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CZ-Mail - March 2019

The monthly electronic newsletter from the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM).

Welcome to CZ-Mail, the monthly electronic newsletter from the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM). Each issue provides information on major CZM initiatives, available tools and publications, upcoming workshops and events, grants, contracting opportunities, job openings, coastal legislation, and other news of interest to people working on coastal issues. Additional information about CZM's programs, publications, and other coastal topics can be found on the CZM website. To subscribe, send a blank email (please be sure that the email is completely blank, with no signature line) to join-env-czmail@listserv.state.ma.us. Also, please feel free to share CZ-Mail with colleagues and friends—and if you have any suggestions for future editions, or would like make a change to your CZ-Mail subscription, please email your request to CZ-Mail@mass.gov. For daily updates from CZM, please follow us on Twitter.

All links on this web page were current and working on the date of publication.

Highlights

Information Sessions for Coastal Resilience and Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grants - CZM anticipates the release of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Requests for Responses (RFRs) for Coastal Resilience and Coastal Pollutant Remediation (CPR) grants this spring. The Coastal Resilience Grant Program provides funding to coastal communities to reduce risks associated with coastal storms, flooding, erosion, and sea level rise through innovative and transferable local initiatives. Eligible projects include efforts to increase awareness and understanding of climate impacts, assess vulnerability and risk, plan for changing conditions, and redesign vulnerable public facilities and infrastructure. Additionally, both coastal communities and eligible nonprofits may seek funding for non-structural (or green infrastructure) approaches that enhance natural resources and provide storm damage protection. CZM’s CPR Grant Program provides funds to municipalities within the Massachusetts Coastal Watershed to identify and improve water quality impaired by nonpoint source (NPS) pollution. Funding can be used for water quality assessment, design and construction of structural Best Management Practices (BMPs), and commercial boat-waste pumpout facilities. Prior to the RFR release, CZM is hosting information sessions to discuss the goals and requirements of the two grant programs, answer questions, and provide feedback on potential project ideas. The sessions will be held on the following dates:

  • March 19, 8:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Salem State University, Petrowski Room, Marsh Hall, 71 B Loring Avenue, Salem. This information session is part of the EEA and CZM Grants Workshop. See the Calendar section below for additional information.
  • March 21, 10:00 a.m.-noon, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs - Conference Room A, 100 Cambridge Street, Boston. Please bring a picture id and allow time to pass through security.
  • March 22, 10:00 a.m.-noon, Harbor View Conference Room, Barnstable County Complex, 3195 Main Street, Route 6A, Barnstable.
  • April 3, 10:00 a.m.-noon, Wareham Public Library - Meeting Room, 59 Marion Road, Wareham.

For additional assistance, potential applicants are also encouraged to refer to the contact information for the Coastal Resilience Grant Program and CPR Grant Program.

Find Coastal Trails with a New Map on Coast Guide Online - Coast Guide Online now includes a map of public access sites that contain trails, walkways, or harbor walks. Developed by CZM for use on mobile phones, tablets, and desktop computers, Coast Guide Online is an interactive mapping tool that features more than 1,900 sites along the Massachusetts coast that are owned by government agencies and nonprofits and open to the public—including sandy beaches, shore-side parks, rocky shorelines, small rights-of-way, public landings, and more. 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). To get started, see Coast Guide Online—Launch and Go.

Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities

Coastal Resilience Grant Program - CZM anticipates the release of the FY 2020 RFR for the Coastal Resilience Grant Program this spring. These grants fund local efforts to address the effects of coastal storms, flooding, erosion, and sea level rise. See Information Sessions for Coastal Resilience and Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grants at the beginning of this CZ-Mail for details.

Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grant Program - CZM anticipates the release of the FY 2020 RFR for the Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grant Program this spring. CPR grants fund stormwater BMPs, commercial boat pumpout facilities, and other projects that address local nonpoint source pollution issues. See Information Sessions for Coastal Resilience and Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grants at the beginning of this CZ-Mail for details.

Water Quality Management Planning Grants - The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is seeking proposals for the Fiscal Year 2019 §604(b) Water Quality Management Planning Grants to fund nonpoint source assessment and planning projects. For more information, see the §604b RFR (PDF, 847 KB). Project proposals are due by March 29 at 1:00 p.m.

Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance Grants - The Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) is seeking proposals from Massachusetts municipalities for the Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance Grant Program to replace aging culverts with new structures that meet environmental design and structural standards and climate resiliency criteria. Only projects that meet the goals of the Massachusetts Stream Crossing Standards are eligible. For more information, see the Culvert Replacement RFR. Applications are due by March 20.

Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants - The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Division of Conservation Services is seeking proposals for Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants, which provide up to $1,000,000 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 14 at 10:00 a.m. at MassWildlife Headquarters in Westborough. Please RSVP to Melissa Cryan at melissa.cryan@mass.gov or (617) 626-1171. Applications are due by April 11 at 3:00 p.m. See How to Apply for details.

Habitat Restoration Grants - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Community-based Restoration Program is seeking proposals for 2019 Coastal and Marine Habitat Restoration Grants for habitat-based projects that rebuild fisheries, aid in the recovery of threatened or endangered species, improve ecosystem health, and benefit communities and the economy. Up to $6 million will be available under this grant round. Proposals are due by April 16.

American Lobster Research Funding - The National Sea Grant College Program is seeking proposals for the 2019 National Sea Grant American Lobster Research Program to fund research on how the American lobster fishery on George’s Bank and in the Gulf of Maine is being impacted by environmental change. For details, including a link to the RFR, see the Grants.gov website. Proposals are due by April 11.

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

  • Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program Planning Grants - 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 offer technical assistance to communities in completing the assessment and resiliency plans. 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 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.
  • 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 are available on the MassDEP website.
  • 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 11.

Products/Publications

Division of Ecological Restoration 2018 Annual Report - DER has released its 2018 Annual Report: Adaptation in Action (PDF, 3 MB), which highlights DER projects and programs from the past year that restore habitat and improve resilience to climate change, and previews activities for 2019.

National Water Monitoring News—Call for Articles - The National Water Quality Monitoring Council is soliciting articles and announcements for the 18th edition of National Water Monitoring News, an electronic newsletter that features updates from the Council, volunteer monitoring groups, and other and state, regional, and tribal partners. Submissions are due by March 15 and should announce upcoming events or highlight successes, projects, publications, tools, conferences, or findings. For more information, see the Guidelines for Contributors (PDF, 68 KB).

Communicating Ecosystem-Based Management - The United Nations Environment Programme and GRID-Arendal have released Communicating Ecosystem-Based Management, which examines ways to promote this management approach based on the entire ecosystem rather than individual species. Five case studies are examined that consider factors such as project size, target audience, and budget. Lessons learned and recommendations for overcoming project obstacles are also provided.

HabitatNews - The February 2019 issue of HabitatNews, a newsletter of the NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Restoration, includes articles on the Deep Sea Coral Research and Technology Program 2018 Report to Congress, community-based habitat restoration grants, and other marine fisheries habitat news.

Buzzards Bay Coalition Newsletter - The latest edition of The Bay Buzz from the Buzzards Bay Coalition features the Westport Fisherman’s Association and its clean water legacy, habitat protection around Allens Pond in Dartmouth, Buzzards Bay beachcombing recommendations, and other regional news, volunteer opportunities, and events.

The Skimmer on Marine Ecosystems and Management - The February 2019 edition of The Skimmer on Marine Ecosystems and Management, the monthly newsletter on ocean planning and ecosystem-based management from the University of Washington School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, explores vertical marine zoning for resource conservation and management, tools to find and map hotspots for marine ecosystem services, and other resources and news.

Web-Based and Mobile-User Resources

Education Resources on the Role of Water - The updated Discover Water website features nine learning units on The Role of Water in Our Lives for students in upper elementary and middle school. Topics covered include the water cycle, oceans, fresh water, watersheds, water conservation, and water use, with each unit including a video, online quiz, information on taking action, and resources for educators and parents.

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

Job/Internship Postings

Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Director - The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is seeking a Director of the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR). WBNERR is a DCR/NOAA partnership that works to protect natural resources through research, education, and resource management. The Director oversees WBNERR’s daily operations and budget and manages its lands, infrastructure, programs, and staff, working with DCR, CZM, other EEA agencies, other NERRs, and partners. For more information, see the job posting.

Division of Ecological Restoration Summer Intern - DER, in coordination with the Coastal America Foundation, is seeking a paid summer intern to work primarily with the Streamflow Restoration Program to measure water flow, survey stream gauges, download instrument data, conduct research, and support efforts to communicate DER’s work. Preferred candidates should be college students or recent graduates with experience in aquatic ecology, hydrology, water quality, data analysis, and field science. For details, see the full job posting. Preference will be given to applications received by March 16.

Environmental Program Manager - The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC), a regional planning agency representing 15 communities in northeastern Massachusetts, is seeking an Environmental Program Manager to oversee the its Environmental Program Group. Primary duties include managing local, state, and federal planning and development contracts; providing technical planning assistance to communities, citizens, partners, developers, and engineers; managing environmental planning project and grants; overseeing budget; and other related work. For more information, see the job posting. Applications are due by March 15.

Cape Cod Jobs and Internships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math - The Cape Cod Regional STEM Network has launched a new Jobs & Internships page that provides STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) job and internship opportunities for high school and college students and professionals on Cape Cod. Local employers are invited to post opportunities.

Horseshoe Crab Field Coordinator - The Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Sanctuary is seeking a seasonal Horseshoe Crab Field Coordinator to organize, schedule, and conduct horseshoe crab spawning surveys from mid-April through July. Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in marine biology or a related field. For more information, see the job posting. Applications are due by March 15.

Barnstable Clean Water Coalition Seasonal Jobs and Internships - The Barnstable Clean Water Coalition is seeking seasonal staff and interns. Seasonal Water Stewards will work from May through August assisting with fieldwork, water quality and marine invasive species monitoring, visitor and boater education, and the oyster upweller project. Aquaculture/Education Interns will assist with oyster aquaculture operations and provide outreach and education presentations on oysters, water quality, and the benefits of oysters in the marine environment. These unpaid internships are open to college students or recent graduates. Applications are due by March 15.

Maritime Gloucester Aquarium and Education Internships - Maritime Gloucester, a maritime museum and education facility in Gloucester, is seeking interns. The Aquarium Intern will maintain and care for the Sea Pocket Aquarium equipment and animals, guide visitors through aquarium and touch tank experiences, assist with education programs, and collect and record marine debris. The Education Intern will assist staff with curriculum development and presentation of education and interpretation programs. For more information on these unpaid positions, see the internship postings. Applications are due by March 15.

Marine Wildlife Internships - The New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA), a volunteer environmental organization in southeastern Massachusetts, is accepting applications for unpaid summer Marine Wildlife Internships for upper-level high school and college students, as well as professionals, who have an interest in marine biology. Interns will work with staff members on educational programs, research projects, and other activities. For more information, see the NECWA Internships page.

Marine and Ocean Educator Internships - Ocean Protection Advocacy for Kids (OPAK), an ocean education organization in southeast Massachusetts, is seeking applicants for two unpaid internships. The Assistant Marine Educator Internship is for upper level high school and college students who have an interest in the ocean, arts, and education. Interns assist the education staff, serve as group leaders, and help in the classroom. The Volunteer Educator Internship is for teens at least 14 years old with similar ocean, art, and education interests. Interns teach, organize, and assist OPAK staff at community events. For details, see the OPAK internship postings.

Calendar - Individual Events and Announcements

Unusual Catches Day - On March 2, Unusual Catches Day will be held at the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center in New Bedford. Maritime archeologists, including Board of Underwater Archaeology (BUAR) Director Victor Mastone, will be on hand to examine the unusual items that commercial fishermen have pulled up in nets and dredges. For more information, see the Center’s Special Events page.

Massachusetts Offshore Wind Discussion - On March 6, the Environmental League of Massachusetts and the State House News Forum will present The Future of Offshore Wind, Racing Towards the Horizon, in Boston. This discussion of the opportunities, policies, and questions surrounding offshore wind development in Massachusetts will feature a keynote address by Governor Baker, a session on pending legislation, and two panel discussions.

Field Guide Training Course - Starting March 13, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will hold its annual Field Guide Training Course, which will consist of six Wednesday sessions, March 13-April 10, opportunities to shadow veteran guides from April 15-19, and a final training on April 24. Volunteer field guides lead walks in Stony Brook Valley and Wing’s Island in Brewster for school groups, families, and tourists during the spring, summer, and fall.

Integrating Water Quality and Green Infrastructure into Hazard Plans - On March 14, EPA’s Watershed Academy will present Lessons Learned on Integrating Water Quality and Nature-based Approaches into Hazard Mitigation Plans. This webcast training will present successful pilot projects that have incorporated watershed planning, green infrastructure, and water quality protection in their Federal Emergency Management Agency Hazard Mitigation Plans. Registration is required.

Municipal Adaptation and Resiliency Program - On March 15, the Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC) will present the EBC Climate Change Program: A Massachusetts Response to Municipal Adaptation & Resiliency - The Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program in Boston. This morning program will feature Mia Mansfield, EEA’s Director of Climate Adaptation and Resiliency, who will provide an overview of the Commonwealth’s climate change efforts and the MVP program. Regional planning professionals and municipal representatives will then discuss their experiences, successes, and lessons learned from the MVP process. The morning will conclude with a panel discussion and an opportunity for questions and answers.

EEA and CZM Grants Workshop - On March 19, CZM, in partnership with Salem State University (SSU), will hold a grants workshop for municipal officials on upcoming funding that will be available through CZM’s Coastal Resilience and Coastal Pollutant Remediation grants, as well as funding currently available through EEA’s Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program. This workshop will present information on each grant program, the most recent coastal inundation data, and local success stories, and will provide an opportunity for networking, brainstorming, and questions and answers. The workshop will be held in the Petrowski Room in Marsh Hall at SSU from 8:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. For more information, contact CZM North Shore Regional Coordinator Kathryn Glenn at kathryn.glenn@mass.gov or Tara Gallagher at tgallagher@salemstate.edu. To learn about green transportation options for visiting campus, see the Salem State website. If you plan to drive, contact Tara or Kathryn for a dashboard parking pass and parking instructions.

Stormwater Management Program Webinar - On March 21, EPA will present Preparing Your Stormwater Management Program or SWMP. Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) in Massachusetts and New Hampshire are required to develop a written Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) that describes how they will meet MS4 permit requirements. This webinar will discuss these plans and the resources that available to develop them. Prior to the webinar, participants are encouraged to review the February 2019 issue of Massachusetts Stormwater News on EPA’s Massachusetts Small MS4 General Permit website, which provides information on tools for SWMP preparation.

Digging into the Past - On March 21, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, as part of its Digging into the Past lecture series, will present Retracing a 19th Century Survey along the Outer Cape Shore with Steve Mague, Adjunct Scientist at the Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown. This talk examines how the Center used a late-1800’s survey of outer Cape Cod from Chatham to Provincetown as a baseline and then resurveyed the area to quantify coastal landform changes and estimate future conditions due to a changing climate and sea level rise.

Northeast Ocean Data Portal Program - On March 22, the Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC) will present the EBC Ocean and Coastal Resources Program: The Northeast Ocean Data Portal - Supporting Ocean Policy and Planning in Boston. This morning program will review work in the northeast region in response to the 2018 federal Executive Order on ocean policy and will present the data, maps, and tools of the Northeast Ocean Data Portal and potential uses for management and regulatory decisions.

Marine Science Educator Workshop - On March 23, the Blue Ocean Society will hold a Marine Science Educator Workshop in Rye, New Hampshire. This workshop on current ocean and marine life protection initiatives will include talks on oyster restoration, green crabs, seabirds and plastics, sharks, stress in Right Whales, marine debris, and more. Advanced registration is preferred.

BUAR Public Meeting - On March 28 at 1:30 p.m., BUAR will hold its bi-monthly public meeting in the CZM Large Conference Room. The preliminary agenda includes discussion/approval of minutes for the January 31 meeting, four permit renewals, and an activities update. For more information, contact BUAR Director, Victor Mastone, at victor.mastone@mass.gov.

Gardening Green Expo - On March 30, the WaterSmart program, North and South Rivers Watershed Association, and Kennedy’s Country Gardens will hold the 2019 Gardening Green Expo, Planting for Pollinators, in Scituate. This free event will feature talks by local experts and environmental organizations, a greenhouse with gardening and lawn care vendors, and an opportunity to order rain barrels and composters.

Massachusetts Park Serve Day - On April 27, DCR’s annual Park Serve Day will be held throughout the Commonwealth. This statewide day of volunteer service helps to get Massachusetts state parks and beaches ready for summer. Thousands of volunteers help pick up litter along ocean beaches, clear debris from hiking trails, paint benches, plant trees and flowers, and much more.

Earth Day Charles River Cleanup - On April 27, the 20th annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup will be held as part of the American Rivers National River Cleanup. Thousands of volunteers will help beautify the Charles River and its tributaries by picking up trash and cleaning the riverbanks at sites from Bellingham to Boston.

2019 Great Massachusetts Cleanup - Keep Massachusetts Beautiful is seeking cleanup captains and volunteers for the 2019 Great Massachusetts Cleanup this spring. Cleanup dates are flexible, although scheduling cleanups on April 27 is encouraged. To get involved, register your cleanup or find cleanups on the events calendar.

Whaling History Symposium - From April 27-28, the New Bedford Whaling Museum will host the 2019 Biennial Whaling History Symposium, Gaps in Analysis and New Perspectives on Whaling, World Cultures, and Contemporary Issues, featuring historical perspectives on whaling from around the world.

Run of the Charles Canoe, Kayak, and Paddleboard Race - On April 28, the Charles River Watershed Association will hold the 37th annual Run of the Charles boat race, with races at several locations along the river from Dedham to Brighton. The finish line features Riverfest with refreshments, live music, games, and more.

Flood Mitigation Conference - On April 30, the 2019 Rhode Island Flood Mitigation Association Conference, What Works? Implementing Lessons Learned, will be held in Smithfield, Rhode Island. The conference will include presentations on successful flood mitigation projects as well as keynote addresses by Dr. Jim Backburn, Civil and Environmental Engineering Professor at Rice University, who will share lessons learned from flooding events in and around Houston, Texas, and Jeff Deihl, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank, who will discuss flood mitigation funding strategies. An early registration discount is available through April 9.

Mass Marine Educators Meeting and Conference - On May 4, Massachusetts Marine Educators will hold its 2019 Annual Meeting and Conference, Life in the Extreme, in Woods Hole. The conference will include presentations and workshops on how marine life has adapted to live in the extreme environments of the world’s ocean.

South Shore Climate Change Symposium—Save the Date - On May 9, the second South Shore Climate Change Symposium will be held in Norwell. This full-day symposium will present an overview of current research on climate change and its impacts, such as sea level rise, ocean acidification, and anticipated changes in precipitation that could cause inland flooding and changes to groundwater levels. Case studies of local climate change initiatives, including funding and opportunities for stormwater management and buyouts and relocation strategies, will also be presented. Other topics will include impacts on coastal property values and emergency preparedness and resiliency in the energy industry. This event is sponsored by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, CZM, Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Program, North and South Rivers Watershed Association, Mass Audubon South Shore Sanctuaries, South Shore Climate Resiliency Network, and the towns of Norwell, Scituate, and Duxbury. Registration information will be available later this month. For more information, contact CZM’s South Shore Regional Coordinator, Jason Burtner, at jason.burtner@mass.gov.

Coastal Sediments Conference - From May 27-31, the Coastal Sediments 2019 Conference, Advancing Science & Engineering for Resilient Coastal Systems, will be held in St. Petersburg, Florida. This international coastal science and engineering conference will feature short courses, technical tours of local projects, and presentations on barrier beaches, beach nourishment, climate change and sea level rise, coastal processes, and more. Registration discounts are available through April 1.

World Oceans Day - June 8 is World Oceans Day and activities celebrating oceans and coasts are held across the world throughout June. The 2019 theme is Together We Can Protect and Restore Our Ocean. To get involved and receive updates, see the World Oceans Day website.

Managed Retreat Conference - From June 19-21, the Climate Adaptation Initiative at Columbia University’s Earth Institute will host At What Point Managed Retreat? Resilience Building in the Coastal Zone in New York, New York. This conference will focus on the science and policies of sea level rise and coastal flooding, the costs and benefits of retreat versus building resilience or coastal reinforcement, and best practices and policy options for managed retreat.

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

  • Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions Conference - On March 2, the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions will hold its Annual Environmental Conference 2019 in Worcester. Workshops will include Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage: Regulatory Performance Standards by MassDEP 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 will hold its 2019 Annual Conference in Worcester.
  • Ecological Landscaping Conference - From March 6-7, the Ecological Landscaping Alliance (ELA) will hold the 25th annual ELA Conference and Eco-Marketplace, Sustaining the Living Landscape, in Amherst.
  • 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.
  • Sea Rovers Show - From March 8-10, the Boston Sea Rovers will hold the 2019 Sea Rovers Show in Danvers, showcasing the marine environment with a focus on diving. 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 24th annual Cape Cod Natural History Conference at Cape Cod Community College in West Barnstable.
  • 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. Seminars will be scheduled between October 2019 and April 2020. See the Call for Proposals, 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. See their Presenters page for more information and to submit 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.
  • 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 will focus on stream continuity and restoration projects.
  • National Monitoring Conference - From March 25-29, the National Water Quality Monitoring Council will host the 11th National Water Monitoring Conference, Working Together for Clean Water, in Denver, Colorado.
  • Water Action Alliance Conference - On March 29, the Water Action Alliance of Southeast Massachusetts will hold its 2019 Conference, Water - New England’s Next Big Challenge, in Hanson. This conference covers water quality and supply issues in New England, with a focus on Southeastern Massachusetts.
  • Sustainable Communities & Campuses Conference - On March 29, the 2019 Massachusetts Sustainable Communities & Campuses Conference will be held in Cambridge and 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, and will showcase ocean science and engineering achievements that provide sustainable solutions to climate change challenges.
  • Coastal Construction Conference - On April 11, the Environmental Business Council of New England will hold the 3rd annual Coastal Construction Conference in Norwood. Coastal contractors and project owners will provide case studies of recent projects.
  • Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference - From April 14-16, the 75th annual Northeast Fish & Wildlife Conference will be held in Groton, Connecticut, bringing together natural resource professionals to discuss 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 30th annual Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Calendar - Multiple/Ongoing Events

Barnstable Land Trust Walks, Talks, and Events - The Barnstable Land Trust has scheduled several upcoming events, including The Ecology of Seaweed presentation on March 13 and a Sandy Neck Walk on April 6. For a full schedule, see their 2019 Events page.

Boat Safety - From now through the spring, 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) is hosting the 2018-2019 Boston Seminar on Environmental History, which includes sessions on how the environment has shaped American societies. The next session, Biological Exchange in the Pacific World in the Age of Industrial Sugarcane Plantations, will be held on March 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 events throughout the Boston Harbor area, including winter cruises, stewardship events, and more. 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. March events include winter walks, art lessons, a Cuttyhunk Seal Cruise, maple tapping, lectures, an obstacle course, full moon 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 bird watching field trips. March events include a walk at Fort Hill is Eastham on March 23 and winter shorebird watching along the Cape Cod Canal and Sandwich Marina on March 30.

Cape Cod Museum of Natural History Programs - The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History hosts a variety of events including bird walks and talks, lectures, trainings, 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 Napi’s Lecture: Leatherback Sea Turtles in Cape Cod Bay - Lessons from Disentanglement on March 27 in Provincetown. For additional upcoming events, see their events page.

Environmental Film Series - On March 16, Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, the Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater, and WCAI Radio will continue the 2019 Sea Change Environmental Film Series with The Last Bay Scallop, a film that looks at the declining bay scallop fishery on Nantucket. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion. Reservations are required.

Gardening for Life - On several Sundays in March and April, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will host Gardening for Life with experts in the field of gardening and landscape design. On March 10, Dan Jaffe, propagator and stock bed grower at New England Wildflower Society’s Garden in the Woods, will present Design-Less Gardening.

Harwich Conservation Trust Events - In March, the Harwich Conservation Trust will host several events open to the public, including the 13th annual Eyes on Owls Live Owl Program on March 9, the 10th annual Meet Your Local Farmers on March 23, and Non-Native Invasive Plants–Effects on Local Ecosystems and What You Can Do on March 30. For details and additional events, see the Trust's website.

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, winter birding, maple sugaring tours, walks, 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 films, birding, lectures, 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 Blooming Buttercups on March 23.

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 Estimating Coral Feeding Habits from Space on May 21.

New England Aquarium Youth Programs - The New England Aquarium presents programs for kids from 12 months to 12th 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.

Northeast Climate Science Center Webinars - This spring, the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center will present several lunch-time webinars, including Restoring Connecticut River Flow in a Changing Climate on March 27 and Climate Adaptation Science for Coastal Habitats, Species, and Ecosystems on April 3.

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 the March 7 webinar, Exploring Ocean Frontiers: Deep-Sea Corals, Real-Life Data & Collaborative Science, and a March 18 Book Club session on Junk Raft: An Ocean Voyage and a Rising Tide of Activism to Fight Plastic Pollution by Markus Eriksen. Sign up to receive emails about future events.

Salem Sound Workshops, Trainings, and Lectures - In March, Salem Sound Coastwatch will host educational events, including Soak Up the Rain, a talk on natural stormwater management on March 6, Coastal Resiliency and Erosion, a professional development workshop for teachers in all grade levels on March 12, and Sea Turtles in New England, a lecture by Kate Sampson, Sea Turtle Stranding and Disentanglement Coordinator with NOAA Fisheries on March 27. For details on these and other events, see their March calendar.

Winter Education and Film Series - In March, Senior Corps RSVP of Cape Cod & the Islands will continue the series of environmental lectures and films. The 2019 Speaker Series will include Cape Cod Pollinators on March 13. The 2019 Film Series will include 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.

Other Items of Interest

Environmental Education Awards - EEA is 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. 

Gulf of Maine Council Award Nominations - The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment is seeking nominations for the following 2019 Annual Recognition Awards: Visionary Awards recognize “innovation, creativity, and commitment to protecting the marine environment,” the Longard Award honors an outstanding volunteer within the Gulf watershed, the Susan Snow-Cotter Award recognizes a coastal management professional who “exemplifies outstanding leadership or exceptional mentoring in the Gulf of Maine watershed,” the Industry Award goes to a business that has been a leader in their efforts to improve the Gulf of Maine ecosystem, and the Sustainable Communities Award recognizes a community or a community group that embodies a sustainable environment and economy. Nominations are due by April 5.

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 16 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the Osterville Village Library for information on the herring runs, a brief training, and an optional field trip to the Middle Pond fish ladder. For more information, contact Heather Rockwell at hrockwell@bcleanwater.org.

Herring Counters Wanted in Wellfleet - Friends of Herring River is seeking volunteers as part of their 10th annual herring count, which runs from April 1-May 31 and supports important fisheries research and contributes to a regional database of herring counts. The Friends will hold a kick off meeting on March 21 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Wellfleet Library, which will include a brief training followed by two presentations by fisheries experts. No prior experience is necessary to volunteer. For more information, contact John Duane at johnduane@comcast.net.

Volunteer for the Ipswich River - The Ipswich River Watershed Association welcomes volunteers to work on projects to protect the river, help with the volunteer water quality monitoring program, count river herring moving upstream each spring, and other options that fit different schedules, interests, and skills. To get involved, fill out a Volunteer Application. For questions, contact Ryan O’Donnell at rodonnell@ipswichriver.org.

Girls in Science Summer Fellowship - The Earthwatch Institute, in coordination with Woods Hole Sea Grant, is seeking applications for the Girls in Science Summer Fellowship, which is open to Massachusetts High School girl-identifying students (rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors) with an interest in the STEM fields. Fellows will participate in a week-long research expedition at WHOI in August, working with a female team of scientists/mentors to develop skills and build confidence for the pursuit of a STEM education and/or career. Apply online by March 31.

Summer Science School - From June to August, the Waquoit Bay Reserve Foundation sponsors 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.

Coastal Ocean Science Academy - The Northeastern University Marine Science Center in Nahant is accepting applications for the 2019 Coastal Ocean Science Academy, a two-week summer experience for high school students from August 5-16 and one-week session for middle school students from July 22-26. Participants gain firsthand experience with diverse New England coastal habitats and marine resources and engage in hands-on research activities.

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