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January 2007 News

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Funding Deadlines
Upcoming Events
Partner Updates and Resources
Your Virginia
Assorted Items of Professional Interest

Funding deadlines

Toyota Tapestry Grant Program
Deadline: January 18
Toyota Tapestry Grants are administered by National Science teachers Association (NSTA) and are available to K-12 teachers of science. www.nsta.org/programs/tapestry

National Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) Program: Request for Proposals
Application Deadline: February 2
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting proposals for the National Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) Program, a voluntary program intended to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies while leveraging Federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection, in conjunction with agricultural production. This is a nationwide competitive grants process with applications accepted from all eligible government or non-government organizations or individuals, including federally recognized tribes. www.nrcs.usda.gov/news/index.html#cigrant120506.

Next Round of Classroom Grants For Teachers, Schools
Deadline: February 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

2007 American Forest & Paper Association Recycling Awards
Application Deadline: February 16
American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) announced that entry forms and compete award descriptions are available at www.paperrecycles.org. In 2007, AF&PA will again recognize outstanding individual, business, community, and school recycling efforts. Winners will be announced during 130th Annual Paper Week at the end of March.

2006 Water Quality Improvement Fund Regional Grants Program
First Come, First Serve Basis
Application Deadline: February 23
Up to $10,000 per project is available statewide on a first come first serve basis. Eligible projects include riparian tree plantings (non-CREP areas), rain gardens, stream stabilization, stream restoration, and other tree planting projects to address non-point source pollution.

The VA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation is providing funding to DOF through the WQIF to support this program. All inquiries should be directed to DOF. The DOF Central Office contact person is Barbara White, 434-220-9041 or Barbara.White@dof.virginia.gov.

Upcoming events

York RiverState Park

Saturday, January 20

  • 10 am to 12 noon: The Junior Naturalists meet to learn about butterfly gardening and native plants.  Guest speaker is Carolyn Will, a member of the Virginia Native Plant Society plant rescue group. 
  • 5 - 7 pm: Show Me a Story:  Come on a hayride with a park ranger and hear the book "Owl Moon" about a child and her father experiencing the winter landscape.  Learn how to call for owls, and hopefully be able to see them.
  • 5- 9 pm: Astronomy viewing with the Peninsula Astronomy Club.  Learn about star clusters, constellations, distant planets, and other celestial objects while peering through powerful telescopes.  Please use parking lights when approaching viewing area. 

Contact (757) 566-3036 or charlene.talcott@dcr.virginia.gov for more information.

 

FREE Federal Grant Conference for Non-Profits and Local Governments

January 29, 10 am, LoudounCountyPublicSchoolsAdministrationBuilding

Register at http://www.house.gov/wolf/news/2007/01-04GrantsConference.html

To help nonprofit officials with the details of applying for federal grants, Rep. Frank R. Wolf, R-10th, will host a grant conference for local governments and nonprofits.  Participants will learn about the 900-plus competitive federal grants available through 26 federal agencies. Attendance is limited to the first 400 people to register.

NAAEE Announces 2007 Conference Call for Presenters

Deadline:  January 31
2007 North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Annual Conference will be held November 14-17, 2006 in Virginia Beach, VA. The theme is “Explore New Horizons for Environmental Education." Visit www.naaee.org or www.naaee.org/conference/2007-call-for-presentations

The Virginia Outdoor Writers Association, Inc.

14th Annual Youth Writing Competition

Theme: “My Most Memorable Outdoor Experience”

Deadline: January 31

The Virginia Outdoor Writer's Association, Inc. (VOWA) announces its 14th Annual Youth Writing Competition for 2006. The goal of the contest is to reward young people for excellence in communicating their personal experiences in and of the outdoors. For competition guidelines visit www.vowa.org.vt.edu/youth.html or download www.vowa.org.vt.edu/youthrtng.pdf

NOAA’s Teacher at Sea Program: A Free Teacher Research Experience

Application Deadline: January 31
The National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Teacher at Sea program, is currently accepting applications.  The Teacher at Sea program works to give teachers a clearer insight into our ocean planet and a greater understanding of maritime work and studies, and to foster an interdisciplinary educational experience that provides a unique environment for learning and teaching.  For more information please visit: http://teacheratsea.noaa.gov 

Please Save the Date! Middle James Roundtable Conference and Workshop

February 1, 10 am – 3:30 pm, Longwood University

Come hear about current and future projects and participate in some workshop training in the afternoon.  We look forward to seeing you! www.middlejamesroundtable.org/

 

Environment VA

Early Registration Deadline: February 2

Remember to sign up by February 2nd for the lowest rates on Environment Virginia 2007!  Sign up online now to save $50 over regular registration rates.  www.environmentva.org/Register/register.asp

Virginia Citizens for Water Quality Winter Meeting

February 3, 10 am- 3:30 pm, University of Virginia, Clark Hall

Let's Make an Impact! Using Volunteer Water Quality Data...

** Morning Session will be a panel discussion with Data Users.  ** Afternoon session will highlight some local initiatives on using volunteer collected water quality data.

Registration online at www.virginiacwq.org/winter2007.htm  You may also register by calling or e-mailing Stacey Brown at stacey@vasos.org or 804-615-5036.

Streams of Stewardship: A Symposium on Water Management

February 24, 10 am – 4 pm, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Presented by Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and the Virginia Society of Landscape Design. Visit www.lewisginter.org/streamsofstewardship for details and updates.

Partner updates events & resources

Welcome New Partners

VRA is Holding a License Plate Design Contest!

The Virginia Recycling Association is holding a design contest for a license plate to be offered by the VA DMV.  Other environmental license plates include Chesapeake Bay, Clean Special Fuel, Wildflower and several Wildlife plates. This new plate will show support for recycling, raise awareness, and provide funds to the VRA for its important work. What a great advertisement for recycling across the state! For more info visit www.vrarecycles.org/plate.htm  or call 888-867-1923.

Get Into the Zone…The Nature Zone

Lynchburg Recreation and Parks

Experience the wonders of nature, from local and exotic wildlife, to fascinating artifacts from the world around us.  For more program information visit www.lynchburgva.gov/parksandrec, see the brochure, or contact Kathie Driscoll KDrisc1136@aol.com

 

Your Virginia

Governor Kaine Launches “Virginia Performs” Website to Allow Citizens to Monitor State Government Performance

On January 3, Governor Timothy M. Kaine launched an interactive Web site that allows citizens to review measurable performance targets for state agencies and institutions, and to monitor how the Commonwealth measures up from region to region and compared to other states. The site www.VAperforms.virginia.gov focuses on seven key areas and outlines the state’s long-term goals for each: Economy, Education, Health and Family, Public Safety, Natural Resources, Government and Citizens, and Transportation. To read the complete press release visit www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=318

Governor Kaine Announces $5 Million in Land Conservation Grants  

 ~ Grants to help reach Governor's 400,000 acre goal~

On Dec. 7, 2006, Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced that $5 million in grants is available to localities, public bodies, and nonprofit organizations for land conservation and acquisition. The Board of Trustees for the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (VLCF) approved the grant round and is accepting applications until 5 p.m., Tuesday, January 16, 2007. Earlier this year Governor Kaine set a goal of protecting 400,000 acres by the end of his administration.

"The Virginia Land Conservation Foundation grants are a key tool in our efforts to conserve Virginia's historic lands, open spaces, and undeveloped landscapes," said Governor Kaine. "These matching funds serve as a much needed catalyst for land trusts, conservation groups, and local governments across the Commonwealth."

www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=295

A copy of the VLCF grant manual can be downloaded from the VA Department of Conservation and Recreation website at www.dcr.virginia.gov/vlcf/index.htm.  For specific questions, contact DCR's Land Conservation Coordinator Sarah Richardson at (804) 225-2048, or via email at sarah.richardson@dcr.virginia.gov.  

 

VA Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

Twenty-five schools recognized for their contribution to Virginia's environment

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries' Virginia Naturally School Recognition program honored 25 schools for their efforts during the 2005-2006 school year. The schools have made a long-term commitment to increase the environmental literacy of their students. To receive certification through the Virginia Naturally School Recognition program, schools must meet minimum requirements. The complete list of criteria may be found at www.dgif.virginia.gov or www.vanaturally.com. Each year schools have the opportunity to add to their accomplishments building on past achievements. Schools meeting the requirements receive a plaque for their first year of participation. In subsequent years, they receive colorful banners.

For more information about the School Recognition portion of Virginia Naturally, contact Wildlife Education Coordinator Suzie Gilley with the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, at 804-367-0188 or suzie.gilley@dgif.virginia.gov.

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

FREE RESOURCE…Supplies are Limited

Inconvenient Truth DVD Giveaway

Deadline: January 18

50,000 copies of An Inconvenient Truth are available to teachers in the United States. The first 50,000 teachers who apply are eligible to win. There is a limit of one DVD per teacher. All entries must be received by January 18, 2007. For the complete contest rules www.participate.net/educators/node/196

 

Invitation to Participate in Cultural Inclusiveness Initiative

Letters of interest are due by January 19, 2007

EE and other organizations working in related areas are invited to submit
letters of interest for an 18-month pilot initiative just announced by EETAP. The initiative will help build the knowledge base on EE how organizations become more culturally inclusive. Participating organizations will implement culturally inclusive practices and share their experience
with other organizations as members of a learning community. It is anticipated that this experience will provide the groundwork needed to refine strategies and tools that will assist other EE organizations in becoming more culturally inclusive. To learn more about this initiative please request the "Building More Culturally Inclusive Organizations and Programs" description from:

Sharon.Courtney@uwsp.edu    

 

"Bird Education through Conservation: A National Gathering" 

February 5-8, The Crossings, Austin, Texas

The Council for Environmental Education and Flying WILD are hosting a

conference titled "Bird Education through Conservation: A National Gathering."  

The meeting will be held from February 5-8 in Austin, Texas; at the Crossings www.thecrossingsaustin.com/ The purpose of the meeting is to provide a forum for discussion, network building, and planning to further the reach of bird education efforts in North

America. www.flyingwild.org/BirdEducationConference.htm


"From Sea to Shining Sea, Exploring America's Ocean Realms" Map and Resources

The National Geographic Society and NOAA's Office of Ocean Exploration have collaborated to create a new "ocean focused" map called "From Sea to Shining Sea, Exploring America's Ocean Realms" with 3 accompanying new online lesson plans. To access PDF and interactive versions of the map visit http://nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/15/g68/s2ssmap.pdf and

www.mcbi.org/shining_sea/s2ss_globe.htm

Online lesson plans that accompany this map include:

ABCs of Ecology®: An Educator’s Guide to Learning Outside. New Price!

Ferry Beach Ecology School shares its innovative outdoor teaching techniques with the publication of The ABCs of Ecology®: An Educator’s Guide to Learning Outside. This 230-page book is for classroom teachers, home school educators, naturalists, nature center volunteers—anyone committed to teaching children about the world in which they live. Geared primarily for upper elementary and middle school aged students, this curriculum guide includes hands-on activities organized into lessons for use as a single class period or combined to form a broader ecology unit. Order yours today for easy access to innovative ecology lessons, hands-on and experiential activities, and reproducible worksheets. Visit http://www.fbes.org/Store.html for more information about this exciting new publication or http://www.fbes.org to learn more about ecology education programs on the coast of Maine.

"Fundamentals of EE" online course

EETAP will have scholarships available for the spring 2007 offering of the "Fundamentals of EE" online course.  The spring course will be held February 5 - April 20. 

"Applied EE Program Evaluation" online course

EETAP has scholarships available for the spring 2007 offering of the "Applied EE Program Evaluation" online course.  The spring course will be held February 19 - May 4.  These scholarships are available to those holding a leadership position in EE at the community or state level (e.g. directors of EE organizations, programs or nature centers; state program coordinators for PLT, WET or WILD; state EE association board members).

More information about these courses and scholarship qualifications can be found at www.uwsp.edu/natres/rwilke/eetap .

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