Marissa Loftus taking a break on one of her caving expeditions.

Given her background, EPCAMR has asked her to come up with a comparison between several models of microscopes

Example of one type of compound microscope.

that we might be able to use in our office to support some of our STEM teaching opportunities in the future that may end up being more virtual experiences than personal as we go forward post-COVID-19. EPCAMR is looking for the best brand and model with a reasonable price point that will be able to have pictures taken of what we place on the trays, slides, or petri dishes as live samples or iron-laden water, macro-invertebrates, or plant cell walls. Marissa’s first task will be to put together a budget and Excel Sheet comparing models and prices to help us to decide what to purchase. It should have an exceptional zoom power and range for viewing macroinvertebrates and bacteria like blue-green and filamentous algae. 

A piece of pyrite.

Pyrite (FeS2) would be another one that we would need and manganese oxide and hydroxide would be another. A water molecule too and a hydroxyl ion (OH), Sodium (Na), Calcium (Ca), Carbonate (H₂CO₃), Limestone (CaCO₃), Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂) too, Sodium Chloride (NaCl), Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) gas and Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) would all be others that we could use too. “

The pH Scale graphic from EPCAMR’s The AMD Avengers vs The Pollution Posse Activity/Coloring Book.

Marissa stated that “Through a volunteer internship at EPCAMR, I hope to utilize my knowledge of the area while gaining more experience in learning the methods of water quality testing, culvert assessments, and mine land reclamation.” In her spare time, Marissa spends time hiking and exploring and mapping caves. She has extensive experience in mapping 2D underground passages with both digital and analog tools. 

The post Marissa Loftus, Wilkes-Barre to volunteer for EPCAMR Summer Internship and use her Strength in Chemistry to Help Create New UpCycled Educational Exhibit Materials among other Tasks appeared first on epcamr.org.

The Annual Pennsylvania Abandoned Mine Reclamation (AMR) Conference is now accepting proposals for presentations.  The 2017 PA AMR Conference will be held June 21-22, 2017 at the Best Western Plus Genetti Hotel and Conference Center, Wilkes-Barre.   Abstracts for presentations which revolve around this year’s theme of  “The Future of Reclamation” should be no longer than 1 page, contain the presenter’s name and title of presentation, and must be emailed by the close of business on March 21, 2017 to Anne Daymut, at anne@wpcamr.org.

The potential for the changing Federal environmental policies to influence abandoned mine reclamation in Pennsylvania is imminent.  The return to a focus on coal production, the proposed shifting of spending of the Abandoned Mine Land Fund through the RECLAIM initiative, and the expected expiration of the collection fees feeding the Abandoned Mine Land Fund could each have their own costs and benefits to Pennsylvania’s abandoned mine reclamation community.  The PA AMR Conference will explore these ideas with an emphasis on the future of reclamation and the benefits it provides.  We also welcome presentations on treatment system design, new technologies and tools, successes and lessons learned, or anything that is useful to the abandoned mine reclamation community.

The AMR conference is going to be located in the heart of the Wyoming Valley and the Northern Anthracite Coalfields. We have not been back to “The Diamond City” since our first regional conference that was held in June of 1996 at Wilkes University.  A full day tour of the Wyoming and Lackawanna Valleys’ abandoned mine drainage and abandoned mine reclamation projects.  An alternative walking tour of Wilkes-Barre coal history, visits to an Anthracite Altar, an Anthracite art exhibit, and a film screening will also be offered, including the release of the full documentary, Centralia: PA’s Lost Town.

Visit our conference website HERE to find further details about this year’s conference, register to attend, or find links to previous conferences and examples of prior presentations.

The post Request for Proposals due March 21st, 2017: 19th Annual PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference appeared first on epcamr.org.

EPCAMR is helping to put the word out about a full-time opening in Wilkes-Barre for one of our regional partners.

Job Description: Northeast PA Outreach Coordinator (Wilkes-Barre)

The Outreach Coordinator educates PennFuture members, the environmental advocacy community, and decision makers about environmental and conservation issues with an emphasis on climate, water, and energy-related policies. He or she is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with PennFuture constituents, including coalition partners, and representing PennFuture’s positions to the general public. The Outreach Coordinator works with a team of professionals including attorneys, policy experts, media professionals and other outreach staff and is the public face of the organization in northeast Pennsylvania.

Job Duties:

• Implement environmental issue campaigns by defining and managing objectives, recruiting coalition members, and coordinating meetings and events
• Work with other environmental advocacy organizations to organize and facilitate meetings and events – occasional evening and weekend hours
• Community outreach, event tabling, public speaking
• Recruit and manage members, supporters, and volunteers
• Manage and implement a range of grant deliverables and campaign activities
• Assist with grant writing, editing, and reporting
• Craft campaign e-mails, action alerts, blog and social media posts
• Draft, edit, and submit letters to the editor and other opinion pieces
• Build support for local, state, and federal legislative priorities
• Occasional lobbying of public officials and government agencies
• Draft and present testimony at public hearings pertaining to environmental issues
• Work with law staff to develop cases for litigation and respond to requests for assistance as well as general inquiries
• Conduct reporter interviews by phone and in person, speak at press conferences and other media events
• Steer our regional climate, water, clean-energy, and sustainability work and assist with other initiatives
• Perform office administrative duties, including member data entry, as directed

Qualifications:

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Excellent social media skills.

Enthusiasm for PennFuture, its mission, and its brand.

Detail oriented and highly organized.

Driver License.

Familiarity with non-profit organizations is preferred though not required.

Education and experience:

Bachelor’s degree.

3-5+ years in outreach, advocacy, or organizing.

Deep understanding of conservation, environmental, and energy issues.

Strong leadership skills and ability to work with staff on site and remotely.

Understanding of Pennsylvania’s environmental/conservation landscape.

Location, Compensation and Timeline:

The position is based in Wilkes-Barre. Competitive salary based on experience. Generous benefits package includes health care, dental, life insurance and paid time off.

Submission:

Please submit your cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to the Director of Outreach at andrews@pennfuture.org. Please write “Northeast PA Outreach Coordinator” in the subject line. The application deadline is September 26, 2016.

The post PennFuture Is Hiring a NE PA Outreach Coordinator based in Wilkes-Barre appeared first on epcamr.org.

The Spring baseball season is under way and opening day is only few weeks away. EPCAMR was able to pre-order tickets since our non-profit is going to be showcased on April 5th, the second day of season opening week at the newly constructed PNC Field stadium in Moosic on Montage Mountain. They are bleacher seats..but there really isn’t a bad seat in the house up there…and they are only $8.00 for April 5th, game time starting at 7:05PM…If you need tickets, EPCAMR has them! Call us up! 570-371-3523. You don’t have to be a Yankees fan to buy them either…We’ll let it slide…See EPCAMR’s Executive Director, Robert E. Hughes, me throw out the first pitch!!

Parking at PNC Field is Free! EPCAMR will have a table near the front gate in the plaza entrance for informational purposes to increase the awareness of our organization and the work that we do in the Region. We’ll be conversing with fans, talking about upcoming events, educating people on abandoned mines and how we are cleaning up polluted mine water and reclaiming abandoned mine lands, while educating our youth and coal-mining impacted communities too! EPCAMR will have a Pre-game, on-field interview with the nightly RailRiders emcee, a 60-90 second spot to discuss EPCAMR’s mission and goals. Our name and logo will appear on the video board. On-air radio interview with broadcasters on Fox Sports Radio, The GAME, in the top of the 3rd inning will be aired for more people and fans to learn about what EPCAMR is doing to protect and restore our environment.

A portion of every ticket we sell at $8 for the bleacher seats will be donated back to EPCAMR as a fundraiser thanks to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders Management Team (www.milb.com)

Flyer for the Event!!!Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders Flyer

Please download the Ticket Order Form right here and submit to EPCAMR! S/W-B Railriders Ticket Order Form for EPCAMR

The post Let’s Go Out to the BallGame with EPCAMR and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders on April 5th!! appeared first on epcamr.org.