Log in links for this page

CZ-Mail - February 2018

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

Storm Team Assesses Damage from the January Northeaster - From January 4-8, 23 members of the Massachusetts Coastal Storm Damage Assessment Team and five additional volunteers conducted visual assessments of the damage from January 4 northeaster. More than 125 reports documenting the damage in 28 communities were submitted into the StormReporter Tool, hosted on the MyCoast website. Damage reports indicate that there was widespread moderate flooding along north- and east-facing shorelines, with pockets of major flooding along the South Shore, as well as on the north shore of Cape Cod and on Nantucket. Flooding caused damage to homes, cars, roads, and utilities, including breaching a 20” sewer force main near the harbor on Nantucket. In addition to the extensive flooding, there was some damage to siding, decks, access stairs, and building foundations reported in Scituate, Marshfield, Sandwich, Barnstable, and Chatham. The storm surge combined with sea ice also caused damage to numerous beach access structures, docks, piers, and floats. The reports were submitted into an online database, which is used by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) in storm recovery efforts, by the National Weather Service to fine tune forecasting of future events, and others for floodplain management and planning.

CZM Spotlight: Vulnerability Assessment for Coastal Areas of Critical Environmental Concern - Massachusetts is home to diverse coastal habitats that provide important benefits, such as wildlife habitat, nursery areas for commercial fish species, and storm damage protection for shoreline properties. The long-term capacity for these habitats to provide these benefits is threatened by a variety of factors, including nonpoint source pollution, development pressure, and invasive species—as well as current and future climate change impacts—such as increased temperature, drought, precipitation changes, and sea level rise. As part of a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Management Fellowship project to examine risk to and resiliency of coastal habitats, CZM will be conducting a vulnerability assessment of coastal Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). ACECs are places in Massachusetts that have been formally designated by the state and receive special recognition because of the quality, uniqueness, and significance of their natural and cultural resources. As part of this project, existing data and information on habitat diversity and the level of human influence have been analyzed to characterize each of the coastal ACECs. These characterizations will be used to inform the selection of one coastal ACEC to use for the vulnerability assessment and analysis. Site-specific data gathering and analysis will then be used to prioritize the coastal habitats most at risk in this ACEC. A technical advisory committee with members from other state agencies, including the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the Division of Ecological Restoration (DER), will help inform the assessment. Policy, conservation, restoration measures, and other options that promote the capacity of these habitats to adapt to future changes will also be investigated. This work will provide a broader understanding of the coastal habitats in Massachusetts, the threats they face, and the potential adaptation measures to help ensure the resiliency of these critical areas. Work is expected to be completed by summer 2019. For more information on this project, contact CZM’s NOAA Coastal Fellow Sean Duffey at sean.duffey@state.ma.us.

Ocean Advisory Commission - A meeting of the Commonwealth’s Ocean Advisory Commission was held on January 30. The commission includes legislators, agency heads, representatives from a commercial fishing organization and an environmental organization, an expert in offshore renewable energy, and representatives from the coastal Regional Planning Agencies. Agenda items included updates on offshore wind energy development and transmission, progress on offshore sand analyses, discussion of the Draft Proposed Program for the upcoming 2019-2024 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program recently released by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, and an update on aquaculture management and review was provided. A proposed approach for the next Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan review was presented to the Commission for consideration. The commission was also briefed on implementation of the regional Northeast Ocean Plan and plans for the coming year. The next meeting of the Commission is expected in early summer.

Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities

319 Nonpoint Source Competitive Grants Pre-RFR Meeting - On March 6 at 10 a.m. (snow date is March 13), the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) will hold a meeting to field questions and discuss the upcoming Request for Responses (RFR) for the next grant round of the §319 Nonpoint Source Competitive Grants. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend these pre-RFR sessions, to be held at the MassDEP offices in Worcester. The pre-RFR announcement and information about the program and past §319 projects can be seen at the MassDEP website.

Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative Small Research Grants - The Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative (NBI) is seeking proposals for through its Small Research Grants Program to conduct research that expands knowledge of understudied taxonomic groups and the overall biodiversity of Nantucket, Tuckernuck, and/or Muskeget Islands. The mission of the NBI is to conserve the native biodiversity of Nantucket through collaborative research, monitoring, and education. Proposals are due by March 15.

Environmental Education Grants - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking applications for Environmental Education Local Grants to support locally focused environmental education projects that increase public awareness and knowledge about environmental issues. Applications are due by March 15.

Environmental Justice Grants - EPA is seeking proposals for Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving Cooperative Agreement (EJCPS) Program to support community-based organizations in their efforts to collaborate and partner with local stakeholder groups (e.g., local businesses and industry, local government, medical providers, and academia) as they develop and implement solutions that address environmental and/or public health issues for underserved communities. The EJCPS program will award approximately $1.2 million nationwide for 10 cooperative agreements (one in each of the ten EPA Regions) of up to $120,000 each. Proposals are due by February 16.

Massachusetts Trails Grants—Deadline Extended - DCR is seeking applications for the Recreational Trails Program, which provides grants from $2,000 to $50,000 for a variety of trail protection, construction, and stewardship projects throughout Massachusetts. DCR is also accepting applications for Recreational Trails Program - Education Grants, which provide funding for statewide trail education initiatives. For more information on these grant programs, contact Amanda Lewis at amanda.lewis@state.ma.us. Applications are now due by February 15.

Products/Publications

Volume I of the Fourth National Climate Assessment - The U.S. Global Change Research Program has released Climate Science Special Report: Fourth National Climate Assessment (NCA4), Volume I, a report that assesses the physical science of climate change and provides the basis for the analyses of the impacts of climate change on the United States.

Natural Hazard Mitigation Report - The National Institute of Building Sciences Multi-Hazard Mitigation Council has released Natural Hazard Mitigation Saves: 2017 Interim Report. This updated and expanded report examines 23 years of federally funded mitigation grants and found mitigation funding can save the nation $6 in future disaster costs for every $1 spent. It also looks at efforts to design new buildings to exceed provisions of the 2015 model building codes, which can save the nation $4 for every $1 spent.

Marine Debris Activity Book - NOAA has released Understanding Marine Debris: Games and Activities for Kids of All Ages, which provides an assortment of puzzles, brain-teasers, and coloring activities featuring marine debris issues.

Ebb & Flow - DER has released a special edition of its Ebb & Flow eNewsletter. This issue features the 2017 Annual Impact Report, which focuses on partnerships, highlighting the critical teamwork that underlies all of the DER's restoration work.

DMF News - The 3rd and 4th quarters of 2017 issue of DMF News (PDF, 8 MB), the twice-yearly newsletter of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), features articles on DMF’s new South Coast Office, river herring bycatch avoidance program successes, trawl survey results, and other DMF news.

Marine Ecosystems and Management Information Service - The December 2017-January 2018 edition of Marine Ecosystems and Management, the bimonthly information service on marine ecosystem-based management from the University of Washington School of Marine Affairs, focuses on how genetics can improve marine conservation and management and other notes and news.

Beneath the Surface - The January 2018 issue of Beneath the Surface, a newsletter from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), includes articles on a rare underwater eruption, a grant that may transform ocean exploration, rapid changes in the Arctic, and other news and updates from WHOI.

Sound Waves - The November/December 2017 issue of Sound Waves, a U.S. Geological Survey newsletter, features articles on a hurricane-generated breach on Fire Island, the annual southern sea otter survey, and other coastal and marine research news.

Newswave - The Summer/Fall 2017 issue of NEWSWAVE, the quarterly newsletter on ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes activities from the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), features articles on lease proposals for oil and natural gas development on more than 76 million acres of the Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of Mexico, hurricane response by DOI, and other ocean and coastal news.

The Sandbar - The January 2018 issue of The Sandbar, a quarterly publication reporting on legal issues affecting the U.S. oceans and coasts by the National Sea Grant College Program, features articles on the fall of the “Codfather,” beach access in California, the Jones Act and hurricane season, a public land dispute in Alaska, and other ocean- and coastal-related legal issues.

Web-Based and Mobile-User Resources

Extreme Precipitation in the Gulf of Maine Region - The Gulf of Maine Council's Climate Network has released Extreme Precipitation in the Gulf of Maine Region Challenges and Responses, a video of a June 2017 presentation to help the region plan for more extreme precipitation. The video session features Cliff Sinnott, Executive Director of the Rockingham County Planning Commission in New Hampshire, and Rob Capozi, Adaptation Specialist with the New Brunswick Climate Change Secretariat. Both shared innovative approaches being taken to address this challenge, including the new Extreme Precipitation in Atlantic Canada website.

Resilience and Adaptation in New England - EPA’s Resilience and Adaptation in New England (RAINE) website is a collection of vulnerability, resilience, and adaptation reports, plans, and web pages at the state, regional, and community level. This database now includes input from 215 New England communities and has more than 500 documents available to users.

Nitrogen Footprint Tool - EPA’s Nitrogen Footprint Tool can be used to calculate how much nitrogen is released as a result of specific activities including utilities (heating and cooling), transportation, food production, food consumption, and more. Nitrogen pollution can negatively affect air and water quality, as well as public health. EPA and collaborators used this tool to calculate the nitrogen footprint of seven universities and laboratories to see where nitrogen outputs could be reduced. Output from this tool can help institutions develop better sustainability and pollution reduction strategies.

United States of Climate Change - The Weather Channel has produced United States of Climate Change: 50 States, 50 Stories, which includes a detailed article from every state on how people are tackling climate change.

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.

IPCC Special Report - The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is seeking expert comment on the Special Report on “Impacts of Global Warming of 1.5°C Above Pre-Industrial Levels and Related Global Greenhouse Gas Emission Pathways, in the Context of Strengthening the Global Response to the Threat of Climate Change, Sustainable Development, and Efforts to Eradicate Poverty.” For more information, see the Public Comment Notice. Comments are due by February 8.

Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program - The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is seeking public comment on the recently released Draft Proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program (2019-2024). Comments are due by March 9. BOEM is holding a series of public meetings on the Draft Proposed Program. The Massachusetts meeting is scheduled for February 27 from 3-7 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Boston, One Avenue de Lafayette, Boston.

Job/Internship Postings

Biological Intern - The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport is seeking applicants for a Biological Intern to lead the piping plover recovery program and assist with coordination of a community-based pepperweed eradication project at the refuge. Other duties include assisting in the planning and implementation of wildlife studies, maintaining survey and management records in GIS, analyzing data using standard statistical methods, developing project reports, and conducting vegetative surveys, bird surveys, and bird banding and tagging. The intern will work alongside the Wildlife Biologist as part of a larger biological team. Applications are due by February 15.

Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge Internships - The Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge in Wells, Maine, is seeking applicants for several summer internship opportunities. Interns work with refuge staff on resource management operations and outreach. Duties include shorebird nest monitoring, conducting wildlife surveys, invasive plant control and mapping, propagating native plants, fish sampling, developing and delivering outreach programs, and assisting visitors in the refuge contact station. Applications are due by February 16.

APCC Summer Internships - The Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC) is seeking applicants for two, paid, summer internships through its internship program. This program is designed to provide interns with challenging environmental projects that support APCC’s mission to protect and restore the natural environment of Cape Cod and to promote environmental stewardship.

Coastal System Program Interns - The Coastal Systems Group of the UMASS Dartmouth School of Marine Science is offering 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. All selections will be made on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.

Calendar

Hurricane Hunters Webinar - On February 5, NOAA Planet Stewards will present Flying into the Storm! by Kelly Ryan-Poterjoy from NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory. This webinar will focus on how NOAA aircraft fly into Atlantic hurricanes to collect crucial observations to improve the understanding and prediction of these powerful storms. The webinar will cover the process and importance of these missions in the context of scientific understanding and impact to the broader public.

International LIDAR Mapping Forum - From February 5-7, the 2018 International LIDAR Mapping Forum will be held in Denver, Colorado. This three-day technical conference will feature sessions on coastal zone mapping and lessons learned, modern hydrographic techniques, single photon LIDAR, and more.

Social Coast Forum - On February 5-8, the National Estuarine Research Reserve Association will hold the fourth biennial Social Coast Forum, Social Science for Coastal Decision-Making, in Charleston, South Carolina. The forum will explore how social science tools and methods are being used to address the nation’s coastal issues. Join participants from academia, state and federal government, nonprofits, and the private sector for interdisciplinary presentations, roundtable discussions, and training sessions.

Water Watch Lecture Series - On Wednesdays through March 7, the North and South Rivers Watershed Association will hold the WaterWatch Lecture Series at the South Shore Natural Science Center. On February 7 at 7:00 p.m., Sean Kent, Education and Summer Camp Director at Mass Audubon’s Museum of American Bird Art, will present What’s the Buzz? Native Bees of Massachusetts. Lectures are free and open to the public.

Surface Water Toolbox Webinar - On February 8, EPA’s Watershed Academy will present a webinar on the new Surface Water Toolbox developed by the U.S. Geological Survey and EPA. This downloadable tool can help water managers estimate a wide variety of streamflow statistics.

Ocean Sciences Meeting - From February 11-16, the 2018 Ocean Sciences Meeting will be held in Portland, Oregon. Sessions will include all aspects of oceanography, especially multidisciplinary topics, as well as presentations that reflect new and emerging research on the global ocean and society, including science education, outreach, and public policy.

Birds of Winter - On February 13 at 1:00 p.m., the Friends of the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will hold its February meeting, which will feature Birds of Winter with Christine Harris Bates, naturalist at the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. The presentation will discuss the birds commonly seen on Cape Cod during the winter. The talk is open to the public and will be preceded by a potluck lunch at noon.

Marine Science Lectures - In 2018, the Northeastern University Marine Science Center is continuing its series of marine science lectures. On February 13, Marc Albert, Natural Resource Partnerships Program Director at the Boston Harbor Islands, will present Science, Stewardship, and Citizens on the Boston Harbor Islands. On March 1, the Annual Burba Lecture will feature Anne Salomon, PhD, Associate Professor and Hakai Professor at Simon Fraser University, who will present Tipping Points and Transformation in Coupled Human-Ocean Systems. These lectures, which are free and open to the public, are held at the Murphy Bunker Classroom at the Marine Science Center in Nahant. Lectures start at 7:00 p.m. and light refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m.

Marine Genomics and Careers Workshop for Girls - From February 20-21, the Northeastern Marine Science Center will hold a Marine Genomics and Careers Workshop for Girls for high school girls in grades 10-12. This free workshop will discuss the tools used to study the genomes of living organisms, as well as tips for how to launch a successful career in marine science.

Climate Science for Educators - On February 21-22, the New England Aquarium will hold the Teacher Workshop, Climate Science for Educators, for teachers of grades 6-8. This workshop will cover the effects humans have on the climate, natural disasters, solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change, and more. Along content background in climate science, participants will gain hands-on practice in inquiry-based activities while adhering to the revised Massachusetts curriculum frameworks.

National Living Shorelines Workshop - From February 21-22, Restore America's Estuaries, in partnership with Save The Bay-San Francisco and the California State Coastal Conservancy will hold the second National Living Shorelines Technology Transfer Workshop in Oakland, California. The workshop will consist of presentations and group activities on the major developments with living shorelines, including science, policy, and outreach.

Sea Level Rise and Coastal Habitats - On February 27 at 6:00 p.m., the Association to Preserve Cape Cod and the Harvard Museum of Natural History will present As the Seas Rise, Can We Restore Our Coastal Habitats? by Steven Handel, Rutgers University Visiting Professor at the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University. Professor Handel will discuss strategies to maintain the ecological services of coastal habitats in response to sea level rise. The presentation will be held at Harvard University in Cambridge.

Underwater in Salem Sound Lecture Series - Through April, Salem Sound Coastwatch will hold free monthly Underwater in Salem Sound lectures at Marblehead's Abbot Public Library at 7:00 p.m. on the last Wednesday of each month. On February 28, Dave Rimmer, Director of Stewardship at Greenbelt, Essex County’s Land Trust, will present Osprey in Essex County and Beyond. He will discuss osprey biology, distribution, management, research, and continuing challenges, with a focus on Greenbelt’s Osprey Program in Essex County, while including data from across New England.

NEERS Spring Meeting—Call for Abstracts - From April 26-28, the New England Estuarine Research Society (NEERS) will hold its Spring 2018 Meeting in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Meeting presentations will cover a variety of topics related to estuaries and coastal environments. See the Call for Papers, which are due by February 28.

Chemical Safety and Climate Change Preparedness Workshops - Beginning March 1, the Massachusetts Office of Technical Assistance is holding Chemical Safety and Climate Change Preparedness Workshops in partnership with Regional Planning Agencies. These workshops will give hazardous materials users (businesses, manufacturing facilities, labs, etc.) tools to prepare for severe weather events, comply with emergency planning requirements, and incorporate toxics use reduction into emergency plans to avoid potential chemical releases or accidents.

Maritime Community Industry Day—Save the Date - On March 7, the 2018 Greater Boston Maritime Community Industry Day will be held at the Raymond L. Flynn Cruise Port at the Black Falcon Terminal in South Boston.

Aquatic Invasive Plant Species Workshop—Save the Date - On March 7, the River Herring Network and Middleboro-Lakeville Fisheries Commission will co-sponsor an Aquatic Invasive Plant Species Workshop at the Lakeville Public Library in Lakeville. The workshop will cover the natural history of invasive plants and strategies for management of these plants.

Ecological Landscaping Conference - From March 7-8, the Ecological Landscaping Association (ELA) will hold the ELA Conference and Eco-Marketplace, Sustaining the Living Landscape, in Amherst. The 2018 conference topics include ecological concepts, landscape design, plant functions, creative stormwater design, and more.

High School Marine Science Symposium - On March 8, the Northeastern University Marine Science Center, Massachusetts Marine Educators, and Salem State University will hold the 2018 High School Marine Science Symposium at Northeastern University in Boston. The event will provide opportunities for students to interact with experts in marine science and will include a hands-on workshops, interactive demonstration fair, and keynote speaker.

CRWA Annual Meeting - On March 8, the Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) will hold its 52nd Annual Meeting in Newton. The keynote speaker will be environmental justice advocate Alexie Torres-Fleming.

Sea Rovers Clinic - From March 9-11, the Boston Sea Rovers will hold the 2018 Sea Rovers Clinic in Danvers. The goal of the clinic is to increase awareness and appreciation of the marine environment with a focus on diving. The 2018 Clinic will include more than 30 seminars, workshops, a marine sciences career fair, an international film festival, and a large display of dive equipment and services in New England.

Environmental Biologist Conference - From March 13-15, the New England Association of Environmental Biologists (NEAEB) will hold its 42nd  annual meeting in Devens. NEAEB 2018 provides a forum for presenting current work and research on pressing environmental issues relevant to the region. This year’s conference will feature concurrent sessions, plenary speakers, and an interactive poster session covering a variety of topics

Boston Environmental History Seminar—Call for Proposals - The Massachusetts Historical Society is seeking proposals for the 2018-2019 Boston Environmental History Seminar, which is a series of monthly discussions of pre-circulated works in progress on any aspect of American environmental history. Past topics have included land and water use, fisheries, climate and weather, transportation policy, public health, epistemology, vegetation change, and natural disasters. Seminars will be scheduled between October 2018 and April 2019. For more information, see the Call for Proposals, which are due by March 15.

Soil and Water Conservation Society Winter Conference - On March 16, the Soil and Water Conservation Society Southern New England Chapter will hold the 2018 Winter Conference in Sturbridge. The conference will explore forestry and wildlife best management practices.

Cape Cod Natural History Conference - On March 17, the MassAudubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary will hold the 23rd annual Cape Cod Natural History Conference at Cape Cod Community College in West Barnstable. This full-day conference will feature presenters from environmental organizations across Cape Cod speaking on a diversity of natural history topics.

Benthic Ecology Meeting—Call for Abstracts - From March 27-30, the 47th annual Benthic Ecology Meeting will be held in Corpus Christi, Texas. This meeting is one of the largest scientific meetings for marine biologists in the United States and provides a venue for graduate and undergraduate students to present their work and interact with established researchers in areas of marine biology and ecology. See the instructions for submitting abstracts, which are due by February 16.

National Watershed and Stormwater Conference - On April 10, the Center for Watershed Protection will hold the 2018 National Watershed and Stormwater Conference. The conference will address cross-cutting issues and emerging trends in watershed management and implementation. Designed for practitioners, regulators, water and sewer authorities, and stormwater managers from the public, private, and nonprofit sector, the conference will include national online sessions, along with local hubs to encourage more in-depth discussion, and networking.

Sustainable Communities & Campuses Conference—Save the Date - On April 27, the 2018 Massachusetts Sustainable Communities & Campuses Conference, Making Sustainability History, will be held in Plymouth. This conference will connect people, promote best practices and resources, and advance sustainability in communities and on campuses. Participants include government, grassroots, business, and education stakeholders.

2018 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.

Winter Talks in Harwich - The Harwich Conservation Trust has posted its schedule of winter talks that are free and open to the public. The next talk, Digging Deep into the Blizzard of ’78, will be held on February 3. For the full schedule, see the Trust's website.

Boating Safety Course - From now through the spring, 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.).

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.

Tuesday Tweets - On several Tuesdays in February, 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 February 6.

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 February 22.

Get Outside Walks on Cape Cod - This winter, the Association to Preserve Cape Cod is holding a series of Get Outside Walks on Cape Cod. The walks are free, but advance registration is required because space is limited. The next walk is on February 27.

Buzzards Bay Walks and Events - The Buzzards Bay Coalition provides a listing of walks and other nature-based events hosted by numerous organizations and land trusts in the region. February events include a rare bird search, lectures, nature discoveries, snowshoeing, and more. You can filter the events by town, month, or host and select topics, such as kid-friendly, volunteering, and more.

Cape Cod Walks, Lectures, and Events - 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 programs, classes, & activities page and search the program catalog for event and schedule information, such as winter solstice walks, vacation week family fun days, and tracking mammals workshops.

Plum Island Morning Birding and Other Events - Throughout the winter, the Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center will host a Wednesday and Saturday morning birding series to explore some of Plum Island’s most productive birding hotspots. The center also hosts numerous other winter events, classes, and education activities, such as the Superbowl of Birding XV event, birding the Maine coast, and field trips for homeschoolers. For event and schedule information, search the Joppa Flats program catalog.

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

  • ICEA Annual Conference - From February 12-14, the International Erosion Control Association (ICEA) will hold the 2018 ICEA Annual Conference in Long Beach, California. The conference brings together professionals from around the world to discuss the latest products, services, and technology for erosion and sediment control; stormwater management; wetland, stream bank, and shoreline restoration; MS4 management; and industry trends.
  • International Marine Debris Conference - From March 12-16, the NOAA Marine Debris Program will hold the 6th International Marine Debris Conference (6IMDC) in San Diego, California. This five-day event, promoting international coordination efforts within the marine debris community, includes plenary sessions, keynote speakers, technical session breakouts, refreshments, and networking opportunities. 6IMDC will build upon the partnerships and successes of the Honolulu Strategy, which was developed at the last conference in 2011.
  • Hazard Mitigation Stakeholder Workshop - From March 12-16, the Federal Emergency Management Agency will host the 2018 Hazard Mitigation Stakeholder Workshop in Emmitsburg, Maryland, to provide a forum for information exchange and discussion of current policies, programs, procedures, best practices, and challenges associated with the delivery of hazard mitigation assistance programs and floodplain management.
  • Annual Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference - From April 25-26, the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission in partnership with member states and EPA, will hold the 29th Annual Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference in Glens Falls, New York. Join representatives from New England and New York, including the public and private sectors, academia, and watershed organizations, to share information about nonpoint source pollution issues and projects in the regions.

Other Items of Interest

Environmental Education Awards - The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) is now accepting applications for the 2018 Secretary Awards for Excellence in Energy and Environmental Education. All K-12 Massachusetts schools are eligible to receive awards for outstanding environmental and energy education projects. Winners will be notified in April and invited to attend a formal award ceremony at the State House.

Gulf of Maine Council Award Nominations - The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment is seeking nominations for its annual Visionary, Longard, Susan Snow-Cotter Leadership, Industry, and Sustainable Communities Awards. Visionary Awards will be presented to up to two individual or organizations in each state and province bordering the Gulf. The Longard Award will be presented to an outstanding volunteer within the Gulf watershed. The Susan Snow-Cotter Award will recognize a coastal management professional who exemplifies outstanding leadership or exceptional mentoring in the Gulf of Maine watershed. The Industry Award will go to a business that has shown leadership in efforts to improve the wellbeing of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem. The Sustainable Communities Award will go to a community or group within a community that exemplifies a sustainable environment and economy. Nominations are due by March 30.

Marine Policy Fellowships - The NOAA Sea Grant College Program and Woods Hole Sea Grant is accepting applications for the 2019 Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program. This one-year program aims to provide a unique educational experience to students who have an interest in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources and the national policy decisions affecting those resources. The program matches highly qualified graduate students with hosts in the legislative and executive branches, or appropriate associations/institutions, located in the area of Washington, DC, for a one-year paid fellowship. For more information, contact Matt Charette, Director of Woods Hole Sea Grant at mcharette@whoi.edu. To apply, see the grant opportunity on Grants.gov. Applications are due by February 23.

Science Without Borders Art Challenge - The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, in partnership with the International Coral Reef Initiative, is sponsoring the Science without Borders Challenge—a contest focusing on ocean conservation through art. This year’s theme, Why Coral Reefs Matter, celebrates this year’s distinction as the International Year of the Reef. Students are encouraged to create art that illustrates why coral reefs matter to individuals, communities, the country, and the ecosystem. The challenge is open to students 11-19 years old, with prizes of up to $500 awarded to winning entries. The deadline for entry is April 23.

Summer of Maps - This fellowship program matches nonprofit organizations that have spatial analysis needs with talented students pursuing careers in geospatial data analysis to complete projects over a three-month period during the summer. Applications for nonprofits are due by February 5 and student applications open on February 24 and are due by March 19. For details, see the Summer of Maps web page.

Woods Hole Field Trips - The Zephyr Education Foundation’s Ocean Science and Technology Program hosts one-day college, high school, and middle school field trips in Woods Hole. Students participate in a hands-on scientific cruise on Vineyard Sound and are exposed to a sampling of the research activities, technology, facilities, and occupations at the laboratories in Woods Hole.

Marine Art Contest - Massachusetts Marine Educators and Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary are seeking entries from students in grades K-12 for the 2018 Marine Art Contest. Entries should be based on the theme, Exploring the Marine Biodiversity of Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Winning submissions will become part of a touring exhibition and receive cash prizes. Entries are due by April 27.

Marine Debris Creative Advocacy Competition - Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs is launching their second Marine Debris Creative Advocacy Competition for middle or high school students to design and lead a creative advocacy campaign in their school or community. Awards of up to $5,000 will be provided to students and student groups whose campaigns most effectively raise awareness of and address the marine debris problem through creativity, community engagement, and activism. See the Bow Seat Ocean Advocacy Competition website for details on brainstorming ideas, finding a sponsor and registering, undertaking a campaign, and submitting final reports, which are due June 18.

President's Environmental Youth Award - EPA’s President's Environmental Youth Award recognizes outstanding environmental projects by K-12 students. Each year the program honors a wide variety of projects developed by individuals, school classes, summer camps, public interest groups, and youth organizations to promote environmental awareness. Recent award-winning student projects included forming recycling programs for pencils and books, starting an environmental news YouTube channel, and creating a better method to protect migratory birds from airplanes. Applications are due March 1.

Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators - EPA’s Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators recognizes outstanding K-12 teachers who employ innovative approaches to environmental education and use the environment as a context for learning for their students. Winners will be awarded up to $2,500 to be used to further their professional development in environmental education. The teacher's local education agency will also receive up to $2,500 to fund environmental education activities and programs. Applications are due by March 1.

Marine Science Call for Papers Competition - The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) and the American Salvage Association (ASA) are accepting applications for the Marine Science Call for Papers Competition, a competition for high school and undergraduate students who have demonstrated a passion for the marine sciences through a research project, either on the marine industry, conservation, or technology. Students are invited to submit an abstract and technical paper describing their projects. Submissions will be reviewed by the education committees of NAMEPA and ASA. Winners will receive scholarship money and an invitation to an industry event as a networking opportunity, where they will be introduced to potential employers and fellow researchers. The submission deadline is September 1.

Semester at WHOI - The Semester at WHOI program welcomes college juniors or seniors studying biology, chemistry, geology, meteorology, mathematics, physics, or engineering to spend a semester at the WHOI. Students immerse themselves in a semester-long independent research project with a WHOI scientist or engineer and take graduate-level ocean science courses while surrounded by WHOI's cutting-edge laboratories and research group. Applications for the Fall 2018 are now open.

Sea Education Association High School Programs - The Sea Education Association (SEA) in Woods Hole is seeking applications for the 2018 High School Summer Programs. SEASCape: SEA Science on the Cape allows students to study the marine environment from multiple perspectives while living in and exploring the natural environment of Woods Hole. SEA Expedition puts high school students aboard and Atlantic sailing research vessel where they participate in every aspect of an offshore sailing and oceanographic research voyage, sailing roundtrip from Boston.

KidSummer - This summer, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will offer KidSummer, which provides a range of programs for 3-15 year olds that encourages learning and appreciation of the environment through age-appropriate, STEM-based curriculum and indoor/outdoor activities led by educators/naturalists. Registration is available for weekly sessions (June 25-August 10) through the museum’s FamilyID website.

Help Us Improve Mass.gov  with your feedback

Please do not include personal or contact information.
Feedback