October News
Funding Sources and Upcoming Deadlines
Partner Updates and Resources
Your Virginia
Assorted Items of Professional Interest
Funding sources and upcoming deadlines
Plan now to participate in Stewardship Virginia
September 1- October 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.state.va.us/stewardship or contact Bonnie Phillips at 804-786-5056.
Chesapeake Bay Restoration Advisory Committee Grants
Deadline: October 1
The Chesapeake Bay Restoration Advisory Committee is accepting grant applications to conduct Chesapeake Bay-related education and restoration activities. The grants are funded with money from the sale of the special Chesapeake Bay license plate, "Friend of the Chesapeake .”
More information on the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund, including the application, grant guidelines, and a catalogue of past projects can be found at http://dls.state.va.us/cbrfac.htm. You can also obtain information, applications, and guidelines by contacting the Division of Legislative Services, General Assembly Building, 910 Capitol Street , Richmond , Virginia 23219 , and (804) 786-3591.
Siemens Foundation Scholarship Program
Deadline: October 2
Siemens Foundation Competition in Math, Science, and Advanced Placement provides nearly $2 million in college scholarships and awards each year for talented high school students in the United States . www.siemens-foundation.org/competition/
1st Annual Virginia EMS Conference
October 11-13, Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center
Promote, support and celebrate environmental management systems. Join key stakeholders in this high- caliber event. For information visit www.cpe.vt.edu/va-ems/index.html or contact Bob Herbert (540) 853-8275 or bherbert@vt.edu
68th Annual National Folk Music Festival
October 13-15, Richmond
This "moveable feast of deeply traditional folk arts” regularly attracts more than 100,000 people each year. It’s been held in 27 communities around the country and in 2005 it began the first of its three-year tenure on historic Richmond ’s downtown riverfront. Visit for more information www.nationalfolkfestival.com/
Virginia Water Monitoring Council 2006 Conference
October 12, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Henrico County Training Center
Pre-registration deadline: October 4 (to reserve lunch)
The conference theme is The Future of Water Monitoring: Emerging Contaminants, Emerging Technologies. At this one-day conference, Water monitors; watershed managers; federal, state, and local government personnel; faculty from academia; environmental consultants; public works personnel; and interested citizens will learn about endocrine disruptors and rarely monitored chemicals found in Virginia's waters, uses of continuous water quality monitoring sensors to study sedimentation in streams and fish kills in the Shenandoah River, innovative ways to determine the safety of shellfish growing waters, and more . Register online at: www.VirginiaWMC.org.
Directions to Training Center downloaded at www.co.henrico.va.us/hr/edt/trngctr-map.pdf
2007 NOAA B-WET Grant Opportunities in Education and Outreach
Deadline: October 23
The Chesapeake B-WET (Bay Watershed Education and Training) grant program is a competitively based program that supports existing environmental education programs, fosters the growth of new programs, and encourages the development of partnerships among environmental education programs throughout the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Contact Jill Bieri at 804-684-7933 or jill.bieri@noaa.gov or visit the website at http://noaa.chesapeakebay.net/fundingopportunities.aspx
Organic School Garden AwardsDeadline: October 31
This annual contest, sponsored by the Rodale Institute, is for schools (K-12) that use their organic gardens as a learning tool. Three winning schools receive cash prizes of $250, $500, and $1000. www.kidsregen.org/gardens/index.shtml
Preserve America Grant Program
Deadline: November 1
The National Wildlife Refuge Preserve America Grant Program provides competitive grants of $10,000 to $15,000 each, to help fund national wildlife refuge interpretive and education projects. www.nfwf.org/programs/nwrgp_pa.cfm
“Environmental Partnerships” Environmental Symposium
November 8-10, Ferrum College
Ferrum College is holding an environmental symposium on Nov. 8-10, 2006 . Visit www.ferrum.edu/es06/ for complete agenda and other information or contact Dr. Todd S. Frederickson, Assistant Professor of Forestry and Wildlife and Environmental Science Program Coordinator at 540-365-4360 or tfredericksen@ferrum.edu
2006 VAST Professional Development Institute , "Nature of Science"
November 16-18, Richmond Marriott Hotel
The Virginia Association of Science Teachers (VAST) proudly announces the 2006 Professional Development Institute. The program continues to emphasize the importance of updating content area, teaching strategies, technology, Virginia Standards of Learning, and professional development on the K-16 levels. For more information and to register visit www.vast.org
Kevin Coyle, VP Education at National Wildlife Federation is keynote speaker on 11/18.
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
Partner updates events & resources
Welcome New Partners
- Gesher Jewish Day School www.gesher-jds.org
- Memphis Monroe Hubbard & Associates, LLC www.mmhassociates.com
Community Educator Awards
Congratulations to:
Richmond 's History Makers Fostering Regional Cooperation Award
James River Advisory Council (JRAC) is the recipient of the Fostering Regional Cooperation award. Valentine Richmond History Center launches Richmond History Makers — a program that will annually recognize, honor and celebrate those everyday citizens and outstanding organizations that are making significant contributions to the greater Richmond region. Nominations from the public were accepted for those who are benefiting our community by mentoring best practices, leading successful initiatives and contributing positively through innovative methods. The five categories of distinction: Creating Quality Educational Opportunities; Demonstrating Innovative Solutions; Fostering Regional Cooperation; Improving Racial Equality and Social Justice; and Promoting Stronger Communities. Awards will be given October 24 at the Valentine Richmond History Center . www.richmondhistorymakers.comRalph White Receives National Sierra Club Award
National Sierra Club award for Distinguished Service was given to a Richmond , Virginia ’s Ralph White. Mr. White’s award is, “to honor someone in public service for strong and consistent commitment to conservation over a considerable period of time”2006 Virginia Naturally Leadership Awards:
- Mike Overstreet, Director, DEQ Southwest Regional Office
- Hampton Roads Alliance for Environmental Education
- Joyce Buchanan, educator, for Lifetime Achievement
Schools in the News…..
Perrymont Elementary School a VaNaturally School located in Lynchburg will receive the Gold Leaf Award from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA ) for the creation of the wetland garden in the Landscape /Beautification/Environmental category . The award will be announced on Wednesday, October 4, 2006 during the ISA annual meeting in Virginia Beach . www.lynchburg.org/Schools/Pes/Default.htm
Wanted! Planters for Presquile National Wildlife Refuge
Dates include: October 3, 4, 21
Join the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay , the Audubon Society, the James River Association and Presquile National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) staff to restore 20 acres of habitat for wildlife and water quality at Presquile. Online registration at www.jamesriverassociation.org/watershed_plant.html or contact Amber Foster at 804-730-2898 x 206 or Leslie Middleton at 804-775-0951
Longwood University’s Hull Spring Farm Informal Open House
October 7, 9 am- 12 noon
Local friends are invited to learn more about Longwood’s plans for this beautiful 637 acre farm in Westmoreland County, VA during an informal open house and informational tour on October 7. Both sessions begin at the “Big House” with light refreshments and orientation of the farm. Dress is casual and wear comfortable shoes. Please register at www.LongwoodLink.com event registation page or by emailing hullspringsfarm@longwood.edu or by calling 434-395-2028.
Environmental Mile Mural at the 17 th Street Farmers Market
October 14, 9am- 2 pm or October 19, 9 am- 1 pm
Members of the Greater Richmond Environmental Education Network( GREEN ) along with the Department of Environmental Quality/ VA Office of Environmental Education and the Department of Conservation and Recreation will host an environmental mural activity on the importance of supporting local famers and local produce. The 17 th Street Farmers’ Marlet is located at 100 N. 17 th Street. Visit www.17thstreetfarmersmarket.com for more information.
Farm Field Days
October 17-18, 10 am – 1 pm, Prince William County Fairgrounds, Manassas
Prince William SWCD invites community individuals to join students and volunteers in this fun and educational event and see how much fun learning about agriculture and natural resources can be! Six different activity areas will be featured. Contact Linda Johnston at 703-594-3621 for more information and to register for lunch.
Environmental Educator Training Workshop
“Bringing the outdoors to classrooms near you”
October 24, 9 am- 3:30 pm ,Hungry Mother State Park
This free, one-day workshop sponsored by VAASWCD will provide hands-on learning activities and resource materials to people who provide environmental programs to teachers, students or scouts. Contact Dana Roberts at dana.roberts@vaswcd.org to register.
Energy Star Make a Pledge! Change a Light Campaign
VaNaturally partners are encouraged to involve and commit their organizations and schools in this campaign to save energy and the environment. The Make a Difference, Change One Lightat a Time pledge empowers organizations and its members or students to voluntarily help preserve our country's energy resources and help reduce the risks of global climate change by changing at least one light at home to one that has earned the government's ENERGY STAR for energy efficiency. Visit www.energystar.com/changealight for complete pledge information.
The Middle James Roundtable needs volunteers to assist with passing out restaurant coasters to your favorite local restaurants. The kit includes patron letters to give to local restaurants that explain this initiative and the Middle James Roundtable. Coasters provide citizens with five ways to help the James River . The group has plenty of coasters available for distribution– contact Jennifer Sidleck at Middle James Roundtable by email info@mjrt.org or call (804)-371-0991for a supply. To see a picture of the coaster, please visit - http://mjrt.org/FeaturedProject.aspx
Virginia Project Learning Tree Training for New Facilitators
November 1-3, New Kent Forestry Center
View flyer for more information.
Murray’s Fly Shop Winter Schools 2006-2007
Love to fly fish? Want to learn basics and more? Visit Murray ’s Fly Shop website for the 2006-2007 class dates. Classes are held at the store on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Call 540-984-4212 to sign up. First class offered will be: Introduction to Fly Fishing--- November 11, 2006 , Cost $20
2006 State Fair of Virginia
Mark you calendar! September 28 - October 8
The State Fair of Virginia will be moving to Meadow Farm in Caroline County next year. The new site will be a showcase for conservation of Virginia ’s natural resources. In preparation for having a strong emphasis in this area, the Fair will feature a natural resource exhibit in the Commonwealth Building . Plan to visit the exhibit,” From Chincoteague to Cumberland Gap …” State agencies will continue to display their information in the outdoor area behind the building. Visit www.statefair.com/site.asp
Virginia Department of Historic Resources
Virginia Archaeology Month 2006
Every October Virginia Archaeology Month highlights the importance of our unique archaeological resources to tourism, to education, and to understanding the past. This year the Department of Historic Resources is pleased to be joined by the Virginia Council on Indians in promoting the theme of First People: The Early Indians of Virginia, with a focus on the Commonwealth’s rich and extensive pre-European cultures. The publication by the University of Virginia Press of a second edition of Egloff and Woodruff’s volume by the same name further emphasizes this important theme.
Events ranging from exhibits, lecture series, and tours, to special hands-on children’s programs will take place at libraries, museums, historical societies, and on active archaeological sites. The Calendar of Events at www.dhr.virginia.gov/arch_NET/ArchMoCalendar_2006.htm lists these varied offerings by region. Find some near you or plan a trip further afield to join in the fun and fascination of Virginia archaeology. Contact Dee DeRoche , Chief Curator (804-367-2323 x134 or dee.deroche@dhr.virginia.gov) for further information and answers to specific questions.
Natural Resources Conservation Week
For over 20 years, Virginia has celebrated Natural Resources Conservation Week. Each year the VA Association of Soil and Water Conservation District selects a theme, prepares materials and distributes them throughout Virginia ’s 47 local conservation districts to educators and community leaders. “Water Wise” and the importance of water supply is the theme for this weeklong partnership activity running October 15-21 with Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and USDA/Natural Resources Conservation Service. Visit www.vaaswcd.org for materials and annual poster contest.
By July 2007, Virginia will have developed a 10 year Virginia Energy Plan, as tasked by Gov. Kaine and the General Assembly. Public input is welcome. Be part of Virginia ’s energy future at this symposium hosted by Virginia Military Institute Research Labs on October 17-19, at VMI, located in Lexington , Va. Visit www.energyvacon.com for full agenda, information on speakers, concurrent sessions and workshops.
2007 Virginia Environmental Stewardship Awards
Nominations Being Accepted
The Secretary of Natural Resources and the Virginia Petroleum Council (VPC) have announced that nominations are now being accepted for the Year 2007 Virginia Environmental Stewardship Awards. The environmental recognition program in its twelfth 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
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
American Geological Institute Announces 2006 Earth Science Week Toolkit
Earth Science Week 2006 will take place October 8-14. The American Geological Institute (AGI), working with government agencies and other scientific and educational organizations, has developed the 2006 Toolkit for grades K-12 and beyond focusing on "Be a Citizen Scientist." Earth Science Week is an annual event held the second week of October to promote an understanding and appreciation of the earth sciences. It is coordinated by Triangle Coalition member, the American Geological Institute, with support from the U.S. Geological Survey, the AAPG Foundation, and the National Park Service. To learn more, visit www.earthsciweek.org
PLT Premieres "Places We Live" Curriculum
Project Learning Tree (PLT) has developed new secondary EE materials to give students an awareness of the environmental, social, and economic impacts of decisions connected to community growth and change. Exploring Environmental Issues: Places We Live gets students exploring their own neighborhoods, learning about their community's development through time, and involved in local community action projects.
http://www.plt.org/cms/pages/31_41_39.html
Free EE Publication & CD
Read about schools that have raised test scores of their students by using the environment to help teach content. EETAP is offering the publication Advancing Education Through Environmental Literacy along with the accompanying CD Teaching Standards Naturally at no cost. The publication focuses on how education and the environment can be linked to advance student learning. The CD provides a sampler to 43 free EE activities linked to different grade levels. Booklet and CD produced by EETAP and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). http://eetap.org/html/free_booklet_cd.php
The Oil + Water Project
To promote the use of alternative energy, the Biofuels Education Coalition (BEC) Oil + Water Project will send a demonstration vehicle fueled by vegetables to communities for public and youth oriented demonstrations. www.oilandwaterproject.org/
What’s Your Earth Gauge™?
This is the first in a series of Earth GaugeT weather-environment tips from the National Environmental Education & Training Foundation (NEETF). Learn more about the program and browse Earth Gauge information for cities across the U.S. at www.earthgauge.net
Don't Trash Electronics
It is estimated that more than 250 million computers will become obsolete in the next five years, and that mobile phones will be thrown away at a rate of 130 million per year! Computer monitors, TVs, and other electronics that are sent to landfills contain lead, mercury, and other contaminants that can seep into groundwater supplies when it rains, putting our water quality at risk. Viewer Tip: Before throwing away old computers, televisions, or cell phones, check to see if there are recycling centers in your area. You may also consider donating electronics in working order to charities or others who can reuse them. Visit www.cleanup.org for listings of recycling and donation centers in your community. (Source: US EPA. "eCycling." www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/recycle/ecycling/index.htm )