CZ-Mail - February 2020

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 Releases Crossing Assessment for the Sandy Neck Barrier Beach System Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) - Crossings are culverts, bridges, and other structures that allow streams and rivers to flow under roads, paths, and rail beds. Insufficient water flow through crossings can negatively impact wildlife and habitat, as well as the durability of roads and other infrastructure. As part of a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Management Fellowship project examining coastal habitat resiliency, CZM conducted an assessment of a set of crossings impacting the Sandy Neck Barrier Beach System ACEC. The report, Crossing Assessment for the Sandy Neck Barrier Beach System Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) (PDF, 24 MB), details assessments of 18 crossings using a 3-tiered approach and describes the level of water flow restriction and tidal influence at each site. The purpose of the assessment is to provide preliminary data to help coastal managers, municipal officials, and restoration practitioners identify and prioritize restoration opportunities in the Sandy Neck ACEC watersheds. For more information on this project, contact Sean Duffey at [e-mail].

MassBays Welcomes Coastal Monitoring Circuit Rider to Assist Monitoring Groups - The Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Partnership (MassBays) is now able to provide additional hands-on technical support in the MassBays region. Thanks to funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Exchange Network Program, the new MassBays Coastal Monitoring Circuit Rider, Jill Carr, is already on the road helping community-based coastal watershed groups from Salisbury to Provincetown. Looking for help to develop a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)? Don’t know where to begin with project scoping or sampling design? Jill can provide technical training, planning for data analysis, and options for sharing data. MassBays’ goals for this program are to build technical capacity among monitoring groups, provide high-quality data to decisionmakers, and help local groups meet their objectives for monitoring. Contact [e-mail] for details. Also, consider subscribing to the Monitoring Network e-newsletter for announcements about future training workshops.

Reminder - CZM’s South Coastal Regional Office and Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program Offices Have Moved - On January 1, the CZM South Coastal Regional office and the offices for the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program moved from Wareham to Mattapoisett. The new address is: 81-B County Road, Suite E, Mattapoisett, MA 02739. The new phone number is [phone].

Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities

Massachusetts Coastal Condition Assessment - MassBays is seeking proposals from qualified contractors to collect and analyze monthly water and sediment samples from 15 locations along the entire Massachusetts coast from June through August 2020, with an option to extend the contract for additional years and monitoring locations. Resulting data will be used by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to assess whether coastal and estuarine water quality supports designated uses (see the MassDEP Water Quality Assessments page for details) and by MassBays to inform restoration efforts. For more information, to view the Request for Responses, and to download required forms, see the COMMBUYS website. A question and answer period closes on February 19, and proposals are due by February 25 at 4:00 p.m.

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 (see DER’s River Restoration: Culvert Replacements page for information on the standards). Total funding of $750,000 to $1.5 million is anticipated for Fiscal Year 2021. 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 25. 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.

Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants - The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Division of Conservation Services (DCS) is seeking proposals for Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants, which provide up to $750,000 in matching funds to state agencies and local governments to acquire land for outdoor recreation, build or renovate parks, or conduct trail work. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend a grant workshop on March 2 at 11:00 a.m. at MassWildlife Headquarters in Westborough. Please RSVP to Melissa Cryan at [e-mail] or [phone]. Applications are due by March 31 at 3:00 p.m. See How to Apply for details.

Small Communities Grants - DCS is also seeking applications for the Fiscal Year 2020 Small Communities Grant Program. The program provides funding to municipalities with 6,000 or fewer residents to produce Open Space and Recreation Plans, complete other plans to facilitate land conservation, and/or prepare appraisals as required to apply for the other DCS grant programs. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The final deadline is May 8. See the application instructions for details.

319 Nonpoint Source Competitive Grants Pre-RFR Meeting - On March 5 at 10 a.m. (snow date is March 12), 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 are available on the MassDEP website.

American Lobster Research Funding - The National Sea Grant College Program is seeking proposals for the 2020 National Sea Grant American Lobster Research Program to fund research on how the American lobster fishery in the Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank, and southern New England is impacted by environmental changes. For details, including a link to the RFR, see the Grants.gov website. Proposals are due by March 19.

Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative Small Research Grants - The Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative 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 1.

Web-Based and Mobile-User Resources

Preparedness Talks for Emergency Managers - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and partners have released a new episode of PrepTalks, presentations by experts on emergency preparedness. Let the Community Lead: Rethinking Command and Control Systems by Aaron Titus, author of “How to Prepare for Everything” and president of Mountain West VOAD, a group that represents Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster in 12 states spanning from Alaska to the Dakotas, discusses the limitations of command and control systems and encourages emergency managers to rethink how to interact with communities. 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 tribal efforts in Alaska to keep shorelines clean for northern fur seal breeding, efforts to document balloon debris in Washington state, and hurricane debris removal in North Carolina. All blog topics can be searched by category and date. To receive notifications of new posts, sign up for email updates.

Lenfest Ocean Program Blog - The Lenfest Ocean Program has announced a new blog, Cross Currents, which discusses their approach to grantmaking and the importance of linking science with ocean and coastal decisions. Recent posts include research on the decline of northern fur seals in the Bering Sea, efforts to connect science with marine policy, and collaborative work on grouper recovery in the Cayman Islands. To be notified about future entries, subscribe to the Lenfest newsletter.

American Climate - The InsideClimate News Project has created American Climate, a new website built around 21 short videos with stories on how climate change has impacted individual Americans. The site also includes additional background information on the science and data of climate change along with a few essays on shared disaster experiences.

The Deep Sea - Check out The Deep Sea, a new website from Neal Agarwal that provides an interactive visualization of the ocean down to its deepest point, the Challenger Deep, at 10,924 meters.

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

• Dune Restoration Increases Flood Protection and Access for Community - A case study on a nature-based solution to provide flood and habitat protection and increase public access at a popular California beach.
• Identifying a Flood-Safe Location for a Future Wastewater Treatment Facility in Mississippi - A story from the field on siting wastewater treatment plants out of flood zones.
• Recovery Potential Screening - A Microsoft Excel tool to compare watershed features that may impact restoration or protection efforts.
• New and updated data sets (PDF, 74 KB)

Newsletters and Other Periodicals

Coastal Impacts - The December 2019 issue of Coastal Impacts, the newsletter of Woods Hole Sea Grant, includes stories on newly funded Sea Grant research on sharks, seals, and more, upcoming research on microplastics in the marine environment, the Girls in Science initiative, and other news and updates.

Coastwatch - The winter 2019 issue of COASTWATCH (PDF, 4 MB), the magazine of the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) in Provincetown, provides a snapshot of wide-ranging CCS work across globe. Highlights include articles on the links between human activity and coastal processes on the seafloor habitat along the Provincetown shoreline, marine debris removal efforts, marine mammal research, and other CCS work.

Ebb & Flow - The Fall 2019 issue of Ebb & Flow, the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) eNewsletter, reports on a water conservation toolkit developed in coordination with MassDEP, culvert replacement reflections on DER’s 10^th anniversary, and other restoration project updates, grant opportunities, and resource links.

Internet Water Report - The January 2020 issue of Internet Water Report (iWR), the email newsletter of the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC), features articles on public outreach and planning efforts by NEIWPCC partners around the region, a November 2019 workshop that paired teachers and wastewater operators to discuss education about water issues, and other New England water pollution news and updates.

Massachusetts Association for Floodplain Management Newsletter - The Winter 2019-2020 Newsletter (PDF, 3 MB) from the Massachusetts Association for Floodplain Management (massFM) discusses the October 2019 massFM training event in Tewksbury, the FEMA Community Rating System, Certified Floodplain Managers, and other Massachusetts floodplain management news.

Massachusetts Lobstermen’s News - The January 2020 Newspaper (PDF, 14 MB) from the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association (MLA) includes stories on offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine, tips to install a high-water alarm for boat safety, and other public notices, updates, and lobster news.

MassBays Newsletter - The Winter 2019 issue of the MassBays Newsletter, the quarterly update from the MassBays National Estuary Partnership, features results from the completed 2018-2019 Healthy Estuary Grants, new resources from MassBays regional partners, and other news and events from the region. Consider subscribing to receive updates directly.

NOAA HabitatNews - The January 2020 issue of HabitatNews, a newsletter of the NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Restoration, includes articles on $226 million in projects for Deepwater Horizon spill restoration in the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic sturgeon recovery efforts in Chesapeake Bay, and other marine fisheries habitat news.

Right Whale News - The December 2019 issue of Right Whale News, a quarterly e-newsletter distributed by the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium, includes a report on the beginning of calving season off the southeast U.S. coast, 2018 Right Whale Report Card, and other right whale news.

The Sandbar - The January 2020 issue of The Sandbar, a quarterly publication from the National Sea Grant College Program on U.S. ocean and coastal legal issues, covers a court ruling to restore a gillnet fishing ban in North Atlantic right whale habitats off the New England coast, federal commercial shellfish aquaculture permitting in Washington state, and other ocean- and coastal-related legal issues.

The Skimmer on Marine Ecosystems and Management - The December 2019/January 2020 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 the use of “serious games” to teach the general public, students, and professionals about conservation and management of coastal ecosystems.

Urban Harbors Institute E-News - The December 2019 issue of Urban Harbors Institute E-News, the newsletter of the Urban Harbors Institute (UHI) at the University of Massachusetts Boston, reports on a new project to develop a partnership between seafood interests and UMass researchers to improve the state’s seafood system, a survey to assess the economic value of Cape Cod harbors, UHI COASTSWEEP cleanup results, and other news and updates from UHI.

Jobs/Internship Postings

Division of Ecological Restoration Jobs - The Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration is seeking applicants for three new positions. The Ecological Restoration Partnerships Specialist will lead DER’s Regional Restoration Partnerships Program, developing, coordinating, and overseeing partnerships with watershed groups and other regional organizations. The Ecological Restoration Communications Specialist leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of communications strategies for DER. The Ecological Restoration Operations Specialist analyzes, develops, and manages DER’s systems and processes to ensure effective and efficient agency operations. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled, but first consideration will be given to applications received by February 12.

Marine Education Internships - The Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown is seeking applicants for 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 13.

Ipswich River Environmental Planner - The Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA) is seeking a full-time Environmental Planner to develop and lead IRWA water conservation, coastal resiliency, and habitat restoration planning efforts in coordination with municipalities and partners. For additional details, see the job posting.

Onset Bay Center Seasonal Positions - The Buzzards Bay Coalition seeks a Program Lead, Program Educators, Program Intern, and Sailing instructors for the anticipated June 2020 opening of the Onset Bay Center, the Coalition’s new year-round recreation program facility under development in Wareham. For details, see their Job Opportunities page.

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 21. See the job posting.

Whale and Dolphin Conservation Science and Outreach Internships - Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), an international organization dedicated to the conservation of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, is seeking applications for science and outreach internships at its North America office in Plymouth. These unpaid positions provide education, outreach, field data collection, and conservation policy experience. For details, see their internships page. Applications for summer positions are due by March 1.

Calendar - Individual Events and Announcements

Social Coast Forum - From February 3-6, 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.

Blue Lobster Bowl—Volunteers Needed - The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sea Grant is seeking volunteers to help out on February 29 with the 23^rd annual Blue Lobster Bowl, a marine science quiz bowl covering many areas of ocean sciences where winners go on to compete in the National Ocean Sciences Bowl. Organizers are seeking ocean-lovers with a strong science background and/or with ocean-related careers to help with keeping score or time, judging, grading written responses, and more. Apply to volunteer by February 4.

Neponset River Water Quality Presentation - On February 6, the Neponset River Watershed Association will host its Annual Neponset River Water Quality Presentation at the Canton Public Library. Association staff will provide a report on the river’s water quality results from the 2019 sampling season. The evening will also feature a talk on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, PFOS, and PFOA) by Massachusetts State Representative, Kate Hogan, and Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Director of Laboratory Services, Steve Rhode. This event is free and open to the public event. No registration is required.

Coastal Climate Change Strategies Webinar - On February 13, the NOAA National Marine Protected Area Center and Open Communications for the Ocean will present A New Coast: Strategies for Responding to Devastating Storms and Rising Seas by author Jeffrey Peterson. The webinar will provide policy guidance on how governments, businesses, and citizens can work together to prepare for a changing coast.

Offshore Wind Conference - On February 14, the Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC) will hold the EBC Seventh Annual Offshore Wind Conference: 2020 Vision - Procurements, Permits, Ports and Jobs in Boston. The conference will feature representatives from each of the New England offshore wind developers and state and federal officials for a comprehensive discussion of the economic, environmental, and cultural impacts of these projects.

Submarine Wreck Lecture - On February 19, Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources (BUAR) Director David S. Robinson will present Fearless Devotion: An Accounting of the Sinking and Salvage of the US Submarine S-4 at the East Regiment Beer Company in Salem. On December 17, 1927, the submarine USS S-4 sank in 102 feet of water after being accidentally rammed by the U.S. Coast Guard destroyer Hiram Paulding (CG-17) off Provincetown. The effort to rescue six survivors trapped inside the submarine made national news, but the attempt failed due to winter gales that made diving impossible. Interestingly, Robinson’s great-great uncle, Thomas Eadie, served as Chief Diver in the effort and was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroism in rescuing a fellow navy diver who had become badly entangled during the submarine recovery effort. While tragic, the loss of the S-4’s crew resulted in dramatic improvements to the safety of U.S. Navy submariners. This event is free and open to the public but registration is required. For information, see the event listing.

Climate Change and Hazard Mitigation Webinar - On February 27, the National Adaptation Forum will present A Match Made in Heaven? - Integrating Climate Change into Hazard Mitigation Planning. This webinar will feature representatives of different agencies and organizations to discuss opportunities, challenges, and examples of climate-smart hazard mitigation planning.

Climate Adaptation Forum - On February 28, EBC, in coordination with the Sustainable Solutions Lab at University of Massachusetts Boston, will present the Climate Adaptation Forum, Underwater Underwriting: Flood Insurance in the Age of Climate Change. This forum will feature Robert Moore from the Natural Resources Defense Council and Amanda Devecka-Rinear, Executive Director of the New Jersey Organizing Project, to discuss the deficiencies of National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), efforts incorporate climate change into the insurance industry, and the potential for insurance reforms to lead to unintended consequences in low income communities and communities of color.

MACC Conference - On February 29, the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) will hold its Annual Environmental Conference 2020 in Worcester. Join more than 800 conservation commissioners, local officials, state and federal officials, consultants, and attorneys for the largest regular environmental conference in New England. The conference will feature a Keynote address from EEA Secretary Kathleen A. Theoharides and a workshop on reducing coastal hazards with nature-based infrastructure presented by Nature Conservancy and CZM.

High Tides Forum - On March 3, the Boston Museum of Science will host Wicked High Tides, an evening forum on how Metro Boston communities can increase resilience in response to sea level rise. Attendees will explore the impacts of sea level rise, strategies for resilience, and citizen science opportunities to inform scientists about flood risk. Registration is required.

2020 Annual Environmental Conference - On March 4, the Massachusetts Environmental Education Society (MEES) will hold its 2020 MEES Conference in Worcester. This conference for environmental educators across Massachusetts features workshops, panel discussions, exhibits, and networking opportunities. Early Bird registration is available through February 7.

2020 High School Marine Science Symposium - On March 5, Massachusetts Marine Educators and Northeastern University’s Marine Science Center will host the 2020 High School Marine Science Symposium at Northeastern University in Boston. This event allows students to interact with marine science experts and features hands-on workshops, interactive demonstrations, an ocean science demonstration fair, and a featured presentation on using comics to convey science concepts.

Sea Rovers Show - From March 7-8, the Boston Sea Rovers will hold the 2020 Sea Rovers Show in Danvers. This annual event showcases the marine environment with a focus on diving and includes seminars, workshops, displays of dive equipment and services, an art exhibit, kids’ activities, and a film festival.

Cape Cod Natural History Conference - On March 14, Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary will hold the 25^th annual Cape Cod Natural History Conference at Cape Cod Community College in Barnstable. This full-day conference will feature presentations from Cape Cod environmental organizations on a variety of natural history subjects. Registration is required.

Soil and Water Conservation Society Winter Conference - On March 20, the Southern New England Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society will hold its 2020 Winter Conference at UMass Amherst. This conference for public and nonprofit environmental professionals in southern New England will focus on the renewable energy in New England.

CRWA Annual Meeting - On March 23, the Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) will hold its 54^th Annual Meeting in Cambridge. The event will feature a keynote address by CRWA Executive Director, Emily Norton, and an awards ceremony to honor volunteers and environmental leaders for their work to protect the Charles River.

Legislative Breakfast on Regional Water Issues - On March 31, Watershed Action Alliance of Southeastern Massachusetts will hold will hold a free legislative breakfast, 2020 State of Our Waters, at the Massachusetts State House in Senate Room 428. Watershed association representatives and state legislators will discuss successful projects and priorities in the region to improve water quality, quantity, and connectivity. The public is invited to attend. Registration is required.

The Science of PFAS Conference - From March 31-April 1, the Northeast Waste Management Officials Association—in partnership with New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission, Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management, Northeast Recycling Council, and others—will hold The Science of PFAS: Public Health and the Environment in Framingham. The goals of the conference are to ensure that government action on PFAS (or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) is based on the most current and reliable science, facilitate networking and information-sharing on PFAS, and identify information gaps for future research. To avoid late fees, please register by March 2.

Global Ocean Summit - From April 1-4, the University of Rhode Island will host the Global Ocean Summit: Linking Large Marine Ecosystems to Local Science and Management for Sustainable Development at its Bay Campus in Narragansett, Rhode Island. As preparation for the upcoming United Nation’s Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development that begins in 2021, this event will bring together scientists, managers, and those affected by ocean and coastal issues for conversations on ocean topics and opportunities for a sustainable future. Register soon, as space is limited.

National Watershed and Stormwater Conference - From April 14-17, the Center for Watershed Protection will hold the 2020 National Watershed and Stormwater Conference in Austin, Texas. This forum for watershed and stormwater professionals will focus on increasing community resiliency in response to water resource threats through technical presentations, case studies, panel discussions, workshops, and field trips.

Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference - From April 19-21, the 76^th annual Northeast Fish & Wildlife Conference will be held in Long Branch, New Jersey. 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 23-24, the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission, state partners, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), will hold the 31^st 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.

Offshore Renewable Energy Symposium - On April 24, the 17^th Annual Ronald C. Baird Sea Grant Science Symposium, Offshore Renewable Energy Interactions with the Environment: Lessons Learned from Europe, will be held at the University of Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay Campus. Event presentations and discussions will focus on the impacts of construction and operation of offshore installations with recommendations on minimizing impacts using examples from Europe. Registration is required.

City Nature Challenge - From April 24-27, 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 through the City Nature Challenge.

Run of the Charles Canoe, Kayak, and Paddleboard Race - On April 26, the Charles River Watershed Association will hold the 38^th annual Run of the Charles boat race, with races at several locations along the river from Dedham to Brighton. After the race, paddlers can enjoy the Finishline Festival with refreshments, live music, raffles, exhibits, and awards.

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

• Ocean Sciences Meeting - From February 16-21, 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, 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.
• Local Environmental Action Conference - On March 7, 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 environmental justice, strategies for ecosystem restoration, working with local decision makers, grant application approaches, networking and relationship building, and efforts to lessen natural gas use.

Calendar - Multiple/Ongoing Events

Boat Safety - From now through May, the Massachusetts Environmental Police will offer free, state- and nationally approved Boat Safety Courses for boaters age 12 and older. Courses cover responsible equipment and operating guidelines and all graduates ages 12-15 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.).

Boston Environmental History Seminar Series - The Massachusetts Historical Society (MHS) Boston Seminar on Environmental History presents monthly sessions on how the environment has shaped American societies. Each session focuses on the discussion of a pre-circulated paper. The next session, Northern Exposure: American Military Engineering in the Arctic Circle, will be held on February 11 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. February events include a duck and winter bird walk, a seal and seabird cruise, 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 Lighthouse Beach in Chatham on February 14 and Winter Beach in Eastham on February 29. See details and the full schedule on their field trips page.

Cape Cod Museum of Natural History Programs - In February, the museum will host several lectures, movie screenings, and other events, including Kids Bird Walk and Talk on February 20. Check out their calendar for additional events.

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 February, including the Free Lunch & Learn Webinar, Massachusetts Healthy Soils Action Plan Update & Listening Session, on February 12.

Clean Water Lectures - The Barnstable Clean Water Coalition is presenting Clean Water Wednesdays, monthly educational lectures on water quality issues at Cape Cod Beer in Hyannis. The next lecture is River Herring on February 19. For details, see their Events page.

Ipswich River Programs and Activities - In February, Mass Audubon’s Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary will host walks, talks, and adventures. See their programs, classes, & activities page for information on upcoming activities, including Winter Birdwatching in Nahant on February 14.

Joppa Flats Programs and Events - The Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center hosts a variety of programs for children and adults. See their programs, classes, & activities page for February events and education opportunities, including lectures, Saturday morning birding, activities for kids, and a Focus on Seabirds walk on February 23.

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 February nature/birding walks, lectures, kids’ February vacation activities, and the Leap Day Outer Cape Big Day birding event on February 29. Search the calendar of programs, classes, and activities for Wellfleet Bay and Long Pasture for all events.

Migratory Fish Lectures - The town of Plymouth, NOAA Restoration Center, Woods Hole Sea Grant, and the Wildlands Trust have organized a lecture series to celebrate World Fish Migration Day 2020 and the 400^th Anniversary of the Pilgrims Landing. Upcoming lectures include 20 Years of Dam Removal in the Gulf of Maine Region - It All Started in Plymouth! by Eric Hutchins from the NOAA Restoration Center on February 13 and The Life History and Status of American Eel & Rainbow Smelt in Coastal Massachusetts by Brad Chase from the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries on February 27. These free talks are open to the public and will be held at Wildlands Trust Headquarters at 675 Long Pond Road in Plymouth.

Mystic River Watershed Events - See the Mystic River Watershed Association Calendar for links to February events by date, including a presentation on Climate in the Mystic River Watershed on February 4 and a Mystic Lakes and River Winter Biding Walk on February 15.

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, Passive Acoustic Monitoring in California’s National Marine Sanctuaries, is on February 19.

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 12^th 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 an OpenNSPECT webinar on February 5 for GIS professionals. 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 Linking Temperature and Discharge to Expressed Behavior of Fishes: Implications for Climate Change on February 6.

North and South Rivers Events - The North and South Rivers Watershed Association hosts events on the South Shore. February events include a Winter Walk through Wompatuck State Park on February 15. 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 programs, classes, & activities page for February events and education opportunities, such as Friday morning bird walks, lectures, and vacation activities for children, including a Soup and the Wildest Places: Coastal Ribbons talk on February 14.

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 Plastic Ocean by Captain Charles Moore on February 18. Sign up to receive emails about future events.

Professional Development Courses at New England Aquarium - The New England Aquarium has announced several Professional Development Courses for teachers. From February 19-20, 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: Tidepools on March 7, Coral Reefs on April 11, and Deep Sea on May 16.

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 on the last Wednesday of each month, including Rumney Marsh Saltmarsh Sparrow Initiative on February 26. See their Community Calendar for details.

WaterWatch Lecture Series - On Wednesdays through March 4, the North and South Rivers Watershed Association will hold the WaterWatch Lecture Series at the South Shore Natural Science Center in Norwell. February lectures include Kill Your Lawn on February 5, Shad, River Herring and Eels in Massachusetts on February 12, Climate Change Cafe: Keeping Your Head Above Water on February 19, and The Life History and Conservation of the Diamondback Terrapin on February 26. Lectures are free and open to the public.

Winter Birding Walks - On Tuesdays in February, the Harwich Conservation Trust will hold Winter Birding Walks at the Trust’s Cold Brook Preserve with naturalist and author Peter Trull. Walks are scheduled on February 4, 11, 18, and 25. Registration is required.

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 Marine Micro-Plastics–A Complex & Emerging Issue on February 8, Local Butterflies & Butterfly Gardening Tips on February 22, and Seals and Society on February 29. For additional events, see the Trust's website.

Winter Walks on Nantucket - The Nantucket Conservation Foundation has announced its schedule of free, public Winter Walking Tours on Nantucket, including a Windswept Bog walk on February 15. Reservations are required.

Other Items of Interest

Environmental Education Awards - EEA is now accepting applications for the 2020 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. 

New England Environmental Merit Awards - EPA is seeking nominations for Environmental Merit Awards in New England. This program honors teachers, citizen activists, business leaders, scientists, and others who have “made outstanding contributions on behalf of New England’s public health and natural environment.” Applications are due by February 12.

Herring Counters Wanted in Barnstable - The Barnstable Clean Water Coalition and the Barnstable Natural Resources Department are seeking volunteers for their annual Marston Mills River Herring Count, which begins on April 1. Interested volunteers should attend the Herring Count Meeting on March 7 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the Osterville Village Library for information on the herring runs and a brief training. For more information, contact Heather Rockwell at [e-mail].

Sea Education Association High School Programs - The Sea Education Association (SEA) in Woods Hole is seeking applications for the 2020 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.

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 29-August 14) through the museum’s FamilyID website.

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

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.

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.

Zero Waste Week - K-12 schools are invited to participate in the 2020 Students for Zero Waste Week Campaign from March 16-April 24. Schools select one week or more to participate in this campaign to reduce waste generated at school and throughout the community. For more information, join the orientation webinar on February 12.

50 Places to Explore Contest - To celebrate its 50^th Anniversary, the North and South Rivers Watershed Association (NSRWA) is hosting the NSRWA 50 Places to Explore Contest where participants can enter to win monthly prize packages. To enter, simply visit the weekly property and post a picture on the NSRWA’s Instagram page with the #ExploreSouthShore hashtag and the name of the property. For details, see the contest web page.

EarthEcho STEM Challenge - EarthEcho International, a nonprofit working to motivate young people to work toward sustainability, is seeking entries for the OurEcho Challenge, a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) competition for middle school students. The competition challenges student teams to analyze biodiversity where they live, identify threats to the local ecosystems, and propose solutions to protect and fix affected natural resources. Ten teams selected as finalists will win a trip to Washington, DC, to present their biodiversity protection and restoration ideas. The top three teams will be awarded grants to fund their projects. Entries are due by March 22.