Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Upcomming Green School Committee Meeting - JOIN US!!!

Interested in Maryland Green Schools? Come to the next Maryland Green School Committee and Youth Summit Plannning Meeting!

November 24 at MAEOE Headquearters in Jessup beginning at 4pm. Email: greenschools@maeoe.org with questions or for more information.

Friday, November 19, 2010

MAEOE Welcomes Chesapeake Conservation Corps Volunteers, Maurie Kathan and William Mahoney as Maryland Green School Organizers

Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE)

Welcomes Chesapeake Conservation Corps Volunteers, Maurie Kathan and William Mahoney as Maryland Green School Organizers

Maurie Kathan and William Mahoney are two of the sixteen young adults which comprise the inaugural class of Chesapeake Conservation Corps Volunteers. Modeled after the Peace Corps and Americorps programs, Chesapeake Conservation Corps Volunteers are paired with watershed groups, non-profit organizations and government agencies for one year to work on a variety of programs – all with the singular goal of restoring the health and balance of the Chesapeake Bay.

“These Chesapeake Conservation Corps Volunteers are future leaders. However, rather than the future being, well, in the future, for these young, bright, committed emerging leaders – the future is now” stated Bronwyn Mitchell, MAEOE Executive Director.

In its charter volunteers will be focusing their time and talents on restoration and environmental education – specifically increasing the number of Maryland Green Schools. Though the growth of Maryland Green Schools has been significant, the growth is uneven. Both William and Maurie will be helping to grow Maryland Green Schools in areas of the state where the number of Maryland Green Schools is lagging. Maurie will be working out of MAEOE Headquarters in Jessup focusing on the central, north and western parts of the state while William, working with Maryland Coastal Bays Program will be focused on the Eastern Shore.

When asked what motivated her to apply to the program, Maurie explained, “As a student in Montgomery County Public Schools, I received a strong Bay ecology education. In fourth grade part of the curriculum involved monitoring our local stream, the Little Falls Branch. It was thrilling to hunt through the net and find crayfish and many other micro and macro organisms. Unfortunately, over the past 15 years because of problems associated with stormwater runoff and sewage overflow, the creek has died. Working as a Chesapeake Conservation Corps Volunteer with MAEOE’s Maryland Green School Program, I hope to effect change and bring back an environment where fourth graders living on the edge of Washington DC can find crayfish in their local stream.”


Thursday, November 18, 2010

Carroll County Youth Service Bureau Seeks Adventure Diversion Program Coordinator

Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree; Background/Knowledge of Outdoor Education and Experiential Learning; Experience working with youth; Criminal Background Check prior to employment.Hours/Salary: 32-40 hours/week; 3 evenings and 1 Saturday/month required.Salary commensurate with experience; benefits included.Program Description: The Adventure Diversion Program (“ADP”) operates on the principle that given the opportunity and expectation to succeed – youth will work together to make a positive impact on the world around them. ADP’s goal is to provide positive events in youths’ lives to help them grow as individuals, work as a team, develop leadership skills and learn an appreciation for the outdoors through activities like hiking, canoeing, rock climbing and nature exploration. Youth are taught the skills for these activities through a model that blends practical knowledge with team building exercises designed to challenge youth to develop new ways to respond to relationships, stressors and responsibility. The targeted population is adolescent at-risk youth involved with the Department of Juvenile Services. ADP is designated as a Best Practice by the Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention for the Deinstitutionalization of Status Offenders.Responsibilities of Position:Develop and implement curriculum of core subjects and activities related to outdoor recreation activities.Teach team-building, conflict resolution and pro-social skills to youth. Provide structured activities and direct supervision for at-risk youth three nights/week and one weekend/month (day trips and 2 overnights/year).Complete intake interviews, documentation, manage data, and assist with reporting of outcomes. Collaborate with relevant community stakeholders. Please email, mail or fax cover letter, resume, and references (3) by 12/10/10 to:Joyce Agatone, LCSW-C, Program DirectorCarroll County Youth Service Bureau59 Kate Wagner Rd, Westminster, MD 21157jagatone@ccysb.org Fax: 443.244.8840

Alice Ferguson Foundation Seeks Bridging the Watershed Technology Educator

POSITION SUMMARY: The BTW technology educator facilitates day-long, curriculum-based field studies to middle and high schools students in an outdoor setting at national parks in the Potomac watershed. The position also includes contacting teachers, pre- and post-field study classroom visits, data recording and reporting. The technology educator will also be responsible for assisting in implementation of educational technologies to the BTW program, including managing field data collection tools,


PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Bridging the Watershed (BTW) is an outreach program of the Alice Ferguson Foundation in partnership with the National Capital Region of the National Park Service and area schools. BTW’s mission is to provide personally meaningful educational experiences that connect students to their place in the natural and cultural world. The uniqueness of learning through national parks in the Potomac River watershed inspires lifelong civic responsibility. More information about Bridging the Watershed can be found at www.fergusonfoundation.org/btw/btw_index.shtml.



POSITION DESCRIPTION

1. Assists in planning and presenting field studies in national and state parks
2. Provides pre-and/or post-field experiences in school classrooms
3. Attend meetings at schools, parks, etc.
4. Maintains program records (e.g., field study reports, updates)
5. Communicates with BTW partners
6. Provides additional support to BTW program (equipment management, contributions to e-newsletter, teacher and ranger training, other duties as assigned) and to AFF



KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

1. Bachelor’s degree in science (i.e., environmental science, biology, natural resources) or education with major in science
2. Experience working in the out-of-doors
3. At least 1 year experience presenting education programs, preferably to high school students
4. Exhibits understanding of inquiry-based science
5. Experience working with adolescents
6. Dynamic presentation skills
7. Excellent communication skills
8. Good computer skills (e.g., PC/Windows XP, Microsoft Word, Excel)
9. GIS and spatial analysis proficiency a plus
10. Experience or demonstrated ability to implement new technology
11. Good organization and problem-solving skills
12. Reliable, responsible, able to work independently and as part of a team, and able to problem solve creatively



ADDITONAL NOTE

The BTW educator position requires the use of a personal vehicle for commuting to meetings, field studies, etc.

To apply, email cover letter and resume to kfauss@fergusonfoundation.org

2011 Farm Manager Interns

Sligo Creek Farm seeks 2011 Farm Manager Interns
Brookeville, Maryland (near Gaithersburg) grows certified organic fruits and vegetables 12 acres of land owned by Our House, a residential youth home that serves young men ages 16-21. Sligo Creek and Our House work in partnership with each other, and Farm Manager interns have a major role in overseeing daily operations as well as working with youth in the gardens.

http://www.sligocreekfarm.com/

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

More Awards and Grants

ACE Action Grants

The Alliance for Climate Education offers Action Grants to help teams take on their next carbon-reducing, awareness-raising project. The deadline for application is November 12, 2010.

http://actiongrants.acespace.org/


Coleopterists Society Youth Incentive Award

The Coleopterists Society, an international organization of professionals and hobbyists interested in the study of beetles, has established a program to recognize young people in grades 7-12 studying beetles. The deadline for application is November 15, 2010.

http://www.coleopsoc.org/default.asp?Action=Show_SocietyInfo&ID=Youth


Coral Reef Conservation Funds

NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program, in cooperation with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, offers this grant competition for coral reef conservation projects proposed by domestic and international applicants. See the RFP announcement for full details, including a description of the funding categories. The deadline for pre-proposals is December 15, 2010. A webinar on December 1, 2010 will discuss the priorities identified in the RFP and describe how to write a competitive application.

http://www.nfwf.org/coralreef


Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund

The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund was established to promote wildlife conservation around the world through partnerships with scientists, educators, and organizations committed to preserving Earth's biodiversity. Applying organizations must have U.S. nonprofit status; international NGOs can apply in partnership with a U.S. organization. Funded projects should clearly contribute to the conservation of endangered or threatened species and their habitats. The application deadline for approved inquiries and previous grantees is January 25, 2011.

http://www.dwcf-rfp.com/


Edward C. Roy, Jr. Award for Excellence in K-8 Earth Science Teaching

This award from the American Geological Institute is designed to recognize one teacher of grades K-8 for his or her leadership and innovation in Earth science education. The deadline for application is January 5, 2011.

http://www.agiweb.org/education/awards/ed-roy/


EPA Greater Research Opportunities Fellowships

The EPA Greater Research Opportunities (GRO) Fellowships for Undergraduate Environmental Study offers fellowships for students in the environmental fields of study. The deadline for applications is December 9, 2010.

http://www.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2011/2011_gro_undergrad.html


FilterForGood Eco-Challenge

Brita’s FilterForGood Eco-Challenge grant offers grants to turn green ideas into action. Proposed programs should be action-based or aim to create tangible results toward producing a more sustainable environment. Each entry will be evaluated on creativity, environmental benefit, educational impact, and best use of time and budget. The deadline for application is November 19, 2010.

http://www.filterforgood.com/ecochallenge/


Find Your Footprint Contest

Learn more about your environmental footprint and how you can make a difference at the P&G Future Friendly Find Your Footprint contest. Classrooms can come up with an idea how their school could save water, reduce waste, or save energy. The deadline for entry is December 3, 2010.

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/findyourfootprint/enter/


Fisheries Innovation Fund

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Fisheries Innovation Fund is a grant program to support sustainable fisheries in the U.S. by fostering innovation and supporting effective participation of fishermen and fishing communities in the design and implementation of catch-share fisheries. The deadline for application is November 30, 2010.

http://www.nfwf.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Charter_Programs_List&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=60&ContentID=17640


Fulbright NEXUS Regional Program for the Western Hemisphere

The Fulbright Regional Network for Applied Research (NEXUS) Program will bring together a network of junior scholars, professionals, and mid-career applied researchers from the United States and other Western Hemisphere nations for series of three seminar meetings and a Fulbright exchange experience. Scholars will spend up to one year engaged in collaborative thinking, analysis, problem-solving, and multi-disciplinary research in one of three inter-related topics of regional significance: science, technology and innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable energy. The deadline for application is November 15, 2010.

http://www.cies.org/NEXUS/


Get to Know Contest

The Get to Know Contest is an invitation for youth (age 18 and younger) to go outside, to a zoo, aquarium, or museum; to "get to know" their wild neighbors; and then to share their experience with the world by creating an original work of art, photography, videography, or writing. The 2010 contest theme is Celebrating Biodiversity, with a new video category of This is my Forest. The deadline for entry is November 30, 2010.

http://www.gettoknow.ca/us/contest/details.php


Grant Calendar

The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Grant Calendar highlights the latest funding opportunities for forest-related issues within western Washington, as well as nationally. These issues include global climate change, habitat restoration, open space conservation, historical preservation, environmental education, and urban community outreach. Check the opportunities out by name or date due.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/partnerships/grant-calendar.shtml

http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/partnerships/calendar/index.shtml


Gulf Guardian Awards

The Gulf of Mexico Program is accepting nominations for the 2011 Gulf Guardian Awards. Awards are given for positive steps to keep the gulf healthy, beautiful, and productive. The deadline for nomination is May 15, 2011.

http://www.epa.gov/gmpo/gulfguard/2011_awards.html


Joint Fire Science Program Funding

The Joint Fire Science Program is a partnership of six federal wildland management and research agencies with a need to address problems associated with managing wildland fuels, fires, and fire-impacted ecosystems and offers funding for scientific studies. The deadline for application is November 19, 2010. See the website for complete details.

http://www.firescience.gov/


Kenton Miller Award

The Kenton R. Miller Award for Innovation in Protected Areas Management nominees are identified and proposed by individuals related to protected areas management, education, or science for innovation in any combination of the following categories: Communications; Planning and Management; Finance and Economics; Assessment, Monitoring, and Evaluation; Learning and Capacity Building; and, Governance. The deadline for nominations is November 30, 2010.

http://www.iucn.org/about/union/commissions/wcpa/wcpa_what/wcpa_awards/wcpa_kentonaward/


Marine Protected Areas Partnership Fund Pre-Proposals

The NOAA MPA Center and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation have established an MPA Partnership Fund to foster collaborative conservation among MPA agencies through joint stewardship, science, and outreach projects. Pre-proposals are due November 19, 2010. Non-federal MPA agencies and partners are eligible to apply.

http://www.mpa.gov/nationalsystem/effectiveness/mpafund/


Maritime Spatial Planning in Cartoon Format

WWF Germany has published a cartoon guide to implementing maritime spatial planning (MSP) in the Baltic Sea, titled Become a Maritime Spatialist in 10 Minutes. The 28- page guide uses drawings, humor, and limited text to explain what MSP is, why it is needed, and what a Baltic sea zoning plan could look like. It is designed to be easily understood by a range of audiences, and is available in multiple languages, including English and German. The guide is downloadable.

http://www.baltseaplan.eu/downloads/WWF_Cartoon_MSP.pdf


National Recreation Trails Photo Contest

American Trails sponsors an annual contest for photographs of National Recreation Trails across the country. The categories are trail use, management, and features, along with artistic merit. They are looking for photos of trail users as well as special facilities, art on the trails, management issues, construction, and volunteers. The entry deadline is December 15, 2010.

http://americantrails.org/nationalrecreationtrails/photocon.html


National Wetlands Awards

The Environmental Law Institute offers the National Wetlands Awards Program, celebrating individuals who have demonstrated dedication, innovation, or excellence in wetlands conservation. The awards are given in six categories: Education and Outreach; Science Research; Conservation and Restoration; Landowner Stewardship; State, Tribal, and Local Program Development; and Wetland Community Leader. The deadline for nomination is December 15, 2010.

http://www.nationalwetlandsawards.org/nominations.htm


NSTA Teacher Awards

The National Science Teachers Association sponsors numerous awards for educators. Check the website for complete details of all the awards. The deadline for application for most is November 30, 2010.

http://www.nsta.org/about/awards.aspx


Open Rivers Initiative

The NOAA Restoration Center offers the Open Rivers Initiative, providing technical expertise and financial assistance to remove dams and barriers and restore habitat for species that migrate between the ocean and the nation's freshwater rivers and streams. The deadline for application is November 17, 2010.

http://www.habitat.noaa.gov/funding/ori.html


P3 Design Competition

The EPA is seeking applications proposing to research, develop, and design solutions to real world challenges involving the overall sustainability of human society. The P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet competition highlights the use of scientific principles in creating innovative projects focused on sustainability. The deadline for application is December 22, 2010.

http://www.epa.gov/P3/


President's Environmental Youth Awards

Sponsored by the EPA, the President's Environmental Youth Awards program recognizes young people for projects which demonstrate their commitment to the environment. The program is available to individuals, classes, and youth groups. Awards are presented in each of the EPA regions, and one project from each region is presented with a national award. Regional applications are due by December 31, 2009.

http://www.epa.gov/enviroed/peya/index.html


Spirit of Innovation Awards

The Spirit of Innovation Awards Program challenges teams of high school students (ages 13-18) to solve real world problems by creating products using science, technology, and entrepreneurship. The competition encourages students to develop new products that can be introduced to the marketplace. The 2011 competition challenges students to develop new ideas in the areas of aerospace exploration, renewable energy, and cyber security. The deadline for submission is December 17, 2010.

http://www.conradawards.org/


State Farm Good Neighbor Service-Learning Grant

The State Farm Companies Foundation offers grants, available through Youth Service America, for teachers, youth, and school-based service-learning coordinators to implement service-learning projects for Global Youth Service Day April 15-17, 2011. Eligible programs will engage youth in service-learning, an effective teaching and learning strategy that promotes student learning, academic achievement, workplace readiness, and healthy communities. Hurry - the deadline for application is November 9, 2010.

http://www.ysa.org/goodneighbor


UPS Foundation Grants

The UPS Foundation is offering rural teachers match funding for classroom projects that will have students study about, explore, or clean up the planet. The deadline for application is November 12, 2010.

http://eeintennessee.org/resource/about.aspx?s=92758.0.0.37935



Walmart Store and Sam's Club Giving Programs

The Walmart Foundation supports charitable organizations through its Walmart Store and Sam’s Club Giving Programs. The deadline for application is December 31, 2010.

http://walmartstores.com/CommunityGiving/238.aspx

CBT Teacher of the Year Award, Student of the Year Award & Student Scholarships!!!

The Honorable Arthur Dorman Scholarship
$5,000 scholarship to an outstanding minority student in Maryland
Deadline: Monday, November 22, 2010

This Arthur Dorman Scholarship is awarded to a Maryland high school or college student who shows an exemplary commitment to improving the environment of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Dorman Scholars are minority students who also exhibit leadership in promoting diversity, inclusion, and tolerance for individuals of all backgrounds. Teachers, community leaders, and organizational partners are asked to identify eligible candidates and encourage them to apply. You can access the complete eligibility requirements and apply online here.

Student of the Year Award
$5,000 scholarship to an outstanding student in Maryland
Deadline: Monday, January 3, 2011

The Trust's Student of the Year Scholarship recognizes a Maryland high school or college student who has shown an outstanding commitment to environmental stewardship, Chesapeake Bay restoration and community involvement. Successful applicants will demonstrate how they motivate and inspire others by promoting environmental awareness throughout their school and community. Teachers, community leaders, and organizational partners are asked to identify eligible candidates and encourage them to apply. You can access the complete eligibility requirements and apply online here.

Teacher of the Year Award
$2,500 award to an outstanding educator in Maryland
Deadline: Monday, January 3, 2011

The Chesapeake Bay Trust's Teacher of the Year Award recognizes a Maryland educator who has shown an outstanding commitment to environmental education. The winning applicant will receive a $2,500 cash prize as well as (up to) a $5,000 mini grant to the winner's school for additional restoration projects and educational outreach. You can access the complete eligibility requirements and apply online here.

QUESTIONS?

For more information on the Trust's award program, eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit www.cbtrust.org or contact Molly Alton Mullins at 410-974-2941, Ext. 107. The application process can be completely quickly and conveniently online and winners will be announced during the Trust's Legislative Reception in January. Thank you and good luck!

Chesapeake Bay Trust
60 West Street, Suite 405, Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone 410.974.2941 | Contact Us | www.cbtrust.org

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Student Video Contest from NatGeo!!!

Students can make a video about the environment using NatGeo clips and photos. Deadline is November 15th!

http://www.youtube.com/user/PlanetInspired?feature=mhum