September 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.
Online Conference Registration
Early Bird Rate Closes: September 14th
To register, visit www.naaee.org/conference/registration .
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. Stay tuned- details forthcoming. 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.
MWEE Partner Mini grants (for community and non-formal organizations)
Deadline: September 7
The MWEE Partner mini-grant program supports efforts by community groups to provide youth with meaningful watershed educational experiences (MWEEs). Funding is intended to help community groups build capacity for delivering and sustaining high quality, meaningful environmental education related to water and watersheds. The program complements the Virginia Classroom Grants program designed for teachers. www.vanaturally.com/mweegrant.html
Virginia Classroom Grants (for classroom teachers)
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 or $1,000 are available. www.vanaturally.com/classroomgrants.html
Living Shoreline Grant Proposals
Deadline: September 21
The Living Shorelines Grants Program was designed to create and promote "living shorelines" around the Chesapeake Bay . Living Shorelines use nature- based elements, such as marsh plantings, beach nurishment, and low profile oyster reefs, in concert with structural elements where appropriate, e.g. sills and breakwaters, to protect shorelines from erosion, improve water quality and provide critical habitat. Projects can be on public, community, non-profit and private property. 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. Requests of up to $75,000 will be accepted. Questions? Visit www.cbtrust.org.
Requests for proposals available to download at: www.cbtrust.org/site/c.enJIKQNoFiG/b.2028581/k.40D/Application_Process.htm
Captain Planet Foundation Grants
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/grants.html
Volunteer Water Monitoring Conference
Oct. 12 – 13, Shenandoah University
Register by Oct. 1
EPA Region III Volunteer Water Monitoring Conference will provide a forum for citizen volunteers, government agencies, and the public to interact and learn about water quality monitoring. For additional information and registration visit www.deq.virginia.gov/cmonitor/conference.html or contact Stuart Torbeck at cstorbeck@deq.virginia.gov.
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 ." This year $356,000 in grant money will be awarded to eligible applicants. Grant funds will be awarded in May -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, General Assembly Building, 910 Capitol Street , Richmond , Virginia 23219 , and (804) 786-3591.
2007 Virginia Association of Science Teachers (VAST) Professional Development Institute
Nov. 8-10, Williamsburg Marriott
Register by Oct. 11
For complete list of sessions and registration information, visit www.vast.org .
School Chemical Cleanout Initiative - Providing Grants for the Removal of Unwanted Laboratory Chemicals
Deadline: Rolling Basis
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is providing mini-grants to “clean-out” unwanted laboratory chemicals from Virginia high schools. The Virginia DEQ will provide matching funding for approved clean-out activities. Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis. For more information, go to www.vanaturally.com/k12ed/chemical_cleanout.doc and www.deq.virginia.gov/p2/SC3 or you may co ntact Tom Griffin at rtgriffin@deq.virginia.gov.
Coming Home
Intimate Moments on the Chesapeake Bay Watershed with Bill Portlockwww.bludomain6.com/worthstudio/
August 11- September 9
Gallery Houses 11-4 Friday thru Sunday
Virginia Waterways Cleanup Day
Volunteers Needed
Last fall, more than 4300 volunteers helped clean 151,432 pounds of litter from 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 2007. Clean Virginia Waterways (CVW), which organizes this annual cleanup, has a website to post activities and volunteer opportunities. Visit www.longwood.edu/cleanva or call CVW at 434-395-2602. www.vanaturally.com/volunteer.html#cleanup
The Pocahontas Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society Monthly Meeting
Sept. 6, 7 pm , Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden , Education Building
Jerry Zaun of the Camera Club of Richmond will give a presentation on photographing flowers. The program is free and open to the public. For further information, call 266-0856.
ChesterFest 5K
Sept., 8, 8:30 am , Lee Street and Iron Bridge Road , Chester
Runners, Walkers and Volunteers Needed
GIG (The Green Infrastructure Group) is co-hosting a 5K Run and a Kids Fun Run in conjunction with the Chester Community Association and the Tri-Cities Road Runners Club. Proceeds will go to support Greenways & Trails in Chesterfield ! If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Mark at gig_ideas@comcast.net or Heather at hbarrar@hotmail.com .
Register on-line at www.active.com! www.vanaturally.com/chesterfest_reg.doc
Register now!
Fourth Annual Regional Stream Cleanup in Southwest VA
Sept. 8- 22, various locations throughout nine counties and two cities
Keep Southwest Virginia Beautiful and Upper Tennessee River Roundtable are coordinating this annual regional stream cleanup in conjunction with Clean Virginia Waterways and the Tennessee Valley Authority is providing funding. Contact Carol Doss at 276-628-1600, or one of the coordinators in your locality listed at www.uppertnriver.org to help find a cleanup site near you. This is a great way to help clean up our rivers, streams and roadsides. Bags, vests, litter grabbers, etc. provided. www.vanaturally.com/volunteer.html#cleanup
Alleghany Highlands Environmental Council Meeting
Sept. 12, 2 pm , Old Dairy in 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.
Alice Ferguson Foundation’s Trash Free Potomac Watershed Initiative
Trash Free Rountables, Join the Action!
Sept. 12, Sept. 25, 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
The Power of Community
Clean Up the World Weekend
Sept. 14-16
Get involved! Clean Up the World Weekend is celebrated globally each year on the third weekend in September, motivating and engaging communities to clean up, fix up, and conserve their local environment. www.cleanuptheworld.org/
Workshops for Families
Sept. 15, 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
Virginia Society of Naturalists and National Wildlife Federation Lecture
Sept. 18, 7:30 pm, Science Museum of Virginia
”The Birds, Bees and other Bugs of North America”
National Wildlife Federation field guide authors Ned Brinkley and Art Evans will present a joint lecture and book signing. Their books, “Field Guide to Birds of North America” and “Field Guide to Insects and Spiders of North America” will be featured. The Virginia Society of Naturalists meets on the third Tuesday of the month from September through May. www.virginianaturalists.org
2007 Mid-Atlantic Composting and Compost Use Conference
Sept. 19- 21, USDA Campus, Bldg. 003
This biennial event will focus on the generation and use of locally-produced, annually renewable, bio-based, performance-oriented compost products for stormwater and erosion control for sustainable, low impact development. www.midatlanticcompost.org/Home.html
Third Thursday Brown Bag
Sept. 20, 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 September is The Rivanna- A Political and Environmental Challenge. Marvin Moss, a member of the Fluvanna County Supervisors, President of the Fluvanna County Historical Society and Heritage Train Foundation and a member of the River Basin Commission will share his views on the importance of affecting all aspects of river protection: Physical, Chemical, Biological and Political. 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 .
2007 Virginia Naturally 5K
Sept. 22, 9 am., 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
Rain Barrel Workshops for Homeowners
- Sept. 24, 10 am - 12:30 pm , Heritage Farm Museum in Sterling , VA
- 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.
Teacher Workshop (for 2 nd- 6 th grade educators)
Sept. 28, 9 am- 3 pm , Shenandoah National Park
Park rangers with the park’s Education Office will demonstrate ranger led activities for students and familiarize teachers (grades 2-6) with the national park and its program materials, introduce classroom pre-visit and post visit activities, and define the responsibilities of teachers, rangers, students and chaperones on field trips. Workshop is free and reservations are required.
Call 540-999-3489 or email shen_education@nps.gov
National Public Lands Day
September 30
National Public Lands Day 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.
Community Conservation Conversation
Sept. 30, 2 pm, Arlington Central Library
Join this panel discussion to focus on conservation, the wise use of resources resulting in the actual reduction in our society’s consumption of energy and materials. This event is the second in a series and a followup to “I’m in the Conservation State of Mind: Reducing our Footprint on Planet Earth. For more information conatct Potomac Overlook Regional Park at 703-528-5406 or visit www.arlingtonenvironment.org
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.
Re-Nature by Design Symposium: Overcoming Nature Deficit in Our Communities
Oct. 12, 10 am- 4 pm , Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Tickets on Salebeginning Sept.5
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
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
Save the Date!
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.
Partner updates events & resources
Welcome New Partners
- Augusta County Service Authority
- James River Green Building Council
- New Kent Clean County Committee
- McCleary Elementary School (Craig County Public Schools)
- Sylvan’s Youth Education Service
- Virginia Commonwealth University ’s L. Douglas Wilder School of Gov’t & Public Affairs
Community Educator Awards
Congratulations to 2007 HRAEE Community Education Awardees:
- Increasing Communications
The Elizabeth River – Amy Waters Yarsinske
- Fostering Partnerships
You & Your Trash – Southeastern Public Service Authority & Virginia Aquarium
- Big Things
Energy Conservation Fair – Jennifer Privette, James City County
Visit www.vanaturally.com/hraee/homepage.html for more award winners and conference power points.
Schools in the news…Virginia Team Places 6 th at Canon Envirothon
High School students from across the U.S. and Canada convened July 29-Aug.3 to participate in North America ’s largest high school environmental education competition. Participants learned about environmental issues affecting natural resources as they competed for awards. The Virginia Team, Harrisonburg High School representing VA Association for Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) and Shenandoah Valley SWCD, placed 6 th overall. To read the entire press release go to www.vanaturally.com/pdf/hhs_envirothon.pdf
Common Native Trees of Virginia
Tree Identification Book from Virginia Department of Forestry
The most common native tree species found in Virginia's forests are described in this new resource book. This tool for tree identification uses non-technical descriptions, with images of leaves, twigs, flowers and/or fruit to aid in identification. www.dof.virginia.gov
Virginia Schools Outdoor Classroom/Learning Center Survey
A listing of classrooms at school locations across the state is being compiled by the Virginia Association for Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the Foundation for Virginia ’s Natural Resources, the Virginia Department of Education, and the Virginia Office of Environmental Education (VOEE). Please help by letting us know if your school has an outdoor learning center or an interest in developing one. www.vanaturally.com/outdoorclassrooms/oc_survey.doc
Virginia Schools Recycling Survey
The Virginia Recycling Association (VRA) and the Virginia Office of Environmental Education are conducting a needs assessment. Please complete the following online survey to help inventory Virginia school recycling programs and provide services that will assist schools in protecting Virginia ’s environment. http://vrarecycles.org/survey/index.php?sid=3
Questions? Contact Erica Trout , VRA Association Manager at vra@vrarecycles.org
Virginia Tourism
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.
2007 State Fair of Virginia – Eco Exhibit
Mark your calendar! September 27- October 7
Organizations are invited to participate in the Eco-Exhibit, a series of displays that will provide information and short clinics throughout the ten days of the fair. These exhibits will include eight areas of emphasis that will be organized under a theme: Eight Ways to Create a Green Future for Virginia . The goal of the Eco-Exhibit is to promote sustainable practices that help the environment, save energy, improve water quality, reduce waste, and inform Virginians to ensure healthier and more environmentally sound communities. No cost; groups can sign up for one or more time slots. For more information, contact Annette Osso at, www.statefair.com/site.asp
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 2007 website www.VirginiaWMC.org . 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 Department of Conservation and Recreation
2007 Virginia Outdoors Plan
The Virginia Outdoors Plan is the Commonwealth’s official conservation, outdoor recreation, and open space plan. It serves as a guide to all levels of government and the private sector in meeting Virginia 's land conservation, outdoor recreation, and open space needs. The 2007 edition of the Virginia Outdoors Plan (VOP) will be the 9 th produced in Virginia . Preparation of the 2007 VOP included over 80 public meetings held across the Commonwealth. In addition, over 50 agencies and organizations have partnered with the Department of Conservation and Recreation to provide input and review of this guidance document. The three themes in the 2007 VOP include green infrastructure, land conservation and outdoor recreation. These themes and the plan’s recommendations support Governor Kaine’s land conservation goal of 400,000 acres by 2010. Publication and distribution of the plan is scheduled for late fall 2007. The Virginia Outdoors Plan may be viewed at: www.dcr.virginia.gov/recreational_planning/vop.shtml.
Virginia Department on Environmental Quality
The Virginia Office of Environmental Education is pleased to welcome David Ruble, as the new Environmental Education Coordinator. David hails from Rural Retreat, Virginia, and just recently completed a Master’s of Science in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Environmental Education from Antioch University - New England . David’s efforts will focus on delivering community education and coordinating DEQ’s air, water, and waste education programs, including a new leadership program. You can reach him at the Virginia Office of Environmental Education via telephone 804-698-4039 or via email at dnruble@deq.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
Free Green Videos on the Web
Green Energy TV will air videos of green energy projects from around the world. The videos are designed to show viewers about energy alternatives that are already available and encourage making an educated switch to clean energy. www.greenenergytv.com
The 11th Hour Film Debuts
The 11th Hour describes the last moment when change is possible. The film explores how we impact the earth’s ecosystems and what we can do to change our course. The film features dialogues with experts from all over the world, including former Soviet Prime Minister Mikhail Gorbachev, renowned scientist Stephen Hawking, former head of the CIA R. James Woolsey, and sustainable design experts William McDonough and Bruce Mau in addition to over 50 leading scientists, thinkers, and leaders who present the facts and discuss the most important issues that face our planet. www.youtube.com/11thhouraction
Got Energy Hogs?
The Alliance to Save Energy's Energy Hog campaign is providing energy education tools to the people who influence the lives of the next generation: teachers. Why? Saving energy lessens our dependence on foreign oil, improves our air and water quality, and reduces our energy bills. Educators can print out Student and Teacher Guides and energy Scavenger Hunts from the Web site www.energyhog.org, or request activity worksheets, bookmarks, and tattoos via email. Contact: Erin O’Sullivan at eosullivan@ase.org
ActionBioScience.org
The American Institute of Biological Sciences hosts www.Actionbioscience.org , a Web site that promotes bioscience education and literacy. Features include teacher-written lesson plans and peer-reviewed articles that focus on important current issues in areas such as biodiversity, the environment, genomics, biotechnology, and evolution. Select articles are translated into Spanish, suitable for ESL students. See why Scientific American named Actionbioscience.org one of the top five biology websites.
The energy saved by recycling 1 bottle will power a computer for 25 minutes. www.alltrivia.net/facts/recycling.htm