Eastern Shore Environmental Education Council

When they're nestlings, Belted Kingfishers have acidic stomachs that help them digest bones, fish scales, and arthropod shells. But their stomach chemistry changes by the time they leave the nest, and they begin regurgitating pellets, similar to owls.

The Envirothon, sponsored by National Conservation Foundation, is making a difference and impacting conservation one student at a time! Envirothon alum like Palmer are now conservation leaders, making a difference and working to improve our world! Join us in our quest to provide education, leadership development and outreach by making a commitment to conservation today! Give at https://nacdnet.app.neoncrm.com/forms/ncfspringcampaign

Farmers are busy planting crops and moving livestock this time of year. Remember to , be patient and give a friendly wave!

One year from now, millions of skywatchers across the U.S. will have the opportunity to see a total solar eclipse. It will be the last time one will cross the U.S. for more than 20 years. Where will you be? https://go.nasa.gov/3Kmy1a7

https://batweek.org/
Bat Conservation International

Get ready for Bat Week! October 24-31

information on bats
https://batweek.org/educate/
games and activities
https://www.batcon.org/about-bats/games-and-activities/?fbclid=IwAR3ChwSwr_5jELBPqLBkiOWepD7QQzzjg8iakHDWt7TAsKb1VN7jGIxiTnE
bat house plans
https://batweek.org/make-bat-house/

Home - Bat Week BAT WEEK OCTOBER 24 – 31 Bat Week is an annual, international celebration of the role of bats in nature BAT WEEK IS AN ANNUAL, INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATION OF THE ROLE OF BATS IN NATURE COUNTDOWN TO BAT WEEK Day Hour Minute Second About Bat Week Bat Week is an international, annual celebration design...

🍁🍂FALL FOLIAGE REPORT: This fall season is shaping up to be a memorable one, and if you’re lucky enough to live in or visit Western Maryland right now, you’ll soon know why. The fall foliage show is ON in mountainous Western Maryland with a full spectrum of fall colors on display.

This week, we have an extended report from our park staff and foresters out west to help you figure out what’s happening where and plan your visits accordingly. Although Western Maryland is the star of the show this week, the rest of our beautiful state is starting to transform as well, likely saving its peak displays for the weeks to come.

Read this week's full report: http://ow.ly/s8HH50L9W6q

https://www.nasa.gov/centers/wallops/events/viewing_launches.html

Next launch from Wallops!
Mission: Northrop Grumman CRS-18
Vehicle: Antares
Date: Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022
Time: 5:50 a.m. EST
Visitor Center Launch Viewing Area: 3:30-7 a.m. EST

View a Launch from NASA Wallops Visitor Center NASA.gov brings you the latest images, videos and news from America's space agency. Get the latest updates on NASA missions, watch NASA TV live, and learn about our quest to reveal the unknown and benefit all humankind.

https://www.nasa.gov/content/wallops-visitor-center/field-trip-opportunities

Virtual Field Trip Opportunities NASA.gov brings you the latest images, videos and news from America's space agency. Get the latest updates on NASA missions, watch NASA TV live, and learn about our quest to reveal the unknown and benefit all humankind.

These spooky spiders are master engineers The yellow garden spider might look scary, but it is a great form of natural pest control.

https://www.chesapeakebay.net/action/protect-the-bay/mulch-your-leaves

Mulch Your Leaves Fallen leaves don't have to end up in the landfill or the burn pile.

In late May, We're Here podcast hosts Abi Newhouse and Melissa Wade joined TNC scientists and volunteers to collect eelgrass seeds in Virginia’s coastal bays and dive into its role in blue carbon market. TNC Coastal Scientist Bo Lusk is featured in the episode. Listen now >>> https://nature.ly/3T1bBOx

https://journeynorth.org/monarchs/featured/10072020-monarch-look-alikes

10/07/2020 Monarch Look-alikes

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/284952bb35ef4c409f937d5fb0998d20

Chesapeake Reefs Seeing oysters through a new lens

The characters in the Sherman's Lagoon comic strip are hitting the road to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the National Marine Sanctuary System!

According to Jim Toomey, creator of the daily comic strip, Sherman the shark, Fillmore the sea turtle, Hawthorne the crab and Ernest the fish, will visit several sanctuaries throughout the month of October.

The National Marine Sanctuary System turns 50 on October 23, 2022. Join the celebration and follow Sherman and his pals as they explore America's underwater parks.

Check out the published strips:
https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/news/oct22/shermans-lagoon-celebrating-50th-anniversary.html

(Graphic description: Jim Toomey's Sherman the shark, Fillmore the sea turtle, Hawthorne the crab, Ernest the fish and friends surrounding the National Marine Sanctuary System's 50th Anniversary logo. Credit: Jim Toomey)

https://www.esvmg.com/general-5

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn8XTSON3ezKlZfY32YmIxJyxK3mFM6oV

Interesting videos from Morgan State's Patuxent Environmental and Aquatic Research Laboratory (PEARL) on the Oyster industry including research, farming and harvest

www.youtube.com

This Underwater Plant Keeps Excess Carbon Out Of The Atmosphere - Videos from The Weather Channel | weather.com Scientists praise this underwater plant for its unique environmental functions. Conservationists think it could help limit the effects of climate change. - Videos from The Weather Channel | weather.com

Hummingbirds on your mind? Ours, too! Here are four fun facts about these fascinating birds.

🌎 More than 340 hummingbird species exist, and only in the Americas. The largest of these species is the nine-inch-long Giant Hummingbird (Patagona gigas) of the Andes and the smallest is the two-inch Bee Hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae), a Cuban endemic.

🪰 Hummingbirds consume much more than nectar. Insects and spiders make up a significant part of a hummingbird’s diet, providing protein, fat, and other important nutrients.

🌺 Hummingbirds are more attracted to native plants than exotics. Hummingbirds have evolved alongside their preferred flowers, and these plants generally produce more nectar and attract more insect prey than non-native ornamentals.

🐦 The closest living relatives of hummingbirds are the swifts, another group of birds known for their impressive aerial maneuvers. However, hummingbirds are the only birds capable of flying both forward and backwards.

For more fascinating hummingbird facts, don’t miss our upcoming FREE webinar with John Shewey, author of The Hummingbird Handbook. John will be sharing everything he knows about these birds and answering your questions in what is bound to be a fun, lively discussion. Go to tinyurl.com/HummingbirdHandbook to register.

Plants That Support Pollinators' Full Life Cycle Pretty flowers are only part of what pollinators need. Here are some native plants that help pollinators thrive in your garden and yard.

We can help you find money for college and YOU can help! When you come in to see us, be SURE to bring your paper work and necessary documents. We even have a checklist that can help you prepare and position yourself to get the maximum amount of support. Find it here!https://es.vccs.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Complete-the-FAFSA.pdf

We're Ranger Parkie Parks! What's your ranger name?

New! The latest edition of North American Association for Environmental Education - NAAEE is now available. “Environmental Education Programs: Guidelines for Excellence” is a comprehensive guide to developing new and improving upon existing environmental education programs, with environmental quality, social equity, and economic prosperity in mind. Whether you are working on a field day for young children or developing an ongoing, community-wide engagement program, following a process will help you be as efficient and effective as possible.

Find resources and guidance on planning, implementing, adapting, and evaluating your EE programs in the link: https://naaee.org/eepro/resources/environmental-education-programs

Sign up for the "Eat More Fish" webinar series and learn how eating fish supports healthy lifestyles, pick up some preparation tips and delicious recipes, and learn about Virginia’s seafood from industry experts.

Register here ➡️ bit.ly/392edtW

VT Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center | Virginia Sea Grant | Virginia Tech Food Science & Technology Department | VSU College of Agriculture | Virginia Tech

Join Virginia Association for Environmental Education at the Airfield Conference Center in Sussex for our annual conference August 12th-14th. Enjoy professional development, networking, learning, and field experiences with environmental stakeholders as we convene to reimagine a healthy, sustainable Commonwealth.

Visit vaee.wildapricot.org/2022Conference for more information!

It's during ! Turtles are among the most imperiled vertebrates in the world. At least 61 percent of 356 species of turtles worldwide are considered threatened, or are already extinct. In the U.S., turtle populations face growing threats from habitat loss, climate change, disease, and vehicles when crossing roads. The illegal collection of wild turtles – including for the pet trade – is making matters worse. Help turtles by pledging to never take one out of the wild.

If you are thinking about purchasing a pet turtle, familiarize yourself with state,
federal, and international wildlife regulations regarding the sale and possession
of specific species. Always be sure to inquire about where a turtle came from
before you consider buying one.
Read more about illegal pet trade in turtles: https://dwr.virginia.gov/blog/shell-game/