Jeanette Davis enjoying a field trip in Chincoteague Bay, Maryland. Credit: Allison Dungan

Having fun while developing an environmental philosophy

Bill Dennison ·
23 July 2013
Learning Science | 

'Having fun' refers to enjoying the journey of an environmental campaign. Environmental issues are typically serious business and people burn out by being serious all the time. Having fun conjures up images of smiles and chuckles. Having fun warms the heart, and makes the experience more memorable. Having fun can inspire people and make them want to do more. We need to employ an 'eco-psychology' to be more effective, with a self evaluation: Did I enjoy myself? Would I want to do more?

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Combining knowledge, power, and passion leads to societal paradigm shifts. Source: Integrating and Applying Science, Figure 2.13, pg. 25.

Ten recommendations for effectively communicating science: Part 2

Bill Dennison ·
18 July 2013
Science Communication | Applying Science | 

This blog is the second part to a two-part series of ten recommendations for effectively communicating science. Listed are five recommendations on ways to effectively communicate science. Recommendation 6. Build relationships that will make science communication more effective … We have found that building key relationships with decision makers and their staff is important in delivering meaningful scientific advice at the time of decision making.

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Peter Oliver teaching science students on a field trip.

Recommendations for effectively communicating science: Part 1

Bill Dennison ·
16 July 2013
Science Communication | Learning Science |     1 comments

This blog is the first part to a two-part series of ten recommendations for effectively communicating science. Listed are five recommendations to effectively communicate science to your audience. Recommendation 1. Communicate science unto others as you would have them communicate unto you … Probably everyone who has attended school has been subjected to some really BAD science teaching.

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Walking through the beach during low tide on the Chesapeake Bay. Credit: Melissa Jo Keever Bridges

Awakening Environmental Passion

Bill Dennison ·
11 July 2013
Science Communication |     1 comments

'Awakening Environmental Passion' refers to tapping the environmental passion created when people publicly say "I care about this place". This caring about a place comes from the heart, and environmental passion can create the motivation to accomplish change (hands) and persist to face of adversity (head). These heart, hands and head aspects of awakening environmental passion are key to an environmental campaign. Walking through the beach during low tide on the Chesapeake Bay. Credit:

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Map of monitoring stations in Chesapeake Bay (left) and researchers monitoring water quality of Chesapeake Bay (right).

Do not go gently into that black abyss of Chesapeake Bay monitoring cuts

Bill Dennison ·
9 July 2013
Applying Science |     1 comments

At the June Science and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) meeting and at the Science and Technical Analysis and Reporting (STAR) meeting, we were presented with the scenarios of a $1.1-1.2 million dollar cut to the Chesapeake Bay monitoring program. This would be a nearly 25% reduction of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funding for the tidal and non-tidal monitoring. This monitoring program, which has been occurring continuously since ca.

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Caroline Wicks presenting at the STAR seminar on June 27, 2013. Credit: Bill Dennison

Enhancing the Chesapeake Bay report card with new indicators and new methods

Bill Dennison ·
3 July 2013
Environmental Report Cards |     1 comments

On 27 June 2013, Caroline Wicks presented the STAR seminar in anticipation of the 2012 Chesapeake Bay report card release. The seminar was entitled 'Enhancing the Chesapeake Bay report card with new indicators and new methods'. In capturing the discussion following the seminar, I have converted the discussion into a series of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Caroline Wicks presenting at the STAR seminar on June 27, 2013. Credit:

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Dave Wilson, Executive Director of the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. Credit: Bill Dennison

Coastal Bays report card launch

Bill Dennison ·
1 July 2013
Environmental Report Cards | 

The Maryland Coastal Bays report card launch was held on 27 June 2013, on a Mickey Fins balcony overlooking the Coastal Bays waterways. It was a gorgeous day with a nice breeze and stupendous views. Dave Wilson, the Executive Director of the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, was the Master of Ceremonies for the report card launch. Bud Church, President of Worcester County Commission, welcomed everyone and acknowledged the elected officials in attendance.

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Margaret Mead (1901-1978)

Top ten quotes that influenced my career

Bill Dennison ·
27 June 2013
Science Communication | Applying Science |     1 comments

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead (1901-1978) This Margaret Mead quote is my favorite quote associated with building a team of competent people working on environmental issues. The quote is very empowering, as it reminds us that changing the world is not simply in the province of large organizations or powerful individuals.

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St. Bernard Parish seal with Chalmette National Historical Park monument for the Battle of New Orleans.

Coastal Louisiana issues discussed at public meeting in St. Bernard Parish

Bill Dennison ·
25 June 2013
Environmental Report Cards | 

On 17 June 2013, I traveled to The Water Institute of the Gulf (TWIG) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to discuss the development of a Coastal Louisiana report card. The discussion centers around developing indicators of sustainable landscapes and resilient communities for coastal Louisiana. We established a strategy of providing annual coastal updates and biennial report cards ahead of the next Master Plan (2017).

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The Northern Lights are caused when particles thrown off the surface of the sun collide with the atmosphere of the Earth. Credit: Adrian Jones

Seven natural wonders of the world

Bill Dennison ·
20 June 2013
Learning Science |     2 comments

The original “seven wonders of the world” were manmade structures, often in iconic settings. The impact of seeing these manmade creations was what made them the wonders. Similarly, the seven natural wonders of the world are focused on the iconic settings that impact those viewing them. These natural wonders are both physical and biological, united in their ability to create lasting memories in those who view them.

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