Sometimes these organizations are called Friends Groups, sometimes Cooperating Associations, sometimes, simply a partner. They are invaluable in supporting, promoting and helping maintain public lands.

These volunteer organizations, while dedicated and passionate, are often underfunded and understaffed. The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), with generous support from Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc., seeks to strengthen these organizations and unleash their potential to serve their public lands. NEEF’s Every Day Grants will strengthen the stewardship of public lands by strengthening Friends Groups through funding for organizational capacity building.

If a Friend Group can better engage the public, it can attract more volunteers. If it can attract more volunteers, it has a larger base of individuals to ask for support. If it can gain more support, it can offer more volunteer events.

For 2012, there will be two rounds of Every Day grants awarded. The first round of 25 grants will open for application in the fall of 2011. The second round of 25 grants will open for application in the spring of 2012. Applicants not awarded a grant in the first round, will be considered again in the second round.

For more information or to apply, click here.

As long as there have been billboards, trees have been getting in the way. And billboard companies have been removing them — sometimes legally, sometimes not. News archives are replete with accounts of mysterious tree disappearances near billboard sites. Usually, no one gets caught, due to lack of evidence or to officials failing to aggressively pursue those responsible.

An in-depth article covers the history and current issues involved in tree cutting near billboards.

Deadline: July 1, 2012

Create a 60 second video or submit a photo that tells a compelling, influential story about how AmeriCorps works and the effect AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps projects have on local communities and the nation.

The theme of the 2012 AmeriCorps video and photo contests is “AmeriCorps Works.” This theme communicates the value and effectiveness of AmeriCorps while providing flexibility to be used in many different contexts. It provides an overarching framework to communicate AmeriCorps triple bottom line return on investment — for the recipients of service, the people who serve, and the larger community and nation. For example:

AmeriCorps Works…

* To meet pressing community needs

* To expand economic and educational opportunity for those who serve

* To make our communities safer, stronger, and healthier

* To improve the lives of vulnerable Americans

* To build the next generation of nonprofit leaders

* To develop innovative community solutions

* To mobilize volunteers and resources to strengthen America’s voluntary sector

AmeriCorps Works in many different ways. However you choose to make your video, be sure to shows how AmeriCorps Works!

Video Prize: $5,000 in prizes will be awarded to winning video submissions. Click here for more information on the Video Contest.

Photo Prize: $2,500 in prizes will be awarded to winning photo submissions. Click here for more information on the Photo Contest.

Pacific Forest Trust, based in San Francisco, is seeking a Communications Director to oversee and implement strategic outreach and constituency building for a pioneering non-profit forest conservation organization. Primary duties include writing, editing, web content management and media relations; production management; supervision of contractors who provide communications-related services, such as freelance web designers and photographers, and direct supervision of the Senior Communications Associate. Click here for the full position description.

Since 1993, the Pacific Forest Trust (PFT) has been dedicated to conserving and sustaining America’s vital, productive forest landscapes. Working with forest owners, communities and an array of partners, we advance innovative, incentive-based strategies to safeguard our nation’s diverse forests. In so doing, we’re ensuring forests continue to provide people everywhere — from rural communities to urban centers — with a wealth of benefits, including clean water, sustainably harvested wood, green jobs, wildlife habitat and a livable climate.

Because of its location and topography, Santa Barbara County boasts one of the greatest variety of tree species found anywhere.

It’s all about location. With a jump in elevation from sea level to more than 6,000 feet, one can see Monterey cypress and ponderosa pines within a few miles. And with the Santa Ynez Mountains informally considered the dividing line between Northern and Southern California, trees from both regions are found here.