CZ-Mail - February 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 [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

CZM Launches Interactive Map of Marine Invasive Species Monitoring Data - CZM has launched the Marine Invasive Monitoring in New England Story Map, an interactive map that allows users to explore data from the Marine Invader Monitoring and Information Collaborative (MIMIC). Organized by CZM, MIMIC brings together volunteers and scientific experts from state, federal, and nonprofit organizations to monitor for marine invasive species along the New England coast. Since MIMIC began in 2006, hundreds of trained volunteers have searched for marine invasive species at more than 130 sites from Rhode Island to Maine. The new story map includes: an introduction to the MIMIC monitoring program; photos, descriptions, and links to identification cards for the species monitored by MIMIC; an interactive map of where each species has been observed over time; an interactive map of MIMIC monitoring sites (past and present) labelled by monitoring group; and more on how data was collected, project partners, links to additional resources, and contacting MIMIC. To explore this data, launch the story map. For more information on CZM’s invasive species work, see the Marine Invasive Species Program website.

Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities

Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program Planning Grants - The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) is seeking planning grant proposals for the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program, which 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. 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-certified MVP providers provide technical assistance to communities in completing the assessment and resiliency plan. Communities who complete the MVP program become certified as an MVP community and are eligible for MVP Action Grant funding. For more information, see MVP Planning Grant Eligibility Criteria. To view the Request for Response (RFR) and download required forms, see the COMMBUYS website. The response period is open on a rolling basis until May 3, or when all allocated funds have been awarded.

Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance Grants - The Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) will soon seek proposals from Massachusetts municipalities for the Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance Grant Program to replace undersized, perched, and/or degraded culverts in areas with high ecological value with new structures that meet environmental design and structural standards along with climate resiliency criteria. Only projects that will meet the goals of the Massachusetts Stream Crossing Standards are eligible. Total funding of $750,000 is anticipated for Fiscal Year 2020. This Pre-RFR period provides an opportunity to preview the upcoming RFR and discuss possible projects with DER staff prior to the RFR release on February 20. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact DER’s Carrie Banks at [phone] or [e-mail] and attend a Grant Briefing for details on the program, to ask questions, and to discuss projects ideas. For more information, see the Culvert Replacement Grant Pre-RFR announcement.

Water Quality Monitoring Grant Program - The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is seeking proposals from nonprofit organizations for the new Water Quality Monitoring Grant Program to develop or expand bacteria monitoring data collection programs with the goal 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. Proposals are due by February 27.

319 Nonpoint Source Competitive Grants Pre-RFR Meeting - On March 7 at 10 a.m. (snow date is March 14), MassDEP will hold a meeting to answer questions and discuss the upcoming RFR for the next round of the §319 Nonpoint Source Competitive Grants. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend this pre-RFR session, to be held at the MassDEP offices in Worcester. The pre-RFR announcement and information about the program and past §319 projects is available on the MassDEP website.

Woods Hole Sea Grant Research Funding - Woods Hole Sea Grant is seeking proposals from Massachusetts academic, research, and educational institutions for one- to two-year research projects that address one of the following focus areas: healthy coastal ecosystems; sustainable fisheries and aquaculture; resilient communities and economies; and environmental literacy and workforce development. Up to $500,000 will be available to fund projects for the 2020-2022 grant round. A 33% non-federal match is required. For more information, see the Woods Hole Sea Grant website.

Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative Small Research Grants - The Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative (NBI) is seeking proposals for the Small Research Grants Program to conduct research on understudied taxonomic groups and the biodiversity of Nantucket, Tuckernuck, and/or Muskeget Islands. Grants up to $1,500 will be awarded. Proposals are due by March 11.

Products/Publications

State of the Beach Report Card - The Surfrider Foundation has released its 2018 State of the Beach Report Card, which 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.

Making Collaboratives Work - The American Society for Public Administration has released Making Collaboratives Work: How Complex Organizational Partnerships Succeed, a textbook that focuses on best practices for collaborative work. Chapter 4, a case study on the New England Ocean Science Education Collaborative (NEOSEC), was co-authored by Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Program Director Pam DiBona. Key audiences are undergraduate and graduate students in public administration and related fields, as well as public administrators and nonprofit managers.

DMF News - The latest issue of DMF News, the twice-yearly newsletter of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), features articles on a mid-water trawl ban for Atlantic sea herring, a proposal to reduce the mortality of striped bass after they are caught and released, new laws to update fines and penalties for violation of marine fisheries rules, the Massachusetts Shellfish Initiative, and more.

Coastal Impacts - The January 2019 issue of Coastal Impacts, the newsletter of Woods Hole Sea Grant, includes articles on kelp forests in New England waters, the impacts of ocean warming on kelp farming in Massachusetts, work to expand shellfish aquaculture beyond oysters, and other news and updates.

The SandBar - The January 2019 issue of The SandBar, a quarterly publication from the National Sea Grant College Program on U.S. ocean and coastal legal issues, contains articles on the critical habitat of the endangered dusky gopher frog, the potential impact of new food disclosure standards on the sale of genetically modified aquaculture products, a court ruling on a challenge to a national monument designation in waters off New England, and other ocean- and coastal-related legal issues.

Sound Waves - The October/November 2018 issue of Sound Waves, a U.S. Geological Survey newsletter, features articles on an effort to collect seismic data to map likely accumulations of gas hydrates (an ice-like combination of water and methane gas commonly found on continental margins) in the Mid-Atlantic, underwater cave ecosystems, and other coastal and marine research news.

Internet Water Report - The January 2019 issue of Internet Water Report (iWR), the email newsletter of the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC), features articles on measuring elevation changes in a Hudson River marsh, upcoming NEIWPCC conferences and workshops, and other New England water pollution news.

Marine Ecosystems and Management Information Service - The December 2018/January 2019 edition of Marine Ecosystems and Management (MEAM), the bimonthly information service on marine ecosystem-based management from the University of Washington School of Marine Affairs, explores how gender affects marine resource use and how exploring these difference can improve ocean conservation, an upcoming name change for MEAM, and other resources and news.

Marine Protected Area Newsletter - The December 2018/January 2019 issue of MPA News has stories on what is (and what is not) a Marine Protected Area (MPA), a new online system to collect MPA user fees, and other MPA news and notes.

Right Whale News - The December 2018 issue of Right Whale News, a quarterly e-newsletter distributed by the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium, includes the 2018 Right Whale Report Card, updated whale detection tools, and other right whale news.

Urban Harbors Institute E-News - The December 2018 issue of Urban Harbors Institute E-News, the newsletter of the Urban Harbors Institute (UHI) at the University of Massachusetts Boston, includes articles on a project analyzing the policy priorities of three municipalities in the Northeast, a project to assess commercial fishing infrastructure in Massachusetts ports, a COASTSWEEP cleanup hosted by UMass Boston students, UHI staff changes, and other news and updates from UHI.

Web-Based and Mobile-User Resources

Preparedness Talks for Emergency Managers - The Federal Emergency Management Agency and partners have released a new episode of PrepTalks—presentations by experts on emergency preparedness. Public Works & Emergency Management - Restoring Life Line Services by Philip Mann, Public Works Director for Gainesville, Florida, explores the critical roles played by public works departments in disaster recovery and response, including addressing issues with transportation, utilities, wastewater and stormwater management, and debris removal. Each PrepTalks web page includes videos of the presentations and question-and-answer sessions, a discussion guide, and related resources.

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

• Adapting Stormwater Management for Coastal Floods, which can be used to determine the effects of flooding on stormwater systems now and in the future.
• 8 new data sets (PDF, 72 KB) (four Coastal Lidar data sets for Florida, New York, and Puerto Rico and four Imagery data sets for Hurricane Michael, New York, Louisiana, and Puerto Rico).

Free Online Ocean Research Resource - MarXiv Papers is a free “research repository for the ocean and marine-climate sciences.” Users can search for research papers and other publications by featured subjects such as environmental law, life sciences, and oceanography. Researchers can also upload their papers to share.

Ocean and Weather Student Activity - The National Geographic Society has added The Ocean and Weather: El Niño and La Niña to its Education Resource Library. This activity for grade 6-8 student focuses on the weather events El Niño and La Niña and how they affect the environment, where they occur, and the importance of accurate prediction of these weather conditions.

Ocean Education Videos - The Adventures of Zack and Molly is a new, three-part video series for kids about exploring the deep ocean, produced by the Ecosystem Impacts of Oil and Gas Inputs to the Gulf (ECOGIG) research consortium in collaboration with award-winning cartoonist and filmmaker Jim Toomey. A Learning Guide (PDF, 6 MB) is also available with discussion points, activities, resources, and links to applicable Next Generation Science Standards.

Job/Internship Postings

Ecological Restoration Engineer - The Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) is seeking applicants for an Ecological Restoration Engineer to provide engineering technical assistance on aquatic restoration projects (such as dam removals, culvert replacements, and wetlands restoration), assist with design and integrity review of ecological restoration projects, manage projects, and identify and evaluate potential ecological restoration opportunities. The position will remain open until filled. For more information, see the job posting.

Water Quality Monitoring Assistant - The Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR) is seeking a short-term Water Quality Monitoring Assistant to collect, filter, and process water samples; maintain, calibrate, and prepare monitoring equipment; run analyses and enter data; update data files; conduct literature reviews; and more. Applications are due by March 1. For more information, see the WBNERR Employment page.

Education Coordinator - The National Marine Life Center (NMLC), a marine wildlife rehabilitation and education center on Cape Cod, is seeking applicants for a part-time Education Coordinator. This position is responsible for: planning, developing, and teaching education programs; updating and developing curricula that meets Massachusetts standards; training and managing education volunteers; and more. The position will remain open until filled. For details, see their job openings.

Marine Animal Rehabilitation and Environmental Education Internship - NMLC is also seeking applicants for a Marine Animal Rehabilitation and Environmental Education Internship to assist with the care of seals, sea turtles, freshwater turtles, and other animals being rehabilitated. The intern will also assist with environmental education programs. The unpaid internship is open to college students and recent graduates. Applications for summer positions are due by March 1. See their job openings.

Marine Education Internships - The Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown is seeking applicants for three summer Marine Education Internships to assist with environmental education programs. The internship is open to college students and recent graduates. For more information, including application details, see the Center’s Internships page. Applications are due by March 15.

Whale and Dolphin Conservation Interns and Field Volunteers - Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), an international organization dedicated to the conservation of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, is seeking applications for internships and field volunteer positions at its North America office in Plymouth. These unpaid positions provide education, outreach, field data collection, and conservation policy experience. For details, see their internship program page. Applications for summer positions are due by March 3.

Seasonal Marine Science Educators - The Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is seeking applications for two Seasonal Marine Science Educators to assist with marine science and environmental education programs. Applications are due by February 22. See the job posting.

Calendar - Individual Events and Announcements

Biological Partnerships for Coastal Restoration Webinar - On February 5, the Lenfest Ocean Program will present Harnessing Biological Partnerships to Improve Coastal Restoration, a webinar by Dr. Brian Silliman, Professor of Marine Conservation Biology at Duke University. Dr. Silliman will discuss his research on improving success of salt marsh and seagrass restoration through biological partnerships with individuals of the same species (for example, planting individual grasses in clumps so roots can share oxygen) or different species (i.e., predators removing crabs that eat the grass). For more information, see the project fact sheet.

Flood Mitigation Conference—Call for Abstracts - On April 30, the 2019 Rhode Island Flood Mitigation Association (RIFMA) Conference, What Works? Implementing Lessons Learned, will be held in Smithfield, Rhode Island. RIFMA is seeking abstracts on successful flood mitigation projects or tools for this annual conference for floodplain management and hazard mitigation professionals. For more information, see the Call for Abstracts, which are due by February 10.

Coastal GeoTools 2019 - From February 11-14, Coastal GeoTools 2019 will be held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This conference focuses on geospatial and technical information needs of coastal management programs and will feature sessions on flood risk and protection, mapping benthic habitats, coastal bathymetry, tools for risk management, hurricane forecasting, and more. The following CZM staff members are conference speakers: Samantha Coccia-Schillo will give a presentation on a new analysis of the state-designated important fish resources areas that better informs ocean management decision making and Sean Duffey will talk about how a story map can be a useful interactive tool for communicating climate change vulnerabilities in coastal habitats.

Shark Talk and Meeting - On February 12, the monthly meeting of the Friends of the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will feature guest speaker, Marianne Long, Education Director of the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy. Ms. Long will discuss lessons learned from the research projects funded by the Conservancy and how the research impacts conservation and public safety. This event, which will be held at the museum in Brewster, is free and open to the public. For more information, see the meeting announcement.

Professional Development Courses at New England Aquarium - The New England Aquarium has announced several Professional Development Courses for teachers. From February 20-21, Climate Science for Educators is available for teachers in grade 6-8. The three-part Full STEAM Ahead: Ocean Adventures workshop series will be given from March through May for educators of pre-k to first grade students. Register for one or more of the following workshops: Ocean Movements on March 9; Ocean Sights and Sounds on April 6; and The Ocean and Us on May 18.

Coastal Construction Conference - On February 27, the Environmental Business Council of New England will hold the 3^rd annual Coastal Construction Conference in Norwood. Coastal contractors and project owners will provide case studies of recent projects, including lessons learned, contractor perspectives, and design and permitting considerations.

Northeast Aquatic Biologist Conference - From February 27-March 1, the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission, in partnership with member states and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), will hold the 2019 Northeast Aquatic Biologist Conference in Saratoga Springs, New York. The agenda includes 60 talks on bioassessment, cyanobacteria, chloride impacts, continuous monitoring, citizen science, and more.

Mass Marine Educators Meeting and Conference—Call for Presenters - On May 4, Massachusetts Marine Educators (MME) will hold its 2019 Annual Meeting and Conference, Life in the Extreme, in Woods Hole. MME is seeking presentation proposals from educators, scientists, graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, marine industry experts, and others on how marine life has adapted to live in the extreme environments of the world’s ocean. See the Call for Presenters to submit presentation proposals, which are due by February 28.

Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions Conference - On March 2, the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) will hold its Annual Environmental Conference 2019 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. Workshops will include Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage: Regulatory Performance Standards presented by DEP and CZM, and Climate Resilience and MVP: Planning, Funding, Implementation by MassAudubon and EEA/CZM.

2019 Annual Environmental Conference - On March 6, the Massachusetts Environmental Education Society (MEES) will hold its 2019 Annual Conference in Worcester. This conference for environmental educators across Massachusetts features workshops, roundtable discussions, exhibits, and networking opportunities. Early Bird registration is available through February 9.

Ecological Landscaping Conference - From March 6-7, the Ecological Landscaping Alliance (ELA) will hold the 25^th annual ELA Conference and Eco-Marketplace, Sustaining the Living Landscape, in Amherst. Conference highlights will includes full-day workshops on forests in a changing climate and managing stormwater naturally; a keynote address by Charles Mann, author of The Wizard and the Prophet; and presentations on insects, plants, fungi, creating urban habitats, repairing damaged land, and more. Early registration discounts are available through February 25.

High School Marine Science Symposium - Northeastern University’s Marine Science Center and Massachusetts Marine Educators will hold the 2019 High School Marine Science Symposium on March 7 at Northeastern University in Boston and on March 13 at Salem State University in Salem. These events allow students to interact with marine science experts and feature hands-on workshops, interactive demonstrations, and a keynote speaker.

Sea Rovers Show - From March 8-10, the Boston Sea Rovers will hold the 2019 Sea Rovers Show in Danvers. This annual event showcases the marine environment with a focus on diving, and will include seminars, workshops, an art exhibit, a marine sciences career fair, dive equipment and services, kids’ activities, a film festival featuring Dr. Robert Ballard and Dr. Sylvia Earle, and more. The final day will feature the Marine Science and Conservation Public Forum, Hot Times in the Gulf of Maine, with presentations on the impacts of warming waters on the marine environment.

Cape Cod Natural History Conference - On March 9, the MassAudubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary will hold the 24^th annual Cape Cod Natural History Conference at Cape Cod Community College in West Barnstable. This full-day conference will feature presentations from Cape Cod environmental organizations on a variety of natural history subjects. Registration is required.

Boston Seminar on Environmental History—Call for Proposals - The Massachusetts Historical Society is seeking proposals for the 2019-2020 Boston Seminar on Environmental History—a series of monthly discussions of selected scholarly papers or articles on 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 2019 and April 2020. For more information, see the Call for Proposals (PDF, 18 KB), which are due by March 15.

National Marine Education Conference—Call for Presenters - From July 21-25, the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) will hold its 2019 Conference, Turning the Tide: Learning from Yesterday, Adapting for Tomorrow, in Durham, New Hampshire. NMEA is seeking session and poster proposals from educators, researchers, writers, conservation managers, and others on these themes: Lessons from the Past, Current Issues or Challenges in Marine Education, or Tools and Techniques for Tomorrow. See their Presenters page for more information and to submit session and poster proposals, which are due by March 15.

Westport River Watershed Alliance Annual Meeting - On March 17, the Westport River Watershed Alliance will hold its Annual Meeting in Westport, which will feature a presentation from guest speakers Dr. Catherine Matassa and Dr. Patrick Ewanchuk on Salt Marsh Degradation in the Westport River, a report on their year-long study of salt marsh collapse along the river.

Soil and Water Conservation Society Winter Conference - On March 22, the Southern New England Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society will hold its 2019 Winter Conference, Going with the Flow, in Berlin, Connecticut. This conference for public and nonprofit environmental professionals in southern New England will focus on stream continuity and restoration projects and will include guest speakers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, NOAA, Friends of the Herring River, and more.

National Monitoring Conference - From March 25-29, the National Water Quality Monitoring Council will host the 11^th National Water Monitoring Conference, Working Together for Clean Water, in Denver, Colorado. This 5-day conference for water quality professionals and others interested in water resource protection will feature presentations on water quality prediction, emerging risks, data tools, monitoring, and other water resource topics. Early Bird registration ends on February 15.

Sustainable Communities & Campuses Conference - On March 29, the 2019 Massachusetts Sustainable Communities & Campuses Conference will be held in Cambridge. This conference for government, nonprofit, business, and education professionals will present best practices and resources that promote sustainability.

Climate Summit - From April 1-4, OceanVisions2019 - Climate Summit will be held at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia. This summit will showcase ocean science and engineering achievements that provide sustainable solutions to climate change challenges.

Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference - From April 14-16, the 75^th annual Northeast Fish & Wildlife Conference will be held in Groton, Connecticut. This conference will bring together more than 500 land managers, wildlife biologists, and other natural resource professionals for discussions, presentations, and workshops on wildlife management.

Annual Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference - From April 18-19, the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission, state partners, and EPA, will hold the 30^th annual Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. 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.

National Adaptation Forum - From April 23-25, the National Adaption Forum will be held in Madison, Wisconsin. This biennial conference on climate change adaptation provides opportunities for professional development through formal trainings, presentations, and informal networking opportunities.

City Nature Challenge - From April 26-29, through the City Nature Challenge, participants in cities across the globe—including Boston and surrounding areas—will compete to make nature observations, find different species, and get the most people to participate.

Ceres Conference - From April 29-May 1, the Ceres Conference 2019 will be held in San Francisco, California, and will focus on sustainable business practices and economically sound solutions to the challenges of climate change, water scarcity, pollution, and human rights issues. Ceres is a national network of investors, environmental organizations, and other public interest groups working to address sustainability challenges. Early registration discounts are available until March 1.

Watershed and Stormwater Conference - From April 29-May 2, the Center for Watershed Protection will hold the 2019 National Watershed & Stormwater Conference in Charleston, South Carolina. This annual conference for watershed and stormwater professionals will focus on protection of water resources by increasing resiliency to respond to emerging and continuing threats. The conference will include presentations, panel discussions, case studies, workshops, and field trips.

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

• International Sea Turtle Symposium - From February 2-8, the International Sea Turtle Symposium, Navigating the Future, will be held in Charleston, South Carolina. This annual conference brings together experts from around the world to share information on sea turtle biology and conservation.
• International Erosion Control Conference - From February 19-22, the International Erosion Control Association (ICEA) will hold the 2019 ICEA Annual Conference and Expo in Denver, Colorado, which focuses on the latest products, services, and technology for erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, shoreline restoration, industry trends, and other topics.
• Water Action Alliance Conference - On March 29, the Water Action Alliance of Southeast Massachusetts will hold its 2019 Conference in Hanson. This conference, entitled Water - New England’s Next Big Challenge, will present water quality and supply issues in New England, with a focus on Southeastern Massachusetts, and will include sessions on water quality and quantity, education and enforcement, and the future of the region’s water supply. Registration is required.

Calendar - Multiple/Ongoing Events

Barnstable Land Trust Walks, Talks, and Events - The Barnstable Land Trust has scheduled several upcoming events, including a tree identification walk, a dinner fundraiser, and more. For a full schedule, see their 2019 Events page.

Boston Environmental History Seminar Series - The Massachusetts Historical Society (MHS) is hosting the 2018-2019 Boston Seminar on Environmental History, which includes sessions on how the environment has shaped American societies. The next session, Amputated from the Land: Black Refugees from America and the Neglected Voices of Environmental History, will be held on February 12 at the MHS building in Boston. The programs include a light buffet supper and are free and open to the public, but subscribers receive advance online access to the topic papers.

Boston Harbor Now Events - Boston Harbor Now hosts numerous events throughout the Boston Harbor area, including winter cruises, tours, and walks. For details, see the Boston Harbor Now Events page.

Buzzards Bay Walks and Events - The Buzzards Bay Coalition maintains an Events page with walks and other nature-based events hosted by numerous organizations and land trusts in the region. February events include winter walks, a seal and seabird cruise, Westport River photo exhibit, snowshoeing, lectures, owl prowl, and more. Events can be filtered by town, month, host, or select topics, such as kid-friendly and volunteering.

Cape Cod Bird Club Walks - The Cape Cod Bird Club holds free birding walks. Upcoming walks include a road trip to Rhode Island on February 16 and a walk of Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary and other areas in Yarmouth on February 17.

Cape Cod Museum of Natural History Programs - The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History hosts a variety of events including beekeeping courses, birdwatching opportunities, vacation week kids’ activities, and more. Check out their events calendar for details.

Center for Coastal Studies Lectures - The Center for Coastal Studies presents free public lectures on Cape Cod, including Science Cafe: Squid Pro Quo - Scientists and Fishermen Working Together on February 13 in Brewster and Napi’s Lecture: An Introduction to Seabirds at Race Point on February 27 in Provincetown. See their events page for additional upcoming events.

Environmental Film Series - On February 16, Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, the Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater, and WCAI Radio will kick off the 2019 Sea Change Environmental Film Series with Fox Tales, a PBS Nature film on red foxes. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion about the Cape Cod’s growing red fox population. Reservations are required.

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 on educational programs, kids’ activities, snowshoeing, hikes, and more.

Joppa Flats Education Center Programs and Events - The Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center hosts a variety of programs for children and adults. See their program catalog for events, classes, and education activities, including lectures, birding, family activities, and music for preschoolers.

Mass Audubon Cape Cod Walks, Lectures, and Events - Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary in Barnstable offer educational programs for children and adults including a films, winter birding, kids’ vacation programs, and more. For more information, search the calendar of programs, classes, and activities for Wellfleet Bay and Long Pasture.

Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions Education - The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions provides specialized education programs. See their Complete Education Catalog for an overview of upcoming wetland delineation and other workshops and Community Calendar for a schedule of other programs, including the Open Space Planning and Protection Techniques Webinar on February 5.

MBL Falmouth Forum Lecture Series - The Marine Biological Lab’s (MBL) Falmouth Forum Lecture Series presents free public lectures to provide “Cultural Engagement for our Cape Cod Neighbors.” The next lecture is Climate Change and Cape Cod: What We Know, What We Expect, What We Can Do on March 29 by John Holdren, professor of Environmental Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and former science advisor to President Obama. Dr. Holdren will discuss current climate change causes and impacts, expectations for the future, and mitigation and adaptation options, all with a focus on Cape Cod. All lectures are at 7:30 p.m. in MBL’s Lillie Auditorium in Woods Hole.

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 is Home Front Hawai`i: A Naval Legacy Beneath the Sea on February 5.

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

NOAA Science and Climate Seminars - The OneNOAA Science Seminar web page provides listings and details on NOAA science and climate seminars and webinars that are available across the nation.

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 environment al challenges. The project hosts a book club, webinars, and workshops for educators. Sign up to receive emails about future webinars. The next Book Club session, Ship Breaker, is on February 18.

Salem Sound Workshops, Trainings, and Lectures - In February, Salem Sound Coastwatch will host educational events, including Watershed 101, a professional development workshop for teachers, and a lecture on the invasive European green crab. For details on these and other events, see their February calendar.

Water Watch Lecture Series - On Wednesdays in February, the North and South Rivers Watershed Association will hold the WaterWatch Lecture Series at the South Shore Natural Science Center in Norwell. Upcoming lectures include What’s Up with the Whales on February 6, Sea Run Brook Trout on February 13, Firefly Watch: Citizen Science from Your Back Porch on February 20, and The History of the Gurnet Light and Fort Andrew on February 27. Lectures are free and open to the public.

Winter Education and Film Series - In February and March, Senior Corps RSVP of Cape Cod & the Islands will present a series of environmental lectures and films. The 2019 Speaker Series will include Buried in Plastic on February 21 and Cape Cod Pollinators on March 13. The 2019 Film Series will include Albatross on February 20 and A Thirsty World on March 20. Lectures are held at various locations and films are shown at the Cape Cod Museum of Art in Dennis. All events are free and open to the public and registration is encouraged.

Winter Talks in Harwich - The Harwich Conservation Trust has posted its schedule of winter talks, which are free and open to the public. Upcoming talks include Discovering Dragonflies & Damselflies on February 2, Bird Banding in Massachusetts on February 9, and Tracking Black Racer Snakes on February 23. For details and additional events, see the Trust's website.

Other Items of Interest

Environmental Education Awards - EEA is now accepting applications for the 2019 Secretary’s Awards for Excellence in Energy and Environmental Education. All K-12 Massachusetts schools that offer energy and environmental education programs are eligible to apply. Winners will be notified in April and invited to attend a formal award ceremony at the State House. 

Marine Policy Fellowships - The NOAA Sea Grant College Program is accepting applications for the 2020 John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program. This one-year paid fellowship matches highly qualified graduate students studying ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources and policy with hosts in the legislative and executive branches, or appropriate associations/institutions in and around Washington, DC. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact their state Sea Grant Program to notify them that they intend to apply and to receive assistance with the application. For details, see the grant opportunity on Grants.gov. Applications are due by February 22.

Lewis E. Kimball Scholarship - The Friends of Chatham Waterways (FCW) is seeking applications for the Lewis E. Kimball Environmental Scholarship. Up to $3,000 is available for upper-level undergraduate or graduate students from Cape Cod or the Islands that are majoring in environmental studies, marine ecology, or related field. For more information, see the FCW Scholarships & Awards page. The application deadline is March 31.

Semester at WHOI - Semester at WHOI invites college juniors or seniors studying biology, chemistry, geology, meteorology, mathematics, physics, or engineering to spend a semester the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). Students conduct a semester-long independent research project with a WHOI scientist or engineer and take graduate-level ocean science courses. Applications for the fall 2019 are due by April 15.

Woods Hole Marine Science Field Trips - The Zephyr Education Foundation, a nonprofit Ocean Science and Technology Program in Woods Hole, hosts college, high school, and middle school field trips where students participate in a hands-on scientific cruise in Vineyard Sound. These one-day field trips can be customized to include other activities, such as a tour of the Woods Hole research labs, a guided salt marsh tour, and more. See their Our Program page to learn more.

New England Fishery Management Council - Massachusetts is seeking qualified individuals for two upcoming, open, at-large seats on the New England Fishery Management Council, one of eight regional councils that manage fisheries in U.S. federal waters. Qualified individuals interested in being considered for nomination by Governor Baker should contact Samantha Andrews at [e-mail] or [phone] to receive a nomination kit. Nominations are due by February 12.

Marine Art Contest - Massachusetts Marine Educators and Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary are seeking entries from students in grades K-12 for the 2019 Marine Art Contest. Entries should be based on the theme, Revealing the 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 26.

Maritime Art Contest - The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA), U.S. Coast Guard, and Inter-American Committee on Ports of the Organization of American States are inviting K-12 students to enter the All aboard! There’s a place for you in the maritime community!, an art contest for original posters that highlight diversity and inclusion in the maritime community. Twelve finalists will be awarded a certificate along with a calendar showcasing the finalists’ artwork. Two grand-prize winners will receive $100 and a Coast Guard prize package. Entries are due by March 31.

Science Without Borders Art Challenge - The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation is seeking entries for the seventh annual Science Without Borders Challenge—an international contest focusing on ocean conservation through art. This year’s theme is Connected Ocean: No Barriers, No Boundaries, and No Borders. The challenge is open to students age 11-19, with prizes of up to $500. Entries are due by April 22.

KidSummer - 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 17-August 9) through the museum’s FamilyID website.

Sea Education Association High School Programs - The Sea Education Association (SEA) in Woods Hole is seeking applications for the 2019 High School Summer Programs. SEASCape: SEA Science on the Cape allows students to study the marine environment while living in Woods Hole. SEA Expedition is a two-week offshore sailing and oceanographic research voyage where high school students and recent graduates get a hands-on science and sailing experience.