July 2017 Update
NPS Climate Change Response Efforts Recognized

Two long-term NPS efforts were recently recognized as outstanding contributions to climate change response.

The National Climate Change Waysides project was recently bestowed the 2017 Achieving Relevance through Technology & Media Award administered by the Interpretation, Education, and Volunteers directorate. Twenty-five members of the project team were recognized for their sustained involvement over the four-year effort.

The project successfully developed an interconnected network of waysides across twelve national park units that engage visitors on changes to sea level and phenology occurring as a result of climate change. Wayside designs utilized novel audience engagement elements and rich multimedia techniques to provide opportunities for in-depth  audience  engagement. The resulting waysides provide a model for potential replication at additional park sites in the future. The project was presented the national award via an online ceremony on April 26.
Only two weeks later, Rebecca Beavers, Amanda Babson, and Courtney Schupp were presented with the 2017 Climate Adaptation Leadership Award for Natural Resources. The award was bestowed by the Joint Implementation Working Group of the National Fish, Wildlife, and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy and was presented during the National Adaptation Forum in St. Paul, MN.
 
The Climate Adaptation Leadership Award was established in 2016 to recognize outstanding leadership by individuals, organizations, businesses, and agencies to support the stewardship of America's vital natural resources and the many people, businesses and communities that depend on them. 

Beavers, Babson, and Schupp were recognized for their efforts to produce both the  Coastal Adaptation Strategies: Case Studies document and the  Coastal Adaptation Strategies Handbook. Collectively, the reports summarize the state of climate adaptation across the National Park Service and key approaches currently in practice or considered to guide adaptation planning. 

 
First Drawing Connections  Video Released

The first video of our  Drawing Connections  series has been released, highlighting the history of Fort Laramie National Historic Site. See how the park can show us a way forward on climate change by  viewing the video on YouTube . Stay tuned for the next of the series, featuring Cabrillo National Monument.


Next Week!
Climate Cha nge in America's National Parks
Webinar Series

Thursday, July 13, 2pm EDT

U.S. Forest Service science-management partnerships promote climate change adaptation on federal lands in the West 

Dave Peterson, Senior Research Biologist, USFS, Pacific Northwest Field Station
Jessica Halofsky, Research Ecologist, University of Washington

Over the past decade, the U.S. Forest Service has increased organizational capacity to address climate change as a component of sustainable resource management. Science-management partnerships among agencies, universities, tribes, and other stakeholders are the foundation for this process, which includes (1) employee education, (2) development of a detailed, multi-resource vulnerability assessment, (3) development of a detailed adaptation plan, and (4) implementation in agency planning and management. State-of- science assessments include vegetation, water resources, fisheries, wildlife, recreation, ecosystem services, infrastructure, and cultural resources. Land managers have developed over 500 adaptation options for these resources, which have been compiled in the Climate Change Adaptation Library. Information from the assessments is now being incorporated in national forest plans, project management, and restoration. To date, we have developed 8 partnerships involving 40 national forests and 32 National Park Service units across 27 million hectares in the western United States.

This monthly climate change webinar series is presented by the NPS Climate Change Response Program. The purpose of the series is to connect NPS employees, volunteers, and partners with scientists and experts in the field of climate change research. The webinar series is a servicewide forum where researchers can share credible, up-to-date information and research materials about the impacts of changing climate in national parks and provide participants the opportunity to engage with them in discussion.

Please contact Matt Holly at matt_holly@nps.gov  for more information.
Save the Date: Interpreting Climate Change
2-Day Earth to Sky Workshop at the NAI National Conference

When:  November 13-14, 2017
Where: Spokane, Washington and the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge

Interpreting climate change can be challenging! It's complicated, and audiences may respond on a wide variety of emotional and intellectual levels. This two-day, highly interactive workshop will join interpreters and NASA science and education specialists to learn from each other about climate science and communication. We'll cover some basics of the science, and explore appropriate techniques for addressing this subject with a variety of audiences, including youth. Abundant interpretation, education and scientific resources will be provided to support participants' climate change interpretation efforts.

This workshop is a pre-conference session at the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) National  Conference. A registration fee will apply.  The first day of the workshop will be held at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, and the second will be at the conference hotel.  Transportation from the conference hotel to the refuge will be provided, as well as lunch on both days.

Target Audience
Employees from the NPS, USFS, USFWS, and other Federal, State and Municipal agencies, as well as non-profit and private organizations  with science communicators, interpreters, environmental educators and education specialists.  Participants should have some experience with interpretation/science communication. Knowledge of climate science is not required.

Registration and Lodging
Reserve through NAI:  http://www.interpnet.com/conference.  Registration deadline is  October 10th .  It is recommended that participants reserve lodging ASAP.

For more Info (and to add your name to the mailing list for updates) contact:
Anita Davis, Lead, Earth to Sky Partnership: anita.l.davis@nasa.gov
 
FREE for NPS Employees: One Year of Unlimited ACCO Online Training

The CCRP invites interested NPS employees, partners, and volunteers to enjoy unlimited access to the ACCO library of on-demand and live online training FREE for one full year. This opportunity affords participants unparalleled flexibility to customize training according to their needs and work around busy schedules.

Availability is limited and will be awarded strictly on a first-come, first serve basis. For instructions on how to register for this opportunity, please contact Larry Perez at larry_perez@nps.gov.

 
Climate Fundamental Academies

The Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO) offers a series of 2-day training workshops to help  participants discover how to better incorporate climate change strategies into planning and operations. 

T hrough a standing agreement between the Climate Change Response Program and the ACCO,   NPS   employees are invited to attend Climate Fundamentals Academy Workshops   free of charge. (Any travel costs must be paid by the benefiting account, and participants must make their own travel arrangements.)

See the schedule of upcoming workshops below. Please contact Larry Perez at 
larry_perez@nps.gov for more information.
National Capital Workshop #3

The final in a series of three Washington, D.C. workshops is coming up soon!

July 20-21, 2017
Washington, D.C.

If you experience any difficulty accessing the information in this message, please email us. We will try to assist you as best we can. This may include providing the information to you in an alternate format. 
Want to submit an article? Contact matt_holly@nps.gov to learn more.