CZ-Mail - March 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

Upcoming Grant Opportunities from CZM - CZM anticipates the release of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Requests for Responses (RFR) for two CZM grant programs this spring. Prior to the release of the RFRs, CZM will host information sessions to discuss goals and requirements, answer questions, and provide feedback on potential project ideas for these grants:

• Coastal Pollutant Remediation (CPR) Grants - The 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. In addition, funding is available to support capacity-building activities and planning for stormwater infrastructure, such as the development of bylaws and ordinances and training for municipal staff on operation and maintenance.
• Coastal Resilience Grants - The Coastal Resilience Grant Program provides funding and technical assistance to reduce risks associated with coastal storms, flooding, erosion, and sea level rise through innovative and transferable local projects. Coastal communities are eligible to apply for funding to assess vulnerabilities and risks and redesign and retrofit vulnerable, municipally owned facilities and infrastructure. Additionally, both coastal communities and eligible nonprofit organizations may seek funding for public education and communication efforts to conduct proactive planning to address sea level rise impacts and implement non-structural (or green infrastructure) approaches that enhance natural shoreline resilience and provide coastal storm damage protection.

Stay tuned to the CZM Jobs and Grants page for details on upcoming information sessions and the release of the RFRs.

MassBays and CZM Receive Grant Funding for Salem Sound Assessments - In February, the Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Partnership (MassBays) and CZM were awarded a $60,000 supplemental grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 1 to support additional water quality and benthic assessments in Salem Sound. MassBays previously provided funding to Salem State University in 2012 and 2018 to carry out investigations to determine how nutrients in the water affect habitat conditions. With this additional funding, the team will expand the assessment to evaluate the benthic community at the same monitoring sites, which will allow for a better understanding of how nutrient reductions might improve environmental conditions in coastal waters.

MassBays Launches Interactive Ecosystem Delineation and Assessment Map - MassBays has used data from its comprehensive Ecosystem Delineation and Assessment to create an interactive Story Map. This new tool draws from the most current data sets on everything from nearshore shellfishing areas to upland population density. The interactive map can display specific data sets (such as bird nesting sites, mooring fields, and road crossings), allowing users to view intersecting resource uses and habitats in the 68 rocky shore, beach, and embayment locations mapped by MassBays for detailed assessment and planning purposes.

Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities

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. For more information, see the Culvert Replacement Request for Responses (RFR). Applications are due by March 25.

Massachusetts Dredging Program Grants - On March 4, the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development will begin seeking proposals from coastal communities for Massachusetts Dredging Program Grants, which provide construction-phase funding for saltwater dredging. These competitive grants for municipalities focus on “shovel-ready projects that contribute to the economic significance, public safety, recreational value, and/or coastal resiliency of the Commonwealth’s coastal harbors.” Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to participate in one of two information sessions—available as an online meeting or conference call—currently scheduled for March 11 and March 16 at 11:00 a.m. Please RSVP to [e-mail] with the subject line “Dredging Info Session.” Applications will be due by April 1. See How to Apply for details.

Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Grants - The Boston Planning and Development Agency and the Fort Point Channel Operations Board are seeking proposals for the Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Grant Program to fund capital improvements and public programming (events for the general public) in and along the Fort Point Channel. These grants support the goals outlined in the 2002 Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Plan, which was developed through a collaborative effort to promote cultural activities and year-round programming in Fort Point. Approximately $50,000 is available for the 2020 grant cycle. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt, sponsored by a tax-exempt nonprofit, or a for-profit organization proposing a nonprofit, public project. For details, including application instructions, see the 2020 RFR. Proposals are due on March 9.

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

• 319 Nonpoint Source Competitive Grants Pre-RFR Meeting - On March 5 at 10 a.m. (snow date is March 12), the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (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.
• 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. 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.
• 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.

Web-Based and Mobile-User Resources

Preparedness Talks for Emergency Managers - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and partners have released two new episodes of PrepTalks, presentations by experts on emergency preparedness. Harnessing the Power of Disaster Insurance by Dr. Carolyn Kousky, Executive Director of the Wharton Risk Management and Decision Processes Center, discusses the importance of insurance in disaster recovery, including why people do not have insurance coverage along with suggestions for how the public and private sectors can collaborate to increase coverage in the United States. Left in the Dark: Power Outages in an Interconnected World by Kate Konschnik, Director of the Climate & Energy Program at the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions at Duke University, examines electricity generation in the United States and the potential for catastrophic failures given the aging power infrastructure, with information for emergency managers to better prepare communities for lengthy power outages. Each PrepTalk includes a video of the presentation, a discussion guide, and related resources.

NOAA Marine Debris Blog - Recent posts in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program’s Marine Debris Blog include large-scale marine debris removal from the Jamaica Bay salt marshes on Long Island, efforts to collect derelict fishing gear in the mid-Atlantic region, and work to tackle marine debris at its source in California. All blog topics can be searched by category and date. To receive notifications of new posts, sign up for email updates.

Climate Education Resources - NOAA has developed a set of Climate Education Resources for teachers to use in the classroom to help students understand the earth’s climatic processes. Four modules are available that cover the carbon cycle, changing seasons, climate change impacts, and climate monitoring.

Newsletters and Other Periodicals

Buzzards Bay Coalition Newsletter - The latest edition of The Bay Buzz from the Buzzards Bay Coalition features stories on how data from Baywatchers has highlighted the importance of efforts to reduce nitrogen pollution in the Buzzards Bay, a federal court ruling to uphold the Massachusetts Oil Spill Prevention Act (which requires oil barges to be escorted through Buzzards Bay by a tug boat), and other regional news, volunteer opportunities, and events.

Massachusetts Lobstermen’s News - The February 2020 Newspaper (PDF, 14 MB) from the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association includes stories about federal right whale regulations, guidance for offshore vessels on changes to Jones Act enforcement by U.S. Customs and Border Control, and other public notices, updates, and lobster news.

NOAA HabitatNews - The February 2020 issue of HabitatNews, a newsletter of the NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Restoration, includes articles on coastal wetland restoration projects in Louisiana, the NOAA Veterans Corps program and how it has helped two military veterans gain meaningful fisheries work, and other marine fisheries habitat news.

Jobs/Internship Postings

Newbury Conservation Agent - The Town of Newbury is seeking a Conservation Agent to provide technical advice to the Conservation Commission and Town Planner on environmental issues; administer and enforce the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, town bylaws, and applicable regulations; and act as a liaison to the Conservation Commission. For more information, see the job posting.

APCC Vacancy - The Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC) has an immediate opening for an individual to work on a broad range of tasks as part the APCC team. This position will manage the APCC Ponds Program, which monitors cyanobacteria in freshwater ponds and streams as an indicator of excessive nutrients and warming temperatures. The selected candidate will also support APCC’s field work, the State of the Waters: Cape Cod project, and APCC's Critical Habitats Atlas. For details on this vacancy, see the job description.

Baywatchers Monitoring Program Assistant Coordinator - The Buzzards Bay Coalition is seeking a part-time, seasonal Assistant Coordinator for the Baywatchers Monitoring Program to primarily help manage this bay-wide, volunteer water quality monitoring program from May to August. The Assistant Coordinator performs a combination of fieldwork, lab analyses, data entry, work with citizen volunteers, and outreach and education. See the Coalition’s Job Opportunities page for details.

Buzzards Bay Salt Marsh Interns - The Buzzards Bay Coalition is seeking interns to support its salt marsh ecosystem monitoring from June through September. Interns will assist with all aspects of work on this effort, including salt marsh field surveys, lab analyses, and data management. Candidates should have experience or education in ecology, environmental science, or biology, with a focus on coastal ecosystems preferred. These positions are 40 hours per week for 10 weeks and work schedules will vary each week based on tides and weather conditions. For more information, see the Coalition’s Job Opportunities page.

Wellfleet Bay Horseshoe Crab Field Coordinator - Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is seeking a Horseshoe Crab Field Coordinator to organize, schedule, and conduct horseshoe crab spawning surveys from mid-April through July. Duties include supervision of volunteers, management of survey data, and production of survey summaries. The coordinator will also conduct trainings and provide presentations. For details, see the Jobs at MassAudubon page. 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 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 13.

Maritime Gloucester Summer Internships - Maritime Gloucester is offering several part-time, unpaid internships for college students and recent graduates. College Aquarium Interns will assist the aquarium manager with equipment/tank maintenance, help visitors with touch tank interactions, and support staff with educational programs. College Education Interns will assist staff with public education programs, including field trips and daily drop-in activities. The time commitment for both internships is at least two days per week for eight weeks. For more information, see the summer internships page.

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.

Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Management Plan - NOAA is seeking public comment on the review of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Management Plan. To initiate the review, NOAA has released the 2020 Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Condition Report (PDF, 9 MB), which reviews the resources and ecosystem services within the sanctuary, including stresses on the resources, current conditions and trends, and management responses. In March, NOAA will hold the following public meetings to get input on plan revisions.

• March 11 - 6:30-8:00 p.m., New England Aquarium, 1 Central Wharf, Boston
• March 12 - 6:30-8:00 p.m., Maritime Gloucester, 23 Harbor Loop, Gloucester
• March 18 - 6:30-8:00 p.m., Massachusetts Maritime Academy, 101 Academy Drive, Buzzards Bay

Comments may be submitted online, by mail, or in person at the public meetings. For more information, see the Sanctuary website or Regulations.gov. Comments are due by April 10.

Calendar - Individual Events and Announcements

White Shark Research Talk - On March 5, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will present White Shark Research Update Spring 2020 with Dr. Greg Skomal of the Massachusetts Shark Research Program at the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. Dr. Skomal will provide an update on his research on shark movements to develop strategies to avoid shark and human conflicts.

Woods Hole Sea Grant Research Symposium - On March 6, Science at Our Shores: Woods Hole Sea Grant Research Symposium will be held at Redfield Auditorium in Woods Hole and will feature brief presentations about research on coastal and environmental issues funded through Sea Grant. This event is free and open to the public and registration is preferred.

Municipal Stormwater Program - On March 11, the Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC) will hold the EBC Water Resources Program: MS4 - Lessons Learned & Planning for Year Two in Boston. Join staff from EPA Region 1 and MassDEP for a discussion of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) program in Massachusetts.

Field Guide Training Course - Starting March 18, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will hold its annual Field Guide Training Course, which will consist of six Wednesday sessions (March 18-April 15), opportunities to shadow veteran guides from April 20-24, and a final training on April 29. 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.

Ocean and Coastal Acidification Webinar - On March 19, EPA and the Coastal States Organization will present State Legislation on Ocean & Coastal Acidification, a webinar on the threats of acidification on marine ecosystems and coastal communities. The presentation will provide information on legislation enacted in three states to address this issue and the efforts underway to tackle local sources of acidification.

Offshore Wind Talk - On March 23, Storm Surge, a Newburyport nonprofit working on climate change issues, will host Winds of Change…Offshore by Amber Hewett, Campaign Manager for Offshore Wind Energy at the National Wildlife Federation. The talk is open to the public and will held at the Newburyport Senior/Community Center. For more information, see the Storm Surge website.

National Coastal and Estuarine Summit—Call for Proposals - From October 4-8, Restore America’s Estuaries and the Coastal States Organization will co-host The National Coastal and Estuarine Summit in Providence, Rhode Island. The 2020 Summit will explore the latest issues in coastal restoration and management with interactive sessions, plenary speakers, and poster presentations. Organizers are now accepting program proposals that emphasize lessons learned and best practices in coastal and estuarine restoration and management. For details, see the Call for Proposals. Presentation proposals are due by April 3, and posters proposals are due by July 17.

Great Boston Cleanup - On April 22, Keep Massachusetts Beautiful will celebrate the 50^th anniversary of Earth Day with the Great Boston Cleanup. Teams of volunteers from Boston-area companies are invited to help remove the litter and debris from Boston streets and parks. Trash bags, gloves, and trash grabber tools will be provided. For more information, see the Great Boston Cleanup website. The registration deadline is March 27.

Massachusetts Park Serve Day - On April 25, the Department of Conservation and Recreation’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 25, the 21^st 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.

2020 Great Massachusetts Cleanup - Keep Massachusetts Beautiful is seeking cleanup coordinators and volunteers for the 2020 Great Massachusetts Cleanup this spring. Cleanup dates are flexible, although scheduling cleanups on April 25 is encouraged. To get involved, register your cleanup or find cleanups on the events calendar.

Flood Conference - From June 7-11, the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) will hold the 2020 ASFPM Annual National Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. This conference feature trainings, concurrent sessions, field trips, and exhibits that focus on flood issues, mitigation, and regulations from the viewpoint of flood management.

Buzzards Bay Swim - On June 27, the Buzzards Bay Coalition will host the 2020 Buzzards Bay Swim starting in New Bedford. Join hundreds of swimmers of all ages and ability levels for a 1.2-mile open-water swim across outer New Bedford Harbor. Funds raised support work to protect and restore Buzzards Bay. Registration is required.

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

• 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 the 2020 MEES Conference in Worcester. This conference for environmental educators across Massachusetts features workshops, panel discussions, exhibits, and networking opportunities.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Zosterapalooza - On March 23, EPA Region 1 in Boston will host Zosterapalooza XXIX to focus on the fate of eelgrass in coastal waters with a series of talks and a poster session on the latest in science, management, and conservation of eelgrass or Zostera marina—a critical marine resource. For more information and to RSVP, contact EPA’s Phil Colarusso at [e-mail].
• 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.
• Gardening Green Expo - On March 28, the WaterSmart program, North and South Rivers Watershed Association, and Kennedy’s Country Gardens will hold the 2020 Gardening Green Expo, Go Native!, 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.
• 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 (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.
• 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 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. Discounted registration is available until March 17.
• 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.

Calendar - Multiple/Ongoing Events

Barnstable Land Trust Walks, Talks, and Events - The Barnstable Land Trust has scheduled several upcoming events, including Guided Eagle Pond Walk on March 10 and a Guided Crooked Cartway Walk on March 18. For a full schedule, see their 2020 Events page.

Boat Safety - From now through July, 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, The Metabolism of Military Forces in the War of Independence: Environmental Contexts and Consequences, will be held on March 10 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. March events include a river and forest exploration, mindfulness walks, paddling, 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 West Dennis Beach on March 7 and Fort Hill in Eastham on March 25. See details and the full schedule on their field trips page.

Cape Cod Museum of Natural History Programs - In March, the museum will host several lectures, walk and talks, and other events, including Gardening with Native Plants to Buffer the Impact of Climate Change on March 15. 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, including the lecture, Evenings with Experts: Climate Change, Conservation, and the Role of Native Plant Horticulture, in Cambridge on March 4.

Ipswich River Programs and Activities - In March, 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 an Owl Prowl for Families on March 13.

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 March events and education opportunities, including lectures, morning birding, activities for kids, and a Birding the Maine Coast outing on March 22.

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 March nature/birding walks, lectures, and the Dancing with Woodcocks: A Spring Exploration birding walk on March 27. 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 Did the Holmes Dam Removal Work? River Herring Migration in Town Brook Before and After Restoration by Abigail Archer, Fisheries and Aquaculture Specialist at Woods Hole Sea Grant and Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, on March 12 and The Art and Science of Dam Removals by Andrew Greene, Professional Engineer and Manager of Water Resources Engineering at Milone & MacBroom, on March 26. These free talks, which are held in Plymouth, are open to the public.

Mystic River Watershed Events - See the Mystic River Watershed Association Calendar for links to March events by date, including a Mystic Lakes Herring Monitoring Training on March 14.

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, Empowering Young Water Scientists with the EarthEcho Water Challenge!, is on March 4.

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 Seven Best Practices for Risk Communication on March 11. 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 What It Takes to Build a Weather-Ready Nation on March 10.

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 March events and education opportunities, such as Friday morning bird walks, photo exhibits, and a Birding by Van trip on March 9.

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 The Big Melt by Ned Tillman on March 16. Sign up to receive emails about future events.

Professional Development Courses at the New England Aquarium - The New England Aquarium has announced several Professional Development Courses for teachers. 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.

Restoration Webinars - Into June, NOAA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will present the Restoration Webinar Series with monthly sessions on new restoration approaches, best management practices, and innovative restoration techniques. The next webinar, Stage 0 Restoration: What It Is, and Why It's Important, is on March 5.

Underwater in Salem Sound Lecture Series - On the last Wednesday of each month through April, Salem Sound Coastwatch will hold free Underwater in Salem Sound lectures in Marblehead, including What Is that Brown Scum on the Water: Plankton Research in Salem Harbor on March 25. See their Community Calendar for details.

WaterWatch Lecture Series - In March, the North and South Rivers Watershed Association will hold the WaterWatch Lecture Series at the South Shore Natural Science Center in Norwell. The final, lecture for 2020, Weather vs. Climate and Climate Change, is on March 4. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Winter Walks on Nantucket - The Nantucket Conservation Foundation will host free, public Winter Walking Tours on Nantucket, including a Tupancy Links walk on March 7. 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. 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 2020 Annual Recognition Awards: Visionary Awards recognizing “innovation, creativity, and commitment to protecting the marine environment,” Sustainable Communities Award for a community or a community group that embodies a sustainable environment and economy, Industry Award for a business that has been a leader in improving the Gulf of Maine ecosystem, Longard Award for an outstanding volunteer within the Gulf watershed, and Susan Snow-Cotter Award for a coastal management professional who “exemplifies outstanding leadership or exceptional mentoring in the Gulf of Maine watershed.” Nominations are due by March 27.

Volunteer for the Neponset River Citizen Water Monitoring Network - The Neponset River Watershed Association is seeking volunteers to join their Citizen Water Monitoring Network for the 2020 season to help monitor water quality in the Neponset River Watershed. If interested, please contact Kelly DiStefano at [e-mail].

Herring Counters Wanted for North and South River - The North and South Rivers Watershed Association is seeking volunteers to count river herring several times per week at one of six sites from late March through early June. If interested, please sign up online.

Little River Volunteer Fish Counters Wanted in Gloucester - Gloucester is seeking volunteers to help count alewives on their annual migration up the Little River to Lily Pond from April 1-May 31. Volunteer counters help to assess the health of the alewife fishery, an important part of the marine food chain. If interested, please attend the information and training session on March 25 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Sawyer Free Library, 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester, and the field training session on March 28 from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the West Gloucester Water Treatment Center at the corner of Essex and Magnolia Avenues. For more information, email Peter Seminara at [e-mail] or call [phone].

2020 Nickerson Fellowship - The Nickerson Conservation Fellowship Committee is soliciting proposals to support scientific research on the natural and cultural resources of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Proposals will be accepted for research in the areas of the natural and social sciences, including terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem processes, biotic and abiotic ecosystem components, cultural and natural resource management, and the political and social implications of resource protection and management. For details, including application information, see the fellowship web page. The application deadline is March 13.

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 juniors and seniors) with an interest in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Fellows will participate in a week-long research expedition at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution from August 8-15, 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 30.

Youth Preparedness Council - FEMA is seeking applicants for its Youth Preparedness Council, which allows young leaders to serve on a national council, meet peers from across the country to work together on disaster preparedness projects, and attend a Youth Preparedness Summit in Washington, DC. Council members are selected based on their desire for public service, community service efforts, and potential to be national advocates for youth preparedness. For applications instructions, see the FEMA website. Applications are due by March 8.

Summer Ocean Science Workshops for Kids - In July and August, Ocean Protection Advocacy Kids (OPAK) is offering week-long ocean science-themed workshops for students in grades 2-12. Workshops are available in Plymouth, Dennis, and Chatham. For more information and to register, see the OPAK Summer 2020 Workshops page.

Summer Coastal Ecology Program for Kids - Registration is now open for Westport River Watershed Alliance Summer Programs for kids aged 7-11 to learn about coastal ecology and explore coastal habitats in week-long programs. Also, hour-long daily sessions are available for children ages 3-6 accompanied by an adult. Registration is available on the WRWA website.

Coastal Ocean Science Academy - The Northeastern University Marine Science Center in Nahant is accepting applications for the 2020 Coastal Ocean Science Academy, a two-week summer experience for high school students from August 10-21 and one-week session for middle school students from July 27-31. Participants gain firsthand experience with diverse New England coastal habitats and marine resources and engage in hands-on research activities.