October/November 2009 Newsletter
Funding and Award Deadlines
Upcoming Events
Partner Updates and Resources
Your VirginiaLitter Picks
Assorted Items of Professional Interest
Helpful Resources
Special Features
Annual Environmental Education Attracts New Educators
DEQ hosted its annual Environmental Education Conference and Virginia Naturally Partners meeting on September 9th at Hampton University. The theme was “Branching Out – Spreading our Environmental Message.”Approximately 120 participants attended the conference which offered more than 20 sessions covering technology, diversity, and out of the box techniques and programming. Handouts and PowerPoint presentations are available online at http://www.vanaturally.com/vanaturally/eeconference09.html. Please help us evaluate the conference and complete the survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=ljNLStOG_2f52gJ4jwpvCnhQ_3d_3d
DEQ hosted its annual Environmental Education Conference and Virginia Naturally Partners meeting on September 9th at Hampton University. The theme was “Branching Out – Spreading our Environmental Message.”Approximately 120 participants attended the conference which offered more than 20 sessions covering technology, diversity, and out of the box techniques and programming. Handouts and PowerPoint presentations are available online at http://www.vanaturally.com/vanaturally/eeconference09.html. Please help us evaluate the conference and complete the survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=ljNLStOG_2f52gJ4jwpvCnhQ_3d_3d
Planning for the 2010 conference will begin in January. Those interested in helping shape the conference can contact Sheila Barnett (sheila.barnett@deq.virginia.gov).
“Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences” Classroom Grants Projects to be Evaluated
If you received a MWEE Classroom Grant or were a community partner on a project (in the past 6 years), please see the flyer on upcoming focus group meetings sponsored by the VA Resource Use Education Council, VADEQ and the hosting organizations. Your experience and input will be used to help increase the sustainability of watershed education programs statewide. An on-line evaluation will be posted shortly on www.vanaturally.com For more information, email Kristine.Jarvis@deq.virginia.gov or call 804-698-4274.
The National Wildlife Federation Launches the “Be Out There” Campaign
The NWF recently launched a Be Out There campaign to encourage children and families to go outdoors. The NWF partnered with other organizations with similar goals for encouraging people to spend time outside. For more information, visit the website at: http://www.nwf.org/beoutthere/about.html
The NWF recently launched a Be Out There campaign to encourage children and families to go outdoors. The NWF partnered with other organizations with similar goals for encouraging people to spend time outside. For more information, visit the website at: http://www.nwf.org/beoutthere/about.html
The movie, “Where the Wild Things Are” opens on October 16. The NFW createda guide for teachers and parents with activities pertaining to the movie. Learn about where the wild things are around the world, conduct a wildlife inventory, write about your “special place.”
Governor Kaine Announces New Regulation to Protect Seaside Waters of Virginia Eastern Shore for Aquaculture Operations
In October, Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced a new regulation that will help protect the high quality waters of the seaside of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. These waters are especially well-suited for shellfish or aquaculture operations. The regulation ensures that the best wastewater disposal methods are evaluated, resulting in the least environmental impact.
In October, Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced a new regulation that will help protect the high quality waters of the seaside of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. These waters are especially well-suited for shellfish or aquaculture operations. The regulation ensures that the best wastewater disposal methods are evaluated, resulting in the least environmental impact.
Shellfish farming is a multi-million dollar industry on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, where clean water is vital to this growing industry. In 2007, 211 million clams were sold, making the area a national leader in shellfish production. Hard clams now represent one of the most valuable agricultural food crops grown on the Eastern Shore with a $30 million value before they leave the farm.
The regulation, developed by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, supports a six-year, $2.6 million effort by the Virginia Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Program, through the Virginia Seaside Heritage Program (VSHP), to restore and protect the aquatic resources of the seaside, such as eelgrass beds and oyster reefs, and ensure the growth of sustainable industries, such as shellfish farming and ecotourism.
The Governor’s announcement was made from the seaside village of Willis Wharf. Willis Wharf, an active working waterfront dating to the early 18th century, has been on the forefront of shellfish aquaculture. The Governor stood on a new Wildlife Observation Platform, an ecotourism amenity funded by the Virginia CZM through the VSHP, which provides one of the most beautiful sweeping views of tidal wetlands on the seaside. The area is frequented by numerous marsh bird species. Surrounding the platform is a native plant demonstration garden installed through “Plant ES Natives”, a social marketing campaign launched in April 2009 by Virginia CZM to increase the use of plants native to Accomack and Northampton counties to improve water quality and wildlife habitat. In front of the platform is a new educational kiosk which highlights the ecological and economic value of the seaside of Virginia’s Eastern Shore and outlines the actions that residents and visitors can take to help protect the seaside’s unique and globally important natural treasures.
To learn more about Virginia’s seaside and the efforts of the Virginia CZM Program partnership, visit http://www.deq.virginia.gov/coastal/vshp/ or contact Laura McKay, Virginia CZM Program Manager or Virginia Witmer, Virginia CZM Program Outreach Coordinator.
Funding and Awards Deadlines
Planet Connect Student Grants
Deadline October 30
This contest is open to high school students who have innovative ideas for saving the planet. Go to: http://www.planet-connect.org/funding_opportunities/planet-connect-student-grants#
Deadline October 30
This contest is open to high school students who have innovative ideas for saving the planet. Go to: http://www.planet-connect.org/funding_opportunities/planet-connect-student-grants#
Project Learning Tree GreenWorks Grants
Applications Due October 31, 2009
Grant awards from $250 - $5,000 are available for students, youth organizations and community partners. GreenWorks supports “learning-by-doing” environmental projects. For more information, go to: http://www.plt.org/cms/pages/21_22_21.html In order to qualify for a grant, the applicant must be Project Learning Tree trained. To learn more about Project Learning Tree Opportunities in Virginia, Contact Lisa Deaton, Virginia Department of Forestry, lisa.deaton@dof.virginia.gov or 804-328-3031.
Applications Due October 31, 2009
Grant awards from $250 - $5,000 are available for students, youth organizations and community partners. GreenWorks supports “learning-by-doing” environmental projects. For more information, go to: http://www.plt.org/cms/pages/21_22_21.html In order to qualify for a grant, the applicant must be Project Learning Tree trained. To learn more about Project Learning Tree Opportunities in Virginia, Contact Lisa Deaton, Virginia Department of Forestry, lisa.deaton@dof.virginia.gov or 804-328-3031.
Virginia Naturally Classroom Grant
Applications Due December 1, 2009
Applications Due December 1, 2009
This grant provides teachers with small amounts of money for environmental education. Any school or school division is encouraged to apply for a grant of $500, $750 or $1,000 for the purpose of conducting meaningful outdoor experiences with their students. Activities that are eligible for funding include restoration, enhancement, protection and monitoring projects and investigative or experimental design activities that foster academic success, reinforce responsible citizenship, and give children the tools they need to contribute to a healthy and enduring environment. For more information, go to www.vanaturally.com/classroomgrant.html.
President’s Environmental Youth Awards
Deadline December 31
Students K-12 are eligible to apply for recognition for their programs that help the environment. The Presidential Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) is conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency. For more information, go to: http://www.epa.gov/education/peya/index.html
Deadline December 31
Students K-12 are eligible to apply for recognition for their programs that help the environment. The Presidential Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) is conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency. For more information, go to: http://www.epa.gov/education/peya/index.html
Toyota Tapestry Grants
Deadline January 18, 2010
Deadline January 18, 2010
The Toyota Tapestry Grants program offers grants to K-12 science teachers for innovative projects that will enhance science education during the 2010-11 school year. The program will award 50 large grants and a minimum of 20 mini-grants, totaling $550,000 in all, for projects in the categories of Physical Science Application, Environmental Science Education, and Integrating Literacy and Science. For additional information go to: http://www.nsta.org/pd/tapestry/
Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge
Grant Opportunities through January 31, 2010
Can your K- 12 students create a sustainable classroom and make environmental improvements to their school? Go to: http://wecanchange.com/school/about-challenge/faq/
Grant Opportunities through January 31, 2010
Can your K- 12 students create a sustainable classroom and make environmental improvements to their school? Go to: http://wecanchange.com/school/about-challenge/faq/
Kidsgardening.com has upcoming grant opportunities for school youth gardens. Go to:
For more information go to: http://www.kidsgardening.com/grants.asp
Upcoming Events
Visit the Virginia Naturally Calendar for a complete list.
Chesapeake Classrooms Courses
Two upcoming courses held at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens:
Standards Based Field Investigation, Course 7, November 6, 2009
Watershed Action for Virginia’s Environment, Course 8, February 12, 2010
See the VaN Calendar for more details.
Stewardship Virginia
September 1 – October 31, 2009
The fall campaign of Stewardship Virginia, sponsored by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation runs September 1 – October 31. Visit the Stewardship Virginia website to learn about activities taking place around the Commonwealth or to register an activity to receive certificates for your volunteers. Go to: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/stewardship/ or contact Bonnie Phillips at 1-877-42-WATER. In Richmond call (804) 786-5056or email: bonnie.phillips@dcr.virginia.gov.
September 1 – October 31, 2009
The fall campaign of Stewardship Virginia, sponsored by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation runs September 1 – October 31. Visit the Stewardship Virginia website to learn about activities taking place around the Commonwealth or to register an activity to receive certificates for your volunteers. Go to: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/stewardship/ or contact Bonnie Phillips at 1-877-42-WATER. In Richmond call (804) 786-5056or email: bonnie.phillips@dcr.virginia.gov.
4th Annual Potomac River Trash Summit
October 28; 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
House of Sweden, Washington, D.C.
Sponsored by the Alice Ferguson Foundation
October 28; 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
House of Sweden, Washington, D.C.
Sponsored by the Alice Ferguson Foundation
Clean Virginia Waterways – Fall Cleanups
Clean Virginia Waterways, which is part of the International Coastal Cleanup, presently has volunteers registering to be site captains throughout Virginia. Visit the website to volunteer as a site captain or register to participate in a cleanup at one of the sites. Go to: http://www.longwood.edu/CLEANVA/iccva.htm. You can also contact Katie Register with Clean Virginia Waterways at (434) 395-2602 or cleanva@longwood.edu
Virginia Association of Science Teachers (VAST)
The VAST Conference will be held at the Dulles Airport Hilton Hotel November 5 – 7, 2009. The theme is Engage! Explore! Empower! For more information visit the VAST website at www.vast.org
The VAST Conference will be held at the Dulles Airport Hilton Hotel November 5 – 7, 2009. The theme is Engage! Explore! Empower! For more information visit the VAST website at www.vast.org
Green Up Hampton Roads Expo 2009 – November 12, 2009
Chesapeake Conference Center
The Green-Up Hampton Roads Expo is a regional conference and exhibition event with the goal of promoting environmental awareness, economic growth, and establishing collaboration efforts between environmentally-conscious businesses, government representatives, and consumers. Its purpose is to connect educators, foster relationships among businesses, government agencies, and interest groups. For more information go to:
http://www.greenupexpo.com/program_info.html
Chesapeake Conference Center
The Green-Up Hampton Roads Expo is a regional conference and exhibition event with the goal of promoting environmental awareness, economic growth, and establishing collaboration efforts between environmentally-conscious businesses, government representatives, and consumers. Its purpose is to connect educators, foster relationships among businesses, government agencies, and interest groups. For more information go to:
http://www.greenupexpo.com/program_info.html
World Water Monitoring Day was September 18, but Data Collection Can Still be Entered through December 31
You can still provide data for the 2009 World Watering Monitoring Day. Go to http://www.worldwatermonitoringday.org/Participate/Participate_Main.html to register and enter your data.
Wilderness First Aid Training
November 7-8 in Richmond
November 21-22 in Virginia Beach
November 21-22 in Virginia Beach
December 5 – 6 in Alexandria
Wilderness First Aid training is a program offered by the Wilderness Safety Council. It is a two-day eight our class that trains attendees what to do in life-threatening situations in the wilderness. For more information go to: http://wfa.net/index.shtml
Partner Updates and Resources
Welcome New Partners
- Bacon District Elementary School www.schools.ccps.k12.va.us/sites/bacon/default.aspx
- Girl Scout Council of Colonial Coast www.gsccc.org
Your Virginia
First Department of Defense Eagle Awards Given for Stewardship to Virginia’s Military Bases
More than twenty military instillations throughout the Commonwealth were eligible to compete to win the eagle award. Three bases were selected as the winners. They were Fort A.P. Hill, Fort Pickett and the Defense Supply Center of Richmond. Each instillation was evaluated by the Department of Defense, Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of Conservation and Recreation. The criteria that were evaluated were the bases use of biological resources, habitat protection and restoration, watershed protection and restoration, land use, environmental stewardship, conservation plans and environmental compliance. For more information, read the Governor’s press release: http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=1113
More than twenty military instillations throughout the Commonwealth were eligible to compete to win the eagle award. Three bases were selected as the winners. They were Fort A.P. Hill, Fort Pickett and the Defense Supply Center of Richmond. Each instillation was evaluated by the Department of Defense, Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of Conservation and Recreation. The criteria that were evaluated were the bases use of biological resources, habitat protection and restoration, watershed protection and restoration, land use, environmental stewardship, conservation plans and environmental compliance. For more information, read the Governor’s press release: http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=1113
Get Ready for Winter with am Virginia Energy Efficiency Rebate
$40 million has been allocated from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to assist with Virginia’s State Energy Plan (SEP). Households can be eligible up to 20 percent for a maximum of a $2,000 rebate for certain energy savings measures on a first come first serve basis, while commercial businesses can be eligible for 20 percent or up to $4,000 for energy saving measures. For more information, go to: http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=1106
$40 million has been allocated from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to assist with Virginia’s State Energy Plan (SEP). Households can be eligible up to 20 percent for a maximum of a $2,000 rebate for certain energy savings measures on a first come first serve basis, while commercial businesses can be eligible for 20 percent or up to $4,000 for energy saving measures. For more information, go to: http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=1106
Bugs, Bats, Caves – The Science Museum of Virginia
The Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond is presently showing several nature films on bugs, bats, caves, and sharks. There is a display about bats, bugs and sharks too. For more information look at the October newsletter for the Science Museum of Virginia: http://www.smv.org/enewsletter/october.html
The Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond is presently showing several nature films on bugs, bats, caves, and sharks. There is a display about bats, bugs and sharks too. For more information look at the October newsletter for the Science Museum of Virginia: http://www.smv.org/enewsletter/october.html
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. Litter Picks
Litter Summit
October 21 at 9:00 a.m.
The Central Virginia Waste Management Authority (CVWMA) is partnering with Keep Virginia Beautiful, Keep America Beautiful, TFC Recycling, and Altria to host a litter summit at the Henrico Training Center. For more information about the litter summit, go to: http://www.cvwma.com/education_and_outreach/litter_prevention/litter_summit.wbp
October 21 at 9:00 a.m.
The Central Virginia Waste Management Authority (CVWMA) is partnering with Keep Virginia Beautiful, Keep America Beautiful, TFC Recycling, and Altria to host a litter summit at the Henrico Training Center. For more information about the litter summit, go to: http://www.cvwma.com/education_and_outreach/litter_prevention/litter_summit.wbp
Virginia Recycling Association Annual Meeting
November 6 at 10:00 a.m.
The VRA will host the annual meeting in Charlottesville at the Omni Hotel from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The keynote speaker will be Scott Cassel, Executive Director, Product Stewardship Initiative. There will also be a presentation on the Keep Virginia Beautiful project and report on the JLARC study one year later. For more information go to: http://www.vrarecycles.org/Conference/2009AnnualMeeting/tabid/107/Default.aspx
November 6 at 10:00 a.m.
The VRA will host the annual meeting in Charlottesville at the Omni Hotel from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The keynote speaker will be Scott Cassel, Executive Director, Product Stewardship Initiative. There will also be a presentation on the Keep Virginia Beautiful project and report on the JLARC study one year later. For more information go to: http://www.vrarecycles.org/Conference/2009AnnualMeeting/tabid/107/Default.aspx
The Litter and Recycling Fund Board Meeting
November 13 at 10:30 a.m.
November 13 at 10:30 a.m.
The Fund Board which oversees the administration of the litter grants will be meeting at the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) on November 13 at 10:30 a.m in Richmond. The public is invited to attend the meeting. Aimee Hart, Citizen Representative, will be participating in the conference from the Hampton Roads PDC office located at 723 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake. If you are interested in participating from the Hampton Roads PDC office, please call Ms. Hart at (757) 644-6907.
The Non-Competitive Litter Prevention and Recycling Grants
There is $1,524,694 available in non-competitive litter prevention and recycling grant funds for Fiscal Year 2009 – 2010. Sheila Barnett is in the process of administering the grants. The report that is generated from the performance and accounting reports is expected to be completed next month and will be posted. If you have a question about the grants, contact Sheila Barnett at Sheila.barnett@deq.virginia.gov or (804) 698-4055.
There is $1,524,694 available in non-competitive litter prevention and recycling grant funds for Fiscal Year 2009 – 2010. Sheila Barnett is in the process of administering the grants. The report that is generated from the performance and accounting reports is expected to be completed next month and will be posted. If you have a question about the grants, contact Sheila Barnett at Sheila.barnett@deq.virginia.gov or (804) 698-4055.
Request for representation of your litter program in display for science teachers:
Please submit your pictures for the display at the Virginia Association of Science Teachers (VAST) Conference! The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality is responding to the litter program manager’s requests for training opportunities and your request for help in getting into the schools.
The President of the Virginia Council for Litter Prevention and Recycling (VCLPR), Julie May, along with Jinx Baney from Brunswick County and Brenda Evans from Prince William County will attend the VAST Conference to network on behalf of the litter program managers in Virginia. We will be doing a break out session on litter and we will have a display. Please send me any fliers or pictures that you have that you would like to be part of our display. This is our chance to get the litter programs recognition and reach the teachers to get litter programs invited into the schools. Please send me your items by October 23 so that I can create the display and you can be represented at the conference. My email is Sheila.barnett@deq.virginia.gov
Please submit your pictures for the display at the Virginia Association of Science Teachers (VAST) Conference! The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality is responding to the litter program manager’s requests for training opportunities and your request for help in getting into the schools.
The President of the Virginia Council for Litter Prevention and Recycling (VCLPR), Julie May, along with Jinx Baney from Brunswick County and Brenda Evans from Prince William County will attend the VAST Conference to network on behalf of the litter program managers in Virginia. We will be doing a break out session on litter and we will have a display. Please send me any fliers or pictures that you have that you would like to be part of our display. This is our chance to get the litter programs recognition and reach the teachers to get litter programs invited into the schools. Please send me your items by October 23 so that I can create the display and you can be represented at the conference. My email is Sheila.barnett@deq.virginia.gov
Keep Virginia Beautiful
Keep Virginia Beautiful (KVB) has launched a new strategic plan and elected 14 Board Members and a new President to support statewide environmental stewardship efforts in Virginia, with emphasis on litter prevention, waste reduction, recycling, beautification and environmental education. The newly elected Directors are:
- Alisia Rudd, (Incoming Keep Virginia Beautiful President) Altria Client Services
- Anna Meyers, Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs
- Carol Doss, Keep Southwest Virginia Beautiful
- Marilyn Weyer-Elder, Virginia Department of Education
- Robert Hundley, Keep Virginia Beautiful, Executive Director
- Kimberly Hynes, Central Virginia Waste Management Authority
- Julie May, Virginia Council for Litter Prevention and Recycling
- Tim Lee, TFC Recycling
- Maurice Rowe, III, Keep Virginia Beautiful, Outgoing Keep Virginia Beautiful President Tom Griffin, Greener Results, Inc.
- Lane Guilliams, Virginia Tech College of Natural Resources
- Margaret Ballard, Virginia Retail Federation, Retail Alliance
- Cathie France, Virginia Natural Gas
- Patricia McCullagh, McCandlish Holton, P.C.
The Directors were elected on July 10th in Richmond and began implementation of a strategic framework developed by a multi-agency steering committee. In the coming months, the new Board of Directors will be reaching out to partners, reorganizing its offices, electing new leadership, preparing its communications and making fundraising plans. Established in 1953, the new Board has adopted a new mission: To engage and unite Virginians to improve our natural and scenic environment. KVB’s plan is:
- To become the statewide voice
- Provide a framework for improved communication and collaboration
- Cultivate and support sustainable programs, and
- Engage citizens by linking them to volunteer opportunities and information.
“Keep Virginia Beautiful is ready to play a key role in making Virginia cleaner, greener and an even more attractive place to live and explore” said Alisia Rudd, KVB Board Chairman. For more information on Keep Virginia Beautiful contact John Deuel at 757-284-7041/jdeuel2012@gmail.com.
CVWMA to Receive Richmond History Makers Award
The fifth annual Richmond History Makers program will honor the CVWMA for making significant contributions to the region at an awards celebration to be held October 20 at the Valentine Richmond History Center. Central Virginia Waste Management Authority (CVWMA) is being recognized for Fostering Regional Cooperation. The authority runs waste management and recycling programs for 13 localities across the Richmond area. It also develops partnerships with other organizations to raise awareness of recycling. More than 270,000 pounds of electronics were recycled in the CVWMA/Ukrop's Supermarkets "eCycle" program since 2007. Students in 26 area schools involved in a pilot program collected more than 200 tons of paper for recycling.
The announcement of the 2009 award recipients was published by the Richmond - Times Dispatch Metro 2 section of the Sunday, September 6, 2009 publication. Here is link to the announcement in the RTD A full article on the CVWMA was published on October 5, 2009.
Brunswick County’s “Wheel of Litter”
This picture appeared in the October 13 edition of the Brunswick Times-Gazette. From left to right are Vicki Nixon, Virginia Myrick and Jo Ann Anderson with the Brunswick County Litter Control Council. On the right is Sylvia Allen from the Brunswick Times-Gazette who has learned how to play the Wheel of Litter game. Students/citizens spin the wheel and are asked a question about litter. If they answer correctly, they receive a prize.
The Brunswick County Litter Control Council presented litter information to the County Board of Supervisors about their Report a Litterer brochure. Sheriff Brian Roberts appreciated the help from the Brunswick County litter control in developing the brochure and for help in bringing the Assign-a-Highway program to Brunswick County. For more information about the Brunswick County Litter program, contact Vicki Nixon at littercouncil@brunswickco.com or (434) 848-0295. For additional information about the Assign-a-Highway program, go to: http://linux.uppertnriver.org/assign/l
Assorted Items of Professional Interest
Project Learning Trees Outstanding Educator Award
Nominations due by October 30
Virginia Master Naturalist Statewide Conference October 31 – November 1
The statewide VMN conference will be held in Leesburg beginning with a pre-conference on October 31 at 9 a.m. at the Best Western in Leesburg. For information about the conference, go to: http://www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/conference2009.html
Nominations due by October 30
Virginia Master Naturalist Statewide Conference October 31 – November 1
The statewide VMN conference will be held in Leesburg beginning with a pre-conference on October 31 at 9 a.m. at the Best Western in Leesburg. For information about the conference, go to: http://www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/conference2009.html
Project Learning Tree Training
November 21 – Deadline to Register November 13
Receive the Project Learning Tree Pre K – 8th Grade Education Activity Guide. This is a hands-on, engaging training opportunity for educators and other trainers. There is no charge for this training. To register, email
November 21 – Deadline to Register November 13
Receive the Project Learning Tree Pre K – 8th Grade Education Activity Guide. This is a hands-on, engaging training opportunity for educators and other trainers. There is no charge for this training. To register, email
Governor’s Conference for STEM Education
November 15 – 16
The Governor’s Conference for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education will hold a forum in Roanoke November 15 – 16. For more information, go to http://www.cpe.vt.edu/stem
November 15 – 16
The Governor’s Conference for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education will hold a forum in Roanoke November 15 – 16. For more information, go to http://www.cpe.vt.edu/stem
Generation Green: Youth Voices & Visions Writing Contest
Deadline December 4
The National Council for Science and the Environment invites high school students to submit environmental opinion articles, research showcases, or write about environmental community programs up to 500 words in length. Go to: http://ncseonline.org/conference/greeneconomy/cms.cfm?id=3302
Deadline December 4
The National Council for Science and the Environment invites high school students to submit environmental opinion articles, research showcases, or write about environmental community programs up to 500 words in length. Go to: http://ncseonline.org/conference/greeneconomy/cms.cfm?id=3302
Turning a New Leaf Conference
December 4
December 4
This is a regional one-day conference that will be held at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. on December 4 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. It is open to residents of Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C. and other states in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Landscaping professionals, community leaders, natural resource professionals, environmental educators and others involved in conservation disciplines are encouraged to attend. Conference tracks include "Sustainable Landscape Design," "Selling Green," "Getting it Done with Local Governments," and "The Science of Sustainability: Urban Ecology & New Technologies." Registration fee and other details available at www.ChesapeakeLandscape.org
National Wildlife Foundation Released the “Time Out” Report
The NWF released a report that supports using outdoor time to help improve child readiness for academic learning. The author, Kevin Coyle, makes reference to other case studies that support spending time outside improves health, increases attention spans and overall test scores and academic aptitude while reducing restlessness and aggressive behavior. For more information go to: http://www.nwf.org/news/story.cfm?pageId=7B99D758-5056-A868-A0D50304143ECBE4
The NWF released a report that supports using outdoor time to help improve child readiness for academic learning. The author, Kevin Coyle, makes reference to other case studies that support spending time outside improves health, increases attention spans and overall test scores and academic aptitude while reducing restlessness and aggressive behavior. For more information go to: http://www.nwf.org/news/story.cfm?pageId=7B99D758-5056-A868-A0D50304143ECBE4
Across the Sciences – On Line Training for 9 – 10th Grade Teachers
Oregon Public Broadcasting and Biological Sciences Curriculum Study and the National Teachers Enhancement Network of Montana State University is looking for science teachers who are teaching outside of their field of endorsement for a fall 2009 pilot program. Learn strategies for teaching biology, physics, chemistry, astronomy, and earth science. Go to: https://www.rmccorp.com/ATS/
Oregon Public Broadcasting and Biological Sciences Curriculum Study and the National Teachers Enhancement Network of Montana State University is looking for science teachers who are teaching outside of their field of endorsement for a fall 2009 pilot program. Learn strategies for teaching biology, physics, chemistry, astronomy, and earth science. Go to: https://www.rmccorp.com/ATS/
Wildlife Conservation Society – On-Line Training
Go to: http://www.wcs.org/teachers/online-professional-development.aspx for an assortment of trainings offered by the Wildlife Conservation Society. There is an assortment of classes being offered. The next class starts January 22 and is called “Conservation Biology for Educators.”
Year of Science Zine-a-Thon Contest
Deadline is November 1, 2009
Deadline is November 1, 2009
Adults and youth can create a mini-magaZine on one of the twelve Year of Science Themes. A template and examples are provided. Go to: http://www.yearofscience2009.org/about/zine-contest.html
Helpful Resources
Energy Kids
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) unveiled a new website called Energy Kids. It’s all about energy. Find lesson plans from K-12 for everything about energy including what energy is, sources of energy, using and saving energy, the history of energy and games and activities. Go to: http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/kids/
Disney created free teacher resources for 4th – 6th grade students. Students pick an environmental topic of interest. The students create a solution to the environmental topic and come up with a plan to meet their goal. Go to: http://disney.go.com/planetchallenge/discover.html
Become Inspired
A Murder of Crows and Other Spooky Tales Contest
Deadline October 31
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is sponsoring a scary bird contest. Submit spooky or scary storied, pictures, poems, or art pertaining to birds and be eligible to win prizes. By the way, a gathering of crows is called a “murder.” Go to: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/celebration/challenge/a-murder-of-crows-and-other-spooky-bird-tales
Deadline October 31
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is sponsoring a scary bird contest. Submit spooky or scary storied, pictures, poems, or art pertaining to birds and be eligible to win prizes. By the way, a gathering of crows is called a “murder.” Go to: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/celebration/challenge/a-murder-of-crows-and-other-spooky-bird-tales
Finding Your Local Farmer’s Market
Buying from your local farmer can have several benefits. The food is fresher that what you can get in the grocery store. The fresher the produce, the more nutrients it is likely to contain. There are a couple of sites that can be helpful in locating the farmers markets in your area. Go to www.vdacs.virginia.gov/vagrown or www.localharvest.org
Buying from your local farmer can have several benefits. The food is fresher that what you can get in the grocery store. The fresher the produce, the more nutrients it is likely to contain. There are a couple of sites that can be helpful in locating the farmers markets in your area. Go to www.vdacs.virginia.gov/vagrown or www.localharvest.org
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