Find the latest news about sanctuary volunteers, their accomplishments and upcoming events here.

News

Ms. Heather Knowles received the sanctuary’s 2011 Volunteer of the Year Award for her efforts to raise awareness of the Stellwagen Bank sanctuary amongst the recreational SCUBA diving community. Ms. Knowles efforts began in 2005 with a website that informed divers about the sanctuary’s management plan review process. In 2008 she was selected to serve on the sanctuary’s Advisory Council as the Diving Representative. Since that time, she has served as the council’s secretary and now holds the vice–chair position. Most recently, Ms. Knowles received a Project Aware grant to install the first ever dive mooring on a sanctuary shipwreck. Ms. Knowles has continued to draw attention to the sanctuary through presentations around New England including the Boston Sea Rovers Annual Clinic, the oldest and largest dive show in New England.

Ms. Knowles’ efforts have opened the eyes of many New England SCUBA divers to the sanctuary’s interesting marine life and shipwrecks. As co–owner of Northern Atlantic Dive Expeditions, Inc. and captain of the R/V Gauntlet, she promotes responsible diving etiquette in the sanctuary ensuring that historic shipwrecks are not harmed by diver visitation. Her network of contacts as a highly–respected technical diving instructor and charter boat captain spreads information about the sanctuary far and wide. The sanctuary looks forward to future collaborations with Ms. Knowles.

After being named 2010 Volunteer of the Year at Gerry E. Studds Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, Evelyn Ganson could have rested on her laurels. Instead, she has logged another 520 hours since August, laying groundwork for an expanded volunteer program and supporting the Sister Sanctuary initiative established by Stellwagen in the Caribbean. With her professional experience, drive to learn, and love for her adopted Scituate, Evelyn is a gift to the sanctuary and exemplifies the local talent to be tapped.

Read more about Evelyn and her contributions to the sanctuary. Whether you want to be the next volunteer of the year or just find out more about getting involved, let us know.

Upcoming Events

• Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and the Scituate Public Library Present A Child’s Sanctuary
  May Program: Whales in Your Backyard
  Did you know there’s a wild ocean place just off the Massachusetts coast that is one of the best places to see whales in the world? Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary stretches between Cape Ann and Cape Cod and is just ten miles off the shores of Scituate! The sanctuary is home to an amazing array of wildlife and a diverse collection of shipwrecks. Come to the Scituate Public Library on Saturday, May 7th, and learn all about the sanctuary’s whales. Listen to a story, try on a blubber glove, eat like a whale, and climb inside a 40-foot North Atlantic right whale! 10-11:30 am, Scituate Public Library. For pre-K children to kids in their nineties!
  
  
• Stellwagen Ambassadors Wanted
  Do you like to meet people? Are you interested in spreading the word about the amazing natural resource in your backyard? As an Ambassador, you’ll participate in some fantastic events and talk with the public about Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and why it’s such a special place. We will offer training and support to those who can commit to several events a year. We are soliciting applications for the volunteer Ambassadors program now: http://stellwagen.noaa.gov/ involved/vol_open.html.
  The first training date has been changed to Saturday, May 14th. You must register for this workshop in advance by sending an email to: anne-marie.runfola@noaa.gov or calling 781-545-8026 x240.

Revised April 25, 2012 by Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Web Group
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