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CZ-Mail - November 2025

The monthly email 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, 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 to CZ-Mail, 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, feel free to share CZ-Mail with colleagues and friends—and if you have any suggestions for future editions or would like to make a change to your subscription, email your request to CZ-Mail@mass.gov. For periodic updates from CZM between CZ-Mail editions, follow us on Bluesky and Twitter/X.

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

Highlights

CZM Awards $3.8 Million in Coastal Resilience Grants - On October 6, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) and CZM announced $3.8 million in grants to support Massachusetts coastal communities and nonprofit and tribal partners in protecting critical infrastructure and environmental resources from erosion, storm damage, and flooding. Through the Coastal Resilience Grant Program, CZM will provide funding and technical assistance for 12 projects designed to support local and regional efforts through proactive planning, public engagement, infrastructure relocation, and shoreline restoration. With this crucial funding, communities are taking necessary actions to identify vulnerable areas and prepare for coastal storms and increasing flooding and erosion impacts. Including the grants announced today, more than $54 million have been invested in 247 resilience improvement projects in 60 communities through the Coastal Resilience Grant Program since 2014.

  • Barnstable - $1,770,000 to relocate the vulnerable parking lot at Sandy Neck Beach approximately 60-70 feet landward to help maintain public beach access and allow the dune to be restored. This project also includes relocation of the gatehouse to comprehensively address long-term flooding and erosion impacts at the site. 
  • Chatham - $30,845 to complete the bidding process for the future construction of a shoreline stabilization and fringing salt marsh restoration project at Jackknife Beach. Once constructed, the project will restore salt marsh using biodegradable materials and shellfish, allow for landward migration of the marsh, and help protect public access to the shoreline.
  • The House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association - $176,190 to begin permitting and developing construction-ready design plans for relocating the Counting House and floodproofing the Hooper Hathaway House, two historic and publicly accessible buildings on the campus. The project will address critical coastal and stormwater vulnerabilities while laying the foundation for future phased-relocation actions.
  • Hull - $252,000 to continue to advance design plans for redeveloping the Department of Public Works and Municipal Light Plant facilities into a combined building that is protected from sea level rise, storm surge, and high tide flooding.
  • Kingston - $166,632 to assess the vulnerability of its town landing at the Ah-De-Nah along the Jones River, which includes the Harbormaster’s office, pier, and parking lot, and evaluate conceptual alternatives for reducing existing and future flooding and sea level rise impacts.
  • Nantucket - $299,572 to assess alternatives and develop a conceptual design plan for protecting the Surfside Wastewater Treatment Plant from coastal erosion threats. The design will focus on the beach area fronting the vulnerable facility to help protect critical wastewater operations, public health, and environmental safety.
  • New Bedford - $69,850 to evaluate natural shoreline restoration alternatives along a 500-foot beach area at the main entrance to the historic Fort Taber Park and the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant. The project will conduct public outreach and develop a design for a preferred alternative that protects the infrastructure from coastal storms and sea level rise.
  • Plymouth - $294,435 to design and implement an artificial intelligence-driven modeling tool that evaluates flood risk, potential economic impacts, and insurance coverage gaps for residential and business properties. This pilot project aims to support municipal planning and public education on flood risks and potential solutions to enhance physical and financial resilience to flood hazards.
  • Revere - $68,953 to implement adaptation actions in the Beachmont neighborhood adjacent to the Belle Isle Marsh to help address near-term flood risks. The project will install flood sensors and establish an advanced flood warning system, evaluate a utility elevation assistance program for income-eligible households, and adapt the parking policy to prevent vehicle loss and damage.
  • Salisbury - $232,830 to partner with Newbury and Newburyport on a long-term regional planning effort to evaluate coastal erosion and sediment transport and the feasibility of shore protection strategies. The project will assess site-specific protection options, including beach and dune nourishment and identification of potential nourishment sources.
  • Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) - $382,109 to partner with Tufts University on their first Coastal Resilience Grant to develop a model to evaluate the effects of storms and sea level rise on the culturally significant Gay Head Cliffs. The project will identify near-term solutions to address erosion impacts and long-term goals to proactively guide future adaptation actions. The Tribe brings valuable expertise and lived experiences to managing coastal erosion and developing long-term adaptation strategies.
  • Westport - $74,403 to continue to engage stakeholders on best management practices, conduct local and state review, and file permits for their Barrier Beach Management Plan. The plan will focus on management actions to help maintain coastal dunes and barrier beaches so they can continue to provide storm protection, habitat for rare shorebirds, and recreational opportunities, while preserving access to roads including Atlantic Avenue, Beach Avenue (The Knubble), and East Beach Road.

See the press release for additional information and the links below for news coverage. (Articles may only be available for a limited time.)

CZM also Awards $1.1 Million in Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grants - On October 8, EEA and CZM announced $1.1 million in grants for projects that tackle stormwater pollution to coastal waters while advancing coastal habitat restoration efforts. The CZM Coastal Habitat and Water Quality (CHWQ) Grants fund projects to assess, collect, and treat stormwater runoff, which is a leading source of water pollution. A priority of the CHWQ Grants is to support green stormwater infrastructure, which are methods like rain gardens that replicate natural processes to trap and filter stormwater before it reaches local waterbodies. These grants also support development of comprehensive habitat restoration plans, restoration planning for priority land acquisition, and data collection and engineering to support infrastructure-focused habitat restoration activities. The nine funded projects—matched by $1,220,932 from municipal and nonprofit sources, demonstrating a strong local commitment—will help keep beaches and shellfish harvesting areas open and advance coastal habitat restoration planning:

  • Association to Preserve Cape Cod - $44,745 to finalize the design of a stormwater treatment project at the Herring River Boat Ramp to reduce nutrient and bacteria pollution entering the Herring River and Nantucket Sound. This project is in partnership with the Town of Harwich and builds on earlier planning and design completed with previous federal, municipal, and private funding. The design includes green infrastructure systems that use nature-based approaches to collect, filter, and infiltrate stormwater runoff and protect the adjacent salt marsh.
  • Charles River Watershed Association - $65,513 to develop a habitat restoration plan for the 9.1-square-mile Upper Charles watershed, including six miles of key river habitat, in partnership with the Town of Milford. The project will use field data, assessments, and community input to prioritize actions that improve habitat connectivity and water quality. The Milford Community Liaison Core Team proposed through another state grant will be involved in public engagement efforts, which will include significant opportunities for community feedback.
  • Cohasset - $117,340 to complete a comprehensive habitat restoration plan for the Gulf River Estuary, in partnership with the Town of Scituate, to restore coastal habitat and water quality in Cohasset and Scituate. To address climate change impacts and nutrient pollution from stormwater runoff, the project will establish baseline conditions, identify stressors, and prioritize restoration actions for the area. Building on previous assessments and plans, the work will synthesize existing data, collect new field data, and incorporate community input.
  • Duxbury - $94,415 to complete a comprehensive habitat restoration plan for the upper Bluefish River wetland upstream of Harrison Street. The project will evaluate habitat and water quality to identify stressors—such as tidal restrictions, stormwater, invasive Phragmites australis, and impaired fish passage—and develop restoration alternatives to restore the upper Bluefish River.
  • Kingston - $38,268 to assess, design, and permit structural stormwater best management practices on Drew and Seaver Avenues. Kingston has been implementing stormwater management at sites identified through a study funded by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) as having high contaminant levels from runoff. Ongoing efforts by the Town have involved using green stormwater infrastructure designs identified by the Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Partnership (MassBays). Drew and Seaver Avenues are the last remaining streets recommended for treatment through the study. The project will develop recommendations to reduce stormwater pollution that is impacting shellfish, aquaculture, and beaches, as well as to reduce erosion.
  • Mashpee - $250,000 to construct green stormwater infrastructure at the Mashpee-Wakeby Pond boat ramp, which drains to the Mashpee River and Popponesset Bay. The work includes construction of multiple green infrastructure systems to filter, infiltrate, and hold stormwater. The project builds on previous planning and design funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Southeast New England Program (SNEP) and CHWQ Grants. Partners include the Association to Preserve Cape Cod and the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game Office of Fishing and Boating Access.
  • Mystic River Watershed Association - $147,250 to complete site assessments, design, and construction for eight stormwater street trenches, in partnership with the Town of Belmont. This project expands previous efforts to implement green stormwater infrastructure across the Mystic River watershed, funded by CZM and MassDEP and led by the Mystic River Watershed Association, Town of Arlington, and University of New Hampshire Stormwater Center. By targeting untreated stormwater runoff—the primary source of nutrient pollution for the watershed—this work will improve water quality and habitat.
  • Weymouth - $143,500 to evaluate the tide gate at the Pearl Street-Philips Creek crossing that currently restricts tidal flow to Pratts Meadow, a 14-acre marsh. This location was identified by MassBays as a top priority. The project will include field assessments, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, an alternatives analysis with conceptual designs, and public outreach.
  • Yarmouth - $172,268 to complete site assessment, design, and permitting for priority stormwater retrofits identified in stormwater assessment work funded through a previous CHWQ Grant. In partnership with the Association to Preserve Cape Cod and subcontractor Horsley Witten Group, the project will advance designs for one site at Wings Grove Beach and six sites along Old Main Street and complete permitting and final design for a bioretention system on Grove Street. The work targets impaired water bodies south of Route 6 and prioritizes benefits to fish, shellfish, beaches, and Environmental Justice communities.

See the press release for more information and the links below for news coverage. (Article may only be available for a limited time.)

CZM Wraps Up a Successful Field Monitoring Season - The CZM Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Team conducted fieldwork and collected critical data for the following initiatives in 2025:

  • Sentinel Site Monitoring Program - CZM established the Sentinel Site Monitoring Program to track changes in salt marshes through time and in response to sea level rise. Since 2017, CZM has monitored vegetation, elevation, hydrology, and other features of marshes in Essex, Barnstable, and Westport. Monitoring is repeated every three to five years to build a time series and analyze trends. This summer, CZM completed a third monitoring season, building the long-term dataset needed to compare within and between the sentinel sites. Stay tuned for a future CZM report that will summarize these data, including changes in vegetation within the salt marsh platform and upland, as well as changes in the transition zone between these two environments. For more information on this and other tidal wetland initiatives, see CZM’s Coastal Wetland Monitoring and Assessment web page.
  • Marine Invader Monitoring and Information Collaborative - Since 2006, CZM has coordinated the Marine Invader Monitoring and Information Collaborative (MIMIC), a volunteer monitoring program that aims to track the presence and abundance of established marine invasive species along the northwest Atlantic coast and to detect new species introductions. In 2025, five new monitoring groups joined more than a dozen returning MIMIC partners to record data at docks, rocky shorelines, and dive sites from Rhode Island to Canada. See CZM’s Marine Invasive Species Program website for details on CZM’s invasive species work.
  • Non-Native Clam Sightings - In addition to the established invasive species that MIMIC partners monitor, records of a non-native clam were reported along the Massachusetts coastline this summer. Live and dead Ruditapes philippinarum—known colloquially as the “Manila clam” or “Japanese littleneck”—were identified from Cape Cod to Beverly by researchers, including those from Northeastern University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sea Grant, University of Massachusetts (UMass) Amherst, Salem Sound Coastwatch, and CZM, as well as by commercial shellfishing operators. R. philippinarum shells can be identified through their distinctive cross-hatched pattern, compared with native quahog shells that have only concentric growth rings. See this iNaturalist web page for photos, records of sightings in the region, or to upload your own observation.

For additional details on CZM’s field initiatives, including information on how to get involved with MIMIC or report a R. philippinarum sighting, please email alexis.neffinger@mass.gov.

NOTICE: Anticipated Release of Request for Proposals for CZM Grants in Early 2026 through the New Environment & Climate One Stop (ECO One Stop) - EEA has launched the new Environment & Climate One Stop (ECO One Stop) to simplify the grant application process for climate resilience and environmental projects in Massachusetts. By consolidating multiple applications into one streamlined process, ECO One Stop allows applicants to apply to multiple grants through a single application. For Fiscal Year (FY) 2027, both CZM grant programs—Coastal Resilience and Coastal Habitat and Water Quality—will be part of ECO One Stop. An optional ECO One Stop Expression of Interest (EOI) form was due by October 28, and information from webinars and other outreach is available on the ECO One Stop website and on the FAQ page. New ECO One Stop webinars will be scheduled in January 2026, before ECO One Stop releases a Request for Responses (RFR) on COMMBUYS and opens for formal applications. This RFR will include both the Coastal Resilience and Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grants. In addition, applications for this upcoming grant round must be submitted through EEA’s Grants Management System (GMS).

If you have any questions about the new ECO One Stop or the GMS, please email:

Help Document Coastal Flooding for November King Tides - Reports of flooding during extreme high tides around full and new moons help increase awareness of vulnerable areas in our communities and inform coastal management planning and projects. CZM encourages you to take photos of flooding during the highest tides this month and share them using the free MyCoast app or online platform. Anyone can use these tools to share photos and observations of coastal flooding, joining more than 600 MyCoast users who have provided valuable information. To help out, check your local tide chart for peak times around the full moon on November 6-8 and submit photos using the King Tides tool or download the free MyCoast app onto your mobile device. (See this example photo from Commercial Wharf in Nantucket.) MyCoast: Massachusetts also has tools for reporting coastal storm damage and coastal erosion. For more on this online portal for sharing and viewing photos of coastal impacts and shoreline adaptation, along with tips on staying safe when taking photos, see the CZM MyCoast: Massachusetts web page.

Last Call to Volunteer for COASTSWEEP 2025! - Since August, thousands of dedicated volunteers have collected trash along the Bay State shoreline for COASTSWEEP, the statewide volunteer beach cleanup organized by CZM. As part of Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup, COASTSWEEP volunteers collect data on what they find to help inform national and international efforts to reduce marine debris. By the time COASTSWEEP wraps up later this month, nearly 3,000 volunteers will have cleaned dozens of locations along Massachusetts rivers, marshes, and beaches—and there’s still time to organize a cleanup of your own or join one of the remaining scheduled cleanups. All the supplies (bags, gloves, data cards, pencils, etc.) are provided free of charge, and cleanups can be scheduled at your convenience through November. See the COASTSWEEP website for details. And thank you to everyone who has turned out so far!

CZM Staff and People

Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program Director Retires - In October, Joe Costa retired after more than 36 years as the Director of the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program (NEP). Joe grew up in New Bedford and was always fascinated by life in the ocean, especially eelgrass, which became the focus of his undergraduate field projects at the University of California Berkeley’s Bodega Marine Laboratory. He went on to the Boston University Marine Program in Woods Hole, where he earned a PhD studying how pollution and other factors affected the distribution of eelgrass and other species in Buzzards Bay. This research was funded by the then Buzzards Bay Project, which predated the National Estuary Program. During his post-doctoral work, coastal managers encouraged him to apply for the Buzzards Bay Project Manager position, and CZM hired him due to his understanding of marine ecology and experiences monitoring nitrogen pollution and discharges from septic systems, estimating watershed nitrogen loads, and mapping the loss and recovery of eelgrass beds. After overseeing the development of the first Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan for the program, Joe then focused the NEP’s work on providing technical assistance and grants to Buzzards Bay municipalities. During his tenure at the NEP, several projects stand out. In 1992, the NEP helped form the Baywatchers water quality monitoring program in partnership with the Buzzards Bay Coalition and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and in 1998, in partnership with Barnstable County Health and MassDEP, the NEP built the Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center and oversaw the first round of technology testing. In 2015, the NEP began the Buzzards Bay Stormwater Collaborative—a partnership between eight Buzzards Bay municipalities, the NEP, and Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA). The program continues today, and MMA students receive course credits to work with municipal public works departments to map stormwater networks, monitor discharges, and conduct investigations for illicit discharges. This work helps Buzzards Bay municipalities meet federal stormwater discharge permits. Joe also focused on collaborations with staff from EPA, CZM, and SNEP, along with the inspiring work of the 27 other NEPs. With his retirement, CZM Director Alison Brizius will step in as interim Director. We will miss Joe’s thoughtful and sage words of wisdom, attention to details, and complete mastery of the issues in Buzzards Bay.

Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities

NOTICE: RFR for CZM’s Coastal Resilience and Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grants Anticipated to Be Released in Early 2026 - The RFR for EEA’s new Environment & Climate One Stop (ECO One Stop) is anticipated to be released in early 2026 and will include both CZM grant programs—Coastal Resilience and the Coastal Habitat and Water Quality. See “NOTICE: Anticipated Release of Request for Proposals for CZM Grants in Early 2026 through the New Environment & Climate One Stop (ECO One Stop)” in the top section of CZ-Mail for further details.

Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants - The EEA Division of Conservation Services (DCS) is seeking proposals for FY 2026 Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants, which provide up to $1,000,000 in matching funds to state agencies and local governments to acquire and develop public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend one of two grant information sessions: November 17 at 11:00 a.m. in person at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters in Westborough or December 3 at 2:00 p.m. on Microsoft Teams. Please RSVP to Melissa Cryan at melissa.cryan@mass.gov to attend either session. For application instructions, see the DCS website.

Buzzards Bay Infrastructure and CCMP Support Grants - The Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program is seeking proposals for a fourth round of the FY 2026 Buzzards Bay Watershed Infrastructure and CCMP Support Grant Program, with an anticipated $814,445 in federal funding available through a Cooperative Agreement with EPA from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA). Eligible projects must implement a recommendation in the Buzzards Bay Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) and be principally located within, or benefit water quality or habitat in, the Buzzards Bay watershed. In addition, eligible projects include feasibility, design, and construction of stormwater facilities to treat discharges affecting surface waters; tasks to achieve Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) compliance; retrofits to enhance nitrogen removal from wastewater treatment facilities; restoration of wetlands, habitat, and migratory fish passage; construction of boat pumpout facilities; creation/participation in online reporting systems for alternative septic systems; and other activities in support of the CCMP and compatible with IIJA funding. This opportunity is open to all municipalities within the Buzzards Bay watershed. All applications must be submitted through the new EEA Grants Management System. See COMMBUYS and the GMS for details and proposal instructions and to download the RFR and attachments. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on November 18. (Please note that Buzzards Bay NEP grants are now part of EEA’s Grants Management System. Before using the system for the first time, applicants must create a username and password and have their profile validated, which could take several days to complete.) The question and answer period for the RFR is open until 5:00 p.m. on November 4. Please submit questions to Sarah Williams at Sarah.Williams@mass.gov. Answers to all questions will be posted on the COMMBUYS website and the NEP’s funding web page.

Technical Assistance Program - The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is accepting project concepts from MAPC area cities and towns for the 2026 Technical Assistance Program, which provides MAPC assistance on local programs and planning initiatives that advance regional goals. Projects that include one or more of these priorities will be prioritized: affordable housing, racial and social equity, regional collaboration, and other MAPC MetroCommon2050 goals. Project concepts are accepted on a rolling basis but those submitting by December 8 will be considered when maximum funding is available. For details, including an upcoming informational webinar on November 12, see the MAPC website.

Products/Publications

State of the Beach Report - The Surfrider Foundation has released the 2025 State of the Beach Report (PDF, 19 MB), which features nine case studies on nature-based restoration projects at U.S. and Puerto Rico beaches and coastal areas that address climate change impacts.

Newsletters and Other Periodicals

Coastal & Estuarine Science News - The fourth 2025 issue of Coastal & Estuarine Science News, the newsletter of the Coastal & Estuarine Research Foundation, includes articles on nutrient export through groundwater, harmful algae bloom detection using passive samplers, impacts of underwater noise in marine protected areas, and other research topics.

Jobs/Internships

Advocacy Director - The Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC) is seeking an Advocacy Director to oversee all APCC advocacy initiatives and fulfill its mission to “improve environmental policies and outcomes for Cape Cod” through engagement with all levels of government and partner organizations. For details and to apply, see the Employment page.

Coastal Resilience Specialist - Barnstable County, through the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) Sea Grant, is seeking a Coastal Resilience Specialist. This position will provide technical assistance, public outreach, and education to coastal communities with a focus on floodplain management, building codes, and wetlands regulations, as well as on coastal processes and impacts of storms and sea level rise. For details, see the job posting.

Port Project Manager - Save the Harbor/Save the Bay is seeking a Port Project Manager to lead a two-year initiative on the future of Boston Harbor’s working ports and Massachusetts Designated Port Areas (DPAs). This role, supported by the Barr Foundation, will include strategic planning, community engagement, and policy development and focus on economic innovation, climate resilience, and environmental justice. To apply, see the Open Positions page.

Field Teachers - Mass Audubon is seeking seasonal field teachers to assist with Cape Cod Pre-K through high school programs and field trips at Long Pasture and Wellfleet Bay Sanctuaries, as well as to work with the year-round educators to teach standards-aligned science. For details, see the position posting.

Research Assistant - The Center for Coastal Studies is seeking a Research Assistant to work with the Director of the Marine Debris & Plastics Program. For more information, on this temporary, nine-month position, see the job listing.

Calendar - Individual Events and Announcements

New Bedford Science Café - November 4, event in New Bedford with a focus on Oyster Aquaculture featuring aquaculturist Dale Leavitt of West Island Oysters and Christian Petitpas from the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries.

Massachusetts Science Teachers Conference - November 5, annual conference of the Massachusetts Association of Science Teachers with the theme “The Importance of Sensemaking in Science” to be held in Marlborough.

Wastewater in the Watershed Teacher Workshop - November 13-14 and December 16 (virtual), free training for grade 4-12 teachers on the importance of wastewater treatment to coastal salt marshes to be held both virtually and at the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Falmouth.

2025 Youth Ocean Conservation Summit - November 15, annual conference for students and youth leaders in partnership with Mote Marine Laboratory to be held in Sarasota, Florida.

Materials Management Series - November 18, Site Remediation and Redevelopment Webinar from the Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC) on groundwater sampling for environmental site assessments.

Northeast Regional Ocean Council (NROC) Fall Meeting - November 18-19, NROC meeting to be held in Newport, Rhode Island, with a virtual option.

Northeast Residuals & Biosolids Conference - November 18-19, annual event sponsored by the New England Water Environment Association with the theme “Managing Residuals and Biosolids in a Time of Uncertainty” to be held in Worcester.

EBC Leadership Briefing with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District - November 19, event from EBC to be held in Boston.

New England Climate Change and Resiliency Summit & Poster Session - January 8, 2026, seventh annual summit from EBC to be held in Lowell. The deadline to register for poster presentations is November 21.

Nonpoint Source Pollution (NPS) Conference—Call for Abstracts - April 7-9, 2026, 36th annual conference sponsored by NEIWPCC to be held in Plymouth. Abstracts are due by December 19.

Calendar - Multiple/Ongoing Events

Association to Preserve Cape Cod Events - Free events and webinars on natural resources, gardening, and more. Links to free films, recordings of previous webinars, and information from past events are available.

Barnstable Clean Water Coalition Events - Activities and events for all ages throughout Barnstable.

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

Boat Safety Course - Free, in-person course from the Massachusetts Environmental Police held in Commonwealth communities. This course will meet the mandatory boater education requirements for all motorized vessel operators that will begin April 1, 2026.

Boston Harbor Islands Calendar - 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 Coalition - Bay Adventures - Free, guided activities across the Buzzards Bay watershed.

Cape Cod Bird Club Walks and Activities - Free birdwatching 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 & Lectures - Upcoming events and lectures for all ages at the museum in Hyannis. Links to recordings of past lectures are also posted.

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

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

Charles River Watershed Association Events - Upcoming events throughout the Charles River watershed.

Chatham Conservation Foundation Events - Activities and events across Chatham.

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

Coastal & Estuarine Research Federation Webinar Series - Monthly science webinars, with recordings of previous webinars available to Federation members.

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 Events Calendar.

Dam Busters 201 Webinars Series - Lunchtime webinars on dam safety, dam removal financing, and community engagement in Massachusetts sponsored by the Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration, and Charles River Watershed Association, with links to past webinars and related material.

Duxbury Beach Events - Public events and education programs from Duxbury Beach Reservation.

Ecological Landscaping Alliance Events - Webinars, workshops, tours, and conferences on natural landscaping options, with recordings of past webinars available to Alliance members.

Falmouth Forum Lecture Series - Free public lectures at the Marine Biological Lab in Woods Hole. Recordings of previous lectures are available.

Floodplain Management Training - Various training opportunities compiled by the Department of Conservation and Recreation Flood Hazard Management Program.

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

Harwich Conservation Trust Walks & Events - Birding and nature activities.

Healthy and Resilient Communities Research Webinar Series - Periodic community resilience webinars from EPA for local decision makers, with links to Past Webinar Recordings.

Ipswich River Watershed Association Events - Events throughout the watershed focusing on natural resources.

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. See the Great Massachusetts Cleanup page for community-wide litter cleanups and park maintenance opportunities.

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

MACC Lunch & Learn Webinars - Free monthly webinars on a variety of natural resource protection topics. Recordings of previous webinars are available.

Marion Natural History Museum Programs - Community and summer programs at the museum in Marion.

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

Mystic River Watershed Association Calendar - Volunteer events, festivals, learning opportunities, public meetings, and more throughout the watershed.

Nantucket Conservation Foundation Events - Walks, workshops, and community events across Nantucket.

National Marine Sanctuaries Webinars - Webinars hosted by the sanctuary system. See Past Webinar Recordings for descriptions of and links to previous webinars.

National Tools Showcase - Quarterly webinars from the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association on tools to address coastal challenges.

Native Plant Trust Classes & Field Studies - Events on plants and landscaping throughout the region.

Neponset River Watershed Association Events - Calendar of opportunities throughout the watershed.

New England Aquarium Events and Programs - Upcoming events, lectures, and programs at the aquarium in Boston. Recordings of past lectures are available on the Aquarium Lecture Series page.

NOAA Digital Coast Training Calendar - A range of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) training opportunities, with links to on-demand resources available on the Training page.

NOAA Planet Stewards Programs - Webinars, workshops, and book club sessions from the NOAA Planet Stewards Education Project. See the Webinar Archives for links to selected presentations.

NOAA Science Seminars - Webinars and seminars on science and climate issues from several NOAA partners. Past seminars are catalogued and available.

Nonpoint Source Pollution Technical Exchange Webinars - Periodic webinars from EPA on a variety of nonpoint source pollution topics, with links to previous webinars.

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

Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center Webinars - Webinars on climate change, adaptation, and resilience from this center at the UMass Amherst with links to Archived Webinars.

Northeast Monthly Climate Updates - Free webinars from the Northeast Regional Climate Center to address timely weather and climate concerns. Recordings of previous webinars are also available, along with PDF copies of presentation materials.

Northeast Waste Management Officials Association Events - Upcoming webinars and events, with links to past presentations.

Open Communications for the Ocean Webinars - Periodic webinars on ocean topics, with links to past webinars.

Orleans Conservation Trust Events - Guided walks, programs, and talks in Orleans.

Rainwater Readiness Stormwater Workshops - Free public workshops on municipal stormwater management strategies and financing in Massachusetts presented by the Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, with links to previous workshop resources.

Salem Sound Coastwatch Events - Activities and events posted in the Salem Sound region.

Soak Up the Rain New England Webinar Series - Periodic webinars from EPA that highlight innovative ways to address stormwater, with links to archived webcasts.

Stone Living Lab Events - Free climate-focused events around Boston Harbor from the lab at the University of Massachusetts Boston.

Trustees Programs - Experiences and opportunities at The Trustees of Reservations properties across the Commonwealth.

Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Events - Activities for all ages at the reserve.

Westport River Watershed Alliance Events - Upcoming opportunities in the watershed.

Whale & Dolphin Conservation Events - Upcoming education and outreach opportunities in Massachusetts and beyond.

Other Items of Interest

MA Climate Science Report Stakeholder Survey - The Massachusetts (MA) Office of Climate Science is developing the 2026 MA Climate Science Report, which will provide foundational scientific resources for climate impact assessments in the next update of the MA Climate Change Assessment, ResilientMass Plan, and other state and local resilience planning efforts. To ensure the report effectively informs impact/risk assessments and resilience planning, the office is conducting a survey on science, data, and guidance needs around climate stressors and hazards information. The survey deadline is November 7. To participate, see the 2026 MA Climate Science Report Stakeholder Survey.

Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship - The NOAA Office of Education is accepting applications for the Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship, which supports undergraduate education in oceanic and atmospheric science, trains students for careers in public service and education, awards up to $9,500 annually for two years of full-time study, and includes a paid summer internship. Applications are due by January 31, 2026.

Cool Science Artwork Competition - The 14th Annual Cool Science Artwork Competition focuses on extreme weather, and student artists from around the world in grades K-12 are encouraged to participate. Submissions should address one of these challenge questions with a piece of art: 1) What can we learn from nature about adapting to a changing climate?, 2) How are Massachusetts and its cities and towns preparing for climate change?, and 3) How can we lower temperatures in urban heat islands? For details, including guidelines and rules, judging criteria, and how to submit artwork, see the Cool Science web page. Entries are due by January 9, 2026.

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