First Day Hikes in Maryland State Parks - January 1, 2014

Maryland part of national effort to sponsor hikes in all 50 State Park systems

Join your family and friends on a First Day Hike on January 1, 2014 in Maryland State Parks. These easy to moderate hikes are family friendly and an invigorating way to get outdoors on New Year’s Day. From Assateague State Park on the Eastern Shore, to Herrington Manor State Park in Western Maryland, state park staff will hike alongside families and guide you through some of Maryland’s most beautiful public lands.

First Day Hikes is part of a national effort to promote healthy lifestyles and year-round recreation in all 50 state park systems. These hikes are hosted to encourage people to get outside, and also offer a great way to cure cabin fever and burn off extra holiday calories.

Enjoy winter’s beauty in Maryland, where you’ll find plenty of opportunities to get outside and play on New Year’s Day. Maryland State Park First Day Hikes offer families a chance to view migratory wildlife, learn about Maryland’s flora, view an historic lighthouse, and most importantly, reconnect with nature and friends and family members. Several hikes offer options to bring along your family pet on a leash.

Weather appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes are a must, as Maryland winters can vary greatly across the state. Don’t forget to bring water and snacks, as well as a camera to capture cherished memories. The American Hiking Society offers outdoor enthusiasts helpful cold weather hiking tips: http://www.americanhiking.org/cold-weather-hiking/

Planning to be traveling outside Maryland for the New Year? Recreation.Gov provides a list of all 50 State Park websites so you can plan your First Day Hikes adventures.

Opportunity for Artists, Crafters and Authors at the MAEOE conference

Please note, there is some flexibility with registering for this opportunity so don't be scared by the 12/20 deadline!

Christmas Bird Count in Montgomery County

The Christmas Bird Count, organized by the National Audobon Society, is an annual event where novice and expert birders alike brave the elements for one day each winter to observe and record birds, creating a snapshot of bird populations and their health.

This year, the count circle encompassing Brookside Nature Center and Wheaton Regional Park is taking place this Saturday, December 14. We can use volunteers to help us observe the grounds of the Nature Center and record the birds they see. There are no set times or minimum hours of participation; come and go as you please throughout the day. And no, you do not have to be an expert birder to join in!

For more information and/or to volunteer contact Jennifer at: jmcguire319@gmail.com

Best Urban BMP in the Bay Award Contest

The Chesapeake Stormwater Network (CSN) is proud to announce our first ever Best Urban BMP in the Bay Award contest!! The BUBBAs, as it is affectionately being called, aims to recognize the best urban BMPs that have been designed and installed in the Chesapeake Bay watershed within the past 5 years.

Download the flyer at: http://chesapeakestormwater.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/bubbas-flier-web.pdf

Basic Info

• $5,000 cash award to grand prize winner
• Contest now open!
• 6 different award categories
• Deadline for submissions: February 28, 2014
• Online submission process: http://chesapeakestormwater.net/the-bubbas/

Competition Objectives

Many other organizations have offered LID design competitions to promote the implementation and adoption of LID practices in areas where they have not previously been employed. Here, in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, LID practices are more commonly employed as a result of stringent stormwater management regulations and the recently implemented Bay TMDL. One of the things we have seen here at CSN is that local implementers tend to lead the way in trying new and innovative approaches to dealing with difficult stormwater problems. For example, a retrofit constructed in an ultra-urban environment faces many more challenges than one in a suburban environment and there are many localities that have come up with effective ways for facing those challenges. The goal of the BUBBAs is threefold:

• Recognize innovators in the field who are using new and innovative techniques for facing the challenges of stormwater management;
• Provide an avenue for disseminating these techniques to other communities who could benefit from the lessons learned and innovative approaches;
• Engage CSN's nearly 4,000 member network of stormwater professionals throughout the Bay watershed to promote interactivity among the members.

Award Categories

No two urban BMPS are alike! Each one is faced with a unique set of challenges and represents solutions for specific stormwater management goals. In order to recognize those unique solutions and promote their application throughout the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and ensure broad participation entries will be accepted in the following six categories:

1. Homeowner BMPs
2. Innovative BMPs
3. Best Combination of BMPs in a Series
4. Ultra-Urban BMPs
5. Best Habitat Creation in a BMP
6. Best Stream Restoration

Winning the BUBBAs - $5,000 Grand Prize!!

Projects wills be reviewed by a handpicked jury of experts in Bay stormwater. Our jurors represent diverse perspectives in the field of stormwater management and can evaluate the project submissions according to the many objectives of a stormwater BMP. To learn more about our distinguished jury click here: http://chesapeakestormwater.net/the-bubbas/bubbas-rules-eligibility/

• The top three finalists in each award category will receive certificates of recognition for placing as finalists in the award category and be featured on the CSN website.
• Category winners will receive a free registration to the 2014 Bay-wide Partners Stormwater Retreat where they will be recognized at a swanky BUBBAs awards ceremony and will have the opportunity to network with nearly 100 federal, state, local and NGO leaders from across the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Learn more about the annual Bay-wide Partner's Stormwater Retreat here: http://chesapeakestormwater.net/bay-stormwater/stormwater-retreat/.
• GRAND PRIZE = $5,000!! The grand prize winner will be chosen by CSN's network of more than 4,000 stormwater professionals in an online voting forum. The "People's Choice Award" winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize, free registration to the 2014 Bay-wide Stormwater Partner's Retreat and the respect and awe of the Chesapeake Bay stormwater community. Can't beat that!

Timeline - Contest Now Open!!

Dec 1, 2013          Contest officially opens

Feb 28, 2014         Deadline for submissions

March 2014           Judging begins

TBD, 2014             Winners announced at 2014 Bay-wide Retreat

How to Enter

For more information or to submit your project, visit the contest webpage at: http://chesapeakestormwater.net/the-bubbas/

We look forward to your participation and please pass this along to your colleagues!

Summer Opportunity for Rising High School Seniors

SEA S.T.A.R. PROGRAM (STUDENTS TEACHING AND RESEARCHING)

A Two Month Coastal Education and Leadership Internship Program for Rising High School Seniors

Sunday June 15, 2014 – Friday August 15, 2014

For more information : http://www.cbfieldstation.org/#/sea-star-intern-page/4580548071

Do you love the ocean and the outdoors? Do you have an interest in studying wild and diverse ecosystems? Do you dream of one day working as a Marine Biologist? Get ready for the summer adventure of a lifetime! The Chincoteague Bay Field Station of the Marine Science Consortium is excited to offer a Coastal Education and Leadership Program for rising High School Seniors. This internship allows students to gain experience in an Environmental Education program while researching a Marine Science Project that interests them.

We are looking for eight rising high school seniors (students who are currently juniors age 16 and older) with an interest in education, biology or science. Students must have a strong academic profile and be interested in an opportunity to work in an outdoor environmental education setting. Interns will spend a lot of time outdoors in marine environments. Students who are enthusiastic and outgoing, can work easily with others and are organized, with good attention to detail will be the best fit for this internship.

For 2 months students will live, work and play on the Marine Science Consortium’s main campus, the Chincoteague Bay Field Station. The Chincoteague Bay Field Station is located in Wallops Island, VA, just minutes from the island of Chincoteague and Assateague. This internship includes three components: programs, research and enrichment. Students will work alongside program staff to provide environmental education programs and summer camp activities; periodically attend college level courses; develop their own research project or legacy project; and explore the exciting marine habitats of the Eastern Shore of VA. This 2 month program is a wonderful opportunity to enhance and develop self-confidence, self-awareness, communication skills, and personal leadership style. The internship is a unique opportunity for students to gain job experience, to learn about the exciting field of Marine Science Education and to make new friends. Students will gain work and research experience that they may then apply in their senior year in high school and beyond.

Since 1965 The Marine Science Consortium has educated and inspired thousands of children, youth, and adults about the marine and coastal ecosystems along the Mid-Atlantic Region through place-based, hands-on experiences. The Chincoteague Bay Field Station of the Marine Science Consortium is ideally located on Virginia's Eastern Shore, between the powerful Atlantic Ocean and ecologically important Chesapeake Bay. The barrier islands of the Eastern Shore create a series of habitats that are biologically diverse and geologically dynamic. These natural classrooms introduce students to a variety of concepts in the biological, chemical, and physical sciences.

APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work on a team, energetic and open to learning
• Strong interest in Science, Education, Marine Biology or Ecology
• Experience working with kids is a plus but not necessary
• This position requires applicants to be able to lift 30 lbs, walk distances of 1 mile at time and climb stairs

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Cover Letter
• Intern Application
• School Transcript
• Two Signature-Sealed Letters of recommendation (one from a teacher)
• Phone Interview

• Interns must be at least 16 years old by the first day of the internship and must have completed their junior year of high school

IMPORTANT DATES

• Nov 26, 2013 – Begin accepting applications
• Jan, 24 2014 – All Application materials due
• Jan 27, 2014 – Phone Interviews begin
• Feb 14, 2014– Notice of first acceptances
• June 15 - Aug 15, 2014 – Internship Dates
• Aug 14, 2014 – Intern Presentation Dinner ( Parents and Family Members Welcome)

INTERNSHIP COST

• This is an unpaid internship. However meals and lodging during the program are free of charge.

• Interns are responsible for their travel to and from the program at the beginning and end of the summer.
• Interns are responsible for personal spending money during the program (i.e. coin operated laundry, all meals off campus during enrichment trip, movies, etc.)
• Interns are responsible for taking part in the SEA S.T.A.R. Trash-a-ton Fundraiser. This fundraiser raises money to cover the internship program’s enrichment trips, and intern meals and lodging

EMAIL OR MAIL COMPLETED APPLICATIONS TO:

C. Parker Mcmullen-Bushman

Special Programs Coordinator

Chincoteague Bay Field Station

34001 Mill Dam Road

Wallops Island VA 23337

specialprogramscoordinator@gmail.com

757-824-5636

www.cbfieldstation.org

For more information : http://www.cbfieldstation.org/#/sea-star-intern-page/4580548071

GREENBELT'S CHEARS AND ALIGHT DANCE THEATER PARTNER FOR A CALL TO ARTISTS

                                                                                         

A Budget of $2000 per Artist to Further the Arts and Environmental Stewardship

Chesapeake Education, Arts and Research Society (CHEARS) and Alight Dance Theater today announced a request for artists' applications for Three Sisters: A Garden for All Seasons Public Art Project. Artists must reside in Maryland, Virginia or the District of Columbia. CHEARS in partnership with Alight Dance Theater seeks artists to create public art pieces to be installed at all Three Sisters Garden locations in Greenbelt, Maryland. The gardens are located on public lands near busy recreational facilities in three different areas within Greenbelt city limits. Three artists will be chosen with each artist designing and fabricating a work of art for one of the three garden locations. We are most interested in works using mural, mosaic and/or sculptural techniques with an emphasis on the use of recycled, reused and/or sustainable materials.

Alight Dance Theater and CHEARS are producing three site-specific dance / movement installations at the Three Sisters Garden locations over the course of next year with performances in spring, summer and fall of 2014. The public art installed in the gardens will function as part of the set for these performances as well as include a small plaque, which identifies the gardens and credits the funders for this project. The addition of these art pieces aim to beautify the garden, serve as a focal point for information and activities in the gardens, and honor major supporters of the gardens.

Artwork Specifications: Successful project proposals will feature designs for art pieces with dimensions of at least three feet by five feet and partially constructed out of recycled, reused and/or sustainable materials. Works must be designed and built for permanent outdoor installation. Artwork may be constructed using a variety of techniques and mediums. Artists interested in working with community groups to assist in the collection of materials and/or partial construction of the work should include those plans in the project proposal.

Selection Process: Submission deadline is January 24, 2014. Artist selection will be completed by January 28, 2014 with artists considered on a rolling basis up until January 24, 2014. Selected artists will be issued contracts by February 28, 2014. Up to six finalists will be selected for a personal interview with the selection committee. The selection committee is comprised of representatives from both CHEARS and alight dance theater.

To Apply: Go to (http://www.alightdancetheater.org/call_for_artists.html) for the on-line application. In addition, applicants must email a current resume (do not exceed two pages) and three digital images of past work to afosterdance@gmail.com by January 24, 2014. Image files should be labeled with artist's last name and partial title of work. Please include details about artwork in body of email, including full title of work, medium, dimensions, date of completion and location of installation, if applicable.

The funding for this project has been provided in part by Alight Dance Theater, CHEARS and the Maryland Heritage Area Authority.

$100 Million in Funding Available through the Hurricane Sandy Coastal Resiliency Competitive Grant Program

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), on behalf of the U.S. Department of the Interior, is pleased to announce the availability of $100 million in grant funding under the Hurricane Sandy Coastal Resiliency Competitive Grant Program.  Funding will support projects that reduce communities’ vulnerability to the growing risks from coastal storms, sea level rise, flooding, erosion and associated threats through strengthening natural ecosystems that also benefit fish and wildlife.  Eligible projects include:

·         Project planning and design (up to $250,000)

·         Coastal resiliency assessments (up to $1 million)

·         Restoration and resiliency projects ($250,000 - $5 million)

·         Green infrastructure ($250,000 - $1 million)

·         Community coastal resiliency planning ($100,000 - $500,000)

Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, local governments and agencies, recognized tribes, state government agencies and academic institutions.  Deadline for proposals is January 31, 2014. 

For those interested in further details on the program, NFWF will host a regional workshop at the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center in Grasonville, MD on November 18, 2013.  A webinar for prospective applicants will also be held on December 17, 2013.  Further information on how to register for the workshops and webinar, and the formal Request for Proposals, can be accessed at http://www.nfwf.org/hurricanesandy.

Conference Registration is OPEN!!!!

29^th Annual MAEOE Environmental Education Conference

Make Connections – Take Action

Ocean City, MD ● February 6-9, 2014

Registration for the 2014 MAEOE Conference is now open!

With nearly 600 participants from the Chesapeake Bay region, you are

sure to connect with extraordinary ideas, lessons and actions

to incorporate into your work with Prek-12 students and the community.

Early Bird Registration November 1, 2013 - January 5, 2014

Late Registration begins January 19, 2014

On-line Registration Guide can be found here.

Please refer to the guide before you register.

Thursday Professional Development Institute, Friday Workshops

and Conference details are found in the Guide.

Register online www.maeoe.org/conference/2014

Conference Questions?

·   Please go to the Conference page on www.maeoe.org

·   Email conference@maeoe.org

·   Call the Conference Hotline

(Hotline hours are Monday – Thursday 5-7, at all other times, please

leave a message with your name, number and the best time to reach you)

MAEOE encourages, engages and empowers the community to understand, responsibly use and promote the natural world.

                                   

Reminder - Conference Registration is Coming Soon!!!!!

29th Annual  MAEOE

Environmental Education Conference

Make Connections – Take Action

February 6- 9 2014

Princess Royale,

Ocean City MD

Conference Highlights

Thursday Professional Development Institute

Thursday Professional Development Institute (PDI) is a focused, content-based program. Explore current topics in significant depth

Friday Workshops

Friday workshops include a fascinating range of topics.  These are full-day and halfday workshops.

Keynote Speaker, Friday evening

Davey Rogner is an environmental educator, permaculturist, and in 2010, he founded The Harvest Collective to pursue the creation of zero-waste and climate positive communities in America

Saturday Sessions

Over 50 workshops offering a wide variety of topics, presenters and strands. 

Sunday Field Experiences

-       Birding in Ocean City

-       Treasure in the Woods - Geocache at the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

Thursday

9-3pm - Land Ethic Experience and Education, Peggy Eppig, MAEF (FULL DAY) 

A    AGsploration – University of Maryland, Cooperative Extension (HALF DAY)

P    Promoting Safe Food Gardening and Handling Practices in Youth Gardens (HALF DAY)

            GROWING WILD – Kerry Wixted, Maryland DNR (HALF DAY)

7-9pm MAEOE Trivia Challenge, Schooner’s Bar & Lounge, Princess Royale Hotel

Friday

9-12, 1-4 - Workshops 

6:30 pm Opening

7-8 Keynote

8-10 Exhibits & Social

Saturday

8:30 – 11:50 Concurrent Workshops

12 – 1 – lunch by the pool & Green Artist Walk

1- 1:45 – Networking, Green Artist Walk, Exhibit Hall Time

1:45 – 2:45 Concurrent Workshops

2:45 – 3:15 Snack Break in Exhibit Hall

3:00 Silent Auction Ends

3:15 – 5:30 Concurrent Sessions

8:00pm-12am – Conference Social

Sunday

Many Sunday Field Experiences

to Choose From--Watch For More Details