Fwd: EPA Region 2 Citizen Science Bulletin - January 21, 2021

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Liz Barry

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Jan 21, 2021, 1:50:03 PM1/21/21
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---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Leta-Graham, Rachael <Graham....@epa.gov>
Date: Thu, Jan 21, 2021 at 1:06 PM
Subject: EPA Region 2 Citizen Science Bulletin - January 21, 2021
To:


Hello everyone,

 

Today is the first full day of a new administration, so here’s to looking forward to the possibilities while continuing our work.

 

I have TONS of webinars and a few opportunities & resources below.  Basically half the webinars are on January 27th & 28th so some choices will have to be made lol.

 

Hope you all are doing well & staying safe.

 

Thanks,

Rachael

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rachael Leta-Graham

Citizen Science Coordinator

Laboratory Services & Applied Science Division

US EPA Region 2

 

Email: Graham....@epa.gov

Phone: 732-321-4438

 

 

You are receiving this message as a part of EPA Region 2’s citizen science mailing list.  If you would no longer like to receive these emails, please reply to this message with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line. This email is meant for informational purposes only in order to share relevant opportunities and not an endorsement of any business or group therein.

 

EVENTS

  • WORKSHOP – Diversity & Inclusiveness Webinar 1: Examining how dominant white culture manifests in citizen/community science
    • Hosted by the European Citizen Science Association and co-organized with the ECSA & Living Knowledge Network working group on empowerment, inclusiveness & equity, D-NOSES & Cos4Cloud
    • January 27th @ 10am-12pm ET
    • This first workshop will be led by the Natural History Museum in London and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
    • It aims to support citizen science practitioners to review their projects and programs to see where they are perpetuating “white supremacy culture,” name instances of oppression, and work towards antidotes. During this workshop, Participants will:
      • discuss what we understand by the term ‘white supremacy culture’, how it is defined and oppressions it encompasses
      • reflect on how these oppressions manifest themselves within citizen science programmes, both at the project and organisational level
      • explore antidotes to these, with the Natural History Museums in London and Los Angeles County sharing how they are adapting their communication and work culture and practices to move towards anti-racist citizen/community science
    • To register, please register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqduGvrzguHdQwfZRjpBH_9pR9qGMwKzyc

 

  • WEBINAR – From Practice to Policy: Using a Community-Based Participatory Research Approach
    • Sponsored by the Detroit Urban Research Center in partnership with the Community Campus Partnership of Health as part of the CBPR Partnership Academy, funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
    • January 27th @ 12:00-1:30pm ET
    • As we continue to witness and experience inequities and disparities across communities it is critical that we understand the role that research has in leveraging the political agenda to impact the well-being of communities.  Community-based participatory research (CBPR) in particular is at the crux of bridging evidence and policy.
    • To advance the progress of this translation we must examine the linkage between CBPR and policy, assess the current landscape, and highlight and replicate successful examples
    • This webinat seeks to develop a narrative to advocate for and push CBPR work that influences policy
    • To register, please visit: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__9Vpl1zjRQG6QH6HA944Cw

 

  • WEBINAR – Building Greener Futures: Green Jobs Training and Bioswales in New Haven, CT
    • Presented as part of EPA Region 1’s Soak Up the Rain New England Webinar Series
    • Wednesday, January 27th @ 1:00-2:30pm ET
    • This webinar will showcase how green infrastructure installations and job-training programs have improved the social, economic, and environmental health of New Haven, CT. Speakers from the City of New Haven and URI will discuss strategies for collaboration around tree planting, bioswale design and siting, installation methods, maintenance, and research into the efficacy of bioswale installations. This webinar will also address how green infrastructure programs can act as a conduit for green jobs training for community members, leading to improved overall community well-being
    • To register, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/building-greener-futures-green-jobs-training-bioswales-in-new-haven-ct-registration-135530045013

 

  • TOWN HALL – Environmental Justice & Natural Disasters / COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall Meeting: Southeast & Caribbean Basin Region
    • Hosted by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Federal Interagency Working Group (IWG) on Environmental Justice (EJ) and Natural Disaster Subcommittee
    • Wednesday, January 27th @ 2-4pm ET
    • The purpose of this Town Hall Meeting is to gain a better understanding of how natural disasters and COVID-19 impact minority, low-income, overburdened, and underserved communities, and how the federal government can better provide support to these communities to prepare and respond to their needs before, during, and after natural disasters
    • Presenters will discuss how EJ communities have been impacted by the hurricanes, flooding, and COVID-19, and how COVID-19 has affected the preparedness and response to these disasters.
    • Participants will also engage in a discussion on the impacts of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, flooding, and COVID-19, on communities, and how the federal government can better support these communities
    • For more information & to register, please visit: https://tools.niehs.nih.gov/wetp/events.cfm?id=2611

 

  • WEBINAR - Effectiveness of Medical and Cloth Masks for COVID-19 Protection
    • Presented as part of EPA ORD’s EPA Tools & Resources Webinar
    • Wednesday, January 27th @ 3-4pm ET
    • Despite widespread adoption of face mask use for personal protection and to help stop the spread of COVID-19, there is little or no public information available on the performance and efficacy of different types of masks or modifications on existing face coverings. Important questions, such as which type of mask to buy or make, what modifications can be made to disposable medical-grade surgical masks and other face coverings, or the compatibility of facial hair with protective face coverings, remain. EPA researchers are working to change that.
    • In a series of projects started at the request of UNC Hospitals, EPA investigators have collaborated with University of North Carolina partners to test the fitted filtering efficiency of face coverings available to hospital workers and the general public, as well as the relative performance of face coverings for individuals with beards.
    • For more information & to register, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/effectiveness-of-medical-and-cloth-masks-for-covid-19-protection-tickets-135707387449

 

  • WEBINAR – Governing the Gasoline Spigot: Gas Stations and the Transition Away from Gasoline
    • Presented by The Environmental Law Institute & Coltura
    • January 28th @ 12:00-1:30pm ET
    • America’s 130,000 gas stations are the country’s largest carbon spigot, bringing fossil fuels into our neighborhoods and communities, which can pollute the air, the water, and the land. Now, four emerging trends – the climate crisis, the rise of electric vehicles, the aging of underground storage tanks, and new research establishing the dangers of gas station pollution – are bringing gas stations to a crossroads.
    • Join the Environmental Law Institute, Coltura, and expert panelists to explore cutting-edge research examining gas stations through the lens of the climate crisis and the rise of electric vehicles. Panelists will review leading policy proposals that empower states and local governments to regulate gas stations to advance their climate goals, reduce pollution of air, soil, and groundwater, improve public health, and save taxpayers money
    • For more information & to register by January 26th, please visit: https://www.eli.org/events/governing-gasoline-spigot-gas-stations-and-transition-away-gasoline

 

  • VIRTUAL PRESENTATION – Sustainable New Year’s Resolutions

 

  • WEBINAR SERIES: Citizen Science Hour for Biodiversity Collections
    • Hosted by iDigBio (Integrated Digitized Biocollections)
    • 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of each month from 2-3pm ET – starting January 28th
    • This webinar series is dedicated to catalyzing excellence in citizen science that engages biodiversity collections. Biodiversity collections curate about 3 billion specimens (insects on pins, fossils in drawers, fish in jars, plants on sheets, etc.) worldwide, and these are critically important to research that puts present day diversity and distribution in context and models the future of Earth's biome. These collections range widely in their institutional settings, including museums, botanical gardens, universities, field stations, government research centers, and other places.
    • While iDigBio's mission focuses on specimen digitization, data sharing, and data use, this series is intended to encompass all opportunities that citizen science might offer to the collections community and complementary sectors of that community's institutions. The series is targeted at an audience of collections curators, researchers, educators, and affiliates.
    • For January & February, the events include:
      • Jan 28th: Opportunities Provided by the 2021 Global Citizen Science Month, including City Nature Challenge & WeDigBio
      • Feb 11th: Citizen Science in Higher Education
      • Feb 25th: The Future of Citizen Science
    • For more information & to see full list of topics, please visit: https://www.idigbio.org/wiki/index.php/Webinar_Series:_Citizen_Science_Hour_for_Biodiversity_Collections
    • TO register, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/citizen-science-hour-for-biodiversity-collections-tickets-136478044505

 

  • VIRTUAL EVENT – Low-Cost & Open Source Tools: Next Steps for Science & Policy
    • Hosted by The Wilson Center Science and Technology Innovation Program
    • Monday, February 1st @ 3:30-5:00pm ET
    • With the momentum of a new presidential administration, what are the possible next steps for elevating the value and prominence of low-cost and open source tools?  By bringing together perspectives from the general public and public policy communities, this event will articulate the proven potential and acknowledge the present obstacles of making low-cost and open source hardware for science more accessible and impactful.
    • For more information & to register, please visit: https://www.wilsoncenter.org/event/low-cost-and-open-source-tools-next-steps-science-and-policy

 

  • VIRTUAL SEMINAR SERIES – 2021 Virtual Air Quality Sensors Series
    • Presented as part of the Air Sensors International Conference
    • ASIC is kicking off 2021 with one final virtual series before preparing for the 2022 in-person conference. We would like to invite you to join us once again for 5 sessions February - May. While the session content is still in development, they will be focusing the following 5 themes:
      • Air Quality Sensing in Cities
      • Indoor Ventilation & Health Effects
      • Hybrid Air Quality Networks
      • Communication of Information
      • VOC's and Fence-line Monitoring
    • Bookmark this page to keep up to date on sessions: https://asic.aqrc.ucdavis.edu/2021-virtual-series
    • Tuesday, February 2nd @ 12:00-1:15pm ET – Sensing for Cities Training
      • Cities worldwide are at the nexus of population growth, increasing air pollution levels, and climate change. These pressing problems are a small fraction of the challenges that cities face daily.  You will hear from cities and organizations on deploying, operating, and using air sensor networks.  Attend and learn about their use of air sensors within cities and participate in active discussions about cities' needs.
      • For more information & to register for this session, please visit: https://asic.aqrc.ucdavis.edu/events/air-quality-sensing-cities-training

 

  • WORKSHOP SERIES – Greener Backyard & Environmental Stewardship Workshop Series
    • Brought to you by AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassador Program & the Sussex County Library System
    • Join Watershed Ambassador Alorah as she discusses different environmental stewardship topics during this incredible workshop series! In partnership with the Sussex County Library System these workshops will teach you about a plethora of different ways you can have a greener backyard and make a positive environmental impact!
    • Every Friday** from 4 - 5 PM starting February 5th
      • February 5th - Invasive Species
      • **Thursday, February 11th - Bat and Insect Houses
      • February 19th - Composting
      • February 26th - Rain Barrels
      • March 5th - Microplastics
    • No registration required!
    • Just join at the appropriate time & date here:
      • Zoom Meeting ID: 880 7082 4179
      • Password: 556492
    • For more information email Alorah at wma2....@gmail.com
    • You can find more recent events from the AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassadors Program on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NJWAP/

 

  • WEBINAR SERIES: What’s Bugging Your Jersey-Friendly Yards?
    • Presented by Jersey-Friendly Yards
    • This 2021 series of free monthly webinars offers a line-up of experts who will teach you how to recognize beneficial insects versus pests, show you how to manage pests safely using non-toxic methods, introduce you to the buggy relationship between plants and insects, and teach you how to build an insect web of life in your yard using native plants.
    • Webinars will be free and provided via WebEx Events. They will be on the second Tuesday of the month from January to June at 7:00 pm. The live sessions will be an hour long with time for questions
      • February 9th @ 7-8pm ET – Myth Busters: The Truth About What’s Bugging You
        • Insects are the most diverse group of animals on Earth. With over 1 million described species, insects account for about 75% of all animal species. Insect diversity is essential in maintaining functional ecosystems, productive natural areas and working lands, and overall biodiversity. However, human perceptions of insects are often negative resulting in insects being misunderstood, underappreciated, and in some cases, unnecessarily feared. This session will cover a variety of “insect myths vs. truths” with the goal of reversing common misconceptions.
      • March 9th @ 7-8pm – Cultivating Respect for Insects: An Overview of the Ecosystem Services That Insects Provide
        • Simply put:  all life on earth depends on insects, for more reasons than most people realize. This talk will explore some of the immeasurably important ways that insects keep ecosystems functioning, including nutrient recycling, pollination services, and trophic interactions. It will also cover ways in which we can conserve much-needed insect diversity in our own yards
    • For more information, to register & view previous webinars, please visit: https://www.jerseyyards.org/workshops-events/2021-webinars/

 

  • WEBCAST: From Sea to See – How Satellites Can Help Identify and Combat Plastic Marine Debris
    • Presented by The Wilson Center
    • Wednesday, February 10th @ 9:00-10:15am ET
    • Since the issue of ocean plastics has entered the public consciousness, the amount of plastic that enters the ocean each year continues to grow.  Yet, policymakers cannot combat the issues without data.  Modern advances in satellite, camera, and other technologies have enabled scientists to identify where the plastic leakage is occurring.  By harnessing the data from leakage sources, we can better guide the conversation on how to solve the problem.
    • RSVP for the event here: https://engage.wilsoncenter.org/a/webcast-sea-see-how-satellites-can-help-identify-and-combat-plastic-marine-debris

 

OPPORTUNITIES

  • FUNDING – National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Sustain Our Great Lakes Opportunity
    • Sustain Our Great Lakes (SOGL) has posted a Request for Proposals to restore and enhance habitat in the Great Lakes basin.  In 2021, grant funding will be awarded in these basin-wide categories:
      • Restore and Enhance Stream and Riparian Habitat
      • Restore and Enhance Coastal Habitats
      • Expand Green Stormwater Infrastructure in Great Lakes Communities
      • Maintain and Enhance Benefits of Habitat Restoration through Invasive Species Control
      • Accelerate Implementation of Conservation Practices and Regenerative Agriculture on Working Lands
    • Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and state, tribal and local governments
    • For more information & to submit a proposal, please visit: https://www.nfwf.org/programs/sustain-our-great-lakes-program/sustain-our-great-lakes-2021-request-proposals
      • Pre-Proposals are due February 16th
    • NFWF will host a virtual workshop providing additional information about the SOGL funding opportunity

 

  • EMPLOYMENT – SEASONAL – New York State DEC Camps Looking for Staff
    • The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) is recruiting staff for the 2021 Summer Environmental Education Camps season.
    • DEC continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic to determine the operation of summer camp programs for 2021. All camps would be operated in compliance with CDC/Department of Health guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19
    • Working at a DEC residential summer camp is more than just a summer job. It’s an opportunity for students to gain leadership skills, brush up on natural history, and meet others who share a love for conservation and the outdoors. Staff live in beautiful, rustic camp settings and are provided room and board for the summer.
    • They are still seeking applicants for a variety of positions including Health Directors, Waterfront Directors, Cooks, Counselors, Lifeguards and EMTs
    • To learn more about employment at a DEC summer camp, please visit: https://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1869.html

 

  • FUNDING – EPA’s Great Lakes Trash-Free Waters RFA
    • EPA is seeking a 2nd round of applications under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) grant program focused on keeping trash out of the Great Lakes
    • Approximately $5 million is available through the Trash-Free Waters Great Lakes program to fund approximately 10 large-scale projects to remove trash from Great Lakes harbors, rivermouths, and waterfronts.
    • Applications due March 5th
    • EPA will host a webinar to provide additional information and answer questions on January 26th @ 3pm ET
    • For more information, to register for the webinar & to apply, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/great-lakes-funding/glri-trash-free-waters-fy2021-request-applications-rfa

 

  • NY ONLY - Free Seedlings Available for Youth Education through School Seedling Program
    • Applications are now being accepted for the NYS DEC's Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery School Seedling Program
    • From now until March 31, schools and youth education organizations across New York State may apply to receive up to 50 free tree or shrub seedlings to plant with students.
    • The program is an excellent tool for educators to use in meeting Next Generation Science Standards. It provides a hands-on opportunity for students to learn about natural systems, and while planting and caring for seedlings, students learn about ecosystems and the valuable role trees play, in addition to building awareness of conservation issues. The goal of the program is to help instill a sense of environmental stewardship and set a foundation that will allow students to make informed decisions about the use of natural resources.
    • All schools (public, private, nursery, elementary, secondary, vocational, college, and university) and youth education-based organizations are eligible to apply, provided trees are planted within New York State
    • For more information & to apply, please visit: https://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/9393.html

 

RESOURCES

  • NYS DEC Annual Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale – Now Open!
    • DEC's Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery kicked off its annual spring seedling sale, which is open to the public and runs until May 12
    • Each year, the tree nursery offers for sale dozens of low-cost, New York-grown tree and shrub species to help implement large-scale conservation plantings across the state
    • There are many environmental, economic, and social reasons to plant trees. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and are a powerful tool in the fight against climate change. Trees also lower heating and cooling costs, provide food and shelter for native wildlife, improve water quality by filtering runoff, prevent erosion, and increase overall health and well-being
    • The tree nursery has more than 50 conifer and hardwood species available in bundles of 25 or more, plus several mixed species packets for those looking for a variety
    • For more information, including how to order, please visit: https://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/9395.html

 

  • Drought Update Report for Puerto Rico & the US Virgin Islands

 

  • RESOURCE LIBRARY: Citizen Science Projects from National Geographic
    • Learn how anyone can participate in citizen science projects
    • Did you know snapping mountain-top photos of smog and listening for frog calls can help scientists? Get ideas for how you can participate in citizen science—projects in which volunteers and scientists work together to answer real-world questions and gather data
    • Access library here: https://www.nationalgeographic.org/idea/citizen-science-projects/

 

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