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In This Issue
- Network Updates
- In case You Missed It
- Upcoming Meetings
- Trainings, Workshops, & Conferences
- Recommended Reads
- Funding Opportunities
- Jobs & Internships
- About the DRCN
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Delmarva Film Series Part 1: Salted Earth | |
Join Lower Shore Land Trust, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other Delmarva Restoration and Conservation Network partners for a series of film screenings around the lower shore highlighting environmental change in the Delmarva Region.
Screening 1 of 3, "Salted Earth," will take place on April 24th 5:30-7:00pm at Salisbury University Fulton Hall, Room 111. The screening will be followed by a question and answer panel featuring members of the film team and local environmental practitioners:
- Dennis J Coker - Principal Chief, Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware
- Jon Cox - Associate Professor of Art & Design, University of Delaware
- Kim Abplanalp - Bird Habitat Coordinator, Maryland Coastal Bays Program
- Carly Toulan - Environmental Scientist, Maryland Coastal Bays Program
- Katherine Stahl - Private Lands Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Learn more about the film and look out for registration details on the DRCN Website!
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DRCN Annual Meeting August 13th at Salisbury University | |
We are excited to announce that we will be returning to Salisbury University on August 13th for our 2024 Annual Meeting! Many thanks to SU for graciously hosting us again this year. DRCN members are invited to attend and are encouraged to share this invitation with other relevant practitioners, stakeholders, and governmental leadership.
The steering committee has begun planning discussions and will be utilizing the valuable feedback from last year's post-meeting survey. More information to come about meeting content and registration. Look forward to seeing you all there!
For more information, reach out to the DRCN Coordinator or Chair.
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Delware Center for the Inland Bays Partners with Sussex Conservation District to Fund 1,000 Acres of Cover Crops | |
Did you know that March was National Agriculture Month? Agriculture plays a vital role in our local economy and the heritage of the Inland Bays. There are many ways that agriculture can be practiced that can help us move closer to achieving our water quality and habitat preservation goals, improving everyone's quality of life.
This is why we partnered with the Sussex Conservation District (SCD) to fund 1,000 acres of cover crops in our watershed in 2023! Cover crops are one of many agricultural best management practices used to limit nutrient and sediment runoff from farmland. Farmers in Sussex County can apply annually to participate in SCD’s cover crop program. Farmers who plant cover crops, such as common vetch or winter barley, during late summer to early fall gain many benefits such as:
- Reduced Input Costs
- Improved Yields
- Increased Weed Suppression
- Enhanced Nutrient Cycling
- Conservation of Soil Moisture
- Improved Water Quality
- Prevention of Soil Erosion
- Slowed Nutrient Runoff
Learn More
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Biologists & Scientists Needed to Review Chesapeake WILD Grant Proposals
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) are calling for potential proposal reviewers for the 2024 Chesapeake WILD Grants Program (roughly 17 April – 8 May). Robust participation among practitioners and experts with knowledge and experience in the Chesapeake WILD program pillars is essential to ensuring both a fair and objective review process and, ultimately, selection of the highest caliber proposals for funding:
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Timeline: Request for Proposals closes April 10. NFWF expects to send out review assignment by April 17, with reviews due on/around May 8.
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Review Process and Guidance: NFWF will provide standard reviewer guidance and host a voluntary reviewer webinar from 1:00-2:00 PM on Monday, April 22 to provide further insight and instructions for conducting WILD proposal reviews. The reviewer webinar will be recorded and posted online for later viewing as the review window proceeds. All reviews will be collected via Excel, and we will tailor review assignments to your specific area(s) of expertise and capacity during the roughly 3-week review window.
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Value of Your Participation: While NFWF does not currently compensate its reviewers, there is considerable value in serving as a reviewer, especially if you or your organization are considering pursuing future WILD proposals as the process provides great insight into the program, evaluation criteria and processes, and the spectrum of proposed projects submitted for consideration. The experience and knowledge gained also helps participants develop a deep understanding of Chesapeake WILD fundamental grantmaking processes and evaluation criteria.
If you would like to join our WILD proposal review team, please take a moment to complete our reviewer registration form no later than April 5, 2024.
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Tuckahoe Rural Legacy Area Conservation Easement Funding
There are currently MD Rural Legacy opportunities for conservation easements located in the recently expanded Tuckahoe Rural Legacy area. This area stretches along Tuckahoe Creek in both Caroline and Talbot County. For more info contact David Satterfield at DSatterfield@eslc.org
Learn More
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Steering Committee Meeting (virtual)
April 8, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
For more information please contact Chair
Steve Kline skline@eslc.org
Town and Urban Operating Committee Meeting (virtual)
January 9th, 10:00-11:30 am
For more information contact Chair
Owen Bailey obailey@eslc.org
Interested in joining a committee?
Email coordinator sophia_seufert@fws.gov
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Trainings, Workshops and Conferences | |
Hunting 101 Workshop: University of Maryland Extension & Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Interested in learning how to become a hunter, but don't know where to start? Then this Hunting 101 workshop workshop is for you. Held at Point Pleasant Farm on April 11, the workshop is geared to folks with little to no knowledge about hunting, but who would like a primer on the topic before diving into getting a hunter education certificate. The workshop will provide a chance to learn about wildlife biology, hunting tactics, and gear that aren't covered in the hunter education course.
Register Here
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VES Oyster Roast
Join VES Land Trust for the 17th Annual Oyster Roast Dinner April 13, 2024. Indulge on oysters, clams, dinner, full bar including Chatham wine, and dessert while enjoying beautiful Green Valley, a VES Land Trust held conservation easement. Proceeds benefit the Virginia Eastern Shore Land Trust and its land preservation mission on Virginia's Eastern Shore.
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Wicomico Invasive Fishing Tournament
Saturday April 20, join Wicomico Environmental Trust and Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake for fishing, food, live music, and education on local invasive fish species!
The event will take place Riverside Drive Boat Ramp at 7:00 am with weigh in starting at 3p.m.
Register Here
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NWA Pollinator Workshop and Plant Sale
Register for the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance spring pollinator workshop, “Native Plants and Trees for the Butterflies, Birds, and Bees", which will be held on Saturday, April 27 from 11A-1P at the Laurel Public Library. This is a free event!
You may also pre-order plant packs, while supplies last.
Learn More
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Celebrate Trails Day ESLC
Save the date for Celebrate Trails Day on Saturday, April 27th! On Saturday April 27th, the Eastern Shore Trail Network Steering Committee will lead various trail walks at locations across the Shore, including Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and the Town of Oxford. Steering Committee Chair and ESLC Land Use and Policy Director, Owen Bailey, will lead the walk along Chestertown’s Gilchrest Rail Trail and Cypress Branch Park.
Learn More
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Lower Shore Land Trust 17th
Annual Native Plant Sale!
Lower Shore Land Trust is proud to present our 17th Annual Native Plant Sale! Plant pickup will be May 3rd & 4th at the Land Trust office at 100 River Street in Snow Hill. We have curated a treasure trove of native plants, trees and shrubs ready to find their forever homes in your garden, and to reap the rewards of visits from beautiful pollinators. Start shopping at: www.lowershorelandtrust.org!
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2024 Water Family Fest and Native Plant Sale
The Water Family Fest and Native Plant Sale features “feet-wet, hands-dirty fun,” outdoor recreation and educational opportunities, multiple exhibits, food trucks, and a native plant sale. Throughout the event, there will be a series of short talks on diverse topics such as diamondback terrapins, invasive species, coastal ecology, plants and more. There will also be fun family activities including horseshoe crab tagging, fish seining, bird identification, and a guided walk through the Preserve’s trails.
Learn More
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Eastern Shore Land Conservancy Annual LandJam
On Saturday, May 11th, from 1pm to 4pm, at the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy will host LandJam – our annual family-friendly gathering to celebrate the land of our beautiful, bountiful Eastern Shore! Register early for discounted tickets.
Register Here
Enter PRS electric guitar raffle!
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Sustainable Growth for the Eastern Shore: The Balance of Housing, Transportation, and Land Use
Tuesday May 14th, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy invites you to attend our Sustainable Growth Workshop. As our region grapples with the ongoing housing crisis, transportation cuts, and the impacts of climate change, this workshop aims to tackle these challenges and how they are interrelated. The workshop will include discussions on the intersection of housing and transportation, comprehensive plan and zoning updates, adaptation to climate and market forces, and the barriers preventing our communities from growing sustainably and equitably. We are at capacity for in-person attendance. Register below to attend virtually.
Register Here
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Bay Day at Ocean Pines
Bay Day is back! Come out to White Horse Park in Ocean Pines on Sunday, May 19th to learn how you can make a difference in your own backyard. This fun-filled educational day is hosted by the Maryland Coastal Bays Program and the Ocean Pines Association. We will have something for everyone, hands-on educational activities at every booth, live music, food trucks, free boat rides on the St. Martin, and more! And the Exploration Station is back for another year so you can explore what projects MCBP and our partners are currently working on!
Learn More
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Delmarva Alliance of Adaptation Practitioners
(DAAP) 2024 Annual Forum
The Delmarva Alliance of Adaptation Practitioners (DAAP) Annual Forum will be held on May 22, 2024 at Salisbury University. DAAP provides opportunities for adaptation practitioners working with communities in Delmarva to share existing efforts, build off of current knowledge and expertise, discuss common challenges, explore potential solutions, and identify cooperative actions that will enhance individual efforts. Registration must be completed by May 8, 2024.
Register Here
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ESLC Announces Bird Conservation Series 2024
Please join Eastern Shore Land Conservancy for our 2024 conservation-focused birding walks, part of the 3rd Annual Bird Conservation Series: a partnership with Lower Shore Land Trust. These events will discuss the organizations, programs, resources, research, and efforts that exist on the Eastern Shore that support the conservation of our resident and migratory bird species. Please join us as we tour the shore through the lens of bird conservation!
Learn More
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ESLC Conservation Classic
On Thursday, June 13, 2024, we will be hosting the second annual Conservation Classic, a sporting clays event at the Point at Pintail in Queenstown. This fun and competitive day will provide a morning of shooting followed by a pit beef lunch and awards. If target shooting and good food are your thing, please consider a sponsorship and bring your team of shooters along. We anticipate about 100 registrants for this event and non-shooters are welcome.
Register Here
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RAE Coastal & Estuarine Summit
Join Restore America’s Estuaries for the 2024 Coastal & Estuarine Summit, the premier event for coastal restoration policymakers, practitioners, and managers in the United States. Taking place in Washington, D.C. in October 2024, our next Summit promises to be our largest yet, with an anticipated 1,400 attendees from around the country and abroad.
Register Here
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Delmarva Highlighted in USFWS Wetlands Status and Trends Report
A new report released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reveals wetlands covered less than 6 percent of the lower 48 states as of 2019. The rapid disappearance of vegetated wetlands between 2009 and 2019 has resulted in a loss of 670,000 acres, an area approximately equal to the land area of Rhode Island. Decreases were particularly prevalent in the coastal watersheds of the Carolinas, the Delmarva Peninsula...
Full Report
USFWS News Release
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Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) |
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The Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 established a federal reimbursement program for the acquisition and/or development of public outdoor recreation areas. The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is administered in Virginia by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) on behalf of the National Park Service (NPS).
The 2024 LWCF State and Local Assistance Program grant round is open beginning February 15, 2024. Please note that many of the documents have changed since the 2022 grant round. All grant round documents are due April 18 at 4 p.m. via email to RecreationGrants@dcr.virginia.gov.
Entities eligible to compete for LWCF funding:
- Counties, cities and towns
- Park and recreation authorities
- Tribes
- State agencies
Deadline: April 18, 2024
Learn More
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Network for
Landscape Conservation Catalyst Fund
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The Network for Landscape Conservation is pleased to share the 2024 Request for Proposals for the Catalyst Fund, which is made possible through the generous support of the Doris Duke Foundation and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. The Catalyst Fund strives to accelerate the pace and practice of collaborative landscape conservation and stewardship across the United States by investing in Landscape Partnerships.
The purpose of the Catalyst Fund is to accelerate the pace and practice of collaborative landscape conservation and stewardship across the United States. The Fund makes strategic investments in strengthening the collaborative capacity of place-based, community-grounded Landscape Partnerships.
Deadline: April 26, 2024
Learn More
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USDA Forest Service Inflation Reduction Act Forest Landowner Support | |
The USDA Forest Service anticipates offering a series of funding opportunities under IRA Forest Landowner Support. The agency may award up to $150 million total through this NOFO for the following two focus areas:
- Support the participation of underserved forest landowners in emerging private markets for climate mitigation or forest resilience.
- Support the participation of forest landowners who own less than 2,500 acres of forest land in emerging private markets for climate mitigation or forest resilience
Organizations representing underserved landowners and first time applicants for federal funds are encouraged to apply.
Summer Round Deadline:
May 20, 2024
Learn More
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Jobs
Environmental Literacy Specialist - Maryland Coastal Bays Program (Berlin, MD)
Virginia Pinelands Burn Boss & Land Steward - The Nature Conservancy (Wakefield, VA)
Migratory Game Bird Habitat Biologist - MD DNR, Wildlife and Heritage Service (Dorchester County, Maryland)
Land Management Technician - MD DNR, Wildlife and Heritage Service (Kent County, Maryland)
Urban Waters Program Manager - Partnership for the Delaware Estuary (Wilmington, DE)
Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (Multiple Positions) - DNREC/Div. of Climate, Coastal & Energy, Coastal (Multiple Locations)
Brandywine Creek State Park (Multiple Positions) - DNREC/Division of Parks and Recreation-BCSP (Wilmington, DE)
Cape Henlopen State Park (Multiple Positions) - DNREC/Division of Parks and Recreation-BCSP (Lewes, DE)
Delaware Seashore State Park (Multiple Seasonal Positions) - Delaware Seashore State Park (Rehoboth, DE)
Environmental Specialist II (Climate Change Policy Specialist) - DNREC/Climate, Coastal & Energy (Dover, DE)
Conservation Technician I (Shoreline & Waterway Mgt) - DNREC/Watershed Stewardship (Lewes, DE)
Conservation Technician III (Wildlife) - DNREC/Division of Fish and Wildlife (Dover, Delaware)
Tenure Track Faculty Positions in Estuarine and Marine Science - Horn Point Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (Cambridge, MD)
Internships & Fellowships
Environmental Education Intern - Delaware Center for the Inland Bays (Rehoboth, DE)
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About the Delmarva Restoration and Conservation Network (DRCN) | |
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The Delmarva Restoration and Conservation Network (DRCN), formed in 2017, is a collaborative of local, state, and Federal government agencies and NGOs working with private and public landowners and local governments to identify the most important places to protect and restore, and to obtain support and funding for voluntary restoration and conservation.
The DRCN Mission is to restore and conserve Delmarva’s landscapes, waterways, and shorelines that are special to its people, fundamental to its economy, and vital for its native fish, wildlife, and plants.
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Want to be featured in next month's newsletter?
Email submissions to delmarvarcn@gmail.com
| Delmarva Restoration & Conservation Network | delmarvarcn.org | | | | |
