 In This Issue
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Quotes to Remember
Every child is a born naturalist. Their eyes are, by nature, open to the glories of the stars, the beauty of the flowers, and the mystery of life. R. Serarch Spring is nature's way of saying "Let's Party!" Robin Williams
VOICES is a service for FWS employees. You must use your fws.gov email address to subscribe. |
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Active links are in blue
Connecting People With Nature
Help measure nature's success by helping scientists collect valuable data on the successes and failures of nesting birds.
Find out about art and crafts ideas, games, activities and information about monarch butterflies from this FWS site.
Ecosystems on the Edge
The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center offers these videos to provide glimpses of coastal zone ecosystems, both literally and figuratively on the edge. Discover the challenges life faces on the coasts and what can be done to save them.
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iBiome-WetlandThis app allows users to explore the wetland habitat and associated species within. Users can build marshes and swamps, make plants and animals flourish, and more.
Induced Earthquakes The U.S. Geological Survey offers this website about induced earthquakes. It offers links to observational studies, hazard estimation, and more on the myths and misconceptions surrounding manmade quakes.
This article from the Natural Hazards Center discusses the plans of residents of Isle de Jean Charles to move culture and community in the face of sea level rise.
This vocabulary sheet has some basic definitions of key words and phrases in the equity, inclusion, and diversity world.
WikiWatershed, a project of the Stroud Water Research Center, provides a Web toolkit to support citizens, conservation practitioners, municipal decision-makers, researchers, educators, and students to collaboratively advance knowledge and stewardship of fresh water.
The migration of monarch butterflies is a captivating story of strength and beauty, but one that may not exist for much longer. Dr. Altizer stresses that it's up to us to change the practices that threaten this iconic species.
Access the inaugural issue of Connected Science Learning, a free, online journal that connects out-of-school learning with formal preK-12 education settings. The theme for the first issue is "Successful Formal-Informal Science Education Collaborations."
Our May 18th topic will be Bog Turtles and Salamanders. Learn about the fascinating world of these secretive amphibians. Costing the Earth - BBC4
Living Planet - Deutsche Welle
Discover Grow Shinecast - Sheree Martin
Shinecast Springs Farm Shinecast - Sheree Martin
Inside Science - BBC4
The biggest story in the world - The Guardian (no new episodes)
Completely Optional Knowledge - Greenpeace USA
Greenpeace Podcast - Greenpeace
The Green Divas - Green Diva Meg
Living on Earth - Public Radio International
Inquiring Minds - Mother Jones
Cultures of Energy - Center for Energy and Environmental Research
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 Youth in the Great Outdoors
In this publication, veteran farm and garden educator Nathan Larson shares a philosophy of teaching in the garden through fifteen guiding principles and engaging stories from the field. The book features vivid paintings by mural artist Becky Redelings, an inspiring foreword by Whitney Cohen of Life Lab, and connections to the research literature provided by Alex Wells and Dr. Sam Dennis of the Environmental Design Lab at UW-Madison. Free ebook and paperback editions are currently available.
This is a great game for kids to learn about what they can find at a national wildlife refuge and the kinds of conservation careers that are available to them.
Check out the Student Conservation Association's online community! | |
SciShow Kids explores all those curious topics that make us ask "why?" Every Monday and Wednesday, Jessi and her robot rat Squeaks answer your questions and explain fun, complex science concepts for young, curious minds.
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 FWS Professional Development
This course is designed for Service employees to develop an understanding of the Refuge Administration Act, National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, to implement its provision in a consistent manner throughout the system.Offered May 17-20, 2016 at NCTC.
Interpretation provokes participation in resource stewardship and helps system visitors understand their relationships to, and impacts on, those resources. This class provides time-tested tools, and techniques for connecting visitors to the resources.
Once enrolled, participants will participate in the Eppley Institute online "Foundations of Interpretation self-study class'. This class must be completed prior to participation in the eight online, instructor-led sessions focused on FWS-specific interpretive topics. Online June 7-30, 2016.
This 5-day workshop builds upon planning effective interpretive networks to support visitor experiences or a way of thinking leading to effective interpretive opportunities. It's a great way to train to become an interpretive planner and to help you along the pathway of attaining certification as a NAI Certified Interpretive Planner. Offered at Tualatin River NWR October 17-21, 2016.
This in-depth and experiential course based on the Six Seconds EQ © model will help increase your mastery of emotional intelligence to further develop your own leadership effectiveness as you gain new tools to apply immediately in the workplace. Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize and regulate emotions in ourselves and others through three key elements: self-awareness, self-management, and self-direction. Offered July 11-12, 2016 at NCTC.
This is a 2 day workshop that raises trust from an often ignored asset or liability to a strategic advantage in your work station and organization. Working with others at the speed of trust dramatically lowers costs, speeds up results, increases influence and outcomes. This highly interactive workshop engages leaders and employees at all levels in the real work of identifying and closing trust gaps that exist in your organization. Instead of paying outrageous Trust Taxes, you can begin to realize Trust Dividends. Offered July 13-14, 2016 at NCTC.
This intensive, hands-on writing course is designed to achieve excellence in writing through clarity in thinking. Critical thinking involves evaluating information to reach a well-justified decision or recommendation and critical writing is the clear, unambiguous communication of your information. The goal of this course is to develop your skills as a writer and editor/reviewer in order to make FWS policy and science writing clear, well-organized, persuasive, and logical. Offered July 18 -22, 2016 at NCTC.
Volunteers can play a critical factor in meeting the management objectives of the FWS. Participants in this course learn to develop and maintain strong volunteer and group service programs. Discussion explores the benefits and challenges of working with volunteers. Examples of resident and non-resident volunteer programs throughout the FWS are also discussed. Online August 2 - September 6, 2016.
This course is designed to help you understand your unique strengths and identify areas to enhance your personal and professional effectiveness. Your goal in taking this course should be to learn about yourself, so that you will be able to capitalize on the assets of your characteristics and minimize the effect of their downside potential. The more you understand how you approach situations, the better you will be able to work to your full potential, and make decisions that result in greater satisfaction. Offered August 15-19, 2016 at NCTC.
In order to demonstrate the value of a youth program - whether its outdoor skills, environmental education, summer camps, etc. - you must implement programs that deliver meaningful results. During this blended course (via instructor-led webinars & online self-study), you'll learn to use a deliberate planning process that promotes strategic, accountable, and adaptive action resulting in youth programs that support achieving the resource management goals at your site. Offered August 9 - September 8, 2016; webinars are from 2:00 - 3:30 PM EDT on Aug. 9, 11, 16, 23, 25, 30, Sept. 6, 8
Everyone is responsible for some form of supervision, whether it's directing the actions of a few or many, and whether they are classified as a supervisor or not. This course is a general introduction to management where participants learn how to lead others. Specific topics include establishing rapport and cultivating influence; achieving trust and building relationships; planning and organizing projects and resources; building and leading a team; solving problems and making decisions; and implementing change successfully. Offered September 12-16, 2016 at NCTC.
This 3-day Communications, Outreach and Visitor Services Workshop will follow a format of plenary sessions in the morning and breakout sessions in the afternoon. Poster session included. Sessions to address current topics and trends as identified by Communications, Outreach and Visitor Services community. Offered September 13-15, 2016 at NCTC.
This program is a coordinated effort between schools, FWS offices and other organizations to establish ecologically sound restoration projects that are sustainable outdoor learning areas on school sites. This hybrid course develops Schoolyard Habitat technical consultants that can assist schools at the local level in areas such as project design, plant selection, construction, maintenance and curriculum connections. Offered September 19-23, 2016 (onsite at Chicago, IL), Webinars (online) September 1 and October 27, 2-3:30 p.m. ET
Identifying and Engaging Stakeholders
Dr. Katie Steiger-Meister, Senior Public Affairs Specialist with the USFWS Midwest Office of External Affairs, talks about the importance of and tools for stakeholder identification and engagement in this podcast. | |
This online, self-paced course is designed to help those who want to start and manage a Facebook page for your FWS field station, refuge, or program. This course covers best practices you should use when managing and posting to your FWS Facebook page and will show you how to leverage Facebook to empower our public.
Create your career legacy and help connect real life conservation skills to develop today's youth.
Expand your opportunity for preparation by taking training at the National Conservation Training Center.
* OUT8081 Mentoring: Getting Started with Your Mentee
* OUT8050 Mentoring the Next Generation - Voices of Experience
* OUT8045 Supervising Youth Adults in Conservation
* OUT8082 Mentee the Journey to Meeting Your Mentor
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 Other Professional DevelopmentOffered throughout the year at various locations throughout the country.
Communicating Climate Change - OnlineThe National Marine Sanctuaries Webinar Series provides educators with educational and scientific expertise, resources, and training to support ocean and climate literacy in the classroom. The next webinar in the series, May 25, 2016, is Communicating Climate Change: Resources for Making it Stick. Be sure to check for upcoming webinars, and the archives for webinars that you may have missed.
Explore many ways in which Citizen Science can be incorporated into your classroom or institution. Developed and facilitated by leaders in Citizen Science, these Professional Development courses also provide opportunities to earn optional continuing education credits. |
Federal Resource Management and Ecosystem Services GuidebookThis guidebook offers federal agencies and others information about common, credible approaches to incorporate ecosystem services concepts into natural resource management, planning, and decision making. It includes an overview of ecosystem services, examples of federal agency ecosystem services use, assessment methods, and more. |
 Educational Resources
BeachapediaThe Beachapedia website from Surfrider Foundation is similar to Wikipedia, but with articles that focus on beach and ocean issues. Topics include Beach Preservation and Access, Clean Water, Climate Change Adaptation, and more. Check out the Coastal Factoids and contribute links to educational materials on specific subjects. The information is also available in Spanish.
Citizen Science PageNEEF offers a new citizen science website with curated citizen science projects, information, and resources in three categories: Nature, Weather + Climate, and Health.
Get free EE materials from EPA's National Service Center for Environmental Publications.
Cool CrittersAndrew Hendry offers this Flicker website with over five thousand animal and plant pictures. They are free to use by non-profits.
Climate Change: Vital Signs of the PlanetNASA's Global Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet website features a diverse set of resources related to the measurement, analysis, and dangers of global climate change. Interactive features include the Climate Time Machine, which allows users to go backward and forward through four different climate indicators including Sea Ice, Sea Level, Carbon Dioxide, and Global Temperature. Other resources include the water cycle, a virtual tour, and more.
Hurricane Webinar The Hurricane Webinar 2016, May 17, 2016, is aimed at students in grades 4-6. The webinar will cover hurricane hazards, forecasting, preparedness, and more. Questions may be submitted in advance. Free registration is required. Oceans International Educational ProjectOceans is an international educational project for students ages 12-16. The objective is to make the students realize, through their own observations, that the sea is not the same worldwide, and have them share their observations with other schools around the world using information and communication technologies. Materials are also available in Spanish and other languages. Amphibian Education Materials from AZAThe Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), in partnership with others, has developed educational materials and resources to raise awareness of the perils facing our amphibian species. In addition, there is a great educational guide in the right-hand column of the main page. Climate ChoicesClimate Choices: How Should We Meet the Challenges of a Warming Planet? from NAAEE enables communities to explore the advantages and disadvantages of multiple options for addressing climate impacts. This issue guide is designed to promote meaningful, productive discussions, convened locally and online, about difficult issues that affect the environment and communities. The website links to moderator resources for using the guide along with downloadable full or abbreviated guides. There are also links to background information and educational resources on climate change and more. BEETLES: Resources for Outdoor Science ProgramsBEETLES (Better Environmental Education, Teaching, Learning, and Expertise Sharing) is devoted to infusing outdoor science programs with research-based approaches and tools to improve science teaching and learning.
EARTH A New WildPBS Learning Media offers EARTH A New Wild, a new collection of multimedia educational resources for students in grades 5-12. Students can explore the crossroads between nature, conservation, and society.
Sustainability Lesson Clearinghouse The Green Education Foundation offers a searchable collection of free, sustainability-focused lesson plans. The lessons are grouped into grade bands PK-2, 3-5, middle school, and high school. Search topics include climate change, ecosystems, and much more. | |
WWF is working to better understand how our changing climate impacts biodiversity, and they are altering their conservation strategies accordingly. As part of this initiative, they offer a range of publications, web tools, and resources on the impacts of climate change on wildlife, including learning resources designed for educators teaching advanced high school and college students.
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 Events, Conferences and Workshops Make sure to post your events on this website so everyone knows about the great things they can do at your site!
May 2016
The first full week of May (May 2 -8 this year) marks National Wildflower Week each year.
This week honors the men and women who serve our nation as federal, state, county and local government employees.
The 11th annual international Endangered Species Day, May 20, 2016, offers marine science, oceanography, biology, and other teachers an ideal opportunity to educate students about the importance of protecting threatened and endangered plant and animal species. Check out the teacher resources and more.
This event sponsored by Cornell Lab is where people all over the world come together to count birds for science. Get ready to join the action on May 14th by learning bird ID now to support global conservation.
On May 14, 2016, International Migratory Bird Day highlights the importance of international efforts to conserve birds through agreements, laws, treaties, and collaborations. This year also marks the Centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty, a landmark agreement between the U.S., Canada and Mexico to protect our shared migratory birds.
The Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals (SORP) and the River Management Society (RMS) are hosting their collaborative event: Rivers and Recreation in a Changing Climate May 16-20, 2016 in Boise, ID.
WFMD is a one day global-local event on May 21 to create awareness on the importance of open rivers and migratory fish.
Celebrate the 16th annual World Turtle Day on May 23!
May 27, 2016 marks the 109th anniversary of the birth of Rachel Carson, one of the world's foremost leaders in conservation. Her work as an educator, scientist and writer revolutionized America's interest in environmental issues. Whether it was her passion for the oceans and coasts, her inspiration as one of the first female scientists and government leaders, or her overall footprint on the history of conservation, her legacy is certainly one to be honored and celebrated.
The free Climate Education Week Toolkit offers standards-based, cross-disciplinary lesson plans, activities, and contests for K-12 students.
June 2016
Events will take place June 4th in every state across the country and will include hikes, biking and horseback rides, paddling trips, birdwatching, geocaching, gear demonstrations, stewardship projects and more.
National Fishing and Boating Week is a national celebration, an event that highlights the importance of recreational boating and fishing.
Held every June 8th, this year, people all over our blue planet are celebrating with the theme "Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet." Organizations and individuals around the world are promoting prevention of plastic ocean pollution.
National Get Outdoors Day is a new annual event, this year on June 11th, to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun, reaching first-time visitors to public lands and reconnecting our youth to the great outdoors. NWF celebrates everyone who's getting outdoors and camping on Great American Campout day on June 25th
NMEA Conference The theme for the 2016 National Marine Educators Association annual conference, June 27-30, 2016 in Orlando, Florida, is Making Waves: Current Connections in Marine Science. Check out the conference schedule, workshops, and more. Be sure to check out the great field trips and sign up early to assure a spot.
The year 2016 marks the centennial of the Convention between the United States and Great Britain (for Canada) for the Protection of Migratory Birds (also called the Migratory Bird Treaty). The Service and our partners are celebrating by bringing together those who have contributed to its success and to galvanize efforts to protect migratory birds for generations to come. Goals of the Centennial celebration are to create awareness, promote key actions, increase support, and expand opportunities for engagement in the conservation of migratory birds. Visit our website and check out the Nestbox, an online toolkit containing products and resources related to the Centennial.
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National Science Teachers Association conferences offer science content, teaching strategy, and more. Each year NSTA hosts a national conference on science education, a STEM Forum & Expo, and three area conferences. Upcoming conferences with open submission deadlines are:
- 5th Annual STEM Forum & Expo, July 27-29, 2016
- Minneapolis Area Conference, October 27-29, 2016
- Portland Area Conference, November 10-12, 2016
- Columbus Area Conference, December 1-3, 2016
- Los Angeles National Conference, March 30-April 2, 2017
See the website for submission deadlines and new proposal guidelines. Free registration is required.
NAAEE Annual Conference
The 45th Annual NAAEE Conference, one of the largest educational conferences in the world, will be held on October 19-22 in Madison, WI. Join environmental educators from North America and abroad, take advantage of the field experiences offered, and more. NAAEE is offering scholarships to its annual conference. Application deadline is May 31, 2016.
This national conference on interpretation will be held in Corpus Christi, TX on November 8-12. A request for FWS employees to submit their names to attend the conference should be coming out soon!
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 Grants, Awards, and Contests
NCTC Friends and Volunteers Scholarships AvailableThe Friends of the National Conservation Training Center provides financial support to help Friends and Volunteers attend the National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) training courses that will enhance knowledge and skills to benefit their volunteer work. Please visit the NCTC site for course descriptions and schedules. Contact Ora Dixon at 304/876-7314 with any questions.
Weather Art Contest The Weather Art Contest from the National Weather Service is open for kids ages 5-12. The theme is The Weather Outside My Window. Deadline for submission is May 20, 2016.
#H2OBigPicture Photo ContestThe National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) and the EPA's Office of Water invite photo submissions that demonstrate how participants protect water quality where they live. Submission deadline is May 27, 2016.
Project Learning Tree offers grants up to $1,000 to schools and youth organizations for environmental service-learning projects that link classroom learning to the real world. Students implement an action project they help design to green their school or to improve an aspect of their neighborhood's environment.
Lowes Community Partners GrantsThis grant program helps build better communities by providing monetary assistance from $2,001 to $100,000 to nonprofit organizations and municipalities looking for support of high-need projects. Applications are due May 23, 2016.
Young Birder of the Year Contest The American Birding Association sponsors the Young Birder of the Year, an annual contest for youth ages 10-18. Submissions are due by October 15, 2016, but youth must register by June 15, 2016.
The Mazda Foundation awards grants to programs promoting education and literacy, environmental conservation, cross-cultural understanding, social welfare, and scientific research. Application deadline is July 1, 2016.
Funky Nests in Funky Places The Cornell Lab of Ornithology encourages people of all ages to submit photos, artwork, or stories about Funky Nests in Funky Places. Submission deadline is July 1, 2016.
White House Student Film FestivalThe theme of the third annual White House Student Film Festival is The World I Want To Live In. Students in grades K-12 can submit a video that's three minutes or less. Deadline for submission is July 15, 2016.
One Shared Place Contest
The American Geosciences Institute invites educators and their students, formal and informal, to form teams to enter the One Shared Place video contest. Teams submit a 30-90 second original video that tells viewers about an outdoor place that is special to them, including relating the place to elements of geoheritage and geoscience as they relate to one shared place of significance. Submission deadline is August 16, 2016. | |
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