Friday, April 29, 2011

Volunteers Needed

Canid presence scat sampling using simple transect methods
John Hayes
Delaware State University
302-659-0248
707-235-9562
johnhayes@earthlink.net

Goal: Systematically find scat samples of canid species for genetic analysis

• Primary target: gray fox
• Secondary: red fox, coyote, domestic dog and non-canid

Methods:

• Coordinate with John Hayes to receive training and be assigned a work area

• Training and field sampling days-May 21, 22, 28 & 29, 2011 June 4, 5, 11, &12, 2011 (Sat & Sun). During the week is OK if your schedule is better suited. Let’s coordinate.

• Receive training:

o Oriented to transect locations
o Field data entry forms
o How to record usable data with GPS- have your own GPS, that’s even better!
o Scat identification- difference between usable and unusable sample
o Awareness techniques to increase sample capture
o Proper collection, ID labeling and storage

• Requires 2-3 hours of training and a commitment to walk at least one transect. 2-4 or more transects would be awesome. Transects do not need to be walked all on same day.

• Walk 3km (2miles) linear transects at approximately 1.5 km/ hour (1 mile/hour) to locate scat deposits on trails and low use dirt roads on managed lands of Delaware and Eastern Shore Maryland. 40-60 transects total depending on volunteer interest. Enquire about sites of interest. We have many places to choose from.

• Use GPS to record transect delineation and sample locations. Record ID, X and Y, and notes on data form for data entry.

• We will be using simple GPS that does not have GIS on the fly capacity. All GPS data entry will be done post collection by John Hayes.

Great Worcester Herp Search, May 14

Reptile, amphibian search May 14

The eleventh annual Great Worcester Herp Search will take place Saturday, May 14 when volunteers scour county lands for reptiles and amphibians.

Sponsored by the Coastal Bays Program, Delmarva Low Impact Tourism (DLITE), Salisbury Zoo, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and Salisbury University, the search kicks off at 9 a.m. at Furnacetown off Route 12 near Snow Hill. A brief pre-hunt training session will feature live turtles, snakes, frogs, and salamanders and explain ways to identify them in the wild. It is free to the public and will be held to prep volunteers for searching four Worcester County sites in the morning and afternoon.

Last year 204 reptiles and amphibians representing 20 species were the result of the search held in Worcester County. Finds included mud turtles, worm snakes, ringneck snakes, and rough greensnakes. Box and snapping turtles were found along with five-lined skinks and seven species of frogs and toads.

In Worcester, there are approximately 19 species of snakes, 15 species of frogs and toads, eight species of salamanders, 13 species of turtles, and four species of lizards. The search will provide data to help DNR scientists better understand population trends in this declining group of vertebrates as they continue the first ever Maryland Herp Atlas.

This year’s sites include public and private parcels in the heavily forested southern part of the county in both the coastal bays and Chesapeake Bay watersheds. No animals are harmed or removed from the wild during the search.

Participants should bring a sack lunch and drinks. For Wicomico residents, a Salisbury University van will leave the Henson loading dock at the NE corner of the Henson building on the campus at 8 a.m. Please email Dr. Ron Gutberlet at rlgutberlet@salisbury.edu to let him know you’ll be hitching a ride. Groups will return from the field around 12:30 p.m. for lunch then hunt again until approximately 5 p.m. All children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Sunscreen, mosquito and tick repellant, bright clothing, and boots are a must.

For more information call Dave Wilson at the Coastal Bays office at 410-213-2297.



Email: dwilson@mdcoastalbays.org
Web: www.mdcoastalbays.org

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Important upcomming dates!

MAEOE encourages you to grab your calendar and Save the Dates:



June 3, 2011

2011 Maryland Green Schools Youth Summit

Sandy Point State Park

9am-2pm



Every school in Maryland is invited to Celebrate, Promise and Soar at the 2011 Maryland Green School Youth Summit. This meaningful watershed education experience includes:

- 2011 Maryland Green School Awards Ceremonies

- Over 50 hands-on, inquiry-based environmental learning labs (correlated to state curriculum)

- Launch of the 2011 Bay Game

- National Geographic Explorer’s Station

- Wild animal alley

- Youth leadership trainings – students learn to organize environmental campaigns at their schools

- Elected official town hall meeting – students can question their leaders

- Tapestry of Hope

- Promises for the Future Kite Rally



Download the flyer and distribute.

Interested in volunteering? Contact greenschools@maeoe.org



June 15, 2011

Certified Maryland Green Leader Training - FREE

MAEOE Headquarters – Jessup, Maryland

9am-12pm

More information email: greenschools@maeoe.org



June 18, 2011

Orioles v. Nationals

National’s Stadium in DC (LEED Certified)

First Pitch - 1:05pm

It's the Battle of the Beltways. Cheer on your favorite team while supporting environmental education in Maryland. MAEOE receives a portion of each ticket purchased. All proceeds will be used to support Growing Maryland Green Schools. Want tickets? Email director@maeoe.org



July 15, 2011

Bowie BaySox v. Richmond Flying Squirrels

Baysox Stadium in Bowie

7:05pm

The BaySox are Putting the Bay into Baseball - Teaming up with environmental organizations to help build a more environmentally literate citizenry.

- Click Here the to purchase tickets

- Enter the special offer code: MAEOE (all caps)

- Purchase tickets

- Share with friends and family

All proceeds will be used to support Growing Maryland Green Schools. MAEOE receives a portion of each ticket purchased.

July 18-22, 2011

Grow a Maryland Green School Summer Institute

Contact: agibson@cbf.org



December 31, 2010

Bob Finton Award for Excellence in Outdoor Education Nominations Due

Don’t wait till the last minute. Nominations are accepted year round.



February 1, 2012

Maryland Green School Intent to Apply Form and Fee Due



February 9-12, 2012

27th Annual MAEOE Conference

Ocean City, Maryland

Call for Presentations coming soon in June..

Monday, April 25, 2011

Education Coordinator Needed at Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art

Introduction:
Nestled next to Schumaker Pond in Salisbury, Maryland and surrounded by wildlife in the heart of the Atlantic Flyway, the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art features the world’s largest and finest public collection of decorative and antique decoys. The museum is a premier facility for the study of art, nature and tradition for the youth, educators, scholars, artists and community it serves.

Job Description:
The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art seeks a full time Education Coordinator to assist with a growing department that serves over 14,000 youth and adults annually through programming on topics of art, nature and tradition.

Responsibilities:
Duties include development and delivery of education programs for youth and adults, scheduling and coordinating programming, assisting with special events and promotion of programs through written press releases, website updates and social media outlets. Education Coordinator reports to the Director of Education.

Qualifications:
Applicant must possess a bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) and have at least two years of experience with program delivery and working with volunteers. Knowledge of regional art, natural and cultural heritage is preferred. Applicants must possess strong organizational, writing and communication skills and be comfortable working independently and as a team with a diverse client base. Applicants should be proficient with computers. Typical workweek is Tuesday through Saturday.

Compensation:
Salary commensurate with experience. Benefits package.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume and three references to:
Kim Check, Education Director at kacheck@salisbury.edu
Ward Museum, 909 South Schumaker Dr, Salisbury, MD 21804

Application review will begin on May 18, 2011. Position open until filled.

The Ward Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Volunteer Coordinator Job Announcement

Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks is seeking a Volunteer Coordinator for the new Robinson Nature Center. The Volunteer Coordinator will develop and manage volunteer-based opportunities and programs for the Robinson Nature Center and oversees the day-to-day operations of volunteer programs. For more information and to apply, visit http://agency.governmentjobs.com/howardcounty/default.cfm. The deadline for applications is May 2, 2011.

Delmarva Birding Weekend

The Delmarva Birding Weekend celebrates the spring migration of thousands of warblers, shorebirds, waterfowl and raptors. The Weekend combines boat trips, paddling treks, and expeditions by foot, and takes place April 28 through May 1, 2011.



The Delmarva Peninsula possesses an extensive variety of environments, including barrier islands, tidal wetlands, cypress swamps, upland fields and primeval forests. Field trips take place in the land and water that feed into the Delaware Bays and coastal inland bays. More than 400 bird species have been recorded in the region. 204 species were tallied during the 2009 event!



Space is limited, but weekend participants can book trips through May 1 to kayak in Rehoboth Bay, search for seabirds aboard the Cape May/Lewes Ferry, and explore some of Delaware’s best birding grounds at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware Seashore State Park, and Assawoman Wildlife Area. On Friday, April 29 at 5:00 pm, a birder’s Tally Rally will be held at Dogfish Head in Rehoboth Beach to add species to the weekend’s checklist.



Participating birders will be helping birds by promoting bird and habitat conservation. Birders, both novice and experienced, can make an important statement about the economic value of birds and their habitats through low-impact tourism. Birders are encouraged to remind local businesses that they are here to enjoy Delmarva’s natural areas and the birds that inhabit them.



For more information, please email dlitedirector@comcast.net or call 443-614-0261. For more information about the Delmarva Birding Weekend and trip availability, please visit www.delmarvabirding.org.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Compost Bin & Rain Barrell Sale

Once again, Baltimore County Dept. of the Public Works and the Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability are sponsoring a Compost Bin and Rain Barrel sale, first come, first serve, truckload sale for one day only! There will be no leftovers the next day.

Saturday, April 30,2011, 9 am - 3:00 pm at the auxiliary parking lot of The Avenue at White Marsh 8125 Honeygo Boulevard (behind the movie theater, across Town Center Drive)

The Earth Machine Compost Bin: 2 pieces fits in all cars.
Systern Rain Barrel: 1 piece, large size, fits in most cars.

There will be six lines to pay cash, check and credit cards. Two lines will be cash only.

See more details including pricing at www.bcrecycles.com or contact 410-887-2000, press 0 for an operator.