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 daily updates from CZM, please follow us on Twitter.
All links on this web page were current and working on the date of publication.
Highlights
Information Sessions to Be Held for the Upcoming Rounds of CZM’s Coastal Resilience and Nonpoint Source Pollution Remediation Grants - CZM anticipates the release of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Requests for Responses (RFR) for Coastal Resilience Grants and Coastal Pollutant Remediation (CPR) Grants this spring. CZM administers both of these grant programs on behalf of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA). The Coastal Resilience Grant Program provides funding to coastal communities to reduce risks associated with coastal storms, flooding, erosion, and sea level rise through innovative and transferable local initiatives. Eligible projects include efforts to increase awareness and understanding of climate impacts, assess vulnerability and risk, plan for changing conditions, and redesign vulnerable public facilities and infrastructure. Additionally, both coastal communities and eligible nonprofits may seek funding for non-structural (or green infrastructure) approaches that enhance natural resources and provide storm damage protection. CZM’s CPR Grant Program provides funds to municipalities within the Massachusetts Coastal Watersheds for a variety of projects that address local nonpoint source stormwater pollution issues, including water quality assessment and the design and construction of structural Best Management Practices (BMPs) and commercial boat-waste pumpout facilities. In advance of the RFR release, CZM will host three information sessions to discuss the goals and requirements of the two grant programs, answer questions, and provide feedback on potential project ideas:
- April 7, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Ipswich Town Hall - Meeting Room C, 25 Green Street, Ipswich
- April 10, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Wareham Public Library - Meeting Room, 59 Marion Road, Wareham
- April 13, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., McCormack Building - Conference Room 1, 21st Floor, 1 Ashburton Place, Boston
Potential applicants are also encouraged to refer to the Coastal Resilience Grants contact information and Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grants contact information for additional assistance.
CZM Launches New Sea Level Rise and Coastal Flooding Viewer - To support the assessment of coastal flooding vulnerability and risk for community facilities and infrastructure, CZM has developed the Sea Level Rise and Coastal Flooding Viewer. This viewer includes interactive maps of flooding extents and water level elevations associated with sea level rise scenarios, current coastal flood zones, and hurricane surge modeled by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Examples of mapped facilities include: electrical generation facilities, fire stations, hospitals, police stations, town/city halls, and wastewater treatment plants. With the viewer, users can zoom in to an area of interest and view public facilities and associated flooding data, switching tabs to compare maps of sea level rise, FEMA coastal flood zones, and hurricane surge. The viewer and technical report are designed as a general planning tool to support broad-scale vulnerability and risk assessments and identification of adaptation strategies consistent with Governor Baker’s Executive Order 569 and programs like CZM’s StormSmart Coasts.
CZ-Tip - Plan Some Kid-Friendly Coastal Activities for April Vacation - April means spring break in the Bay State, and you may be wondering how on Earth to fill those nine early-spring days when the kids are off from school. Well, let's start with the "Earth" part—Earth Day is on April 22! There are plenty of ways to air-out and exercise kids in the great outdoors, or even stay indoors and learn about the natural world, on Earth Day and beyond. With the more than 1,500 miles of coastline in Massachusetts, explore maritime history (including pirates!), coastal art, marine science, and more. See CZ-Tip - Break Up Spring Break with Coastal Activities for Kids for ideas for spring break and all year long.
Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities
§319 Grants - The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is seeking proposals for the §319 Nonpoint Source Competitive Grants Program to fund comprehensive projects that address nonpoint sources of pollution affecting water quality. On April 19 at 1:00 p.m., MassDEP will hold a public information session at the MassDEP offices in Worcester. Potential applicants can ask questions about the §319 program, including questions about project eligibility and administrative procedures. Proposals are due by noon on June 2.
Coastal Resilience Grant Program - CZM anticipates the release of the FY 2018 RFR for the Coastal Resilience Grant Program this spring. These grants fund local efforts to address the effects of coastal storms, flooding, erosion, and sea level rise. See the first item in this month’s CZ-Mail for additional details.
Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grant Program - CZM anticipates the release of the FY 2018 RFR for the Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grant Program this spring. CPR grants fund projects that address local nonpoint source pollution issues, including stormwater BMPs and commercial boat pumpout facilities. See the first item in this month’s CZ-Mail for additional details.
Parks and Conservation Grants - EEA’s Division of Conservation Services (DCS) is seeking applications for the FY 2018 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 and conservation restrictions. Conservation Partnership grants provide funds to nonprofit organizations for land acquisitions. DCS will hold two workshops for the PARC and LAND grants—on May 17 in Amherst and on May 18 in Boston. PARC and LAND grant applications are due by July 12. Conservation Partnership applications are due by July 17.
BoatUS Grassroots Grants - The BoatUS Foundation is seeking applications for its Grassroots Grants. Up to $10,000 is available to local volunteer organizations to promote education on safe and clean boating. Applications are accepted year round.
Reminders - This opportunity, listed in the last CZ-Mail, is still available:
- Healthy Communities Grant Program - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking applications for the 2017 Healthy Communities Grant Program for projects that benefit communities at risk from impacts of climate change, stormwater runoff, and other environmental issues. Proposals up to $25,000 are allowed and a five percent match of the total proposed budget is required. For more information, see the 2017 Grants page. Initial project summaries are due by April 7.
Products/Publications
Stormwater Project Funding - CZM has developed Available Funding for Stormwater Projects in Massachusetts, a table that provides descriptions and links to additional information on federal and state grant and loan programs that fund stormwater and water quality projects in Massachusetts.
Citizen Science - The April 2017 issue of Eco magazine includes Adventures in Citizen Science, an article that features the Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Program’s (MassBays) Citizen Monitoring Coordinators’ Network. The article, written by Harlan Doliner (MassBays Management Committee member) and Ariadne DiMoulas (a marine educator), highlights multiple ways volunteers of all ages have contributed to the understanding of Boston Harbor and Massachusetts Bay.
Beach Raking Primer - Woods Hole Sea Grant and the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension have released A Primer on Beach Raking (PDF, 662 KB), a Marine Extension Bulletin that describes what is typically raked off a beach and how removal of these natural beach ingredients from the shoreline can have significant impacts to aesthetics, economics, sanitation, shoreline stability, the ecosystem, and threatened/endangered species. The four-page bulletin provides an overview of the raking process as well as some general BMPs for raking. For free hard copies, email seagrant@whoi.edu.
MassBays Newsletter - The spring 2017 issue of the MassBays Newsletter, the quarterly update from the MassBays National Estuary Program, features ongoing efforts to restore habitats across Cape Cod, opportunities to help count herring during the upcoming spawning run, and events around the Bays. Consider subscribing to receive updates directly.
2017 Boaters’ Guide to Tides and Pumpout Facilities - This wallet-sized pamphlet from the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries Clean Vessel Act (CVA) program contains information on the locations of pumpout facilities along the Massachusetts coastline and a June-September tide chart. Download a free copy from the CVA website. Limited hardcopies are also available. Email your request to Cecil French at cecil.french@state.ma.us.
Sound Waves - The January/February 2017 issue of Sound Waves, a U.S. Geological Survey newsletter, features articles on new seafloor imagery from Alaska, communicating coastal hazards to communities, and other coastal and marine research news.
Marine Protected Area Newsletter - The March 2017 issue of MPA News features articles on vertical zoning in Marine Protected Areas (MPA), efforts by opponents to reverse marine monument recommendations, and other MPA news and notes.
Marine Ecosystems and Management Information Service - The March 2017 edition of Marine Ecosystems and Management (MEAM), the bimonthly information service on marine ecosystem-based management (EBM) from the University of Washington School of Marine Affairs, includes articles on the United Nations sustainable development goals, new methods to monitor large marine areas, and other notes and news.
Right Whale News - The March 2017 issue of Right Whale News (PDF, 227 KB), a quarterly independent newsletter dedicated to the conservation and recovery of the North Atlantic right whale, features articles on right whales in the southeastern United States, a March 2017 workshop on right whales, a calendar of events, and other right whale news and notes.
Web-Based and Mobile-User Resources
Ecosystem Services Video - The NOAA Office for Coastal Management’s Digital Coast has released Econ 120: Ecosystem Services, a three-minute video that discusses the economic principles involved when evaluating ecosystem services. In the video, a NOAA economist examines the tools needed to determine the value of these services.
New Narragansett Bay Estuary Program Website - The Narragansett Bay Estuary Program in Rhode Island has launched a new website with improved and updated content. The new site features information about Narragansett Bay and its watersheds, a resource library of publications from the Estuary Program and its partners, and information about projects that the program has supported.
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.
Downtown Waterfront District Municipal Harbor Plan - On behalf of EEA, CZM is seeking comments on the City of Boston’s Downtown Waterfront District Municipal Harbor Plan (MHP) (PDF, 85 MB). Hard copies of the proposed MHP are available upon request from the Boston Planning and Development Agency by contacting Chris Busch at (617) 918-4451. Address written comments to: Office of Coastal Zone Management, 251 Causeway Street, Suite 800, Boston MA 02114, Attention: Lisa Berry Engler. Comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. on April 21.
Job/Internship Postings
Woods Hole Research Center Summer Research Assistants - The Woods Hole Research Center is seeking applicants for several Summer Research Assistants. Candidates should have a BS degree or significant course work and/or field experience in ecology or environmental science. Applicants should be in good health, capable of rigorous outdoor activity, and willing to endure occasional exposure to insects, ticks, and poison ivy. Applications are due by April 10.
NEIWPCC Executive Director - The New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC), a nonprofit interstate agency that meets the water-related needs of its member states, is seeking applicants for Executive Director. The Executive Director: represents the organization in all internal and external activities; manages and directs the formulation and execution of water environment initiatives that lead to the achievement of NEIWPCC’s core purposes; and is responsible for overseeing the operation of the organization, including a staff of 110 and a $15 million annual budget, working collaboratively with state partners, implementing organizational best practices and policies, and ensuring that activities and initiatives approved by the Executive Committee. Applications are due by April 17.
Coastal Marine Ecology Internships - The Coastal Systems Group of the UMass Dartmouth School of Marine Science is seeking applicants for summer internships in coastal marine ecology. Students accepted into this competitive 10-12 week program will participate in both field data collection and laboratory analyses. Research areas include estuarine water quality monitoring, nutrient cycling, and wetlands ecology. Successful candidates should be capable of working both independently and as part of a team.
Calendar
Flood Mitigation Conference - On April 6, the Rhode Island Flood Mitigation Association will hold its Annual Conference: Building Flood Resilience…Naturally in Smithfield, Rhode Island. The 2017 conference will focus on the use of natural and nature-based infrastructure for enhancing flood resiliency.
Restoring River Herring Lecture - On April 6, Barbara Brennessel, author and board member of the Friends of the Herring River, will present Restoring River Herring at the Orleans Yacht Club in Orleans. The lecture will cover the life history of river herring (aka alewives) and the restoration project on the Herring River in Wellfleet. Please preregister.
Aquarium Lecture Series - Through June 8, the New England Aquarium will host the Aquarium Lecture Series, which will feature free lectures and films by scientists, environmental writers, photographers, and others. The next lecture will be on April 6 when Brian Helmuth, Ph.D., Professor, Northeastern University Marine Science Center, will present A Clam’s-Eye View of Climate Change: How Do Intertidal Organisms Experience Their Shifting World?
Massachusetts Marine Educators Annual Meeting - On April 8, the Massachusetts Marine Educators will hold its 2017 Annual Meeting: Revealing Our Ocean’s Secrets and Bringing Them into the Classroom at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). Kenneth Kostel, Web Writer/Editor at WHOI, and Dr. Kara Dodge, Postdoctoral Investigator in the WHOI Biology Department, will present the Keynote Addresses. Meeting workshops are designed to help educators implement the newly adopted Massachusetts science, technology, and engineering standards and the science engineering design practices.
Exploring the Deep Ocean with NOAA Professional Development - On April 8, NOAA in partnership with the New England Aquarium will hold Exploring the Deep Ocean with NOAA, a professional development opportunity for teachers of grades 6-12. Participants will learn about the importance of ocean exploration and the advanced technological capabilities of the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, which is used to explore the deep ocean. This 7-hour professional development will introduce standards-based, hands-on activities and online resources that guide classroom teaching and learning.
Gardening for Life - On several Sundays in March and April, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will present Gardening for Life with experts from around the country in the field of gardening and landscape design. On April 9, Michael Talbot, co-owner of Environmental Landscape Consultants, will present Attractive Native Plants for the Cape Cod Landscape. Attendees will learn how to create an attractive, functional landscape that protects and even enhances the fragile environment of the Cape and the Islands.
Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference - From April 9-11, the 73rd annual Northeast Fish & Wildlife Conference: Relevancy and Agility: The Rising Tide of Conservation will be held in Norfolk, Virginia, bringing together more than 500 natural resources professionals in the fields of wildlife biology, fisheries and fisheries management, information and education, and law enforcement. The event includes more than 50 workshop sessions, along with keynote speakers and poster displays.
Coffee House Series at Waquoit Bay - In April, the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR) will host the Research at the Reserve Coffee House Series in East Falmouth. Attendees will learn about cutting edge research happening around Waquoit Bay from a different scientist each week. Lectures are held from 7:00-8:30 p.m. and coffee and dessert will be served. The next lecture, What’s Up with the Water in Waquoit Bay? by Megan Tyrell, Research Coordinator, WBNERR, is on April 10.
Boston Harbor & Islands Science Symposium - From April 11-12, the National Parks of Boston and Northeastern University will hold the Boston Harbor & Islands Science Symposium at various locations in the Boston area. April 11 will feature field trips and an evening Science Café in Cambridge. April 12 will feature keynote presentations, lightning talks, concurrent presentations, and panels all at Northeastern University in Boston. Keynote speakers are Anne Giblin from the Marine Biological Laboratory and Rich Batiuk from the Chesapeake Bay Program. Join colleagues from around the region for two days of networking and learning about “what we study” and “how we study” the Boston Harbor estuary and islands. Additional event sponsorship is provided by Boston Harbor Now, UMass Boston, and the Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Program.
Harmful Algal Bloom Workshop - On April 12, the Association to Preserve Cape Cod will hold Monitoring for Cyanobacteria and Harmful Algal Blooms, a free workshop on how to identify Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) at the Barnstable County Complex in Barnstable. Hilary Snook from EPA will present in-depth information on monitoring techniques for cyanobacteria. Registration is required.
Volunteer Monitoring Webinar - On April 13, the National Water Quality Monitoring Council will present Volunteer Monitoring: Starting Strong, a webinar featuring a presentation by Julie Vastine, Director, Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring, and Danielle Donkersloot, Clean Water Director, Izaak Walton League of America. This webinar will provide an overview of the types of volunteer monitoring programs, an exploration of the fundamentals of a strong program, and an understanding of the study design process and the role of Quality Assurance Project Plans. To register, see the event web page.
Microplastics Webinar - On April 13 at 1:00 p.m., NOAA’s National MPA Center, MPA News, and the EBM Tools Network will co-sponsor the webinar Microplastics: What we know and discussion of research needs by Carlie Herring of NOAA. Listeners will learn about the various types and sources of microplastics and the impacts associated with microplastic marine debris.
Cambridge Science Festival - From April 14-23, the 2017 Cambridge Science Festival will be held in Cambridge. The festival is a celebration showcasing the leading edge in science, technology, engineering, and math. The festival is a multifaceted, multicultural event that makes science accessible, interactive, and fun. Dozens of family-friendly events will be featured throughout the city.
Barnstable Land Trust Walks and Talks - This spring, the Barnstable Land Trust has scheduled several walks as part of its Walks & Talks nature series. Join the Trust on April 16 for an Old Neck Lane Walk.
Walk Inside the Inflatable Gray Whale - On April 21, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will present Walk Inside the Inflatable Gray Whale. Learn all about the magnificent whale’s behavior and habits from the inside out in a life-size, inflatable gray whale.
Underwater in Salem Sound Lecture Series - Through April, Salem Sound Coastwatch will hold free Underwater in Salem Sound lectures at Marblehead’s Abbot Public Library at 7:00 p.m. on the last Wednesday of each month. On April 26, Jill Carr, Fisheries Habitat Specialist at the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries lab, will present Now and Then—Eelgrass Distribution and Mapping in Salem Sound. Jill will discuss the results of side scan mapping surveys of Salem Sound eelgrass meadows conducted in the summer of 2016. This lecture is free and open to the public.
MEES Listening Session - On April 27, the Massachusetts Environmental Education Society (MEES) will host a listening session in Mattapan. This session will feature a talk by naturalist and beekeeper Lauryn Cannon, who will discuss the basics of bee biology and ecology as well as the joys of beekeeping. Refreshments will be provided.
Marine Science Lectures - In 2017, the Northeastern University Marine Science Center is continuing its series of lectures, which are scheduled through April. On April 28, Dr. Linda Deegan, Senior Scientist, the Ecosystems Center, Marine Biological Laboratory, will present the Annual Riser Lecture, Coastal Ecosystems in Changing Times. Lectures are free and open to the public.
Massachusetts Park Serve Day - On April 29, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation's (DCR) 11th annual Park Serve Day will be held at state parks and beaches throughout the Commonwealth. This statewide day of volunteer service helps to get Massachusetts parks and beaches ready for summer. Since 2007, thousands of volunteers have participated in dozens of projects, including picking up litter along ocean beaches, clearing debris from hiking trails, painting benches, and planting trees and flowers at park entrance areas.
Charles River Cleanup - On April 29 from 9:00 a.m. to noon, the Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup will be held as part of the American Rivers National River Cleanup. The cleanup, which coincides with DCR's Park Serve Day, will bring out thousands of volunteers to help beautify the Charles River and its tributaries. Volunteers will pick up trash and clean the riverbanks at more than 100 sites from Bellingham to Boston.
Mystic River Earth Day Cleanup - On April 29, the Mystic River watershed Association will hold the annual Mystic River Earth Day Clean-Up. Volunteers are needed to pick up litter and remove invasive plants from Torbert MacDonald Park in Medford during this family stewardship event. All supplies are provided. Please RSVP for this event.
AWRA Spring Conference - From April 30-May 3, the American Water Resources Association (AWRA) will hold its Spring Specialty Conference, Connecting the Dots: The Emerging Science of Aquatic System Connectivity, at Snowbird Resort in Utah. This conference will provide researchers, practitioners, and academicians a forum to discuss the latest refinements in connectivity concepts, gain familiarity with state-of-the-science connectivity research, and obtain a broader understanding of the many ways in which connectivity contributes to landscape and aquatic system function.
Flood Conference - From April 30 to May 5, the Association of State Floodplain Managers will hold the 2017 Annual Conference in Kansas City, Kansas. This conference will focus on flood issues, mitigation, and regulations from the viewpoint of flood management. Topics include innovative stormwater management, climate change policy, modeling coastal conditions, communicating dam and levee risk, resilient flood planning, creating flood mitigation partnerships, wetlands in watershed management, and international floodplain management.
SMAST Seminar Series - Through April, the UMass Dartmouth School for Marine and Science & Technology (SMAST) will hold the SMAST Spring 2017 Seminar Series. Seminars are free and open to the public.
Ocean Health Index Webinar - On May 2 at 1:00 p.m., the EBM Tools Network and MEAM will co-sponsor Using the Ocean Health Index as an Integrated Tool for Implementing EBM and Coastal Management Approaches Globally, a webinar by Erich Pacheco and Johanna Polsenberg of Conservation International and Julie Lowndes of National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis. The Ocean Health Index is the first assessment tool that scientifically combines key biological, economic, and social elements of ocean health to guide decision makers towards sustainable use of the ocean.
Saturday Science - Through May, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster will host monthly sessions of Saturday Science, a hands-on look at scientific concepts with experiments for kids. On May 7, the museum will hold Nature Detectives for kids ages 4-7 to look for evidence in nature.
National Adaptation Forum - From May 9-11, the third National Adaptation Forum will be held in St. Paul, Minnesota. This biennial conference provides opportunities for professional development through formal trainings, facilitated practitioner presentations, and informal exchange of information.
Citizen Science Conference - From May 17-20, the Citizen Science Association will hold Citizen Science 2017 in St. Paul, Minnesota. This conference focuses on promoting accessible science by increasing science literacy and cooperation between researchers and the public. Topics include blurring research disciplines, using science to impact policy decisions, empower the public with data, better sharing of research results, best practices, and measuring outcomes.
Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle - On May 20, the Mystic River Watershed Association will hold the 21st annual Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle. This event consists of a 5K Run/Walk along the Mystic River Bike Path and a 3-, 9-, or 12-mile Paddling Race up the Mystic River. Compete in both the 5K road race and the 12 mile paddle race and be eligible for the Iron Herring Award for the male and female with the fastest overall time. Teams are encouraged for the 5K. Prizes donated by local businesses will be awarded. This is a family-fun event with children's activities, music, and more. Register by May 1 to get a free organic T-shirt.
Boating Safety Course - Through May 26, the Massachusetts Environmental Police will offer Boat Massachusetts, a free, state and nationally approved boating safety course for boaters age 12 and older. The course concentrates on the equipment and operating guidelines needed to enjoy boating in a safe and responsible way. All graduates ages 12-15 will receive a safety certificate that allows operation of a motorboat without adult supervision, as required by state law. All graduates ages 16-17 will also be allowed to operate a personal watercraft (jet ski, wave runner, etc.).
ICEA Annual Conference—Call for Presentations - From February 11-14, 2018, the International Erosion Control Association (ICEA) will hold the 2018 ICEA Annual Conference in Long Beach, California. Presentation submissions are welcome on erosion and sediment control; stormwater management; wetland, stream bank, and shoreline restoration; MS4 management; and industry trends. For details, see the Abstract Submission Portal. Abstracts are due May 31.
Blue Planet Symposium - From May 31-June 2, Blue Planet Oceans and Society will hold the third Blue Planet Symposium in College Park, Maryland. The Symposium provides a forum to discuss the important role the oceans play in Earth's life-support system and the challenge of minimizing the impacts of human activities on the oceans while utilizing the resources of the oceans to meet society’s needs.
Marine Debris Conference—Call for Technical Sessions - From March 12-16, 2018, the sixth International Marine Debris Conference (6IMDC) will be held in San Diego, California. Organizers are seeking technical session proposals on: monitoring; microplastics; technology and innovation; research; prevention; removal; education and communication; implementing effective law, regulations, and policy; economics and financing; and citizen science. See the Call for Technical Sessions, which are due by June 2.
OneNOAA Science Seminars - The NOAA seminar series website provides listings and details on NOAA science and climate seminars and webinars that are available across the nation.
MACC Education - The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) offers a variety of specialized education programs. Visit the MACC workshops page to see an overview of upcoming wetland delineation and soil science courses and shrub identification workshops, along with the soil erosion and sediment-control training program. The MACC online education calendar provides a schedule of programs.
Walks, Lectures, and Events on Cape Cod - Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary in Barnstable offer a variety of educational programs for children and adults. For more information, search the calendar of programs, classes, and activities for Wellfleet Bay and Long Pasture.
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary Programs and Activities - Mass Audubon’s Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary provides numerous nature walks, talks, and adventures. See the program catalog for event and schedule information.
Joppa Flats Wildlife Sanctuary Programs and Activities - Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats Wildlife Sanctuary in Newburyport provides numerous birding walks, field trips, and adventures. See the program catalog for event and schedule information.
Birdwatching for Beginners - The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History’s Birdwatching for Beginners with Gretchen Moran Towers presents basic skills designed to enable bird identification through sight and sound. Each session is followed by an outdoor venture to view birds in their natural habitat. The next session is on April 20.
Tuesday Tweets - On several Tuesdays into April, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will hold Tuesday Tweets, bird watching walks with Gretchen Moran Towers. Whether experienced or a beginner, bring binoculars, wear appropriate footwear, and come prepared to watch, study, and enjoy birds in their natural habitats. The next session is on April 11.
Reminders - The following calendar items posted previously in CZ-Mail are still to come:
- Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference - From April 12-13, the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission will hold the 28th annual Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference in Northampton. This conference is the premier forum in the Northeast for sharing information and improving communication on nonpoint source pollution issues and projects.
- Benthic Ecology Meeting - From April 12-16, the 46th annual Benthic Ecology Meeting, Sustainable Oceans in Theory and Practice, will be held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This meeting is one of the largest scientific meetings for marine biologists in the United States and has historically provided a venue for graduate and undergraduate students to present their work and interact with established researchers in areas of marine biology and ecology.
- Ocean Conveyor Belt Lecture - On April 13, the University of Rhode Island’s Coastal Institute will present the fifth annual Scott W. Nixon Lecture, A 21st Century Look at the Global Ocean Conveyor Belt, by Dr. Susan Lozier from Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment.
- Ceres Conference - From April 26-27, the Ceres Conference 2017, Sustainability Is the Bottom Line, will be held in San Francisco, California, and will focus on how sectors from electric utilities and transportation to food and finance are revamping strategies in response to escalating global sustainability challenges. Ceres is a national network of investors, environmental organizations, and other public interest groups working to address sustainability challenges.
- Marine Education Conference—Call for Exhibitors - From June 25-29, the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) will hold its 2017 Conference in Charleston, South Carolina. For more information on exhibiting, see the Call for Exhibitors, which are due by May 1.
- 2017 CERF Conference—Call for Abstracts - From November 5-9, the Coastal & Estuarine Research Federation (CERF) will hold its 24th biennial conference, CERF 2017, in Providence, Rhode Island. The conference provides opportunities for education, networking, and professional development for professionals at all career stages. The CERF 2017 Scientific Program Committee is seeking abstract submissions for oral or poster presentations around the conference theme, Coastal Science at the Inflection Point: Celebrating Successes & Learning from Challenges. For details, see the Call for Abstracts, which are due by May 1.
- 2017 Great Massachusetts Litter Cleanup - Keep Massachusetts Beautiful is seeking cleanup coordinators and volunteers for litter cleanups across the state this spring. Cleanup dates are flexible. For more information, visit the Keep Massachusetts Beautiful website or email info@keepmassbeautiful.org.
Other Items of Interest
Under the Sea Mosaic Program - From April 18-21, the Northeastern University Marine Science Center in Nahant will hold the Under the Sea Mosaic Program for students in grades 7-12. Attendees will learn about coastal ecosystems and mosaic arts skills. Students will complete an under the sea mosaic that will be seen by thousands of people each year. Registration is due by April 7.
International Student Carbon Footprint Challenge - In April, teachers and students are invited to participate in the International Student Carbon Footprint Challenge (ISCFC). For this challenge, high school students worldwide calculate their carbon footprints, teachers collect and submit the class data, and the schools get pins on a world map of participants. Then students engage in online microblog-style conversations with peers about what they have learned and together envision local to global solutions to shared environmental challenges. Register though this ISCFC Teacher Participation Form by April 10.
Marine Art Contest - Massachusetts Marine Educators and Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary are seeking entries from students in grades K-12 for the 2017 Marine Art Contest. Submissions should be based on the theme Exploring Marine Biodiversity at Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Winning entries will become part of a touring exhibition and receive cash prizes. Entries are due by April 28.
Coastal Ocean Science Academy - The Northeastern University Marine Science Center in Nahant is accepting applications for the 2017 Coastal Ocean Science Academy, a two-week summer experience held from August 14-25 that is open to students entering grades 9-12. Participants experience firsthand diverse New England coastal habitats and marine resources, engaging in hands-on research and inquiry activities. For 2017, the program will also offer a one-week middle school session from July 17-21.
Science Without Borders Challenge - The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation is seeking entries for the 2017 Science without Borders Challenge. Students, ages 11-19, are asked to submit videos (maximum of five minutes) on the theme, Reef SuperSpecies. Entries are due by April 24.
2017 Nickerson Fellowship - The Nickerson Conservation Fellowship Committee is soliciting proposals to support scientific research that assists park managers in making informed decisions about the resources of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Proposals will be accepted for research in the broad areas of the natural and social sciences, including terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem processes, biotic and abiotic ecosystem components, cultural and natural resource management, and the political and social implications of resource protection and management. The 2017 fellowship will provide up to $3,000 in funding. For details, including application information, see the fellowship web page. The application deadline is April 30.