Author: nlened

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Public presentation: Infectious Diseases and Biodiversity

The Humber Natural History Society presents:

“Infectious Diseases and Biodiversity”.

by:

Dr. Mike Drebot, Chief of Viral Zoonoses, National Microbiology Laboratory , Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB 

Date & Time: Thursday, March 24, 7:30 pm

Location: Grenfell Campus of Memorial University, Room LC 301


Mike Drebot is Chief of Viral Zoonoses in the Zoonotic Diseases and Special Pathogens section of the

National Microbiology Laboratory (NML). Since 2007 he is also Director of NML’s Science Technology and Core Services program. His basic and applied research focuses on various zoonotic disease agents including: arboviruses (such as West Nile and California serogroup viruses) and rodent-borne pathogens such as hantaviruses. Dr. Drebot is also an assistant professor within the Medical Microbiology department, University of Manitoba.

Emerging diseases include novel infections or those which existed previously but are currently increasing in incidence or geographic range. Emerging infectious diseases of wildlife represent a substantial threat to the conservation of global biodiversity. Interactions with animal pathogens influence ecological changes in populations and drive these losses.

All are welcome !

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Outreach Coordinator (Model Forest NL)

The Model Forest of Newfoundland and Labrador is inviting applications for the position of Outreach Coordinator. There will be an emphasis on the activities of the Local Community Networks with an objective to inform the Model Forest Partnership and the general public. Information sharing on the economic diversification of our forest resource will be central to this objective. As well, community capacity building will be featured as an essential element of this process. The responsibilities of this position will also involve liaison and providing information on the communication and education initiatives of this organization to the Canadian Model Forest Network and the International Model Forest Network. Duties will include:

  • the organization and implementation of the NL Envirothon
  • the implementation of the MF Communications/Outreach strategy which will encompass regular e- updates, newsletter, maintenance of the website, Twitter and Facebook sites, press releases, interviews, group presentations.
  • promoting the Rural Revitalization of our Forests conference planned for April 2011
  • participating in special events and trade shows
  • working with the MF’s educational partners to develop tools that can be used by teachers, i.e. the virtual walking tour and the Atlantic Teacher’s Tour
  • planning and implementing the Forest Ecology Walking Tour
  • planning for National Forest Week activities
  • working closely with the Local Community Network sites to promote and educate the general public on their activities and the MF’s role in the diversification of the forest resource
  • writing proposal and project reporting, developing innovative methods of reaching public audiences.
  • reviewing and updating the Model Forest compendium of reports. Assist with a review of the Model Forest activities from 2007-2012 with a goal to produce a summary document and strategic five year plan.
Qualifications: An ideal educational background would be a diploma or a degree from a recognized college or university in community development, journalism, or natural resource management. The position will require an individual with very well developed communication skills both written and oral and a high level of proficiency in computer software programs especially the Office Suite of tools. The successful individual will be independent, self motivated, and will exhibit a demonstrated ability to work with others. Access to a vehicle will be a requirement as well as a valid drivers license. Some travel will be required and the flexibility to be able to work some evenings and/or weekends.
Interested candidates apply to:
Model Forest of Newfoundland and Labrador
19-21 West Street, P.O. Box 68
Corner Brook, NL A2H 6C3
709-637-7300 ext. 1
glendagarnier@mfnl.ca
Deadline for applications:  March 21, 2011 (this position is for a one year term and is pending funding approval).
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Film Series – “KING CORN"

Film Series – “KING CORN“

You are invited to view the Environmental Policy Institute’s next film on Wednesday, March 23 @ 7:00 p.m. in the Forest Centre, FC2014.  See poster below for more information.  Parking is available in area P2 directly across from the front of the Fine Arts Building.

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Earth Day events: “Challenge Yourself ” at The Suncor Energy Fluvarium

“Challenge Yourself ” at The Suncor Energy Fluvarium!

This Earth Day to take that step to make a change where you live, work or play, and reduce your impact on the Earth.

Join us at the Suncor Energy Fluvarium to see how to get started.

Visit booths showcasing tips and solutions for all aspects of life.

Enter to win prizes to help you get started!

 

Special Attractions:

Join us for a family friendly adventure at 4:15pm:

3R Walk with the MMSB (30 min)

Because everything comes from nature! 

Join us for a talk about the reality of Climate Change at 7:40pm:

Ryan Snodden: “Weather and How Climate Change is Affecting Us – Even Here in NL”

 (45 min)


Free Admission April 21, 4 – 8:30pm.

For more information contact:
Denise Hennebury – 754-3474 – dhennebury@fluvarium.ca

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Visitor Services Supervisor – MUN Botanical Garden

(Contractual Position from April 18th, 2011 to December 2nd, 2011)

Duties
The successful applicant will assist with information and visitor services at the Botanical Garden under the supervision of the Education Coordinator and the Environmental Education Assistant.  Duties include assisting visitors; staffing the front desk and answering inquiries; booking school and group programs; staffing receptions and special events; answering the telephone and responding to or directing inquiries; processing cash, debit, and credit card transactions; supervising seasonal staff and volunteers; and performing other related duties as assigned.  Weekend and some evening work required.

Qualifications
Extensive supervisory experience required; in customer service and retail environments an asset.  Graduation from high school, supplemented by related courses; or equivalent combination of experience and training.  Applications must be able to work independently; possess excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills; and be comfortable using a computer and the Microsoft Office suite.  Interest and or knowledge in Newfoundland gardening, natural history, and the outdoors would be an asset.

SALARY:                               $29,071 (pro-rated)

CLOSING DATE:                 March 31st, 2011

To apply:
Please forward a cover letter, and attach a current resume, addressed to Ms. Madonna Bishop, Acting Manager, MUN Botanical Garden (please see contact information below).  Please be sure to include your name, full contact information, including e-mail address if applicable, date available to star work, and three references.

Madonna Bishop, Acting Manager
MUN Botanical Garden
Memorial University of Newfoundland
St. John’s, NL  A1C 5S7
Telephone: (709) 864-8590
Fax: (709) 864-8596
Email: mbishop[at]mun.ca

Memorial University of Newfoundland Botanical Garden Inc., as part of the university’s inclusive community, is a not-for-profit corporation that creates and inspires understanding, appreciation and conservation of plants in gardens and natural areas to further Memorial’s mission of research, education and outreach.  The Garden is a registered charity.

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NLEN E-Update: March 21, 2011

Upcoming Events 

Throughout March until April 15, 2011
Lower Churchill Hydro Project – Joint Review Panel Public Hearing
Happy Valley – Goose Bay

March 22, 2011 2:30 PM
Educational Webinar on Access and Benefits Sharing (ABS)
Webinar

March 23, 2011
CICP – The Innovation Conversation
Salon BCD (Main Level), Holiday Inn, St. John’s

March 23, 2011 7:00 PM
Film Series – “KING CORN”
Forest Centre, FC2014, Corner Brook

March 23, 2011 7:00 PM
Celebration of David Suzuki’s 75th Birthday
Robert G. Reid III Theatre @ The Arts and Administration Building, MUN , St. John’s

March 23, 2011 7:30 PM
Canadian Avalanche Foundation Talk and Silent Auction
Room 315 at Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, Corner Brook

March 24, 2011
Avalon Agriculture Advantage Conference
The Wilds, Salmonier Line

March 24, 2011 6:00 PM
NLEE Fundraising event: An Evening of Sustainable Food Education through the ‘Great Meals for a Change’ program
Gower Street United Church, 99 Queen’s Road, St. John’s

March 24, 2011 7:30 PM
Public presentation: Infectious Diseases and Biodiversity
Grenfell Campus of Memorial University, Room LC 301, Corner Brook

March 25, 2011
MI Ocean Net – Youth and the Oceans Conference Series 2011
J.C. Erhardt Memorial, Makkovik

March 26-27, 2011
Fluvarium Kids Club – March Program: “Wake Up!”
Suncor Energy Fluvarium, St. John’s

March 28, 2011
Workshop: Increased Storms and Weather Hazards
RecPlex Building, University Drive, Corner Brook

March 29, 2011
Workshop: Increased Storms and Weather Hazards
Sheraton Hotel, St. John’s

View All Events

Opportunities: Employment, Internships, Funding & Volunteering

Employment: Outreach Coordinator – Model Forest NL (Deadline: March 21)

Funding: Shell Environment Fund  (Deadline: March 23)

Employment: Teaching Assistants – Brother Brennan Environmental Education Centre  (Deadline: March 25)

Employment: Outdoor Education Assistant – Western School District (Deadline: March 30)

Funding: Environmental Damages Fund (Deadline: April 1)

Funding: Stoneyfield: Profit for the Planet Community Challenge (Deadline: May 6) 

Action

Action: Harper budget cuts (to the environment) out of line with Canadian Priorities (Council of Canadians)

Petition: Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides NL – Petition to Ban the Sale and Use of Cosmetic Pesticides

Public consultation: Development of Provincial Minerals Strategy (Deadline for submissions: April 14)

Resources: Publications, Websites, Newsletters and more

New website: Sandy Pond Alliance

Video: Ocean Memories (Produced by CPAWS-NL)

Report: Winter Walk and Foray Report (Mushroom Foray NL)

Column: Developers’ Paradise (Bill Montevecchi, “Birds I View”, Northeastern Avalon Times column)
News Review   (March 15 – March 21)

NLEN Member Organisation news releases:
Of Lakes and Mines: A Sandy Pond Chronicle (Sierra Club Atlantic)

 News releases from other political parties:
Protect Canada’s water as a public resource: NDP
Greens Urge Greater Transparency in Nuclear Updates

In the media: News, Commentary, Letters to the Editor & Podcasts
N.L. mill wants cheaper fuel
Innu, Nalcor disagree on impact of hydro dams
Atlantic Canada’s harp seals drifting south
Labrador Innu land claim financial deal signed
Throne speech focuses on Lower Churchill, families
No grounds for injunction: Nalcor
N.S. hopes hydro loan guarantee coming
Fisheries researchers pummelled by rough weather
Norway joins Canada to fight EU seal ban
1929 Tsunami on the Burin Peninsula

CBC NL Podcasts: 

Labrador Morning Show
Iron ore company of Canadas plan to improve dust emissions
Lower Churchill Hearings – Friday March 19
Lower Churchill Environmental Review Panel – Mud Lake
Lower Churchill Hearings – Terrestrial wildlife
Lower Churchill Environmental Hearings – Mercury
At 75, Ken Mesher is ‘Still Trapping after all these Years
Rally at Hotel North Two to protest the proposed Lower Churchill development
Lower Churchill Hearings – Aquatic Environment

West Coast Morning Show
Shawn Skinner / Farming
Gerard Beaulieu: Farmer & landowner, Humber Valley
Paul Durling / Corridor Resources
Terry French / Snowmobile Trails
Gilbert Bennett / Nalcor
Todd WIght / Snowmobile Trails
Gerald Humber, Garry Stensen / Dead Seals

The Central Morning Show
The Central Newfoundland Morning Show Podcast – Mar.16, 2011 (domestic wood cutting in Central)

St. John’s Morning Show
Japan disaster & crab markets
CBS quarry meeting
Future of nuclear power
Health: Radiation poisoning

Radio Noon
Labrador Trapper / Ken Mesher
Woodcutting / Gonzo Gillingham

On The Go
None listed


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Meet the Funders: Funding and Proposal Writing Workshop

March 18,2011

Meet the Funders: Funding and Proposal Writing Workshop

The full-day session hosted by the NLEN brought together NLEN members as well as other non-member environmental organisations for a workshop aimed at professional development and networking. The purpose of the workshop was threefold:

  • build the capacity of the participants with respect to proposal writing;
  • provide a forum for dialogue between participating organisations and potential funders;
  • provide an opportunity for funders to promote their funding programs.

Workshop agenda

Summary: Tips for successful proposal writing

Presentations on funding programmes:

Environment Canada
Presentation 1 (pdf)  /  Weblinks: EcoAction, Environmental Damages Fund, Science Horizons
Presentation 2 (pdf)  / Weblinks:  Habitat Stewardship Program, Aboriginal Funds for Species at Risk

Mountain Equipment Co-Op
Presentation (pdf)  / Website

Small Change Fund
Presentation (pdf) / Website

TD Friends of the Environment Foundation
Website

Multi Materials Stewardship Board 
Presentation (pdf) / Weblinks: Solid Waste Management Innovation Fund /  Community Sponsorship Program

Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador
Presentation (pdf) / Website

Provincial Wellness Grant Program
Presentation (pdf) / Website

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PLAY AGAIN – Organise a screening in your community, school or workplace

What are the consequences of a childhood removed from nature? One generation from now most people in North America will have spent more time in the virtual world than in nature. New media technologies have improved our lives in countless ways; information now appears with a click, overseas friends are part of our daily lives, and even grandma loves Wii. But what are we missing when we are behind screens? And how will this impact our children, our society, and eventually, our planet?

The Newfoundland and Labrador Environment Network, in partnership with other groups have organised a series of free public screenings of Play Again in 2011. To date, screenings have been held in St. John’s, Corner Brook, Stephenville and Rocky Harbour.

If you would like to arrange a screening for your workplace,  student group, or community, please contact the NLEN at 709-753-7898 or nlen.ed@gmail.com .

To learn more about this film visit www.playagainfilm.com or view one of the following trailers:

Trailer 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZ3J0szCGqk

TRAILER 2 (with David Suzuki): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erVmBIx2lUY&feature=related

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Report: A Forest of Blue – Canada's Boreal Forest, the World's Waterkeeper

Published today by the Pew Environment Group, A Forest of Blue: Canada’s Boreal Forest, the World’s Waterkeeper presents research on the country’s boreal forest water reserves. The report includes an overview of the conservation values of the “Blue Forest”, impacts and opportunities for the boreal forest, and a summary of policy recommendations.

It also includes information on the extent of intact watersheds and free-flowing rivers in NL, and references some of NL’s most prized wetland areas such as the Grand Codroy Estuary Ramsar site, and the proposed Eagle River Provincial Waterway Park. 

Read the complete report.

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Workshop: Increased Storms and Weather Hazards

Increased Storms and Weather Hazards  

Are you prepared? Is your community prepared?

Are we seeing more frequent extreme weather events in Newfoundland? How can construction practices minimize potential destruction? How can community planning be used to prevent possible impacts and losses? What is the insurance industry doing to address global changes in weather related losses? 

Tuesday, March 29 – Sheraton Hotel, St. John’s, NL
10 A.M. – 3 P.M.

Presenters:
Dr. Martin Batterson, Senior Geologist, Geological Survey of NL
Dr. Trevor Bell, Professor of Geography, Memorial University
Glenn McGillivray, Managing Director, Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction

Lunch will be provided. There is no registration fee, but please register by March 23 to michaelcarroll@gov.nl.ca as space is limited.

A joint presentation from the Department of Environment and Conservation (Government of Newfoundland and Labrador) and the Building Owners and Managers Association NL.