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CZ-Mail - September 2018

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

CZM Completes Sixth Marine Invasive Species Rapid Assessment Survey - From July 23-27, CZM staff and a team of scientific experts visited marinas from Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, to Casco Bay, Maine, to observe, identify, and record native and invasive marine species found on floating docks and piers. The Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS), the sixth held since 2000, is critical for detecting new species introductions and identifying regional trends. During this survey, the team documented a number of established marine invasive species, such as the skeleton shrimp Caprella mutica, the red algae Grateloupia turuturu, the bryozoan Tricellaria inopinata, and several sea squirts. Some invasive organisms that were more common in the 2013 survey were absent or found in fewer numbers in 2018, such as the orange striped anemone (Diadumene lineata) and the European oyster (Ostrea edulis). Notably, native grass shrimp and non-native shrimp that were commonly found along the docks in past surveys were rare this year, occurring at just one site in New Bedford. So far, no new invaders were documented in this survey, however, it will take several months for the RAS scientific team to carefully go through their samples and make final identifications. Funding for the 2018 RAS was provided by CZM, the Casco Bay Estuary Partnership, and the Massachusetts Bays and Buzzards Bay National Estuary Programs. To view photos and a video of the team in action, see this article from the Salem News. For more information on the methods, sampling sites, and data from a similar survey performed in 2013, see the Report on the 2013 Rapid Assessment Survey of Marine Species at New England Bays and Harbors (PDF, 53 MB), and see CZM’s Marine Invasive Species Program web page for additional details on this topic.

Baker-Polito Administration Announces 2018 Navigational Dredging Pilot Program Awards - On August 29, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito announced $3.6 million in funding through the 2018 Navigational Dredging Pilot Program to support 10 projects for the upcoming dredging season. The projects will benefit 11 communities, tapping into another $3.9 million in local funding, and are expected to remove nearly 188,000 cubic yards of harbor sediment. Modeled after the successful MassWorks Infrastructure Program, the 2018 pilot program awards funding to communities for dredging projects on a competitive basis, with an emphasis on shovel-ready projects that have secured all required federal, state, and local permits, and requires a 50 percent match commitment from the municipality. Earlier this month, Governor Charlie Baker signed economic development legislation that authorizes $50 million for saltwater dredging projects (see the March 9 press release), creating the first-ever program with focused funding for dredging that will build on this dredging pilot program (see the July 24 press release about the program launch). The grant awardees for 2018 are: Barnstable, Chatham, Falmouth, Harwich, Marshfield and Scituate, Nantucket, Swansea, Tisbury, Truro, and Yarmouth. For more information on the awards, see the August 29 press release.

MassBays Utilizes New Technology to Examine Eelgrass Loss in Duxbury-Kingston-Plymouth Bays - This summer, the Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Program (MassBays) in collaboration with SeaTrac Systems, ACASAK, and the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) began investigations into the possible causes of documented eelgrass loss (up to 70% between 1995 and 2017) in the Duxbury-Kingston-Plymouth Bays. A valuable coastal habitat in Massachusetts, eelgrass (Zostera marina) forms a complex underwater landscape that stabilizes the shorelines, filters the water of sediments and nutrients, and provides valuable habitat for shallow-water species. MassBays partnered with SeaTrac Systems to deploy an autonomous vessel in June and again in August (during eelgrass peak growing season) to collect continuous, real-time, water quality data. Although some distinct trends are emerging, detailed data analysis is still in progress. The availability of this continuous data under varied tidal conditions across a large area is proving to be a vital piece of information. SeaTrac is run by a solar-powered engine system and is equipped with water quality sensors (provided by DMF). Used in conjunction with eelgrass condition data collected in August by a group of citizen scientists, this water quality data should provide MassBays with additional clues on the causes of eelgrass loss. MassBays and its partners will use this information to identify strategies to address and potentially reverse the loss of the eelgrass habitat. To learn more about this project, contact MassBays’ Prassede Vella at prassede.vella@state.ma.us.

Seeking Local Cleanup Coordinators and Volunteers for COASTSWEEP 2018 - COASTSWEEP, the annual statewide beach cleanup sponsored by CZM, kicks off this month—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 the International Coastal Cleanup 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. To organize a cleanup or volunteer at a scheduled event, see 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.

Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities

FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grants - The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (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, Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Program, and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). 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. DCR and MEMA will present an Informational Webinar on September 10 to give an overview of the hazard mitigation assistance guidance from FEMA, explain eligibility requirements, the non-federal cost-share, application process, and deadlines. CZM encourages all potential applicants to participate in this session. To get webinar log-in information, RSVP to mitigation@mass.gov. For complete grant details, see the Mitigation Grants Memo (PDF, 483 KB) and the PDM, FMA, and HMGP pages on the MEMA website. Statements of interest are due by October 1. Final applications for PDM and FMA grants are due by January 4, 2019. Final HMGP applications are due by April 4, 2019.

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 the federal funding opportunity. Applications are due by October 29.

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 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 FY2019 ACFHP 2018 Application Cycle web page. Applications must be received by midnight on September 25.

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

  • Buzzards Bay Municipal Mini-Grant Program - Round II - The Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program is seeking a second round of proposals for the Buzzards Bay Watershed Municipal Mini-Grant Program. $130,418 in funding is available for this grant round. Projects must implement a recommendation(s) in the Buzzards Bay Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan to protect and restore water quality and living resources in Buzzards Bay and its surrounding watershed. Eligible projects include stormwater remediation designs for discharges affecting marine waters, wetland/open space/habitat acquisition, migratory fish passage restoration, construction of boat pumpout facilities, and many other activities that support the management plan. A 33 percent match of requested funding is required, and only municipalities are eligible to apply. For more information, to view the RFR, and download required forms, see the COMMBUYS website. Proposals are due by October 1.

Products/Publications

State of Our Harbors Report - The Urban Harbors Institute (UHI), on behalf of DCR, has released the 2015 State of Our Harbors Report. UHI authored this update to the 1990 State of Our Harbors Report, which provided information about dredging needs in Massachusetts and documented economic benefits associated with safe navigable harbors. The update presents information about navigational dredging activity and the current and future public dredging needs of the Commonwealth’s harbors. The report also documents the revenue generated by activities associated with dredged waterways and the economic value of dredging to the state and local economies.

Guidelines for Measuring Changes in Seawater pH - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published Guidelines for Measuring Changes in Seawater pH and Associated Carbonate Chemistry in Coastal Environments of the Eastern United States, a guidance document for those interested in monitoring the pH of coastal waters using inexpensive equipment. The guidelines provide an overview of sampling, analytical, and data reporting techniques for effective measurement of coastal acidification along the U.S. Atlantic coast.

Ebb & Flow - The Summer 2018 issue of Ebb & Flow, the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) eNewsletter, features articles on the new DER cranberry bog program, a streamflow release priority tool, flood protection and restoration at Town Creek in Salisbury, and other updates, grant opportunities, events, and resource links.

Beneath the Surface - The August 2018 issue of Beneath the Surface, a newsletter from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), includes articles on a journey to the ocean’s twilight zone, climate science collaboration, fresh water and climate change in the Arctic, and other news and updates from WHOI.

Sound Waves - The July 2018 issue of Sound Waves, a U.S. Geological Survey newsletter, features articles on studies of Israel’s Dead Sea fault, Excellence in Leadership Awards, recent fieldwork, and other coastal and marine research news.

Marine Ecosystems and Management Information Service - The July/August 2018 edition of Marine Ecosystems and Management, the bimonthly information service on marine ecosystem-based management from the University of Washington School of Marine Affairs, features articles on managing and conserving ocean ecosystems in a changing climate and other news and resources.

Restore - The August 2018 issue of Restore, the monthly newsletter from the Society for Ecological Restoration, includes articles on why mangroves matter, tiger restoration in India, the role of soils in climate change strategies, and other restoration news and updates.

Marine Protected Area Newsletter - The July/August 2018 issue of MPA News features articles on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and ecosystem tipping points, key lessons learned from the MPAs of Central America, and other MPA news and notes.

HabitatNews - The August 2018 issue of HabitatNews, a newsletter of the NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Restoration, includes articles on the recently awarded Coastal and Marine Habitat Restoration Grants, NOAA’s Veteran and Conservation Corps Programs, and other marine fisheries habitat news.

Web-Based and Mobile-User Resources

Warming in the Gulf of Maine - News Center Maine has released The Gulf of Maine: Warming Faster than 99% of World's Saltwater Bodies, a video featuring Dr. Andrew Pershing, Chief Scientist of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. In the video, Dr. Pershing describes how the Gulf of Maine is warming four times faster than the global ocean and the potential impacts of the warming. The interview continues with a discussion of climate change and the conditions in the Gulf of Maine in 2018.

Plastic Pollution Education Resources - The Volvo Ocean Race has developed an Education Program for children ages 6-12 with a focus on ocean literacy and plastic pollution in the oceans. The program materials, which includes teacher’s guides, worksheets, booklets, and videos, aim to help students discover sailing, the importance of the ocean, how ocean plastic pollution is damaging the planet, and ways to combat ocean plastic pollution.

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.

Provincetown Municipal Harbor Plan - The Town of Provincetown has submitted a Municipal Harbor Plan (MHP) Amendment for approval by the Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA). EEA and CZM will conduct a public hearing on the MHP Amendment on September 12 at 5:00 p.m. at: Judge Welsh Room, Town Hall, 260 Commercial Street, Provincetown. For more information, see the CZM Public Notice. Submit comments by September 21 to: Office of Coastal Zone Management, 251 Causeway Street, Suite 800, Boston, MA 02114 Attention: Steve McKenna.

Job/Internship Postings

Director of Wetlands and Waterways - The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is seeking a Director of the Division of Wetlands and Waterways (DWW) to oversee the DWW programs, including wetlands protection, §401 water quality certification activities, and chapter 91 waterways programs. The Director is responsible for coordinating all regulatory, policy, and guidance development for these programs and overseeing 17 agency staff, as well as four regional offices.

Coastal Management Officer - The town of Scituate is seeking applications for a Coastal Management Officer to administer and coordinate efforts to address current and future impacts of coastal effects throughout Scituate in accordance with federal and state regulations, local bylaws, and policies. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

GIS Analyst - The Cape Cod Commission is seeking applications for a GIS Analyst to perform professional and technical work operating and updating the Commission's Geographic Information System (GIS), including the collection, input, and analysis of data in support of the Commission’s regional mapping efforts. Applications are due by September 24.

Calendar

Naturescape Gallery: Bluff, Beach, Hollow and Sea - Through October 31, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will host in their Naturescape Gallery, Bluff, Beach, Hollow and Sea, photographs by author and poet Jonathan Wright. For information about museum hours and other Naturescape Gallery exhibits, see the museum website.

Cape Cod Field Schools - 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 coastal environment and wildlife of Cape Cod. Cape Cod Field Schools are “in-the-field” experiences taught by professional naturalists and scientists.

Barnstable Land Trust Walks and Talks - The Barnstable Land Trust has scheduled several events as part of its Walks & Talks nature series. Join the Trust for an Edible Plants Walk on September 8.

Year of the Bird - On September 8, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will present Year of the Bird: 100th Anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, a panel discussion on this act created to protect migratory birds from poaching and over-hunting. Reservations are recommended.

Adult Nature Club - On the first Saturday of each month, the Thornton Burgess Society at the Green Briar Nature Center & Jam Kitchen in East Sandwich will present the Adult Nature Club, a series of in-depth natural history courses for adults. Join the club for a session on birding on September 8 and wild food on October 6.

Rivers and Climate Change Talk - On September 11, the Orleans Conservation Trust will present Going with the Flow: Rivers and Global Climate Change, with R. Max Holmes, Deputy Director and Senior Scientist at the Woods Hole Research Center. Using examples from rivers around the world, Mr. Holmes will discuss the challenges and discoveries in his climate change research.

Archaeological Presentation - On September 12, the Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources (BUAR) Director, Vic Mastone, will present Underwater Archaeology: 17th Century Nipmuc Mishoonash in Lake Quinsigamond to the Massachusetts Archaeological Society in Middleborough. Join Vic to hear about the 2001 discovery of a dugout canoe submerged in Lake Quinsigamond in central Massachusetts.

Stormwater Fee Webinar - On September 12, EPA’s Water Infrastructure and Resiliency Finance Center will present Success with Stormwater Fees, a webinar that will provide examples of communities that have developed successful stormwater programs with funding from stormwater fees. Registration is required.

Green Streets Webinar - On September 12, EPA’s Soak Up the Rain Webinar Series will present Green Streets in Dense Communities (PDF, 602 KB), a webinar that will showcase results of a two-year planning initiative by the city of Cambridge and the Charles River Watershed Association to identify and design green infrastructure strategies for dense, residential city streets. Registration is required.

Combined Sewer Overflows Webcast - On September 12, the Center for Watershed Protection will present Stormwater and Green Infrastructure for Combined Sewer Systems, a webcast that will discuss some common green infrastructure techniques that can be used to tackle Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs). The session will also present case studies from communities using these practices.

Aquarium Lecture Series - Into November, the New England Aquarium will host a free Lecture Series dedicated to topics related to climate change. Upcoming lectures include Up Close with the Northern Fur Seal on September 13; Chasing Coral movie viewing and discussion on September 20; Kerstin and the Giant Manta Rays film screening and discussion on September 26; Searching for Ancient Life on Mars on October 11, and Diplomacy and Intrigue in the Arctic on November 8. 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.

Paddle for the Bays: RACE Cape Cod - On September 15, the Barnstable Clean Water Coalition and Stand Up and Paddle Cape Cod will host the 8th annual Paddle for the Bays Race at Oyster Harbor Club Beach in Osterville. 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. Registration is required. All racers receive a long-sleeve t-shirt and a beach party ticket.

National Estuaries Week - September 15-22 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.

Boston Harbor Island Regatta - On September 16, Boston Harbor Now and the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park will host the 14th 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.

Treasure Hunt - On September 16, the Bay State Council of Divers will hold the Annual Treasure Hunt at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester. All divers and diving organizations are welcome.

Archaeological Presentation - On September 20, BUAR Director, Vic Mastone, will present Underwater Archaeology: 17th Century Nipmuc Mishoonash in Lake Quinsigamond to the United Divers of Central Massachusetts in Fitchburg. Join Vic to hear about the 2001 discovery of a dugout canoe submerged in Lake Quinsigamond in central Massachusetts.

Northeastern University Marine Science Center Tours - Through October, the Northeastern University Marine Science Center in Nahant will host monthly guided public tours where visitors can learn about the center’s research. The free tours run from 2:30-4:00 p.m. on September 20 and October 25. Space is limited, so please register.

Hack for the Sea - From September 21-23, the 3rd annual Hack for the Sea will be held in Gloucester. The event is open to all marine professionals, programmers, scientists, educators, hobbyists, writers, naturalists, marketers, videographers, students, and more. Participants take on challenges in marine science, research, and industry with an effort to create innovative solutions that help the world’s oceans.

Women in Marine Science Symposium - On September 22, the Society for Woman in Marine Science will hold its Fall 2018 Symposium, Swimming in Diversity: Exploring the Seas Together, in Woods Hole. The symposium will include keynote talks, panel discussions, and small group breakout sessions. Registration is required.

Fall 2018 NEERS Meeting—Call for Papers - From October 25-October 27, the New England Estuarine Research Society (NEERS) will hold the Fall 2018 NEERS Meeting in New Bedford. The meeting will highlight themes related to the emerging perspectives in estuarine and coastal marine science and include a wide range of disciplines, such as sediment transport and fisheries biology. See the Call for Papers, which are due by September 24.

National Marine Sanctuaries Webinars - The NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries’ Webinar Series provides educators resources and training to support ocean and climate literacy in the classroom. The next webinar is Plastics in the Ocean: Facts, Fiction, and Unknowns on September 25.

Great White Shark Talk - On September 27 at 6 p.m., the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will present Seeing Deeper into the World of the Great White Shark with Dr. Greg Skomal of the Massachusetts Shark Research Program at the Division of Marine Fisheries. Reservations are required for this program that helps raise funds for shark research.

Battle of Chelsea Creek Talk - On September 27-29, BUAR Director Vic Mastone will participate in the 2018 International Fields of Conflict Conference in Mashantucket, Connecticut. On September 26, he will present Historical Narrative and Cultural Landscape Analysis—Revealing the American War of Independence Battle of Chelsea Creek, the 1775 battle that was the first naval engagement of the American Revolution.

Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride - On September 30, the Buzzards Bay Coalition will hold the 12th annual Buzzards Bay Watershed RIDE to support the Coalition’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.

State of the Taunton River Watershed Workshop - On October 1, the Narragansett Bay National Estuary Program and the Resilient Taunton Watershed Network will host the State of the Taunton River Watershed—Building Partnerships for Progress in Fall River. This workshop will focus on the major environmental factors that are affecting the Taunton River, its tributaries, surrounding lands, and Mount Hope Bay. Topics include clean water, impacts of increased development in the watershed, and how rising seas affect the coasts.

Green Careers Conference - On October 4, the Massachusetts Green Careers Conference will be held at the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Headquarters in Westborough. Attendees can meet employers, green-career-ready candidates, and experts from business, education, government, and nonprofits.

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: Polar Oceans on October 20; Freshwater on November 3; and Ocean Nurseries on December 8. 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 19.

MACC Fall Conference—Save the Date - On October 20, the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) will hold the 2018 Fall Conference in Leominster. The conference will feature six units of fundamentals for Conservation Commissioners, four workshops, and other presentations. See the MACC website for registration details.

RARGOM Annual Science Meeting—Call for Abstracts - On October 26, the Regional Association for Research on the Gulf of Maine (RARGOM) will host the 2018 Annual Science Meeting, Drivers of Change in Gulf of Maine Ecosystems, in Portland, Maine. To present a talk or poster, please submit an abstract to Joel Llopiz at jllopiz@whoi.edu by October 5.

Environmental Education Conference—Save the Date - From November 1-3, the New England Environmental Education Alliance Conference will be held in Fairlee, Vermont. Environmental Educators from throughout New England are encouraged to join the event and share work of building environmentally resilient and just communities.

AWRA Annual Water Resources Conference - On November 4-8, the American Water Resources Association is hosting their Annual Conference in Baltimore, Maryland. The conference—which will address emerging issues related to technology, flowing waters, future risk, and public policy—provides presentations, poster sessions, an offsite networking event, and more.

Ocean Literacy Summit - From November 15-16, the New England Ocean Science Education Collaborative will hold the 2018 Ocean Literacy Summit in Boston. The focus of the 2018 summit will be Ocean Literacy Principle 2: The ocean and life in the ocean shape the features of Earth. The 2018 summit will include two days of workshops, field trips, network building opportunities, and will feature Keynote Speaker Jeff Donnelly, Senior Scientist and Director of the Seafloor Samples Laboratory at WHOI.

Buzzards Bay Walks and Events - The Buzzards Bay Coalition maintains an Events page with walks and other nature-based events hosted by numerous organizations and land trusts in the region. September events include yoga, hikes, bird walks, clamming, kayaking, and more. Events can be filtered by town, month, host, or select topics, such as kid-friendly and volunteering.

Cape Cod Museum of Natural History Programs - The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History hosts a wide variety of events including bird watching walks, educational programs, family field walks, and more. Check out their calendar for details.

Green Infrastructure Webcasts - The EPA Green Infrastructure Program Webcast Series features bimonthly webcasts geared toward public officials and practitioners just beginning to implement green infrastructure, as well as those looking to enhance established programs. The September webcast is Reclaiming Lost Lands: Revitalizing Brownfields with Green Infrastructure. Stay tuned to the EPA website for additional details.

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary Programs and Activities - Mass Audubon’s Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary provides numerous nature walks, talks, and adventures. See the programs, classes, & activities page and search the program catalog for event and schedule information on topics such as campouts, a treasure hunt, birding, and paddling.

Joppa Flats Education Center Programs and Events - This summer and fall, the Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center will host a number of educational opportunities for children and adults. See their program catalog for events, classes, and education activities, including lectures, morning birding, homeschooler activities, a tide pool touch tank, and science and music for preschoolers.

MACC Education - MACC offers a variety of specialized education programs. Visit the MACC Complete Education Catalog for an overview of upcoming wetland delineation and other workshops. The MACC Community Calendar provides a schedule of other programs.

Mass Audubon 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 including guided family walks, birding programs, kayak trips, programs for college students, and more. For more information, search the calendar of programs, classes, and activities for Wellfleet Bay and Long Pasture.

National Marine Life Center Programs - The National Marine Life Center (NMLC) in Buzzards Bay offers a variety educational, after school, and scout programs on marine animals, strandings, rehabilitation, and ocean conservation. See their Education page for links to drop-in and scheduled programs.

NOAA Science and Climate Seminars - The OneNOAA Science Seminar web page provides listings and details on NOAA science and climate seminars and webinars that are available across the nation.

North and South Rivers Watershed Events - The North and South Rivers Watershed Association (NSRWA) hosts numerous events including pontoon tours, walks, and workshops. See the NSRWA Events page for details.

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

  • Cape Cod Wildlife Festival - On September 8, the Cape Cod Wildlife Collaborative is celebrating the 9th annual Cape Cod Wildlife Festival at Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary in Barnstable from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free event includes family friendly activities, interactive exhibits, live animal presentations, live music, book signings, and food and ice cream.
  • Boston Harbor Educators Conference - On September 29, Massachusetts Marine Educators will hold the Boston Harbor Educators Conference, Our New Boston Harbor Shoreline, at the University of Massachusetts Boston. The 2018 conference will include speakers, hands-on workshops, a panel discussion, a Boston Harbor Island cruise, and a keynote from Frederick A. Laskey, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority.

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 Happen. Prepare Now. Learn how. 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.

Youth Making Ripples Film Competition - The Youth Making Ripples Film Competition is seeking short ocean documentary film submissions from K-12 students that engage the public about the importance of marine conservation. Students can win small scholarships and participate on an annual shark tagging expedition. Finalist films will be featured on the Youth Making Ripples website and will be shown at international film festivals held throughout the year. The deadline for submission is January 8, 2019.

Campus RainWorks Challenge - The EPA Office of Water has announced the 7th 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. Winning teams will be awarded cash prizes. Registration is open from September 1-30 and entries must be submitted by December 14.

NOAA Science Advisory Board - NOAA is seeking nominations for the NOAA Science Advisory Board (SAB), a 15-member committee that advises the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans, Atmosphere, and NOAA Administrator on long- and short-range strategies for research, education, and application of science to resource management and environmental assessment and prediction. Submit nominations to noaa.sab.newmembers@noaa.gov by October 15.

Recycle Bowl - Keep America Beautiful will hold the 2018 Recycle Bowl, a friendly competition that helps K-12 schools promote the creation of new recycling programs, increase recycling rates in schools, and provide teacher/student educational opportunities about recycling and waste reduction. Schools and students can start planning now for the competition. This year's competition begins on October 15. Register now.

Mass Audubon Photo Contest - Mass Audubon is holding its 2018 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, plant life, landscapes, and people in nature. Entries are due by September 30.

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