October News
Special Feature: NAAEE 36th Annual Conference
Funding Sources and Upcoming Deadlines
Upcoming Events
Partner Updates and Resources
Your Virginia
Assorted Items of Professional Interest
Fun Fact
Note: Virginia’s annual Environmental Education Conference and partners meeting will not be held this year. We will be participating in the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Annual Conference in Virginia Beach , VA on Nov. 14-17, 2007 . We encourage anyone interested in environmental education to attend this professional development to learn the latest in research, pedagogy, curriculum and other resources for teaching about the environment.
Conference Guide and Registration
Visit www.naaee.org/conference
VaNaturally Partner Meeting and Coffee
Sat., Nov. 17, 9:30 - 11:30 am, Sequoia Room, Doubletree Hotel
Important updates regarding regional teams, grant funding, and professional development. Virginia 's new leadership initiative will be unveiled. Download meeting agenda at www.vanaturally.org/naaee.html
Authors Corner
Come meet and interact with a variety of Virginia authors the NAAEE conference on Friday, November 16 from 12 noon - 2 pm in the exhibit hall.
Funding sources and upcoming deadlines
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.virginia.gov/stewardship or contact Bonnie Phillips at 804-786-5056.
2007 Virginia Association of Science Teachers (VAST) Professional Development Institute
Nov. 8-10, Williamsburg Marriott
Register by October 11
For complete list of sessions and registration information, visit www.vast.org .
Healthy Sprouts Awards
Deadline: October 15
The National Gardening Association Healthy Sprouts Award helps support the growth of health-focused school and youth garden programs that teach about nutrition and the issue of hunger in the United States . To be eligible, a school or organization must plan to garden in 2008 with at least 15 children, ages three to eighteen. http://assoc.garden.org
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
National Gardening Association Youth Garden Grants
Deadline: November 1
The Home Depot will sponsor the 2008 youth garden grants. Priority will be given to programs that emphasize one or more of these elements: educational focus or curricular/program integration; nutrition or plant-to-food connections; environmental awareness/education; entrepreneurship; and social aspects of gardening. www.kidsgardening.com/YGG.asp
Deadline: November 1
The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) is accepting nominations open to all exemplary historic preservation and heritage tourism efforts meeting award program criteria. www.preserveamerica.gov/
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
Virginia Environmental Endowment
Virginia Mini-Grant Program
Deadline: Dec. 1
The Virginia Mini-Grant Program has enabled thousands of citizens to become actively involved in solving environmental problems in their own hometowns. With grants of $5,000 or less, schools have initiated environmental science courses and outdoor classroom projects, volunteers have monitored water quality in dozens of local streams and rivers, and communities have developed innovative strategies to ensure environmental quality is improved in their community. www.vee.org/mini.cfm
Rain Barrel Make & Take Workshop
Oct. 6, 9-11 am , Henrico County Human Services Bldg.
For Henrico County residents only
Learn about water conservation and make a rain barrel to use at your home. Interested participants are encouraged to register by June 15. To register, contact Dee Donnelly, Henrico County Recreation and Parks at 804-501-5147. This event is sponsored by Henricopolis Soil and Water Conservation District.
Virginia Environmental Assembly
Oct. 6, 9 am – 10 pm, College of William and Mary
Visit www.vcnva.org/2007veassembly.php for an up to date agenda. Jeff Barrie, director of Kilowatt Ours, has been confirmed to speak on his journey from filmmaker to activist. His movie will screen that night as part of the Wild & Scenic Film Fest, which is open to the wider campus and community.www.vcnva.org/2007veassembly.php#Exhibit
A Celebration of the Land We Love and the Waters that Surround Us
Oct. 6, 5 - 11pm , Historic Salt Grove on the Shores of Cherrystone Creek
- Savor clams and oysters steamed by local watermen.
- Enjoy fresh from the farm food & down home barbecue.
- Sip award-winning Eastern Shore wines, brews for beer connoisseurs.
- Sit a spell on a charming “B & B porch” while Shore carvers share their craft and tell their tales.
- Come face to face with our intriguing past as historic Shore figures mingle with the crowd.
- Discover the wonders that lie just around the creek’s bend with professional eco-tour guides.
- Celebrate the sounds of the Shore with local musicians. For tickets and information visit: www.lureoftheshore.com or Eastern Shore Tourism Commission at 757-787-8268,
Alice Ferguson Foundation’s Trash Free Potomac Watershed Initiative
Trash Free Rountables, Join the Action!
Oct.1 and Oct. 23
A series of roundtables are scheduled to address a regional anti-litter public education camapign for this watershed. The objectives are to challenge regional leaders to work collaboratively; to bring together key stakeholders to research and explore alternative, innovative, cost-effective solutions that will have long-term impact;and improve general public education and awareness that can shift individual behaviors. www.fergusonfoundation.org and www.trashfreepotomac.org
October is Energy Awareness Month
Make your community more energy aware with special activities or participating in the Change a Light, Change the World Campaign. This campaign focuses on many people making small changes to make a big impact. Visit www.need.org for a free expanded NEED Teacher’s Guide with curriculum and activities.
Environmental Festival
Oct. 13, 10 am – 2 pm, Miles J. Jones Elementary School
Families are invited to enjoy environmental activites that coorelate to the Virginia Standards of Learning. Contact Tammy Parece at parecete@vcu.edu or call 804-897-2374 for more information.
Workshop for Families
Oct. 20, 10-11:30 am, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Pre-k and elementary age childen with an accompanying adult will explore monthly seasonal themes through graden discovery and hands-on activities that encourage families to connect with the natural world. Register online at www.lewisginter.org
Rain Barrel Workshops for Homeowners
- Oct. 13, 10 am – 12:30 pm , Tuscarora Creek Park in Leesburg
- Oct. 20, 10 am - 12:30 pm , Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve in Leesburg
The Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District in partnership with the Town of Leesburg and Loudoun County Parks and Recreation will be presenting 3 workshops where homeowners can learn more about the benefits of rain barrels and make one to take home. Participants are reminded to dress appropriately as they will be constructing their barrel. There will be a $35 charge per barrel, and pre-registration is required. A special thank-you goes to Mt. Olive Pickle Works and Clean Virginia Waterways , affiliated with Longwood University in Farmville. For more information, please call 703-777-2075.
Project Learning Tree PreK – 8 Workshop
Oct. 12, 9 am – 4 pm, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center (March Pavilion)
Project Learning Tree (PLT) is an award winning, multi-disciplinary environmental education program for educators and students. PLT, a program of the American Forest Foundation, is one of the most widely used environmental education programs in the United States and abroad. Participants at this workshop will receive a copy of the PLT PreK- 8 Environmental Education Activity Guide, along with a printed correlation to the Virginia Standards of Learning.
To register and for additional information, contact Carrie Edwards at 757-385-0279 or email CMEdwards@virginiaaquarium.com
To sign up for additional PLT workshops see listings on VaNaturally Calendar of Events at www.virginia.gov/cmsportal2/cgi-bin/activity.cgi?site=2
Re-Nature by Design Symposium: Overcoming Nature Deficit in Our Communities
Oct. 12, 10 am- 4 pm , Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
As parents, educators, health care specialists, managers, and designers, the care and nurturing of our young fulfills our ultimate responsibility as humans. However, in less than a generation, children have migrated from fields, forests and playgrounds to indoor environments that do little to stimulate creativity and cognitive development. In essence, playhouses have been supplanted by play stations and today’s children are more connected to the World Wide Web than they are the web of life, leading to various attention-disorders, obesity and depression, as research increasingly has shown. In his seminal 2005 book Last Child in the Woods, author Richard Louv assigned the term ‘Nature Deficit Disorder’ to this ailment and calls for the re-naturing of not only childhood, but the entire human condition. This symposium will bring together noted thinkers in the field to discuss the issues and to explore paths toward a healthier future for all. www.jrgbc.org/Programs/2007_Symposium.php
National Folk Festival
Oct. 12 – 14, Brown’s Island and Tredagar Iron Works, Richmond
Now in its 69th year, the National Folk Festival is the oldest multicultural festival in the nation, celebrating the richness and diversity of American culture through its families, workers, communities, tribal and ethnic groups. Experience various cultures through music, dance, foods, stories, arts and crafts, living history presentations and other exciting folkway activities. www.virginia.org/site/features.asp?FeatureID=145
Central Virginia Bayscapes Tour
Oct. 13, 8:45 am - 3:00 pm , Meet at Union Bankshares Corporation’s Operation Center
Low Impact Development (LID) covers a wide range of ideas, from large corporate designs to projects you can implement in your own backyard. This tour will focus on several aspects of LID, showcasing a green roof, biorentention and filtration systems, rain gardens and bayscaping principles. Register with Hanover-Caroline SWCD by contacting Ann Edmonds at 804-537-5225x 102 or ann.edmonds@va.nacdnet.net
Natural Resources Conservation Week
October 14-20
For over 20 years, Virginia has celebrated Natural Resources Conservation Week. Each year the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts selects a theme, prepares materials and distributes them throughout Virginia ’s 47 local conservation districts to educators and community leaders. This year's theme is litter and recycling and the impact of litter on Virginia 's watersheds. The Virginia Council for Litter Prevention and Recycling Program Managers will help promote the importance of litter prevention during this week long event. They offer excellent school and community educational programs.
Plan a litter cleanup, an educational program or another type of solid waste management activity during the week of October 14-20. Outreach efforts are expected to reach thousands of people of all ages. Everyone is encouraged to be a good steward. For more information visit www.vaswcd.org/natresources.htm or contact your local litter and recycling program manager http://www.deq.virginia.gov/recycle/contactlist.html and volunteer to make a difference.
Celebrate Earth Science Week
October 14-20
Take the “pulse of Earth science” is the theme for the 10 th annual weeklong event. Visit www.earthsciweek.org for a wealth of classroom resources.
The Commonwealth of Virginia Energy & Sustainability (COVES)Conference
Oct. 16 – 18, VMI, Lexington
Virginia Military Institute Research Laboratories, in conjunction with the Virginia Sustainable Future Forum, will host an energy and sustainability conference on behalf of the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME) and the Virginia Secretaries of Commerce and Trade; Natural Resources; and Information Technology. www.covesva.org/Register/Register.asp
Annual World Water Monitoring Day
October 18
Monitoring can take place between September 18 and October 18, with collected data accepted until December 18. For more information visit www.worldmonitoringday.org
Environmental Educator Training Workshop
“Bringing the outdoors to classrooms near you”
Oct. 23, 9 am- 3:30 pm , Maymont Nature Center
This free one day workshop sponsored by VASWCD is for those that provide environmental programs to teachers, students or scouts. It will focus on providing hands-on learning activities and resource materials to participants. Contact Dana Roberts at Dana.Roberts@vaswcd.org or call 804-559-0325 to register. www.vanaturally.com/pdf/eeworkshop10-23
"Build Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop" -- Train the Trainer
Oct. 30, 1 - 4 pm , Longwood University
Open to volunteers & staff of nonprofit groups who will plan a “Build Your Own Rain Barrel” workshop in the future for citizens. Through the “Build Your Own Rain Barrel” workshop program, your organization can host a workshop, and offer rain barrels at a reduced cost to citizens. In addition to learning how to install and maintain their rain barrels, workshop attendees will learn about their role in water conservation and water quality protection. Attendees will take a Rain Barrel home after the workshop! For details, send an email to CVW at cleanva@longwood.edu Also, visit the CVW rain barrel web site: http://www.longwood.edu/cleanva/rainbarrels.htm
Co-Sponsored by Clean Virginia Waterways (a program of Longwood University ), the VA Water Monitoring Council (thanks to a grant from DEQ), and the Piedmont Soil & Water Conservation District.
South Central VA Environmental Education Alliance Networking Meeting
Nov. 2, 9:30 am , Claytor Nature Study Center of Lynchburg College
Educators in the South Central region are invited to attend an informal planning meeting to discuss program and funding opportunities, delivery obstacles, potential partnerships, and volunteer assistance. Our hope is to enhance working relationships between our schools, non formal education sites and volunteer groups to meet the environmental educational needs of this area. Please bring any information you might like to share. Contact Greg Eaton at 434-544-8360 or email him eaton.g@lynchburg.edu if you plan to attend. www.lynchburg.edu/claytor
To see other regional networks in Virginia visit www.vanaturally.com/networks.html
8th Annual Green Living and Energy Expo
Nov. 2-3, Roanoke Civic Center
The Association of Energy Conservation Professionals will hold its annual expo to promote energy conservation. Visit www.aecp.org/home.shtml for more information.
VA Waterways Cleanup
River and Beach Cleanup Events
Volunteers Needed through Nov. 3
It is not too late for school groups, scouts, businesses, churches and other groups to sign up to host a cleanup event of a local stream, river or beach this fall. More than 100 cleanup events are already scheduled between now and November 3. See www.longwood.edu/cleanva for a cleanup event near you! All these cleanup events are part of the VA Waterways Cleanup (organized by Clean VA Waterways), and the International Coastal Cleanup. Teachers can use lesson plans to make a cleanup part of an “meaningful watershed environmental educational experience” too -- www.longwood.edu/cleanva/teachersvawatercurriculum.htm
2nd Annual "Turning a New Leaf" Conference
Nov. 9, 8 am- 6 pm , Northern Virginia Community College , Annandale Campus , Ernst Community Cultural Center
A conference for landscaping professionals to promote and learn about sustainable landscaping and development practices. www.chesapeakelandscape.org/2007leaf.htm
Nature Journaling (with a Twist)
November 9 – 11, Flower Camp, Howardsville , VA
Learn new ways to observe and record natural phenomena with veteran teacher, artist, and technology wizard Rhonda Roebuck. Rhonda shares techniques that include transferring old graphics and "cut out" literature onto new pages, manipulating digital photographs (both electronically and using unusual solvents), and "layering" illustrations and text. Just having uninterrupted time to observe what's going on outdoors for an entire weekend is a reason to attend this workshop! Resources particularly helpful to teachers, but this is a workshop for anyone who wants to learn new ways to record what they see. Tuition of $350 includes instruction, most materials, two nights' lodging, and five meals (dinner Friday through brunch Sunday). www.flowercamp.org To register or for more information contact: Nancy Ross Hugo, Director, Flower Camp; 804-798-6364; nancy@flowercamp.org
Register Now!
2007 Virginia / West Virginia Water Research Symposium
November 26 - 30, Blacksburg , VA
“Connecting Management to Aquatic Communities”
Please visit www.vwrrc.vt.edu/symposium2007 for more information, including how to register for the workshops. Direct questions to: Jane Walker, Virginia Water Resources Research Center , 210 Cheatham Hall, Blacksburg , VA 24061, Phone: 540-231-4159, janewalk@vt.edu
Partner updates events & resources
Welcome New Partners
- Appomattox River SWCD
- Dinwiddie County 4-H
- Environmental Network, Team Bank of America
- New Bridge Middle School
WaterSense and Partnership Opportunities
The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) voluntary partnership program, WaterSense, was launched to protect our nation’s water supply by promoting and enhancing the market got water-efficient products and programs. Partners are needed to help 2007 be the year of water efficiency. Organizations will have access to a suite of tools and resources to help promote water efficiency, meet water conservtion goals, and ultimatley save millions of gallons of water nationwide. To learn more about becoming a partner visit http://epa.gov/watersense
EPA to host Recycling and Solid Waste Management Educational Series
The EPA is hosting the Resource Conservation Challenge (RCC) Web Academy to provide training and a networking opportunity to State and Local government waste management and recycling professionals, not-for-profit organizations that support Solid Waste management systems and other stakeholders. The Web Academy is a monthly educational series to learn directly from experts working throughout the country about the issues, projects, and practices for creating successful waste management programs. The programs will be held the 3 rd Thursday of each month, September 2007 through September 2008 at 1:00 pm .
Register online at www.epa.gov/region1/RCCedu
Schools in the News…
Forty-one schools recognized for their contributions to Virginia ’s environment.
The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries' Virginia Naturally School Recognition program will be honoring 41 schools for their efforts during the 2006-2007 school year. The schools have made a long-term commitment to increase the environmental literacy of their students. Each year schools have the opportunity to add to their accomplishments while continuing with past efforts. The total number of students in the schools is 19,851 under the guidance of 1,356 teachers. Read about all of the schools and how to get involved with this school recognition program at www.dgif.virginia.gov/news/release.asp?id=144
Governor Kaine Releases Virginia Energy Plan
– Plan could reduce energy growth by 40%, reduce greenhouse emissions by 30%, increase in-state energy production by 20% –
On September 12th Governor Timothy M. Kaine released the Virginia Energy Plan (have Jennifer make this a link) www.governor.virginia.gov/TempContent/2007_VA_Energy_Plan-Full_Document.pdf , a proposal to promote the Commonwealth’s energy independence and to educate consumers on energy conservation and efficiency. The Plan was required by the 2006 General Assembly, and was prepared by a broad-based advisory group representing citizens, consumers, the environmental community, and Virginia energy producers.
The Plan would reduce the rate of growth in energy use by 40 percent, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent, and seeks to increase in-state energy production by 20 percent. The Plan also calls for expanded consumer energy education, and capitalizes on areas where Virginia has a strategic advantage for economic development and research and development. Visit www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=495 to read the plan and its goals for Virginia .
Virginia Department of Historic Resources
October is Archaeology Month in Virginia
In Virginia, we enjoy a rich legacy of history, stretching back millennia before the English settlement at Jamestown. The Palaeoindian site at Cactus Hill in southern Virginia dates to 16,000 years before the present. History is all around us, if we know how to read the clues that buildings, historic and prehistoric sites, and objects provide. http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/educ/edu1.htm
Every October, Virginia celebrates Virginia archaeology in schools, at libraries, museums, historical societies, clubs, and on active archaeological sites. Events range from exhibits, lecture series, and tours, to special hands-on children's programs. The theme this year is Engaging Virginia's Past and the poster, featuring the excavations at Jamestown Fort, has been produced by APVA Preservation Virginia and DHR. Viewa complete listing of events across the Commonwealth.
For other resources on Virginia archaeology for teachers and students, including an interactive web module and information on borrowing teaching kits on African American and Native American sites in Virginia, visit : http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/arch_DHR/archaeo_teach.htm or contact Dee DeRoche at dee.deroche@dhr.virginia.gov or (804) 36 7-23223 x134.
2007 State Fair of Virginia
September 27- October 7
Pick a day to come out to enjoy the sights and sounds of all that the State Fair of Virginia has to offer. www. statefairva.org
Virginia ’s Tourism Industry in Going Green!
Tourism makes a huge contribution to Virginia ’s economy. However, it can also be a very wasteful industry that generates tons of waste and consumes vast amounts of natural resources. Virginia Green is the Commonwealth’s new campaign to promote environmentally-friendly practices in all sectors of Virginia ’s tourism industry. Virginia Green is a voluntary program that provides recognition for facilities that commit to use practical measures and technologies that reduce environmental impacts. In addition, Virginia Green caters “environmentally-aware consumers” and spend their tourism dollars on activities that are friendly to the environment!
“Lodging” was the first of the sector programs initiated in conjunction with Virginia Green; and there are now more than 70 lodging facilities that are in the program. Lodging facilities must verify that they are practicing the Virginia Green “core activities” for the Lodging sector, and these are: optional linen service, recycling, energy & water conservation, and support of “green” meetings and conferences. “Profiles” for each of these facilities indicate all of “green” practices at a given facility so that guests can choose to stay at a given facility.
While the lodging sector continues to grow, Virginia Green is now launching into several other sectors of Virginia ’s tourism industry. Late this Summer, guidance was announced for Convention Centers, Restaurants, Attractions, Conference Centers , and Travel /Partner Organizations; and those facilities are now working to become Virginia Green! Additional guidance is due out soon for additional sectors such as Wineries, Golf Courses, Welcome Centers , Campgrounds, and Parks.
Virginia Green is supported through a voluntary partnership between the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, the Virginia Tourism Corporation, and the Virginia Hospitality & Travel Association. www.deq.virginia.gov/p2/virginiagreen
Fall in Virginia ….Come and enjoy its natural beauty
Fall is the season for walking, biking, or hiking outdoors — clean, crisp air, colorful fall foliage — and plenty of interesting tours. Visit www.virginia.org/fall/ for a complete list of walking tours, festivals, events and activities across the state.
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
GO GREEN!
EPA News You Can Use - www.epa.gov/newsroom/gogreen
Watersheds: Connecting Weather to the Environment
The National Environmental Education Foundation-in partnership with the Cooperative Program for Operational Meteorology, Education and Training-has released the first in a series of free online courses relating weather to the environment. The course can serve as a primer on how weather events relate to the health of a watershed and how the public can take simple actions to protect watershed heath. www.meted.ucar.edu/broadcastmet/watershed
Journey North’s global study of wildlife migration and seasonal change
K-12 teachers and students can participate this fall in Journey North’s 15 th global study. Students follow the migration patterns of monarch butterflies, bald eagles, whooping cranes, and other animals; the budding of plants; changing sunlight; and other natural events. www.learner.org/jnorth
Young Naturalist Essay Contest
The American Museum of Natural History announces the 11 th annual Young Naturalists awards program, a research-based essay contest for students in grades 7-12 to promote participation and communication in science. www.amnh.org/youngnaturalistsawards
An energy-smart clothes washer can save more water in one year than one person drinks in an entire lifetime!