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CZ-Mail - March 2023

The monthly electronic newsletter from the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM).

Welcome to CZ-Mail, the monthly electronic newsletter from the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM). Each issue provides information on major CZM initiatives, available tools and publications, upcoming workshops and events, grants, contracting opportunities, job openings, coastal legislation, and other news of interest to people working on coastal issues. Additional information about CZM's programs, publications, and other coastal topics can be found on the CZM website. To subscribe, send a blank email (please be sure that the email is completely blank, with no signature line) to join-env-czmail@listserv.state.ma.us. Also, please feel free to share CZ-Mail with colleagues and friends—and if you have any suggestions for future editions, or would like make a change to your CZ-Mail subscription, please email your request to CZ-Mail@mass.gov. For periodic updates from CZM between CZ-Mail editions, please follow us on Twitter.

All links on this web page were current and working on the date of publication.

Highlights

Upcoming Coastal Resilience Grants - Pre-Application Support Available from CZM - CZM anticipates the release of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Request for Responses (RFR) for the Coastal Resilience Grant Program in the spring. Coastal Resilience Grants provide funding and technical assistance to coastal communities and eligible nonprofit organizations to reduce risks associated with coastal storms, flooding, erosion, and sea level rise through innovative and transferable local and regional projects. The following CZM support is available for this grant program:

  • Direct Support - Up until the RFR is released, CZM can discuss project ideas and eligibility for the grants with potential applicants. See the contact information at the bottom of the Coastal Resilience Grant page to connect with CZM.
  • Coastal Resilience Grant Program Webinar - On March 16 from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., CZM will host an informational webinar on the next Coastal Resilience Grant opportunity. The webinar will highlight a variety of successful projects funded in previous grant rounds, along with grant program goals, requirements, timeline, and tips for developing competitive proposals. The webinar will also include time for questions and discussion of potential project ideas. Please email patricia.bowie@mass.gov to register and receive the Zoom meeting details. A recording of the presentation will be linked from the Coastal Resilience Grant Program web page following the webinar.

Nantucket Shipwreck Investigation - On December 2, 2022, the remains of a shipwreck were discovered on the south shore of Nantucket eroding out of the sands of Miacomet Beach. The Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources (BUAR) was called in to investigate and worked with the Egan Maritime Institute and a group of scientists, historians, and archaeologists to survey the site and attempt to identify the ship. Based on this work, BUAR has concluded that the vessel remains are likely from a relatively small (40 foot-long) bow section of the hull of Warren Sawyer, a 131-foot, 380-ton schooner that wrecked near this site on December 22, 1884. On February 9, 2023, a small (15-foot) section of wreckage from the stern of a ship that also seems to be from Warren Sawyer was found exposed on the beach about 1,000 feet west of the bow wreckage. Egan Maritime and the Town of Nantucket are planning to launch a citizen science project with input and assistance from BUAR to monitor the wreck site. For details on this project, check out the Egan Maritime Institute’s Time and Tide Podcast episodes: “South Shore Shipwreck Part 1: The Find” and “South Shore Shipwreck Part 2: The Survey,” which includes an interview with BUAR Director David Robinson. Stay tuned to CZ-Mail for updates on this find, including links to the final report. For press coverage, see:

Spring Training Series on Massachusetts Coast Flood Risk Model - In April and May, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) and CZM, with the support of Woods Hole Group, will host an online training series on the Massachusetts Coast Flood Risk Model (MC-FRM). The three-part training is intended for beginner to advanced MC-FRM users and will focus on details of the model, an overview of products, and guidance on applications. Training sessions will include hands-on exercises and case studies. Registration information and additional details will be available soon for the following trainings:

  • Training #1: April 11 - Overview of Model and Basic Products
  • Training #2: May 4 - Advanced Products and Applications
  • Training #3: May 11 - Technical Usage and Design Guidance

To be notified when registration opens, please complete this survey. For more information, please email Julia Knisel at julia.knisel@mass.gov.

Upcoming Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Action Grants Webinars - The EEA Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) grant program anticipates the release of the FY 2024 MVP Action Grant RFR later this month. Action Grants provide funding to designated MVP communities and political subdivisions to support municipal climate resilience work. Projects should align with the communities’ established climate resilience priorities and use best available climate data and projections. Projects that propose nature-based solutions, support environmental justice and other priority populations, and possess robust community engagement plans are preferred. In March, the MVP program will host the following informational webinars. All potential applicants are encouraged to attend one of these sessions, which will both provide the same information.

Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities

Coastal Resilience Grants - CZM anticipates the release of the FY 2024 RFR for the Coastal Resilience Grant Program in the spring. Coastal Resilience Grants provide funding and technical assistance to coastal communities and eligible nonprofit organizations to reduce risks associated with coastal storms, flooding, erosion, and sea level rise through innovative and transferable local and regional projects. CZM will host an informational webinar on the Coastal Resilience grant program on March 16 from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. See Upcoming Coastal Resilience Grants - Pre-Application Support Available from CZM at the beginning of this CZ-Mail for additional details.

Parks and Conservation Grants - The EEA Division of Conservation Services (DCS) is seeking applications for the FY 2024 Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC), Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND), and Conservation Partnership grants. PARC grants help communities acquire parkland, develop new parks, and renovate existing parks. LAND grants provide funds to municipal conservation commissions to purchase conservation land. Conservation Partnership grants provide funds to non-profit organizations for land acquisitions. DCS will hold two workshops for the PARC and LAND grants—in-person on May 4 at 11:00 a.m. at the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Field Headquarters in Westborough, and virtually on May 9 at 2:00 p.m. through Microsoft Teams. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the in-person workshop. To RSVP for either session, email Melissa Cryan at melissa.cryan@mass.gov for the PARC program, or email Vanessa Farny at vanessa.farny@mass.gov for the LAND program. PARC and LAND grant applications are due by 3:00 p.m. on July 13. Conservation Partnership applications are due by 3:00 p.m. on July 17.

Upcoming Massachusetts Dredging Program Regional Equipment Grants - Later this month, the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development (EOHED) will release the RFR for the first Regional Equipment Grant Round of the Massachusetts Dredging Program to support the purchase of capital assets for regional dredging services. Grants will be awarded competitively, with a focus on new purchases that increase regional capabilities and support economic vitality, tourism, and ecosystem health of Massachusetts harbors. This grant round will be open to the Commonwealth’s 78 municipalities located in the Massachusetts coastal zone and any county commission representing two or more of these communities. A minimum 50% non-state match will be required, and purchases must be completed by June 30. For full details about this grant round, stay tuned to the grants application page. To be notified when this grant round opens, please send your name, organization, and email address to EOHEDgrants@mass.gov with subject line: "Dredging Program Email List."

Southeast New England Program (SNEP) Watershed Implementation Grants - Restore America’s Estuaries is seeking pre-proposals for the 2023 SNEP Watershed Implementation Grants for projects that restore clean water, healthy ecosystems, and sustainable communities and support the goals and priority actions of the SNEP Strategic Plan for the coastal watershed of Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts (see map). Up to $2.9 million is available to state, county, local, and tribal governments, regional planning organizations, nonprofits, and academic institutions for grants from $10,000 to $500,000. Potential applicants are encouraged to attend the virtual application workshop on March 7 at 2:00 p.m. For more information, including links to the Request for Proposals and Letter of intent form, see the grant web page. Letters of Intent are due by April 7 at 4:00 p.m., and full proposals will be by invitation only.

Weir Creek Tidal Restoration Consultant - The Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC) is seeking a consultant and/or engineering firm to complete feasibility studies, alternatives analyses, and design plans for the tidal restoration of Weir Creek in Dennis. For project details and application instructions, see the Request for Proposals (PDF, 613 KB). Proposals are due by March 15 at 4:00 p.m.

Reminders - These opportunities, listed previously in CZ-Mail, are still open:

  • Loans for Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal - EEA is seeking loan applications for the repair or removal of dams, levees, seawalls, and other forms of inland and coastal flood control. The Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal Program offers loans for repair, reconstruction, and removal projects. EEA encourages applicants to maximize restoration of natural systems. Projects that minimize or eliminate the use of hard infrastructure are eligible for a zero-percent interest rate. See COMMBUYS for application details. Construction loan proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis until April 28.
  • Drinking Water Supply Protection Grants - DCS is seeking applications for the Drinking Water Supply Protection Grant Program, which provides financial assistance to public water systems and municipal water departments to purchase land or interests in land for the protection of existing Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)-approved public drinking water supplies, planned future public drinking water supplies, or groundwater recharge. Grants of up to $350,000 are available this grant round. See the application instructions for details. Applications are due by March 10 at 3:00 p.m.
  • Landscape Partnership Grants - DCS is seeking Landscape Partnership Grant Program applications for conservation projects that protect 100-500 acres of land through partnerships between local, state, and federal agencies and nonprofit organizations. Funding for park or playground development is also available for towns with less than 7,000 residents. Grants up to $1,250,000 will be available this grant round. See the application instructions for details. Applications are due by April 18 at 3:00 p.m.
  • Small Communities Conservation Grants - DCS is seeking applications for the Conservation Assistance for Small Communities Grant Program, which provides funding to municipalities with 7,000 or fewer residents to produce Open Space and Recreation Plans, complete other plans to facilitate land conservation, and/or prepare appraisals as required to apply for the other DCS grant programs. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. See the application instructions for details. The final application deadline is May 5.
  • Environmental Justice Grants - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking proposals for projects that advance environmental justice in underserved and overburdened communities. Approximately $100 million in Inflation Reduction Act funds is available through two new programs. The Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving (EJCPS) Cooperative Agreement Program provides funding to address local environmental and public health issues through collaborative partnerships. The Environmental Justice Government-to-Government (EJG2G) Program provides funding to the state, local, territorial, and tribal governments for activities that generate measurable environmental or public health results in disproportionately impacted areas. Applications for both programs are due by April 10 for projects that will begin on October 1.

Online Tools and Resources

Pollution Prevention Calculator Tools - EPA has released three updated pollution prevention (P2) calculator tools: P2 Cost Calculator; P2 Greenhouse Gas Calculator; and P2 Calculator for Reductions in Hazardous Substances, Pollutants, and Contaminants. Updates include streamlined design, improved instructions, and new data. These tools can help businesses, technical assistance providers, and other users measure environmental outcomes and potential cost savings related to P2 activities.

Climate Change Education Resources - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has launched a new Climate Change Resource Collection, which provides lesson plans, activities, webinars, videos, web stories, and other educator resources on climate change and ocean health.

NOAA Marine Debris Blog - Recent posts in the NOAA Marine Debris Program’s Marine Debris Blog include efforts to address marine debris issues on Pacific Ocean islands and work to reduce single-use plastics at Florida colleges. All blog topics can be searched by category and date. To receive notifications of new posts, sign up for email updates.

Newsletters and Other Periodicals

Coastal & Estuarine Science News - The first 2023 issue of Coastal & Estuarine Science News, the newsletter of the Coastal & Estuarine Research Foundation, includes articles on coastal protection provided by native marsh vegetation, a study of wood use for tidal marsh restoration, the use of floating oyster aquaculture to remove nitrogen in a tidal salt pond, and other coastal and estuarine research topics.

Massachusetts Lobstermen’s News - The February 2023 Newspaper (PDF, 12 MB) from the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association (MLA) includes a piece on the upcoming MLA Annual Weekend and Industry Trade Show, remarks on the January Ocean Carbon and Biogeochemistry Workshop at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and updates, commentary, and other lobster news.

MVP Program Newsletter - The Winter 2023 newsletter from EEA’s Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program provides information on the pre-RFR webinars for the upcoming MVP Action Grant round, the MVP 2.0 pilot program launching this spring, MVP program resources, staff updates, upcoming events, and opportunities.

Neponset River Watershed News - The February Watershed Update from the Neponset River Watershed Association (NepRWA) includes pieces on new MassDEP regulations to limit lawn watering during drought, a January meeting on extreme weather impacts to the area, and other Neponset River news, upcoming events, and watershed updates.

NOAA HabitatNews - The February 2023 issue of HabitatNews, a newsletter of the NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation, includes articles on $64 million awarded for two coastal habitat restoration projects in Louisiana, a new NOAA report on deep sea corals and sponges, and other marine fisheries habitat news.

Public Notice/Public Comment

Please note: All official CZM requests for public comment are published in the Public Notices section of the Environmental Monitor, the bi-weekly publication from the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Office.

SouthCoast Wind Draft Environmental Impact Statement - The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is seeking public comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the proposed SouthCoast Wind project (formerly Mayflower Wind). In March, BOEM will hold three virtual public meetings for interested parties to get more information on the project and the review process and schedule. See the BOEM website for links to the DEIS, instructions on how to comment, and details on the public meetings. Comments are due by April 3.

Jobs/Internship Postings

Assistant Climate Scientist - This EEA position will provide project management and technical support to the EEA Climate Scientist and the new Office of Climate Science to advance key office initiatives and provide input on non-coastal, water-related climate science issues, such as drought, precipitation, hydrology, floodplains and flooding, stormwater, temperature, and/or related public health impacts. For more details, see the job listing.

Restoration Program Managers - The Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) is seeking applications for two new positions. The Ecological Restoration Program Manager—Cranberry Bogs will lead DER’s Cranberry Bog Restoration Program, a partnership with DER, landowners, nonprofit organizations, communities, and agencies to secure funding and prioritize, plan, and carry out potential cranberry bog restoration projects. The Ecological Restoration Program Manager—Dam Removal will lead DER’s Dam Removal Program, a partnership with DER, landowners, nonprofit organizations, communities, and agencies to prioritize, plan, and implement potential dam removal projects.

APCC Positions - The Association to Preserve Cape Cod is seeking applicants for several seasonal, and intern positions, including Pond Monitoring Technician, APCC Eco-Audit Program Manager, Cyanobacteria Monitoring Interns, State of the Waters Intern, and Ecological Land Care Interns. For details, including application instructions, see the APCC Employment page.

Communications and Outreach Coordinator - The Brewster Conservation Trust is seeking applications for this new position, which will oversee external communications for the Trust and develop and implement outreach programs and events. The position is office-based and includes some evening and weekend responsibilities. For details, see the position posting (PDF, 157 KB). Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Girls Science and Nature Camp Staff - The Penikese Island School in Woods Hole is seeking five staff members for the summer 2023 camp season, which runs from July 3-August 4. This outdoor education camp focuses on providing middle-school girls role models of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). The school is hiring two Island Stewards to oversee island operations and three Camp Counselors to serve as role models, assist with visiting scientists and artists, and conduct science, art, and educational activities. For details on these full-time, temporary positions, see the school’s jobs page.

Marine Wildlife Internships - The New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance is seeking high school, college, and graduate students for several marine wildlife internships in southeastern Massachusetts for summer, fall/winter, and winter/spring. Unpaid internships will focus on the New England Ocean Sunfish Project, Southcoast Terrapin Project, and various marine wildlife research projects on herring runs, horseshoe crabs, torpedo rays, gray triggerfish, and basking sharks. See the Marine Wildlife Internships page for application information.

Reminders - These job postings, listed previously in CZ-Mail, are still open:

  • Deputy Director of Climate Adaptation & Resilience/Climate Finance Strategist - This EEA position will support cross-government implementation of the State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan (SHMCAP) and administration of the Resilient MA Action Team. The Deputy Director will develop and lead a new Climate Finance Strategy that identifies funding sources, partners, and equitable distribution models to catalyze and increase the capacity of the Commonwealth’s municipal and agency climate investments. For details, see the job listing.
  • Deputy Director of Climate Equity and Environmental Justice - This EEA position will support program strategic development and advancement, as well as implementation of priority actions identified in the 2023 SHMCAP. In coordination with EEA’s Environmental Justice (EJ) Office, the Deputy Director will also develop and lead a new Climate EJ Strategy to ensure the climate adaptation and resilience program is leading by example and integrating best practices into stakeholder engagement and outreach. See the position posting for more details.
  • Climate Scientist - EEA is seeking a Climate Scientist to launch and manage the new Office of Climate Science, which will maintain, update, and develop best available statewide climate change hazard and impact data, projections, and models. Duties will include strategic development and management of the office, agency and municipal coordination, technical assistance, development of agency- and state-wide guidance on applying data to policy and planning, coordination and development of climate science and data, project management, staff supervision, and communications. For more information, see the position posting.
  • Social Media and Outreach Coordinator - DER is seeking a Social Media and Outreach Coordinator to manage and expand the DER social media presence and e-newsletter, as well as to provide support for time-sensitive communications issues and information requests, plan and organize public events, write and review press releases, and respond to media requests. For details, see the position posting.
  • DCR Lifeguards - DCR is seeking certified lifeguards for DCR pools and inland and ocean beaches. A limited number of free lifeguard and first aid/CPR training courses are available through May for candidates that commit to a DCR position for the summer of 2023. For details, see the DCR Lifeguarding web page.
  • MAPC Positions - The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is seeking applicants for several full-time positions, including Assistant Director of Transportation, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, IT Helpdesk Support Generalist, IT System Administrator, Operation Specialist, Regional Housing and Land Use Planner, Regional Land Use Planner, Regional Planning Data Analyst, and Senior Housing and Land Use Planner. For details, including application instructions, see the MAPC Employment Opportunities page.
  • Buzzards Bay Coalition Positions - The Buzzards Bay Coalition is seeking applicants for full-time, part-time, seasonal, and intern positions, including Director of Communications, Director of Individual Giving, Real Estate Project Manager, Executive Assistant, two Salt Marsh Research Technicians, Assistant Coordinator-Baywatchers Monitoring Program, two Events and Community Engagement Interns, and several Onset Bay Summer Staff opportunities. For details, including application instructions, see the Coalition’s Job Opportunities page.
  • Environmental Educator - The Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA) is seeking a full-time Environmental Educator to manage all aspects of IRWA’s in-person education programs for youth and adults focused on water conservation, climate change, water quality, wastewater treatment, and other issues that support the IRWA mission. For details, see the job posting (PDF, 653 KB).
  • National Estuarine Research Reserve Liaison for New England - Lykner Technologies is seeking a contract liaison position to serve the Wells, Great Bay, and Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserves, supporting coordination of NOAA Office for Coastal Management work in New England to build community and coastal resilience and promote nature-based solutions. This is a fully remote position, but candidates must live in New England and have access to the coast for partner meetings and events.
  • Water Resources Restoration Program Manager - The Cape Cod Conservation District (CCCD) is seeking a Program Manager to primarily assist the Natural Resources and Conservation Service with the management and administration needs to implement the Cape Cod Water Resources Restoration Project, as well as provide leadership to complete all activities and deliverables assigned to CCCD.
  • Shark Center Manager - The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy is seeking a full-time Shark Center Manager to run the outreach facility in Chatham. The manager will oversee day-to-day operations, recruit and train volunteers and seasonal staff, assist with development of educational experiences, and manage all events. For details, see the job listing (PDF, 214 KB).
  • Septic System Test Center Operator - Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment is seeking a full-time Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center Operator to manage pump and treatment system operation and maintenance, collect daily samples, maintain the Test Center’s grounds, and construct research projects. For more information, including job requirements, see the position posting.
  • Research and Monitoring Interns - The North and South Rivers Watershed Association (NSRWA) and the Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Partnership (MassBays) are seeking applicants for three paid internships for the summer 2023. Two Research and Monitoring Interns will assist with field work, data entry and analysis, and outreach efforts. An Eelgrass Monitoring Intern will organize and coordinate volunteers and boat owners for eelgrass surveys in August, maintain field survey equipment, assist with field survey training, and help with data organization and entry. All interns must have their own vehicle and will be reimbursed for mileage. For details, see the NSRWA Internships page.
  • Seasonal Field Teachers - Mass Audubon Cape Cod is seeking two entry-level Seasonal Field Teachers for the spring school and field trip season and summer nature camp. Both positions offer optional dorm housing at the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. For more information, see the job listing.
  • Sea Education Association Positions - The Sea Education Association (SEA) in Woods Hole is seeking applicants for several full-time and seasonal positions, including Captain/Nautical Science Faculty Member, Program Assistants, Vessel Operations Manager, and a variety of ship-based jobs (captains, mates, engineers, stewards, deck hands). For details, including application instructions, see the SEA Employment page.
  • Marine Education Internships - The Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown is seeking applications from college students and recent graduates for summer Marine Education Internships to assist with environmental education programs. For more information, see the Center’s Internships page. Applications are due by March 10.
  • Summer Camp Staff - The Trustees of Reservations is seeking seasonal staff for the SummerQuest day camp at the Crane Estate in Ipswich, which provides environmental education, crafts, sports, and other activities for kids ages 4-14. For details, see the seasonal job postings for Seasonal Assistant Camp Director, Seasonal Lead Camp Educator, and Seasonal Full-Time Camp Educator.

Calendar - Individual Events and Announcements

Plastics Recycling Conference 2023 - March 6-8, annual conference sponsored by the Association of Plastic Recyclers to be held in National Harbor, Maryland.

2023 High School Marine Science Symposium - March 9, annual symposium sponsored by Massachusetts Marine Educators and Northeastern University’s Marine Science Center to be held at Northeastern University in Boston.

NEERS Spring Meeting—Call for Abstracts - April 27-29, sponsored by the New England Estuarine Research Society (NEERS) to be held in Brooklyn, New York, with a virtual option. Abstracts are due by March 9.

Exploring the BioMap Tool - March 14, webinar from the Environmental Business Council of New England to introduce and discuss BioMap, an online tool from MassWildlife and the Nature Conservancy that provides land protection strategies to conserve biological diversity in Massachusetts.

A New Toolkit for Engaging Youth in Ocean Health and Conservation - March 15, webinar hosted by the NOAA National Marine Protected Areas Center and Open Communications for the Ocean (OCTO).

Coastal Summit - March 21-23, summit sponsored by the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association with the theme “Partnering for Resilient Coastal Infrastructure” to be held in Washington, DC, with a virtual option.

Zosterapalooza XXXII - March 29, virtual workshop from EPA Region 1 with a focus on current eelgrass research in coastal waters. For details and to be added to the attendee list, contact EPA’s Phil Colarusso at colarusso.phil@epa.gov.

BUAR Public Meeting - March 30, public meeting of the Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources to be held in Boston.

Soil and Water Conservation Conference - March 30, annual winter conference of the Southern New England Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society on water quality and natural resource restoration to be held at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

MIT Energy Conference - April 11-12, annual clean energy conference with the theme “Transition under Crisis: Technology, Investment, Geopolitics” from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Energy & Climate Club to be held in Boston, with a virtual option.

2023 Earth Day Charles River Cleanup - April 22, river cleanup sponsored by the Charles River Watershed Association. Registration is required.

NALMS Symposium—Call for Abstracts - October 22-26, 43rd International Symposium of the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) to be held in Erie, Pennsylvania. Abstracts are due by April 28.

27th Annual Mystic Herring Run and Paddle - May 21, run and paddle event sponsored by the Mystic River Watershed Association.

Capitol Hill Ocean Week - June 6-8, conference to discuss issues that impact the oceans hosted by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation to be held in Washington, DC, with a virtual option.

Reminders - The following calendar items posted previously in CZ-Mail are still to come:

  • MACC Annual Conference - Through March 9, virtual conference sponsored by the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC).
  • MEES Conference - March 8, annual conference of the Massachusetts Environmental Education Society (MEES) to be held in Worcester.
  • Cape Cod Natural History Conference - March 11, annual MassAudubon conference at Cape Cod Community College in West Barnstable, which will include a presentation from CZM, Coastal Habitat Vulnerability Assessment for the Sandy Neck Barrier Beach System Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC).
  • A New Toolkit for Engaging Youth in Ocean Health and Conservation - March 15, webinar sponsored by the Ocean Foundation and OCTO.
  • CRWA Annual Meeting - March 30, virtual meeting sponsored by the Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA).
  • 33rd Annual Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference - April 12-13, conference sponsored by NEIWPCC with theme “Environmental Justice, Equity & Climate Change,” to be held in Saratoga Springs, New York.
  • Plastics & The Future of Our Planet - April 13, conversation with author Bill McKibben and journalist Elizabeth Kolbert sponsored by Beyond Plastics.
  • AWRA Summer Conference: Connecting Land & Water for Healthy Communities - July 17-19, conference from the American Water Resources Association (AWRA), which will focus on programs to better connect land and water planning and policy, to be held in Denver, Colorado. Student Poster Abstracts are due by April 14.
  • Massachusetts Park Serve Day - April 22, annual statewide day of volunteer service sponsored by DCR to help get Massachusetts state parks and beaches ready for summer.
  • Muddy River Cleanup - April 22, annual cleanup sponsored by the Emerald Necklace Conservancy as part of the Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup.
  • Neponset River Spring Cleanup - April 22, waterfront and parkland cleanup sponsored by the Neponset River Watershed Association.
  • 2023 National Watershed and Stormwater Conference - April 24-27, conference sponsored by the Center for Watershed Protection to be held in San Diego, California.
  • National Monitoring Conference - April 24-28, 13th National Monitoring Conference sponsored by the National Water Quality Monitoring Council to be held in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with a limited virtual option.
  • 2023 Stone Living Lab Conference - April 26-28, event presented by the Stone Living Lab at the University of Massachusetts Boston to be held in Boston with the theme “Nature-based Coastal Resilience in Urban Settings.”
  • City Nature Challenge 2023 - April 28-May 7, a citizen-science opportunity organized by the Natural History Museum Los Angeles County and the California Academy of Sciences and held virtually.
  • 78th Annual Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference - April 30-May 2, sponsored by the Northeast Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies to be held in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
  • National Floodplain Managers Conference - May 7-11, 47th annual conference sponsored by the Association of State Floodplain Managers to be held in Raleigh, North Carolina, with a virtual option.
  • Neponset Day - June 3, family-friendly community celebration along the Neponset River sponsored by the Neponset River Watershed Association that will include free boating, kid's crafts, music, food trucks, environmental exhibits, and more, to be held at DCR’s Neponset River Reservation.
  • Interagency Conference on Research in the Watersheds - June 5-8, periodic federal interagency conference on watershed science to be held in Corvallis, Oregon.
  • 23rd AEES Meeting - June 6-9, annual meeting of the American Ecological Engineering Society (AEES) with the theme “Nature-based Solutions for Resilient Communities,” to be held in Tampa, Florida.
  • Stormwater Conference - August 29-31, annual conference sponsored by StormCon to be held in Dallas, Texas.
  • Living Shorelines Tech Transfer Workshop - October 23-25, biennial workshop from Restore America’s Estuaries to be held in Galveston, Texas.
  • CERF 2023 Conference - November 12-16, biennial conference sponsored by the Coastal Estuarine Research Federation (CERF) to be held in Portland, Oregon.

Calendar - Multiple/Ongoing Events

Aquarium Lecture Series - Upcoming lectures at the New England Aquarium by scientists, environmental writers, photographers, and others. Recordings of past lectures are available on their archive page.

Barnstable Land Trust Events - Programs for children and adults across Barnstable.

Boat Safety Course - Free course from the Massachusetts Environmental Police held in coastal communities.

Boston Harbor Islands Events - Upcoming events and activities in the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park.

Buzzards Bay Events - Regional events compiled by the Buzzards Bay Coalition.

Cape Cod Bird Club Walks and Activities - Free bird-watching field trips across Cape Cod.

Cape Cod Maritime Museum Events - Upcoming events at the museum in Hyannis.

Cape Cod Museum of Natural History Programs - A calendar of events at the museum in Brewster.

Center for Coastal Studies Events - Events across the Cape Cod region.

Climate Adaptation Webinars - Webinars on climate change, adaptation, and resilience from the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center at UMass Amherst.

Climate Conversations: Pathways to Action - Monthly webinars from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine on national policy action on climate change. Recording of past webinars are also available.

Conservation Commission Education - Workshops, webinars, and trainings scheduled across Massachusetts and posted by the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions. See the MACC Complete Education Catalog and Community Calendar.

Ecological Landscaping Events - Webinars, classes, and events from the Ecological Landscape Alliance.

Great Massachusetts Cleanup - Volunteer and coordinator opportunities through the spring from Keep Massachusetts Beautiful.

Ipswich River Watershed Events - Events throughout the watershed compiled by the Ipswich River Watershed Association.

Keep Massachusetts Beautiful Events - Talks and volunteer opportunities across the Commonwealth on litter prevention and cleanup, waste reduction and recycling, beautification and community greening, and environmental education.

Lloyd Center for the Environment Activities - Birding and nature walks and other activities for all ages at the Lloyd Center in Dartmouth.

Marion Natural History Museum Programs - After school and community programs at the museum in Marion.

Mass Audubon Program Catalog - Programs for children and adults hosted at the following Mass Audubon coastal locations:

MBL Falmouth Forum Lecture Series - Free public lectures at the Marine Biological Lab (MBL) in Woods Hole.

Mystic River Watershed Events - Events throughout the watershed compiled by the Mystic River Watershed Association.

National Marine Sanctuaries Webinars - Webinars hosted by the sanctuary system.

Native Plant Landscaping Lectures - Monthly lectures presented through May from Grow Native Massachusetts.

Native Plant Trust Events - Classes, field studies, and webinars across Massachusetts.

Neponset River Watershed Association Events - Events throughout the watershed.

NOAA Coastal Training and Learning Resources - A range of training opportunities from NOAA’s Digital Coast.

NOAA Planet Stewards Events - Webinars, workshops, and book club sessions from the NOAA Planet Stewards Education Project.

NOAA Science Seminars - Webinars and seminars on science and climate issues from several NOAA partners.

North and South Rivers Watershed Association Events - Event listings on the South Shore.

Research at the Reserve Lectures - Virtual, hybrid, and in-person talks presented by the Waquoit Bay National Estuary Research Reserve on Thursday evenings in March.

Salem Sound Coastwatch Community Calendar - Events posted in the Salem Sound region, including the Underwater in Salem Sound Lecture Series with monthly lectures through April.

Trustees Activities - Programs and activities at The Trustees of Reservations properties across the Commonwealth.

Walks, Talks, & Events in Harwich - Birding and nature walks and talks from the Harwich Conservation Trust.

Walks & Events in Orleans - Guided walks, programs, and talks from the Orleans Conservation Trust.

Westport River Watershed Alliance Events - Events presented by the Westport River Watershed Alliance, including the Winter Speaker Series with monthly presentations through April.

Other Items of Interest

Fix-A-Leak Week - The annual Fix-A-Leak Week campaign from EPA’s WaterSense Program is March 20-26. This campaign focuses on the importance of finding and repairing water leaks, which waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water in the United States each year. Join the Massachusetts effort and check out EPA’s Fix-A-Leak Week website to get helpful tips for identifying and repairing leaks inside and outside your home. For Massachusetts-specific information on water conservation and dealing with leaks, see the Massachusetts Water Conservation Toolkit. Also, CZM’s CZ-Tip - Save Water has additional details on water conservation in your home, yard, and business.

Gulf of Maine Council Award Nominations - The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment is seeking nominations for the following 2023 Annual Recognition Awards: Visionary Awards recognizing “innovation, creativity, and commitment to protecting the marine environment;” Sustainable Communities Award for a community or a community group that embodies a sustainable environment and economy; Industry Award for a business that has been a leader in improving the Gulf of Maine ecosystem; Longard Award for an outstanding volunteer within the Gulf watershed; and Susan Snow-Cotter Award for coastal management professionals who “exemplify outstanding leadership or exceptional mentoring in the Gulf of Maine watershed.” Nominations are due by March 31.

Herring Counters in Barnstable - The Barnstable Clean Water Coalition and the Barnstable Natural Resources Department are seeking volunteers for the annual Marston Mills River Herring Count, which begins on April 1. If interested, attend the Herring Count Information and Training Session on March 8 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Osterville Village Library. For more information and to sign up, contact Heather Rockwell at hrockwell@bcleanwater.org.

Herring Counters for Mystic River - The Mystic River Watershed Association is seeking volunteers to conduct weekly counts of river herring at one of two sites from April until July. If interested, two online training sessions will be held on March 30 and April 6. For more information and to sign up, see the Mystic River website.

Herring Counters for North and South River - The North and South Rivers Watershed Association (NSRWA) is seeking volunteers to count river herring several times per week at one of six sites from late March through May. If interested, two online training sessions will be held on March 7 and 9. For more information and to sign up, see the NSRWA website.

Charles River Environmental Watch - The Charles River Watershed Association is recruiting volunteers to join the Charles River Environmental Watch (C.R.E.W.) as volunteer stewards for  riverside parks. C.R.E.W. members monitor and remove litter and invasive plants along the Charles River, make note of health and infrastructure issues, and act as park ambassadors. If interested, please fill out an application (PDF, 83 KB) and email it to volunteer@thecharles.org.

Girls in Science Summer Fellowship - The Earthwatch Institute, in coordination with Woods Hole Sea Grant and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, is seeking applications for the Girls in Science Summer Fellowship, which is open to female Massachusetts High School students (rising juniors and seniors) with an interest in the science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) fields. Fellows will participate in a week-long, fully funded research experience at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution from August 6-12 or August 13-19, working with a predominantly female team of scientists/mentors to develop skills and build confidence for the pursuit of a STEAM education and/or career. Apply online by March 24.

Joshua A. Nickerson Conservation Fellowship - The Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission, in partnership with the Atlantic Research & Learning Center and Friends of the Cape Cod National Seashore, is soliciting proposals to support scientific research on the natural and cultural resources of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Proposals will be accepted for research in natural and social sciences, including terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, biotic and abiotic ecosystems, cultural and natural resource management, and the political and social implications of resource protection. For details, including application information, see the fellowship web page. The application deadline is March 24.

Waquoit Bay Summer Science School - In July and August, the Friends of the Waquoit Bay Reserve hosts the Waquoit Bay Summer Science School, offering week-long, full-, and half-day educational sessions that introduce students entering grades 2-12 to coastal ecology. For details and registration information, see the Summer Science School web page.

Coastal Ocean Science Academy - The Northeastern University Marine Science Center in Nahant is accepting applications for the 2023 Coastal Ocean Science Academy, a one-week summer experience for middle school students from July 24-28 and for high school students from August 7-11. Participants gain firsthand experience with diverse New England coastal habitats and marine resources and engage in hands-on research activities.

KidSummer Nature and Science Programs - Each summer, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History offers KidSummer programs for children and teens 3-15 years old. The programs use a STEAM-based curriculum with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Registration is now open for weekly sessions from June 26-August 11.

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