media release - Camp Bayou, Ruskin

Media contact: Dolly Cummings phone: 813-363-5438   Family Naturalist Program continues   There is still plenty more to discover at Camp Bayou during our Family Naturalist Program. Participants during April have netted critters in the river (What is biodiversity?), made a terrarium (What is the water cycle?), gone on a watershed scavenger hunt (What is a watershed?) and learned how to weave palm mats similar to those made by the early Native People in this area (What is a native plant?).   The Family Naturalist Program is free and re-registration is not required,. You can attend on just one or all Saturdays, from 9-10am, until June 28. On June 28, there will be a 3-hour Watershed Celebration with food, a ''Family Feud'- type game with prizes, plus awards based on attendance. To see a sampling of the types of awards and prizes offered, visit the Family Naturalist Network at http://familynaturalists.ning.com/. While you're there, consider joining to connect with like-minded families.   Upcoming program themes include: May 3- What are biological indicators? May 10- What is citizen science? May 17- What are invasive non-native species? May 24- What lives beneath our feet? May 31- What is a keystone species? June 7- What is a Florida Friendly Yard? June 14- What does water quality mean? June 21- What is a wetland? June 28- A Watershed Celebration!   Funding for the Family Naturalist Program is provided by the Alafia River Basin Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District.   Camp Bayou is a partnership between the Ruskin Community Development Foundation, Inc. and Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation. Camp Bayou is located 3 miles south of SR 674 at the end of 24th St SE in Ruskin, on the Little Manatee River.   ###   Pictures: 419: The final activity each week is a stewardship action. Pictured are participants Savannah and Timmy Durden of Ruskin and Linda Lenoir of Brandon showing the pledge buttons they made to spread the word on ways to protect our watershed.   426: Kaitlyn Arruda takes a close look at a millipede that joined the group for a walk in the native plant nursery.   Dolly Cummings Office: (813)641-8545 Mobile:(813)363-5438 Fax: (813) 642 6155 dolly@campbayou.org www.campbayou.org www.campbayou.blogspot.com/ Camp Bayou is a partnership between the Ruskin Community Development Foundation and Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation. Just living is not enough... One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower. - Hans Christian Anderson

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Gopher Tortoise Workshop

Gopher Tortoise Workshop 10 May 2008 (9:00 am-3:00 pm) Weedon Island Preserve (St. Petersburg, Florida) http://www.heinrichecologicalservices.com/Turtle_Workshops.pdf George L. Heinrich Heinrich Ecological Services 1213 Alhambra Way S. St. Petersburg, FL 33705-4620 phone: (727) 865-6255 e-mail: george@heinrichecologicalservices.com website: www.heinrichecologicalservices.com

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Environmental Justice Small Grants Program

>>> Lee Yokel <lyokel@disl.org> 4/24/2008 5:16 PM >>> Please pardon duplication from multiple postings - *Environmental Justice Small Grants Program* Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-OECA-OEJ-08-01 Closing Date for Applications: Jun 30, 2008 The Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ) established the Environmental Justice Small Grants Program (EJSG) in fiscal year (FY) 1994. The purpose of this grant program is to support and empower communities that are working on local solutions to local environmental and/or public health issues. The EJSG Program is designed to assist recipients in building collaborative partnerships that will help them understand and address the environmental and/or public health issues in their communities. Successful collaborative partnerships with other stakeholders involve well-designed strategic plans to build, maintain and sustain the partnerships, and to work towards addressing the local environmental and/or public health issues. Details at http://www.epa.gov/compliance/environmentaljustice/grants/ej-smgrants.html -- Lee Yokel Environmental Education Coordinator Environmental Education Network Gulf of Mexico Alliance Listserv http://www.disl.org/mailman/listinfo/gomaeen Dauphin Island Sea Lab 101 Bienville Blvd Dauphin Island, AL 36528 (251) 861-8201 (251) 861-7421 fax lyokel@disl.org GOMA working website: http://www2.nos.noaa.gov/gomex/ http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gulf/

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Fw: Letters needed NOW to oppose new roads through ELAPP land, and Bullfrog Creek

--- On Wed, 4/23/08, Mariella Smith <insightgraphics@earthlink.net> wrote: I just found out about this last night, and citizen letters are due tomorrow, by 5:00 p.m.  Please send a letter now opposing this proposed zoning change that would pave a new road right through the Balm Scrub Preserve (a county-owned ELAPP Nature Preserve), running north-south, making a new connection to county road 672. They also propose a new 4-lane road crossing Bullfrog Creek, running east-west. Both roads cross Essential Wildlife Habitat and wetlands, and would have terrible environmental impacts. The only reason for these roads is to build a big subdivision in the rural area -- the roads do not serve any current residents. (see maps) The proposal is for 1089 houses on 537 acres adjacent to Balm Scrub preserve, surrounded by Essential Wildlife Habitat (Gopher tortoises, Kestrels, plus deer, bobcats, foxes and more). The ELAPP preserve wraps around the east and north sides of the proposed subdivision. Bullfrog Creek runs along the west and south sides. This site is the "hole in the donut" surrounded by ecologically sensitive wildlife habitat and wetlands. AND it is almost all in the Rural Area -- outside the Urban Service Area. This is the definition of Urban Sprawl, and it will set a precedent for more expensive sprawl outside the Urban Area. This huge development will have horrible traffic implications for Wimauma, Balm, and Sun City Center, as well as anyone who travels 301, 19th Av., 674 and 672. See notes below, with links to more info. Please send letters opposing this proposal: Be sure to reference RZ 08-0306 Feel free to copy the sample letter, below, or just say "I oppose RZ 08-0306 because of its impacts to our natural resources and traffic." Add your name & address.  Send letters via e-mail to: To: mcgeet@hillsboroughcounty.org CC: gradyb@hillsboroughcounty.org Subject: Opposition re: RZ 08-0306, adjacent to Balm Scrub Preserve, Wimauma Please join me at the Zoning Hearing:  Monday, April 28, 6:00 p.m. County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., 2nd Floor Sample letter: _____________________________ Please put a copy of this letter, in the case file for review by the Zoning Hearing Master, and consider me a Party of Record. Opposition re: RZ 08-0306, adjacent to Balm Scrub Preserve, Wimauma Dear Zoning Hearing Master, I am opposed to this zoning change that would add too much density to the rural area, and allow intolerable impacts to our natural resources. I'm especially concerned about the ecological damage that would be done by paving new roads through the Balm Scrub Preserve, to the north, and over Bullfrog Creek to the west. Both roads cross Essential Wildlife Habitat and wetlands, and would have terrible environmental impacts. The only reason for these roads is to build a big subdivision in the rural area, which we do not need at this time -- the roads do not serve any current residents.  In fact, the proposed "19th Ave. Extension" over Bullfrog Creek was recently opposed by citizens. The adamant opposition to this road was one of the reasons for the county's withdrawal of the South County Transportation Plan. This road is not supported by citizens and it is not appropriate to approve it in a rezoning without more community discussion. This site is the "hole in the donut" surrounded by ecologically sensitive wildlife habitat and wetlands. Furthermore, it is almost all in the Rural Area -- outside the Urban Service Area. Because of its special location, this application should be required to go through a Specific PD approval process -- not this general PD process -- so we can see exactly where the wetlands are, and plan precisely where each building would go, particularly in the sections that back up to the preserve.  This unique site should also be held to higher standards than the usual bare minimums. A larger proportion of open space should be required, and large buffers should be provided all around. The wildlife corridors and crossing should be planned in detail, in advance. High fencing should be used all around to keep the wildlife off the roads, and direct them to the protected crossing. Bridges, rather than culverts should span the creeks. Lower density should be considered. Please deny this proposal. Mariella & Rupert Smith 108 Janie St., Ruskin, FL, 33570 813-645-4218 _____________________________ Reference: "Westlake Reserve" maps, plan, proposal - RZ 08-0306: http://www.box.net/shared/9nq7k55okk Transportation Comments: http://www.box.net/shared/bh34e4a8so Some comments from the Transportation staff analysis note the areas of traffic concerns: The impacted portions of analyzed roads are currently operating at acceptable levels of service.  With the addition of project traffic, and vested traffic, some of the impacted portions of roads can be expected to operate at an unacceptable level of service.  ... With project and vested traffic, portions of SR 674 would operate at an unacceptable level of service.  With the addition of project traffic and vested traffic, the intersection of US 301 & SR 674 would operate at an unacceptable level of service. ... Several parcels in the general area have either received rezoning approval or are seeking rezoning approval in the area of this application. ... The major roadways in the vicinity of the project are currently operating at an acceptable level of service.  With the addition of project plus vested traffic, these roadways will begin to operate at an unacceptable level of service.   Get more info online: http://pgm.hillsboroughcounty.org  Login is "public" and the password also is "public." See site plans, agency comments, letters, and everything in the case file. Click on "query" and enter the case number (08-0306) where it says "tracking #" _____________________________ Call me with any questions. Thanks for your help! Mariella Smith 645-4218

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media release- Ruskin May 3 & 4, 2008

Media contact: Dolly Cummings phone: 813-363-5438 The Watershed Tent at the Ruskin Tomato and Heritage Festival The Ruskin Tomato and Heritage Festival is Saturday, May 3, from 10am - 5pm and Sunday, May 4, from 10am - 4pm at E.G. Simmons County Park, 19th Ave NW, Ruskin. Camp Bayou will again host a variety of environmental organizations and agencies in the Watershed Tent and the Speaker's Tent. There will be lots of information and freebies offered to help eco-minded homeowners in the Watershed Tent. Some of the organizations that will be represented include Hillsborough County departments: Parks, Recreation and Conservation, Adopt-a-Pond, Environmental Protection Commission, Solid Waste, and Water; plus Sierra Club, Florida Department of Forestry, Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful, Lowry Park Zoo, Hillsborough County Cooperative Extension, Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center and more! The Butterfly Tent will again contain a variety of native butterflies along with the native plants that keep them happy. Identication signage plus informational brochures will help any homeowner plan their own wildlife viewing station in their own yard! The Speaker's Tent will provide hourly sessions on a range of topics. The schedule for the weekend includes activities for children, families and adults. Saturday, May 3 10am- Welcome to your Watershed- Find out how you could win dinner for 2 at Cracker Barrel Restaurant just by learning something new about your watershed! 11am- Rainbarrels with Hillsborough County Cooperative Extension noon- Compost with Hillsborough County Cooperative Extension 1pm- New Diseases of Palm Trees with Richard Bailey of Professional Forester, Inc. 2pm- Ag Literacy Storytime- Listen to the story of "These Florida Farms" a book developed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (http://www.flagintheclassroom.com/). Participants will be able to plant their own tomato seedling to take home after the story is read. 3pm- Frog Jumping Contest plus an introduction to 'Record the Ribbit', a nationwide citizen science project to count frogs on May 3: http://www.nwf.org/frogwatchUSA/. Bring your own frog, or cheer for one already there. Contest will see which frog reachs the edge of the circle first. NOTE: only Cuban treefrogs are eligible to be entered into this contest. 4pm- Critter Creations Workshop- make an animal mask, hat or get your face painted as a native Florida critter to participate in the Parade of Species 4:45pm- Parade of Species- a costumed walk-about through the parade grounds to show our appreciation of the wild world around us (for all ages)! Pre-made costumes are welcome but not necessary. Sunday, May 4 10am- noon- Paint a Pot workshop Noon- Ruskin History with local expert 1pm- Growing Herbs Organically with Willow LaMonte 2pm- Ag Literacy Storytime- "These Florida Farms" a storybook developed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (http://www.flagintheclassroom.com/). Participants will be able to plant their own tomato seedling to take home after the story is read. 3pm- Wildlife Gardening using Native Plants with Florida Master Naturalist Becki Stafford 4pm- Butterfly Release- help release the butterflies to their natural habitat at the close of the festival! For more information about any of the activities in the Watershed tent, Speaker's Tent or in the Butterfly tent, contact Dolly at 813-363-5438 or email events@campbayou.org. ### Pictured: (138) Marina D'Abreau from Hillsborough County Cooperative Extension Service talks about rainbarrels. (175) The end of the festival means it's time to release the butterflies that have been on display all weekend. Gentle hands are needed to guide the butterflies to safety!

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Legislative issues - from FNPS

Dear Action Alert recipient: The action of our FNPS Board of Directors to approve funds for a lobbiest in the 2008 FNPS budget has enabled us to have effective representation in Tallahassee during the legislative session for the first time in our history. In January, we contracted with Sue Mullins who is now lobbying on our behalf during the legislative session. This is one of the toughest legislative sessions in recent memory with budget cuts topping the list of action items for the legislature. Not surprisingly, environmental programs are on the chopping block. The remainder of this message provides a summary of the issues that FNPS is actively addressing and those that we are watching during the legislative session. We typically don't know, until the last minute, what the current status of legislation is as the various committees and legislators seek to mold the legislation to fit their interests and the interests of their constituents and favorite special interests. When we get news that we need to contact legislators about legislation, we'll let you know as soon as possible. Thank you for speaking out on issues important to preserving our native flora. ----- Shirley Denton / FNPS President Top Issues: Funding for Florida Forever Funding for Everglades Restoration SB 542 Florida Forever This bill will extend the Florida Forever land conservation program by 10 years, adding authority to bond or pay in cash for another $300 million per year to acquire and manage land for conservation purposes. The Senate version is very strong, adding provisions for climate change prevention and adaptation, strengthened land management and flexibility in securing lands for preservation. The Senate version maintains a true conservation purpose for acquisition and protection of lands for perpetual public benefit, where the House version (PCB 08-09) contains strong land management language but needs work on acquisition programs. FNPS and the Florida Forever Coalition provided much of the language for the Senate bill. The House released its Appropriations bills on March 25 and did not include the $5 million in general revenue (GR) to launch sales of the 2008 series of Florida Forever bonds, nor the $30 million in GR necessary to repay bond debt issued for this series. The House budget director said simply, "there was no money and we had to make hard choices." As with Florida Forever funding, there was no money made available for the $100 million annual expenditure for Everglades restoration. This week, the Environment and Natural Resources Committee voted to attach a series of bad amendments to the House Florida Forever bill that would confound land acquisition for conservation with land acquisition to support special interests including utilities for such purposes as supporting alternative water supplies. FNPS actively lobbied against these amendments and sent out an Action Alert to Members. This is a saga that is not over. Expect a series of actions in both the House and the Senate eventually climaxing in a committee to merge the two very different bills. We anticipate that we will be contacting key players throughout the process. FNPS fully supports the Senate bill and will support measures to remove the bad amendments and restore full funding for the House bill. Sue Mullins is keeping us up to date and speaking on behalf of FNPS. We expect that we will need to call upon members (via the FNPS alert list), at a moment's notice, to write supporting letters, faxes, and e-mails. Major Issues Implicating FNPS Interests HB 5079 Department of Environmental Protection This bill will transfer the Bureau of Invasive Plant Management from the Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services. It will also cease transfer of $250,000 annually from the Conservation and Recreation Lands Trust Fund to the Plant Industry Trust Fund within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for the purpose of implementing the Endangered or Threatened Native Flora Conservation Grants Program pursuant to s. 581.185(11). The money will instead be transferred to General Revenue for spending on any governmental program. Additionally, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS), not DEP will issue permits for any business involving the importation, transportation, non-nursery cultivation, collection, sale, or possession of any aquatic plant species, and the DACS will list and exempt from that list the prohibited plant species after determining that the proposed activity poses no threat or danger to the waters, wildlife, natural resources, or environment of the state. The bill will allow DACS to determine whether the species Melaleuca quinquenervia, Schinus terebinthifolius, Casuarina equisetifolia, Casuarina glauca, or Mimosa pigra can be permitted for sale or cultivation, and whether other uses of those species are appropriate for mulch or other non-disposal uses. FNPS is fighting this transfer. SB 1506 Electric Transmission Lines on State Lands and now part of Senate Energy Package, SB 1544 and Florida Forever Successor Program, SB 542 The language contained in these bills will facilitate easier access to state lands for electric transmission lines and other linear facilities. Energy and other utilities are suggesting the state allow the construction of transmission lines and other linear energy facilities across state conservation lands. The proposed language would provide compensation for lands used for power lines by offering up to twice as many acres in return. FNPS is working with partners in the Florida Forever Coalition to ensure the siting language avoids or minimizes impacts to conservation lands and chooses such lands as a last resort. HB 261 Violations in State Parks by Culp This bill decriminalizes many of lesser violations of State Parks rules. Penalties are established as misdemeanors and can result in ejection from the park and/or fines of up to $500.00. The intent of the bill is to bring penalties in line with the violations and to encourage judges to hold violators accountable for their actions. It is thought that this will encourage enforcement of penalties that may have been considered too harsh in the past, including those governing the theft or damage of native plant and tree species. The following activities are identified as second degree misdemeanors under the bill: Cutting, carving, injuring, mutilating, moving, displacing, or breaking off any natural formation or growth within the boundaries of a state park. Capturing, trapping, injuring, or harassing wild animals within the boundaries of a state park. Collecting plant or animal specimens within the boundaries of a state park. Leaving the designated public roads with a vehicle within the boundaries of a state park. Hunting within the boundaries of a state park. FNPS is in support of this bill. HB 651/SB 2286 Florida Arborists Licensing The bill creates a voluntary licensure program for arborists and requires any person practicing arboriculture (selling of trees) in this state to become a licensed arborist to better regulate consultations done for improvement to the condition of shade, ornamental, palm, or fruit trees by fertilizing, pruning, trimming, bracing, or other methods of improving, diagnosing, or protecting such trees from tree pests, diagnosing or protecting such trees from tree diseases and or curing or repairing any damage to such trees, including, but not limited to, pruning, removal, preservation, repair, cabling and bracing, lightning protection, root pruning, root excavation, tree assessments, tree maintenance and care, trimming, cutting, sawing, or removal of trees that have been damaged to such an extent as to cause or threaten injury to life or property. FNPS is monitoring this bill to make sure no unintended conditions or definitions are imposed so as to regulate persons not engaged in questionable practices. SB 2624 Commercial Citrus Groves/Casuarina Cunninghamiana (Australian pine) This bill provides conditions for use of Casuarina cunninghamiana as a windbreak for commercial citrus groves provided that the use of this species does not interfere with or restrict efforts to manage or control noxious weeds or invasive plants. It prohibits any other agency or local government from removing Casuarina cunninghamiana planted as a windbreak under special permit. FNPS is opposed to this bill as it has the effect of promoting the use of non-native invasive plants for agricultural or other purposes, and is also monitoring the bill to fight amendments that might otherwise expand the use or cultivation of Australian pine. HB 761 Agriculture Prohibits county government imposition of tax, assessment, or fee for stormwater management on agricultural land meeting certain requirements; expands eligibility for exemption from local business tax receipt for privilege of selling specified products; provides indemnity of agricultural landowner for easement or other right secured by water management district for public access; provides responsibility for gross negligence & other acts; delineates requirements for tomato farmer, packer, re-packer, or handler to comply with state food safety microbial standards; provides for adoption of best management practices; removes tropical foliage from regulation under dealers in agriculture products provisions*; expands local government exemptions for nonresidential farm buildings; expands agricultural operations materials that can be openly burned. FNPS is not in support of some of the provisions of this bill and is working with House to amend the bill favorably. SB 310 Biomass Energy Production This legislation increases the limit on the amount of taxes that are exempt for the sale or use of materials used to distribute biodiesel and ethanol. The bill provides for transfer of the renewable energy technologies investment tax credit. It continues the Farm-to-Fuel Grants Program within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Creates the Biofuel Retail Sales Incentive Program. The purpose of the program is to provide matching grants for bioenergy projects relating to the production of bioenergy or feedstocks used in bioenergy production. The act specified who is eligible to receive grants. It also provided authority for the department to adopt rules to administer the program and it set forth factors that may be considered in awarding grants. In evaluating and awarding grants, the act requires the department to consult with DEP, persons having expertise in renewable energy technologies, and the Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development. FNPS is monitoring this bill and will oppose any provision to introduce or spread invasive non-native plants for biofuel production. Other Bills of Interest HB 1215 Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Requires protection, maintenance, & preservation of Casuarina equisetifolia (Australian pine) trees at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park; provides for number of trees to be returned to those documented as existing in Australian Pine Mapping Project of 2004; provides for care & maintenance of such trees; provides for institution of policy of controlled growth; provides that act is not intended to authorize sale or distribution of such trees. FNPS (via Sue Mullins) worked with the bill sponsor to have the bill withdrawn from further consideration, as it potentially codified the use, cultivation and protection of an invasive, non-native plant species in a public preservation area, setting a regrettable precedence. SB 1810 Agricultural Emergency Eradication Trust Fund This bill creates an Agricultural Emergency Eradication Trust Fund. Funds in the trust fund may be made available for the promotion, advancement, and protection of agriculture in the state, including maintaining or increasing market share and suppressing or eradicating wildfire, animal or plant disease, insect infestation, or a plant or pest that endangers or threatens agriculture, potentially taking the place of the "agricultural emergency" declaration that has resulted in the removal of thousands of citrus trees to prevent the spread of citrus canker. FNPS is monitoring (via Sue Mullins) this bill for the inclusion of any provisions that could result in unintended consequences for native nurseries or others. SB 2352/HB 1267 Protecting Urban and Residential Environments This bill creates the "Protection of Urban & Residential Environments & Water Act;" requires local governments to adopt "Florida Friendly Fertilizer Use on Urban Landscapes Model Ordinance" by time certain; provides for exceptions & for additions to ordinance; requires person who applies fertilizer commercially to urban turf to be certified by DACS; provides requirements for training for applicants; requires training program to be designed, approved, & made available by DEP & IFAS; requires trainer certification; provides for commercial fertilizer applicator recertification & requires maintenance of certain fertilizer application information; authorizes information to be shared with specified state & local agencies. FNPS is in support of this bill.

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Weeden Island presentation

A Presentation by Artist Christopher M. Still and Oceanographer Dr. Randy Runnels   Painting Our Florida Waters Weedon Island Preserve Saturday, April 26. 2008 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm   Nationally recognized Florida Artist Christopher Still captures the beauty of our Florida Waters in works of fine art.  Oceanographer and Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves Manager Dr. Randy Runnels has worked with Still for many years and together they have synthesized the best of art and science to depict Florida's unique marine and fresh water environments.  Join us to learn about the art and science of Still's unique work.   This program is free and open to the public.  Call (727) 453-6500 and register today.

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Fwd: Link to Monofilament/Injured Birds Story--Channel 10

"Murphy, Jeanne L" <jmurphy@co.pinellas.fl.us> wrote:

 

Congratulations on a fabulous job educating the public about the dangers of monofilament line and wildlife entanglement by Pinellas County Extension Florida Master Naturalist graduates Dave Kandz and Dave Howard! It is a depressing outcome, but it is one that can be avoided through educational efforts like this one.

 

http://www.tampabays10.com/news/specials/science/article.aspx?storyid=78296 –here is the article and video clip.

 

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Fwd: Maine Summer Day Camp Naturalist Wanted

Not local but may be of interest

From: "Kristi Young"
Date: April 14, 2008 10:59:20 AM EDT
Subject: Maine Summer Day Camp Naturalist Wanted

April 2008
Naturalist wanted!

Do you love teaching, being outdoors and being by the ocean?
KBIA has the summer job for you!
The Kennebunk Improvement Association (KBIA) is a community-based,
not-for-profit organization that offers a variety of summer
recreational and enrichment programs for children, ages 4-17, in
Kennebunk Beach, ME. We're looking for an experienced, outgoing
individual to join our senior staff as the Nature and Marine Biology
Program Coordinator. The position is full-time throughout our summer
season. We require a dedicated professional who enjoys working with
kids and who can provide exemplary leadership.
The position reports to the Executive Director and is supported by
Counselors and Counselors in Training. The responsibilities of the
Nature and Marine Biology teacher include management of the
curriculum and nature staff as well as teaching the classes. Classes
are for ages 4 - 17.
Being a staff member at KBIA is much more than a summer job! It's a
remarkable experience where you will have the opportunity to impact
the lives of the KBIA community for years to come. KBIA's summer
programs run from 6/23 - 8/15 and serve over 600 children. Staff
Orientation is 6/21-6/22. Competitive compensation is offered.
Please send a cover letter and resume to: KBIA, Kirk Butterfield,
P.O. Box 1322, Kennebunkport, ME 04046 or email to info@kbia.net ,
no phone calls please. For more detailed information on our history
and programs visit our website www.kbia.net .

No Child Left Inside Congressional Field Hearing on April 22nd!

Abby Ybarra <aybarra@cbf.org> wrote:

Dear NCLI Coalition Members:

There's a lot going on and we wanted to update all of you.

First, thank you for all the great success stories that we received the past several days. And thanks to all of you who have been able to conduct No Child Left Inside days. It's not too late to have one, so please join us! Go to the website for more information about having an event (www.NCLIcoalition.org).

Our fantastic new video, "Get 'em Outside: A Celebration of Environmental Education," is now available. You can view the video on YouTube. And copies are being sent to each person that responded to the survey we sent out last Friday. If you want up to 10 free copies of the DVD, please complete the web survey by Wednesday, April 16^th.

Looking ahead, we have received official announcement of a field hearing on environmental education. A subcommittee of the House Education and Labor Committee will hold a hearing on April 22^nd in Laurel, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C. If you would like to attend the hearing (space is limited), RSVP as soon as possible to Roy Chrobocinski (Roy.Chrobocinski@mail.house.gov) in Rep. John Sarbanes' office (202) 225-4016.

This hearing will feature an excellent and diverse mix of people who will be testifying, but there is also an opportunity for members of the Coalition to submit written testimony. We encourage you to have your voice heard and create personal, compelling stories based on your experience. See below for guidelines on submitting written testimony.

The NCLI Act field hearing is an excellent opportunity for us to show our support for this legislation. Please share the Action Alert (enclosed below and attached) with everyone who cares about environmental education.

Thanks,

Abby Ybarra (aybarra@cbf.org) and the NCLI Coalition

ACTION ALERT

Dear Supporters of Environmental Education:

We are pleased to announce that environmental education will be the focus of a Congressional field hearing.

On Tuesday April 22^nd (Earth Day), a subcommittee of the House Education and Labor Committee will hold a field hearing on environmental education at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, Maryland, outside Washington, D.C. The hearing will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with outdoor educational activities occurring that morning with students from the area. A key focus of the hearing will be the No Child Left Inside Act of 2007 (H.R. 3036), sponsored by Rep. John P. Sarbanes of Maryland.

With this hearing on the House schedule, this is a great opportunity for you to contact your representative and ask him or her to cosponsor H.R. 3036, if he or she has not done so already (check the current list). Go to the NCLI Coalition website to send your letter.

If your congressperson is on the House Education and Labor Committee or the House Natural Resources Committee (both of which are invited to the hearing), please encourage them to attend the hearing. Go to the House website to ask your representative to attend the "Environmental Education: Teaching Our Children To Preserve Our Future" field hearing on April 22^nd.

The hearing will feature an excellent and diverse mix of people who will be testifying, but there is also an opportunity for members of the Coalition to submit written testimony. We encourage you to have your voice heard and create personal, compelling stories based on your experience. See below for guidelines on submitting written testimony.

For more information, go to the No Child Left Inside Coalition's website (www.NCLIcoalition.org). Thank you.

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SUBMITTING WRITTEN TESTIMONY

As you write your testimony, you should:

§ Mention you are "pleased to submit written testimony before the House Education and Labor Committee, subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education, on "Environmental Education: Teaching Our Children To Preserve Our Future." (This is a formality).

§ Thank Chairman Miller and Reps. McKeon, Kildee, and Castle for including much of the No Child Left Inside Act (H.R.3036) in the Education and Labor Committee's staff draft of the NCLB reauthorization bill and urge them to help achieve passage of the NCLI Act in this Congress.

§ Applaud them for their leadership in helping to close the achievement gap.

In your testimony, you can mention that environmental education:

§ Has a positive impact on student achievement in core subjects: When integrated into the core curricula or used as an integrating theme across the curriculum, environmental education has a measurably positive impact not only on student achievement in science but also in reading, math and social studies. Moreover, outdoor activities increases student engagement and interest in science and in all core subjects areas.

§ Helps improves the health of our children: Field experiences and related programs as part of the regular school curriculum contribute to healthy lifestyles through outdoor recreation and sound nutrition. Getting kids outdoors to exercise, play and experience their natural world is critical to helping to prevent obesity, alleviating attention deficit disorder and addressing other related health problems.

§ Provide critical tools for a 21^st century workforce. We'll be passing on complicated environmental problems to future generations. We must give the next generation a solid understanding of these problems and the basic tools to overcome them and make informed choices in their own lives. Business leaders also increasingly believe that an environmentally literate workforce is critical to their long term success. Environmental education helps prepare students for real world challenges.

Logistics

§ Please submit your written testimony to Rep. Dale Kildee, Chair of the Education and Labor's Subcommittee on Early Childhood Education, c/o Tylease Fitzgerald, Hearing Clerk, by faxing it to 202-226-5398 or emailing it to Tylease.Fitzgerald@mail.house.gov. Alternatively, you can send it to Rep. John Sarbanes. His fax number is 202-225-9219 and staff contact email address is Roy.Chrobocinski@mail.house.gov. Rep. Castle's fax number is 202-225-2291 for Delaware testimony. Please provide a cover letter requesting that it be submitted for the hearing record. All written testimony must be received by seven days after the hearing, in this case April 29.

§ After you submit your testimony, please send a copy to your congressperson in the House of Representatives to let him or her know how important the issue is to you and provide encouragement to participate in the upcoming field hearing.

§ Please also send a copy to Abby Ybarra, NCLI Grassroots Coordinator, aybarra@cbf.org, for our records.

Job opening --

Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Scientist

Salary Range:

$ 20.26 - 32.99 hourly Exempt

Job Description:

The Program Scientist is an interdisciplinary specialist who works as part of a team to implement the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) and annual workplan. The position is primarily responsible for staffing the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and managing and implementing CHNEP's research, restoration, monitoring, and data management activities.  The Program Scientist reports to the CHNEP Director.

Principle Duties:

• Develops, refines, and implements CCMP activities related to research, restoration, monitoring, and data management. Coordinates with CHNEP partners so that the study area has consistent and comparable data.
• Manages CHNEP's technical projects including developing and refining projects through the Management Conference, advertising scopes of work, and managing projects. 
• Manages the inter-agency Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network, including performing annual field audits.
• Organizes technical workshops and conferences.  Ensures that proceedings are published. 
• Serves as staff to the CHNEP Technical Advisory Committee, including developing agenda packets, minutes, and coordinating with TAC Chairs.  Aids with the Management and Policy Committees as needed.
• Researches, compiles, analyze and display data for problem solving and publication.
• Presents information in various forums and formats.
• Attends and participates in various meetings related to research, restoration, monitoring, and data management throughout the watershed and elsewhere.
• Works cooperatively and positively with a variety of disciplines including elected officials, scientists, and citizens, including presenting scientific information in meaningful ways.
• Contributes to public outreach materials such as writing articles for the program newsletter and website, providing technical reviews of materials that are produced for the public, and responding to inquiries from the public.
• Contributes to grant and funding applications.
• Performs related work as required.

 Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Sciences, Marine/Freshwater Sciences, Biological Sciences  Natural Resource Management, natural science and/or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education plus five (5) years experience that provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Proficient in Microsoft Office programs. Prefer proficiency in statistics, graphic representation, and Geographic Information Systems. A valid Florida Driver's License is required.

The Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council is an equal opportunity employer and drug free workplace. Please submit resumes to the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council's Human Services Department by fax at (239)338-2561 or email at ndoyle@swfrpc.org. Questions, please call (239)338-2550 ext. 233 or email Nancy Doyle at ndoyle@swfrpc.org. Resumes and letters of interest must be received no later than 5:00 P.M. on May 9, 2008.

A selection committee will review applications. The successful applicant will be an employee of the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council. Health/Dental/Life/Disability Insurance and paid Leave are administered through the Council. The Council participates in the State Retirement System of Florida.

 

For additional information about the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, please visit www.CHNEP.org. For information about the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council, visit www.SWFRPC.org.

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Fwd: 4/11-4/13 FWC Chinsegut Bird & Wildlife Festival (near Brooksville)

http://myfwc.com/chinsegut/Docs/BirdandWildlifeFest2008.pdf for event schedule

 

http://myfwc.com/whatsnew/08/southwest/News_08_SW_ChinsegutBird.htm for press release with general information (copied below)

 

 

News Release

Chinsegut birding and wildlife festival is unique among spring celebrations March 17, 2008 CONTACT: Kristin Wood 352-754-6722 Bat and owl prowls, live birds-of-prey demonstrations, a dung 'n' doodle (insect) walk and off-site field trips to view burrowing owls and migrating warblers are some of the unique and exciting events featured at the Chinsegut Birding and Wildlife Festival, April 11 and 12. The free extravaganza in Brooksville kicks off at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Chinsegut Nature Center at 6:45 p.m. with a talk on the Green Key Funnel, a local spring bird migration phenomenon.  Friday night events conclude with a bat and owl prowl at 8 p.m.  Saturday morning, motivated birders are invited to get up at 6:45 a.m. with the birds for an off-site field trip to view the warbler migration at Green Key. Also on Saturday morning, events at the nature center take flight at 7:30 a.m. with live bird banding, followed by a bird walk at 8:30 a.m. and birds-of-prey programs at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.   Continuing throughout the day will be programs featuring Florida bats, basic birding, native plant landscaping, bird-box building, wildlife photography, plus butterfly and wildflower walks led by experts Marc Minno and Don Stillwaugh.  Florida Natural Areas Inventory entomologist David Almquist will lead festival goers on a hunt for dung beetles and 'doodle bugs," also known as ant lions. For the adventuresome, there are several off-site field trips to look for burrowing owls, red-headed woodpeckers, butterflies and wildflowers on some rarely-visited public lands.  For the kids, there are wildlife games and activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The grand finale caps off the festivities with participants showing off their skills in the annual bird-calling contest.  Scheduled activities conclude at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. "Healthy Habitat, Abundant Wildlife" is the theme of this year's festival. Vendor and exhibitor booths open at 9 a.m. with refreshments, nature-related books and native plants available for purchase. Off-site field trip space is limited. To reserve a spot on an off-site trip, call Chinsegut Nature Center at 352-754-6722.   For those traveling from out of town, a block of rooms has been reserved at the Best Western, 352-796-9481, and the Hampton Inn, 352-796-1000, at a discounted rate under "Chinsegut Birding and Wildlife Festival." Chinsegut Nature Center is just north of Brooksville off U.S. 41. From I-75, take State Road 50 west to Brooksville, go north on U.S. 41 7 miles to County Road 476, and go west 1 mile to the entrance gate on the left.  Admission is free. Space for additional vendors is still available. Anyone interested in exhibiting items based on the festival's nature-based theme may call 352-754-6722 or visit MyFWC.com/Chinsegut for information.

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Job Announcement--Gainesville, FL

"Parks, Geoffrey R." <parksgr@CITYOFGAINESVILLE.ORG> wrote:

Please circulate this to anyone who may be interested:

The City of Gainesville's Nature Operations Division is currently seeking a Habitat Naturalist. This is a full time regular position involved in all aspects of natural resource management in more than 20 natural areas in and around Gainesville, FL. Duties include planning and implementing invasive plant control, vegetation and wildlife monitoring, prescribed fire, GIS mapping, ecological restoration, planning trails and other facilities, overseeing grants and contracts, and writing natural area management plans. This position is being re-advertised; previous applicants will be considered and need not re-apply. More information can be found at http://agency.governmentjobs.com/gainesville/default.cfm

Geoffrey R. Parks

Habitat Naturalist

Nature Operations Division

Station 66, Box 490

Gainesville, FL 32602

Office: (352) 334-2227; Cell: (352) 316-4992

Going Green Tampa Bay EXPO this Saturday - April 12

What Going Green Tampa Bay Expo

When Saturday, April 12, 2008 10:00am to 4:00pm

Where USF SunDome – Fowler Avenue, Tampa

Attendees This event is free and open to the public.

The

Planning Commission is a sponsor of the Going Green Tampa Bay Expo which will feature workshops, discussions, films, displays and vendors, as well as special exhibits and activities for children.

Nationally recognized speaker Samuel Nutter from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative will present "Communities for High Performance Schools"; workshops range from making Bio-Fuels with Mike Lokey, to Compost Happens and Making Rain Barrels with IFAS. Several vehicles will be on display including Lokey's bio-fuel race car, HART hybrid bus and even a Hi-Performance Electric Vehicle. Green Building Techniques will be presented; exhibitors include eco-friendly vendors, the Clean Energy Research Center, CUTR and other USF departments featuring information on Green Jobs, Engineering Without Borders along with Hillsborough County departments who will have conservation ideas for your home & yard.

For more information visit www.GoingGreenTampaBay.com or call USF at 813.974-6893

media release- Camp Bayou Open House 4/19, 8am-2pm

Media contact: Dolly Cummings

phone: 813-363-5438

Camp Bayou Open House Highlights Activities

The Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center in Ruskin will host their semi-annual Open House on Saturday, April 19 from 8am -2pm. A variety of family-friendly activities will be offered throughout the day.

8 am: Great American Cleanup begins. Volunteers help cleanup the preserve. Contact Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful to register: 813-960-5121.

9 am: Family Naturalist Program with Dolly Cummings. Today's theme: What is a Watershed? (Part of ongoing Family Naturalist Program which is a weekly watershed education and stewardship series for ages 4 through adult. conducted each Saturday from 9a.m.–10a.m., April 5–June 28, and funded by a Community Education Grant from the Alafia River Basin Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District.)

10 am: Native Plants with Florida Master Naturalist Becki Stafford. Learn about native plants for the home landscape, visit the plant nursery and learn how to grow your own.

11 am: Butterfly Bing-OH with Armin Furrer. Visit the members of the Eagle Audubon Society of Sun City Center in their "Butterfly Habitat" gazebo to learn about the local butterflies and the plants they love.

11 am: Nature Writers Workshop with Diane Alvarez, PhD. Bring a poem, reflection, or story you have written about nature plus copies of your work to share or plan to read aloud. For info, contact beautyberry@tampabay.rr.com .

Noon: Spring BBQ with Pit master Frank Cummings. BBQ fundraiser- $10/person., Vegetarian items available.

1 pm: Wetland Walk-n-Wade with Camp Bayou volunteer. Take a walk through the wetlands to the river to see what critters we can net. Your feet WILL get wet!

Ongoing activities throughout the day include:

- Fossil Museum and fossil pit (dig for small fee) with Paleo volunteers.

- Nature Center open- check out the exhibits and free resources.

- Nature Arts in Classroom with Jeri Hundertmark.

- 3 trails through varied habitats, guided walks every hour on the half hour.

- Friends of Ucita- Learn about Florida's Native People with Florida Master Naturalist Fred Jacobson.

- Native People's Camp- created by Eagle Scouts from Troop #11.

- Archaeologist for a Day with Mark Dunn (simulated dig, small fee).

- Native plants for sale.

Camp Bayou is located 3 miles south of SR674 at the end of 24th St SE in Ruskin. Camp Bayou is a partnership between the Ruskin Community Development Foundation, Inc. and Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation. For general information and directions visit http://www.campbayou.org/ or call 813-641-8545.

Don't forget, you can find out what's new at Camp Bayou by going to www.campbayou.blogspot.com - "Camp Bayou Nature Notes". You can also access this blog and others from Camp Bayou's home page: www.campbayou.org .

###

Pictured: George Shambaugh hunts critters in the river with a group during last year's Open House.