . www.historyisfun.org.
To obtain the 50 percent discount on general admission on weekends in February, August and October 2007 and January and February 2008, Virginia residents must show proof of residency, such as a driver’s license. The discount does not apply to group admissions or for guests who reside outside Virginia or at other times during the year.
www.historyisfun.org/news/documents/Virginia%20residents%20program.pdf
Virginia Natural Resource Agency News
For the latest information about VA’s seven natural resource agencies visit www.naturalresources.virginia.gov/AgencyInfo/index.cfm
The Secretary of Natural Resources’ site www.naturalresources.virginia.gov/index.cfm has current information about the Commonwealth’s environmental initiatives and submit comments on reports such as Chesapeake Bay and Virginia Waters Cleanup Plan.
Assorted items of professional interest
Saving Our Land and Water DVD
Supplies LIMITED
The Western Virginia Land Trust has released a 30 minute DVD on watershed protection entitled Saving Our Land and Water. Funded by a grant from the Carilion Foundation, the DVD features western Virginia landscapes and people, and shares a powerful message about keeping our streams and rivers clear and flowing. To request a DVD, call (540) 985-0000 or e-mail dperry@westernvirginialandtrust.org , or visit www.westernvirginialandtrust.org/gallery.htm
For more information, contact: David C. Perry, Project Manager, Western Virginia Land Trust, (540) 985-0000, www.westernvirginialandtrust.org
Greenbacks for Schools
Green Schools Initiative has a new compilation of resources for parents, teachers, and administrators who are interested in finding ways to cover the costs of greening their schools. The list includes a variety of types of funding, including discounts, grants, free items, and technical assistance from a number of sources, cities and counties, corporations and non-profit organizations. Funds are available in all four key areas: eliminating toxics, using resources sustain ably, creating green, healthy spaces, and teaching stewardship. www.greenschools.net/news/documents/greenbacks.pdf
Grants for Schools and school gardens
www.kidsgardening.com/grants.asp
National Wildlife Federation® Educator E- Newsletter
This monthly newsletter is designed to provide educators with hands-on activities, new ideas, resources and strategies for getting kids outside to learn about the wonders of the natural world. Each newsletter also includes a download for the latest Ranger Rick® Educator Guide. www.nwf.org/kidzone
eNaturalist Web Site & Newsletter
The eNaturalist Web site is a project of the Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History providing plant and animal information along with illustrations, weekly lesson plans, and access to a naturalist with “Ask a Naturalist.” Memberships are free and provide previews of lessons aligned to national standards, weekly eNaturalist newsletter, and the monthly Peterson Journal online. www.enaturalist.org
Recycled Products
Recycledproduct.org is a consumer coop for buying recycled goods. As a coop, it is able to use its large membership to receive discounts on bulk purchases and savings as passed on to the customer. Anyone is eligible; a school needs to register as a member, which is free, in order to buy. www.recycledproducts.org
Tox Town - Interactive Web Site Resource
Tox Town is an introduction to toxic chemicals and environmental health risks you might encounter in everyday life, in everyday places. This interactive web site enables the general public, students, and teachers to learn about the environmental health concerns in various neighborhoods. www.toxtown.nlm.nih.gov