May News
NAAEE 36th Annual Conference
Funding Sources and Upcoming Deadlines
Upcoming Events
Partner Updates and Resources
Your Virginia
Assorted Items of Professional Interest
NAAEE 36 th Annual Conference, Virginia Beach Convention Center
Hotel information is now posted on the website. www.naaee.org/conference/hotel-travel
Funding sources and upcoming deadlines
Plan now to participate in Stewardship Virginia
April 1- May 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.virginia.gov/stewardship or contact Bonnie Phillips at 804-786-5056.
VaNaturally School Recognition Program
Applications Accepted: May 1- June 30
Virginia Naturally Schools is the official environmental education school recognition program of the Commonwealth, administered by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries with support from the Department of Education, Department of Environmental Quality and other resource agencies. Schools may submit applications between May 1 and June 30 of each school year. The recognition will be awarded in the following school year. For application and other information visit: www.dgif.virginia.gov/education/van_school_recognition.html#applications or contact Suzie Gilley at (804) 367-0188 or Suzie.Gilley@dgif.virginia.gov
Virginia Wildlife Magazine features different VaNaturally Schools in each monthly issue. www.dgif.virginia.gov/va-wildlife/index.html
Virginia Association of Science Teachers (VAST)
Call for Proposals
Deadline: May 15
The annual professional development institute for VAST will be held in Williamsburg , VA in early November. Proposals are being accepted through May 15. Contact Robin Curtis with questions at sciants40@msn.com. Click here to download the proposal form.
In addition, VAST has two opportunities for science educators to publish science related articles. One is for The Science Educator, a quarterly newsletter that goes out to the VAST membership. The other is the new online journal, Journal of Science Education. www.vast.org
2007 Water Quality Improvement Fund Request for Proposals
Deadline: May 15
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has funds for state projects addressing nonpoint source pollution in urban, suburban and rural developed lands. DCR will be hosting six statewide workshops for interested applicants that offer an overview of eligible project categories. For a complete version of the 2007 WQIF proposals and detailed workshop schedules visit: www.dcr.virginia.gov/soil_&_water/wqia.shtml
Help us celebrate American Wetlands Month!
Environmental Concern presents its 3rd annual Write-On! Wetlands Challenge!!
PART II: The Illustrator's Challenge
Deadline: May 18
Environmental Concern is looking for elementary student artists to submit drawings to illustrate a new book. Each drawing must be colorful and original. The artists may use any medium – paints, crayons, colored pencils…etc. Pictures will be chosen for their creativity, artistic quality, and correlation to the page and story. For more information, visit www.wetland.org or email wow@wetland.org or call (410) 745-9620.
2007 Virginia/West Virginia Water Research Symposium
Call for Presenters
Deadline: June 8
The Virginia Water Resources Research Center and West Virginia Water Research Institute are seeking presenters for the symposium to be held November 28-29, 2007 at The Inn at Virginia Tech and the Skelton Conference Center . Basic and applied research papers are solicited in all areas related to water and the environment (natural sciences, policy, and socio-economic issues). Researchers from colleges and universities, federal and state agencies, private organizations, consulting firms and other are invited to present papers and to lead workshops. For paper and workshop submission, visit www.vwrrc.vt.edu or contact Jane Walker at janewalk@vt.edu
May is American Wetlands Month
During the month of May, we will celebrate American Wetlands Month, focusing on the economic benefits that wetlands provide. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) joins with other federal, state and local agencies and private partners to recognize the wonderful ways that wetlands enrich the environment and society. Events are scheduled all across the country to educate and involve Americans in better understanding the importance of one of Earth’s most valuable and fragile ecosystems. Visit www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/awm/ and the Izaak Walton League of America’s website at www.iwla.org for activities. Information about wetlands is available at www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands.
Help protect wetlands on your property and in your community! Help restore degraded wetlands! "Restoring Virginia's Wetlands - A Citizen's Toolkit" is available at www.deq.state.va.us/wetlands/pdf/restoringvawetlandstoolkit.pdf
Spring Smithsonian Seminar Series
Conservation and Research Center , Front Royal, Virginia , 7 pm
May 2:
- The Florida Manatees of Crystal River
Ryan Berger has studied the seasonal dispersion and behavior patterns of the manatees with regards to spring presence, vegetation abundance, and human activities. He will share his experiences studying the manatees and the findings of his work that may help to protect the future of the species. - May 9: The Reluctant Field Conservationist
John Watkin has spent 13 years working with Conservation International on a variety of conservation projects throughout East and Central Africa . From being in the midst of gorillas to chasing rhinos, falling out of the sky and avoiding being chomped by various species, John has a wealth of anecdotes which have to be heard to be believed. www.nationalzoo.si.edu
The State of High Performance Schools in Virginia Symposium
May 3, 9 am – 4:30 pm , Henrico County Western Gov. Center
Today, schools are increasingly going green -- planting gardens, installing solar panels, following environmentally sound construction guidelines, using eco-friendly cleaning products and educating students on environmental issues.
Ultimately, all this provides a healthier learning environment, which in turn improves student learning. As an added bonus, energy costs go down and the Earth is better off. Virginia Sustainable Network invites you to participate in this symposium on “greening” schools in Virginia . Visit www.vsbn.org or www.vsbn.org/docs/20070503_highperf_reg.pdf to register.
The 17th Street Farmers” Market Open for the 2007 Season
May 3, 8:30 am – 2 pm
Support your local Farmers' Market www.vdacs.virginia.gov/vagrown/ for access to the freshest, best-tasting and most nutritious produce, eggs, meats, cheeses, baked goods and other prepared foods as well as locally handmade crafts. You're conserving energy through reducing shipping costs, eliminating the "middle man" and supporting your local economy - who knew so much could be done all by shopping at the 17th Street Farmers' Market!. www.17thstreetfarmersmarket.com/
The Hampton Roads Environmental Sustainability Forum
May 5, 9:30 am - 6:00 pm , Blair Middle School , Norfolk
Creating the Future of Environmental Sustainabilityin HamptonRoads, Here and Now!
This full day forum is open to the public and encourages all interested parties to participate in addressing the many issues of Sustainability in Hampton Roads as well as the opportunity to develop strategic partnerships in putting values into action. The day will be guided by a meeting format called Open Space Technology where participants co-create the agenda early in the forum, with an opportunity to address anything and everything related to the topic of Sustainability. Proceeds to benefit the LEED Green Building Expansion at the Ernie Morgan Center , Lafayette Park . All ages are welcome as the event is open to everyone including children under 16, so long as accompanied by an adult. Registration is recommended by May 1st. www.norfolkbeautiful.org or www.bothworldsconsulting.com.
Cleaning of the Dan River
May 5, 10 am – 1 pm
Volunteers of all ages welcome. Join the Danville Science Center and the Outdoor recreation division of Danville ’s Department of Parks and Recreation to clean the body of water running through the heart of Danville , the Dan River . The program is a part of the Stewardship Virginia campaign and each participant will receive a signed letter of appreciation from the governor for his/her efforts. Meet at the Danville Science Center at the Crossing at the Dan promptly at 10 a.m. Please wear long pants and bring gloves. No fee. Pre-registration requested. www.dsc.smv.org/DSCevents.htm
Introduction to Earth Force and Water Monitoring for Teachers
May 8 , 3:30 – 5:30 , Buddie Ford Nature Center , Alexandria
Have you heard about Capital Region Earth Force and did not know what it was or how to get involved? Do you have colleagues in your school that you would like to engage in GREEN ? Interested in monitoring with your students but don't know how to get started? Come to this classroom and field introduction to the GREEN program to learn how you can integrate water monitoring into your plans for the 2007-2008 school year! Water monitoring supplies will be provided on a first come, first serve basis! To register contact Jennifer McDonnell at jmcdonnell@earthforce.org
Build Your Own Rain Barrel
“Train the Trainer” Workshop
Become a trainer, learn how to build a rain barrel, and take a free one home!
May 8, 1 - 4 pm , Maymont Park , Education Center , Richmond
No Registration Fee. Open to volunteers & staff of nonprofit groups who will plan a “Build Your Own Rain Barrel” workshop in the future for citizens. Limited enrollment — sign up today! Contact Katie Register with Clean Virginia Waterways at cleanva@longwood.edu or 434-395-2602.
Back Bay Restoration Riparian Buffer Planting Projects
Volunteer by May 9
Volunteers are needed to help protect the waters of Back Bay with three riparian buffer planting projects. For details, planting locations, dates and times contact Susan Admire at 757-426-3643 or email her at bbrf@verizon.net
Virginia Food Security Summit
Grow Jobs, Build Health, Protect Land
May 11, 8:45 am – 4:30 pm , University of VA Alumni Hall, Charlottesville
State and national speakers will address why and how Virginia can become more food-secure. You will hear practical ideas, proven lessons from other states, policies and incentives to consider, and more. Building new local and regional markets for Virginia 's food makes good sense. Fresh, healthy food is bringing people together from all corners of the Commonwealth: farmers who want to pass their farms on to their children; parents, doctors and schools who are concerned with childhood obesity and diet-related disease; people who want to find and grow jobs for stable local economies; restaurants, schools and hospitals that are looking for sources of fresh, local food; and people trying to protect open space and working farms. For more information, contact us at 434-924-0263 or annwhitham@virginia.edu
Great Dismal Swamp Birding Festival
May 11-13
The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge will celebrate International Migratory Bird Day with its first three day festival. This family friendly event is free and open to the public and will offer guides bird walks for all ages, narrated bird tours, bird banding demonstrations, bluebird house building and night time owl hoots. For a complete schedule of events visit www.fws.gov/northeast/greatdismalswamp or call the refuge office at 757-986-3705.
Annual International Migratory Bird Celebration
May 12, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Assateague Island , VA
This event recognizes the Eastern Shore of Virginia and its wetlands as a vital migration area for migratory birds along the Atlantic Coastal Flyway. www.assateagueisland.com/birdwatching/birdwatching.htm
Gallop 4 the Greenways
5k Run/Walk
May 12, 5 pm, Roanoke’s Elmwood Park
Valley Forward is sponsoring this event to benefit Roanoke Valley Greenways. For more information on the event or to register, visit www.valleyforward.net
Northern Neck ”Down on the Farm Tour”
May 12, 9 am – 3 pm
Celebrate the Bounty of the Land and Water
As part of the Northern Neck’s rich farming and fishing heritage, the farmers and watermen of the Northern Neck cordially invite you to spend a day “Down on the Farm.” Don’t miss this FREE, all day family fun event. See displays of modern farm equipment and discover their uses. Enjoy a hay ride. Watch and learn from experts in forestry, land conservancy, and farming. Learn about the Chesapeake Bay Oyster, how it grows and how it gets to the kitchen table. www.ssentinel.com/Pages/events.html#May
Northern Neck Land Conservancy Field Day
May 12, 1- 4 pm , Shiloh School
The Northern Neck Land Conservancy (NNLC) will host a family outing where land meets water. Learn about Best Management Practices; native plants, wildflowers and shorelines plantings; Bay restoration; talk trash and pollution; habitat for birds and what to do about oil spills at your dock. Visit www.nnconserve.org/shilohfield07.htm for complete details.
Shenandoah Valley EE Alliance Planning Meeting
May 14, Mary Baldwin College , Staunton
Several regions around the state have established alliances or teams of local EE organizations www.vanaturally.com/networks.html. These groups are not new programs, just alliances of organizations with similar goals. The purpose of this planning meeting is to propose an alliance in the Shenandoah Valley .The group could cover the I-81 corridor area and would likely only need to meet a few times a year. The main purpose would be to share with each other: our programs; types and dates of activities; our successes and our failures; ideas for improving programs, and possible joint efforts (i.e. grants, projects, dissemination, etc). We are doing good things now... Working together, we can really make a difference! Contact Tamra Willis twillis@mbc.edu or Betty Gatewood bgatewoo@mbc.edu for more information.
Alleghany Highlands Environmental Council Meeting
May 15, 2 pm, Old Dairy building, Warm Springs
The regional Alleghany Highlands Environmental Council will hold a bi-monthly meeting. Contact Sally Johnson, VHS Trust sjohnson@homesteadpreserve.com for the meeting agenda.
Virginia Society of Naturalists
May 15, 7:30-9:30 pm , Science Museum of Virginia
Hear the Whistle Blow-Turtles on the Tracks," with Dr. Christian d'Orgeix, Professor of Biology, Virginia State University . For more information visit www.virginianaturalists.org/Meetings.htm or contact Art Evans at 804-264-0488 or by email arthurevans@verizon.net
Bedford County Landowner’s Meeting
May 17, 7 pm , Moneta/Smith Mountain Lake Library
Bedford Citizens for Land Preservation and the Western Virginia Land Trust are sponsoring a landowner meeting for anyone with 100 acres or more. Come and hear from people who have protected their land with conservation easements. www.bedfordpreservation.org/
Third Thursday Brown Bag
May 17, 12 pm -1 pm , Jefferson-Madison Regional Library, Charlottesville
The Rivanna Conservation Society invites the public to bring lunch and learn about the Rivanna River . The subject for May is James River Sojourn. Leslie Middleton, Senior Program Coordinator for the Chesapeake Bay Alliance will provide details of the upcoming James River Sojourn and share with participants the various opportunities to become involved in the program. This year the Rivanna Conservation Society will host the launch of the Sojourn from a portage on the Rivanna River in Palmyra . For a complete list of all monthly meetings and topics click on www.deq.virginia.gov/vanaturally/rcs_brownbag.doc
For questions or suggestions for a Brown Bag topic, contact Robbi Savage, at exec@rivannariver.org or call 434-97 RIVER .
Endangered Species Day is May 18
Endangered Species Day is an ideal opportunity to learn more about threatened/endangered plant and animal species and celebrate success stories in endangered species protection and recovery. Visit www.stopextinction.org/endangeredspeciesday for more information and resource materials.
Nauticus Kayak Trips
May 20, 2-5 pm
Explore and compare natural and man-made shorelines from a kayak while waterfowl fly above and fish break the water below. Paddlers of all skills are welcome. This trip will teach about the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay and the role it plays in our daily lives. These trips will be led by Jill Bieri, founder of Chesapeake Experience, Inc., to pursue the goal of educating the local population about the Chesapeake Bay through meaningful field experiences. Register now! Space is limited. Adults and children age 6 and up are welcome. Additional dates are available for large groups. For more information and to register call 757-664-1000.
James River Regional Cleanup Day
June 9, 9 am - 1 pm
It’s your river. Enjoy it. Care for it.
The cleanup is regional effort to involve the community in cleaning more than 50 miles of the James, including sites in Chesterfield , Henrico, Powhatan, Goochland, Cumberland and Charles City counties, as well as Richmond . The James River Advisory Council (JRAC) www.jamesriveradvisorycouncil.com heads organizational efforts for the cleanup.
Partner updates events & resources
Welcome New Partners
- BothWorlds Consulting
- Chesapeake Experience, Inc.
- Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
- Northern Neck SWCD
- Tidewater RC&D Council
America’s 400th Anniversary
May 11-13
Volunteers needed. A variety of opportunities are available where volunteers must be able to work at least 5 hours or the length of the assignment which ever is shorter. Event volunteers will provide public and behind the scenes support for the events of the 400th Anniversary. If you would like to personally get involved in the commemoration, organizers are looking for volunteers for the remaining Signature Events. Call (757) 220-7078 or visit www.Americas400thanniversary.com for more information.
VA Department of Forestry
Be a fire wise community in Virginia www.firewisevirginia.org
Virginia Arts Festival
The 11 th Annual Virginia Arts Festival will be held April 17- June 2. With venues throughout the 50-mile region, extending from Williamsburg to Virginia Beach, the Virginia Arts Festival hosts top-flight artists from around the world in classical music, dance, theater, world music and jazz, along with the annual Chamber Music series, led by André-Michel Schub. The Virginia International Tattoo, a signature festival event, features more than 850 performers, including military bands, massed pipes and drums, dancers, acrobats, and more. Come out and experience the arts! www.virginiaartsfest.com
Virginia Celebrates with Style
Enjoy Wine Tasting, Artwork and a day of music at the historic Locust Grove Farm in Walkerton - King and Queen County on June 9 from 10 am until 5 pm. Artists and Virginia Farm Wineries will be attending the event on the bluffs of the Mattaponi River at Locust Grove Farm. www.locustgrove1665.com/
Virginia Fishing and Boating
When it comes to opportunities to wet a fishing line and or spend a day on the water, a visit to one of Virginia ’s urban lakes, ponds or rivers may be just the ticket. Whether you’re after bass, bluegill, catfish or trout, Virginia ’s water resources provide an excellent atmosphere for family outings and introducing young children to the sport of fishing. www.takemefishing.org
A Look at Virginia Agriculture
This page provides students and teachers an overview profile of Virginia and its agricultural products. www.agclassroom.org/kids/stats/virginia.pdf
Summer Camps in Virginia
For a complete listing of summer camps in Virginia visit www.summer-camps.virginia.cc/
Governor’s Natural Resources Leadership Summit Outcomes
Lat fall, Governor Kaine hosted a leadership summit to focus on natural resources issues. The outcomes of that summit- and the priorities Governor Kaine identified for the next three years- can be found at www.naturalresources.virginia.gov/Initiatives/LeadershipSummit2006/
2007 Natural Resources Board Appointment
The Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Office and the Secretary of Natural Resources’ Office are beginning the process to present recommendations to Governor Kaine for him to fill upcoming vacancies on the Natural Resources boards and commissions. There are several open seats on our various boards and we would like your input on the boards relative to your operations and interests. If you have candidates you would like to recommend for specific board seats, we welcome your letters of reference. Please keep in mind that submitting a candidate’s name in no way guarantees that candidate’s appointment to a board or commission. For information and applications www.commonwealth.virginia.gov/StateGovernment/Appointments/appointments.cfm.
Governor Kaine seeks the best and brightest of Virginia 's citizens to serve on boards and commissions regardless of race, gender, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, political affiliation or disability. Please keep this in mind when submitting your recommendations. If you have any questions, please contact Kimberly Bowers kimberly.bowers@governor.virginia.gov or Missy Neff missy.neff@governor.virginia.gov
More 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
National Science Teacher Association April/May 2007 Journals Feature EE
The April/May 2007 issues of NSTA journals are all about environmental education. NSTA Members can access articles from all four of NSTA's grade-specific journals online and nonmembers can read one free article from each journal every month. www.nsta.org
For a current list of Summer Professional Development Opportunities for educators, please visit www.vanaturally.com/summer.html
Fundamentals of Environmental Education Online Course
A 6-week online course about the fundamentals of environmental education will be offered this summer between June 25 and August 8. The course is appropriate for both classroom teachers and for non-formal educators who work with students and/or teachers. The cost for this 3-credit hour course is $570.00.
The "Fundamentals of Environmental Education" online course was developed by the Environmental Education and Training Partnership (EETAP) in collaboration with national EE experts. It provides educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to incorporate quality environmental education into their instruction. Participants discuss the history, definition, and goals of environmental education; develop an understanding of the professional roles and instructional methods of environmental educators; and interact with other educators from across the country. Past course participants have given the course excellent reviews.
For more information on registration, please visit the University of Richmond summer school web site at: http://summer.richmond.edu/school/ You may also contact the instructor, Patricia Stohr-Hunt, at pstohrhu@richmond.edu for additional information.
What is a Rain Garden?
Rain gardens can be an integral part of our storm water management and environmental approach. Their use doesn't involve a lot of centralized planning. They don't require much space, can be fitted into oddball shapes, and can readily added to existing buildings. They look nice, and you don't need to be an engineer to build one. Anyone can make a rain garden -- including you! www.dof.virginia.gov/rfb/rain-gardens.shtml
Environmental Education Saves the Day
Becoming a Project Learning Tree (PLT)-certified school unified faculty, boosted student achievement, and saved one school from closure. Read the full article.
Education Reporting, Inc.
Education Reporting, Inc. facilitates the voices of teachers, education stakeholders, and parents in improving education and integrating "green" education into class curriculum. Education tools offered include symposiums, polls, free document downloads, free report card services, current research and data, and comprehensive resources about what is happening in K-12 learning communities. http://educationreporting.com/GreenSchoolSymposium.aspx