CZ-Mail - April 2022

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 [e-mail]. 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 [e-mail]. 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

New Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grant Opportunity - CZM’s new Coastal Habitat and Water Quality (CHWQ) Grants will fund projects that assess and treat stormwater impacts and support comprehensive habitat restoration planning activities. CZM anticipates the release of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Request for Responses (RFR) this spring. Municipalities within the Massachusetts coastal watershed are eligible to apply, along with certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, regional planning agencies, and stormwater collaboratives in partnership with municipalities. Eligible project activities include, but are not limited to:

1. Efforts to assess, identify, and characterize nonpoint source (NPS) pollution impacts from stormwater runoff to coastal waterbodies.
2. Design and construction of stormwater structural Best Management Practices (BMPs).
3. Capacity-building activities—including trainings for municipal staff, bylaw development, and case studies—that support future implementation of green stormwater infrastructure (practices that mimic natural processes to treat contaminants in runoff prior to reaching local waterbodies).
4. Development of habitat restoration plans, including data collection and synthesis, natural resource assessments, and restoration prioritization work.
5. Public outreach as a component of a larger project.

• Direct Support - Up until the RFR is released, CZM can discuss project ideas and grant eligibility with potential applicants. See the contact information at the bottom of the Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grants page to connect with CZM.
• April 14 Info Session - From 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. on April 14, CZM will host an informational webinar, which will provide an opportunity to ask questions and discuss project ideas. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend as the CHWQ Grants offer new opportunities to reach habitat and water quality improvement goals. To register and receive the Zoom meeting details, please email [e-mail]. The webinar will be recorded and posted on the Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grants page after the info session.
• For additional information, please see the Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grants page. To receive an email notification of the release of the RFR, please email [e-mail]. The RFR announcement will also be posted on the CZM Jobs and Grants page.

Upcoming Coastal Resilience Grants - Get CZM Assistance - CZM anticipates the release of the FY 2023 RFR for the Coastal Resilience Grant Program this spring. Coastal Resilience Grants provide funding and technical assistance to coastal communities and eligible nonprofit organizations to reduce risks associated with coastal storms, flooding, erosion, and sea level rise through innovative and transferable local projects. The following CZM support is available for this grant program:

• Direct Support - Up until the RFR is released, CZM can discuss project ideas and eligibility for the grants with potential applicants. See the contact information at the bottom of the Coastal Resilience Grant page to connect with CZM.
• Coastal Resilience Grants Pre-RFR Webinar - CZM hosted an informational webinar on the Coastal Resilience Grant Program on March 3, which reviewed the goals and requirements for the grants, eligibility and evaluation criteria, and highlighted a variety of successful projects from previous grant rounds. For details, see these links to the recording of the webinar and the PowerPoint presentation:
  • Coastal Resilience Grants Webinar Video
  • Coastal Resilience Grants Webinar Presentation (PDF, 16 MB)

CZM Offices Remain Closed - All CZM offices are currently closed for in-person services, however, CZM staff are available to assist with coastal management issues. See Contact CZM for details.

Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities

Coastal Resilience Grants - CZM anticipates the release of the FY 2023 RFR for the Coastal Resilience Grant Program this spring. Coastal Resilience Grants provide funding and technical assistance to coastal communities and eligible nonprofit organizations to reduce risks associated with coastal storms, flooding, erosion, and sea level rise through innovative and transferable local projects. CZM hosted an informational webinar on the Coastal Resilience Grant Program on March 3. For links to a recording of the webinar and the PowerPoint presentation, along with additional details, see “Upcoming Coastal Resilience Grants - Get CZM Assistance” at the beginning of this CZ-Mail.

Coastal Habitat and Water Quality (CHWQ) Grants - Later this spring, CZM anticipates the release of the FY 2023 RFR for the new Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grants, which will provide funding for projects that assess and treat stormwater impacts and support comprehensive habitat restoration planning activities. CZM will host an informational webinar on the CHWQ Grants on Thursday, April 14, from 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. See “New Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grant Opportunity” at the beginning of this CZ-Mail for additional details.

Buzzards Bay Watershed Stormwater Management and Wastewater Engineering Services Grant Program - The Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program is seeking proposals to fund municipal stormwater and wastewater related projects in communities within the Buzzards Bay watershed. A total of $75,000 in funding is available, with a maximum of $25,000 per project. A non-federal match of 25 percent of the total project cost is required. To view the RFR and download required forms, see the COMMBUYS website. Proposals are due by April 12 at 4:00 p.m.

Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program Planning Grants - The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) is seeking proposals for Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Planning Grants, which provide support for Massachusetts cities and towns to complete vulnerability assessments and develop action-oriented climate resiliency plans. The program helps communities define extreme weather and natural and climate related hazards; understand how their community may be impacted by climate change; identify existing and future vulnerabilities and strengths; and develop, prioritize, and implement key actions. State-trained MVP providers offer technical assistance to communities in completing the assessment and resiliency plans. Communities that complete the MVP planning grant program become certified as an MVP community and are eligible for MVP Action Grant funding. For details, see the new MVP website. To view the RFR and download required forms, see the COMMBUYS website. Applications are due via email by 4:00 p.m. on June 7 for MVP planning processes that must be complete by June 30, 2023.

Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program Action Grants - EEA is also seeking one- or two-year project proposals for MVP Action Grants, which provide designated MVP Communities funding to implement priority adaptation actions identified through the MVP planning process or similar climate change vulnerability assessment and action planning that has led to MVP designation after EEA review. Projects are required to use best available climate data and projections. Projects that propose nature-based solutions or strategies that rely on green infrastructure or conservation and enhancement of natural systems and that have robust community engagement plans are preferred. Applicants can request up to $3 million in funding (regional proposals may request up to $5 million), and a 25 percent match of the total project cost is required. For more information, see the new MVP website. EEA recommends reading the Action Grants RFR in full as there have been several updates since the last grant round, including new exceptions for the municipal match requirements. Significant changes are outlined on page one. To view the RFR and download required forms, see the COMMBUYS website. Proposals are due through an online form by 2:00 p.m. on May 5 for projects that must be completed by June 30, 2023, or June 30, 2024.

Parks and Conservation Grants - EEA’s Division of Conservation Services (DCS) is seeking applications for the FY 2023 Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC), Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND), and Conservation Partnership grants. PARC grants help communities acquire parkland, develop new parks, and renovate existing parks. LAND grants provide funds to municipal conservation commissions to purchase conservation land. Conservation Partnership grants provide funds to nonprofit organizations for land acquisitions. DCS will hold two virtual workshops on the PARC and LAND grants—on May 4 at 11:00 a.m. and May 12 at 2:00 p.m. To receive a Microsoft Teams meeting invitation, email Melissa Cryan at [e-mail] if interested in PARC program, or email Vanessa Farny at [e-mail] if interested in the LAND program. PARC and LAND grant applications are due by 3:00 p.m. on July 14. Conservation Partnership applications are due by 3:00 p.m. on July 18.

Southeast New England Program (SNEP) Watershed Implementation Grants - Restore America’s Estuaries is seeking pre-proposals for the 2022 SNEP Watershed Implementation Grants (SWIG) to address water pollution, habitat degradation, and other environmental issues in the coastal watershed of Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts (see map). Up to $1.8 million is available for grants to state, county, local, tribal, regional partners, nonprofits, and academic institutions. For more information, including match requirement, see the 2022 Request for Proposals (PDF, 325 KB). Submit proposal Letters of Intent through this online form by April 26, and full proposals will be by invitation only.

National Estuary Program (NEP) Coastal Watersheds Grant Program - Restore America’s Estuaries in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking proposals for the 2022 NEP Coastal Watersheds Grant Program for projects that address urgent and challenging issues affecting coastal and estuarine areas of national significance (see map). Approximately $1 million is available to fund projects that support priorities including harmful algal blooms, loss of habitat, nutrient and warm water impacts, and flooding and coastal erosion. Grant amounts will range from $75,000 to $250,000. For more information, see the 2022 grants web page. Submit proposal Letters of Intent through this online form by May 27, and full proposals will be by invitation only.

Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership Funding - The Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership (ACFHP) is seeking applications for habitat conservation projects that need funding and meet ACFHP objectives to conserve, protect, restore, and enhance habitat of native Atlantic coastal fishes and their priority habitats—riverine bottoms, submerged aquatic vegetation, and marine and estuarine shellfish beds. This request for proposals is not linked to any specific funding source. Proposals will be reviewed, and if approved, will be added to the ACFHP project database for funding when available. For details, see the Application Instructions (PDF, 501 KB) and the Application (WORD, 86 KB). There is no deadline for submissions, but ACFHP recommends applying as soon as possible to ensure consideration for anticipated new funding opportunities.

American Lobster Research Funding - The National Sea Grant College Program is seeking proposals for the 2022 National Sea Grant American Lobster Research Program to fund research to develop and commercialize gear technology for the American lobster fishery in the Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank, and southern New England. Up to $2 million is available to fund research requests from $50,000 to $750,000. For details, see the Grants.gov website. Proposals are due by May 24.

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 or upcoming:

• Massachusetts In-Lieu Fee Program - The Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game (DFG) anticipates the release of the RFR for the Massachusetts In-Lieu Fee Program (ILFP) later this year. This program funds aquatic resource restoration or preservation projects in the Commonwealth. Eligible applicants include Massachusetts cities, towns, academic institutions, certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits, state agencies, and other public entities. The ILFP allows certain U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permittees to pay an in-lieu fee to DFG as mitigation for project impacts to federally regulated aquatic resources. DFG then pools ILFP fees to implement larger-scale projects. For more information and to discuss project ideas, contact DFG’s Elisabeth Cianciola at [e-mail].
• Loans for Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal - EEA is seeking applications for loans for the repair or removal of dams, levees, seawalls, and other forms of inland and coastal flood control. The Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal Program offers qualified applicants loan funds for repair, reconstruction, and removal projects. EEA encourages applicants to maximize restoration of natural systems. Projects that minimize or eliminate the use of hard infrastructure are eligible for a zero-percent interest rate. To view the loan RFR, see COMMBUYS. Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis until April 29.
• Landscape Partnership Grants - DCS is seeking applications to the Landscape Partnership Grant Program for conservation projects that protect at least 500 acres of land through partnerships between local, state, and federal agencies and nonprofit organizations. Grants up to $1,250,000 will be available this grant round. Applications are due by May 2. See the application instructions for details.
• Small Communities Grants - DCS is also still seeking applications for the FY 2022 Conservation Assistance for Small Communities Grant Program, which provides funding to municipalities with 6,000 or fewer residents to produce Open Space and Recreation Plans, complete other plans to facilitate land conservation, and/or prepare appraisals as required to apply for the other DCS grant programs. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The final deadline is May 6. See the application instructions for details.
• Massachusetts Dredging Program Grants - The Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development is seeking proposals for the 2022 grant round of the Massachusetts Dredging Program. One-year construction grants for saltwater dredging will be competitively awarded with a focus on shovel-ready projects that contribute to the economic vitality, recreational value, public safety, and/or environmental resilience of the Commonwealth’s coastal harbors. All municipalities in the Massachusetts coastal zone are eligible to apply. Applications are due by April 15 via electronic submission. See How to Apply for application instructions.
• Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative Special Focus Grant - The Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative is seeking proposals for the Special Focus Grant: Climate Change and Biodiversity to conduct research on the role of biodiversity in climate change mitigation and climate resilience on Nantucket Island. Grants up to $6,000 will be awarded. Proposals are due by April 15.

Online Tools and Resources

NOAA Marine Debris Blog - Recent posts in the NOAA Marine Debris Program’s Marine Debris Blog cover efforts to address cigarette litter in San Francisco and major volunteer effort in California. All blog topics can be searched by category and date. To receive notifications of new posts, sign up for email updates.

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

• Coastal County Snapshots - This online tool provides county-level data on exposure and resilience to flooding, marine economic benefits, and potential sea level rise impacts.
• New and updated data sets (PDF, 87 KB)

Products/Publications

Report on Flood Resilience Issues in Designated Port Areas (DPAs) - To help property owners in working waterfronts address unique resilience challenges with sea level rise, CZM funded the production of Building Resilience in Massachusetts Designated Port Areas: Resilience for Water Dependent Industrial Users in the Chelsea Creek and Gloucester Inner Harbor Designated Port Areas (PDF, 28 MB). This report gives a detailed overview of current and future flood risks facing the Chelsea Creek and Gloucester Inner Harbor DPAs over the coming decades. It also provides tailored resilience strategies to help address flood risks while continuing to support the operational needs of water-dependent industrial users in DPAs, which must remain in vulnerable locations directly adjacent to the water to maintain operations. The report was developed with support from Arcadis, U.S., Inc.

Division of Ecological Restoration Annual Report - The Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration has released its 2021 Annual Report: Spotlight on Restoration, which highlights agency accomplishments in 2021, including 12 dam removal, culvert upgrade, and wetland restoration projects now underway, along with the selection of 20 new Priority Projects, the most in a single year.

Newsletters and Other Periodicals

Coastal & Estuarine Science News - The February 2022 issue of Coastal & Estuarine Science News, the newsletter of the Coastal & Estuarine Research Foundation, includes articles on water filtration services provided by oysters, recommendations to minimize the cumulative impacts of small docks to shoreline ecology, and other coastal and estuarine research topics.

Massachusetts Lobstermen’s News - The March 2022 Newspaper (PDF, 14 MB) from the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association (MLA) includes stories on the MLA effort to block the planned dumping of radioactive water from the Pilgrim nuclear power plant into Cape Cod Bay, updates from the February meeting of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, and public notices, updates, and other lobster news.

Neponset River Watershed News - The latest Watershed Update from the Neponset River Watershed Association includes details on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designation of the Lower Neponset River as a Superfund site due to PCB-contaminated sediments, updated stormwater regulations in Norwood, and other Neponset River news, events, and updates.

NOAA HabitatNews - The March 2022 issue of HabitatNews, a newsletter of the NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation, includes articles on the efforts to restore seven coral reef sites in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the use of acoustic telemetry receivers to track fish movements in Chesapeake Bay, and other marine fisheries habitat news.

Right Whale News - The March 2022 issue of Right Whale News (PDF, 631 KB), a quarterly e-newsletter distributed by the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium, includes updates on the 2022 calving season, new proposed legislation to fund research on reducing human impacts on right whales, and other right whale news, events, and commentary.

Jobs/Internship Postings

Division of Marine Fisheries Positions - The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries is seeking applications for several open positions, including a Fisheries Habitat Specialist in New Bedford, two Shellfish Classification Biologists in Gloucester, and a Laboratory Technician in Gloucester. Position details and application instructions are available through each job link.

Seasonal Positions at Waquoit Bay Reserve - The Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR) in Falmouth and Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) are seeking applications for several seasonal positions at WBNERR and DCR’s South Cape Beach State Park. Positions include Seasonal Forest & Park Supervisor II, Seasonal Forest & Park Supervisor I, Visitor Services Supervisor, and Seasonal Park Interpreter. For details and application instructions, see the WBNERR website.

DCR Lifeguards - DCR is seeking certified lifeguards to work full-time at DCR pools and inland and ocean beaches. Free lifeguard and first aid/CPR training will be provided to candidates that commit to a DCR position for the summer of 2022. For details, see the DCR Lifeguarding web page.

Senior Environmental Planner - The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is seeking a Senior Environmental Planner to promote protection and sustainable management of natural resources and advance climate resiliency and equity in the Metro Boston region. The Senior Environmental Planner will analyze environmental trends and issues, recommend sustainable best practices, and help forward the environmental aspects of MAPC’s regional plan, MetroCommon 2050. For more information, see the position posting.

Buzzards Bay Coalition Full-Time and Seasonal Positions - The Buzzards Bay Coalition is seeking applicants for four available full-time jobs, including Water Resource Specialist, Communication Manager, Water Restoration Coordinator, and Staff Accountant. Seasonal positions available include Baywatchers Monitoring Program Assistant Coordinator, three Waterfront Leaders, and sailing instructor. For details, including application instructions, see the Coalition’s Job Opportunities page.

Boston Harbor Now Job Opportunities - Boston Harbor Now is seeking applicants for three open positions, including Manager of Waterfront Design, Stone Living Lab Managing Director at UMass Boston, and Volunteer Coordinator. For details, including application instructions, see the Boston Harbor Now Careers page.

Decisions

Decision Issued on Chelsea Creek Harbor Plan - On April 1, the Decision on the Request for Approval of the Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan and Designated Port Area (DPA) Master Plan (Plan) (PDF, 2 MB) was issued by the Secretary of EEA. The Plan encompasses the waterfront area generally extending from the Andrew McCardle Bridge upstream to the confluence of Chelsea Creek with Mill Creek at the MBTA rail crossing. It builds on prior planning initiatives for the area, including the Chelsea Waterfront Visioning Plan (2016), Designing Coastal Community Infrastructure for Climate Change (2017), and the City of Chelsea’s Community Resilience Building Summary of Findings (2018). The DPA Master Plan details strategies to preserve and enhance the capacity of the DPA to accommodate water-dependent industry and prevent substantial displacement of these activities by nonwater-dependent uses. The Secretary’s Decision approves the City’s Plan with modifications and conditions. The Plan also includes a mechanism to promote resilient shoreline protection structures. For questions, please contact Tyler Soleau, Assistant Director, at [e-mail].

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 Office.

Designation Report for the East Boston DPA Boundary—Comment Period Extended - On December 15, 2021, CZM issued the East Boston DPA boundary designation report (PDF, 2 MB) for public comment. The initial 30-day comment period ended on January 21. At the request of the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA), CZM extended the comment period for an additional 28 days, ending on February 18. A second extension of 45 days was granted at the request of the BPDA, ending on April 4. At the request of the BPDA, CZM has extended the comment period for an additional 120 days, ending on August 1. CZM shall consider written comments received by 5:00 p.m. on August 1. See the Notice of this Extension (PDF, 401 KB), which will be published in the Environmental Monitor on April 8. Submit comments to [e-mail] or by mail to: Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management, Attention: Tyler Soleau, Assistant Director, 251 Causeway Street, Suite 800, Boston, MA 02114.

Calendar - Individual Events and Announcements

Cape Cod Clean Water Virtual Forum - April 6, webinar from the Conservation Law Foundation and the Barnstable Clean Water Coalition on efforts to protect Cape Cod waters.

Ocean Encounters: Ocean Pollution, Solutions for Clean-Up, Recovery, and Prevention - April 6, webinar presented by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

Meet the Donors: The Environment - April 6, virtual panel discussion sponsored by Philanthropy Massachusetts to discuss funding opportunities for environmental causes.

BlueMooring: A Sustainable Solution for Managing MPA Moorings and Financing Marine Conservation Activities - April 6, webinar presented by Open Communications for the Ocean (OCTO) and the National Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Center.

NEERS Spring Meeting—Call for Abstracts - June 2-4, sponsored by the New England Estuarine Research Society (NEERS) and expected to be held in Salem with potential hybrid options. Abstracts due April 7.

International Forum on Managed Retreat: Global Lessons for Success - April 8, hybrid event sponsored by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine to be held in Washington, DC, with a virtual option.

What Happens to the CO₂ that We Release into the Atmosphere and How Do We Know? - April 12, webinar from the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve as part of its Research at the Reserve lecture series.

Nitrogen Trading Opportunities under Massachusetts’ First Watershed Permit - April 21, webinar sponsored by the Southeast New England Program Network.

Climate Conversations: Sea Level Rise - April 21, webinar from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine.

Massachusetts Park Serve Day - April 23, annual statewide day of volunteer service sponsored by the Department of Conservation and Recreation to help get Massachusetts state parks and beaches ready for summer.

Shovel-Ready and Beyond! A Green Infrastructure Case Study in the Three Bays Watershed - April 27, a Soak Up the Rain New England Webinar from EPA that includes work supported by CZM’s Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grant Program.

Using Regulatory Data to Inform Marine Spatial Planning Efforts - April 28, webinar presented by OCTO and the National MPA Center.

Ipswich River Watershed Association Annual Meeting - April 28, in-person annual meeting with the theme, “Taking the River off the Endangered List,” to be held in Topsfield.

Massachusetts Marine Educators Conference - April 30, 46^th annual meeting and conference with the theme, “Ocean and Coastal Data,” to be held in Woods Hole.

2022 SNEP Symposium - May 18, virtual symposium from the Southern New England Program with the theme, “Science Bringing Solutions: Delivering Environmental Improvement to Southeastern Coastal New England.”

NALMS Symposium—Call for Abstracts - November 14-17, 42^nd International Symposium of the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) entitled “Leveraging Experience to Manage Diverse Lakes, Landscapes, and People.” The 2022 symposium will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Abstracts are due by June 1.

Buzzards Bay Swim - June 18, fundraiser for all ages and abilities to support the Buzzards Bay Coalition. Registration is required.

NMEA 2022 Conference - July 9-13, conference sponsored by the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) with the theme, “Charting the Course with Perseverance.” The 2022 conference will be held at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, and online.

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

• Aquaculture Webinars - April 5 and April 8, webinars on aquaculture in New England federal waters from the Northeast Regional Ocean Council’s Ocean Planning Committee.
• 2022 National Coastal and Estuarine Summit—Call for Proposals - December 4-8, annual conference sponsored by Restore America’s Estuaries to be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, with a virtual option. Proposals are due by April 8.
• Environmental, Energy, and Engineering Career Fair - April 11, free in-person career fair in Boston sponsored by Environmental Business Council of New England. A virtual career fair will be held on April 25.
• 23^rd Annual Charles River Watershed Cleanup - April 22-23, river cleanup sponsored by the Charles River Watershed Association. Registration is required.
• Living Climate Futures - April 22-23, event to be held in Cambridge and sponsored by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) that will focus on community needs, experiences, and priorities related to climate change.
• Neponset River Spring Cleanup - April 23, waterfront and parkland cleanup sponsored by the Neponset River Watershed Association.
• 2022 National Watershed and Stormwater Conference - April 26-29, conference sponsored by the Center for Watershed Protection to be held in St. Petersburg, Florida.
• 32^nd Annual Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference - April 27-28, conference sponsored by NEIWPCC to held in Woodstock, Vermont.
• City Nature Challenge 2022 - From April 29-May 8, a citizen-science opportunity organized by the Natural History Museum Los Angeles County and the California Academy of Sciences and held virtually.
• U.S. Symposium on Harmful Algae—Call for Abstracts - October 23-28, 11^th symposium organized by NEIWPCC, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and U.S. Geological Survey to be held in Albany, New York. Abstracts submissions are due by May 6.
• Joint Aquatic Sciences Meeting - May 14-20, conference organized by the Consortium of Aquatic Science Societies to be held in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a virtual option.
• 26^th Annual Mystic Herring Run and Paddle - May 15, race sponsored by the Mystic River Watershed Association.
• National Floodplain Managers Conference - May 15-19, 46^th annual conference sponsored by the Association of State Floodplain Managers to be held in Orlando, Florida, with a virtual option.
• River Rally 2022 - June 4-7, conference on equitable and sustainable water resources sponsored by the River Network to be held in Washington, DC.
• Capitol Hill Ocean Week - June 7-9, conference hosted by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation that will bring together policymakers, scientists, managers, business leaders, conservationists, students, and educators to discuss issues that impact the oceans and the Great Lakes, to be held in Washington, DC, with a virtual option.
• 22^nd AEES Meeting - June 21-23, annual meeting of the American Ecological Engineering Society (AEES) with the theme, “Designing for Our Future: Ecotechnology for Watershed Health in the Urban-Rural Continuum,” to be held in Baltimore, Maryland.
• National Working Waterfront Network Conference - July 19-21, annual conference on working waterfronts and ports to be held in Boston. The 2022 conference will be hosted by Urban Harbors Institute and UMass Boston and co-hosted by CZM and Maine Sea Grant.
• Marine Mammal Biology Conference - August 1-5, biennial conference sponsored by the Society of Marine Mammalogy to be held in Palm Beach, Florida, with a virtual option.
• Stormwater Conference - September 26-28, annual conference sponsored by StormCon to be held in National Harbor, Maryland.

Calendar - Multiple/Ongoing Events

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

Aquarium Lecture Series - Webinars presented by the New England Aquarium.

Boat Safety Courses - Through May, free Boating Safety Course in coastal communities from the Massachusetts Environmental Police.

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

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

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

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

Cape Cod Maritime Museum Lectures - Upcoming lectures at the museum in Hyannis.

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

Climate Change and Adaptation Webinars - Webinars from the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center.

Coastal Perspectives Lecture Series - Virtual and in-person lectures through April sponsored by the University of Connecticut.

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

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

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

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.

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

• Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
• Joppa Flats Education Center
• Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary
• North River Wildlife Sanctuary
• Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

MBL Falmouth Forum Lecture Series - Free public lectures presented in person and virtually from the Marine Biological Lab in Woods Hole.

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

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

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

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.

Phosphorus Control Plan Workshop Series - Training workshops and a question-and-answer session in April and May from the Charles River Watershed Association to support municipal phosphorus control plans and stormwater management.

Practical Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) Workshops - April 19, April 21, and May 3, one-day training workshops for Municipal Separate Stormwater Sewer System (MS4) permitees from the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program and the Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA). Workshops will be held at MMA in Bourne.

Preschool Explorer Adventures - Nature discovery activities in April for pre-school children and their caregivers from the Harwich Conservation Trust.

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

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

Westport River Watershed Alliance Lectures - Online lectures presented by the Westport River Watershed Alliance.

Other Items of Interest

Waquoit Bay Reserve Volunteer Opportunities - The Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is seeking volunteers to serve as Greeters at the Reserve Visitor Center, Shorebird Monitors, and a volunteer Research Assistant to help conduct lab and field work. For details, see the volunteer opportunities web page.

Volunteer at Cape Cod Herring Runs - The Association to Preserve Cape Cod is seeking volunteers to count river herring for the spring migration. For more on APCC’s herring count program, instructions for counting, past run sizes, counts at other runs, a schedule of training events, and the website data entry system, see the APCC website. If interested, please complete the Monitoring Program Volunteer form.

Student Environmental Research Funding - The Marjot Foundation in Falmouth is seeking applications from New England high school students, or teams of students in grades 9-11, to fund one-year, independent field and/or laboratory research projects on environmental issues. Projects may focus on any area of environmental research and must be designed by the student or team applicant. Grants are $5,000, with $1,000 going to the student(s), $1,000 to the mentor, $500 to the school department, and $2,500 for project costs. For more information, see the Foundation website. Applications are due by April 20.

MIT Sea Grant Stakeholder Survey - MIT Sea Grant is seeking public input to assist with development of their next strategic plan for 2024-2027. MIT Sea Grant addresses marine and coastal issues at the local, state, regional, national, and global levels through research, education, and public outreach. All are welcome to submit comments on MIT Sea Grant’s education and research efforts. The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete.

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

Coastal Ocean Science Academy - The Northeastern University Marine Science Center in Nahant is accepting applications for the 2022 Coastal Ocean Science Academy, a one-week summer experience for middle school students from August 1-5 and high school students from August 15-19. Participants gain firsthand experience with diverse New England coastal habitats and marine resources and engage in hands-on research activities.

KidSummer Nature and Science Programs - Each summer, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History offers KidSummer programs for 3-15 year olds that use a science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM)-based curriculum with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Registration is available for weekly sessions (June 27-August 26) through the museum’s FamilyID website.

Onset Bay Center Summer Programs - Registration is now open for youth programs at the Buzzards Bay Coalition’s Onset Bay Center, a facility that offers on-the-water programs for children and teens. Activities include sailing, kayaking and paddling, swimming, and coastal exploration. Programs begin on June 27 and will run through August 26. For details, see the Youth Programs website.

Summer Coastal Ecology Program for Kids - Registration is now open for Westport River Watershed Alliance Summer Programs for kids aged 7-16 to learn about coastal ecology and explore coastal habitats in week-long programs. Also, hour-long daily sessions are available for children ages 3-6 accompanied by an adult.