I've added you all to the Scholar Site at
https://scholar.vt.edu/portal/site/vt-watersheds-2014.
I'll use the Scholar site for tracking assignments you've submitted as I also provide feedback. I've provided suggested "Due Dates" for those who'll enjoy some extra help with pacing. I'll also put duplicate course announcements there until everyone get's comfortable with blogging.
Be sure to copy any feedback I provide there so you'll have access to it after the semester is over.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Tasks for the upcoming week
Use this week to build the foundation for future assignments.
- Identify a watershed that interests you;
- Experiment with www.Blogger.com (Blogspot) or an alternative; and
- Try Tony Robbin's free online version of the DiSC Profile. You do not have to enter real personal information as solicited.
This is a tool used in some leadership or team-building programs to help individuals recognize their orientation to teamwork and tasks. We'll discuss this together in an online meetup, but I hope you'll see it validates the roles of all team members. When sharing it with others, it often reveals interesting things about friendships and relationships (or at least discussion starters) .
While the University remains in session on Monday, September 1, I wish to respect the Labor Day holiday, particularly for those who have an opportunity to be with friends or family. Instead of an online hangout, I'll want to connect with each of you by email, hangout or phone later in the week just to make sure you're feeling good about your work underway.
And more on Beaches
"Beaches and Bacteria" -- The Virginia Water Resources Research Center updated its popular “Beaches and Bacteria” article in January 2014. The article describes:
- The Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act
- Virginia’s bacteria standards
- The types of indicator organisms monitored at Virginia’s beaches
- How people responsible for beach closures/advisories decide what is safe
- The difference between a beach advisory and a beach closure
- Microbial Source Tracking
"The Beach and Your Coastal Watershed" -- EPA published this factsheet that pertains to coastal watersheds. It is available at http://water.epa.gov/type/
- What Is a Beach and What Does It Do?
- Why Can't We Use the Beach Sometimes?
- What Is EPA Doing to Protect Beaches?
- What Can You Do to Help Protect Beaches?
Beaches
Virginia Department of Health (VDH): Beach Monitoring Program -- Bacteria levels in beach water are monitored at 46 public beaches in Virginia on the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean during the swimming season (May-September). Water samples are collected weekly by Local Health Departments and analyzed by local laboratories for enterococci bacteria. If bacteria levels exceed Virginia's Water Quality Standard of 104 colony forming units (cfu)/100 mL of water, a swimming advisory is issued.
New for 2014: Follow VDH’s Beach Monitoring Program on Twitter (@VDHBeach) to receive notifications of the status of current swimming advisories: https://twitter.com/VDHBeach.
The VDH website -- http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/
· Swimming Advisories and Monitored Beaches Map (uses Google Maps)
· Beach Monitoring Data (by year)
· Frequently Asked Questions: VDH-Issued Swimming Advisories
· Local Beaches Information
· Brochure: Safely Enjoy Virginia’s Natural Waters (Como Disfrutar de las Aguas Naturales de Virginia Sin Peligros)
· Local Health Department Contacts for Beach Monitoring
And more.
EPA Websites
· “Beaches” -- http://water.epa.gov/type/
· “National Coastal Condition Reports” -- http://water.epa.gov/type/
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Upcoming seminars and webinars from Casey Trees
For those in the DC Metro area:
| Casey Trees Events |
- DC PLUG: Burying Lines, Raising Questions
Wednesday, September 3 - Get the details on DC PLUG (Power Lines Underground) and learn both the tree-related benefits and risks of undergrounding wires and what you can do to protect trees during the project's construction. - Family Program: Buds Story Time
Friday, September 5 - Treat your toddler or preschooler to an engaging morning full of stories, songs and crafts about trees and the environment. - Social: Branch Out Happy Hour
Tuesday, September 9 - Say adios to summer at September’s Branch Out Happy Hour. We’ll meet you on the roof deck of El Centro for fresh margaritas. - Class: Trees 101
Saturday, September 13 - Get to know Washington’s trees from this crash course in tree anatomy and identification. This is a Citizen Forester-qualifying course.
This class is full; waitlist is available.
Monday, August 25, 2014
River Recreation Workshop – September 17-18, 2014
For you folks down in SoVA...
River Recreation Workshop – September 17-18, 2014, Mecklenburg County, VA
This workshop sponsored by DCR will provide tools to advance river recreation in Virginia, including information on economic impacts, planning and design, potential partners, promotion, and resource protection.
For more information and to register, visit http://events.r20.
River Recreation Workshop – September 17-18, 2014, Mecklenburg County, VA
This workshop sponsored by DCR will provide tools to advance river recreation in Virginia, including information on economic impacts, planning and design, potential partners, promotion, and resource protection.
For more information and to register, visit http://events.r20.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Agenda for first-week online meetings (8/24 or 8/25)
Times:
We'll use a combination of two technologies at the same time:
1. Google hangout: Look for an email invitation or on G+ at or after 6:55pm
- Sunday at 7pm EDT; or
- Monday at 7pm, EDT
We'll use a combination of two technologies at the same time:
1. Google hangout: Look for an email invitation or on G+ at or after 6:55pm
Agenda
1. Introductions
2. Course Overview
3. Course Blog
4. Review of Course Assignments
5. Getting Support/Help/Answers
6. Questions
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