March 2008 Newsletter
View past newslettersSpecial Feature: 2008 Virginia EE Conference
Funding and Award Deadlines
Upcoming Events
Partner Updates and Resources
Your Virginia
Assorted Items of Professional Interest
Fun Fact
2008 Virginia Environmental Education Conference
- September 17-18 at VirginiaMuseum of Natural History in Martinsville, VA.
www.vmnh.virginia.gov
Earth Day Resources
The 38th annual observance of "Earth Day," a celebration to raise awareness of the Earth and its resources, is April 22, 2008. Visit www.vanaturally.org/vanaturally/earthday.html for local Earth Day events and activities across Virginia along with educational resources.
Additional Earth Day Community Events and Cleanups
Visit www.vanaturally.com/volunteer.html, www.dcr.virginia.gov/stewardship/svevents.htm and www.cvwma.com for additional listing of events.
Visit www.vanaturally.com/volunteer.html, www.dcr.virginia.gov/stewardship/svevents.htm and www.cvwma.com for additional listing of events.
Funding and Awards Deadlines
American Stars of Teaching
Nomination Deadline: March 31
American Stars of Teaching recognizes and honors superior teachers with a proven track record of improving student achievement, using innovative instructional strategies, and making a difference in the lives of their students. These teachers will be highlighted as representatives of the thousands of teachers who are making a difference in the classroom.
American Stars of Teaching recognizes and honors superior teachers with a proven track record of improving student achievement, using innovative instructional strategies, and making a difference in the lives of their students. These teachers will be highlighted as representatives of the thousands of teachers who are making a difference in the classroom.
Register Now for Stewardship Virginia Certificates
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 to receive certificates signed by the Governor! Visit www.dcr.virginia.gov/stewardship or contact Bonnie Phillips at 804-786-5056.
NEED Youth Awards Program for Energy Achievement
Deadline: April 15
National Energy Education Development Project (NEED) is accepting submissions for their annual award program. This program combines academic competition with recognition to acknowledge everyone involved in NEED during the year - and to recognize those who achieve excellence in energy education in their schools and communities. www.need.org/youthawards.php
2008 Virginia Environmental Stewardship Awards
Nominations Being Accepted
Nominations Being Accepted
Deadline: April 30
The Secretary of Natural Resources and the Virginia Petroleum Council (VPC) have announced that nominations are now being accepted for the Year 2008 Virginia Environmental Stewardship Awards. The recognition program in its thirteenth year is sponsored by the Virginia Petroleum Council and the Commonwealth. Nominations that exemplify innovative and effective stewardship initiatives and educational approaches to help enhance Virginia ’s attractive natural resources will be considered. Contact Mike Ward at 804-225-8248 or virginia@api.org.
The Secretary of Natural Resources and the Virginia Petroleum Council (VPC) have announced that nominations are now being accepted for the Year 2008 Virginia Environmental Stewardship Awards. The recognition program in its thirteenth year is sponsored by the Virginia Petroleum Council and the Commonwealth. Nominations that exemplify innovative and effective stewardship initiatives and educational approaches to help enhance Virginia ’s attractive natural resources will be considered. Contact Mike Ward at 804-225-8248 or virginia@api.org.
Fund for Wild Nature
Deadline: May 1
Applications are due to the Fund for Wild Nature for campaigns to save and restore native species and wild ecosystems, and actions to defend wilderness and biological diversity. www.fundwildnature.org/proposal.html
Deadline: May 1
Applications are due to the Fund for Wild Nature for campaigns to save and restore native species and wild ecosystems, and actions to defend wilderness and biological diversity. www.fundwildnature.org/proposal.html
Upcoming Events
Carbon Trading/Green Building Connection
March 6, 8:30 am – 3:00 pm, Dewberry Headquarters, Fairfax, VA
This one-day conference presented by Virginia Sustainable Building Network, with Platinum Sponsor, Dewberry, provides an opportunity to hear from national and regional experts in the cutting-edge field of carbon trading. Learn about tools to determine your own company or organization's emissions with experts from the government and private sectors. Contact Annette Esso at 703-486-2966 for more information. www.vsbn.org
Pocahontas Chaper of the Virginia Native Plant Society
March 6, 7 pm, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond, VA
The Pocahontas Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society monthly meeting will feature Garland Hanson, who propagates orchids, and will discuss unique characteristics of the orchid family with emphasis on native orchids. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 804-266-0856.
Hollins University Elementary Science Institute for Teachers
Application Deadline is March 7
A great opportunity for Grades 3 - 5 teachers in Roanke City, Salem, and Roanoke, Franklin, Botetourt, Floyd, and Craig counties, in both public and private schools. Reduced tuition and stipend for applicants. Workshops dates are June 18- July 1. Participants will receive free teaching materials; expand knowledge of science content; conduct field studies; meet and interact with university and museum experts in physical science, earth-space science, and life science. To learn more and to apply, visit www1.hollins.edu/classes/hesit
Project Learning Tree and Your Backyard Classroom Workshop
March 12, 9 am- 4 pm, Belle Isle State Park, Lancaster, VA
The Project Learning Tree PreK-8 Activity Guide has 96 hands-on, interactive activities covering a board range of topics from energy and life processes to recycling and communities. To learn more about Project Learning Tree and view the SOL correlation, visit www.plt.org or www.cnr.vt.edu/plt. Your Backyard Classrooms enables K-12 educators to design high quality field trips to our state parks by providing background information, lessons and activities that can be used before, during and after the trip. Subjects include Virginia history and geography, water and forest resources, wildlife habitat and soil science. Both activity guides are correlated to the Virginia Standards of Learning in all areas of instruction. The workshop is free. Participants will receive copies of both books. To register, visit www.vanaturally.com/vanaturally/plt_belleisle.doc or contact Charlene Talcott at Charlene.talcott@dcr.virginia.gov.
Mapping Virginia Communities Workshop: An Introduction to GIS and Community Analysis
March 13 & 14, 8:30 am- 4:30 pm, Computer Services and Training Center, Richmond, VA
Participants will learn to use the GIS mapping system and how to extract data. To register visit www.nur-online.com
Earth Hour
Earth Hour
March 29, 8 pm
Created to take a stand against the greatest threat our planet has ever faced, Earth Hour uses the simple action of turning off the lights for one hour to deliver a powerful message about the need for action on global warming. As a result, millions of people across the world will unite and switch off for Earth Hour. Sign up today and make a difference. www.earthhour.org/
Sign Up NOW for the Stream Cleaner Environmental Forum
March 31 – April 25, 2008
Cacapon Institute is pleased to announce the 3rd Annual Stream Cleaner Environmental Forum.
To register, get more information, download a flyer, or sign up a school, please visit the eForum Information & Sign Up web page. To see the lessons and format of the SCE Forum click on the phoneat www.cacaponinstitute.org/high.htm. CI encourages volunteers and natural resource professionals to suggest the SCE Forum to schools they know. Better yet, contact a teacher and become a partner in education by participating in the SCE Forum as a mentor on the importance of conservation and civic engagement in problem solving.
When coupled with an outdoor, hands-on experience, like a ceremonial tree planting for Arbor Day, or construction of a rain garden for Earth Day, the SCE Forum completes a Meaningful Watershed Education Experience, a requirement in D.C., Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia schools (search “MWEE” at www.chesapeakebay.net).
19th Annual 2008 Environment Virginia Conference
April 1- 3, VMI, Lexington, VA
The Virginia Military Institute Research Laboratories is pleased to announce the 19th Annual Environment Virginia Conference. This year's theme is “Commonwealth: Accelerating Solutions in a Rapidly Changing Virginia”. For conference information, registration and lodging visit: www.environmentva.org
Project Learning Tree PreK- 8 EE Guide Educator Workshop
April 5, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm, ClaudeMoorePark, Sterling, VA
The Project Learning Tree PreK-8 Activity Guide has 96 hands-on, interactive activities covering a board range of topics from energy and life processes to recycling and communities. To learn more about Project Learning Tree and view the SOL correlation, visit www.plt.org or www.cnr.vt.edu/plt. ClaudeMoorePark is offering this free, one-day workshop. Pre-register with Dodie Lewis at 571-258-3700 or by email at dodie.lewis@loudoun.gov
Becoming an Outdoors Women Weekend
April 4- 6, Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center, Appomattox, VA
The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries' Becoming an Outdoors Women (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. BOW workshops are designed for women who are beginners, so no experience is necessary. Equipment and instruction are provided by enthusiastic, knowledgeable and professional instructors. Register early as event fills up quickly! 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
Beautification Festival Kickoff to Highlight Clean Community Month
April 5, 10 am – 2 pm, Glen Marye Shopping Center, Louisa, VA
The Louisa Board of Supervisor has established the month of April as Louisa County Beautification Month, with the theme as “Let’s Shine.” The Clean Community Commission (CCC) will address litter, recycling, hazardous wastes, as well as other ways to spruce up the community. Contact Nancy Lear at 540 894-9919; or by email nmlear@hughes.net for more information.
Workshops for Montgomery County Teachers
April 11, Eastern Montgomery High School, Elliston, VA
A full day teacher workshop is being offered by The VT Science Outreach Program and MontgomeryCountyPublic Schools for MontgomeryCounty elementary, middle, and high school teachers participating in the MCPS Watershed Service Learning grant. Workshop agenda will include GIS data entry and hands-on water quality assessment protocol training. A two day summer workshop is in planning stages to include GIS introduction and water quality assessment training, with a possible certification session for Virginia Save Our Streams. Contact MCPS science supervisor at pgaudreau@mail.mcps.org, or Llyn Sharp llyn@vt.edu for more information.
National Environmental Education Week
April 13 - 19
Theme is Carbon Footprints
National Environmental Education Week (NEEW) is a weeklong 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. Changes in the earth's climate affect people, plants, and animals--in dramatic ways. In an effort to encourage teachers and students to learn more about climate change, the theme for the week will be Carbon Footprints.
EE Week will launch a special online Carbon Calculator specifically geared for students, and during EE Week the Earth Day Network http://ww2.earthday.net/~earthday will provide special climate change education resources for students and teachers. Sign on as a partner. Registration is free. www.eeweek.org/register.htm
Two Weeks to Celebrate the Earth
April 13 - 26, Grandlin Institute, Roanoke, VA
Grandlin Institute—the non-profit arm of Grandin Gardens—has announced its ambitious two-week schedule of hands-on demonstrations of green and sustainable practices in honor of Earth Day 2008. The Institute’s kick-off activity will be held on April 13 and culminates with its all-community Earth Ball celebration to be held at the Mountain View Recreational Center (the Fishburn Mansion). Visit www.grandlininstitute.org for a complete list of activities and events.
EPA Offers Free Web Seminar on Managing Compact Fluorescents
April 17 , 1:00 pm
EPA is hosting the Resource Conservation Challenge (RCC) Web Academy to provide training and networking 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
Partner Updates and Resources
Welcome New Partners
- Curtis Elementary School www.chesterfield.k12.va.us/Schools/Curtis_ES/home.html
- Grandlin Institute www.grandlininstitute.org
- Green Alternatives greenalternatives@cox.net
- Mid-Atlantic Center for Children's Health & the Environment www.health-e-kids.org/
- Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge www.fws.gov/Refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=51611
- Prince William Forest Park www.nps.gov/prwi
Year of the Frog!
The Association of Zoos & Aquariums launched Year of the Frog on Feb. 29 to educate Americans about the worldwide decline of amphibians due to habitat loss and climate change. www.aza.org/YearoftheFrog/YOTF_Activities/. In support of Year of the Frog, National Environmental Education Week www.eeweek.org has developed an additional section on amphibians and reptiles.
International Year of the Reef Launched by NOAA
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Coral Reef Conservation Program supports effective management and sound science to preserve, sustain and restore valuable coral reef ecosystems. The launch of International Year of the Reef (IYOR) 2008 marks the beginning of a year-long campaign of events and activities hosted by a wide range of governments and nongovernmental organizations around the world. The purpose is to raise awareness of the importance of coral reef ecosystems, the threats they face, the important activities that are underway, and additional actions that are still needed. Everyone is encouraged to participate. www.iyor.org and www.coralreef.noaa.gov/
Free Electronics Recycling
Green Alternatives is green retail store located in Norfolk, VA that focuses on environmental education. The store serves as a permanent electronics recycling drop-off point. For location, hours and list of accepted items, call Amanda Mason at 757-581-6574.
National Forestry Judging Contest
The 2008 National 4-H Forestry Invitational will be held on July 20 - 24 at Jackson's MillState 4-H Conference Center in Weston, WV. Also known as the national forestry judging contest, Virginia is eligible to send one team of up to four individuals, age 9 - 19 on Jan. 1. To determine eligibility, an "all-star" team is selected based on an individual's best scores at district and state contests.
Contact your district forestry extension agent or Jeff Kirwan if you have a teen who is interested. District contests will be held in March and April, and the state contest will be held at Virginia Tech May 2-3. For more information visit www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/environment/forestry.html
Improving Air Quality in Your Community
Communities like yours are essential to protecting our environment and improving public health. EPA is committed to finding ways to help build the capacity of communities to improve their quality of life. This Web site www.epa.gov/air/community presents ideas on what communities can do to improve local air quality.
EPA Calculator Puts Greenhouse Gas Savings in Everyday Terms
EPA's new Greenhouse Gas Calculator helps turn greenhouse gas savings into more easily understood everyday terms. The calculator converts greenhouse gas-related savings estimates, typically presented in "million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents," into familiar terms such as the greenhouse gas emissions that would result from:
· Driving a particular number of cars for a year,
· Using a particular amount of gasoline or barrels of oil,
Users can enter savings in emissions, electricity consumption, gallons of gasoline, or number of vehicles into the calculator and determine up to 13 different ways to express the magnitude of the savings. The calculator uses the latest emission factors, approaches and statistics available through 2007. www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/calculator.html
NEED.org
NEED’s new wind curriculum guide is now available.www.need.org.
Water Quality Tips in Spanish
The December 2007 issue of Virginia Water Central, two-column version, has the section "Water Quality and You" in Spanish (p. 13) www.vwrrc.vt.edu/pdfs/newsletter/043Dec2007twocol.pdf
Your Virginia
Governor Kaine Highlights Virginia’s #1 Ranking for Historic Districts
~ Commonwealth added 30 districts and 66 properties to National Register of Historic Places in 2007 ~
On Feb. 21, Governor Timothy M. Kaine highlighted Virginia’s ranking as first among the 50 states and U.S. territories for the number of historic districts added to the National Register of Historic Places during federal fiscal year 2007. It is the third consecutive year in which Virginia has achieved top ranking for districts listed.
“The Commonwealth’s ranking highlights the power of historic preservation as an economic and community revitalization tool,” Governor Kaine said. “Listing of historic districts and properties on the state and National Registers promotes both community pride and rehabilitation.”
In 2007, Virginia added 30 districts and 66 individual properties to its thousands of previously listed properties on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register. These additions cover historic districts in Cumberland, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, and Tazewell counties, and the city of Martinsville, among other jurisdictions.
The Commonwealth ranked third in the nation in 2007 for the combined number of historic districts and individual properties listed on the National Register with more than 2,400 resources listed. The register program is managed in Virginia by the Department of Historic Resources, in partnership with property owners and local communities.
For more information on Virginia’s registered historic resources, as well as a full listing of properties, please visit www.dhr.virginia.gov/registers/register.htm.
Virginia Joins Clean Energy- Environment State Partnership
Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced that Virginia has joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Energy-Environment State Partnership. The partnership will provide tools and analyses to advance state and federal goals for energy efficiency and the use of clean energy sources. The Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy, working with the Department of Environmental Quality, will be the primary partner with the EPA.
“I applaud this innovative partnership between Virginia and the Environmental Protection Agency,” said Governor Kaine. “This cooperative effort will advance our mutual goals of providing energy to support our economy while protecting our environment. This collaboration is particularly timely as the Governor’s Commission on Climate change begins its work.”
The Environmental Protection Agency will provide best practice information, hands-on technical support and expertise, and access to analytic tools that assess emissions, economic, and public health impacts of clean energy policies.
Virginia will use these tools to advance the implementation of the Virginia Energy Plan, released in September 2007. The Plan sets out four broad goals: increase energy independence with an emphasis on conservation and clean technologies, expand consumer education, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30%, and capitalize on economic development opportunities in advanced energy technologies.
The Clean Energy-Environment State Partnership was launched in 2005 to advance state efforts that improve air quality and public health, increase cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance economic development.
Merrimac Farm Conserves Important Natural Habitat
Merrimac Farm, a more than 300-acre property in PrinceWilliamCounty, is the newest addition to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries' (VDGIF) statewide network of wildlife management areas. The land features diverse wildlife habitats - wetlands, hardwood forest and upland meadows - as well as access to Cedar Run. The property was recently acquired by the VDGIF with support from the Prince William Conservation Alliance, Marine Corps Base Quantico, and the McDowell family (who owned the property). Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources L. Preston Bryant, Jr. said of the acquisition, "Merrimac Farm is an excellent example of how partnering organizations can use the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation grants to protect important habitat. This project contributes to Governor Kaine's goal of conserving 400,000 acres by the time he leaves office. Achieving that goal will not only protect our land and water for wildlife but also improve the quality of life for all Virginians."
The site boasts one of the largest single patches of Virginia bluebells in northern Virginia. With Merrimac Farm WMA, the VDGIF expands its statewide network of WMAs to 37 with well over 200,000 acres statewide. For a complete list of state-owned Wildlife Management Areas, www.HuntFishVA.com
4 PM Burn Law in effect
The "4 PM Burn Law" is in effect each year from February 15 until April 30. No outdoor burning is allowed before 4 PM to help prevent wildfires. Visit www.dof.virginia/website/faqs-burning.shmtl to learn more. Remember Smokey Bear's message... Only YOU can prevent wildfires!
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
Climate Discovery Courses ~ Online
April 4 - May 16
Global Warming 101 Expedition with Will Steger ~ Online
This Spring, National Geographic Explorer Will Steger and a team of young adventurers from Norway, Great Britain, Canada, and the U.S. will bring their High Arctic dogsled expedition to educators and learners through multimedia dispatches. Endorsed by the National Education Association (NEA), this adventure learning project includes standards-linked multidisciplinary lesson plans appropriate for middle school and older students that explore how climate shapes the past, present, and future for members of the High Arctic community. In addition to the free lesson plans, the site includes discussion starters that challenge students to think critically and form well-supported opinions.
http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/3946502
For a current list of spring and summer professional development opportunities for educators, visit www.vanaturally.com/summer.html
© Marine Debris: New article discusses sources, impacts and solutions
Copyright © Springer Netherlands..
www.springerlink.com/content/914338t508377262/
Plastic Recycling Educational Resources
The American Chemical Council website offers great links to hands-on plastic educational teacher resources for Grades K-12. www.americanchemistry.com/s_plastics/sec_content.asp?CID=1123&DID=4277
This site www.cpia.ca/teachers/news/details.php?ID=936 is great. It includes a lesson on plastic as waste www.cpia.ca/files/files/files_lesson_six_-_dealing_with_waste.pdf .
Down-to Earth Guide to Global Warming
This essential guide will help you understand why global warming happens, how it affects the planet, and the simple steps you can take to get involved in protecting the environment.www.scholastic.com/downtoearth/index.htm
Fun Fact
One tree can absorb the amount of CO2 released by an average car that’s been driven for 4,000 miles (6,437 km).
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