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September News

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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. Register your project and get recognized for work that enhances water quality,controls invasive species, improves recreational resources, preserves historic and cultural resources,preserves natural heritage resources,educates people about recreational, historical, cultural, wildlife and water resources or improves wildlife habitat. Visit www.dcr.virginia.gov/stewardship or contact Bonnie Phillips at 804-786-5056.

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 Classroom Grants
 Deadline: September 15
 Mark your calendar as the deadline for the next round of classroom grants for meaningful watershed educational experiences. Amounts of $500, $750 and $1,000 are available. www.vanaturally.com/classroomgrants.html

The Power of Community Clean Up the World Weekend
September 15-17
Get involved! Clean Up the World Weekend is celebrated each year on the third weekend in September, motivating communities to clean up, fix up, and conserve their local environment. www.cleanuptheworld.org/

Environmental Educator Training Workshop
 “Bringing the outdoors to classrooms near you”
 September 28, Holland Ag Research Station, Suffolk
Pre- registration: September 18
 This free, one-day workshop sponsored by VAASWCD and the Peanut SWCD will provide hands-on learning activities and resource materials to people who provide environmental programs to teachers, students or scouts. Contact Tara Williams at 757-357-7004 or tara.williams@va.nacdnet.net to register.

Living Shoreline Grant Proposals
 Deadline: September 22
 The Living Shorelines Grants Program was designed to create and promote natural shoreline restoration projects, commonly known as "living shorelines," around the Chesapeake Bay . This grants program is supported by a partnership between the Chesapeake Bay Trust, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Restoration Center (NOAA) and the Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment. In 2006-2007, approximately $375,000 is available. Requests of up to $50,000 will be accepted. Requests for proposals available at www.cbtrust.org/grantprograms.html#Living

Greening Virginia Universities and Colleges
 September 26, 11:00 am- 8:00 pm , James Madison University
Register today for this one day conference. Visit www.vsbn.org for registration and sponsorship forms.

NOAA River/Coastal Community Based Restoration Grants Program
 Deadline: September 28
 The public is invited to submit proposals for funds to implement grass-roots habitat restoration projects that will benefit marine resources, including anadromous fish, under the NOAA Community-based Restoration Program. Projects funded will be expected to have strong on-the–ground habitat restoration components that provide educational and social benefits for people and communities in addition to long-term ecological habitat improvements. For more information, visit www.nmfs.noaa.gov/habitat/restoration/funding_opportunities/funding.html

National Public Lands Day
 September 30
 Participate in National Public Lands Day. This event provides an opportunity for volunteers across the nation to work together improving our public lands. Visit www.publiclandsday.org to volunteer or to register your activity or event.

Captain Planet Foundation Grants
 Remaining 2006 Application Deadlines: September 30, December 31
 Captain Planet Foundation awards are between $500 and $2,500 for schools and nonprofit organizations that develop innovative environmental projects for youth that promote cooperation, planning, and problem-solving skills. www.captainplanetfdn.org/appProcess.html

Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund 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." This year $356,000 in grant money will be awarded to eligible applicants. Grant funds will be awarded in May or June 2007.  Applications will be accepted from private not-for-profit conservation organizations, schools and universities, and governmental agencies whose projects will affect bodies of water that are located within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

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 and (804) 786-3591.

1st Annual Virginia EMS Conference
October 11-13, Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center
Promote, support and celebrate environmental management systems ( EMS ). 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

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 competitive 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 Awards
Deadline: 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

The Remarkable Trees of Virginia Project
Deadline: October 31
The Remarkable Trees project seeks to increase public understanding and appreciation for trees in our communities. Citizens are invited to nominate trees on-line, where they will be posted for the world to enjoy. Approximately 100 trees will be featured in a book to be published in 2008. Trees can be a remarkable for their size, beauty, age, historic significance, community significance or for some other unique reason. For more information visit: www.cnr.vt.edu/4h/remarkabletree/index.cfm . Nominations accepted until October 31, 2006.

2006 Professional Development Institute
"Nature of Science"  
November 16-18, Richmond Marriott Hotel  
The Virginia Association of Science Teachers 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.

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

Partner updates events & resources

Welcome New Partners

HRAEE’s Community Educator Awards
 Congratulations to Hampton Roads Alliance for Environmental Education’s 2006 Community Education Awardees:

  • Increasing Communications: Virginia Living Museum – Scoop the Poop
  • Fostering Partnerships: Virginia Beach Clean Community Commission – Earth Day at Mt. Trashmore
  • Big Things: John Sammons – Public School Teacher; City of Chesapeake

Visit http://www.vanaturally.com/hraee/homepage.html for more award winners.

The Virginia 4-H Forestry Judging Team
 The Virginia 4-H Forestry Judging Team placed second in national competition at Jackson 's Mill State 4-H Camp in Weston, W. VA.   Team members compete in tree identification, tree measurements, compass and pacing, map reading, insect and disease identification, forest evaluation, a written exam and more. For more information about 4-H forestry projects and activities, please see: www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/eenr.html

Fort Defiance High School wins national environmental education contest Congratulations to the Virginia Team, Fort Defiance High School representing the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the Headwaters Soil and Water Conservation District. The team won the national contest involving high school students from across the U.S. and Canada in North America 's largest high school environmental education competition. Participants learned about environmental issues affecting natural resources as they competed for awards in the 2006 Canon Envirothon. This is the eleventh year Virginia has participated in the Envirothon Program. To read the press release in its entirety visit: www.vaswcd.org/

 Schools in the News…..
  VA DEQ P2 Program recognizes Albemarle County Public Schools for committing to implement a system-wide Environmental Management System (EMS). In doing so, the school system became the first school division to be accepted as a participant in the DEQ’s Virginia Environmental Excellence Program (VEEP). VEEP provides positive recognition and other incentives to facilities actively implementing pollution prevention based EMSs. The school division has committed to developing and maintaining an ongoing system for improving its overall environmental performance.  The school Board officially adopted an Environmental Management Policy in January of 2006 that includes a commitment to compliance with environmental requirements, pollution prevention and continual overall environmental improvement. As part of its EMS , the school division has developed an electronic waste (e-waste) recycling program, a Chemical Hygiene Plan for Instructional Areas, a refrigerant management plan, and a number of standard operating procedures and training programs that aid in ensuring compliance and pollution prevention. http://k12.albemarle.org

Wanted! Planters for Presquile National Wildlife Refuge
 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. Dates include: September 9, 11, 22, 23, 30 and October 3,4,21. www.vanaturally.com/partner_resources/pdf/presquile.pdf

Online registration at www.www.jamesriverassociation.org/watershed_plant.html or contact Amber Foster at 804-730-2898 x 206 or Leslie Middleton at 804-775-0951. Add Jennifer’s link to flier on VaN website

Chesapeake Bay Foundation- Hampton Roads Office GREEN Breakfast
“OysterRestoration in Virginia”
September 9, 8:30 am, Norfolk Fitness & Wellness Center
Mark Lukenbach of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science is the guest speaker. He will be discussing oyster restoration, non-native introductions and the development of aquaculture. Please RSVP by calling 757-622-1964.

Lynnhaven River 2007 and Nature Photography Lecture
September 13, 7- 8 pm, Plaza Middle School Auditorium
Do you enjoy nature photography? If so, come learn four photographers’ secrets to getting great nature photos. Our panel of photographers will share photography tips as well as suggestions on great spots in Frist Landing State park on the Lynnhaven River for nature photos. For more informatin and to register contact Karen Forget at 757-962-5398 or kforget@lynnhaven2007.com

Virginia Society of Naturalists Meeting
 September 19, 7 pm , Science Museum of Virginia
Members and their guests are encouraged to share photos and specimens highlighting their summer exploits in Virginia and beyond. Be sure to bring any new books that you think might be of interest to the group. Have a mystery specimen in need of identification? Bring it along to the meeting; someone in attendance is bound to know its identity! Need help with a research project? Here is your opportunity to solicit the assistance of other members of the natural history community! The VSN September Show-and-Tell is not to be missed! Call Art Evans at 804-264-0488 or arthurevans@verizon.netNote: The October 17 meeting of the VSN will be held in the Education Building at the Ivy Creek Natural Area in Charlottesville .

2006 Virginia Naturally 5K
September 23, Pony Pasture Rapids, James River Park System
Race proceeds benefit the Virginia Junior Academy of Science. Walkers welcome too! For more information and the registration form visit www.vanaturally.com/race.doc ; www.vjas.org or www.envirsol.com/resources/index.php

Virginia Waterways Cleanup Day
 Volunteers Needed
 Last fall, more than 4500 volunteers helped clean Virginia ’s rivers, streams and beaches as part of Virginia ’s Waterways Cleanup Day. From Virginia ’s beaches to its mountains, cleanup events are being scheduled throughout September and October 2006. Clean Virginia Waterways (CVW), which organizes this annual cleanup, has a website to post activities and volunteer opportunities. Visit www.longwood.edu/cleanva/iccsitesva06.htm or call CVW at 434-395-2602.

Your Virginia

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 Tourism
 Fall in Virginia ….Come and enjoy its natural beauty
 Fall is the season for walking outdoors in ideal conditions — clean, crisp air, colorful fall foliage — and plenty of interesting tours luring you outdoors. Visit www.virginia.org/fall/ for a complete list of walking tours, events and activities across the state.

Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
 The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries reminds all schools that it is time to begin planning to become a Virginia Naturally Recognized School. Each fall, schools are recognized for their efforts during the previous school year to include environmental education and stewardship into their classes. Applications are due at the end of the school year but it is not to early to plan. To assist schools in the process of becoming better environmental stewards, the September issue of the department’s Virginia Wildlife magazine features schools recognized in the past along with a few “how tos”. Throughout the school year a different school will be highlighted with a article and pictures of how they met the criteria to become a VaNaturally School. The application and criteria can be found at www.dgif.virginia.gov/education/van_school_recognition.html There are currently 65 VaNaturally schools.

Back issues of the Virginia Wildlife magazine that feature VaNaturally Schools are available for $2.00. Contact Lee Walker, the magazine’s editor at lee.walker@dgif.virginia.gov or 804-367-3621.

This natural resource agency is responsible for the management of inland fisheries, wildlife, and recreational boating for the Commonwealth of Virginia . For What’s New information at the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries please visit www.dgif.virginia.gov/

Virginia Water Monitoring Council
 The Virginia Water Monitoring Council is coordinating the World Water Monitoring Day activities in Virginia . Information on events in your watershed can be found at the Virginia Water Monitoring Day 2006 website http://va.water.usgs.gov/wqday_06/watermonitoring06.htm Water Monitoring kits are provided to schools and organizations, free of charge while supplies last with funding from Virginia Water Monitoring Council, VA DEQ, and the U.S. Geological Survey ( Virginia Water Science Center ). To order kit (s), contact Patricia Carpin at VA DEQ by email at pmcarpin@deq.virginia.gov The kits are for groups that want to participant in World Water Monitoring Day but do not have monitoring equipment.

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

Student Action Project Training
 Chesapeake Classrooms Course 6 (CC-6)
 October 5, 9 am -3 pm , Science Museum of VA
 Participants will write a simple grant, use CBF or web-based protocols to complete any of the following restoration projects: rain garden, tree micro-nursery, wild flower meadow or rain barrel. Ways to connect student restoration projects to field investigations and curriculum standards and developing a school site restoration plan also included. To sign up, contact Cindy Duncan, Teacher Professional Development Coordinator, at cduncan@cbf.org or 804-241-3178.

EPA’s Make a Difference Campaign
 Make a Difference in Your School – A How-to Guide for Engaging Students in Resource Conservation and Waste Reduction
 The EPA has developed this guide to provide advice, ideas, and inspiration to teachers, school administrators and others for planning a hands-on, environmental day. Many of the tips and ideas in the guide come from actual “Make a Difference Day” events that were supported by EPA. “Make a Difference Day” activities engage students in learning about reducing waste, reusing materials instead of throwing them away, recycling, composting, and conserving natural resources. Your “Make a Difference Day” can include other environmental topics as well,such as water quality, biodiversity, or ecosystems.

To order Make a Difference in Your School – A How-to Guide for Engaging Students in Resource Conservation and Waste Reduction (Document # EPA-530-K-06-003) please contact the National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP) on the Internet at www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/pub-p, by email at ncepimal@one.net, by phone 1-800-490-9198 or (513) 489-8190 or by mail U.S. EPA/NSCEP P.O. Box 42419 Cincinnati, Ohio 45242-0419. You may also download the document at www.epa.gov/epaoswer/education/pdfs/mad-guide.pdf

For more information on EPA’s “Make a Difference” campaign, go to www.epa.gov/epaoswer/education/mad.htm or contact Mike Giuranna, Solid Waste Specialist

EPA, Region III at 215-814-3298              

Reading Roundup- Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 by NSTA
 Visit www.nsta.org/ostbc for a comprehensive list of outstanding science trade books for students K-12. They were selected by a book review panel appointed by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and assembled in cooperation with the Children's Book Council (CBC). NSTA and CBC have cooperated on this bibliographic project since 1973.

Biography Of Conservation Pioneer Enos Mills
 Filter Press announces a new biography, Enos Mills: Rocky Mountain Naturalist, by Colorado storyteller, outdoorsman, and award-winning author John Stansfield.  Includes bonus sections providing detailed descriptions of the natural environments Mills explored and nature activities from his Trail School , perfect to enliven family outings. 
www.filterpressbooks.com/item546979.ctlg

Environmental Education Station
 This newly updated site provides an abundance of teaching materials geared toward environmental and resource economics, a photo library, and links to hot environmental topics. www.ees.cc/

New Play Offered to Schools for Earth Day 2007
Walden: The Ballad of Thoreau is a new theatrical play about the last two days Henry David Thoreau spent in his cabin at Walden Pond . Sponsored by Walden Woods and American Forests , the play will be provided free of charge to 10,000 high schools and colleges in the USA and Canada as an Earth Day 2007 event. http://woodsongs.com/waldenplay/walden-description.asp

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