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CZ-Mail - May 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

Grants Awarded to Improve Water Quality in the Buzzards Bay Watershed - On April 25, the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program (NEP) announced $808,500 in federally funded grant awards for projects that will improve water quality in the Buzzards Bay watershed by upgrading wastewater treatment plants and reducing stormwater runoff pollution. The three grants were awarded by the Buzzards Bay NEP through CZM, with funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pursuant to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. These three grants are leveraging $484,000 in local cash and in-kind services:

  • Bourne - The $183,500 grant award will be used to hire an engineering firm to design stormwater treatment options to address nutrient and bacteria loading to Queen Sewell Pond, which has caused beach closures due to harmful algal blooms and elevated bacteria levels.
  • Dartmouth - With this $250,000 grant, the Town will make modifications to its wastewater treatment facility to better meet permitted discharge limits for certain pollutants and significantly reduce nitrogen discharges to Buzzards Bay, potentially removing more than 100,000 pounds of nitrogen pollution each year.
  • New Bedford - This $375,000 award will be used to complete Phase II of the Buttonwood Park stormwater management project, which will address sediment erosion and pollutant discharges from the Buttonwood Senior Center property and nearby neighborhoods, including waste from a large Canada geese population.

For more information, see the EEA Press Release. Also, see this article on CapeCod.com for news coverage of the grants: Bourne Gets State Money for Queen Sewell Pond Cleaning.

New CZ-Tip on Protecting Rare Wildlife and Plant Species on the Massachusetts Coast - Massachusetts is home to more than 400 native species that are at risk, or potentially at risk, of extinction. Some coastal animals in significant need of protection include critically endangered North Atlantic Right Whales (which recently arrived in Cape Cod Bay to feed on zooplankton), Atlantic Sturgeon (which will soon head up the Merrimack and Taunton Rivers to spawn), Northeastern Beach Tiger Beetles (which will emerge onto a few Cape and Island beaches in June), and Short-eared Owls (once known to arrive to sandplain habitats in March). Coastal plants include Seabeach Amaranth, Sandplain Gerardia, and Sweet Bay Magnolia—all once abundant in Massachusetts coastal habitats throughout the summer. To learn how to protect these and other at-risk species and their coastal habitats, see CZ-Tip - Help Protect At-Risk Wildlife and Plants in Massachusetts Coastal Habitats.

REMINDER: Pre-Application Support Is Available for Upcoming CZM Grants - CZM anticipates the release of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Request for Responses (RFR) for the Coastal Habitat and Water Quality (CHWQ) Grants and Coastal Resilience Grants later this spring.

Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grants - These grants fund projects that assess and treat stormwater impacts and support comprehensive habitat restoration planning activities. Municipalities within the Massachusetts coastal watershed are eligible to apply, along with certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, regional planning agencies, and stormwater collaboratives in partnership with municipalities.

Direct Support - Up until the RFR is released, CZM can discuss project ideas and grant eligibility with potential applicants. See the contact information at the bottom of the Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grants page to connect with CZM.

Pre-RFR Webinar Video and Presentation - On April 4, CZM hosted an informational webinar on the Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grants to review grant goals and requirements, logistics, and timeline. Links to a recording of the webinar and the presentation slides are available below. Please note that due to a technical error, the beginning of the webinar was not recorded. The missed information is contained in the first four slides of the presentation.

  • CHWQ Grants Webinar Video
  • CHWQ Grants Webinar Presentation (PDF, 4 MB)

Additional Information and Email Notification - For additional information, please see the Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grants page. To receive an email notification of the release of the RFR, email sean.duffey@mass.gov. The RFR announcement will also be posted on the CZM Jobs and Grants page.

Coastal Resilience Grants - These 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 Grants Pre-RFR Webinar - CZM hosted an informational webinar on the Coastal Resilience Grant Program on March 16, which covered the goals and requirements for the grants, eligibility and evaluation criteria, and successful projects from previous grant rounds. For details, see these links to the recording of the webinar and the PowerPoint presentation:

Additional Information and Email Notification - For additional information, please see the Coastal Resilience Grant page. To receive an email notification of the release of the RFR, email patricia.bowie@mass.gov. The RFR announcement will also be posted on the CZM Jobs and Grants page.

REMINDER: Spring Training Series on Massachusetts Coast Flood Risk Model - In May, EEA and CZM, with the support of Woods Hole Group, will host the final two sessions of 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. The remaining sessions are:

  • Training #2: May 4 - Advanced Products and Applications
  • Training #3: May 19 - Technical Usage and Design Guidance

Please complete this survey and provide your email address to receive registration information. The recording of the first session, “Model Overview and Level 1 Data,” is now available online. (Recordings of the remaining sessions will also be posted.) For more information, contact Julia Knisel at julia.knisel@mass.gov.

CZM Staff and People

New CZM Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Specialist - In April, Alexis (Lexie) Neffinger started in a new role at CZM as a Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Specialist. Lexie was previously a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Management Fellow at CZM, supporting the StormSmart Coasts Team and Coastal Resilience Grant Program with environmental justice community engagement on shoreline restoration opportunities to increase coastal resilience. In her new role, she will continue community engagement efforts and support the work of the Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Team with a focus on coastal habitat restoration. Lexie has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Fordham University and a Master of Science in Coastal and Marine System Science from Texas A&M University. Welcome to your new position with the CZM Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Team, Lexie!

Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities

Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grants - Later this spring, CZM anticipates the release of the FY 2024 RFR for the Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grants, which will provide funding for projects that assess and treat stormwater impacts and support comprehensive habitat restoration planning activities. See “REMINDER: Pre-Application Support Is Available for Upcoming CZM Grants” in the top section of this CZ-Mail for additional details.

Coastal Resilience Grants - CZM anticipates the release of the FY 2024 RFR for the Coastal Resilience Grant Program this 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. For further details, see “REMINDER: Pre-Application Support Is Available for Upcoming CZM Grants” in the top section of this CZ-Mail.

Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Planning 2.0 Pilot Grants - EEA is seeking proposals for the FY24-25 Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Planning 2.0 Pilot Grants to support efforts in Massachusetts communities to increase climate change resilience by expanding plans and filling gaps from the original MVP Planning Grant process. MVP 2.0 focuses on addressing root causes of social vulnerability with a prescribed process that includes planning through to implementation, with guaranteed funding to complete a priority action. Eligible applicants include Commonwealth communities or regional groups, federally recognized and state-acknowledged Tribes, and Regional Planning Agencies applying on behalf of a municipality(ies). Also, those with MVP plans from 2017/2018 are particularly encouraged to apply. The MVP team recently hosted a webinar on MVP 2.0 (see the webinar recording and presentation slides [PDF, 1 MB]). For more information, see the MVP website and the COMMBUYS website for the RFR. Applications are due through an online form by May 19 at 4:00 p.m.

Massachusetts Dredging Program Grants - The Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development is seeking proposals for the 2023 grant round of the Massachusetts Dredging Program. One-year construction grants for saltwater dredging will be competitively awarded with a focus on shovel-ready projects that contribute to the economic vitality, vibrant waterfronts, maritime safety, or ecosystem health of the Commonwealth’s harbors. All municipalities in the Massachusetts coastal zone are eligible to apply. Applications are due by May 5 via electronic submission. See How to Apply for application instructions.

Ocean Exploration Funding - NOAA Ocean Exploration is seeking proposals for projects that focus on ocean exploration and discovery, ocean technologies, or maritime heritage. Pre-proposals are due by 4:59 p.m. on May 30. NOAA will evaluate pre-proposals and encourage submissions of full proposals, which will be due by October 5. For more information, see the Notice of Federal Funding Opportunity.

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

  • Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program Action Grants - EEA is seeking one- or two-year project proposals for Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Action Grants, which provide eligible communities funding to implement priority adaptation actions. Projects are required to use best available climate data and projections. Projects that propose nature-based solutions or strategies that rely on green infrastructure or conservation and enhancement of natural systems and that have robust community engagement plans are preferred. Applicants can request up to $3 million in funding (regional proposals may request up to $5 million), and a 25 percent match of the total project cost is required. For more information, see the MVP website. To view the RFR directly, see the COMMBUYS website. Proposals are due through an online form by 2:00 p.m. on May 4 for projects that must be completed by June 30, 2024, or June 30, 2025.
  • 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 on May 4 at 11:00 a.m. at the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Field Headquarters in Westborough and on May 9 at 2:00 p.m. through Microsoft Teams. To RSVP, email Melissa Cryan at melissa.cryan@mass.gov for the PARC program, 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.
  • 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.
  • National Estuary Program Coastal Watersheds Grant Program - Restore America’s Estuaries in partnership with EPA is seeking proposals for the NEP Coastal Watersheds Grant Program for one- to two-year projects that address urgent and challenging issues affecting coastal and estuarine areas of national significance (see map). Grant amounts will range from $75,000 to $250,000 to fund projects that support priorities including harmful algal blooms, flooding and coastal erosion, nutrient and warm water impacts, and contaminants of emerging concern. For more information, see the 2023 grants web page. Submit proposal Letters of Intent through this online form by May 5, and full proposals will be by invitation only.
  • American Lobster Research Funding - The National Sea Grant College Program is seeking proposals for the 2023 National Sea Grant American Lobster Research Program to fund research to develop and commercialize gear technology for the American lobster fishery in the Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank, and southern New England. Up to $2 million is available for requests up to $500,000 each. For details, see the Grants.gov website. Proposals are due by May 10.
  • NOAA Planet Stewards Project Funding - NOAA Planet Stewards program is seeking proposals from educators for up to $5,000 to support hands-on stewardship projects that build science literacy in elementary- through college-age students and the general public. Projects should focus on conservation, restoration, and/or protection of human communities and/or natural resources in one of four focus areas—marine debris, habitat conservation and restoration, carbon footprint reduction, or carbon sequestration. For details on the funding, see the NOAA website. Applications are due by June 4.
  • BoatUS Grassroots Grants - The BoatUS Foundation is seeking applications for Grassroots Grants to promote boater education. Up to $10,000 is available to local volunteer organizations, student groups, yacht clubs, and chapters of national organizations for creative and innovative projects that promote safe and clean boating. Applications are accepted year-round.

Online Tools and Resources

New Citizen Science Website - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) Sea Grant and NOAA’s Climate Program Office have launched Communities Tracking Coastal Change, a searchable, web-based inventory of citizen science efforts that track coastal change in the United States. This website can be used to: find local citizen science projects; explore available science platforms for collecting, managing, and sharing coastal observations; or teach about data collection and use.

NOAA Marine Debris Blog - Recent posts in the NOAA Marine Debris Program’s Marine Debris Blog cover marine debris cleanup efforts in California and a new guide to prepare and respond to marine debris after disasters in Puerto Rico. All blog topics can be searched by category and date. To receive notifications of new posts, sign up for email updates.

New Resource and Data from NOAA Digital Coast - NOAA’s Digital Coast has posted these new resources:

Products/Publications

Report on Salt Marsh Health in Buzzards Bay - The Buzzards Bay Coalition, Buzzards Bay NEP, Woodwell Climate Research Center, and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) have released Buzzards Bay Salt Marshes: Vulnerability and Adaptation Potential, a report on monitoring data on salt marsh loss from 12 sites in Buzzards Bay. Some sites measured up to 20 percent loss over the 18-year data period, much of it due to climate-driven sea level rise inundating low marsh elevations.

State of Buzzards Bay Report - The Buzzards Bay Coalition has released the 2022 State of Buzzards Bay. The latest in a series of reports, this publication provides a comprehensive review and overall score of the health of Buzzards Bay using water pollution, watershed health, and living resources indicators. The 2022 report concluded that the overall health of Buzzards Bay improved slightly since the 2015 report due to reductions in nitrogen and toxic pollution. Contributors to the 2022 report included Joe Costa, Executive Director of the Buzzards Bay NEP.

FEMA Nature-Based Solutions Guides - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released Building Community Resilience with Nature-Based Solutions: Strategies for Success (PDF, 11 MB), the second in a series of guides on nature-based solutions to minimize the risk of natural hazards that highlights five strategies for successful nature-based projects. The first guide, Building Community Resilience with Nature-Based Solutions: A Guide for Local Communities (PDF, 8 MB), provides details on how to include nature-based solutions in community planning, with a section on funding options.

Newsletters and Other Periodicals

Coastal & Estuarine Science News - The second 2023 issue of Coastal & Estuarine Science News, the newsletter of the Coastal & Estuarine Research Foundation, includes articles on the success of large-scale environmental restoration efforts, impacts of storm surge barriers on estuary sediment dynamics, use of thin-layer sediment placement for marsh resilience, and other coastal and estuarine research topics.

Massachusetts Association for Floodplain Management Newsletter - The Winter 2023 Newsletter (PDF, 3 MB) from the Massachusetts Association for Floodplain Management (massFM) discusses flood mitigation for residential structures, updates to local and state hazard mitigation plan guidance, and other Massachusetts floodplain management news and resource links.

NOAA HabitatNews - The April 2023 issue of HabitatNews, a newsletter of the NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation, includes articles on $265 million in funding recommended for 38 habitat restoration and coastal resilience projects, $35 million to support 35 habitat restoration and capacity building projects in underserved communities, and other marine fisheries habitat news.

The Sandbar - The April 2023 issue of The Sandbar, a quarterly publication from the National Sea Grant College Program on U.S. ocean and coastal legal issues, covers an EPA determination that blocks a copper and gold mining project in Alaska, a court ruling that a NOAA Fisheries analysis of shipping lanes in California will not protect marine life, and other ocean- and coastal-related legal issues.

USGS Sound Waves - The special Earth Day 2023 issue of Sound Waves, a USGS newsletter, includes case studies on how USGS science helps with investments in this planet, along with other coastal and marine research 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.

Clarification on 2009 South Boston Waterfront District Municipal Harbor Plan (MHP) Amendment - On April 25, CZM issued a clarification (PDF, 146 KB) on the building height and Water-Dependent Use Zone (WDUZ) substitute provisions approved under the Secretary’s Decision on the 2009 South Boston Waterfront District Municipal Harbor Plan Amendment (PDF, 590 KB) in response to a February request from the Boston Planning & Development Agency. The EEA Secretary concurred that the proposed height changes and WDUZ reconfiguration are consistent with the standards and original intent of the 2009 MHP Amendment and will improve the overall effectiveness of the planning area to ensure an active, accessible, and resilient public open space. For questions, contact Joanna Yelen, CZM Boston Harbor Regional Coordinator, at joanna.m.yelen@mass.gov.

Jobs/Internship Postings

Federal Affairs Manager - The Coastal States Organization (CSO) is seeking a Federal Affairs Manager to inform the U.S. Congress about coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes issues, with duties focused on implementing CSO legislative strategies and coordinating CSO communications. The position is based in Washington, DC. For details, see the CSO Job Openings page. Applications are due by May 5.

Eco-Landscape Audit Program Manager - The Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC) is seeking a full-time, seasonal Eco-Landscape Audit Program Manager to help establish a new APCC program that offers ecological consultations for homeowners. Candidates should have good communications skills and experience with native plants, ecologically friendly landscapes practices, green infrastructure, and general natural history. For more information, see the job posting.

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

Calendar - Individual Events and Announcements

Water, Water, Everywhere: The Increasing Threat of Stormwater Flooding in Greater Boston - May 3, webinar presented by MAPC.

Watershed Scale Climate Collaboration Conference - May 3, conference organized by the Massachusetts Ecosystem Climate Adaptation Network and statewide watershed collaboratives with support from the Barr Foundation to be held in Worcester.

EBC Stormwater Summit - May 4, conference on stormwater management in New England from the Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC) to be held in Westborough.

Research Vessel Tours - May 5-6, free public tours of Song of the Whale, the research sailing vessel of the International Fund for Animal Welfare, to be held at Fan Pier Marina in Boston. Tickets are required.

Massachusetts Marine Educators Annual Meeting and Conference - May 6, annual event with the theme, “Exploring the Deep Ocean,” to be held at the WHOI in Falmouth.

The Status of Tribes & Climate Change Report and the NE CASC Region - May 10, webinar from the New England Climate Adaptation Science Center (NE CASC) on the 2021 report that examined the disproportionate effect climate change on indigenous lands and people.

Mass Audubon Bird-a-thon - May 12-13, annual Mass Audubon bird-siting event and fundraiser.

EBC Leadership Program: Newly Appointed MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple - May 17, event presented by EBC to be held in Boston.

National Floodplain Managers Conference—Call for Abstracts - September 5-8, 47th annual conference sponsored by the Association of State Floodplain Managers to be held in Los Angeles, California. Abstracts addressing the theme, “Mitigating the Equity Gap: Creating Climate Resilient Communities Together,” are due by May 26.

EPA and New England State Water and Wastewater Leaders’ Summit - May 31, 3rd annual virtual summit from EBC on wastewater program priorities in the region.

2023 National Coastal Conference—Call for Abstracts - October 10-13, conference on coastal science, technology, and policy with the theme, “Anchors Aweigh: Revolutionary Times for Coastal Habitats,” sponsored by the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association to be held in Providence, Rhode Island. Abstracts (PDF, 127 KB) are due by June 1.

Nantucket Coastal Conference - June 12, free conference hosted by CZM, Town of Nantucket, Barnstable County, and Woods Hole Sea Grant with the theme, “Climate Action Planning,” and a focus on flood protection and coastal resilience on Nantucket, nature-based solutions for flooding and erosion in Massachusetts, and climate action plans on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, to be held at the Nantucket Atheneum.

City Splash - June 17, community event sponsored by the Charles River Conservancy.

AWRA Summer Conference: Connecting Land & Water for Healthy Communities - July 17-19, conference from the American Water Resources Association (AWRA) focusing on programs to better connect land and water planning and policy, to be held in Denver, Colorado.

NALMS Symposium - October 22-26, 43rd International Symposium of the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) to be held in Erie, Pennsylvania.

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

  • Integrating the Human Sciences to Scale Societal Responses to Environmental Change - May 4-5, virtual workshop on new insights to improve human responses to climate change presented by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
  • 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.
  • CERF 2023 Conference—Call for Abstracts - November 12-16, biennial conference sponsored by the Coastal Estuarine Research Federation (CERF) with the theme, “Resilience and Recovery,” to be held in Portland, Oregon. Abstracts are due by May 10.
  • Hazard Mitigation Partners Workshop—Call for Abstracts - October 16-19, virtual workshop sponsored by FEMA with the theme, “All Together for Climate Resilient Communities.” Abstracts are due by May 15.
  • 2023 Local Solutions: Climate Migration Conference - May 16-17, conference presented by the Antioch University Center for Climate Preparedness and Community Resilience on building capacity for equitable climate migration and better climate resilience to be held in Keene, New Hampshire.
  • 27th Annual Mystic Herring Run and Paddle - May 21, run and paddle event sponsored by the Mystic River Watershed Association.
  • Global Ocean Science Education Workshop - May 23-25, workshop with a focus on sound in the ocean sponsored by the Inner Space Center at the University of Rhode Island to be held in Narragansett, Rhode Island.
  • Massachusetts Envirothon - May 25, annual high school competition on environmental issues to be held in Uxbridge. Organizers are seeking teachers, students, parents, and environmental professionals to get involved. For details, see the Envirothon website.
  • International Erosion Control Conference—Call for Abstracts - February 26-28, 2024, conference and exposition sponsored by the International Erosion Control Association on erosion, sediment control, and stormwater to be held in Spokane, Washington. Abstract submissions are due by June 2.
  • SNEP Forum—Call for Poster Session Abstracts - June 13, biennial event from the Southeast New England Program (SNEP) to engage with community members and program partners to discuss completed, ongoing, and future SNEP work to be held at Bristol Community College in Fall River. Submit Poster Session Abstracts by June 2 on topics that address SNEP’s mission, goals, and priority actions outlined in the 2021-2025 SNEP Strategic Plan.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Ipswich River Paddle-a-thon - June 17, annual paddling event and fundraiser to support the Ipswich River Watershed Association.
  • Buzzards Bay Swim - June 24, fundraiser for all ages and abilities to support the Buzzards Bay Coalition. Registration is required.
  • Race for Open Space - July 1, running race to celebrate the Nantucket Conservation Foundation’s 60th Anniversary and support its efforts to preserve and protect open space on the island.
  • Plastics & The Future of Our Planet - July 12, webinar featuring a conversation with author Bill McKibben and journalist Elizabeth Kolbert sponsored by Beyond Plastics.
  • 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.
  • AWRA 2023 Annual Water Resources Conference - November 6-8, conference sponsored by AWRA to be held in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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.

Boston Harbor Now Events - Events throughout the Boston Harbor area.

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 Field Schools - Multi-day field courses offered by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.

Cape Cod Maritime Museum Events - Upcoming events and lectures 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.

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

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 (MACC). See the MACC Complete Education Catalog and Community Calendar.

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

Friends of Herring River Events - Upcoming Herring River watershed events in Truro and Wellfleet.

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.

Salem Sound Coastwatch Community Calendar - Events posted in the Salem Sound region.

Sound in the Sea Webinars - Webinars on underwater sound hosted by the University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography.

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

USGS Webinar Series: Incorporating Indigenous Knowledges into Federal Research and Management - Webinars from USGS Climate Adaptation Science Centers through June.

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.

Other Items of Interest

Hurricane Preparedness Week - Hurricane Preparedness Week runs through May 6. This annual reminder from the National Weather Service provides tips to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season, which begins on June 1. See the Hurricane Preparedness Week website for information on hurricane safety, preparedness videos, current forecasts, social media ideas, and other resources.

Shrink Wrap Recycling Program - Through June, Woods Hole Sea Grant, in collaboration with Barnstable County, AmeriCorps Cape Cod, and the towns of Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, and Wellfleet, will offer a free shrink wrap recycling program for Cape Cod residents. Boat owners can bring their bundled, clean shrink wrap to one of six Cape Cod locations to be recycled. For details, including locations, times, and instructions, see the Sea Grant website.

Educator Innovation Award - Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs is accepting applications or nominations for the Educator Innovation Award for teachers that have introduced the Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest into their classrooms. Winners will receive a $750 award. Also, teachers in Massachusetts will be considered for the Baystate Educator Award. One winner will receive $750 along with a $500 classroom grant. Nominations are due by July 1, 2023.

FEMA National Advisory Council - FEMA is seeking applicants for its National Advisory Council (NAC), a 40-member federal committee of experts and leaders that advises the FEMA Administrator on all aspects of emergency management, in coordination with tribal, state, territorial, and local governments and the non-governmental and private sectors. FEMA will appoint or reappoint individuals to seven discipline-specific positions on the NAC, along with up to two members selected by the Administrator. For details and application materials, see the NAC Membership Applications page. Applications are due by May 21.

Coastal Management Photo Contest - NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management is seeking photos to “show us your love for the coast” for the 2023 Coastal Management Photo Contest. Winning images will be featured in an Office for Coastal Management social media campaign in May. Please submit photos that show walks by the water, fishing excursions, support of coastal businesses, and more by May 5 to ocm.nerrs.photocontest@noaa.gov (limit 10 images per entry).

Westport River Watershed Alliance Calendar Photo Contest - The Westport River Watershed Alliance (WRWA) is seeking landscape and nature photos that show the Westport River watershed in all four seasons for the WRWA Photo Contest. Thirteen winners will be selected for the 2024 WRWA calendar. Please submit images to outreach@wrwa.com (limit five per person) by July 1.

Watershed Discovery Programs - Registration is now open for the WRWA Watershed Discovery Programs for kids aged 7-16 to learn about coastal ecology and explore coastal habitats in week-long programs. Also, three-hour, morning, drop-off programs are available for children ages 5-6.

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