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CZ-Mail - December 2019

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 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

Massachusetts Ocean Acidification Commission Convenes - On November 8, the first meeting of the Massachusetts Ocean Acidification Commission was held at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole. The Commission was established by Resolve H.4133 from the state legislature’s Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture. The Commission’s charge is to: 1) identify the actual and potential effects of coastal and ocean acidification on commercially valuable marine species, 2) identify the scientific data and knowledge gaps that may hinder the Commonwealth’s ability to craft policy and other responses to coastal and ocean acidification, and 3) prioritize the strategies for filling those gaps to provide policies and tools to respond to the adverse effects of coastal and ocean acidification on commercially important fisheries and the Commonwealth’s shellfish aquaculture industry. The 19 commissioners include legislators, commercial fishermen and scientists appointed by the Governor, and the heads of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, Department of Environmental Protection, and CZM. Ocean acidification, or a decrease in ocean pH, occurs as carbon dioxide from the atmosphere dissolves in the world’s oceans. The problem is exacerbated in coastal waters in Massachusetts due to increases in freshwater runoff from rivers and the input of nutrients from wastewater. Recent research has shown that the marine waters from Cape Cod to Salisbury, part of the Gulf of Maine, are decreasing in pH and are more at risk to further pH decreases than marine waters in other parts of the world. The Commission will meet a minimum of three more times to review data and research on the issue with a goal of having policy recommendations for legislators by the end of 2020.

CZM Receives Wetland Program Development Grant - CZM has been awarded a two-year Wetland Program Development Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to support its salt marsh work. Under previous grants, CZM established long-term monitoring stations in three priority salt marsh areas, also known as sentinel sites. The sentinel site model builds on efforts of the National Estuarine Research Reserves to collect the long-term data needed to assess resilience and vulnerability of salt marshes. CZM collected hydrologic, elevation, and vegetation community data at each sentinel site in 2017. This new grant will support another year of data collection to generate a comparison dataset and develop a time series to analyze trends in salt marsh ecological communities at the sentinel sites. To further expand the use and representativeness of CZM’s Sentinel Site Program, a new sentinel site will be established, as well as additional permanent transects at current sites. CZM will also conduct a review of the science, policy, and practice of dredging to better understand its relationship with sediment processes, and to develop potential best practices for maintaining sediment availability before, during, and after dredging. For more information, contact CZM’s Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Manager, Adrienne Pappal, at adrienne.pappal@mass.gov.

CZM Kicks Off Collaborative Salt Marsh Project with USGS - CZM is also pleased to begin a salt marsh project with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center. USGS has developed an indicator of salt marsh vulnerability—the unvegetated-vegetated marsh ratio (UVVR). This indicator uses remote sensing imagery to calculate the ratio of unvegetated marsh area (e.g., pools, pannes, mudflats) to vegetated area. The UVVR metric is a powerful screening tool for identifying vulnerable salt marshes because it strongly correlates to net sediment budget, elevation, and tidal inundation (all factors critical for salt marsh resiliency). UVVR has been tested and applied successfully in multiple locations along the Atlantic East Coast, including a recent pilot for the Plum Island Estuary and the Cape Cod National Seashore. CZM and USGS will apply the UVVR metric to all salt marshes in Massachusetts using both 1-meter source imagery and 30-meter Landsat imagery (the latter will be applied at multiple temporal scales for trend analysis). CZM will develop an ArcGIS Online viewer for the data created and results will also be available through ScienceBase (the national data clearinghouse for USGS) after the project concludes in December 2021. For more information, contact CZM’s Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Manager, Adrienne Pappal, at adrienne.pappal@mass.gov.

CZM’s South Coastal Regional Office and Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program Offices Are Moving - On January 1, 2020, the CZM South Coastal Regional office and the offices for the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program will move from Wareham to Mattapoisett. The new address will be: 81B County Road, Mattapoisett, MA 02739. All phone numbers and extensions will remain the same.

Thanks to COASTSWEEP Volunteers! - CZM would like to send a big thank you to the thousands of volunteers who turned out for this year’s annual COASTSWEEP beach cleanups, which were held all along the Commonwealth’s coastline from late August through November. We would especially like to thank the cleanup coordinators—your efforts to organize local cleanups are what truly make COASTSWEEP possible! While results are still coming in, data compiled so far shows that 2,742 volunteers removed 31,309 pounds of trash from 146 locations along more than 205 miles of coastline—which already represents the greatest number of sites and shoreline miles covered since COASTSWEEP 2003! The final tally, which will continue to grow as the rest of the cleanups are tabulated, will be reported in the January 2020 CZ-Mail. Signups for next year’s COASTSWEEP cleanups will begin next spring. If you are interested in organizing a 2020 COASTSWEEP cleanup, send a blank email (completely blank, with no signature line) to join-env-coastsweep-coordinators@listserv.state.ma.us, and you will receive a reminder in June 2020 to register as a local coordinator. To receive reminders when the new cleanup lists are posted for 2020, send a blank email to join-env-coastsweep-volunteers@listserv.state.ma.us.

Provincetown Stormwater Team Recognized by EPA - Provincetown received EPA's 2019 Environmental Merit Award for its stormwater program. To address stormwater pollutants reducing water quality and impacting shellfishing in Provincetown Harbor, Provincetown installed over two miles of porous pavement on Commercial Street—resulting in cleaner water and a 90 percent reduction in beach closures. The stormwater cleanup has been a long-term effort for Provincetown and its partners, with multiple sources of funding, including Coastal Pollutant Remediation (CPR) grants from CZM for initial assessment work in 2003 and for designs of the fifth and final phase of porous pavement along Commercial Street (still to be completed). Congratulations to Provincetown and its partners, including recent Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) retirees Gary Gonyea and Jane Peirce!

Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities

Water Quality Monitoring Grants - Through the Water Quality Monitoring Grant Program, the MassDEP is seeking proposals from nonprofit organizations to develop or expand bacteria monitoring data collection programs for the 2020 summer sampling season. The goals of this program are to supplement MassDEP’s surface water data, allow better assessment of surface water quality, and provide safer recommendations for recreational use of these waters. For more information and to download application materials, see the MassDEP website. Written questions can be emailed to the Grant Program Manager, Meghan Selby, at meghan.selby@mass.gov until noon on December 4. Proposals are due by December 20.

Landscape Partnership Grants - The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Division of Conservation Services (DCS) is seeking applications to the FY 2020 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. A grant workshop will be held On December 5 at 1:00 p.m. at the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) Headquarters in Westborough. To attend, RSVP to Nathaniel Thomas at nathaniel.thomas1@mass.gov. See the Apply for a Landscape Partnership Grant web page for application instructions. Applications are due by 3:00 p.m. on January 21, 2020.

Drinking Water Supply Protection Grants - DCS is also accepting applications for the Drinking Water Supply Protection Grant Program, which provides financial assistance to public water systems and municipal water departments to purchase land or interests in land for the protection of existing MassDEP-approved public drinking water supplies, planned future public drinking water supplies, or groundwater recharge. A grant workshop will be held on December 5 at 10:00 a.m. at DFW Headquarters in Westborough. RSVP to Nathaniel Thomas at nathaniel.thomas1@mass.gov to attend, and see the Apply to the Drinking Water Supply Protection Grant Program web page for application details. Applications are due by 3:00 p.m. on January 21, 2020.

MassTrails Grants - Communities, public agencies, and nonprofit organizations can apply for reimbursable, matching grants of $5,000-$300,000 to design, create, maintain, and support recreational trail and shared-use pathway projects in Massachusetts through the MassTrails program. See the MassTrails Grants Guide for application details and grant documents. Proposals must be submitted online by February 1, 2020.

Habitat Restoration Grants - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Community-based Restoration Program is seeking proposals for 2020 Coastal and Marine Habitat Restoration Grants for habitat-based projects that rebuild fisheries, aid in the recovery of threatened or endangered species, improve ecosystem health, and benefit communities and the economy. Up to $4 million will be available under this grant round. Pre-proposals are due by January 8, 2020.

Grants for Community Water Quality, Watershed, and Habitat Protection - The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Wildlife Habitat Council, in cooperation with EPA and partners, are seeking applications for the 2020 Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program. These grants focus on developing capacity in communities to promote sustainable natural resource use. Projects focus on protecting water quality, watersheds, species, and habitats through restoration, community outreach, education, and stewardship. Awards from $20,000 to $50,000 will be granted for 12- to 18-month projects that start in late summer-early fall 2020. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, state agencies, local and municipal governments, Indian tribes, and schools. Full proposals are due by January 30, 2020.

Reminder - These opportunities, listed in the last CZ-Mail, are still available:

  • Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program - EEA is seeking proposals for the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program Planning Grants. The MVP Program provides support for Massachusetts cities and towns to plan for climate change and implement key adaptation actions for resiliency. Through MVP Planning Grants, the state awards communities funding to complete vulnerability assessments and develop action-oriented resiliency plans, with technical assistance from state-certified MVP providers. Communities who complete the MVP program become certified as an MVP Community and are eligible for MVP Action Grant funding. To view the Request for Responses (RFR) and download required forms, see the COMMBUYS website. The response period is open on a rolling basis until January 15, 2020, or when all allocated funds have been awarded.
  • Massachusetts Environmental Trust Grants - The Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET) is seeking proposals for the 2020 Drive for a Better Environment Grants Program, which funds projects focusing on endangered marine animals and critical aquatic ecosystems in Massachusetts. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and municipalities, with typical awards ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. For more information and to view the RFR and download required forms, see the COMMBUYS website. A question and answer period closes December 20 and full proposals are due at 1:00 p.m. on January 10, 2020. Funded projects will begin in July 2020.
  • NERRS Science Collaborative Research Grants - The National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Science Collaborative is seeking proposals for two grant opportunities. Catalyst Grants support collaborative science by promoting new ideas, enhancing existing collaborative research, or synthesizing NERRS System-wide Monitoring Program data for regional or national use. Letters of intent for one-year grants of $75,000-$200,000 are due by December 16, with full proposals by February 19, 2020. Collaborative Research Grants fund collaborative applied science projects that build research, data, tools, or other products to support decision making to address needs identified by NERRS. Pre-proposals for one- to three-year grants of up to $200,000 per year are due by December 11. Full proposals, by invitation only, will be due by April 6, 2020.

Products/Publications

Gulf of Maine Marine Debris Action Plan - NOAA’s Marine Debris Program has released the 2019 Gulf of Maine Marine Debris Action Plan, which provides a five-year plan (2019-2024) for the region that focuses on four priority topics—consumer debris, derelict fishing gear, microplastics, and research, information, and risk assessment for wildlife and habitat. The plan was developed through a collaborative partnership of the Marine Debris Program and organizations from Canada, Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.

State of the Beach Report Card - The Surfrider Foundation has released its 2019 State of the Beach Report Card that rates the policies of 30 U.S. coastal and Great Lake states and Puerto Rico on how well they protect beaches from coastal erosion, sea level rise, coastal development, and related issues.

Newsletters and Other Periodicals

Buzzards Bay Coalition Newsletter - The latest edition of The Bay Buzz from the Buzzards Bay Coalition covers the purchase of a conservation restriction on 120 acres in Mattapoisett with MVP funds, efforts to reduce nitrogen pollution from composting activities, research to find a solution to salt marsh loss around Buzzards Bay, and other regional news, volunteer opportunities, and events.

Massachusetts Lobstermen’s News - The November 2019 Newspaper (PDF, 14 MB) from the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association (MLA) features an update from the Division of Marine Fisheries on a September lobster and fish mortality event in Cape Cod Bay and stories on where to dispose derelict fishing gear, tips for survival in cold water, and other updates and lobster news.

NOAA HabitatNews - The November 2019 issue of HabitatNews, a newsletter of the NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Restoration, includes articles on a Washington internship program that introduces marine science careers to veterans, oyster restoration efforts in a Virginia river, and other marine fisheries habitat news.

The Skimmer on Marine Ecosystems and Management - The November 2019 edition of The Skimmer on Marine Ecosystems and Management, the monthly newsletter on ocean planning and ecosystem-based management from the University of Washington School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, focuses on ocean aquaculture and methods to lessen impacts on the marine environment.

Web-Based and Mobile-User Resources

Preparedness Talks for Emergency Managers - FEMA and partners have released a new episode of PrepTalks, presentations by experts on emergency preparedness. Living with Water: How the Netherlands Prevents Flood Disasters by Jan Peelen, Representative of the Dutch Ministry for Infrastructure and Water Management at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, discusses the country’s ongoing challenges with flooding and how its citizens have learned to live with water. Each PrepTalk includes a video of the presentation, a discussion guide, and related resources.

NOAA Marine Debris Blog - Recent posts in the NOAA Marine Debris Program’s Marine Debris Blog include NOAA funded marine debris cleanup efforts along the Gulf of Mexico coast, balloons found in deep sea marine environments, marine debris lesson plans and curriculum resources for students of all ages, and the 2019 NOAA Marine Debris Program Accomplishments Report. 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:

Job/Internship Postings

Clean Energy Internships - The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center is seeking applications for Spring 2020 Clean Energy Internships at Massachusetts clean energy and water innovation companies from college students or recent graduates of Massachusetts schools or Commonwealth residents that attended out-of-state schools. For more information, including application details, see the Clean Energy Internship Program web page.

Calendar - Individual Events and Announcements

BUAR Public Meeting - On December 5 at 1:30 p.m., the Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources (BUAR) will hold its bi-monthly public meeting in the CZM Large Conference Room. The preliminary agenda includes two new permit applications, five permit renewals, and an activities update. For more information, contact BUAR Director, David S. Robinson, at david.s.robinson@mass.gov.

Saugus River Watershed Council Annual Meeting - On December 5, Saugus River Watershed Council will hold its Annual Meeting in Lynn, which will feature a Keynote Presentation by Sean Riley from the Department of Conservation and Recreation on local and migratory birds in the Saugus River Watershed. The Council will also present its River Stewardship Awards and elect 2020 officers and board members. This event is open to the public. Please register online.

Mining the Deep Sea Movie Screening - On December 5, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Environmental Solutions Initiative will host a world-premiere screening of Mining the Deep Sea in Cambridge. This new film explores the environmental impacts of mining the sea floor for precious elements. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with experts featured in the film. For event details, see the MIT website.

2020 High School Marine Science Symposium—Call for Presenters - On March 5, 2020, Massachusetts Marine Educators and Northeastern University’s Marine Science Center will host the 2020 High School Marine Science Symposium at Northeastern University in Boston. Individuals or teams of scientists, graduate students, educators, and others working in marine-related fields are invited to submit proposal for hands-on workshops or interactive table demonstrations for high school students. To register, see the Presenter Registration form, which is due by December 6.

Stormwater Conference—Call for Speakers - From August 17-19, 2020, StormCon 2020—a conference and expo for stormwater and water quality professionals—will be held in Seattle, Washington. Conference organizers are seeking presentations in six program tracks: stormwater infrastructure and best management practices, green infrastructure, stormwater permit compliance, stormwater program management, industrial stormwater management, and evaluating performance of best management practices (BMPs). For details, see the Call for Papers. Submissions are due by December 18.

Cape Cod Natural History Conference—Request for Proposals - Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is now accepting proposals for presentations for the 25th annual Cape Cod Natural History Conference at Cape Cod Community College in Barnstable on March 14, 2020. Presentation topics may include professional or personal research/studies/observations focusing on the “ecology, behavior, status, or distribution of local plants, animals, natural communities, and environmental restoration projects on Cape Cod.” For more information, see the Request for Presentations, which are due by December 31.

EBC Leadership Program with EEA Secretary Theoharides - On January 22, 2020, the Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC) will present EBC Leadership Program: Massachusetts Environmental and Energy Agenda for 2020 with Keynote Speaker Secretary Kathleen Theoharides in Boston. The Secretary will discuss EEA’s accomplishments along with the 2020 environmental, energy, and climate priorities of EEA and the Baker Administration. The evening session will conclude with a moderated discussion and an opportunity to ask questions.

Social Coast Forum - From February 3-6, 2020, the National Estuarine Research Reserve Association will hold the biennial 2020 Social Coast Forum, Social Science for Coastal Decision-Making in Charleston, South Carolina. The forum will feature interdisciplinary presentations, roundtable discussions, and training sessions on using social science tools to address coastal issues. Participants will include professionals from academia, state and federal government, nonprofits, and the private sector.

MACC Conference - On February 29, 2020, the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) will hold its Annual Environmental Conference 2020 in Worcester. Join more than 750 conservation commissioners, local officials, state and federal officials, consultants, and attorneys for the largest regular environmental conference in New England.

Local Environmental Action Conference - On March 7, 2020, the Mass Climate Action Network and the Toxics Action Center will hold Local Environmental Action 2020 at Northeastern University in Boston. This conference will include workshops on using digital recruitment strategies, managing conflict in public information campaigns, fundraising, net zero buildings, sustainable and equitable transportation, and climate solutions.

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

  • 2020 Annual Environmental Conference—Call for Workshops - On March 4, 2020, the Massachusetts Environmental Education Society (MEES) will hold its 2020 Annual Conference in Worcester. Organizers are now accepting workshop proposals on advocacy efforts in Massachusetts and beyond, climate change, diversity and inclusion in environmental education, environmental justice, and urban environmental education. For details, see the 2020 MEES Call for Workshop Proposals, which are due by December 4.
  • Annual Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference—Call for Abstracts - From April 23-24, 2020, the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC), state partners, and EPA, will hold the 31st annual Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference in Woodstock, Vermont. Participants from public and private sectors, academia, and watershed organizations from New England and New York will share information about nonpoint source pollution issues and projects in the region. NEIWPCC is seeking abstracts for conference presentations related to the theme, “The Watershed Approach,” with a focus on state and federal collaboration to address nonpoint pollution. See the Call for Abstracts, which are due by December 6.
  • Youth Ocean Conservation Summit - On December 7, the 2019 Youth Ocean Conservation Summit will be held at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota, Florida, providing students from upper elementary school through college the opportunity to learn from marine scientists and conservationists about the current threats facing the marine environment.
  • Professional Development Courses at New England Aquarium - This fall, the New England Aquarium will offer the Professional Development Course, Full STEAM Ahead: Ocean Adventures, for educators from pre-k to first grade. The last remaining session is The Ocean and Us on December 14.
  • Ocean Sciences Meeting - From February 16-21, 2020, the Ocean Sciences Meeting 2020 will be held in San Diego, California. Sessions will center around the 2020 theme, For a Resilient Planet, with a focus on healthy resilient oceans, safe and sustainable food, and climate change mitigation.
  • International Erosion Control Conference - From February 23-26, 2020, the International Erosion Control Association will hold the 2020 IECA Annual Conference and Expo in Raleigh, North Carolina, focusing on the latest products, services, and technology for erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, and shoreline restoration.

Calendar - Multiple/Ongoing Events

Boston Environmental History Seminar Series - The Massachusetts Historical Society (MHS) 2019-2020 Boston Seminar on Environmental History presents monthly sessions on how the environment has shaped American societies. From livestock and animal industries in Brighton to early weather almanacs, each session focuses on the discussion of a pre-circulated paper. The next session, Climate in Words and Numbers: How Early Americans Recorded Weather in Almanacs will be held on December 3 at the MHS headquarters at 1154 Boylston Street in Boston. The programs include a light buffet supper and are free and open to the public, but an RSVP is required. Subscribers to the session will receive advance online access to the topic papers.

Buzzards Bay Walks and Events - The Buzzards Bay Coalition Events page includes outdoor and environmental offerings hosted by numerous organizations and land trusts in the region. December events include a sea glass and pebble art workshop, a live animal demonstration, hikes, and other opportunities for all ages. Events can be filtered by town, month, host, or select topics, such as kid-friendly and volunteering.

Cape Cod Bird Club Walks and Activities - The Cape Cod Bird Club holds free bird watching field trips, including walks at sites from Wellfleet to Provincetown on December 12 and along the Cape Cod Canal and Scusset Beach on December 13. Also, join the club for the Winter Waterfowl Survey from December 7-8. See details and the full schedule on their field trips page.

Cape Cod Museum of Natural History Programs - In December, the museum will host several lectures, movie screenings, and other events, including Lunch 'n Learn - Winter Birds: Cape Cod's Year-Round Residents on December 12. Check out their calendar for additional events.

Climate Adaption Lunchtime Webinars - This fall, the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center is hosting monthly lunchtime webinars with a 30-minute talk followed by a discussion open to online attendees. The final webinar is Scenario Planning and Protected Species: NOAA Fisheries Case Studies to Inform Recovery in a Changing Environment on December 4.

Conservation Commission Education - The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions provides specialized training programs. See their Complete Education Catalog for an overview of upcoming wetland delineation and other workshops and the Community Calendar for a schedule of additional programs in December, including the Free Lunch & Learn Webinar, Massachusetts Vulnerability Preparedness Program with Case Study, on December 11.

Ipswich River Programs and Activities - In December, Mass Audubon’s Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary will host walks, talks, and adventures. See their programs, classes, & activities page and search the program catalog for information on upcoming activities, including a Winter Solstice Lantern Walk on December 14.

Joppa Flats Programs and Events - The Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center hosts a variety of programs for children and adults. See their program catalog for December events and education opportunities, including lectures, Saturday morning birding, activities for kids, and a Seabirds of Cape Ann field trip on December 8.

Mass Audubon Cape Cod Walks, Lectures, and Events - The Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary in South Wellfleet and Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary in Barnstable offer educational programs for children, adults, and families, including December nature/birding walks, hikes, lectures, and Holiday Holly Hike on December 14. Search the calendar of programs, classes, and activities for Wellfleet Bay and Long Pasture for all events.

National Marine Sanctuaries Webinars - The NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Webinar Series provides educators with resources and training to support ocean and climate literacy in the classroom. The next webinar, Sinkholes to Stars: Exploring Microbial Ecosystems in Lake Huron’s Sinkholes, is on December 5.

New England Aquarium Youth Programs - The New England Aquarium has ocean education classes, marine biology training, service-learning opportunities, teen internships, and other programs for kids from 12 months to 12th grade. See the aquarium website for more information.

NOAA Coastal Training and Learning Resources - NOAA’s Digital Coast offers a range of training opportunities, with self-guided resources, case-studies, videos, webinars, publications, and online instructor-led sessions and classroom instructor-led courses—including the Seven Best Practices for Risk Communication webinar on January 14. For the full schedule of opportunities, see the Training Calendar.

NOAA Science and Climate Seminars - The OneNOAA Science Seminar web page provides details on NOAA science and climate seminars and webinars that are available across the nation, including Putting the Best “Foot” Forward: Ending the Era of the U.S. Survey Foot on December 12.

North and South Rivers Events - The North and South Rivers Watershed Association hosts events on the South Shore. December events include their annual Holiday Open House on December 19 and a Twilight Solstice Exploration on December 21. See their events page for details.

North River Activities and Events - The Mass Audubon North River Wildlife Sanctuary in Marshfield hosts programs for children and adults. See their program, classes, and activities page for December events and education opportunities, including Friday morning bird walks, lectures, vacation activities for children, and a Winter Solstice Hayride on December 21.

Planet Stewards Educator Events - The NOAA Planet Stewards Education Project provides resources for educators of elementary through college-aged students to promote scientific understanding of environmental challenges. Upcoming events include a Book Club session on The Death and Life of the Great Lakes by Dan Egan on January 21, 2020. Sign up to receive emails about future events.

Thornton Burgess Nature Program - The Thornton Burgess Society at the Green Briar Nature Center in East Sandwich is hosting their Nature Program 2019, a series of in-depth naturalist classes. The next session is Winter Birding with Brittany Hoffnagle on December 7.

Winter Walks on Nantucket - The Nantucket Conservation Foundation has announced its schedule of free, public Winter Walking Tours on Nantucket, including a Squam Farm Walk on December 7. Reservations are required.

Other Items of Interest

Coastal Wetlands Scholarship - The Garden Club of America is seeking applicants for a Coastal Wetlands Studies Scholarship, which will provide a $5,000 stipend to one graduate student to support field-based coastal wetland research in the United States. Applications are due by January 15, 2020.

Thoreau Foundation Scholarships - The Henry David Thoreau Foundation is now accepting applications from top Massachusetts high school seniors who plan to study environmental issues in college. Selected Thoreau Scholars will receive a four-year scholarship up to $20,000, eligibility for an environmental internship stipend, and access to the scholar alumni network. Applications are due by February 1, 2020.

Education Innovation Awards - Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs is accepting applications or nominations for the Education Innovation Award for teachers that have introduced the Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest into their classrooms. Winners will receive a $750 award. For 2020, the awards have expanded to include a Baystate Educator Award for teachers in Massachusetts. One winner will receive $750 along with a $500 classroom grant. Nominations are due by July 1, 2020.

Semester at WHOI - Semester at WHOI invites college juniors or seniors studying biology, chemistry, geology, meteorology, mathematics, physics, or engineering to spend a semester at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). Selected students will conduct a semester-long independent research project with a WHOI scientist or engineer and take graduate-level ocean science courses. Applications for the fall 2020 are due by April 15, 2020.

Join the Blue Crew! - Ocean Protection Advocacy Kids (OPAK) has launched The Blue Crew, a new club where kids can explore ocean topics with fun activities such nature hikes, science experiments, art, music, films, and engineering projects. OPAK invites students in grades 5-8 from Southeastern Massachusetts to join the Blue Crew, which will meet twice a month at Center Hill Preserve in Plymouth. Crew members also receive discounts on OPAK field trips and summer workshops. The first meeting is on December 14. Register online.

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