August 2015

Hello and welcome to this week's Digest! In the EC we've been bustling about preparing for the start of the semester: staffing up, getting ready to hoe-down, prepping the free store for move in and I'm coming out as the new editor for the Digest and assistant coordinator of the EC. My name is Ricky Green and I originally moved to Durango from Omaha, NE to serve an AmeriCorps term helping to build the capacity of nonprofits in the SW region of the state. I am excited to have the opportunity to continue being a part of the amazing community here and look forward to continuing to make this digest a valuable resource for us all.

 

A new feature you might notice is section header artwork. As a way to spice things up and share expression in another form I thought I'd try using artwork to open each section. This week I was inspired by the Tour De Farms which happened this past weekend on the 22nd and I included some community oriented, nature championing, pro-cycle art from Valdinei Calvento. If you have some artwork or an artist you'd like to share feel free to send me a note [email protected]. Also, be on the lookout in upcoming editions for some other additions that are in the works.

 

Finally, a quick game to get to know me a bit better.

Which of the following is not true?:

 

My grandfather was a sumo wrestler.

 

 

I was once detained at gunpoint in a Slovenian military base.

 

  

In my free time I am a freelance origami folder for weddings.

 

Check back in the next Digest if you're curious to learn more! 

 

And now, read on to learn about some exciting ways to join our team and get involved with our amazing community!
ecHappeningsEnvironmental Center Happenings  
 
Hiring Student Work Study Staff (through September 4th)
The EC is currently hiring student staff to fill their roster for the 2015-2016 year. Currently we are hiring to fill the following positions:
  • Graphic Design & Marketing Guru
  • Environmental Project Team Staff
  • Environmental Project Team Leaders
For an application and to learn more, visit the Employment Page on the EC Website.

 
Harvest while you Hoe-Down (For Incoming Freshman Only)
  
We welcome incoming Freshman to join us this Saturday to learn more about the EC and our Campus Garden Grown Program. Harvest veggies from the EC Campus Garden that will be served in our campus dining hall, pluck strawberries for a tasty snack, get your hands dirty and learn about ways to get involved with the EC's two Local Food Fellows - a crew of amazing FLC students who are growing food, living the good life, and have a great time doing it.
  
When: Saturday, August 29th | 12:30 - 2:30
 
To Sign up, contact Rachel at [email protected] (Please note this is for incoming freshman only - if you aren't that, get excited for many garden events soon to come!) 
  
  
Move In Free Store
  
Need a new mini fridge to spruce up your residence hall rim? Looking for a fresh outfit to usher in Fall? New-to-you plates for the house?...AND want to conserve resources and save money at the same time? Join the EC for our annual Move In Free Store.
  
When: Tuesday, September 1st, 11:30 - 2:00
Where: FLC Student Union Quad
Cost: Free, of course!
More Info. at: our Facebook page
  
 
Fruit Gleaning Hub
  
In partnership with Healthy Community Food Systems, FLC Environmental Center, and Colorado State University (CSU) Extension, Bear Smart Durango has established a Fruit Gleaning Hub, an online Bulletin Board that connects residents desiring fruit with those having fruit available for harvesting. www.fruitglean.org
  
  
  
communityEventsCommunity Events  & Opportunities
 
  
  
Thrive! Pre-Labor-Day Family-Friendly Potluck Picnic 
 
This free community picnic will honor and celebrate workers, their families and a living wage. Enjoy games, live music and an opportunity for workers to talk about the importance of being paid a living wage. Bring a dish to share and lawn games.
  
When: August 30, 2 pm - 6 pm
Where: Santa Rita Park, Near the Playground
Contact: 426-9638 | If you need transportation call by Aug. 28.
  
  
Courageous Carnivores and Compromised Conservationists
  
A lecture by Michael Soule, environmentalist, conservation biologist, author and Professor Emeritus of Environmental Studies at University of California, Santa Cruz. $10 Tickets sold at Durango Arts Center.
  
When: September 3, doors open at 5:30 pm | Lecture begins at 6:30 pm
Where: Durango Arts Center 
  
  
The Great Divide: A film by Havey Productions
 
A feature length documentary on issues of water and conservation in Colorado. There will be a panel discussion after the film, beginning at 7:15 pm. Panelists will include Bruce Whitehead, Southwestern Water Conservation District, Dan Olson, San Juan Citizens Alliance, Kate Greenberg, National Young Farmers Coalition and Michael Vicente of Ute Mountain Ute Enterprises.

When: September 10, 4:30 pm - 8 pm
Where: Durango Arts Center Theater

 
5th Annual Produce Bounty
  
Produce Bounty is an annual fresh food drive and nutrition education event held in partnership with the Durango Food Bank's commodity food distribution. Farmers and Gardeners will be dropping off thousands of pounds of produce and donations to share with hundreds of community members in need.
  
Volunteers are needed during produce drop off times to help receive, clean, organize and store donations on 9/18, 9/19, and 9/20 and to help set-up and distribute the produce on 9/21.
  
When: Friday, Sept. 18 - Monday Sept. 21, 2015
Where: La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave.
More Info. and Volunteer Sign-up at: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0445a4ab2ea5f58-produce
  
  
8th Annual Apple Days
  
The Growing Partners of Southwest Colorado invite you to participate in an amazing community tradition - the harvest of our apple abundance to support the 8th Annual Apple Days festival. If you have a tree(s) whose fruit you would like to have harvested and donated to this community event, please complete this form. A member of the Apple Days Planning Committee will then contact you to confirm your registration and provide you with additional details regarding our harvest process. Our crew of community volunteers will be harvesting apples in the weeks leading up to our Sunday, October 4th festival.
  
If you prefer to register your tree via phone, please contact the CSU Extension Office at 970-382-6463.
  
When: Sunday, October 4th, 2015
Contact: Joni Podschun, Growing Partners Executive Director - [email protected]