The National Marine Life Center Is One of 500 Finalists for Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good Program!

Help us win a new car to make an even bigger difference!

The National Marine Life Center is proud to announce we’ve been selected as a finalist in Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good Program. Now we need your help!

Tell all your friends and vote for the National Marine Life Center at www.100carsforgood.com on May 26.

Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program will be awarding 100 vehicles to 100 nonprofits over the course of 100 days based on votes from the public. A total of 500 nonprofits were selected from more than 4,000 applications nationwide.  The National Marine Life Center is hoping to win a new Toyota Highlander to be used as an animal ambulance and as transportation for our education and outreach programs.

NMLC requires a reliable vehicle to transport sick and injured seal and sea turtle patients to and from our marine animal hospital in Buzzards Bay. A new Toyota Highlander 4×4 would offer the versatility to accommodate large animal carriers, the durability to reach off road release sites, and the dependability for long distance transports.

Our education programs use marine animal strandings and rehabilitation as subject material to teach critical science, technology, engineering, and math skills and reinforce lessons in ocean conservation. With a new Toyota we can expand the influence of our outreach efforts and help educate the community about the importance of conservation, science, and rehabilitation.

Please vote for NMLC on May 26!

Teachers:

When:  Monday, July 9 through Friday, July 20, 9 am – 4 pm

Where:  Mass Audubon Stony Brook, Mass Audubon Oak Knoll, Buttonwood Zoo, Lloyd Center, & National Marine Life Center

What:  Nature has inspired engineering design for millennia. From airplane wings to high tech fabrics to Velcro, the technologies that make our lives easier and more efficient often have their roots in natural systems. Dive into marine mammal research, exploring how the anatomical and physiological characteristics of marine animals have inspired naval architecture and the design of underwater vehicles. How many examples of nature’s superior design skills can you find among the surf and sand? Discover how processes used by mussels and other shellfish inspire the design of products you use in daily life, such as cement. Look to the sky at the avian world for more inspiration. From the structure and function of eggs to a peregrine falcon’s unique adaptations to high speed flight, humans have looked to the avian world for models to solve flight and other technology designs. What have we learned about sustainability from the natural world? Explore how structures built by animals have influence human architecture and products, from the mound building skills of termites to the flow-control mechanisms of beavers. Learn how to make engineering come alive with hands-on, minds-on activities to inspire your students to connect science and technology, and perhaps become the next generation of engineers.

• Participate in a balance of indoor, classroom and outdoor experiences.
• Learn to use inquiry-based, hands-on methods in your classroom.
• Visit each site for 1-2 days and participate in both content and skill development sessions.
• Learn about educational resources in your community.
• Experience inquiry-based investigations linked to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.
• Earn PDPs or PDPs and 4 graduate credits (for an additional cost).
• Take home a resource kit containing investigations and materials for your classroom.

Partners:
~ Museum Institutes for Teaching Science
~ Mass Audubon Oak Knoll and Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuaries
~ Buttonwood Park Zoo
~ Lloyd Center for the Environment
~ National Marine Life Center

Cost: $300/1 educator; $275 each/ team of 2 educators; $250 each/ team of 3 or more educators. Graduate Credit available for an additional fee.

Graduate Credit:  Graduate Credit will be offered from Framingham State University (4 credits/$300) and Cambridge College (4 credits/$200)

To Register:  Visit www.mits.org, e-mail mits@mits.org, or call 617-328-1515
Registration Deadline is June 6th. Call for availability after deadline.

The Museum Institutes for Teaching Science (MITS) offers Summer Institutes for teachers in six regions of Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire, in partnership with local non-profit organizations such as the National Marine Life Center.

High School Teachers:

Investigate the connections between science and engineering and get ready to meet the forthcoming science and engineering frameworks. Learn how the natural sciences and engineering practices are connected through research and technology. Explore examples of how science provides engineers with the foundations to create solutions to real world problems. Participate in and develop inquiry-based investigations to present the engineering design process to your students and how it relates to science inquiry. Explore the interconnections between the natural sciences – life, physical, chemical, earth, space and environmental – and how to use these interconnections in your curriculum to meet the Next Generation Science Standards and prepare your students for STEM careers.

When:  Saturday, June 16, 8:30 am – 12:00 pm (mandatory orientation) and
Monday, July 9 through Friday, July 13, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Where:  Massachusetts Maritime Academy, National Marine Life Center, Woods Hole Village, and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Cost: $275 per individual educator; $250 each per group of two or more teachers from the same school/district. MITS encourages teachers to attend the Summer Institutes as collaborative teams.

PDPs:  Participants can choose to receive 40 PDPs or 3 graduate credits and 67.5 PDPs. To receive the full number of PDPs participants must attend the orientation and callback sessions.

Graduate Credits:  Graduate credits are available for an additional cost from Cambridge College (3 credits, $150) and Framingham State University (3 credits, $225).

Housing:  Optional housing is available at the Mass Maritime Academy in dorm-style rooms for $50/night, Monday – Thursday.

To Register:  For more information and to register, contact: 617-328-1515, e-mail sryackbell@mits.org, or visit www.mits.org.
Registration Deadline is June 6th. Call for availability after deadline.

The Museum Institutes for Teaching Science (MITS) offers Summer Institutes for teachers in six regions of Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire, in partnership with local non-profit organizations such as the National Marine Life Center.

The hatchling release will be held on Tuesday May 29th from 10am-12pm at the DFW’s Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area, in Hanson, MA. Please  meet at Hawk’s Avenue entrance. We welcome anyone who is interested in this event to join us on this exciting send off. Staff from NMLC will be there with a booth to answer your questions about our facility and the headstart program, and state biologists will be on site to coordinate the release. It is a rare opportunity to see one of our states most endangered turtles.

In addition to the normal release festivities NMLC will stay on site for an private release.  We will be releasing three additional turtles at the same location following the state’s event. Bruce, Pierce & Vesuvius who were also originally part of the Red Bellied Cooter head start program at another facility were turned over to NMLC for rehabilitation and diagnosed with metobolic bone disease last May. They likely did not receive proper care and their dietary needs were not met. Please see our previous posts “New Patients Admitted to the Center – how to care for freshwater turtles” for more about these three turtles. We are happy to say that after spending a year under the care of NMLC staff and volunteers these three turtles are ready to join the other head start turtles. With proper husbandry, calcium treatments, and exposure to necessary UV radiation they have recovered for their ailments.  We are so excited to send these turtles off and would love for you to join us!

For more information on these release events please call the center at 508-743-9888 or email kshaffer@nmlc.org.

Photo from Bag It, a film by Reel Thing Productions.

Single use, disposable plastic bags and containers are a major source of land and water pollution.  In the U.S. alone, an estimated 12 million barrels of oil is used to make the plastic bags people consume.  The U.S. International Trade Commission reported that 102 billion plastic bags were used in the U.S. in 2009.  About 2,480,000 tons of plastic bottles and jars were disposed of around the world in 2008.  According to the EPA, the average American produces 4.4 pounds of trash a day – or 1,600 pounds per year.  The U.S. produces 220 million tons of garbage a year – enough to bury 82,000 football fields six feet deep in compacted garbage.  80% of the plastic and trash that finds its way into our oceans comes from land.  More than 260 species of marine animals – including birds, sea turtles, seals, and whales – are affected by plastic debris in the ocean through entanglement and/or ingestion.  (Source of above information: Bag It Movie).

Laysan Albatross. Photo from Bag It, a film by Reel Thing Productions.

So, what can we do to help?  In honor of Earth Day, here’s a list of suggestions from the documentary film “BAG IT:  Is your life too plastic?” that will help you make your life – and those of our marine animal friends – a little less plastic.

1. Carry reusable shopping bags. Whether you’re shopping for groceries, clothes or electronics, be sure to bring along the reusable bag(s) of your choice. Keep them in your car so you don’t forget to use them.

2. Give up bottled water. By drinking your water from a glass jar or a reusable bottle, you can help reduce the environmental costs associated with producing bottled water and save money while you’re at it. Unlike bottle water, the quality of your tap water is regularly monitored by your city.

3. Say no to plastic produce bags. Bagging your produce is generally unnecessary. If you do want a separate bag for produce, cloth options are available.

4. Buy from bulk bins. You can find almost all dry foods, as well as some personal care products, from bulk bins. If you can’t find bulk bins in your neighborhood, you can still buy non-perishable goods in large packages, which will decrease the amount of plastic used.

5. Make your own seltzer. When it comes to carbonated drinks, you can avoid high intakes of high fructose corn syrup AND the need for purchasing disposable bottles by making your own seltzer. We recommend adding a splash of juice to your homemade soda to create a delicious bubbly drink. Kids love it!

6. Pack food in reusable containers. Bring reusable containers to restaurants to take home your leftovers. Ask the butcher or deli server at your grocery store to package your food in your reusable container. Use them to pack your lunch, and don’t forget to carry along reusable utensils.

7. Choose milk in returnable glass bottles. Many communities have local dairies that provide milk in returnable glass bottles rather than plastic or plastic-coated cardboard. All cardboard milk containers are coated inside and out with plastic, not wax. Check out local dairies in your area to see if this is offered, or ask them to start a co-op.

8. Use bar soap and shampoo. Make the change from liquid to bar!

9. Choose lotions and lip balms in plastic-free containers. There are lotion bars and lip balms and glosses that come in cardboard, glass, or metal containers. Or you can even make your own products.

10. Make sure your personal care products are phthalate-free. Phthalates, which are plasticizers, have become standard as additives to scented products because they help fragrances last longer. But research has shown reasons to be concerned about the impact of phthalates on our health.

By taking a few simple steps, we can help keep plastic out of our oceans, our waterways, our animals, and ourselves!

Our Blue Marble. Photo by NASA.

When:  Saturday, April 21st, 2012
Time:  9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where:  Meet at the base of the Railroad Bridge in the Buzzards Bay Recreation Area parking lot on Main Street, Buzzards Bay
Cost:  FREE

In addition to cleaning up trash along the Canal, this year’s event will feature other exciting activities, including the construction of a rain garden and mural painting. There will also be a variety of environmental educational booths and demonstrations, including from the National Marine Life Center. Free bagels and coffee will be provided for breakfast, as well as pizza for lunch.

Take this opportunity to help beautify the Canal and volunteer alongside the National Marine Life Center, other community members, and AmeriCorps Cape Cod!

Please contact canalcleanup@barnstablecounty.org with any questions.

Bag It, by Reel Thing Productions

Is your life too plastic?  That’s the question asked in the award-winning documentary, Bag It, presented by the Cape Cod Wildlife Collaborative.  What started as a documentary about plastic bags evolved into a wholesale investigation into plastics and their effect on our waterways, ocean, and even our bodies.  Following the film, there will be a panel discussion on marine debris and its impact on our world’s ocean by local scientists, educators and activists.

When:  Saturday, April 21, 2012
Time:  2 – 4 p.m.
Where:  Massachusetts Maritime Academy, 101 Academy Drive, Blinn Hall
Cost:  FREE

We hope you will join us for this special Earth Day event!  Together, we can make a difference.

Photo courtesy of the NOAA Marine Debris Program.

Believing that wildlife has intrinsic value to our region, the Cape Cod Wildlife Collaborative is a partnership of non-profit organizations committed to protecting wildlife through rescue, rehabilitation, science, advocacy, habitat conservation and education. Partner organizations include Barnstable Land Trust, Cape Cod Maritime Museum, Cape Wildlife Center, Harwich Conservation Trust, IFAW Marine Mammal Rescue & Research, Mass Audubon’s Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary, National Marine Life Center, New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance, Orenda Wildlife Land Trust, Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies, Thornton W. Burgess Society, Three Bays Preservation, Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society, and Wild Care.

Marine Animal Discovery Center is OPEN
to the public daily April 14 – 22, 10 am – 5 pm.
FREE general admission!
Special events and education programs are extra, as described below.

Spring Splash Open House
When: Saturday, April 14, 2012
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: 120 Main Street, Buzzards Bay
Cost: Non-members $5/person. Members FREE.
Description: Join us for our Spring Splash Open House and make a splash about marine animals! Explore the Discovery Center, make a marine animal craft, enjoy arts and crafts and games and refreshments. Meet Catch-22, Bruce, Vesuvius, and Pierce, Sir Isaac Newton, and our eight cooter hatchlings. Tour our new marine animal hospital.

Marine Animal Medical Mystery

Children learn how to move a dolphin using a stretcher during Marine Animal Medical Mystery.

When: Monday, April 16 through Friday, April 20
Time: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. daily
Where: 120 Main Street, Buzzards Bay
Cost: Non-members $5/child/program. Members $3/child/program.
Description: What does it take to be a marine animal care technician? What are some of the questions and “mysteries” involved in wildlife rehabilitation? Each day we’ll learn how to care for a different animal. Best suited for ages 8-12. Space is limited to 12 children. Please reserve your spot by calling (508) 743-9888, x-12 at least 24 hours in advance.
Daily Themes:
Monday, April 16, 11 a.m. – Sea Turtles
Tuesday, April 17, 11 a.m. – Seals, Sea Lions, & Walrus
Wednesday, April 18, 11 a.m. – Dolphins, Porpoises, & Whales
Thursday, April 19, 11 a.m. – Manatees & Dugongs
Friday, April 20, 11 a.m. – Sharks & Rays

Little Flippers Club (Story Time & Arts & Crafts)

Children enjoy making marine animal themed craft projects during Little Flippers Club.

When: Monday, February 20 through Friday, February 24
Time: 1 – 2 p.m.
Where: 120 Main Street, Buzzards Bay
Cost: Non-members $5/child/program. Members $3/child/program.
Description: Join us for a marine animal-themed story time and craft project! Different themes every day. All ages welcome; most suitable for children ages 3-8. Children must be supervised.
Daily Themes:
Monday, April 16, 1 p.m. – Sea Turtles
Tuesday, April 17, 1 p.m. – Seals, Sea Lions, & Walrus
Wednesday, April 18, 1 p.m. – Dolphins, Porpoises, & Whales
Thursday, April 19, 1 p.m. – Manatees & Dugongs
Friday, April 20, 1 p.m. – Sharks & Rays

Harbor seal pups at UNE Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center. Photo by UNE-MARC.

For our friends and supporters in Maine….  Join the National Marine Life Center and our partners in the Maine Stranding Collaborative (UNE Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center, Marine Mammals of Maine, and Allied Whale) as well as other coastal non-profits at “Store to Shore” – a 9-day coastline expo at the Maine Mall!  There’ll be wall to wall exhibits and activities that explore our relationship with Maine’s OTHER big backyard!

April 14, 10-5:  Kick-off the week with a seal naming contest! Coast 93.1 will do a live broadcast from the mall. Come by and tell the world what you’d name a seal! The Maine Strandings Collaborative will choose one name and the winner gets a tour of the UNE Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center (a rehab for stranded animals) when the seal is rescued AND will get invited to come along for the seal’s release into the wild!

Every day, 10-5:  The Maine Stranding Collaborative will have educational materials, talks, and activities for kids.  The National Marine Life Center will be helping to staff this booth April 15-16.

Every day, 10-5:  SailMaine, Portland’s non-profit community sailing program, will host indoor rigging demonstrations and other activities for shoppers using boats that kids and adults can sail in SailMaine programs this summer.

Every day, 12-5:  New England Aquarium will teach youngsters or the young-at-heart through tidal pool touch tanks.

Saturdays and weekdays at 10, 11, 1, and 2, and Sundays at 1 and 2:  South Portland Middle School will demonstrate their Navy-sponsored remote control submarine project, as well as lobster traps and fishing nets they’ve engineered.

April 18th, 11am-4pm:  American Red Cross Blood Drive

Date: Saturday, April 14, 2012
Time: 10 am – 2 pm

Place: National Marine Life Center
120 Main Street, Buzzards Bay

Cost: Non-members – $5/person.
Members FREE.

Become a member today and your admission is free!
Admissions fees help take care of endangered animals.