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
Coastal Resilience Grant Awards Announced - On August 9, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) announced over $2.2 million in funding through CZM’s Coastal Resilience Grant Program to support local efforts to reduce the impacts from flooding, erosion, and sea level rise. Grants were awarded to Dennis, Duxbury Beach Reservation, Inc., Eastham, Essex, Falmouth, Gloucester, Kingston, Marshfield, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, Northeastern University, Salem, Scituate, Wareham, Weymouth, and Winthrop. Projects awarded funding this year include efforts to evaluate long-term shoreline protection measures, relocate vulnerable public facilities away from hazard areas, stabilize and restore coastal buffers, and develop creative public outreach and communication products on coastal hazard and climate change impacts. The funding continues the commitment of the Baker-Polito Administration to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, safeguard residents, municipalities, and businesses from the impacts of climate change, and build a more resilient Commonwealth. For more information, see the EEA Press Release.
Buzzards Bay Municipal Grants Awarded - On September 6, the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program (BBNEP) announced more than $130,000 to fund land protection projects and water quality monitoring in Buzzards Bay. The funding includes three grants to help municipalities in the Buzzards Bay watershed protect important habitat, including an Atlantic white cedar swamp and undeveloped forest, and one grant to support a long-term volunteer-based water quality monitoring program in Buzzards Bay. These grants, which were awarded to Acushnet, Mattapoisett, Rochester, and the Buzzards Bay Coalition, will support the water quality monitoring effort, help permanently protect land and wetlands important for water quality and rare species habitat, and promote passive recreation for the enjoyment of natural resources. All funded projects will assist the municipalities in meeting the goals and objectives of BBNEP’s Buzzards Bay Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan. BBNEP is administered by CZM and provides funding and technical assistance to municipalities and environmental groups in their ongoing efforts to protect and restore water quality and living resources. For more information, see the EEA Press Release.
CZM Spotlight - This summer, citizen scientists are on the hunt for marine invasive species along the New England coast. These trained volunteers are visiting docks and rocky intertidal sites from “Downeast” Maine to the south coast of Massachusetts for the 10th annual season of the Marine Invasive Monitoring and Information Collaborative (MIMIC). The goals of the program are to educate the public on threats to marine habitats, monitor patterns of resident introduced species, and detect new invasive species. To view MIMIC monitoring data, launch CZM’s online mapping tool, MORIS. To view pictures of both native and introduced species that were observed during monitoring events, check out the MIMIC project page on iNaturalist.org, where you can become a member to add your own observations of marine invasive species. To help identify marine invasive species in your area, see these identification cards. MIMIC is a partnership between CZM and numerous organizations, including the Barnstable Clean Water Coalition (formerly Three Bays Preservation), Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, Gundalow Company, Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, MassBays National Estuary Program, New England Aquarium live blueTM Ambassador and Service Corps Programs, Salem Sound Coastwatch, and Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, among others. For more information on CZM’s Marine Invasive Species Program or to report a marine invasive sighting, contact the MIMIC Program Coordinator, Cristina Kennedy, at 617-626-1231 or email cristina.kennedy@state.ma.us.
Seeking Local Cleanup Coordinators for COASTSWEEP 2017 - COASTSWEEP 2017, the annual statewide beach cleanup sponsored by CZM, kicks off in September—and now is the time to sign up to be a local cleanup coordinator for your favorite beach, marsh, dive site, and riverbank. Volunteers throughout Massachusetts turn out in large numbers each year for this event, which is part of an international campaign organized by the Ocean Conservancy in Washington, DC. Participants all over the world collect trash and other marine debris and record what they find. This information is then used to help reduce future marine debris problems. Cleanups will be scheduled throughout September and October. As a cleanup coordinator, not only will you know that your favorite coastal spot is covered by COASTSWEEP, you’ll get a t-shirt as a thank you for taking the lead. 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.
Coast Guide Online Photo Contest: Still Time to Enter! - CZM is looking for your assistance to add great photos of public coastal access sites to Coast Guide Online, an interactive mapping tool that includes more than 1,800 sites along the Massachusetts coast that are owned by government agencies and nonprofits and open to the public. Submit your photos of public access sites through the Coast Guide Online Photo Contest for a chance to win a 2018 MassParks Pass from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Our ultimate goal is to include photos for each and every site, including sandy beaches, rocky coasts, shore-side parks, marshes, creeks, small public landings, and much more. The photo contest will run through September 22 and CZM will announce the two recipients of the DCR 2018 MassParks Pass prizes on October 2. Select photo submissions will also be featured through September on the CZM Twitter Feed and permanently added to the Coast Guide Online Flickr page.
CZM Staff and People
New Coastal Fellow - In August, CZM welcomed Sean Duffey as CZM’s 9th Coastal Management Fellow from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Services Center. Nominated by the Rhode Island Sea Grant College Program, Sean was matched with CZM through a rigorous selection and interview process. During his two-year fellowship, Sean will develop a framework to assess and prioritize vulnerable coastal habitats, focusing on Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs). Sean’s project will result in a menu of actions and strategies to maintain ecological services and improve resiliency of coastal habitats in the face of environmental change. Sean hails from Albany, New York and recently received a Master of Oceanography degree from the University of Rhode Island. Welcome Sean!
Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities
MS4 Municipal Assistance Grant Program - The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is seeking proposals from groups of cities and towns, or from Regional Planning Commissions on behalf of these groups, for innovative projects that will assist multiple communities in meeting the requirements of either the 2003 or 2016 Small MS4 General Permits. The purpose of this $300,000 grant opportunity is to enable groups of Massachusetts municipalities to expand their efforts to meet MS4 requirements and reduce stormwater pollution through coordinated partnerships that emphasize resource sharing. Funding will support work toward any phase(s) from planning through implementation and must be completed by June 30, 2018. For more information, see MassDEP’s Grants & Financial Assistance web page. Grant proposals are due by 5 p.m. on September 15.
Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership Funding - The Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership (ACFHP) is requesting applications for projects that restore and conserve habitat supporting coastal, estuarine-dependent, and diadromous fish species along the Atlantic Coast. Projects should focus on meeting ACFHP's protection and restoration objectives described in its new Conservation Strategic Plan (PDF, 19 MB) and should be used for on-the-ground habitat conservation and improvement projects and related design and monitoring activities. The maximum amount available for an individual project is $50,000 and a 1:1 match is required. For application requirements and guidelines, see the ACFHP 2018 Application Cycle web page. Applications must be received by midnight on September 20.
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.
Reminders - This opportunity, listed in the last CZ-Mail, is still available:
- Coastal Program - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking proposals for the Coastal Program, which provides direct technical and financial assistance in the form of cooperative agreements to coastal communities and landowners to restore and protect fish and wildlife habitat on public and private lands. For more information, see the Grants.gov website. Applications are due by September 30.
Products/Publications
Neponset River Paddler's Guide - This waterproof and foldable Paddler’s Guide, created by the Neponset River Watershed Association, provides paddlers with information to help explore Boston’s “Hidden River” by kayak or canoe. The guide shows launch sites, suggested routes, and points of interest for 4 distinct areas: Fowl Meadow, Lower Neponset, Neponset Estuary, and the major lakes and ponds. The guide can be ordered online and is free for members and $5 for non-members.
Ecological Solutions to Coastal Community Hazards - The National Wildlife Federation, in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Coastal and Land Use Planning, and other partners, have released the publication, Building Ecological Solutions to Coastal Community Hazards: A Guide for New Jersey Coastal Communities (PDF, 13 MB). The publication focuses on protective values, vulnerabilities, and ecological solutions of four systems along the New Jersey coast—developed areas, beaches and dunes, coastal forests and shrublands, and tidal marshes. Though created for New Jersey communities, the information and recommendations for coastal management and ecosystem stewardship are transferable to other coastal communities throughout New England.
EPA's Construction Stormwater Program Tools - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has created a "Do I Need A Permit?" flow chart to help construction operators determine whether they need to get a Construction General Permit (CGP) under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). EPA also updated various templates for the CGP on their Resources, Tools, and Templates page, to help construction site operators develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and prepare inspection and corrective action reports.
MassBays Newsletter - The Summer 2017 issue of the MassBays Newsletter, the quarterly update from the MassBays National Estuary Program, features news and events around the Bays and an article on a MassBays project to provide data on ocean acidification to shellfish growers and government decision makers. Consider subscribing to receive updates directly.
Ebb & Flow - The Summer 2017 issue of Ebb & Flow, the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) eNewsletter, features articles on six priority projects anticipated to receive federal grant funding, a DER and UMass Amherst program that offers graduate and undergraduate students an opportunity to learn about dam removal and river restoration efforts, a social marketing approach for the Blackstone River Coalition, a farewell to the DER director, and other updates, grant opportunities, events, and resource links.
Newswave - The Summer 2017 issue of NEWSWAVE (PDF, 1 MB), the quarterly newsletter on ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes activities from the U.S. Department of the Interior, offers a special photo issue, Sharing the Experience, with striking photography of coastal resources, wildlife, culture, and initiatives and activities accomplished by the Department of the Interior.
The Sandbar - The July 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 federal invasive species prevention efforts, the halting of development plans in a New York estuarine sanctuary, a seafood industry price-fixing conspiracy, a public beach easement in Rhode Island, a river that was granted legal personhood in New Zealand, and other ocean- and coastal-related legal issues.
Stellwagen Bank E-Notes - The July-August 2017 issue of Stellwagen Bank E-Notes (PDF, 3 MB), the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary newsletter, features articles on the winning art from the annual marine art contest for students, the volunteer of the year, whale tagging updates, report cards for ships, and other sanctuary stories, news, and notes.
Beneath the Surface - The August 2017 issue of Beneath the Surface, a newsletter from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), includes articles on a new autonomous underwater vehicle named Clio, an underwater imaging system with cutting-edge technology that helps visualize seafloor objects and environments, a study of the impact of atomic explosions on the ocean (from the 1946-1958 nuclear weapons tests on Bikini Atoll), along with other news and updates from WHOI.
HabitatNews - The August 2017 issue of HabitatNews, the newsletter of NOAA’s Office of Habitat Conservation, features articles on the coastal and marine habitat restoration grants competition, the 2017 NOAA coastal resilience grants, a cranberry bog restoration in Plymouth, and more news and updates.
Ecological Landscaping Association Newsletter - The August 2017 issue of ELA Newsletter, the newsletter from the Ecological Landscaping Association, features numerous articles on invasive species, such as how nurseries handle invasive plants, three invasive plants to watch out for, and controlling bamboo, as well as upcoming events and other news.
Environmental Science Journal for Kids - The Environmental Science Journal for Kids, a website devoted to peer-reviewed environmental science research adapted for students and teachers, added an August lesson on fiddler crabs and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The lesson includes the adapted scientific article, original scientific paper from Estuaries and Coasts, and teacher's resources, including assessment questions and opening videos. The Science Journal for Kids website also includes other articles on a variety of marine science topics, such as a July lesson on ocean bacteria that consume carbon.
Web-Based and Mobile-User Resources
Community Rating System (CRS) Green Guide - The Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) Flood Science Center, Coastal States Organization, and two Digital Coast partners, launched an interactive online CRS Green Guide—a supplement to the CRS (Community Rating System) Coordinator’s Manual. The Green Guide provides information on the CRS program—a federal incentive program to help communities become more resilient to flooding while earning discounts for flood insurance policyholders--and includes tips for what communities can do to earn credit, best practices for success, and an overview of the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains.
Water Finance Clearinghouse - The EPA’s Water Infrastructure and Resiliency Finance Center launched Water Finance Clearinghouse, a web‐based portal to help communities locate information to inform financing decisions for their drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure needs. The searchable datasets include funding sources, reports, tools, webinars, and websites, and the site allows for the ability to provide input through a contributor portal.
NOAA Marine Debris Blog - The NOAA Marine Debris Program continues to update their Marine Debris Blog on a weekly basis with topics that can be searched by category and date. Recent articles include: Hurricanes and Tornados and Severe Thunderstorms; Addressing Marine Debris in the Southeast; How Marine Debris is Impacting Marine Animals and What We Can Do About It; Enjoy Fishing, Responsibly!; What is a Watershed?; and Summer Break, Debris-Free. Subscribe to the blog to receive notifications of new posts by email.
Coastal Community Resilience Educational Videos - The Coastal Resources Center and Rhode Island Sea Grant, in partnership with the Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, have released a series of short educational videos on their “Providing Resilience Education for Planning in Rhode Island” website, PREP-RI. Designed for local boards and commissions, community organizations, and citizens of Rhode Island, the PREP-RI online modules help prepare communities for the significant challenges posed by flood water and erosion stemming from climate change. Though designed for Rhode Island, the climate-change-resilience principles—including topics on flooding, stormwater management, mapping tools, infrastructure impacts, and adaptation—can be applied to the Massachusetts coast.
Oceans Online Annual Report - The Center for Ocean Solutions has launched their online 2016 Annual Report, which provides a snapshot of key research and policy accomplishments in the areas of genomics, tipping points science, sustainable fisheries, and climate-related impacts on ocean and coastal ecosystems. The site offers numerous videos, links, and the option to download a Printable Report (PDF, 7 MB).
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.
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 the 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 (TMDLs) 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 Posting
Division of Ecological Restoration Director - The Division of Ecological Restoration, one of three Divisions of the Department of Fish and Game, is seeking candidates for the position of Director. The Director is responsible for leading program functions and performance, including implementing the annual and five-year strategic plan goals, setting procedures and program priorities for the deputy director and assistant director, overseeing development of the operational and capital budgets, and supervising staff management of 60 complex ecosystem-based wetland and stream restoration projects. For more information about the position, please contact Hunt Durey at 617‐626‐1245 or Hunt.Durey@state.ma.us. The position will remain open until filled.
MRWC Land and Water Steward - The Merrimack River Watershed Council (MRWC) is seeking applications for a Land and Water Steward to implement the final stages of multi-year grants from the U.S. Forest Service and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The steward will be responsible for identifying and completing riparian buffer restoration projects along key tributaries of the Merrimack River and communicating with and educating the public—including key allies and supporters—about the long-term value of the initiative. The project is expected to be completed within one year, but may be extended beyond one year for related opportunities. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Marine Wildlife Internships - The New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA) is accepting applications from upper level high school, college, and graduate students for the Fall and Winter Marine Wildlife Internship Program. NECWA interns will work alongside staff members to conduct a variety of educational programs, research projects, and conservation activities with emphasis on New England Basking Sharks and Ocean Sunfish, Southcoast Terrapins, and Humpback and Finback Whales. Internship positions, which are available throughout the year, are non-paid and can be coordinated privately or through a school or university program.
Calendar
Naturescape Gallery: Sharks and Whales of the World - From September 1-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. Dr. Burns’ photographs of these animals 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.
Cape Cod Wildlife Festival - On September 9, the Cape Cod Wildlife Collaborative is celebrating their eighth annual Cape Cod Wildlife Festival at Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary in Cummaquid. Attend this free event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for family friendly activities, interactive exhibits, live animal presentations, live music, book signings, and food and ice cream. See the Cape Cod Wildlife Festival Facebook page for details.
Nahant Coastal Bioblitz - On September 10 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., the Northeastern University Marine Science Center’s Ocean Genome Legacy and Nahant SWIM, Inc. (Safer Waters in Massachusetts) will hold the third annual Nahant Coastal Bioblitz, a scientific scavenger hunt for marine biodiversity. Organizers are seeking citizen scientists of all ages to join the event and help record and identify marine life at local beaches. Buckets, datasheets, and field guides will be provided. Participants may park for free and start their explorations at either the Nahant Life-Saving Station or the Northeastern University Marine Science Center.
Cape Cod Bird Club Meeting and Bird Walks - On September 11 at 7 p.m., the Cape Cod Bird Club will hold their first meeting of the fall at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History. Meetings are free, open to all, and feature an interesting program and speaker. See the Cape Cod Bird Club website for meeting information and scheduled bird walks/events, such as a walk at Crane Wildlife Management Area in Falmouth and a paddle through Nauset Marsh in Eastham.
Aquarium Lecture Series - Throughout September and October, the New England Aquarium will host a free Lecture Series dedicated to topics related to climate change. Upcoming lectures include Extreme Events and Climate Change: What We Know and What We Can Do on September 14; Climate Change along the Western Antarctic Peninsula on September 28; Facilitating Productive Dialogue about Climate Change on October 4; and Crazy Weather and the Arctic Meltdown: How Are They Connected? on October 19. 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.
Boston Harbor Island Regatta. - On September 16, Boston Harbor Now and the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park will host the 13th annual Boston Harbor Islands Regatta on a course around the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park area. Join one of the largest races in Boston, with more than 100 boats in 10 competitive classes, to help support the alliance’s initiatives for public programs and access to the islands.
Paddle for the Bays: RACE Cape Cod - On September 16, the Barnstable Clean Water Coalition and Stand Up and Paddle Cape Cod will host the seventh annual Paddle for the Bays Race at Ropes Beach in Cotuit. All ages, individual racers, and relay teams are encouraged to paddle to help raise funds to spread awareness about clean water issues in the town of Barnstable. Pre-register to receive a reduced cost and a chance to receive a tee shirt. To attend the September 15 pre-race cocktail party—with food, music, and a silent auction, see the pre-race registration page.
National Estuaries Week - September 16-23 is National Estuaries Week, an annual celebration of the importance of coastal and estuarine regions to the national economy. Throughout the country, local organizations including Restore America’s Estuaries member groups, National Estuarine Research Reserves, and National Estuary Programs will organize special events, like beach clean-ups, hikes, canoe and kayak trips, workshops and more. To register an event, find an event, and use an event planning toolkit, see Restore America’s Estuaries National Estuaries Week web page.
RARGOM Annual Science Meeting—Call for Abstracts - 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. To present a talk or poster, please submit an abstract to Joel Llopiz at jllopiz@whoi.edu by September 22. The deadline for event registration is October 5.
Social Coast Forum—Save the Date and Call for Abstracts - From 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. Participants will explore how social science tools and methods are being used to address the nation’s coastal issues. See the Call for Abstracts, which are due by September 22. Registration for the event will begin in early November.
Walk and Talk Salem Sound - On September 23 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Salem Sound Coastwatch will host a Walk and Talk on the North River in Salem to discuss the ecology, history, and future of the river, including a visit to five newly created rain gardens.
BUAR Public Meeting - On September 28 at 1:30 p.m., the 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 May 25 meeting, renewal of permits, review of permit applications, and discussion of permittee, outreach, and research activities. For more information, contact BUAR Director, Victor Mastone, at victor.mastone@state.ma.us.
Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride - On October 1, the Buzzards Bay Coalition will hold the 11th annual Buzzards Bay Watershed RIDE to support the Coaliton’s efforts toward restoring and protecting clean water. The bike ride features 100, 75, and 35-mile route options, which wind through farmland, villages, cityscapes, cranberry bogs, and coastal country back roads.
Mystic Quest - In celebration of its 45th anniversary, the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) has launched Mystic Quest, a fun way to explore, discover, and enjoy the watershed. Participants, ranging from individuals up to 10-person teams (such as families, girl/boy scout troops, schools, and clubs), are encouraged to take part in the quest and log and photograph as many activities as possible in the Mystic River Watershed. A list of suggested activities is available on the Quest brochure (PDF, 182 KB)and includes activities related to arts, history, engagement, nature and wildlife, landmarks, and recreation. Log your activities by October 1 to be eligible for prizes.
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.
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.
MACC Fall Conference—Save the Date - 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, Director of Climate and Global Warming Solutions at EEA. See the MACC website for registration details, which are coming soon.
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.
CERF 2017 Biennial Conference - From November 5-9, the Coastal & Estuarine Research Foundation (CERF) will hold their 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. Register by October 6 to receive a discounted registration rate.
Sustainable Ocean Summit - From November 29-December 1, the World Ocean Council 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. Register by October 1 for a discounted rate.
ICEA Annual Conference—Save the Date - From February 11-14, 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.
MACC Education - MACC offers a variety of specialized education programs. Visit the MACC Complete Education Catalog for an overview of upcoming wetland delineation, soil science, and shrub identification workshops. The MACC online Community Calendar provides a schedule of programs, including two coastal events in partnership with the New England Wildflower Society: Flora of New England Coastal Sand Dunes at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and Botany in the Salt Marsh at the Barnstable Great Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary.
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.
Tuesday Tweets - On every other Tuesday morning this fall, 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.
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.
Family Field Walks - Early fall, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will hold Family Field Walks. Naturalists will guide explorations focusing on the various plants, animals, habitats, and other ecological features along the John Wing Trail. These walks are approximately 90 minutes over somewhat challenging terrain.
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 Hiking Backwoods and Beaches in Provincetown, Truro, and Wellfleet.
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:
- Floodplain Management Conference - From September 5-8, the Flood Management Association will hold the Floodplain Management Annual Conference, Creating Partnerships through Integration: Water, Environment, People, in Long Beach, California. The conference provides a forum for floodplain management experts and policy makers to address local, state, and federal regulatory and policy issues pertaining to flood risk management and planning.
- Estuary Research Workshop - On September 13, the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission and the Coastal Institute at the University of Rhode Island will co-host the 2017 Estuary Research Workshop, Limiting Factors Beyond Nitrogen, in Narragansett, Rhode Island. The workshop will focus on nutrients (emphasis on phosphorus) that are potentially limiting in, and detrimental to, the Northeast’s estuaries.
- Preparing Coastal Communities for Sea Level Rise - On several dates into the fall, the Gulf of Maine Research Institute will present Preparing Coastal Communities for Sea Level Rise in Portland, Maine. This 90 minute interactive experience will explore the data behind sea level rise and examine potential resiliency measures. The next session is on September 28; register online to reserve your spot.
Other Items of Interest
September is National Preparedness Month - Each September is National Preparedness Month, which is dedicated to educating and empowering Americans to be prepared in the event of natural or man-made disasters. This year’s theme is Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead. You Can. Make a plan with your family and friends for how you will stay safe and communicate during an emergency or disaster that can affect your community. Download the Family Communication Plan for Parents and Kids (PDF, 2 MB) to compile emergency contact information and meeting spots. For emergency plans, supply lists, and other information on how to be prepared, see the publications page, or find ways to get involved, such as training to be a citizen responder.
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.
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. Registration opens September 1 and entries must be submitted by December 15.
Mass Audubon Photo Contest - Mass Audubon is holding its 2017 Picture This: Your Great Outdoors photo contest, which is open to all participants and seeks digital images that highlight the beauty and diversity of Massachusetts wildlife, habitats, people in nature, and Mass Audubon Travel. Entries are due by September 30.