CZ-Mail - July 2017

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

Coast Guide Online Launched - On June 29, the Baker-Polito Administration launched Coast Guide Online, an interactive mapping tool developed by CZM. Designed for use on mobile phones and tablets, as well as desktop computers, Coast Guide Online includes more than 1,800 sites along the Massachusetts coast that are owned by government agencies (state, local, and federal) and nonprofits and open to the public. They include beaches, rocky coasts, shore-side parks, public boat ramps, local harbor walks, secluded coves, marshes and creeks, scenic overlooks, islands, small rights-of-way, and much more. With this tool, users can zoom in to view sites and click pop-up boxes displaying the site name, manager/owner, links to additional information, and a photo (if available). Coast Guide Online will continually be updated as new sites and new information become available. To help reach the ultimate goal of providing a photo for each site, CZM is holding a Coast Guide Online Photo Contest. Submit a photo of one of the Coast Guide Online sites and be entered to win a 2018 MassParks Pass from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). For more information, see the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) press release.

CZM Spotlight: Teaming Up to Bring Shipwrecks to Summer School - During the weeks of July 10-14 and July 24-28, the Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources, which is hosted by CZM, is teaming up with the PAST Foundation and the Seafaring Education and Maritime Archaeological Heritage Program (SEAMAHP) to hold a maritime archaeology field school. This program, called “Where STEM Meets History,” was developed in part through a $49,738 grant from the National Park Service’s Maritime Heritage Program called Telltales to Learning: Professional Development / Immersion Programs in Maritime Heritage. Telltales to Learning is designed to educate and provide hands-on experiences to different learning groups (from middle school students to adults and teachers) by offering an authentic, real-world experience that reinforces lessons. Where STEM Meets History will provide middle and high school students and teachers (as part of their professional development curriculum) the opportunity to get out in the field and learn about maritime history and archaeology first hand and use a variety of problem solving techniques. Program activities will include Mapping Real Shipwrecks, Flying Drones with 3D Imaging and Lasers, Recording Real Artifacts, and Sailing on a Tall Ship. Based out of Salem’s Collins Middle School, Salem Maritime National Historic Site, and The Trustees of Reservations Crane Estate, this collaborative effort will highlight the maritime heritage along the North Shore of Massachusetts and is meant to build and further grow maritime heritage field programs for the students, teachers, and the public.

Gulf of Maine Council Awards - On June 7, the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment presented its annual awards during a ceremony in Portland, Maine, which included awards to two environmental leaders from Massachusetts:

• Linda Cabot received a Visionary award for her documentary, From the Bow Seat, which explores the challenges faced by three Gulf of Maine species: cod, puffins, and lobsters. The film was inspired by a 2011 sailing trip Cabot and her daughters embarked on to document issues impacting the Gulf of Maine. Creating the film led to the creation of Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit, founded to empower the next generation of ocean caretakers through art, science, and advocacy. Through an annual Ocean Awareness Contest, Bow Seat challenges students to explore ocean pollution through visual art, film, poetry, and prose. More than 4,000 students from 67 countries have participated since the contest was launched in 2012, and more than $100,000 in scholarships have been awarded. The Bow Seat promotes marine protection by exhibiting student work, participating in conferences and local and global initiatives, providing classroom resources, and partnering with the Gulf of Maine Marine Education Association, Hurricane Island Foundation, and Seacoast Science Center.
• Save the Harbor Save the Bay received a Visionary award for its years of work to make Boston Harbor cleaner. Founded in 1986, Save the Harbor Save the Bay has been advocating for cleaner water and better access to Boston area beaches and Islands. Over the years, Save the Harbor Save the Bay helped establish the Boston Harbor Islands National Park, and since 2002, has connected more than 100,000 Boston-area youths to Boston Harbor and its islands through fishing expeditions, harbor tours and other innovative programs. Save the Harbor Save the Bay has also worked to advocate for improved water quality conditions in the region. After launching a Science Advisory Council to investigate the causes of excessive bacterial pollution on South Boston Beaches, Save the Harbor Save the Bay successfully advocated for the Metropolitan Water Resources Authority (MWRA) to create the North Dorchester Bay storage tunnel—a 17-foot, 2.5-mile-long tunnel that intercepts bacteria laden stormwater and directs it to the Reserved Channel where it is treated and prevented from reaching South Boston’s Beaches. Save the Harbor Save the Bay’s environmental advocacy and scientific research and monitoring programs have resulted in cleaner waters in Boston Harbor and Massachusetts Bay that are more inviting for people and marine life.

For a complete list of winners and more information on the awards, see the Gulf of Maine Council website.

Seeking Local Cleanup Coordinators for COASTSWEEP 2017 - COASTSWEEP 2017, the annual statewide beach cleanup sponsored by CZM, kicks off in September—and now is the time to sign up to be a local cleanup coordinator for your favorite beach, marsh, dive site, and riverbank. Volunteers throughout Massachusetts turn out in large numbers each year for this event, which is part of an international campaign organized by the Ocean Conservancy in Washington, DC. Participants all over the world collect trash and other marine debris and record what they find. This information is then used to help reduce future marine debris problems. Cleanups will be scheduled throughout September and October. To get involved, see the COASTSWEEP website.

CZ-Tip: Discover the Uniquely Weird World of Tide Pools this Summer - Predators with razor sharp tongues that drill holes in the shells of their prey and pulpify the innards. Creatures with deadly tentacles that fire paralyzing toxins at the slightest touch. Beings that grow anew from a single arm or consume their own brain. While these sound like descriptions of aliens from a bad science fiction movie, in reality, they are Massachusetts tide pool creatures. Read CZ-Tip - Learn What Lurks in a Massachusetts Tide Pool to learn more about these strange marine organisms and the creative characteristics that allow them to survive this harsh intertidal environment. This tip also provides information on invasive species that are a real threat to marine ecosystems, tide pool destinations in Massachusetts, and tips for staying safe and minimizing impacts while exploring these environments.

Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities

Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal Program - The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) is seeking applications for funding for the repair or removal of dams, levees, seawalls, and other forms of inland and coastal flood control. The Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal Program offers qualified applicants grants for final design and permitting, and grant and loan funds for repair, reconstruction, and removal. EEA encourages applicants to maximize restoration of natural systems. Projects that minimize or eliminate the use of hard infrastructure are eligible for a zero percent interest rate. To view the two Requests for Responses (RFR) and submit questions, see the COMMBUYS bid solicitations for design and permitting and construction financing. Proposals for both opportunities are due by July 21.

Buzzards Bay Municipal Mini-Grant Program - The Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program is seeking proposals for the Buzzards Bay Watershed Municipal Mini-Grant Program. Projects must implement a recommendation(s) in the Buzzards Bay Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan to protect and restore water quality and living resources in Buzzards Bay and its surrounding watershed. Eligible projects include stormwater remediation designs for discharges affecting marine waters, wetland/open space/habitat acquisition, migratory fish passage restoration, construction of boat pump-out facilities, and many other activities that support the management plan. A 33 percent match of requested funding is required and only municipalities are eligible to apply. For more information, to view the RFR, and download required forms, see the COMMBUYS website. Proposals are due by August 1.

Water Quality Monitoring Programs - The Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program is seeking proposals for the Water Quality Monitoring Programs - Buzzards Bay Watershed Mini-grant solicitation. Projects must involve inter-municipal or Buzzards Bay-wide water quality monitoring programs to characterize conditions or establish priorities for action. The monitoring may include ambient water quality monitoring, discharge monitoring, or groundwater monitoring. A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) is a requirement for application of funding under this solicitation. Writing and preparation of a QAPP cannot be funded with these grant funds. Acceptable grant-related costs include staff time, interns, equipment, or laboratory tests. For more information, to view the RFR, and download required forms, see the COMMBUYS website. Proposals are due by August 1.

Municipal Harbor Planning Consultant - The city of Beverly is seeking proposals from qualified consultants for the preparation of a comprehensive Municipal Harbor Plan for Beverly Harbor and the Bass River areas. These waterfront areas are adjacent to downtown Beverly and the Beverly Depot commuter rail station and are uniquely situated for new mixed-use development opportunities and resource protection. The plan will provide the city’s vision for the waterfront and identify a strategy to protect the environmental resources and provide enhanced public access and other elements that will allow for greater enjoyment of the waterfront. The total project budget is $100,000. For more information, see the Beverly RFR. Proposals are due by 11:00 a.m. on July 13.

Reminders - This opportunity, listed in the last CZ-Mail, is still available:

• Parks and Conservation Grants - EEA’s Division of Conservation Services (DCS) is seeking applications for the FY 2018 Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC), Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND), and Conservation Partnership grants. PARC grants help communities acquire parkland, develop new parks, and renovate existing parks. LAND grants provide funds to municipal conservation commissions to purchase conservation land and conservation restrictions. Conservation Partnership grants provide funds to nonprofit organizations for land acquisitions. PARC and LAND grant applications are due by July 12. Conservation Partnership applications are due by July 17.

Products/Publications

2017 International Coastal Cleanup Report - Ocean Conservancy has released the 2017 Ocean Trash Index, which provides data and details on the 2016 International Coastal Cleanup. Overall, more than 500,000 volunteers collected more than 18 million pounds of debris from the world’s beaches and waterways. Along the Massachusetts coast, 2,563 COASTSWEEP volunteers collected more than 147,600 items. What was the number one item collected (again!)? Cigarette butts. To get involved this year, see the COASTSWEEP website.

Green Infrastructure in Parks Guide - EPA has released Green Infrastructure in Parks: A Guide to Collaboration, Funding, and Community Engagement, which encourages partnerships between park agencies and stormwater agencies to promote the use of green infrastructure on park lands. Green infrastructure can help to maximize the environmental, economic, and social benefits of parks. By building strong partnerships, agencies can improve park lands and access to parks, better manage stormwater, increase community resiliency to shifting weather patterns, and provide funding to implement and maintain park enhancements that benefit the community.

Northeast Climate Science Center Annual Report - The Northeast Climate Science Center has released its 2016 Annual Report, which highlights the people, events, research activities, and projects of the center. The report details the center’s work in understanding climate impacts on phenology (nature’s calendar), large-scale planning under uncertainty, effect of drought on northeast species and habitats, and more.

Educational Sand Dune Signs - Woods Hole Sea Grant and the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension are again offering These Dunes Aren't Made For Walking (PDF, 2 MB), an educational sign aimed at preserving coastal resources. These water-resistant paper signs are free and can be ordered by emailing [e-mail].

2017 Boaters’ Guide to Tides and Pumpout Facilities - This wallet-sized pamphlet from the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries Clean Vessel Act (CVA) program contains information on the locations of pumpout facilities along the Massachusetts coastline and a June-September tide chart. Download a free copy from the CVA website. Limited hard copies are also available. Email your request and mailing address to Cecil French at [e-mail].

Beneath the Surface - The June 2017 issue of Beneath the Surface, a newsletter from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), includes articles on the effects of climate change on emperor penguins, efforts to study large storms, along with other news and updates from WHOI.

Sound Waves - The May 2017 issue of Sound Waves, a U.S. Geological Survey newsletter, features articles on preparations for hurricane season with new tools and data, modeling shoreline change in southern California, and other coastal and marine research news.

Marine Ecosystems and Management Information Service - The June 2017 edition of Marine Ecosystems and Management (MEAM), the bimonthly information service on marine ecosystem-based management (EBM) from the University of Washington School of Marine Affairs, features articles on how much data is enough so projects can move on to next steps, marine life in the eastern tropical Pacific, and other notes and news.

Marine Protected Area Newsletter - The June 2017 issue of MPA News features articles on the future of Marine Protected Area (MPA), a report on the United Nations Ocean Conference held in June, and other MPA news and notes.

Web-Based and Mobile-User Resources

Rain Garden Video - A recent episode of Ask this Old House includes a segment on rain gardens, featuring MassBays Upper North Shore Regional Coordinator, Peter Phippen. Rain gardens can help capture, infiltrate, and slow stormwater and stop pollutants from entering coastal marshes and waters.

Climate Engine - The Desert Research Institute, University of Idaho, and Google have developed the Climate Engine, a tool designed to improve decision making related to drought, water resources, agricultural, wildfire, and ecological health. This new tool allows users to analyze and interact with climate and land-surface datasets in real-time without the need to download huge amounts of data.

Trailmap - The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) has launched Trailmap, a comprehensive map of pedestrian and bicycle facilities throughout the MAPC region and beyond. The data on this map tool has been collected from a number of sources including city/town trail data, land trusts, DCR, Massachusetts Department of Transportation, openstreetmap, and other sources.

Ocean Films for Educators - Green Fire Productions is making their four-part Ocean Frontiers film series available to educators for classroom use. For more information, including Educator Discussion Guides, see the Educator Resources page.

Curriculum Resources - The Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS) has released a series of curriculum tools for use by educators and students. The Real-Time Data Portal provides an interactive map of the latest weather and ocean observations including winds, waves, air and water temperature, salinity, right whale presence, and more. The Graphing and Download Tool provides easy access to data on past conditions that can be viewed and analyzed.

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.

Marine Sanctuary and Monument Reviews - NOAA is seeking public comments in its review of all designations and expansions of National Marine Sanctuaries and Marine National Monuments since April 28, 2007. The Secretary of Commerce will use the review to inform the preparation of a report under Executive Order 13795. For more information, see the Federal Register positing. Submit comments, identified by docket ID NOAA-NOS-2017-0066, by July 26 at regulations.gov.

Job/Internship Postings

Marine Wildlife Internships - The New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA) is accepting applicants for the Summer Marine Wildlife Internship Program. NECWA accepts upper level high school, college, and graduate students who have an interest in the field of marine biology. NECWA interns work alongside staff members to conduct a variety of educational programs, research projects, and conservation activities. Internship positions are non-paid and can be coordinated privately or through a school or university program. Internships are available throughout the year.

Calendar

Summer Cinema by the Sea - This summer, the Northeastern University's Marine Science Center in Nahant will hold a free film series of marine-related documentaries. On July 11, the movie is A Plastic Ocean, which documents the global effects of plastic pollution and introduces workable technology and policy solutions that can help to solve the plastics issue. All screenings are open to the public and will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the Murphy Bunker at the Marine Science Center in Nahant. For additional movie times see the Marine Science Center website.

Barnstable Water Lecture Series - In July and August, the Barnstable Clean Water Coalition will hold the Wonder of Waters Lecture Series at the Osterville Village Library. On July 11, Lindsey B. Counsell, Director Emeritus of Three Bays Preservation, Inc., will present It Takes a Town: The Path Forward for Clean Water in Barnstable. For more information, including details about future lectures, visit the Coalition website or email [e-mail].

Resilient Infrastructure and Watersheds Conference - On July 12, the New England Water Environment Association will hold the Creating Resilient Infrastructure & Watersheds Conference at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. This one-day event will include concurrent sessions, panel discussions, exhibits, and a keynote presenter. Attendees will learn what communities are doing to enhance resiliency for critical municipal infrastructure, how these efforts are being financed, and practical solutions to tackle the effects of climate change and sea level rise. The conference will also feature presentations by CZM’s StormSmart Coasts Program staff.

Coastal Explorer Van - On July 12, July 26, and August 10, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will offer access to the Barnstable 4-H Coastal Explorer Van, a 31-foot, handicapped-accessible motor coach that provides visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about Cape Cod's coastal environment. On board, visitors will find saltwater aquariums with live animals, computer and interactive games, a TV/VCR for viewing marine life videos, microscopes to view marine life, blue shark and dolphin models displaying both external and internal anatomy, and a hands-on exhibit. The van will be parked in the museum parking lot in Brewster from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on these days.

Sand Sculpting Festival - From July 21-23, the 2017 International Sand Sculpting Festival will be held at Revere Beach. Join the festival to stroll past giant sand sculptures, listen to free music at the bandstand, and watch Saturday night fireworks.

Great River Race - On July 22, the North and South Rivers Watershed Association (NSRWA) will hold the 2017 Great River Race, a 7.5-mile race along the South Shore’s North River. NSRWA invites all to participate on a non-motorized vessel (such as a canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or row boat). Proceeds from this event support NSRWA's work to protect and restore local streams, salt marshes, and the watershed.

Aquarium Lecture Series - On August 3, as part of the New England Aquarium’s Lecture Series, African Manatees and Sea Turtles: Conservation Challenges and Successes will be presented by Lucy Keith-Diagne, Ph.D. (Founder of the African Aquatic Conservation Fund, Pew Fellow, and New England Aquarium Marine Conservation Action Fund Fellow) and Tomas Diagne (Founder of the African Chelonian Institute, Rolex Associate Laureate, and New England Aquarium Marine Conservation Action Fund Fellow). Lucy and Tomas will share the challenges and successes they have experienced while working to study and protect these iconic and threatened species.

Preparing Coastal Communities for Sea Level Rise - On several dates into the fall, the Gulf of Maine Research Institute will present Preparing Coastal Communities for Sea Level Rise in Portland, Maine. This 90 minute interactive experience will explore the data behind sea level rise and examine potential resiliency measures. The next session is on August 3; register online to reserve your spot.

Bayside Estuary Exploration - On August 8, Three Bays Preservation in coordination with the Jr. Tech Summer STEM Program will hold Bayside Estuary Exploration for students entering grades 4-5. Kids will engage in hands-on water quality and marine ecology activities. Students participate in scientific marine explorations including seine netting, plankton tows, minnow traps, and water sample collection and analysis, all while building skills in stewardship knowledge and natural history lessons on the local marine ecosystem.

Annual Swim & Fin—Save the Date - On August 20, Salem Sound Coastwatch will host the 12^th annual Swim & Fin Race for Salem Sound at Forest River Park in Salem. People of all ages and levels may join the event for open-water swimming races of three different distances: 500 meters, 1 mile, and 5K. Proceeds from this event support Salem Sound Coastwatch's work to protect local beaches, streams, salt marshes, and coastal waters.

Emerging Technologies Workshop - From August 22-23, NOAA will hold the second annual Emerging Technologies Workshop in College Park, Maryland. The goal of this workshop is to promote broader awareness of emerging technologies for observation of the ocean, atmosphere, land, and space. Examples of emerging technologies presented at last year’s workshop included underwater gliders, traffic camera analytics, and earth observing nanosatellites, all of which have the potential to expand NOAA’s ability to observe the environment, improve efficiency, or reduce costs.

Annual Antique & Classic Boat Festival - From August 26-27, Brewer Hawthorne Cove Marina in Salem will host the 35^th annual Antique & Classic Boat Festival, where vessels of all sizes and shapes will be on display, including 1900s-60s motor yachts, mahogany speedboats, sloops, yawls, schooners, and a 19th century gold-leaf canoe. This celebration of maritime heritage also includes a craft fair, artists, old-time band music, children's activities, the Blessing of the Fleet, and a boat parade.

Stormwater Conference - From August 27-31, StormCon: The North American Surface Water Quality Conference and Exposition will be held in Bellevue, Washington. Conference organizers are seeking presentations in six program tracks: best management practice case studies, green infrastructure, stormwater program management, advanced research topics, water-quality monitoring, and industrial stormwater management.

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.

MACC Education - The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) offers a variety of specialized education programs. Visit the MACC Complete Education Catalog for an overview of upcoming wetland delineation and soil science courses and shrub identification workshops, along with the soil erosion and sediment-control training program. The MACC online Community Calendar provides a schedule of programs.

Walk Inside the Inflatable Whales - In July and August, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will present two events that allow visitors to walk inside inflatable, life-like whales. Visitors can walk through a 50-foot gray whale and a 44-foot humpback whale. Learn all about the behaviors and habits of these magnificent whales from the inside out.

Summer Classes for Kids - This summer, the Thornton Burgess Society will hold summer classes for children ages 3-12 at the Green Briar Nature Center in East Sandwich. Daily classes run from July 5 through August 25 and incorporate E-STEM (Environment, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). For more information and to register, see the Society’s website.

Tuesday Tweets - On several Tuesdays into August, 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 July 11.

Summer Professional Development - This summer, the Museum Institute for Teaching Science will hold the 2017 Summer Professional Development Institutes across the Commonwealth. One-week science oriented sessions (either July 10-14 or July 17-21, depending on the region) are available for educators in grades 3-8 and middle school and high school teachers.

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 July 20.

Cape Cod Field Schools - Through November, Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is offering a variety of 2-, 3-, and 4-day field courses for adults that focus on the unique coastal environment and wildlife of Cape Cod. Cape Cod Field Schools emphasize active, outdoor, "in-the-field" experiences and are taught by professional naturalists and scientists. The next course is Photographing Insects and their Kin from July 21-22.

Spring-Summer Walks in Harwich - The Harwich Conservation Trust has posted its schedule of spring and summer walks. All walks are free and open to the public. See the Trust’s website. The next walk is Birds & Butterflies of Thompson’s Field on July 28.

Mudflat Mania - Through August 30, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will hold Mudflat Mania!, twice weekly hikes to Cape Cod Bay to explore the life on and below the Brewster sand flats.

Barnstable Land Trust Walks and Talks - The Barnstable Land Trust will hold numerous events as part of its Walks & Talks nature series from now into the fall. For details, see the Barnstable Land Trust website.

Waquoit Bay Reserve Programs and Activities - This summer, discover the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. For a full list of activities and programs for kids and adults, see the Waquoit Bay Reserve Brochure.

National Marine Life Center Programs - Through the summer, the National Marine Life Center in Buzzards Bay offers daily education programs on marine animals, strandings, rehabilitation, and conservation. For more information, see the National Marine Life Center website.

Family Field Walks - Through September, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will hold Family Field Walks. Naturalists will guide explorations focusing on the various plants, animals, habitats, and other ecological features along the John Wing Trail. These walks are approximately 90 minutes over somewhat challenging terrain. Walks are on Sundays through September 24 and various weekdays through September 1.

Walks, Lectures, and Events on Cape Cod - 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 program catalog for event and schedule information.

Joppa Flats Wildlife Sanctuary Programs and Activities - Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats Wildlife Sanctuary in Newburyport provides numerous birding walks, field trips, and adventures. See the program catalog for event and schedule information.

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

• Teachers on the Estuary Maine Workshop - From July 10-12, the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve will hold a Teachers on the Estuary Workshop in Wells, Maine. This free, three-day, field and research-based workshop is geared toward middle and high school teachers and will focus on sea level rise, climate change, blue carbon, watersheds, and estuaries.
• Teachers on the Estuary Rhode Island Workshop - From August 8-10, the Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve will hold a Teachers on the Estuary Workshop, on Prudence Island, Rhode Island. This free, three-day, field and research-based workshop is geared toward middle and high school teachers and will focus on estuaries and impacts of climate change on salt marshes. All meals and lodging will be provided. Space is limited. Applications will be accepted until June 9.

Other Items of Interest

Boston Harbor Ecosystem Network - The Northeastern University’s Marine Science Center has launched the Boston Harbor Ecosystem Network (BHEN, formerly Boston Harbor Habitat Coalition) to bring together stakeholders working on coastal/estuarine management, research, education, and/or civic engagement within this region, which stretches from Saugus to Hull. The Science Center serves as the MassBays National Estuary Program’s Regional Service Provider for the Metro Boston region. The BHEN will meet twice a year, and has also begun to host colleague field trips to showcase a particular site. Persons interested in being informed of BHEN happenings are encouraged to subscribe to the BHEN e-newsletter. In collaboration with MIT Sea Grant, BHEN also recently launched a Facebook page.

Climate Adaptation Communications Work Group Survey - UMass Amherst and the Northeast Climate Science Center are forming a new Massachusetts Climate Adaptation Communications Work Group to provide communication resources and support for people working on climate adaptation. The work group is seeking survey participants to gather information on communication needs and challenges from those that work in this field. This survey is anonymous.

Mass Audubon Photo Contest - Mass Audubon is holding its 2017 Picture This: Your Great Outdoors photo contest, which is open to all participants and seeks digital images that highlight the beauty and diversity of Massachusetts wildlife, habitats, people in nature, and Mass Audubon Travel. Entries are due by September 30.