Your Very Next Step newsletter for October 2011
By Ned Lundquist
www.yourverynextstep.com
“Remember in your life there will be lots of circumstances that will need a kind of
courage, a kind of decision
-Magda Trocme
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”
– Lao Tzu
“Your Very Next Step” newsletter, published by Ned Lundquist, is a cooperative community, and everyone is invited, no…encouraged, no…urged to participate.
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*** In this issue:
*** Where was YVNS?
*** Travel news
*** National Wildlife Federation’s Hike & Seek
*** Use your HHonors points to be certified by the Red Cross
*** Leaf Peeping Across America: A Coast-to-Coast Guide
*** Virginia Co-op Extension Fall Forestry & Wildlife Field Tours
*** The Wisconsin Cheese Trail is a Pretty Sharp Idea—Ha!
*** Over the hump down under: Hervey Bay, Australia
*** Mike Rowe takes a hike:
*** Leaf peeping
*** Tree Identification Using a Tree Leaf Key
*** The Colors of Cape Cod
*** Ned's favorite — or shall I say most memorable — hikes: Cilley’s Cave
*** National Scenic Byways
*** Aurora Borealis
*** A Vespa tour in Rome?
*** International Year of Forests
*** Hawk Migration Approaching Peak in September – October
*** Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail
*** The Skytrax Top 10 Airports
*** Trail / Outdoor / Conservation volunteer opportunities:
1.) Valley Forge NHP Crayfish Corps Volunteer, Valley Forge National Historical Park, King of Prussia, PA
2.) “Share the Beach” Volunteer Program
3.) Adopt-a-Nest
4.) Blue Sky Fund – We love volunteers!
5.) VDGIF Complementary Work Force Program
6.) Volunteer Opportunities, Alaska National Wildlife Refuge, Homer, AK
7.) Habitat Steward Host, National Wildlife Federation
*** National Rail-Trail of the month:
Trail of the Month: October 2011
New York City's High Line
*** Travel/Adventure/Outdoors/Conservation employment opportunities:
1.) Online Editorial Manager, Marketing-Online, National Wildlife Federation, Reston, VA
2.) Marine Conservation Warden, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Marinette County, WI
3.) Marketing and Communications Director, The Outdoor Foundation, Washington, DC
…and much more…and it’s all FREE!!!
*** Do you have a travel adventure to share?
Send me your stories and I’ll post in the “Your Very Next Step” and on the YVNS website (http://www.yourverynextstep.com/).
*** Missed YVNS? I hope so. My hard drive crashed on July 1, hours before I left for Turkey and Italy. I was, to use the form Latin, screwed. I am just no “recovering,” and getting YVNS back on track, into production, and into my inbox has been my number one, okay number two priority, or maybe right up there with my other very top most priorities. Whatever, I’m back. Literally and figuratively. Since the last issue of YVNS was posted (and a lot of good stuff in your July issue was lost forever), I had some great stuff to tell you about my trip to Izmir Turkey with young people from NYC, Long Beach and Murfreesboro, Tennessee; my trip to La Spezia, Italy and my hotel in Lerici; , my night in Istanbul; my trip to Los Angeles during Carmageddon; San Diego and Robo-Sub; my vacation on the cape and our day jaunt to Nantucket; 106 degrees at 7:15 p.m. in Memphis; the Lion King in London; the fall weather in Hamburg; walking on the beach at Waikiki. I probably left a lot out.
So, now I’m back. I do hope you will help me prime the pump and contribute some travel news, and interesting vacation experience, a little know geography fact, or something.
*** Here’s the YVNS Travel News for October:
*** Hike & Seek
By the time most children go to kindergarten, they have spent more than 5,000 hours in front of a television–enough time to earn a college degree. Today’s kids have far more hands-on experience with the remote than they ever do with plants or animals living right outside their doors.
Join National Wildlife Federation’s Hike & Seek and help change that. Hike and Seek is a fun and educational event that lets children reach out and touch nature and raises much-needed funds for NWF programs that help get kids back outdoors where they belong and back on track for a healthier, happier life. Join us for an engaging experience where children are presented with live wildlife displays, fun games, and all the beauty nature has to offer!
[Note: The local Hike & Seek adventure for the Washington, D.C. area will be at Seneca Creek State Park on Saturday, October 22, 2011. Start time 9:00 a.m. ]
Register for Hike & Seek today and receive a link to your personal online Participant Center to start planning your Hike & Seek adventure. Through your Participant Center, you will get access to games and resources that will help make your Saturday morning outdoors unforgettable, as well as the opportunity to support the mission and fundraise.
Go online and register today at www.hikeandseek.org.
Sincerely,
Karoline Hurd
Senior Manager, Special Events
hike@nwf.org
www.hikeandseek.org
(800) 882-9919
P.S.: Calling all volunteers! If you are unable to register for your local event, you can still have fun and help make Hike & Seek the best ever by volunteering at this year's event.
http://online.nwf.org/site/PageServer?pagename=hikeandseek_home
*** Use your HHonors points to be certified by the Red Cross
Hilton HHonors™ has partnered with the American Red Cross to provide a special opportunity for HHonors members to enroll in a First Aid/CPR/AED Adult & Pediatric training course.
https://american.redcross.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=ntld_corpmicrosite&s_company=hhonors-pub&JServSessionIdr004=laulmjy181.app294a
*** Leaf Peeping Across America: A Coast-to-Coast Guide
Grab your camera, spare memory cards, and load the car — it's leaf-peeping season from coast to coast. From Vermont to the Pacific Northwest, use this guide to see some of the best fall foliage across the U.S.
http://www.frommers.com/slideshow/?group=661
*** Virginia Co-op Extension Fall Forestry & Wildlife Field Tours Washington County – for info Bill Worrell – bworrell@vt.edu (276) 889-8056
*** The Wisconsin Cheese Trail is a Pretty Sharp Idea—Ha!
http://www.jaunted.com/story/2011/9/22/8422/56606/travel/The+Wisconsin+Cheese+Trail+is+a+Pretty+Sharp+Idea%97Ha%21
*** Over the hump down under:
Hervey Bay, Australia, is a splash of activity right now with the highest numbers of Humpback whales in 25 years taking time out to play and teach their new young the moves. With whale watching boats operating into mid-November, there's still time to have an incredible close encounter, with tours taking place daily from Hervey Bay.
http://www.herveybaywhalewatch.com.au/
http://www.discoverherveybay.com/
http://www.whalewatching.com.au/
*** Mike Rowe takes a hike:
American Hiker magazine had the chance to interview Mike Rowe, the creator and host of Discovery Channel's Dirty Jobs, to get his take on hiking and the outdoors, including his salute to trail volunteers.
http://www.mikeroweworks.com/2011/09/american-hiking/
*** Leaf peeping
The Forest Service's fall foliage color phone hotline – 1-800-354-4595 – for the 2011 autumn leaf viewing season is now open. The free hotline provides national forest visitors weekly updates on fall foliage color changes throughout the nation. Much of the same information is available at the Forest Service's web site called the Fall Foliage Hotline.
Callers will be greeted with an automated voice system and can hear weekly updates on peak color in different regions of the country. You can actually follow the fall foliage color wave as it moves across North America.
The Forest Service manages 133,087 miles of recreational trails and 136 scenic byways which guide visitors along scenic corridors to witness this natural phenomenon. Statistics show an estimated 350 million visits annually to national forests, grasslands and prairies.
http://www.fs.fed.us/fallcolors/
http://forestry.about.com/cs/fallcolor/a/fallwave.htm
*** Tree Identification Using a Tree Leaf Key
A Quick and Easy Way to Identify 50 Common North American Trees
http://forestry.about.com/od/treeidentification/tp/tree_key_id_start.htm
*** The Colors of Cape Cod
Six short hikes with unusual fall foliage
By John Burk
AMC Outdoors, October 2011
http://www.outdoors.org/publications/outdoors/web/foliage-colors-of-cape-cod.cfm?utm_source=amcoo&utm_medium=email&utm_content=subjectline1&utm_campaign=octamcootest2
*** Ned's favorite — or shall I say most memorable — hikes:
The Back 80, Cilley’s Cave and Firescrew up Mt. Cardigan
Distance: 7.6 miles round-trip (5.0 miles to Cardigan via Back 80 and Mowglis Trails, with 2.6 miles via Clark, Cathedral Forest, and Holt Trails to return to AMC Cardigan Lodge)
Difficulty: moderate elevation gain (1500 feet); also, some rough footing the final 20 yards to Cilley's Cave
Why do I remember this? Well, there was the cave, to be sure. And a beautiful summit. But what I remember most is the fact that I hiked this with a few of my friends in the snow, and two pairs of snow shoes for at least five of us.
http://cardiganmountaintrails.blogspot.com/2009/07/back-80-cilleys-cave-and-firescrew.html
*** National Scenic Byways
Get information about enjoying the fall colors by driving or biking along some of the nation’s most beautiful roads.
http://byways.org/
http://byways.org/explore/byways
*** Aurora Borealis:
This presentation provides an estimate of the location, extent, and intensity of aurora on a global basis. For example, the presentation gives a guide to the possibility that the aurora is located near a given location in the northern hemisphere under the conditions that existed at the time of the most recent polar satellite pass.
http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/pmap/pmapN.html
Seeing the auroral display is at the top of my bucket list.
*** A Vespa tour in Rome?
http://en.roma.waf.it/tour_dett/8-on-wheels-tours/7459-rome-by-vespa.html
*** International Year of Forests
The United Nations General Assembly declared 2011 the International Year of Forests. IYOF is a global platform to celebrate people’s actions to sustainably manage the world’s trees and forests. Some objectives are to reverse loss of forest cover and to enhance economic, social and environmental benefits.
The “Celebrate Forests. Celebrate Life.” campaign is the official U.S. celebration. Coordinated by the NASF in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. celebration aims to elevate awareness and understanding of the value of America’s forests and showcase the connections between healthy forests, people, ecosystems and economies.
http://www.celebrateforests.com/
*** Hawk Migration Approaching Peak in September – October
The annual fall hawk migration is once again upon us. The migration begins in early September and lasts through November with peak numbers from late September to mid-October. During this time, thousands of raptors leave their breeding grounds and make their way south to their wintering grounds. Most follow geographical features such as mountain ranges and coastlines. Raptors take advantage of updrafts along mountain ranges and rising thermals along coastal areas, allowing them to travel great distances while reducing their energy expenditure,” according to VDGIF Wildlife Biologist Steve Living. Hawk watch sites are set up throughout the Commonwealth to view and count the migrating raptors. Raptor species that can be viewed from these platforms include Sharp-shinned Hawks, Cooper's Hawks, Northern Goshawks, Red-tailed Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawks, Broad-winged Hawks, Rough-legged Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlins, Peregrine Falcons, Northern Harriers, Osprey, Bald Eagles, and Golden Eagles. Black and Turkey Vultures are usually counted at these sites as well.
http://www.hmana.org/watches.php?stateprov=Virginia&country=USA
*** From The Virginia Outdoor Report:
Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail
Discover Our Wild Side: Order a Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail Guide!
From the Atlantic Ocean on Virginia's eastern border, to the towering Mt. Rogers at its southwest corner, the Commonwealth includes every bird and animal habitat that occurs naturally between Maine and Florida. The state also offers a long history, rich culture, and tradition of warm hospitality to welcome visitors.
Within Virginia's 43,000 square miles of diverse natural habitat, you can find some 400 species of birds, 250 species of fish, 150 species of terrestrial and marine mammals, 150 species of amphibians and reptiles, and a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. The Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail celebrates this diversity. In fact, it is the first statewide program of its kind in the United States. In Virginia, three phases of the trail link wildlife viewing sites throughout the state.
Coastal Trail (http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/vbwt/trail.asp?trail=1)
The Coastal Area was the first to be developed. It features untouched barrier islands, cypress swamps, great stands of pine forest, and bayside salt marshes. Here are 18 trail loops for you to explore. Be on the lookout for birds, butterflies, snakes, turtles, dragonflies, and more.
Mountain Trail (http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/vbwt/trail.asp?trail=2)
The Mountain Phase was the second phase to be developed. It features expansive mountain vistas, endless forest trails, large inland reservoirs and a taste of the western Piedmont. Here are 34 loops for you to explore. Now don't forget your binoculars!
Piedmont Trail (http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/vbwt/trail.asp?trail=3)
Completing the first statewide birding and wildlife trail in the U.S., the Piedmont Area offers 13 loops. The Piedmont area includes expansive grasslands, large forested tracts, pineland savannahs, several large reservoirs, and an abundance of rich history and culture!
*** The Skytrax Top 10 Airports
The 2011 World Airport Awards were recently announced by Skytrax, the world's largest airline and airport review site. The awards were based on a customer survey that attracted more than 11.38 million participants. Here are the ten best airports in the world along with a great story for each destination:
http://www.successfulmeetings.com/Event-Planning/SM-Top-10/Articles/The-Top-10-Airports/
*** Trail/Outdoor/Conservation volunteer opportunities:
1.) Valley Forge NHP Crayfish Corps Volunteer, Valley Forge National Historical Park, King of Prussia, PA
Applications will be accepted again starting March 1, 2012. Please apply at that time.
Job Description:
Join the Crayfish Corps! Help Valley Forge National Historical Park preserve our native crayfish, and contribute to the overall health and biodiversity of our streams.
Volunteers will assist the staff from Natural Resource Management (NRM) in the capture and return of native crayfish species, and removal of invasive, non-native crayfish species from select waterways in the park (e.g. Valley Creek). Removal will occur using using dip nets, and possibly various trapping devices. Target species for removal is the rusty crayfish. The rusty crayfish is an aggressive non-native invasive species that threatens to out-compete and extirpate the two native crayfish species found in Valley Forge NHP.
Experienced volunteers may be asked to assist NRM staff on volunteer days to serve as crew leaders for other volunteer groups and to participate in activities related to education of the public regarding the need for control of invasive species in units of the National Park System.
Volunteers are not required to use their vehicle, but may assist in shuttling other volunteers if they agree to do so. Volunteers may be required to ride in a government vehicle to get to the work site.
If there is thunder or lightning, or if the water level is too high, the event will be cancelled.
Equipment:
• Equipment (e.g. gloves, nets, traps, datasheets) will be provided by NRM staff. We will provide hip boots (some sizes may be limited) and nets, but bring your own if you have them. Felt waders are not allowed. You may also prefer to wear shorts and old sneakers or water shoes, instead of waders (note, the water will be cold for the April sessions, possibly into May). Water, sunscreen, a walking stick, and a hat are recommended.
• NRM staff will meet with and provide training on species identification and control methods.
Qualifications:
• Ability to work independently andfollow directions.
• Ability to work outdoors and on rough terrain such as the stream bottom.
• Ability to work in water.
• Ability to learn to identify target crayfish species and to learn common control methods.
Currently we have the following session available, from 9-noon :
Saturday September 24, Time TBA, part of National Public Lands Day
Please sign up with Kate (see below) via e-mail or telephone if you are planning to attend any of these sessions for work day details, even if you fill out the online application.
Minimum number of participants is three, otherwise the session may be cancelled.
Maximum number of participants for each session is 15, so sign up early!
If you can’t participate on Saturdays, please indicate this on the application or let me know by e-mail or phone. We will schedule groups by appointment during the week, and can add interested individuals to those sessions or to our regular youth crews.
Volunteer Manager
Ernestine M. White
ernestine_white@nps.gov
610.733.5384
Project Coordinator
Kate Jensen
Ecologist
kate_jensen@nps.gov
610.783.0257
http://www.volunteer.gov/gov/results.cfm?ID=8933
2.) “Share the Beach” Volunteer Program
Hundreds of volunteers take time to “Share the Beach” with threatened and endangered sea turtles each year. From searching for nests and assisting in hatchling success to public education, to talks to school groups, these volunteers are making a difference in the future of Alabama's sea turtles and Alabama's coastal ecosystem.
If you have the time, the turtles need you! Each year hundreds of volunteers take their turn at patrolling an assigned stretch of beach, being available for late-night nest-sitting when hatching time is near, or just helping keep supplies and equipment ready.
If you'd like to learn more about “Share the Beach,” the sea turtle nesting season, and what you can do to help, contact us by adopt1@alabamaseaturtles.com or by calling 251-965-NEST.
Download the Alabama Sea Turtle Conservation Manual. This manual was developed as a user-friendly guide to assist sea turtle volunteers and to ensure that consistent methods are incorporated into team training sessions across the Alabama coast. While this guide should not substitute for training on the beach, it will hopefully be a resource that both volunteers and Team Leaders will find useful as a reference. In addition, this manual will be considered U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service protocol that must be followed by all volunteers under the federal endangered species recovery permit held by Share the Beach.
http://www.alabamaseaturtles.com/volunteering/
3.) Adopt-a-Nest:
Adopting a nest is a fun and educational way to show your support. Many parents and grandparents use it as a chance to show our young people the importance of the balance of nature and how they can have a positive impact by becoming involved. All adopting sponsors receive a certificate and important information about their nests, along with a final report on the overall season.
4.) Blue Sky Fund – We love volunteers!
If you are interested in contributing your time or resources, please contact us so we can find a match between our needs and your interests!
Some general opportunities:
Help lead an outdoor expedition (hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, etc.)
Provide a meal for one of our expeditions
Provide transportation for a program event or camperships
Item Donation: hiking boots, fishing poles, backpacks, camping gear, life jackets, etc.
Offer event planning assistance
Specific Programs:
Explorers- meets regularly throughout the school week (see calendar for dates) and needs volunteers to assist 3rd graders through various outdoor science education activities.
Outward Bound Together- meets twice every month, one weeknight for two hours and one Saturday. OBT needs committed mentors to work with small crew of 10-12 9th and 10th graders to help guide them through their program experience (see program descriptions for more details).
Adventuring- meets every wednesday after school at various sites. Working closely with Churchill Activities and Tutoring, Adventuring always needs volunteers to work with youth in various outdoor activities (hiking, rock climbing, fishing, biking, etc)
Church Hill Games- May 21st, this annual event needs 120 volunteers for everything from teaching sports, assisting children 5-13, taking pictures, serving lunch, etc.
If you are interested just contact our Director of Operations at cat@blueskyfund.org to volunteer!
If you have already contacted one of us, please click here to complete our background check ($15) so we can plug you in ASAP!
http://www.blueskyfund.org/kids/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=21&Itemid=33
5.) VDGIF Complementary Work Force Program
Mission Forward, Mission Minded
If you answer “yes” to the following questions, you are ready to become part of the volunteer team at the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries!
Do you love the outdoors?
Do you want to give back to Virginia's wildlife and fisheries resources?
Do you enjoy new challenges and want to share your interests with others?
Do you want to make a difference?
Help our conservation police officers, biologists, and other professional staff at VDGIF, fulfill our mission to manage the Commonwealth's wildlife and inland fish resources, promote safety, and provide opportunities for all to enjoy wildlife, fish, boating and related outdoor recreation.
We now have opportunities for the public to join us as volunteers in our new Complementary Work Force Program. If you are interested in devoting your time and talents, you can apply here, or contact our Volunteer Coordinator for more information and an application.
Estella Randolph, VDGIF Volunteer Administrator
VDGIF Complementary Work Force Program
P.O. 11104
Richmond, VA 23230
For further information, contact Estella Randolph at (804) 367-4331 or by email at estella.randolph@dgif.virginia.gov
6.) Volunteer Opportunities, Alaska National Wildlife Refuge, Homer, AK
Volunteers have contributed thousands of hours of their time and expertise to the work of the Alaska Maritime Refuge.
Samples of volunteer work
•Educate the visiting public and school children at the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center in Homer.
•Three months on a remote Aleutian island documenting the numbers and variety of seabirds.
•Collect fish samples and oceanographic data for studies of the marine environment aboard the refuge's research vessel, the M/V Tiglax.
•Maintain equipment and facilities at field stations on Adak Island and in the Pribilof Islands.
How to Volunteer
Biology volunteers
Please send a resume and a cover letter indicating the kind of positions you are interested in and any special skills you have such as bird surveys, isolated field camps and/or skiff and outboard operation, by e-mail (best option) or mail to the Alaska Maritime Refuge, 95 Sterling Highway, Suite 1, Homer, AK 99603.
Visitor Center Volunteers
To work in the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center in Homer, e-mail or write to the address above. Include your area(s) of interest, availability, and any special skills you'd like us to know about.
Benefits
Volunteer stipends and travel expenses vary by the position. Generally, full time biology volunteers receive travel to Alaska and food and housing in the field. Visitor center volunteers who arrive by RV, do not receive travel but do receive a trailer site and daily stipend. Volunteers are covered by the federal workmen's compensation program in case of an injury or accident while on duty.
Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve
95 Sterling Highway, Suite 1
Homer, AK 99603
907.235.6961
info@islandsandocean.org
http://alaska.fws.gov/nwr/akmar/workwithus.htm
7.) Habitat Steward Host, National Wildlife Federation
If you like to train and inspire others, this is the volunteer job for you! You organize and host a Habitat Stewards training (see above) and then mentor your Stewards during their first year. You don’t need to be a habitat expert, but must be able to facilitate the training and pull together guest speakers and other resources. Training is done by a correspondence course run by NWF, and it lasts about three months.
https://ec.volunteernow.com/recruiter/index.php?class=VolunteerRegistration&recruiterID=1277
http://www.nwf.org/Volunteer/Find-Opportunities.aspx
*** National Rail-Trail of the month:
Trail of the Month: October 2011
New York City's High Line
It's been hailed as the “miracle above Manhattan”—an unused and decaying stretch of elevated tracks in the Chelsea neighborhood that was rescued from near-certain demolition and transformed into one of the city's most popular and celebrated public spaces.
It took nearly a decade of work—battling property owners, developers and city officials; filing lawsuits; lobbying politicians; cultivating influential public figures; holding design competitions; and raising $150 million to bring the mile-long High Line to life and make it such a success. In recognition of this work, and the shining example it has become for the national rail-trail movement, the High Line was recently inducted into Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's (RTC) Rail-Trail Hall of Fame.
Clearly, the people who orchestrated this “miracle” must have been well-connected, experienced, savvy operators—lawyers or financiers or lobbyists? Not even close.
Robert Hammond was 30, living in Greenwich Village, working for start-up Internet companies and painting in his spare time when he helped start Friends of the High Line. The group's co-founder, Joshua David, was a 36-year-old freelance writer who lived near the mid-section of the unused railroad line. The two men met at a community board hearing in 1999 about the future of the railroad, and, when everyone else at the meeting spoke in favor of tearing it down, they decided to band together to save the High Line.
“Neither one of us had any background in rail-trails, and in some ways I think that was an advantage,” Hammond says. “If we had known all the hurdles in front of us, it might have been a little more daunting.”
Hammond and David recount the history of their quixotic struggle to save the rail line in their new book, High Line: The Inside Story of New York City's Park in the Sky. In a recent interview, Hammond recalled that the High Line's initial appeal to him had nothing to do with parks or trails. “It was the industrial ruin I was so fascinated by—the steel and the rivets,” he says. “To imagine a train running through my neighborhood, it was just so intriguing and exciting.”
The elevated rail line, built in the 1930s, was designed to move freight trains from their tracks on 10th and 11th avenues—where they regularly ran down unlucky pedestrians—to a safer perch three stories up. For several decades, the trains rolled in and out of the warehouses and factories in this once-industrial part of Manhattan, transporting agricultural products, raw materials and finished goods.
By the 1960s, truck traffic had largely supplanted train traffic into and around the city, and a southern section of the High Line was torn down. Trains continued to travel on the remaining tracks until 1980, when the last one—pulling boxcars of frozen turkeys—rolled into history. By the time Hammond and David got their first tour of the elevated tracks, shortly after the 1999 community board hearing, “there was a mile and a half of wildflowers,” Hammond recalls.
“It was fascinating how nature had reclaimed this manmade steel structure, and the juxtaposition of this old railroad being overtaken by wildflowers,” he says. “There's probably thousands of miles of abandoned railroads being overtaken by nature across the country—but this was in the middle of Manhattan, elevated three stories off the ground.”
With no experience in preservation projects, Hammond and David had to turn to others for help and advice in how to save the rail corridor. “When I first heard the term “railbanking,” I thought, “'Oh, the railbank will pay for it,'” Hammond says. “I quickly found out that you have to find your own money.”
Among those they sought out for assistance were staffers at RTC's headquarters. With RTC's help, says Hammond, “we were able to show there was a clear precedent for this type of project, that thousands of miles have been converted to rails-trails, and it had been done in every single state. That was a really powerful message.”
Assistance from individuals and groups like RTC allowed Friends of the High Line to overcome opposition and rally both public and political support for turning the rail line into an elevated park. “Ultimately, I don't think you can get these projects done if you're just fighting,” says Hammond. “When Mayor Bloomberg came on board, he became a huge supporter, and we ultimately partnered with the city.”
The effort finally bore fruit in 2009, when the first 10-block-long section of the High Line opened. The second section opened in June, doubling the length of the trail. With its artfully designed gardens, grasslands, meadows, seating and sunbathing areas—and stunning views of the streetscape below and the skyline beyond—the High Line Park has quickly become one of New York City's major destinations.
The popularity of the park and the glowing press it has received has spurred a flurry of investment in the surrounding neighborhood, generating an estimated $2 billion in new development. “So even though [the High Line] cost a lot, it's already proven to be a great investment for the city, just in financial terms,” Hammond says.
The job isn't done, however. Plans are in the works to extend the park another half-mile north on the last remaining stretch of the unused elevated tracks. And Friends of the High Line needs to raise about $3 million each year just to keep the existing park running, under an agreement with the city that makes the nonprofit group responsible for maintenance of the High Line.
It's a big responsibility, but for those seeking to create similarly transformative spaces in their own communities, Hammond offers encouraging advice. “I think the most important thing is to start something—other people will come along to help. You don't have to have all of the money, you don't have to have all of the answers—other people can help you develop all those things. The most important thing is just starting it.”
http://www.railstotrails.org/news/recurringFeatures/trailMonth/index.html
*** Travel/Adventure/Outdoors/Conservation employment opportunities:
1.) Online Editorial Manager, Marketing-Online, National Wildlife Federation, Reston, VA
Join us by working a job you're WILD about!
Find a job you’re wild about at the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), the nation’s largest member-supported conservation organization, which is at the forefront of global warming issues, reconnecting our children with nature, and protecting America’s wildlife and habitat.
Position Description
How do people experience the National Wildlife Federation online? With about 100 staff publishing content through NWF's content management system and WordPress blog, NWF's Online Team works to make sense of it all and bring together a cohesive and engaging experience for our website visitors. We are seeking an Online Editorial Manager to be accountable for creating, editing, guiding, and delivering relevant and dynamic online content to achieve NWF's three strategic online objectives: (1) expand reach, (2) deepen engagement, and (3) increase revenue.
Candidates must be ready to jump into a challenging, fast-paced work environment, where creative problem solving is a survival skill and managing client relationships is an art form. This position requires experience in multi-tasking, project management, online content production and editing.
You will work closely with staff across multiple departments to capture NWF's online audiences and move them toward user goals. The position will also collaborate with the integrated marketing team to inform and implement strategies and tactics that achieve NWF's strategic objectives of reach, revenue and engagement. The Online Editorial Manager must look out for the best interest of NWF, making timely resource and editorial decisions in alignment with organizational priorities.
Position Requirements
Qualified candidates must possess:
• A BA/BS degree in communications, journalism, English, behavioral science or related field (4 years of experience in online communications can substitute for the degree).
• At least 5 years professional experience, preferably in a dynamic corporate or institutional environment with heavy emphasis on efficiency and the ability to execute concurrent work.
• The ability to discuss site architecture and experience in working within an existing site structure and design framework, as well as implementing improvements to the same.
• A willingness to accommodate feedback and revisions, and exhibit a positive and professional attitude throughout.
• Project management experience, especially in communicating reasonable, quality-oriented, repeatable processes for maintaining priority, budget, and deadline integrity for all work.
• Strong client relationship skills.
• Experience solving problems, including the identification and use of “work-arounds” where required, with a variety of disparate tools to manage complexity and constraints while meeting the requirements of both NWF and its online users.
• A “can-do” attitude.
• The ability to multi task and get things done within a dynamic, fast-paced, collaborative and team environment.
• The ability to communicate technical or high-level solutions to non-technical clients
• Excellent general written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent web writing skills , including experience modifying materials to suit online reading and scanning behavior.
• The ability to self-manage and effectively lead as needed within a variety of team roles.
• Creative skills with a meticulous attention to detail, and present a portfolio of past work (graphic and/or verbal) of outstanding quality. Graphics and user interface experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Web analytics; familiarity working within a CMS; proficiency in HTML, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and a high degree of proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop and Acrobat; expertise at developing HTML, CSS, related development software, and the use of PhotoShop, Illustrator, DreamWeaver, and other software for creating and manipulating graphics and web page are required.
https://careers.nwf.org/ext/detail.asp?jobid=nwf2154-121211211-VA
*** From Mark Sofman:
2.) Marine Conservation Warden, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Marinette County, WI
http://bit.ly/oiMq3K
3.) Marketing and Communications Director, The Outdoor Foundation, Washington, DC
The Position: Exceptional Communicator
The Outdoor Foundation is seeking a Director of Marketing and Communications that will set, guide and implement the organization’s communications strategy. The Director of Marketing and Communications will ensure that all communication vehicles consistently articulate The Outdoor Foundation’s mission to be the driving force behind a massive increase in active outdoor recreation in America. The senior leader will work directly with the Executive Director and will regularly collaborate with foundation staff, donors and constituents. A successful candidate will demonstrate authenticity, sense of purpose and a deep connection with the mission.
The successful candidate is:
• High energy, independent and entrepreneurial.
• Flexible and collaborative in her/his approach.
• Interested in the outdoors, sports and/or conservation.
• A true brand champion who understands the importance of purpose, customer service, and striving for excellence.
Basic Responsibilities
• Develop and implement marketing/communications plans in support of The Outdoor Foundation’s goals and initiatives
• Generate high-impact publicity to build awareness of The Outdoor Foundation through print, broadcast and online media. Cultivate key media contacts, write media advisories and press releases, pitch stories and develop internal and external briefing documents.
• Manage the foundation’s website and social media campaigns that build an online community and raise awareness of The Outdoor Foundation and Outdoor Nation, the Foundation’s signature program.
• Oversee the development, distribution and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral.
• Support the foundation’s fundraising efforts by writing donor letters, proposals and reports.
• Lead a team of young adult volunteers responsible for assisting with social media, design and other communications.
• Provide event coordination and support.
• Stay current in industry trends for the outdoors, health and wellness and conservation.
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum 5 years of related experience in communications, public relations, marketing and/or development.
• Excellent writing, editing and verbal communication skills.
• Experience using social media to meet marketing goals.
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel; HTML preferred; Experience in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign or other desktop publishing software a plus.
Deadline: November 1, 2011
To apply, send resume, cover letter and salary requirements.
http://jobs.adrants.com/job/marketing-and-communications-director-washington-dc-the-outdoor-foundation-4ebaceab61/?d=1
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