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CZ-Mail - May 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 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

EEA Focuses on Climate Change Resilience for Earth Week 2017 - On April 18, as part of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Earth Week celebrations, EEA Secretary Matthew Beaton joined Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll, CZM officials, and other state and local officials to announce the availability of $2.6 million in funding through CZM’s Coastal Resilience and Coastal Pollutant Remediation (CPR) grant programs. The event also highlighted Salem’s role as a local leader in implementing projects with this grant funding, highlighting how their efforts to address erosion, flooding, and stormwater serve as a model for other coastal communities across the Commonwealth in addressing climate change impacts. See the EEA press release for more information on the event. On April 19, also as part of Earth Week and its commitment to working with communities and local partners to prevent and prepare for climate change, the Baker-Polito Administration announced the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) grant program, which builds on Governor Baker’s Executive Order 569 and provides funding to cities and towns to complete a community-driven process to identify hazards and develop strategies to improve resilience. See the EEA press release for details on MVP and see the Grants section below for additional information on the Request for Proposals for all three grant programs. Also as part of EEA’s Earth Week celebration and to highlight CZM’s efforts to help coastal communities address climate change impacts, CZM Director Bruce Carlisle penned this Salem News column: Earth Day 2017: Coastal connections in a changing climate.

CZM Spotlight: Great Marsh Resiliency Partnership to Receive EPA Award for Promoting Climate Change Resilience - On May 3, the Great Marsh Resiliency Partnership (GMRP) will receive a 2017 Environmental Merit Award from the New England Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in recognition of their significant contributions to preserving and protecting natural resources. The project began in June 2014 when the GMRP received $2.9 million through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Hurricane Sandy Coastal Resiliency Competitive Grant Program to support coastal resiliency planning and ecosystem enhancement projects in the Great Marsh and its coastal watersheds. The GMRP is a working group that includes local conservation groups, regional planning entities, state and federal agencies, and local communities working to protect the Great Marsh. Coordinated by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), the project includes five components aimed at increasing the resiliency of the Great Marsh and Parker-Ipswich-Essex (PIE) Rivers Region: 1) barrier beach restoration (dune restoration and native vegetation planting); 2) salt marsh restoration (invasive species removal); 3) hydrological barrier assessment and prioritization for improvement/removal; 4) hydrodynamic and sediment transport modeling; and 5) Great Marsh resiliency planning. Along with CZM, major partners include the Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA), Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Program (MassBays), Merrimac Valley Planning Commission/Eight Towns and the Great Marsh, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, University of New Hampshire, Mass Audubon, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Boston University. CZM’s primary role in the project is to provide technical assistance and support for Great Marsh resiliency planning, working directly with staff from IRWA and NWF along with municipal officials from Essex, Ipswich, Rowley, Newbury, Newburyport, and Salisbury. In addition, CZM has played a substantial role in providing technical assistance and available information to the other components of the project. The award will be presented to NWF at a ceremony at Faneuil Hall in Boston on May 3, with CZM staff and many members of the GMRP in attendance.

CZ-Tip - Gear Up for Clean Cruising in the Commonwealth this Boat Season - With the weather warming up, it’s time to get that boat into the water. Before launching, remember that boats are like cars, so using and maintaining them can have an impact on the environment. Fuel spills, oil leaks, detergents, and boat sewage discharges all can pollute the water. Boating in sensitive and shallow areas can also harm delicate habitats if not done with care. With minimal effort and expense you can help keep coastal waters clean and healthy—a key ingredient for great boating. See the CZ-Tip - Simple Steps to Clean Boating in Massachusetts for specific information on handling fuel and oil, sewage and graywater, boat cleaning and maintenance, boating in sensitive areas, and marine debris, along with links to additional information.

Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities

Coastal Resilience Grant Program - CZM is seeking proposals for the Coastal Resilience Grant Program. For Fiscal Year (FY) 2018, this program will provide up to $2.1 million in grants and technical assistance to coastal communities to advance innovative and transferable local coastal resilience initiatives to increase awareness and understanding of climate impacts, assess vulnerability and risk, conduct adaptation planning, and redesign vulnerable community facilities and infrastructure. Additionally, both coastal communities and certified 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organizations may seek funding for non-structural approaches (or green infrastructure) that enhance natural resources and provide storm damage protection. Applicants may request up to $500,000 in funding and a 25 percent match of the total project cost is required. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2018. To view the Request for Responses (RFR) and download required forms, see the COMMBUYS website. Proposals are due by 4:00 p.m. on June 5.

Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grant Program - CZM is seeking proposals for the Coastal Pollutant Remediation (CPR) Grant Program. For FY 2018, the CPR program will provide up to $500,000 to municipalities located in the Massachusetts Coastal Watershed to assess and remediate stormwater pollution from paved surfaces and to design and construct commercial boat waste pumpout facilities. As much as $175,000 may be requested and a 25 percent match of the total project cost is required. Projects may not exceed one year in duration and must be completed by June 30, 2018. To view the RFR and download required forms, see the COMMBUYS website. Proposals are due by May 25.

Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Grant Program - EEA is seeking proposals for the new Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Grant Program, which will provide funding to cities and towns to complete a community-driven process to identify hazards and develop strategies to improve resilience. Through this program, municipalities will be better equipped to plan and prepare for climate change, and state government will gain a better understanding of the challenges communities face. Additionally, the program will help ensure coordinated statewide efforts and align programs with the critical challenges facing communities. State-certified MVP providers will deliver the program using a standardized toolkit for assessing vulnerability and developing strategies, and the best available statewide climate projections and data. Upon successful completion of the program, municipalities will be designated as a “Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program community,” which may lead to increased standing in future funding opportunities. To view the RFR and download required forms, see the COMMBUYS website. Proposals are due by May 17.

§319 Grants - The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is seeking proposals for the §319 Nonpoint Source Competitive Grants Program to fund comprehensive projects that address nonpoint sources of pollution affecting water quality. Proposals are due by noon on June 2.

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. DCS will hold two workshops for the PARC and LAND grants—on May 17 in Amherst and on May 18 in Boston. PARC and LAND grant applications are due by July 12. Conservation Partnership applications are due by July 17.

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

  • BoatUS Grassroots Grants - The BoatUS Foundation is seeking applications for its Grassroots Grants. Up to $10,000 is available to local volunteer organizations to promote education on safe and clean boating. Applications are accepted year round.

Products/Publications

Westport River Salt Marsh Report - The Buzzards Bay Coalition and the Westport Fisherman’s Association have released Salt Marsh Loss in the Westport Rivers, a report that discusses the region’s increasing loss of salt marsh. At the six islands studied, marsh area has consistently declined in the last 80 years by an average of 48 percent. The report states that both sea level rise and nitrogen pollution contribute to the loss. Other project partners for this report include the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program and the Marine Biological Laboratory Ecosystems Center.

Ebb & Flow - The Spring 2017 issue of Ebb & Flow, the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration eNewsletter, features articles on the Massachusetts dam removal policy, the effects of dam removal on water quality, and other updates, grant opportunities, events, and resource links.

Beneath the Surface - The April 2017 issue of Beneath the Surface, a newsletter from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), includes features on measuring Earth’s inner temperature and eavesdropping on whales, along with other news and updates from WHOI.

Marine Ecosystems and Management Information Service - The April 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, focuses on new technologies for improving ocean management and ecosystem health and other notes and news.

The Sandbar - The April 2017 issue of The Sandbar, a quarterly publication reporting on legal issues affecting the U.S. oceans and coasts by the National Sea Grant College Program, features articles on the overlap of public and private rights to coastal land, beluga whale protections, and other ocean- and coastal-related legal issues.

Sound Waves - The March 2017 issue of Sound Waves, a U.S. Geological Survey newsletter, features articles on severe erosion on the U.S. west coast during 2015-16 El Nino, exploring a remote Pacific marine protected area, and other coastal and marine research news.

Marine Protected Area Newsletter - The April 2017 issue of MPA News features articles on Marine Protected Area (MPA) effectiveness, United Kingdom MPAs and Brexit, and other MPA news and notes.

Web-Based and Mobile-User Resources

Estuaries Video - The Association of National Estuary Programs (ANEP) has released Why Support the National Estuary Program?, a short informational video about estuaries and the role that National Estuary Programs (NEPs) play in protecting and restoring coastal resources. The video features the Association to Preserve Cape Cod, the regional partner on Cape Cod for MassBays. Massachusetts is the host of two NEPs, MassBays and Buzzards Bay.

Route to Resilience Tool - EPA has released Route to Resilience (RtoR), a tool that will help small- and medium-sized drinking water and wastewater utilities learn more about becoming resilient to hazards such as floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and contamination incidents. This interactive desktop application guides utilities through five stops: assess, plan, train, respond, and recover. RtoR also provides utilities with a custom report that highlights products and tools to help achieve resilience.

Job/Internship Postings

Buzzards Bay Coalition Positions - The Buzzards Bay Coalition is seeking applicants for several full-time and seasonal positions. The Coalition’s work to restore clean water, protect watershed lands, and engage the community is carried out by a talented group of conservation professionals. For currently available opportunities for full-time careers, seasonal employment, internships, and service positions, see the Coalition website.

TerraCorps Positions - In 2017, the TerraCorps program is seeking applications to fill 36 full-time AmeriCorps positions in one of four roles: Land Stewardship Coordinator, Regional Conservation Coordinator, Community Engagement Coordinator, and Youth Education Coordinator. Members will serve in full-time, eleven-month positions (August 28, 2017-July 27, 2018). Members receive a living allowance, education award, and additional AmeriCorps benefits. For more information, including application details, see the TerraCorps website.

Coastal Marine Ecology Internships - The Coastal Systems Group of the UMass Dartmouth School of Marine Science is seeking applicants for summer internships in coastal marine ecology. Students accepted into this competitive 10-12 week program will participate in both field data collection and laboratory analyses. Research areas include estuarine water quality monitoring, nutrient cycling, and wetlands ecology. Successful candidates should be capable of working both independently and as part of a team.

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

Northeast Regional Planning Body Meeting - On May 2, the Northeast Regional Planning Body (RPB) will hold a Stakeholder Forum in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Attendees will have an opportunity to provide feedback and inform next steps for the implementation of the Northeast Ocean Plan. This forum will be followed by a May 24 public meeting at the National Marine Fisheries Offices in Gloucester. Please register for the Forum.

Ocean Health Index Webinar - On May 2 at 1:00 p.m., the Ecosystem-Based Management Tools Network and Marine Ecosystems and Management (MEAM) will co-sponsor Using the Ocean Health Index as an Integrated Tool for Implementing EBM and Coastal Management Approaches Globally, a webinar by Erich Pacheco and Johanna Polsenberg of Conservation International and Julie Lowndes of National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis. The Ocean Health Index is the first assessment tool that scientifically combines key biological, economic, and social elements of ocean health to guide decision makers towards sustainable use of the ocean.

Aquarium Lecture Series - Through June 8, the New England Aquarium will host the Aquarium Lecture Series, which will feature free lectures and films by scientists, environmental writers, photographers, and others. The next lecture will be on May 4 when Peter Auster, Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist at the Mystic Aquarium and Research Professor Emeritus of Marine Sciences at the University of Connecticut, will present A Stroll through the New Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument.

Henry David Thoreau Lecture - On May 4, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will present Henry David Thoreau at 200: From Concord to Cape Cod with poet, writer, and outdoor educator, Corinne H. Smith.

Coastal Waterbirds on the Cape - On May 4, the Orleans Conservation Trust will hold a Coastal Waterbirds of the Cape Lecture at the Orleans Yacht Club. The talk will feature Mark Faherty, Science Coordinator at Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay for a discussion on Mass Audubon's coastal waterbirds program and recent waterbird research on the Cape. This lecture is free and open to the public. Registration is required.

Stormwater Walking Tour - On May 5, the Association to Preserve Cape Cod will hold a Cotuit Stormwater Walking Tour. Participants will learn about the new restoration project to help clean the up the Three Bays and how stormwater management can play an important role in protecting and improving water quality. Registration is required for this free event.

Saturday Science - Through May, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster will host monthly sessions of Saturday Science, a hands-on look at scientific concepts with experiments for kids. On May 7, the museum will hold Nature Detectives for kids ages 4-7 to look for evidence in nature.

Grey to Green Conference - From May 8-10, the Grey to Green Conference: Quantifying Green Infrastructure Performance will be held in Toronto, Canada. This conference explores the latest in performance, economic valuation, design, policy, and technology from Canada, the United States, and worldwide. This interdisciplinary conference is a leading forum for designers, policy makers, manufacturers, growers, landscapers, and other green infrastructure professionals to discuss the benefits and growth of the green infrastructure industry.

National Adaptation Forum - From May 9-11, the third National Adaptation Forum will be held in St. Paul, Minnesota. This biennial conference provides opportunities for professional development through formal trainings, facilitated practitioner presentations, and informal exchange of information

Adopt a Beach Training - On May 10 at 8:30 p.m., Salem Sound Coastwatch (SSCW) will hold an Adopt a Beach Training at their offices at 12 Federal Street, Salem. SSCW encourages beach lovers to come out to learn how to be an Adopt a Beach volunteer. Once trained, these volunteers, or "beachkeepers," monitor and clean up their favorite beaches.

Stormwater Finance Webinars - This spring and summer, EPA’s Water Infrastructure and Resiliency Finance Center will host a Stormwater Finance Webinar Series in collaboration with the Water Environment Federation. Communities across the county are struggling to identify a financing strategy to support stormwater management programs. These webinars will explore both traditional stormwater financing strategies as well as new and innovative approaches. Each session will provide a technical overview of specific successful and leading-edge examples of how communities have supported stormwater efforts. The first two sessions are DC Water’s Environmental Impact Bond (EIB) on May 11 and Washington DC’s Stormwater Retention Credit Program on May 23.

Online Ocean Conference - On May 13, the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) will present The Dynamic Ocean: Changes and Impacts, an online conference that will include NSTA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and NOAA partner scientists and educators. This virtual conference will focus on the ocean, how it is changing, and the impacts these changes are having on the world.

Climate Science Meeting - From May 15-17, the Northeast Climate Science Center (NE CSC) will hold the 2017 Regional Science Meeting at UMass Amherst. This meeting will gather scientists and partners to reflect on the collaborative work to incorporate climate science in the management of natural and cultural resources in the Northeast and Midwest and determine future directions and needs for this region.

Digging into the Past - On May 17, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, as part of its Digging into the Past lecture series, will present Abolitionists and Freedom Seekers with president of the New Bedford Historical Society, Lee Blake. In the mid-19th century, New Bedford was the richest city in the world due to its whaling fleet. New Bedford was also known as a racially tolerant community that provided a safe place for those running away from the tyranny of slavery. The whaling industry was a major draw for freedom seekers and it provided a quick means of escape. Attendees will hear stories of the abolitionist movement and those who fought for freedom for those enslaved.

Citizen Science Conference - From May 17-20, the Citizen Science Association will hold Citizen Science 2017 in St. Paul, Minnesota. This conference focuses on promoting accessible science by increasing science literacy and cooperation between researchers and the public. Topics include blurring research disciplines, using science to impact policy decisions, empower the public with data, better sharing of research results, best practices, and measuring outcomes. On May 18, MassBays' Pam DiBona will highlight plans for the Citizen Monitoring Coordinators' Network with the talk, Bringing Data to Decision Makers: Building Capacity Among Citizen-Initiated Efforts.

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 Coastal Birding for Beginners from May 19-21.

Plastics in the Ocean Workshop - On May 20, WHOI and WHOI Sea Grant will present Plastic and Microplastic in the Ocean: What is it, and what happens to it? , a professional development workshop for educators. Attendees will: learn about plastic that ends up in the sea, from large visible items down to micro-sized particles; find out what happens to plastics on a beach or in the open sea; hear what directions research is taking; and go to a local beach to see how ‘citizen science’ is helping track the problem.

Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle - On May 20, the Mystic River Watershed Association will hold the 21st annual Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle. This event consists of a 5K Run/Walk along the Mystic River Bike Path and a 3-, 9-, or 12-mile Paddling Race up the Mystic River. Compete in both the 5K road race and the 12-mile paddle race and be eligible for the Iron Herring Award for the male and female with the fastest overall time. Teams are encouraged for the 5K. Prizes donated by local businesses will be awarded. This is a family-fun event with children's activities, music, and more.

2017 FMA Annual Conference—Call for Abstracts - From September 5-8, the Floodplain Management Association will hold the 2017 Annual Conference, Creating Partnerships through Integration: Water, Environment, People in Long Beach, California. This event brings together nearly 600 attendees from government, academia, private sector, and nonprofits to discuss the latest strategies, tools, and technologies in floodplain and flood risk management. The conference offers critical policy panel discussions, an extensive multi-track technical program, invaluable networking opportunities, professional training workshops, field trips, and exhibitors. See the Call for Abstracts, which are due by May 21.

BUAR Public Meeting - On May 25 at 1:30 p.m., the Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources (BUAR) will hold its bi-monthly public meeting in the CZM Large Conference Room. The preliminary agenda includes discussion/approval of minutes for the March 31, 2017, meeting, renewal of five permits, review/approval of two special use permits, and discussion of permittee, outreach, and research activities. For more information, contact BUAR Director, Victor Mastone, at victor.mastone@state.ma.us.

Mudflat Mania Guide Training - In May and June, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will hold Mudflat Mania Guide Training. Attendees can become a guide for the museum’s popular Mudflat Mania hikes on the Brewster sand flats. Guides must attend two mandatory class sessions on May 30 and June 6 and one of three outdoor sessions on June 14, 16, and 20.

ICEA Annual Conference—Call for Presentations - From February 11-14, 2018, the International Erosion Control Association (ICEA) will hold the 2018 ICEA Annual Conference in Long Beach, California. Presentation submissions are welcome on erosion and sediment control; stormwater management; wetland, stream bank, and shoreline restoration; MS4 management; and industry trends. See the Abstract Submission Portal. Abstracts are due by May 31.

Blue Planet Symposium - From May 31-June 2, Blue Planet Oceans and Society will hold the third Blue Planet Symposium in College Park, Maryland. The symposium provides a forum to discuss the important role the oceans play in Earth's life-support system and the challenge of minimizing the impacts of human activities on the oceans while utilizing the resources of the oceans to meet society’s needs.

Marine Debris Conference—Call for Technical Sessions - From March 12-16, 2018, the sixth International Marine Debris Conference (6IMDC) will be held in San Diego, California. Organizers are seeking technical session proposals on: monitoring; microplastics; technology and innovation; research; prevention; removal; education and communication; implementing effective law, regulations, and policy; economics and financing; and citizen science. See the Call for Technical Sessions, which are due by June 2.

Oceans Conference - From June 5-9, The Oceans Conference, Our Oceans, Our Future: Partnering for the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14, will be held at the United Nations in New York City. Goal 14 addresses the need to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources. The Ocean Conference will result in a “Call for Action" to support the implementation of Goal 14, a report of the partnership dialogues, and a list of voluntary commitments for the implementation of this goal.

Nantucket Coastal Conference—Save the Date - On June 6, Woods Hole Sea Grant, in coordination with the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension and CZM, will hold the Nantucket Coastal Conference at the Nantucket Atheneum. Topics to be discussed include flood plain management, local coastal resilience projects, offshore wind generation, and coastal erosion. For more information, please contact Greg Berman at gberman@whoi.edu or Steve McKenna at stephen.mckenna@state.ma.us.

Boating Safety Course - Through June 6, the Massachusetts Environmental Police will offer Boat Massachusetts, a free, state and nationally approved boating safety course for boaters age 12 and older. The course concentrates on the equipment and operating guidelines needed to enjoy boating in a safe and responsible way. All graduates ages 12-15 will 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.).

World Oceans Day - World Oceans Day is June 8 and activities celebrating oceans and coasts are held across the world throughout June. The 2017 theme is Our Oceans, Our Future. See the World Oceans Day website to view or submit events.

EBC Annual Awards - On June 8, the Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC) will hold its Annual Awards Celebration in Boston to recognize companies, organizations, and individuals for outstanding environmental/energy accomplishments in the promotion of a sustainable, clean environment.

Sea Level Rise Forum - On June 11, the Boston Museum of Science will host Sea Level Rise and Extreme Precipitation: Preparing for Boston's Uncertain Future, a daylong forum where participants will use visualizations to explore potential vulnerabilities to infrastructure, social networks, and ecosystems from sea level rise and extreme precipitation events. Participants will then discuss potential strategies for addressing these threats, focusing on the priorities and needs of relevant stakeholders. Participants will make recommendations for increasing Boston's community resilience. The event is designed to gather the opinions of a diverse range of people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, therefore those interested must apply to participate.

Salem Sound Run/Walk for the Beach - On June 11, Salem Sound Coastwatch will hold the 8th annual Run/Walk for the Beach in Beverly, a 5K event to support their efforts to protect local beaches and marine life.

Marine Invasive Species Workshop - On June 13 from 6:30-8:00 p.m., Salem Sound Coastwatch will hold a Marine Invasive Species Workshop at Winter Island Function Hall, Winter Island Park in Salem. This workshop is free and open to the public. Attendees will see, touch, and learn about marine bio-invaders that live in tide pools, on floating docks, and on the rocky shoreline. An optional trip to the Winter Island tide pool will follow. Be sure to wear shoes that can get wet and are suitable for walking on rocks. For more information, contact info@ salemsound.org.

Wetlands Delineation Course - From June 15-16, Woods Hole Sea Grant, in coordination with the Barnstable County Cooperative Extension and CZM, will hold Basic Wetland Delineation and its Dirty Little Secrets, a wetlands delineation course taught by Dr. Richard D. Rheinhardt. One half day will be spent in the classroom, and two half days in the field. The course is primarily intended for Conservation Agents and Conservation Commissions. For more information, please contact Greg Berman at gberman@whoi.edu or Steve McKenna at stephen.mckenna@state.ma.us.

Buzzards Bay Swim - On June 24, the Buzzards Bay Coalition will host the 2017 Buzzards Bay Swim. 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 as a swimmer, supporter, or volunteer support the work to protect and restore Buzzards Bay.

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 workshops page 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 education calendar provides a schedule of programs.

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.

Tuesday Tweets - On several Tuesdays into April, 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 May 2.

Cape Cod Bird Club Walks - Through May, the Cape Cod Bird Club will hold free bird watching walks throughout Cape Cod. The next walk will begin at Beech Forest parking lot in Provincetown on May 6.

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 May 11.

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 a Botany Walk at Sand Pond Woodlands on May 20.

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

  • 2017 Great Massachusetts Litter Cleanup - Keep Massachusetts Beautiful is seeking cleanup coordinators and volunteers for litter cleanups across the state this spring. Cleanup dates are flexible. For more information, visit the Keep Massachusetts Beautiful website or email info@keepmassbeautiful.org.

Other Items of Interest

Volunteer at Cape Cod Herring Runs - The Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC) needs volunteers to count river herring during this spring's migration. There are 19 runs where volunteers are needed. Counts are conducted through June 1. Counts are done for 10 minutes, and nine counts per day per run are needed. Volunteers need to be able to safely traverse rough terrain and to see fish in the stream. For more information, see the APCC website.

e360 Video Contest - The fourth annual Yale Environment 360 Video Contest is now accepting entries. Submissions must be films that focus on an environmental issue or theme, have not been widely viewed online, and are a maximum of 20 minutes in length. Videos that are funded by an organization or company and are primarily about that organization or company are not eligible. The first-place winner will receive $2,000, and two runners-up will each receive $500. The winning entries will be posted on the Yale Environment 360 website. Entries are due by June 9.

Coastal Ocean Science Academy - The Northeastern University Marine Science Center in Nahant is accepting applications for the 2017 Coastal Ocean Science Academy, a two-week summer experience held from August 14-25 that is open to students entering grades 9-12. Participants experience firsthand diverse New England coastal habitats and marine resources, engaging in hands-on research and inquiry activities. For 2017, the program will also offer a one-week middle school session from July 17-21.

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