November News
Special Feature: NAAEE 36th Annual Conference
Funding Sources and Upcoming Deadlines
Upcoming Events
Partner Updates and Resources
Your Virginia
Assorted Items of Professional Interest
Fun Fact
Note: Virginia’s annual Environmental Education Conference and partners meeting will not be held this year. We will be participating in the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Annual Conference in Virginia Beach , VA on Nov. 14-17, 2007 . We encourage anyone interested in environmental education to attend this professional development to learn the latest in research, pedagogy, curriculum and other resources for teaching about the environment.
Conference Guide and Registration
Visit www.naaee.org/conference
Volunteers Needed at Conference
There will be over 1,000 attendees and there are many positions available for volunteers. Volunteer opportunities include registration, session monitors, field trip leaders, auction aides, film festival aides, and many more. Most of these opportunities will take place at the Virginia Beach Convention Center , but some will take place at Nauticus in Norfolk and off site. To register, please contact Nicole Dutil at Keep Norfolk Beautiful (441-1347) or nicole.dutil@norfolk.gov.
VaNaturally Partner Meeting and Coffee
Sat., Nov. 17, 9:30 - 11:30 am, Sequoia Room, Doubletree Hotel
Important updates regarding regional teams, grant funding opportunities, and professional development. Virginia 's new leadership initiative will be unveiled. Download meeting agenda at www.vanaturally.org/naaee.html
Authors Corner
Come meet and interact with a variety of Virginia authors the NAAEE conference on Friday, November 16 from 12 noon - 2 pm in the exhibit hall. www.vanaturally.com/authors_corner.doc
Funding sources and award deadlines
Forecast Earth Summit for High School Students
Application Deadline: November 11
In cooperation with The Weather Channel, Forecast Earth invites all freshman, sophomore, and junior students to apply for the Forecast Earth Summit, December 7-9 in Washington D.C. In the three-day environmental education event, 20 students will engage in in-depth conversations with numerous environmental leaders, enthusiasts and scientists, including Dr. Heidi Cullen, The Weather Channel's expert climatologist. Students interested in applying can access the online entry form, which requires a 200-word personal essay, at www.forecastearthsummit.org
K-12 Environmental Excellence Awards
Deadline: November 30
Seaworld/Busch Gardens/Fuji Film Environmental Excellence Awards program rewards K-12 students & community groups working at the grassroots level to protect and preserve their local environment. www.seaworld.org/conservation-matters/eea/about.htm
Virginia Mini-Grant Program
Deadline: December 1
The Virginia Mini-Grant Program supports community-based efforts to strengthen environmental education and to promote stewardship of Virginia 's waterways. These are intended to be one-time, start-up grants, and preference is given to modest local projects. Sponsored by Virginia Environmental Endowment (VEE) this Mini-Grant Program enables citizens to become actively involved in solving environmental problems in their own hometowns. Guidelines and application forms available at www.vee.org/mini.cfm
Albert I. Pierce (AIP) Foundation Grants
Deadline: December 15
AIP is a private charitable foundation supporting the environment and the arts and will be accepting applications for community-based projects in the areas of arts, education, environment or a combination of the three focus areas. The Foundation will award two grants for $20,000 and four grants for $10,000. Small grants under $5000 may also be awarded at Board discretion each year. Matching funds of at least 25% of the granted amount are required.
www.aipfoundation.org/Pages/Guidelines%20Page.html
VaNaturally Regional Capacity Building Grant
Deadline: December 15
The Virginia Office of Environmental Education with financial support from EPA is pleased to make available a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Regional Environmental Education Capacity Building . The complete package (RFP and attachments) can be downloaded from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Virginia Naturally Regional Network webpage. Awards ranging from $1,000 to $6,000 will be made. The goal of the program is to sustain delivery of high environmental education programs (EE) by establishing regional networks across the Commonwealth and to identify and develop key leaders in these areas.
If you have any questions or if you would like to discuss developing a regional network, contact Nancy Drumheller at 804-698-4550 or nwdrumheller@deq.virginia.gov
ChesapeakeClassrooms Student Action Project Training
Nov. 6, 9 am – 3 pm , Mountain View Elementary School, Harrisonburg
To sign up, for a list of course objectives, and what to bring to this professional development workshop, contact Cindy Duncan at cduncan@cbf.org or 804-241-3178.
Choices and Challenges Forum on Nuclear Power
Nov. 8, 8 am – 4 pm , Virginia Tech, Blacksburg
Nuclear Power is back- perhaps. The forum will explore the ethical, social, scientific and political dimensions of Nuclear Power. Free and open to the public. www.choices&challenges.sts.vt.edu
Bedford County Fall Landowner's Meeting
Nov. 8, 7 pm , Bedford Central Library
Landowners with 100 acres or more can learn about how to preserve their land and their legacy with a conservation easement in 2008. Sponsored by Woods Rogers Attorneys at Law, Bedford Citizens for Land Preservation and Western Virginia Land Trust. For more information, call the Land Trust at (540) 985-0000 or e-mail dperry@westernvirginialandtrust.org.
2007 VAST Professional Development Institute
"Celebration of Exploration"
Nov. 8-10, Williamsburg Marriott Hotel
Registrants will have the opportunity to choose from over 100 hours of professional development presentations, workshops and field trips. www.vast.org
Virginia Recycling Association 2007 Membership Meeting and Educational Workshops
Nov. 9, 10 am – 4 pm , Doubletree Hotel, Charlottesville
The agenda can be downloaded at www.vrarecycles.org/downloads/Agenda%2011_9_07.pdf
Registration and workshop information can be found at www.vrarecycles.org.
Hampton Roads Green Breakfast
Nov. 10, 8:30 am , Norfolk Fitness & Wellness Center
"Bad Algae, Good Algae: From Blooms to Biofuels "
Dr. Margaret Mulholland, Old Dominion University will discuss the effects of the algae blooms we experienced this summer and current research on the use of algae to make biodiesel.
Please RSVP at 757-622-1964.
2007 e-Cycling Event (for Henrico County residents)
Nov. 10, 9 am- 2 pm, Virginia Center Marketplace (Ukrop’s Parking Lot)
The Henrico Department of Public Works and Central Virginia Waste Management Authority are sponsoring an e-Cycling event for Henrico County residents. In stead of items ending up in a landfill where they cause soil, water or air contamination, they will be de-manufactured for recycling and some components may be refurbished for continued use. Read flyer for complete details and the small fees for e-Cycling. www.co.henrico.va.us/utility/solidwaste/PDF/ecycle.pdf
Forum with Richard Louv
Nov. 10, 1- 3 pm , VCU School of Business Auditorium
“Saving Our Children fromNature Deficit Disorder”
James River Association invites you to a forum with author Richard Louv. Environmental education plays an important role in both fostering stewardship of our natural resources, such as the James River , and in improving the health and therefore the quality of life of our children. Recent research shows a critical link between children’s exposure to the out-of-doors and some of the most pressing health issues facing families and society today: attention deficit (hyperactivity) disorder, obesity, stress management, learning and depression.
According to Richard Louv, author of the landmark book The Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder, “direct exposure to nature is healthy for childhood development-physical, emotional and spiritual. Even creativity is stimulated by childhood experiences in nature.” For tickets or more information, please contact Sherrie Tribble, Special Events and Projects Manager, at 804-788-8811, ext. 202 or email at stribble@jrava.org.
Energy Efficiency Global Forum & Exposition’s (EE Global)
Nov. 11, 11 am – 4 pm , Washington DC Convention Center
EE Global will showcase for the energy-efficient products, displays, experts, workshops and games. A “real, live Energy Hog” and The Maytag Repair Man will be present and Bob the Builder and Bill Nye the Science Guy are also invited. Guests will also be eligible for free give-a-ways and enjoy music and raffles from 94.7 “The Globe” radio station. Visit www.eeglobalforum.com for detailed information about this exciting event!
PLT “Places We Live” Workshop
Nov. 14, 4 - 6:30 pm , Charlotte County Extension Office
All communities – urban, suburban, small town, rural – are experiencing growth and chan ge, which has an impact on each community's environment. PLT's new module, Exploring Environmental Issues: Places We Live, provides educators with a useful tool for place based education to help create a bond between young citizens and their communities. Students will explore current and future community environmental issues, enabling them to make informed decisions about those issues. Topics covered include: Personal Places, Community Character, Mapping Your Community Through Time, Neighborhood Design, Green Space, Far-Reaching Decision and much more. Workshop is free! Register with Julie Hamlett, Southside Soil & Water Conservation District julie.hamlett@va.nacdnet.net or call 434-542-5342, ext 4.
America Recycles Day
November 15
Celebrating its 10 th year America Recycles Day is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to encouraging citizens in all states to recycle and to buy recycled products. The purpose is to promote the social, environmental and economic benefits of recycling and to encourage more people to join the movement toward creating a better natural environment. Find out about events in your area by visiting www.americarecyclesday.org
2007 Virginia Coastal Zone Partners Workshop
December 6 & 7, Portsmouth Renaissance Hotel and Conference Center
Register by Nov. 16
Workshop participants will join others for a discussion of the impacts of climate change and population growth on Virginia ’s coastal zone and possible Virginia CZM solutions. There will also be an opportunity on Friday afternoon to help inform the next Virginia CZM “focal area.” For details on the agenda www.deq.virginia.govs/coastal/workshopagenda.html#agendaoverview. To register visit www.deq.virginia.gov/coastal/workshopregister.html
EPA Offers Free Web Seminar on Climate Change and Waste Management
Nov. 17, 1 pm
Solid waste reduction and recycling can help address global climate change. The manufacture, distribution and use of products as well as management of the resulting waste all result in greenhouse gas emissions. Waste prevention and recycling reduce greenhouse gases associated with these activities by reducing methane emissions, saving energy, and increasing forest carbon sequestration. Register for this web seminar at www.epa.gov/region1/RCCedu
Virginia Living Museum
Survivor Jamestown
Mar. 24- Nov. 25
The Museum’s unique exhibits are also a vital component in its extensive education programming. The museum believes in hands-on education; that by experiencing science it will become memorable. Visit www.thevlm.org/programsevents/visitingexhibits/index.php for view this event calendar www.thevlm.org/programsevents/calendar/index.php
EarthCraft House™ Builder Training
Nov. 28-29, Fredericksburg
The EarthCraft House™ designation verifies that the homes will perform 30% better than code built homes in the area of energy efficiency and includes elements of durability and indoor health as well. This training is the first step to becoming an EarthCraft House builder. Register by completing and faxing the form located at the link below. www.earthcrafthouseva-sf.org/docs/20071128-29_ECH_VaTrainingReg.pdf
Ag in the Classroom
Nov. 29, 9 am - 3 pm , Virginia State University
Free workshops for both elementary and middle school teachers.
Project WILD Aquatic Workshop
Dec. 6, 9 am – 1 pm , Nauticus
This free workshop emphasizes wildlife because of its intrinsic and ecological values, as well as its importance as a basis for teaching how ecosystems function. In the face of competing needs and pressures affecting the quality and sustainability of life on earth, this workshop addresses the need for human beings to develop into responsible citizens of our planet. To register, contact Holly Carson at holly.carson@norfolk.gov.
James River “Parade of Lights”
Dec. 8, 5 - 9 pm at various locations
James River Advisory Council’s 15 th Annual Boat parade between Richmond and Henricus Historical Park theme for this year is “Reflections on the James.” Participating boaters converge on the river at Richmond for a grand illumination, then head downriver. For more information about viewing times and locations, or to register as a participating boater, visit www.jamesriveradvisorycouncil.com or call 804-717-6681.
Partner updates events & resources
Welcome New Partners
- Amazement Square, The Rightmire Children’s Museum
- Blue Ridge Wildlife Center
- Elder Homes
- Greater Shenandoah Valley EE Alliance
- Loudoun Watershed Watch
2007 Keep Virginia Beautiful Awards
L.Preston Bryant, Jr. Secretary of Natural Resources recognized community leaders across Virginia for their efforts in beautification and community improvement; litter prevention; waste reduction; landscape excellence and awards of excellence.
VaNaturally Partners won:
1st Place- Waste Reduction (Non-Profit/Community Organization)
- Virginia ’s Assign – a – Highway Program
1st Place- Litter Prevention (Non-Profit/Community Organization)
- Keep Southwest Virginia Beautiful
1st Place- Waste Reduction (Government Agency)
- Frederick County Recycling
2nd Place- Waste Reduction (Government Agency)
Fauquier County Environmental Services
1st Place- Litter Prevention (Government Agency)
- The Quest for a Clean Community, Spotsylvania County and Henrico County
2nd Place- Litter Prevention (Government Agency)
- Frederick County Recycling
Office Depot Accepts Electronics for Recycling at all stores
Office Depot Inc. has launched an electronics recycling program at all of its North American retail locations. The "Tech Recycling Service" is available at more than 1,100 Office Depot stores. Customers can recycle all types of personal electronics, from digital cameras to computers, by buying the appropriate-sized Tech Recycling Box at Office Depot stores. The boxes sell for $5, $10 and $15 and include all shipping and handling. Customers take the box home and fill it with used electronic devices, including cords and cables, and return the unsealed box to the store.
Office Depot piloted the program in 2006 at some 100 U.S. stores, recycling more than 108,000 pounds of electronic products.
Governor Kaine Encourages Voluntary Water Conservation and Calls of Localities to Update Drought Contingency Plans
~Warns that drought conditions could become acute in the spring of 2008 if lack of rain continues
On Oct. 30 Governor Timothy M. Kaine urged localities to update water conservation and drought contingency ordinances and plans and begin preparations to implement those plans. The Governor also encouraged citizens and businesses to strictly follow all calls for water conservation issued by public waterworks or local governments.
In areas where local water conservation requirements have not been initiated, citizens and businesses should voluntarily conserve water to the greatest extent possible. This includes minimizing non-essential outdoor water uses such as irrigation and vehicle washing as well as reductions in indoor water uses.
“Assure that there are no water leaks in your home; limit showers to periods of less than 5 minutes; turn off the water when you brush your teeth; and only operate dishwashers and clothes washers with full loads,” Governor Kaine said. “These simple actions when performed by millions of citizens throughout the Commonwealth can result in a significant reduction in the stresses placed on our water resources.”
The entire Commonwealth is currently experiencing significant drought, which intensified in the six weeks preceding last week’s welcomed wide-spread rainfall. While last week’s rain addressed many short term drought impacts, the underlying long term precipitation deficit remains.
All local governments should review existing local ordinances requiring mandatory non-essential water use restrictions at this time. Any locality that has not adopted such ordinances should consider doing so now. All local ordinances should be consistent with the mandatory non-essential water use restrictions contained in the Virginia Drought Assessment and Response Plan. It is likely that these ordinances will be required in the spring of 2008.
For water conservation tips, visit: www.deq.virginia.gov/waterresources/waterconservation.html
Have You Viewed Your Coastal GEMS Today?!
Put the Virginia CoastalGeospatial and Educational Mapping System – Coastal GEMS - to work for you and help educate others about the value of Virginia ’s coastal resources!
Coastal GEMS is an Internet “gateway” to coastal resource information and maps, coastal laws and policies, facts on the ecological, economic and social value of our coastal resources, and a description of how the resources on managed and protected with links to the managing agencies.
Coastal GEMS is a tool that can help promote community involvement! Coastal GEMS can be used by private citizens, advocacy groups and businesses to formulate their position on the potential impacts of projects on coastal resources.
Coastal GEMS is a tool that can help educate students of all ages! Coastal GEMS can be used by formal and nonformal educators to increase awareness and understanding of Virginia’s coastal resources and the connections between land and water – how what happens on the land affects what happens in the water.
Visit Coastal GEMS today at www.deq.virginia.gov/coastal/coastalgems.html and, please let us know how Coastal GEMS has worked for you.
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
Thankful for Clean Air Art Contest
Valley AIRNow, a non-profit air quality outreach program serving the Winchester-Frederick County area, is inviting local young artists to celebrate Thanksgiving and clean air in the first annual Thankful forClean Air art contest. Participating artists should address the theme “What YOU can do to protect the air that WE breathe!” Examples include carpooling, refueling in the evening, checking tire pressure, keeping your car properly maintained, and reducing vehicle idling. For more examples or contest details, visit the Valley AIRNow website at www.valleyairnow.com/artcontest.htm .
Air & Waste Management Association Education Programs
The Air & Waste Management Association, an international association of environmental professionals, has published EE Resource Guides for air quality and non-point source pollution prevention for grades K-12, as well as the grade 6-8 Air Quality guide in Spanish and French. Download fact sheets at http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/1294097index"
Edutopia Issue Devoted to EE
The October 10, 2007 issue of Edutopia "Go Green 2007: Education for the Ecosystem" is devoted to environmental education. Search the Go Green resource database by topic for activities such as field trips or lesson plans by grade-level. Learn about schools involved in innovative learning projects on cool schools and sustainable schoolyard design. Read the articles on EE activities happening in and out of the classroom. http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/1294093
Earth Gauge Launches New Web Site
Earth Gauge is an initiative by the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) and the American Meteorological Society (AMS) providing meteorologists with environmental information to help them connect weather with the environment. Browse the environmental topics for practical tips on dealing with certain weather conditions. www.earthgauge.net
Items You Never Thought To Recycle
We recycle newspapers, magazines, cans, and cereal boxes. If you are only recycling the obvious items you are not even chipping the surface. This website will try to tell you how and where to recycle the not-so- obvious. www.dumblittleman.com/2007/10/items-you-never-thought-to-recycle.html
Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours -- or the equivalent of a half a gallon of gasoline. http://members.aol.com/ramola15/funfacts.html