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
CZM Spotlight: Blue Carbon, Green Eelgrass: Estimating Carbon Storage in Eelgrass in the Gulf of Maine - Eelgrass (Zostera marina) grows in beds that spread out and form meadows that stabilize sediments on the seafloor, filter nutrients and other pollutants to improve water quality and clarity, reduce shoreline erosion, and provide a safe place for marine animals to lay eggs and hide from predators. Eelgrass may also play an important role in mitigating the impacts of climate change by storing large amounts of carbon in the plant tissue and bed sediments. Often called "blue carbon," this carbon storage and sequestration process reduces carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere that contribute to climate change. To better understand this connection, scientists have been studying the carbon storage potential of eelgrass in New England. In 2014, a pilot study conducted by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sea Grant and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on eelgrass beds in Gloucester and Nahant estimated carbon storage within ranges found for seagrasses in the North Atlantic. Building on these results in 2015, MassBays National Estuary Program (MassBays) secured EPA funding and teamed up with EPA, MIT Sea Grant, and Boston University on a study to quantify the carbon accumulated in eelgrass habitat in five sites across Massachusetts. Results showed that sediment within eelgrass had higher carbon levels than in reference sites (with no eelgrass). Results also indicated that carbon in eelgrass bed sediments is likely sequestered both through fixation (photosynthesis performed by eelgrass) and collection of organic matter in the water column. In 2016 and 2017, with additional funding from EPA, the study was expanded to New Hampshire (Great Bay), Maine (Portland), and Rhode Island (Ninigret Pond and Prudence Island). Results continued to show that sediments in eelgrass beds can store substantial amounts of carbon, in some cases up to an order of magnitude more than adjacent unvegetated habitats. Efforts are currently underway to estimate rates of carbon accumulation in different beds and to determine causes of variability in storage capacity across the Northeastern United States. The data gathered will be used to raise awareness among decision makers at the federal, state, and local levels about the mitigating role that eelgrass plays in climate change and to help build the case for conservation and restoration of this habitat. For more information, see Green eelgrass, blue carbon from MIT News and Blue Carbon, Green Eelgrass: Estimating Carbon Storage in Eelgrass in the Gulf of Maine from MassBays.
Still Time to Join COASTSWEEP 2017 - September kicked off COASTSWEEP 2017, the state’s volunteer beach cleanup sponsored by CZM and part of Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup. Volunteers have already turned out throughout Massachusetts to collect marine debris, such as trash, fishing line, cigarette butts, and other human-made items, and record what they found. But COASTSWEEP isn’t over yet! There is still plenty of time to volunteer at a scheduled cleanup or to organize one of your own at a local beach, coastal site, or even an underwater site. All the supplies (bags, gloves, data cards, pencils, etc.) are provided free of charge, and cleanups can be scheduled at your convenience into early November. To find out how to participate, see the Get Involved page and the 2017 Cleanup List on the COASTSWEEP website. To learn more about marine debris, the COASTSWEEP effort, and ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle items, see the CZ-Tip - Help Clean Up Massachusetts Shores at COASTSWEEP and CZ-Tip - Repurposing with a Purpose.
CZM Staff and People
Assistant Director - In August, Assistant Director Brad Washburn left CZM to become the new Planning & Development Director for the town of Scituate. Brad served as Assistant Director for five years, as well as the CZM Boston Harbor Regional Coordinator from 2007-2010. As Assistant Director, Brad was responsible for the oversight of CZM programs related to municipal technical assistance, port and harbor planning, coastal shoreline and floodplain management, climate change adaptation, and project review, bringing his extensive planning expertise to this critical position. In particular, Brad’s experience with harbor planning supported and informed CZM’s role in renewing and revitalizing port areas along the Massachusetts coast. We wish Brad the best of luck in Scituate and congratulate him on his new shorter commute time!
Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities
Marine Debris Removal Grants - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program is seeking proposals for Marine Debris Removal Grants for grassroots, community-based activities that improve living marine resource habitats through the removal of marine debris. Projects should implement on-the-ground marine debris removal activities, prioritizing medium to large-scale debris, including derelict fishing gear. Typical awards will range from $50,000 to $150,000. For more information, see Grants.gov. Applications are due by November 1.
Marine Debris Prevention Funding - The NOAA Marine Debris Program is seeking proposals for Marine Debris Prevention Grants for projects supporting public educational activities that improve living marine resource habitats. Projects should create measurable behavior change by encouraging students, teachers, industries, or the public to actively participate in addressing a particular marine debris issue. Typical awards will range from $50,000 to $150,000. For more information, see Grants.gov. Applications are due by December 16.
Reminders - This opportunity, listed in the last CZ-Mail, is still available:
- FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grants - The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and DCR are inviting communities, state agencies, and tribal governments and territories to submit applications for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Grant Program and the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Program. These grants fund development of hazard mitigation plans and the implementation of hazard mitigation projects to reduce or eliminate the loss of life and property due to natural hazards. For complete grant details, see the grant memo (PDF, 189 KB), the FMA or PDM pages on the MEMA website, or email mitigation@massmail.state.ma.us. Applications for PDM and FMA grants are due by October 16.
Products/Publications
Sailors for the Sea Green Boating Guide 2.0 - Sailors for the Sea, a nonprofit organization dedicated to uniting boaters to protect the ocean, has provided updates and new infographics to their Green Boating Guide: The Go-To Guide for Eco-Smart Boating (PDF, 5 MB). The Green Boating Guide provides information, tips and products, and suggestions to prevent pollution, reduce impacts on the environment, and boat in a sustainable manner to help protect the shared waterways. See the online version for easy access to select topics.
Learning + Education Newsletter - The Learning + Education group of Encyclopedia of Life (EOL)—a free online resource for biodiversity information—has a new monthly newsletter that highlights free classroom and field activities, lesson plans, and online tools to explore biodiversity for educators, citizen scientists, and partners. Subscribe to the mailing list to receive these monthly updates.
Ecological Landscaping Association Newsletter - The September 2017 issue of the Ecological Landscaping Association’s (ELA) ELA Newsletter features articles on restoring disturbed landscapes—including a Cape Cod coastal site and a riparian forest buffer in the Merrimack watershed—and provides other gleanings, news, and upcoming events.
NEwswave - The Fall 2017 issue of NEwswave, the quarterly newsletter on ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes activities from the U.S. Department of the Interior, focuses on ocean and science literacy.
Marine Ecosystems and Management Information Service - The September 2017 edition of Marine Ecosystems and Management, the monthly information service on marine ecosystem-based management (EBM) from the University of Washington School of Marine Affairs, includes articles on incorporating cultural values into ocean planning and management, the Mediterranean’s cultural values and how they have influenced their ecosystem-based management, latest news and resources for ocean planners, and other views, analysis, tools, and tips.
MPA Connections - The September 2017 edition of Marine Protected Areas Connections, the newsletter of NOAA’s National Marine Protected Areas Center, features articles on the Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Congress meeting held in September in Chile, new Federal Advisory Committee recommendations on public engagement, and other MPA news.
Web-Based and Mobile-User Resources
FEMA LiMWA Boundary on NFHL - The FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has recently approved a Letter of Map Revision that updates the Limit of Moderate Wave Action (LiMWA) boundary lines for the entire coast of Massachusetts on the Flood Map Service Center (MSC) website to be consistent with FEMA Operating Guidance 13-13 for mapping LiMWAs. The updated LiMWA lines provide a continuous boundary of the landward limit of the area where base flood wave heights are projected to be between 1.5 and 3 feet in height and where wave effects, quick-moving water, erosion, and scour are capable of damaging or destroying a building that is constructed to traditional A Zone building standards. The LiMWA lines are available as part of the National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL), a digital dataset with the most current effective flood data. To view the LiMWA on the NFHL, enter an address in the search function on the MSC website and select the “View Web Map” icon, which will open an interactive viewer. Once in the viewer, click on the “Content” icon in the upper left corner of the page to open the contents menu, click to expand the NFHL in the list to show the available options for this data, and select “Limit of Moderate Wave Action” to show the LiMWA on the map. In addition, the MSC website provides a downloadable NFHL database for the county or state—which includes the LiMWA layer—to be used in GIS programs.
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.
Buzzards Bay Embayments Draft Total Maximum Daily Loads - MassDEP and the University of Massachusetts/Dartmouth School for Marine Science and Technology is seeking public review and comments on the draft Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for Wild Harbor, Fiddlers Cove-Rands Harbor, and Quissett Harbor as part of the Massachusetts Estuaries Project (MEP) restoration plan. The restoration plan is a comprehensive, collaborative project intended to improve estuarine water quality in 70 embayments along the southeastern Massachusetts coastline. On September 12, MassDEP presented the draft nitrogen TMDLs for these three Buzzards Bay embayments and written comments can be submitted to Barbara Kickham, Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Watershed Management, 8 New Bond Street, Worcester, MA 01606, or sent to barbara.kickham@state.ma.us. The public comment period ends October 13.
Reminders - This public comment request, listed in the last CZ-Mail, is still open:
- 2016 Integrated List of Waters - MassDEP is seeking public review and comment on the Proposed Massachusetts Year 2016 Integrated List of Waters, which represents the most recent update on the status of Massachusetts waters. This report is submitted to EPA every two years in fulfillment of the reporting requirements of sections 305(b) (Summary of Water Quality Report) and 303(d) (List of Impaired Waters) of the Clean Water Act. More information is available on MassDEP’s Total Maximum Daily Loads web page, including TMDL strategies, TMDL goals for those waters affected by pollutants, and Integrated List of Waters from previous years. Written comments should be submitted by October 23 to Arthur S. Johnson at arthur.johnson@state.ma.us. Data submittals in support of comments should be submitted through MassDEP’s on-line data portal in accordance with the guidance found at External Data Submittals to the Watershed Planning Program.
Job/Internship Postings
Ocean and Coastal Acidification Web Manager and Collaboration Facilitator - The Northeastern Regional Association for Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS) is seeking a Web Manager and Collaboration Facilitator to maintain and develop a collaboration website that highlights activities and issues related to ocean and coastal acidification, shares resources with a range of stakeholders, and provides interaction across disciplines and regions. In addition, this position will serve as the coordinator for the Northeast Coastal Acidification Network (NECAN). Examples of tasks include maintaining the website, maintaining meeting schedules, identifying success stories and translating them to the website, using social media and newsletters, responding to information requests, and providing support for and/or initiating outreach activities. This new full-time position, which will be located at the NERACOOS office in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, will be offered for one year and may be extended depending on funding availability. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Coastal Resilience Specialist - The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Boston is seeking a Coastal Resilience Specialist to provide technical and policy expertise, leadership to a complex team of regional partners, and project management for advancing and developing TNC’s New England coastal resilience program and strategies. The Coastal Resilience Specialist will be responsible for communicating and sharing information to a variety of different audiences and working primarily with TNC staff in the Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New England regions, but occasionally with other national and global TNC staff. This grant-funded position ends September 2020, but extension may be possible based on need and funding. Applications are due by October 24.
Research Scientist for Social Science Research - The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sea Grant (MITSG) is seeking a part-time research scientist to perform socioeconomic research, serve as a liaison to government, industry, and community leaders, coordinate workshops and symposiums, and perform traditional advisory responsibilities. The position will focus on healthy coastal ecosystems, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, resilient communities and economies, and environmental literacy and workforce development. See the job details page for more information, including application requirements.
AmeriCorps School to Sea Assistant - The North Shore AmeriCorps and Salem Sound Coastwatch (SSCW) are looking for an Assistant to the School to Sea Ocean Literacy Program (PDF, 361 KB) to assist English Language Learners in watershed education experiences both outdoors and in the classroom. This year-long AmeriCorps service position hosted by SSCW involves working with students to deepen their understanding of the local watershed and making connections between people and nature through boat trips, coastal field trips, and classroom studies. To apply, send a resume and cover letter to Emily Flaherty at emilyflaherty@salemsound.org.
Calendar
Aquarium Lecture Series - This October, the New England Aquarium will host a free Lecture Series dedicated to topics related to climate change. Upcoming lectures include Facilitating Productive Dialogue about Climate Change on October 4; Crazy Weather and the Arctic Meltdown: How Are They Connected? on October 19; and A Brief History of Environmental Successes on October 26. All lectures start at 7 p.m. in the Aquarium’s IMAX Theatre and registration is requested. Sign up to be notified of future presentations by email.
Archaeology Events On Cape Cod - In October, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History (CCMNH) will host several Archaeology Month programs. Pottery reconstruction will be held Wednesdays-Sundays beginning October 4. A Taylor Bray Farm Archaeological Project Update is scheduled for October 7, describing the findings of the 2016 field season that focused on the identification of colonial trash deposits, two 17th century farm buildings (the only ones yet discovered on Cape Cod), and a 6000-8000 year old Native American projectile point. On October 21, join Archaeologist Dan Zoto for a Wing Island guided walk, at the location of the Wing Island Archaeology Project, to learn about past uses of the island and new discoveries. Following the walk, head inside to join Dan and the entire team of CCMNH archaeologists for an open house and tour of the archaeology lab where you can view artifacts from local excavations.
October Is Massachusetts Archaeology Month - In celebration of Massachusetts Archaeology Month, the Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources (BUAR) will participate in various archaeology events. On October 10, the Director of BUAR will provide a lecture about Underwater Archaeology in Massachusetts at the West Branch Library in Peabody. On October 14, the Museum of Science (MOS) and the Archaeological Institute of America will host the 11th annual family-friendly Archaeology Fair at the MOS in Boston, where BUAR will sponsor activities, such as a mock “dig” of a shipwreck and writing underwater. For more events, see the Archaeology Month website.
Boston Environmental History Seminar Series - The Massachusetts Historical Society (MHS) will host the 2017-2018 Boston Environmental History Seminar, which includes seven sessions that examine how the environment has shaped American societies. From 18th-century Pennsylvania to Cape Cod in the 1960s, the sessions will revolve around the discussion of a pre-circulated paper. The first session, Early American Environmental Histories, will be held on October 10 at the MHS in Boston. The programs, which include a light buffet supper, are free and open to the public, but subscribers receive advance online access to the topic papers.
Sea Squirts Program at the Aquarium - Throughout October, the Aquarium will hold Sea Squirts, a program which introduces children between the ages of 2 to 4 to the aquatic environment using early science skills, such as observation and exploration. This month, Sea Squirts presents a Rainbow Ocean theme, focusing on ocean animals that are blue, purple, white, and black. Register your option of day and time for this four-week session. The next session date available is October 10.
Climate Change Professional Development Series - PBS LearningMedia is hosting Climate Conversations, a virtual professional development series focused around climate change. This free series introduces educators to high-quality, media-based climate change educational materials and the opportunity to engage in conversation with scientists, film producers, and other educators. The next sessions include learning how to build a comprehensive unit using PBS LearningMedia on October 10, and cross-curricular connections and discussions about rising sea levels and natural disasters on October 24.
Green Infrastructure in Schoolyards Webcast - On October 11, as part of the EPA Green Infrastructure Webcast Series, join the webcast Teach, Learn, Grow: The Value of Green Infrastructure in Schoolyards to hear speakers from Green Schoolyards America, the Wichita State Environmental Finance Center, and Children & Nature discuss the multiple benefits of integrating green infrastructure practices into America’s schoolyards. This free webcast will provide attendees with on-the-ground case studies and tools that can be used to create or enhance green schoolyard initiatives in their own communities. Registration is required.
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. On October 12, the Buzzards Bay Coalition will discuss the Acushnet Sawmill Ecological Restoration Project—the restoration of a 19-acre former industrial property, including dam and impervious surface removal and the creation of swamp and freshwater marsh.
EPA Tools and Resources Webinar: EnviroAtlas - On October 17 from 3-4 p.m., the EPA will present Tools and Resources Webinar: EnviroAtlas to provide information about this web-based decision support tool that combines maps, analysis tools, downloadable data, and informational resources to help inform policy and planning decisions. Join the webinar to learn about the Interactive Map, which provides access to 300+ ecosystem-related maps, and an Eco-Health Relationship Browser, which displays evidence from hundreds of scientific publications on the linkages between ecosystems, their services, and human health.
Science on the Street Cape Cod - On October 21 from 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., the Cape Cod Regional STEM Network, in collaboration with the Cape Cod Community College, will present Science on the Street Cape Cod at Cape Cod Community College in Barnstable. Exhibits will cover all areas of science, technology, engineering, and design and will be presented by organizations and businesses from Cape Cod and across the region. Attendees can build structures, explore chemistry, experience Lego robotics, launch rockets, learn about animals and nature, and much more. For more information, contact Kristen Kibblehouse at kristen@capecodstemnetwork.org.
Maine Stormwater Conference - On October 23-24, the biennial Maine Stormwater Conference, Collaborating for Clean Water, will be held in Portland, Maine. This year the conference, which brings together government employees, engineers, planners, academics, and other professionals to learn about and discuss stormwater management, will focus on collaboration and partnerships that help municipalities and other groups achieve their clean water goals. CZM staff will co-present with the Horsley Witten Group on climate resiliency of stormwater infrastructure.
MACC Fall Conference - On October 28, the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) will hold the 2017 Fall Conference in Sturbridge. The conference will feature eight units of fundamentals for Conservation Commissioners (including a new unit on enforcement), two workshops, and a presentation by guest speaker, Kathleen Theoharides, Assistant Secretary of Climate Change at the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA). See the events calendar to register for general, corporate, sponsor, or exhibitor by October 23.
CERF 2017 Biennial Conference - From November 5-9, the Coastal & Estuarine Research Foundation (CERF) will hold the biennial conference CERF 2017, Coastal Science at the Inflection Point: Celebrating Successes & Learning from Challenges, in Providence, Rhode Island. The conference will include presentations on new findings within traditional science, education, and management disciplines and special sessions and workshops to encourage interaction among scientists and managers. CZM’s Coastal Geologist will present the StormSmart Properties Fact Sheet series and MassBays will present on building the capacity of volunteer efforts to produce quality estuarine data and provide a poster about applying diverse data to track estuarine conditions and trends. Register by October 6 to receive a discounted registration rate.
Annual Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference—Call for Abstracts - From April 25-26, 2018, the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC), in partnership with member states and EPA, will hold the 29thAnnual Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference in Glens Falls, New York. Join representatives from New England and New York, including the public and private sectors, academia, and watershed organizations, to share information about nonpoint source pollution issues and projects in the regions. NEIWPCC is currently seeking abstracts for conference presentations related to the theme “NPS Innovation. See the call for abstracts page for details. Abstracts are due by November 6.
Great Marsh Coalition Sea Level Rise Symposium—Save the Date - On November 9, the Great Marsh Coalition will hold the sixth Great Marsh Sea Level Rise Symposium at Woodman’s of Essex. This full-day workshop allows coastal decision makers, business leaders, and stakeholders from the region to discuss the implications of climate change and sea level rise for Great Marsh communities, from economic impacts to consideration of transportation challenges and safety issues.
Stormwater Management/Groundwater Quality Workshop - On November 14, the National Groundwater Association will sponsor a one-day workshop, Stormwater Management Influences on Groundwater Quality, in Kansas City. The workshop, which will focus on risks to groundwater from stormwater infiltration practices, will consist of presentations, discussion group breakouts, a reporting session on specific strategies, and a keynote address by Tom Ballestero, Ph.D. and Director of the University of New Hampshire Stormwater Center.
Climate Adaptation Forums - The Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC) and the Sustainable Solutions Lab at the University of Massachusetts Boston have collaborated to establish a quarterly series of half-day Climate Adaptation Forums to provide leadership on adaptation to climate change. These forums designed for environmental and energy professionals, policy makers, municipal officials, NGOs, and practitioners, will address topics ranging from infrastructure and design solutions to communication challenges to policy solutions. See details and registration information for the first Climate Adaptation Forum, which will be held November 17.
Sustainable Ocean Summit—New Session Spotlight Call for Speakers - From November 29-December 1, the World Ocean Council (WOC) will hold the Sustainable Ocean Summit in Halifax, Canada. This summit provides a global platform for companies and organizations to advance the development and implementation of industry-driven solutions to ocean sustainability challenges. Due to the recent extreme weather events and the impacts they had on ports and coastal infrastructure, the summit will include a new session spotlight, Extreme Weather Events and Port Resiliency: Advancing Coastal Infrastructure Adaptation, Especially for Island and Developing Countries. Experts and representatives from the ocean business community and other stakeholders are encouraged to join as speakers or participants on this critical issue by contacting the WOC at info@oceancouncil.org.
Social Coast Forum—Save the Date - On February 5-8, 2018, the National Estuarine Research Reserve Association will hold the fourth biennial Social Coast Forum, Social Science for Coastal Decision-Making, in Charleston, South Carolina. The forum will explore how social science tools and methods are being used to address the nation’s coastal issues. Join a diverse group of academia, state agencies, federal offices, nonprofits, and the private sector for interdisciplinary presentations, stories, roundtable discussions, and training sessions. Registration for the event will begin in early November.
Hazard Mitigation Stakeholder Workshop - From March 12 to 16, FEMA will host the 2018 Hazard Mitigation Stakeholder Workshop in Emmitsburg, Maryland, to provide a forum for information exchange and discussion of current policies, programs, procedures, best practices, and challenges associated with the delivery of hazard mitigation assistance programs and floodplain management. Registration runs from November 27 through January 10, 2018, and accepted registrations will be notified by February 1. The workshop registration process will be posted on the website in November.
Barnstable Land Trust Walks and Talks - The Barnstable Land Trust will hold numerous events as part of its Walks & Talks nature series from now until late fall. For details, see the Barnstable Land Trust website. Pre-registration is required.
Harwich Walks - The Harwich Conservation Trust has posted its schedule of naturalist-led walks for the fall. All walks are free and open to the public. See the Trust's website for details. The next scheduled walk will take place on the Cape Cod Rail Trail from Pleasant Lake to Cahoon’s Canal on October 12.
Cape Cod Field Schools - This fall, 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 Fall Migrants on the Outer Cape.
Cape Cod Walks, Lectures, and Events - 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 programs, classes, & activities page and search the program catalog for event and schedule information, such as full moon paddles, family nature photography, and bird walks.
Plum Island Morning Birding and Other Events - Throughout the fall, the Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center will host a Wednesday and Saturday morning birding series to explore some of Plum Island’s most productive birding hotspots. The center also hosts numerous other fall events, classes, and education activities, such as training to be an education volunteer or learning how to band birds for research. For event and schedule information, search the Joppa Flats program catalog.
Reminders - The following calendar items posted previously in CZ-Mail are still to come:
- Naturescape Gallery: Sharks and Whales of the World - Through October 31, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will host in their Naturescape Gallery, Photographing Sharks and Whales of the World, by marine photographer and shark researcher, Dr. Tom Burns. These photographs have been published in numerous magazines, such as Scuba Diver, Asian Geographic, Asian Diver, Shark Diver, and National Geographic. For information about museum hours and other Naturescape Gallery exhibits, see the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History website.
- Green Careers Conference - On October 5, the Massachusetts Green Careers Conference will be held at the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife LEED platinum headquarters in Westborough. Attendees can meet employers, green-career-ready candidates, and experts from business, education, government, and nonprofits, while participating in a Green Event.
- RARGOM Annual Science Meeting - On October 12, the Regional Association for Research on the Gulf of Maine (RARGOM) will host the 2017 Annual Science Meeting, Ocean and Coastal Acidification: Causes and Potential Consequences for Ecological and Sociological Systems in the Gulf of Maine, in Portland, Maine.
- Professional Development Courses at New England Aquarium - This fall through early winter, the New England Aquarium will offer a three-part Professional Development Course, Full STEAM Ahead: Ocean Adventures for educators from pre-k to first grade. Educators can sign up for one, two, or three of the following courses: Tidepools on October 14; Coral Reef on November 4; and Deep Ocean on December 9. All sessions take place from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the aquarium. The deadline to register for the first session is October 6.
- Nahant Marine Science Center Open House - On October 14, the Northeastern University Marine Science Center in Nahant will host its annual Open House to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the center. All ages are welcome to attend this free event that includes a tour of the building and research labs, touch tanks, talks, tidepooling, and more.
- Boston Harbor Educators Conference - On October 21, Massachusetts Marine Educators will hold the Boston Harbor Educators Conference: Sanctuary and Seamounts at UMass Boston. This conference will focus on the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and Northeast undersea research to help teachers apply this information to classroom lessons.
- International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species - From October 22-26, the 20th International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species, Global Action Against Aquatic Invasive Species, will be held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This comprehensive international forum will address new and emerging issues related to aquatic invasive species and perspectives on what actions are being undertaken across geographic regions.
- AWRA Annual Water Resources Conference - On November 5-9, the American Water Resources Association (AWRA) is hosting their Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon. The conference—which will address emerging issues related to technology, flowing waters, future risk, and public policy—provides nearly 300 oral presentations, 40 posters, a career fair, lunch and learn events, an offsite networking event, and pre-conference trips, including a drone workshop on the banks of the Columbia River, and field trips to the Tualatin River Watershed and historic Willamette Falls in Oregon City.
- ICEA Annual Conference—Save the Date - From February 12-14, 2018, the International Erosion Control Association (ICEA) will hold the 2018 ICEA Annual Conference in Long Beach, California. The conference brings together professionals from around the world to discuss the latest products, services, and technology for erosion and sediment control; stormwater management; wetland, stream bank, and shoreline restoration; MS4 management; and industry trends.
- Marine Debris Conference—Save the Date - From March 12-16, 2018, the NOAA Marine Debris Program will hold the sixth International Marine Debris Conference (6IMDC) in San Diego, California. The 6IMDC is an opportunity to energize international coordination efforts within the marine debris community. It will build upon the partnerships and successes of the Honolulu Strategy, which was developed at the last conference in 2011.
Other Items of Interest
Campus RainWorks Challenge - The EPA Office of Water has announced the 6th annual Campus RainWorks Challenge, a green infrastructure design competition for undergraduate and graduate students. Student teams, working with a faculty advisor, will submit design boards, a project narrative, and a letter of support for a proposed green infrastructure project for their campus. This year, student teams are encouraged to incorporate climate resiliency and consider community engagement in the stormwater management designs. Winning teams will be awarded cash prizes. To enter, teams must complete and submit a registration form by October 13 and submit entries by December 15.
World Harbors Survey - Scientists at Northeastern University have partnered with the World Harbor Project to conduct a global survey to better understand how people who live in coastal cities use their harbor and coastal waters. Survey findings will be used to develop better planning and management strategies for ecological engineering in harbors around the world. Take the survey, which takes about 10 minutes to complete, until October 31.
2018 Marine Debris Calendar - The NOAA Marine Debris Program has released the 2018 Marine Debris Calendar, featuring the winning artwork from the 2017 “Keep the Sea Free of Debris” art contest. This year, 500 entries from kindergarten through 8th-grade students were submitted and each depicted a unique visual message to help raise awareness about marine debris and encourage everyone to be the solution to ocean pollution. The 13 winning entries that are displayed in the 2018 calendar were selected based on creativity, artistic presentation, and relevance to the theme. The calendar can be downloaded and limited hard copies are also available.