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CZ-Mail - October 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

$2.1 Million in Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grants Announced - On September 29, EEA announced $2,126,159 in grant funding for projects to protect coastal habitat and water quality in Massachusetts. The CZM Coastal Habitat and Water Quality (CHWQ) Grants support efforts to address polluted stormwater runoff to further protect coastal water quality and habitat, develop comprehensive coastal habitat restoration plans, and implement priority habitat restoration actions. One priority of the grant program is to support implementation of stormwater green infrastructure, which uses approaches that replicate natural processes to filter and treat pollutants in runoff. The ten funded projects—which are matched by $544,118 from municipal and non-profit sources, demonstrating a strong local commitment to coastal water quality and habitat—will help keep beaches and shellfish harvesting areas open and advance coastal habitat restoration planning:

  • Association to Preserve Cape Cod - $761,137 to complete permitting and final designs of green stormwater infrastructure at four public boat ramps sites as well as construction at two of these sites to treat stormwater for nutrients and bacteria and improve water quality and recreational opportunities. This work involves several municipal, regional, and federal partners and builds off assessment work supported by previous CZM funding.
  • Charles River Watershed Association - $99,992 to develop green stormwater infrastructure designs and a comprehensive habitat restoration plan for Cheesecake Brook, a tributary of the Charles River. The green stormwater infrastructure will be designed to treat for nutrients and bacteria in stormwater entering the brook, and the habitat restoration plan will identify and prioritize restoration opportunities to improve habitat for diadromous fish.
  • Falmouth - $90,237 to develop a comprehensive habitat restoration plan for the Fresh River system. The town will collect data and engage the public to inform the development of conceptual designs to improve tidal flow and remediate stormwater pollution to the Fresh River.
  • Falmouth - $40,000 to develop green stormwater infrastructure to treat stormwater runoff from Thomas B. Landers Road for nutrients and bacteria. The project will improve water quality in the Coonamessett River, a critical diadromous fish run on Cape Cod.
  • Kingston - $18,000 to assess priority parcels for land acquisition or conservation restriction to facilitate marsh migration (the landward movement of marshes into suitable adjacent lands in response to sea level rise). This project addresses a priority action in the town’s comprehensive habitat restoration plan developed with previous CHWQ funding.
  • Mattapoisett Land Trust - $82,856 to develop a comprehensive habitat restoration plan for the tidal marshes west of Mattapoisett Neck Road in partnership with the Town of Mattapoisett. The restoration plan will include three or four technical plans for priority restoration actions, including preliminary designs to replace the undersized culvert under Mattapoisett Neck Road at Molly’s Cove. The project builds on significant efforts by the land trust and the town to improve climate resiliency and coastal habitat, which were supported by previous CZM funding.
  • North and South Rivers Watershed Association - $88,129 to develop a comprehensive habitat restoration plan for the tidal marshes across the South Shore of Massachusetts, in partnership with the Cohasset Center for Student Coastal Research and University of Massachusetts (UMass) Amherst, and the Towns of Duxbury, Norwell, Plymouth, and Scituate. Both field and desktop assessment methods will be used to develop the plan, with an opportunity for community engagement, education, and outreach.
  • Salem Sound Coastwatch - $50,000 to conduct a case study of the North River rain gardens through the development of an executive summary, story map, and two informational videos in partnership with the City of Salem. The case study provides capacity-building, education, and outreach opportunities focused on green stormwater infrastructure and will build on work supported by previous CZM funding.
  • Swansea - $99,900 to conduct a stormwater assessment for the Compton’s Corner area of the Cole’s River watershed in partnership with the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District and Save the Bay. The assessment will consist of water quality sampling, stormwater trainings for municipal staff, and public engagement resulting in conceptual designs for one stormwater Best Management Practice (BMP).
  • Yarmouth - $795,908 to develop green stormwater infrastructure designs for five priority sites, resulting in the permitting and installation of two stormwater BMPs. This project, which builds on assessment work supported by previous CZM funding, will improve water quality for fish and wildlife habitat and reduce beach closures.

For additional details, see the CZM Press Release, as well as the links below for news coverage. (Articles may only be available for a limited time. Not working? Try copying the web address directly into your browser, rather than clicking on it.)

Storm Team Activated for Hurricane Lee - On September 16, CZM activated selected members of the Coastal Storm Damage Assessment Team (Storm Team) to assess the coastal impacts of Hurricane Lee. The Storm Team provided 65 reports from 14 communities to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and others at the State Emergency Operations Center during the storm. Impacts reported include: minor beach, dune, and bank erosion; minor overwash onto low-lying roads and parking areas; damaged sand fencing; and one septic system exposed by erosion. Storm Team members used CZM’s StormReporter tool to submit reports.

COASTSWEEP Cleanups Underway—Still Plenty of Time to Get Involved - COASTSWEEP—the annual statewide beach cleanup sponsored by CZM—is in full swing (see the EEA Press Release for details). Cleanups will continue into November, so there’s still plenty of time to join a COASTSWEEP cleanup or to sign up to be a local cleanup coordinator for your favorite beach, marsh, dive site, and riverbank. As part of the International Coastal Cleanup, which draws hundreds of thousands of volunteers to coastal cleanups in more than 150 countries worldwide, volunteers remove trash and other marine debris and record data about what they find. This information is entered into Ocean Conservancy’s international marine debris database, which helps improve understanding of the sources of marine debris and develop solutions for prevention. See the COASTSWEEP website for details on how to volunteer. To receive reminders of when new cleanup lists are posted, please send a blank email (completely blank, with no signature line) to join-env-coastsweep-volunteers@listserv.state.ma.us.

CZM Job Posting

COMING SOON: CZM Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Specialist - CZM will soon be posting a job description for the Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Specialist position, which will provide critical technical, planning, and project management support for CZM water quality and habitat efforts. The position will focus on providing technical support for CZM’s Coastal Nonpoint Source Water Quality Program, Coastal Habitat and Water Quality grant program, and outreach and engagement with communities and partners to develop priority projects. This position will also assist with coastal habitat initiatives, including long-term biological monitoring of wetlands, volunteer monitoring networks, and habitat resiliency. Please stay tuned to the CZM Jobs and Grants page for the posting, as well as the CZM Twitter feed for announcements.

CZM Staff and People

Season of Goodbyes at CZM - Over the last several months, three long-time and much valued CZM team members have retired. In April, Grants Specialist and Fiscal staff member, Vesper Williams, retired after 28 years at CZM. Vesper started in a temporary role and progressed up to her grants management position, serving for many years as a CZM’s accountant. Vesper could always be counted for helping staff with any finance or contract issue, as well as for her kind words, moral support, and tasty treats with Jamaican flare. In June, CZM Administrative Assistant, Denise Cavalieri, retired after 44 years at CZM. In 2000, Denise was awarded the Commonwealth Citation for Outstanding Performance for excellent work ethic and supportive attitude. Denise also served on CZM’s COASTSWEEP beach cleanup team, assisting with coordinating cleanups and ensuring volunteers had the supplies and information they needed. Denise could be consistently counted on to get the job done, no matter how challenging, and always with a smile and a proactive approach. Lastly, in September, CZM Project Review Coordinator, Dredging Coordinator, and Public Records Access Officer, Bob Boeri, retired after 17 years at CZM. Hired in 2006 as Dredging Coordinator, he stepped in as Acting Project Review Coordinator in 2007, and then Project Review Coordinator later that year. He maintained all three of these roles while also serving as Acting Assistant Director in 2019. In 2022, in recognition of his extraordinary willingness to actively help out and amiably bring together diverse teams to tackle any coastal issue, Bob received the prestigious Susan Snow-Cotter Leadership Award from the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment for his dedication to the coastal profession. Since joining CZM, Bob’s leadership skills and expertise have allowed him to bring the right people to the table to work together for effective solutions. Beyond professionalism, Bob’s open and friendly nature has been central to the culture of the CZM team. This trio was the heart and soul of CZM in many ways—from making sure we had the supplies and support we needed to making sure it was all paid for and bringing us all together as a team to get things done. You will all be sorely missed. Happy, happy retirement!

Project Review Coordinator - In September, CZM welcomed Sean Duffey in a new role as CZM’s Project Review Coordinator, Dredging Coordinator, and Public Records Access Officer. Sean has been with CZM since 2017 when he was selected for a two-year NOAA Coastal Management Fellowship, which focused on coastal habitat resiliency and vulnerabilities in Areas of Critical Environmental Concern. After completing the Fellowship in 2019, Sean took a permanent position with CZM’s Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Team, most recently as a Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Specialist. Sean will now lead CZM’s federal consistency review process, coordinate CZM project review through the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Office and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), coordinate the state Dredge Team, and serve as CZM’s Public Records Request contact. Congratulations Sean!

Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities

Funding to Replace Transitional/Tidally Influenced Crossings - The Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) is seeking proposals from Massachusetts municipalities to fund preliminary design studies for the replacement of transitional crossings—near-coastal waterway crossings over streams, creeks, or other watercourses landward of the intertidal zone that are anticipated to experience impacts of climate change, sea level rise, and coastal storm flooding. DER will select up to three projects that are at an early stage of development. Selected projects will be eligible to receive technical assistance from DER staff and qualified contractors to develop a preliminary level design for crossing replacement. To view the RFR and download required forms, see the COMMBUYS website. Applications are due by October 6.

Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grants - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) is seeking applications for the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program for grants or cooperative agreements to support marine mammal stranding networks for recovery and treatment and data collection, as well as facility upgrades, operation costs, and staffing that address these needs. For more information, see the federal funding opportunity. Applications are due by October 12.

Marine Debris Funding - The National Sea Grant College Program (Sea Grant) is seeking proposals for the Marine Debris Challenge Competition and Marine Debris Community Action Coalitions Opportunity with funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Marine Debris Challenge Competition (PDF, 113 KB) offers approximately $16 million to support innovative research on the prevention and removal of marine debris. An informational webinar about this opportunity will be held on October 3. Letters of Intent are due by January 31, 2024, and full proposals will be due on March 27, 2024. The Marine Debris Community Action Coalitions Opportunity (PDF, 123 KB) will provide approximately $3 million to fund the creation of coalitions and partnerships to tackle marine debris. An informational webinar on this opportunity will be held on October 2. Letters of Intent are due by December 14, and full proposals will be due on March 5, 2024. Applicants must submit proposals for both opportunities in partnership with a relevant Sea Grant program.

BoatUS Grassroots Grants - The BoatUS Foundation is seeking applications for its 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.

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

  • Technical Assistance Grants - MassDEP is seeking proposals from eligible community or municipal applicant groups for Fiscal Year 2024-25 Technical Assistance Grants to support public involvement during oil and hazardous material disposal site assessment and cleanup under the Massachusetts Contingency Plan. Up to $200,000 is available for this grant round, with up to $20,000 per group application. For more information, including meeting materials, eligibility requirements, and application instructions, see the grants web page. Applications are due October 13.
  • Restoring Fish Passage through Barrier Removal Grants - NOAA Fisheries is seeking proposals for locally led fish passage projects that will remove in-stream barriers, such as dams. Up to $175 million in funding is available to reopen migratory routes and restore access to better fish habitats. For more information, see the NOAA Fisheries website. Proposals are due by October 16.
  • Marine Debris Grant Opportunities - NOAA’s Marine Debris Program is seeking proposals to fund both Marine Debris Removal and Interception Technologies. Up to $28 million is available to support large scale marine debris removal projects and installation of proven marine debris interception technologies in the coastal United States, Great Lakes, and territories. Notices of Intent (NOIs) for Marine Debris Removal Grants are due by October 27. NOIs for Marine Debris Interception Technologies are due by November 15.
  • Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience Grants - NOAA Fisheries is seeking proposals for habitat restoration and coastal resilience projects that will have “transformative impact for coastal communities and tribes across the country.” Up to $240 million is available for projects that will sustain fisheries, assist in recovery of endangered species, and help protect coastal ecosystems and communities from climate change impacts. For details, see the NOAA Fisheries website. Proposals are due by November 17.
  • Coastal Habitat Restoration and Resilience Grants for Tribes and Underserved Communities - NOAA Fisheries is seeking proposals to fund coastal habitat restoration and climate resilience priorities of tribes and underserved communities. Up to $45 million is available for projects that will advance these priorities and meaningfully engage in coastal habitat restoration activities, such as removing outdated dams and restoring coastal wetlands. Projects selected will include activities such as capacity building, actionable science support, and restoration. For more information, see the NOAA Fisheries website. Applications are due by December 19.
  • Ocean Acidification Education Mini-Grants - The NOAA Ocean Acidification Program is seeking proposals to develop coastal and ocean acidification education tools and programs that address the goals of the NOAA Ocean Acidification Education Implementation Plan (PDF, 2 MB) and the 2021-2040 NOAA Education Strategic Plan (PDF, 2 MB). The principal objective of this grant program is to provide financial assistance to develop these education tools and programs in underserved and/or Indigenous communities or Tribes. For more information and application details, see the Notice of Funding Opportunity. Full proposals are due by February 23, 2024.
  • Including Indigenous Knowledge in Ocean and Coastal Decision Making - The Lenfest Ocean Program is seeking proposals for projects that “elevate Indigenous Peoples in sharing their traditions, culture, knowledge, and wisdom to improve evidence-based decision-making for the management, conservation, and restoration of coastal marine species, habitats, and ecosystems.” Proposals should support “identification, analysis, and/or communication of Indigenous Knowledge and wisdom (where it is culturally appropriate) and approaches that allow this knowledge to inform ocean and coastal management decisions.” For details, see the Lenfest website. Proposals are due by October 16.

Online Tools and Resources

Online Ocean Education Resource Updates - With students back in school, now is a great time to highlight the resources available to help write a paper, complete a project, reinforce ideas taught in class, or just learn something new. CZM’s Online Ocean Education Resources for Students page supports online learning in many formats, including inspirational videos, tutorials, educational games, virtual field trips, and even live-stream events. Check out these two additions from NOAA:

  • National Ocean Service Education - NOAA offers this comprehensive educational portal for educators, students, and younger kids who want to learn about the ocean and coasts. Educators can find programs, content, and resources to increase ocean and climate literacy and stewardship in their classroom, students can dive in to tutorials on subjects ranging from corals to tides, and younger kids can enjoy stories, coloring sheets, puzzles, and activities on marine sanctuaries, ocean and earth sciences, marine archeology, and so much more.
  • Ocean Today Videos - Originally designed for a multimedia kiosk in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, this NOAA video series about the ocean realm is now offered online. With more than 360 free videos, students can explore shipwrecks and volcanoes, learn about the perils of hurricanes and rip currents, discover interesting marine life, and expand their knowledge about ongoing research and efforts to protect life in the ocean. For an in-person experience, Ocean Today kiosks are still available at dozens of aquariums, museums, and learning centers throughout the world—check out the kiosk map to find the nearest location. To be alerted to new Ocean Today content and timely themes, subscribe to the “Every Full Moon” monthly bulletin.

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

Newsletters and Other Periodicals

Ebb & Flow - The Summer 2023 issue of Ebb & Flow, the Division of Ecological Restoration eNewsletter, reports on more than $6 million in funding awarded to 21 restoration projects, restoration of tidal flow to the Marsh Island Salt Marsh in Fairhaven, new DER staff, and other restoration project updates.

NOAA HabitatNews - The September 2023 issue of HabitatNews, a newsletter of the NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation, includes items on new NOAA funding to advance habitat restoration, an award to fund Atlantic salmon habitat restoration in the Gulf of Maine, and other marine fisheries habitat news.

Jobs/Internship Postings

COMING SOON: CZM Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Specialist - CZM will soon be posting a job description for the Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Specialist position to support CZM’s Coastal Nonpoint Source Water Quality Program and Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grants, as well as CZM’s coastal habitat work. Find details in the CZM Job Posting section above, and stay tuned to the CZM Jobs and Grants page for the posting, as well as the CZM Twitter feed for announcements.

Department of Fish and Game Positions - The Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is seeking applications for three positions. The Communications Director will develop and implement external and internal communications plans, strategies, and tactics that support DFG missions, strategies, programs, projects, and services. The Receiving Teller, in the Gloucester office of DFG’s Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), will receive payment for licenses, issue licenses and receipts for payments, balance daily transactions, enter and retrieve records for licenses issued by DMF, and ensure an accurate account of balances and payments. The Diadromous Fisheries Biologist, also in the Gloucester office, will work for DMF’s Diadromous Fish Project to assist with diadromous fisheries management through research, monitoring, and restoration of fish populations, passageways, and habitat.

Ipswich Conservation Agent - The Town of Ipswich is seeking a full-time Conservation Agent to provide support, coordination, and assistance to the Ipswich Conservation Commission; administer and enforce the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, town bylaws, and applicable environmental regulations; and manage the Commission’s open space properties. For additional details, see the job posting.

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

Calendar - Individual Events and Announcements

Narraganset Bay Estuary Program Biodiversity Symposium - October 6, annual event focusing on “Wild Things in the Narragansett Bay Region” to be held at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island.

2023 National Coastal Conference - October 10-13, conference on coastal science, technology, and policy sponsored by the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association to be held in Providence, Rhode Island. The conference will include a CZM presentation, “Nature-Based Shore Protection in Massachusetts: Selecting and Implementing Suitable Techniques.”

Great White Shark Lecture and Book Signing - October 12, event at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster with Dr. Greg Skomal, shark expert and author of Chasing Shadows: My Life Tracking the Great White Shark.

Northeast Aquatic Biologists Conference—Call for Abstracts - February 14-16, 2024, annual conference sponsored by NEIWPCC to be held in Fairlee, Vermont. Abstracts are due by October 15.

Water Savings with WaterSense Labeled Homes - October 18, webinar hosted by EPA’s Water Sense Program and the Alliance for Water Efficiency on the WaterSense certification and water efficiency incentives for homeowners.

Pleasant Bay Climate Adaptation Forum - October 21, conference sponsored by the Pleasant Bay Alliance and partners to be held in Chatham, featuring presentations on climate-oriented projects in Pleasant Bay, environmental threats of climate change, and how to provide feedback on solutions. Please complete online survey before attending.

2023 massFM Conference - October 23, fourth annual conference of the Massachusetts Association of Floodplain Management to be held in Worcester. The conference will present case studies of inland and coastal resilience projects and will highlight EEA and Executive Office of Public Safety and Security initiatives for flood resilience in the Commonwealth, including the new EEA Office of Climate Science, 2023 State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan Update, and new climate informed precipitation data for Massachusetts. For details, see the full agenda (PDF, 2 MB).

National Zero Waste Conference - October 25-26, virtual conference from Zero Waste USA and partners.

MACC Fall Conference - October 28, conference sponsored by the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) focusing on “Back to Basics for Conservation Commissions: From Foundations to the Future” to be held in Devens, with several hybrid workshop options.

National Floodplain Managers Conference—Call for Abstracts - June 23-27, 2024, 48th annual conference sponsored by the Association of State Floodplain Managers to be held in Salt Lake City, Utah. Abstracts for 30-minute concurrent sessions and/or two- to four-hour workshops are due by October 31.

Boston Harbor Ecosystem Network Fall Meeting and Field Trip - November 1, meeting in Boston with a focus on invasive and range-expanding species that will include a presentation by CZM on the findings from CZM’s Rapid Assessment Surveys and the Marine Invader Monitoring and Information Collaborative (MIMIC). The morning meeting will be followed by an afternoon field trip to Rowes Wharf, co-led by CZM, for a discussion and demonstration on CZM’s Rapid Assessment Surveys for marine invasive species. Please RSVP.

Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative Research Conference - November 3, biennial research conference on biodiversity-related research projects conducted on Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod, Long Island, or other similar habitats to be held in Nantucket.

Social Coast Forum - February 12-15, 2024, seventh forum from the NOAA Office for Coastal Management and the National Estuarine Research Reserve Association with the theme “Social Science for Equitable Coastal Resilience” to be held in Charleston, South Carolina.

Northeast Conference on the Science of PFAS - April 2-4, 2024, conference from the Northeast Waste Management Officials Association, NEIWPCC, Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management, and the Northeast Recycling Council, to be held in Marlborough.

National Adaptation Forum - May 14-16, 2024, annual event for climate adaptation professionals to be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

NMEA 2024 Annual Conference - July 28-August 1, 2024, conference of the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) to be held in Boston, hosted by Massachusetts Marine Educators with the theme “Wicked Good Marine Education.”

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

  • Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center Virtual Open House - October 4, interactive, one-hour event to learn about Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center (NE CASC) projects with NE CASC researchers.
  • Dams and Fish Movement - An Update on the State of Fish Passage in New England - October 5, webinar from the Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC) on efforts to improve the passage of migratory fish at dams in New England.
  • Research Symposium and Environmental Education Conference - Annual Conference and Research Symposium from the North American Association of Environmental Education held virtually from October 9-20: research symposium (October 12), virtual conference (October 17-20), and pre-conference workshops and meetings (October 9-16).
  • NALMS Symposium - October 22-26, 43rd International Symposium of the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) to be held in Erie, Pennsylvania.
  • Living Shorelines Tech Transfer Workshop - October 24-25, biennial workshop from Restore America’s Estuaries to be held in Galveston, Texas.
  • ClimateTech Summit - November 1-2, annual climate technology entrepreneurship conference hosted by Greentown Labs to be held in both Somerville and Houston, Texas, or online.
  • AWRA 2023 Annual Water Resources Conference - November 6-8, conference sponsored by the American Water Resources Association (AWRA) to be held in Raleigh, North Carolina.
  • National Nonpoint Source Workshop - November 6-9, workshop sponsored by NEIWPCC to be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
  • Massachusetts Science Teachers Conference - November 8, annual conference of the Massachusetts Association of Science Teachers to be held in Marlborough.
  • CERF 2023 Conference - November 12-16, biennial conference sponsored by the Coastal Estuarine Research Federation (CERF) focusing on “Resilience and Recovery” to be held in Portland, Oregon.
  • EBC Leadership Program with EPA Regional Administrator - November 15, presentation sponsored by EBC featuring EPA Region One Administrator David Cash.
  • Ocean Literacy Summit - November 15-17, biennial conference sponsored by the New England Ocean Science Education Collaborative with the theme “Connecting Climate, Communities, and Coasts” to be held in Gloucester.
  • Ocean Sciences Meeting - February 18-23, 2024, the biennial meeting co-sponsored by the American Geophysical Union, the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography, and The Oceanography Society to be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, with limited virtual presentations.
  • International Erosion Control Conference - February 25-28, 2024, conference and exposition sponsored by the International Erosion Control Association on erosion, sediment control, and stormwater to be held in Spokane, Washington.

Calendar - Multiple/Ongoing Events

Accelerating Climate Resiliency Speaker Series - Monthly webinars from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council in partnership with the Barr Foundation on work to advance climate resilience.

APCC Events - Free virtual events on landscaping, gardening, and more from the Association to Preserve Cape Cod.

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

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.

Building Blocks for Sharing Science - Webinar series through October from the Lake Superior Reserve and Ohio Coastal Training Programs on challenges in environmental and science communications.

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 Change Webinar Series - Webinars on climate change, marine protected areas, offshore wind, marine heatwaves, and freshwater acidification from the National Marine Protected Areas Center.

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.

Evening with Experts Series - Free public lecture series on ecology and native plant landscaping, including recordings of past events, hosted by Grow Native Massachusetts.

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 - 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:

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

MVP Fall Field Trips - A three-part series of field trips from the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program to showcase climate adaptation projects and watershed-scale collaboration. The second field trip is an October 13 boat tour of the Lower Mystic River hosted by the Resilient Mystic Collaborative and the Mystic River Watershed Association with a focus on adaptation projects addressing extreme heat, flooding, access to green space, and environmental justice (RSVP online). The final field trip is a trail walk of the Mattapoisett River Valley hosted by the Buzzards Bay Coalition to learn about local land conservation and restoration projects (RSVP online).

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

Nantucket Conservation Foundation Events - Activities and events across Nantucket.

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

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

Neponset River Watershed Association Events - Events throughout the watershed.

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

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 Events - Activities and 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.

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

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

Westport River Watershed Alliance Events - Events presented by the Westport River Watershed Alliance.

Other Items of Interest

School Field Trips - The Penikese Island School in Woods Hole offers field trips for local school groups to the 75-acre remote island of Penikese, located 13 miles south of Woods Hole. Penikese Island is a wildlife sanctuary, and these trips are designed to get students out of the classroom and into nature through immersive, place-based experiential learning. For more information, see the Student Day Trips to Penikese page and email info@penikese.org to begin planning a field trip.

Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest - Bow Seat Ocean Awareness is now accepting submissions for the 2024 Ocean Awareness Contest. The 2024 theme is “Tell Your Climate Story,” and students ages 11-18 are invited to learn about climate change and solutions to the ongoing climate crisis. Students can work as individuals or as a group, class, or club. Participants can earn cash awards up to $1,000. Also, students in Massachusetts can win $100 cash awards. Submissions are due by June 10, 2024.

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