LaRC’s 2021 ‘Connected by Earth’ Photo Contest

Posted on April 5, 2021 by Jazmin Argarin

The LaRC Environmental Team would like to extend an invitation to LaRC personnel to join our 2021 Earth Day/Arbor Day virtual celebration by participating in our 2021 photography contest.  The winner will earn an Earth Day 2021 reusable travel tumbler as a prize!

THEME: Connected by Earth

You are encouraged to find beauty in the Earth around you — wherever you feel the most connected in your local environment (abiding by all COVID-19 orders, of course). Examples may include your own backyard, the landscapes around you, pets, home gardens, indoor plant life, or any other sanctuary. If you already dabble in photography, we’d love to see your recent work! If you’ve been interested in photography, let this be your inspiration to start! Professional photography skills not required.

If you would like to participate, read the photo contest criteria below for rules and submittal instructions.

P.S. – If you decide to go adventuring in search of a picture, please follow all applicable requirements that have been put in place to mitigate the effects of COVID-19.

Photo Contest Criteria

  1. Open to all LaRC civil servants and contractors.
  2. Only one photo per participant.
  3. By participating, you agree to the submission terms and conditions listed below.
  4. Photos should be recent (no more than a year or so old) and reflect the theme as described above.
  5. Visit the 2021 Photo Contest site to upload your photo.

Photo Contest Dates

  1. Entry deadline is April 22.
  2. From April 23 to 29, LaRC personnel will be able to visit the submission gallery and vote on their favorite photos.
  3. On April 30, the LaRC Environmental Team will tally the votes and announce the winner.

Submission Terms & Agreement

With entry submissions, you agree to the following terms and conditions:

I certify that the submission is my original product, and was not copied from another work, photograph, nor made by another. I certify it does not violate the rights of a third party or any copyright. I represent it does not contain any material that is defamatory, vulgar, or otherwise inappropriate. I understand that the submission will become the property of NASA. I give permission to NASA to use, reproduce, prepare derivative works, publish, and display publicly the submission, for all purposes deemed appropriate by NASA.

I understand that my submission may be eligible for appearance at NASA LaRC, and other locations if selected, but that no compensation of any kind will be paid by NASA or any of its authorized third parties.  I hereby unconditionally release NASA, its employees, NASA’s contractors and their employees, and NASA representatives from any and all claims and demands arising out of the activities mentioned in this agreement.

I certify I am at least 18 years of age and have read the Submission Terms & Agreement and fully understand and agree to the contents.

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Earth Day/Arbor Day 2021 Webinars & Virtual Workshops!

Posted on April 5, 2021 by Jazmin Argarin

2021 earth day webinar banner

** Information on the organizations advertised herein is provided as a matter of professional or cultural interest. NASA LaRC has no control over external programs and does not monitor events, their results, or compliance. No NASA endorsement of non-Federal organizations is intended or implied. **

Rutger University’s Earth Day, Every Day Webinar Series

Every Monday at 6:30pm EST throughout April

This Monday evening series focuses on steps everyone can take to protect the environment. We can all do our part to take actions that make our homes more sustainable. These actions, more than ever, start at home.

Sessions:

  • Infusing EcoTherapy Into Your Life on April 5
  • From Rain Gardens to Rain Barrels; Protecting Watersheds at Home on April 12
  • Food Systems and Climate Change on April 19
  • Trees, Wonderful Trees on April 26

For details on the sessions, click HERE. To register, click HERE.

Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia (MGNV) Public Webinars

Most Fridays at 10:00am EST throughout April

Join the MGNV for their free public education webinars that encourage and promote environmentally sound gardening practices.

Presentations:

  • Composting and No Till Gardening: Create a Garden That Thrives on April 2
  • Best Bets: Native Plants for Wet Conditions on April 16
  • Contained Excitement: Outdoor Container Garden Basics & What’s Trending on April 23
  • The Kitchen Herb Garden on April 30

For more information and how to register, click HERE.

2021 Runoff Rendezvous

April 6 at 11:00am EST (more panels TBD)

Chesapeake Stormwater Network’s (CSN) virtual alternative to their 10th Stormwater Partner’s Retreat. The CSN is a small non-profit organization dedicated to promoting more sustainable stormwater management in the Chesapeake Bay. The Runoff Rendezvous is comprised of free panels held throughout April by federal, state, local and NGO leaders from across the Bay Watershed.

  • For more information on the panels and how to register, click HERE.

Resilient Hampton Pollinator Gardens

April 8 at 6:00pm EST

Hosted by Bee City USA Hampton and Hampton Clean City Commission.  Dr. Barb Abraham will discuss Hampton’s affiliation with Bee City USA and how it has impacted our city. Master Gardener Gayle Mooney will tour her garden to show how diversity attracts a variety of pollinators. Master Gardener Wendy Iles will share how to plan and construct your pollinator garden, regardless of the size.

  • For more information and to register, click HERE.

LIVE STARurday Night

April 10 at 7:30pm EST

The Virginia Living Museum (VLM) takes their stargazing virtual!  Join the VLM for a Facebook Live talk about the current evening sky and how you can find things for yourself.

  • For more information on this event, click HERE.
  • For a list of other live and in-person events at the VLM, click HERE.

Planting for Pollinators

April 10 at 1:00pm EST

This program is part of a partnership between Poquoson Public Library, York County Public Library, and York-Poquoson Master Gardeners. What can you do to help the Monarch Butterflies, Honey Bees and other pollinators in our area? Join Master Gardener Nate Brauner to learn how simple choices can help transform your yard or garden bed into a habitat that is teeming with beneficial insects and brings beauty into your yard.

Rain-Wise Yards & Landscapes Webinar

April 12 at 12:00pm EST

Join askHRgreen.org and their partners at Elizabeth River Project, Lynnhaven River Now, and Wetlands Watch for a lunch hour webinar covering the importance of managing your yard’s stormwater runoff and a variety of homeowner-friendly practices to help your yard retain the rain and protect local water quality.

NOAA Flower Garden Banks

April 13 at 1:00pm EST (12:00pm CST)

This talk is hosted by Johnson Space Center. NOAA representative Kelly Drinnen will talk about the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of Texas and how climate change is affecting it. The sanctuary covers portions of 17 separate reefs, including shallow water and deeper mesophotic reefs. You’ll learn about NOAA’s conservation efforts of this unique ecosystem.

LaRC Lunch & Learn: Beekeeping

April 15 at 12:00pm EST

Join this presentation by LaRC’s own Scott Bartram to learn about beekeeping in Hampton Roads, the importance and impacts of bees, and more!

Earth Day Live by earthday.org

April 20 through April 22

Join global leaders for Earth Day Live 2021. Visit earthday.org at the start of each event, and follow their social media platforms to join the discussion.

Events:

  • Global youth climate summit on April 20
  • Teach for the Planet: Global Education Summit on April 21
  • Earth Day Live digital event on April 22 (starting at 12pm)

For more information, click HERE.

World Penguin Day Presentation

April 21 at 10:00am EST

Join Kennedy Space Center in welcoming Katie Propp from Penguins International.  We all love penguins, and they’re so much more than cute, cuddly birds that waddle and swim. They are true sentinels of the health of our planet. Their survival is at risk due to constant environmental threats that have negative effects on their well-being. We can’t do this alone, but together, we can all make a difference. Penguins International is dedicated to penguin conservation and research to help understand the issues that penguins face and how we can join together to protect the future of these amazing creatures.

Eco-anxiety Workshop with Employee Assistance Program

April 21 at 12:30pm EST (11:30am CST)

This talk is hosted by Johnson Space Center. This past year has been full of uncertainties. With increasing attention on the climate crisis as well as the environment, we invite you to join the NASA/JSC EAP for a discussion on anxiety that may come with these events and steps to address it in our daily lives. To foster an inviting space, cameras are highly encouraged.

NASA’s 2021 Virtual Earth Day Event

April 21 – April 24.

Anyone can join this free, online event that includes live panel discussions and chats with NASA Earth science experts, as well as on-demand content, such as coloring pages and activity sheets, eBooks and downloadable posters, Meet a Scientist videos, and information on how you can be a scientist for NASA. There’s also an online scavenger hunt to kick off #GrowForLaunch, a chance to learn more about the plants grown in space and how you can start your own garden.

Leave No Trace Virtual Workshop

April 22 at 6:00pm EST

Presented by The Nature Conservancy, learn the 7 principles of Leave No Trace during this virtual awareness workshop. Participants will learn how to hike, camp and explore outside in a way that leaves a minimal impact on the environment.

LaRC Environmental Management Office: Working from Home Energy Efficiency

April 23 at 2:00pm EST

If you missed this presentation during LaRC’s 2020 Enegy Action Month, this is your chance to participate!  With most LaRC staff spending more time at home, now is a great opportunity to see how you can save some money on energy bills. This presentation will cover some basic energy saving tips, as well as some advanced energy savings measures to make sure your extra time at home does not translate into extra money spent on your utility bills.

Nobel Prize Summit: Our Planet, Our Future

April 26 through April 28

The first Nobel Prize Summit brings together Nobel Prize laureates, scientists, policymakers, business leaders, and youth leaders. Across three days, this free virtual event will combine keynotes and lively discussion with live performance and theatre. Speakers will explore solutions to some of humanity’s greatest challenges: climate change and biodiversity loss, increasing inequality, and technological innovation in support of societal goals.

Planting for Pollinators

April 29 at 10:00am EST

Another presentation of the April 10th webinar for LaRC employees — What can you do to help the Monarch Butterflies, Honey Bees and other pollinators in our area? Join Master Gardener Nate Brauner to learn how simple choices can help transform your yard or garden bed into a habitat that is teeming with beneficial insects and brings beauty into your yard.

Other local events:

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Earth Day/Arbor Day 2021 Virtual Expo & Tours!

Posted on April 5, 2021 by Jazmin Argarin

Earth Day/Arbor Day 2021 Virtual Expo Experience!

** Information on the organizations advertised herein is provided as a matter of professional or cultural interest. NASA LaRC has no control over external programs and does not monitor events, their results, or compliance. No NASA endorsement of non-Federal organizations is intended or implied **

  • Tips. Articles. Posters. You’ll find everything you need in this handy-dandy online tool kit! We’ve developed an array of helpful materials filled with simple steps residents can take to find their “inner green,” while protecting our beautiful Hampton Roads environment.
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header for The Recycling Partnership
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Interested in Local Places? Visit Them Safely!

  • “Explore over 800,000 gallons at one of the best aquariums and animal habitats in the country” – The Virginia Beach Aquarium is open to the public at a limited capacity with safety procedures in place for guests, staff, and volunteers. Timed tickets with online reservations are required.

  • Visit in person or across social media. The museum is open daily and also hosting virtual events.
  • Check out the museum’s calendar of events for a variety of different activities, in person and virtual!

  • Learn how the SWIFT initiative is tackling today’s environmental challenges.
  • Take a tour around the facility at your leisure.
  • Check out our video on how the HRSD SWIFT Center is supplying quality groundwater for future generations!
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  • The maritime discovery center is currently open Wednesdays through Sundays and also hosting virtual activities.
  • Check out the debut of Planet or Plastic?, an exhibition by National Geographic, which shines a spotlight on the fragility of the natural environment as a result of the global plastic waste crisis. Featuring the work of researchers, scientists and artists, the exhibition traces the history of plastic from its invention to present day. At the culmination of the exhibit, guests are provided with practical steps to responsibly reduce, reuse, recycle, and refuse single-use plastic products.

Looking for other ways to engage?

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Apps

  • Seek by iNaturalist: Identify plants and animals with image recognition technology (available for free in the App Store or on Google Play).
  • Global Earth Challenge: Become a citizen scientist by monitoring the environment and capturing data for scientists to better understand and protect nature (available for free in the App Store or on Google Play).
  • GLOBE Observer: Make environmental observations that complement NASA satellite observations to help scientists studying Earth and the global environment (available for free in the App Store or on Google Play). The GLOBE Observer App currently includes four main tools: Clouds, Mosquito Habitat Mapper, Land Cover and Trees.

Podcasts

  • Sustainable(ish) with Jen Gale: learn about easy, everyday sustainability (available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and her website).
  • A Sustainable Mind with Marjorie Alexander: A woman of color hosts an inspiring, motivating, and action-oriented podcast (available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and her website).
  • The Energy Gang by Greentech Media: discusses cleantech, renewables, and the environment (available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and their website).
  • How to Save a Planet by Glimlet: Asks big questions, provides solutions, and overall climate crisis content (available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and their website).
  • NASA podcasts (Curious Universe; Houston, We Have a Podcast; Small Steps, Giant Leaps; On a Mission; The Invisible Network; and more!).

Books

Checkout a book (or two!) from these best selling and must-read lists:

Simple ways to be more environmentally friendly!

header for greener lifestyle

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What is Illicit Discharge?

Posted on March 19, 2021 by Jazmin Argarin

Did you know all employees can report any suspected illicit discharge and/or illegal dumping activities on Center? You can learn more about LaRC’s Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) Program by clicking here.

This quarter’s stormwater article focuses on illicit discharges. Click here or the image below to read the article. Let’s work together to keep LaRC and the Chesapeake Bay clean!

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Deicing Best Management Practices for a Greener Winter

Posted on December 23, 2020 by Tonya Kiefer

Using deicing chemicals is a common practice among agencies, businesses, and homeowners to manage ice and snow during winter, but even the most effective and readily-available deicers can impact infrastructure and the environment. And did you know that there’s specialized pavement installed at LaRC that can’t be treated the same as traditional impervious pavement?

LaRC encourages the use of greener alternatives and reducing the amount of deicing products used whenever feasible. This quarter’s stormwater article provides deicing best management practices (BMPs). It is a quick and easy guide to follow at LaRC and at home for a greener winter.

Please be aware that deicing agents containing urea or other forms of nitrogen or phosphorus are NOT ALLOWED at LaRC for any reason. These are major contaminants of aquatic systems and PROHIBITED by LaRC’s Stormwater Permit.

Click the image below to access the article and find out more!

first page of deicing article

Deicing Best Management Practices

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LaRC’s Energy Action Month 2020 Events!

Posted on October 6, 2020 by Jazmin Argarin

The Environmental Team is sharing various online resources and engagement opportunities for you to observe Energy Action Month virtually, and learn while having fun right at home!

  • Energy Action Month is an annual event celebrated nationally the entire month of October.

October is Energy Action Month

Click on the events below to celebrate & enjoy virtually!

Also, in case you missed it:
Earlier this year we conducted a Nature Photo Contest for Earth Day/Arbor Day.  To see the winning entry and many other beautiful photos, use the link below to view.

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Energy Action Month 2020 Virtual Expo & Tours!

Posted on October 6, 2020 by Jazmin Argarin

Energy Action Month banner

Energy awareness links (tours, videos, informational sites) will be added throughout the month of October.  So come back and visit each week!

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  • Virginia Energy Efficiency Council – Energy Awareness Bingo 
    • Participate in the VAEEC’s Energy Awareness Bingo!  Play all October for a chance to win a virtual home energy audit. Get rewarded for energy-efficient measures you have already implemented while learning about additional ways to reduce your energy footprint.
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Department of Energy header

  • Department of Energy – Zero Energy Ready Homes
    • Visit this DOE website and take advantage of the various links to learn more about the why, what, and how of zero energy homes.
  • Tour of Zero 
    • Check out zero energy home tours in the Mixed-Humid Climate Zone, the zone that includes Virginia!

 
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  • Curious to see what 100% renewable energy could look like where you live in 2050?  Check out the interactive map from The Solutions Project! 
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  • 6 Ways to Save Money with Energy Conservation, Rebates
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  • U.S. Energy Information Administration – Energy Kids 
    • This site by the U.S. EIA, the statistical and analytical agency within the U.S. Department of Energy, offers a variety of energy-related games, activities, teacher resources, and educational information for kids-at-heart (and actual kids, of course!).
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  • Brock Environmental Center – Building Dashboard
    • LaRC has coordinated tours of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Brock Environmental Center in the past, and although we cannot offer an in-person tour this Energy Action Month, personnel can still visit and interact with the Building Dashboard to view current and historical data about the Center’s operations and take a look at the “green features” that make this project possible.
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  • Energy Star Knowledge Center – Energy Savings at Home
    • Energy Star’s Knowledge Center provides helpful information on energy efficient products and various improvement projects/actions you can complete at home to improve your energy savings.
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  • Walkthrough a Net Zero Energy Home in Trumbull, Connecticut.
    • Visit here for a tour of the beautiful new custom home.

  • SWIFT: Sustainable Water Initiative for Tomorrow
    • “An innovative water treatment initiative in eastern Virginia designed to ensure a sustainable source of groundwater while addressing environmental challenges such as Chesapeake Bay restoration, sea level rise and saltwater intrusion.”

  • Energy Saver
    • Explore different ways to save energy around your home
      • Heat & Cool
      • Weatherize
      • Design
      • Save Electricity & Fuel

  • WeRenew
    • Find solutions to help solve and fight climate change
    • Explore actions that are simple everyday things to reduce your impact
    • Collaborate together with others in your community

Information on the above organizations is provided as a matter of professional or cultural interest.  NASA LaRC has no control over external program, and does not monitor events, their results, or compliance.  No NASA endorsement of non-Federal organizations is intended or implied.

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Energy Action Month 2020 Webinars

Posted on October 6, 2020 by Jazmin Argarin

Virtual 2020 Energy Action Month Webinars

LaRC Energy Webinars

Working From Home Energy Efficiency
by Ian O’Connor (LaRC Environmental Office)

With most LaRC staff spending much more time at home, now is a great opportunity to see how we can save some money on our energy bills. This presentation will cover some basic energy saving tips, as well as some advanced energy savings measures to make sure your extra time at home does not translate into extra money spent on your utility bills.

WEBINAR PDF: Home Energy Efficiency Webinar PDF

Date: Friday, October 16 or Friday, October 23
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Via Microsoft Teams
Join us using this link on the date and time listed above, or contact nickie.wills-1@nasa.gov to request a calendar invite for your preferred date.

Energy-Efficient Product Procurement

This free, on-demand webinar offered by FEMP explains how to meet Executive Order and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requirements on purchasing FEMP designated and ENERGY STAR products.

WaterSense Webinars

EPA’s WaterSense Program has developed a number of free webinars that address different sectors and uses of water indoors and outdoors. Register for upcoming webinars and review past sessions, many of which are available as recordings.


Information on the above organizations is provided as a matter of professional or cultural interest.  NASA LaRC has no control over external program, and does not monitor events, their results, or compliance.  No NASA endorsement of non-Federal organizations is intended or implied.

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Steps for Healthy Lawns and a Healthy Bay

Posted on September 28, 2020 by Jazmin Argarin

Many homeowners want a green, healthy lawn. But did you know that green lawns can come at a high price?

In Hampton Roads, we also pay a high price when it comes to sacrificing the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay. You do not have to live directly on a Bay shoreline to affect the Bay. Nutrients and chemicals deposited on lawns often end up washing into the Bay via storm sewer systems. These systems receive no treatment and run directly into our local water bodies. The leading threat to the health of the Chesapeake Bay is excess nitrogen and phosphorus pollution, which are frequently applied to lawns in the form of fertilizer.

Depiction of states that are in the Chesapeake Water Shed

Natural Resources Conservation Service/United States Dept. of Agriculture

This quarter’s stormwater article provides tips for a “stormwater friendly” lawn. Click the image below to access the article and find out more.

Steps for Healthy Lawns and a Healthy Bay

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The Chesapeake Bay TMDL

Posted on June 28, 2020 by Jazmin Argarin

Did you know that the Chesapeake Bay is on a “pollution diet”? There are pollutants entering the Bay in excessive amounts, leading to degraded aquatic habitats and loss of wildlife. This “diet”, known as Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), will help ensure that the water quality of the Bay is restored and able support healthy communities.

This stormwater article discusses the pollutants of concern and how NASA Langley is helping to improve water quality by reducing its impact on the environment. Click here or the image below to access the article and find out how we’re restoring the Bay!

Chesapeake Bay TMDL or "pollution diet" article

 

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