Spring 2012
Consortium Circular
In This Issue
Consortium News
Consortium Classified
Opportunities
Regional News
Campus Greening Corner
Regional Events
Quick Links

 
Our Mission


The mission of the Environmental Consortium of Colleges & Universities is to harness higher education's intellectual and physical resources to advance regional, ecosystem-based environmental research, teaching, and learning with a special emphasis on the greater Hudson-Mohawk River Watershed.

 

Pace University is the host institution of the Environmental Consortium of Colleges & Universities, with headquarters located at Pace Academy for Applied Environmental Studies.

topWe are pleased to send you this quarterly edition of the Consortium Circular.

If you have colleagues who might be interested in the Consortium, please circulate the Circular and encourage them to become an individual member to receive this newsletter directly. 
Consortium News




SAVE THE DATE: Consortium Annual Conference - Saturday, October 27, 2012

 



Student Summit Summary - Your Future and the Planet's: Environmental Careers and Graduate Education

 

Consortium Classified

Opportunities

 

Spring/Summer Internship - Westchester Green Business Challenge


River University, July 8 - August 3, 2012


How healthy is your stream? Volunteer for WAVE: Wadeable Assessments by Volunteer Evaluators

 

Regional News

Campus Greening Corner


Visit www.ecgreencampus.org for campus greening resources and case studies. 

Environmental Consortium of Hudson Valley Colleges & Universities

See list of events below.

Visit the Consoritum's online regional event calendar for latest listings. 

news1Consortium News

 

Nominations for the Thomas Berry Great Work Award Due May 30th

The Thomas Berry Great Work Award was established in 2012 by the Environmental Consortium to acknowledge and further the idea that higher education has a unique and profound role in society, as described by Thomas Berry in the chapter "The University" of his book The Great Work: Our Way into the Future.

The Thomas Berry Great Work Award recognizes individuals in higher education whose work exemplifies Berry's admonition that colleges and universities should "reorient the human community toward a greater awareness that the human exists, survives, and becomes whole only within the single great community of the planet Earth." The work of such individuals from within the Hudson and Mohawk River bioregional community has nurtured progress and prosperity of the entire life community.

Award Criteria: Nominees must demonstrate a dedication to teaching, scholarship, service, leadership or other educational activities that have resulted in significant achievement or impact while reflecting the essence of Thomas Berry's vision and philosophy. The nominee does not necessarily need to have directly referenced Thomas Berry, so long as his ethic is expressed.

  • Self-nominations and nominations by others accepted.
  • Nominees must be affiliated with an institution of higher education within the boundary of the Hudson and Mohawk River watershed (though not necessarily a member of the Environmental Consortium).
  • Open to full-time, part-time and adjunct faculty, as well as staff and administrators.
  • Students are not eligible for nomination.
  • Though not required, work that promotes interdisciplinarity, cooperation and collaboration within or outside of academe is encouraged.
  • Award Committee will consider nominations of teams, projects, or collaboratives.

 

news2SAVE THE DATE: Consortium Annual Conference - Saturday, October 27, 2012 The Environmental Consortium's Annual Conference theme this year honors Thomas Berry, whose vision for the role of the university in a New Cosmology that celebrates the inherent interconnectedness of humans and nature, inspired the formation of the Environmental Consortium in 2004.

Conference Highlights Include:


news3New Mission Statement for the Environmental Consortium and Name Change

In order to more accurately reflect the breadth and diversity of the Environmental Consortium's membership, the Consortium's Steering Committee voted unanimously to revise our name: Environmental Consortium of Colleges & Universities.

The Consortium's mission was also amended: to harness higher education's intellectual and physical resources to advance regional, ecosystem-based environmental research, teaching, and learning with a special emphasis on the greater Hudson-Mohawk River Watershed.

news4Student Summit Summary - Your Future and the Planet's: Environmental Careers and Graduate Education
On Friday, April 13, 2012, Manhattanville College hosted the the 7th Annual Student Summit of the Environmental Consortium: Your Future and the Planet's: Environmental Careers and Graduate Education. Over 75 student attendees participated, representing 23 institutions from around the region. During lunch, professionals from 10 different environmentally related fields talked candidly with students about their work and the profession in general. The Summit concluded with a career and graduate program fair with 32 exhibitors. View event agenda, photos, and list of exhibitors.


top

scholar1Consortium Classified

 

Native American Nation and Allies Plan Hudson River Enactment
The Onondaga Nation and Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation (NOON) have begun planning for a year-long series of educational and cultural events in 2013 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of an agreement between the Haudenosaunee Confederacy (Iroquois) and Dutch sailors and traders: The Two Row. The Two Row Wampum Treaty is symbolized in a belt by two rows of purple beads representing the Native paddlers in their canoes and European sailors in their ships, traveling side-by-side down the river of life together. It describes a mutually beneficial relationship based on peace, friendship and the sharing of Nature's bounty in a sustainable way (abiding by Natural Law and Ecological Principles forever).

NOON intends to symbolically enact and renew this relationship during a trip down the Hudson from Albany to New York City in late July and early August 2013. We will stop along the way for cultural and educational events, and end at the United Nations, linking the Two Row with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We see this event as a way to call the people of the region and all of North America to heal the relationship between our peoples and between humans and the rest of Nature. The enactment will be a way to communicate to thousands about an ancient and yet very contemporary responsibility to the Earth, and the Hudson in particular.

NOON wants your help. We hope to have events throughout 2013; in the spring to inform and educate about and prepare for the enactment, in the summer to enact the Two Row and to hear from Haudenosaunee leaders and allies, scholars, artists and others about history and contemporary environmental and social issues that confront Indigenous peoples and, in the fall, to reflect on what we learned and the next steps we can take. We'd like to hear from you about how you see yourself and your institution participating. We welcome official co-sponsors and participation in other ways.

Contact: Jack Manno, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (jpmanno@esf.edu) who is coordinating partnerships with educational institutions. Also visit our website at HonorTheTwoRow.org.

top

region1Regional News

 

EPA's Office of Environmental Justice Launches New "Environmental Justice in Action" Blog

The Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Environmental Justice officially launched its new Environmental Justice in Action Blog. The blog features stories on advances in environmental justice across the country. It is a great resource for environmental justice advocates and organizations. Posts are added every Thursday at 10 a.m. Eastern Time.


 

opportunity1Opportunities  

  

Spring/Summer Internship - Westchester Green Business Challenge

Launched in December 2009, the Westchester Green Business Challenge (WGBC) is a joint program of Westchester County Government and the Business Council of Westchester. The mission is to educate and encourage Westchester County businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) while improving operational performance and saving money. Modelled after the successful Chicago Green Office Challenge developed by ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability, the program was adapted to reflect the unique business profile of Westchester County while addressing the universal issues of energy and water conservation, waste reduction, sustainable land use and transportation (the five areas of focus in the Westchester County Action Plan for Climate Change & Sustainable Development).

The WGBC continues to grow as companies of all sizes in Westchester County begin to address climate change and sustainability issues. As an intern, you will receive training on resources currently provided through the WGBC and be equipped to contribute to the expansion of our program. You will gain unique insight into a wide range of Westchester-based businesses who have committed to reducing their environmental impact. For more information and how to apply, visit http://climatechange.westchestergov.com/wgbc-internship.

 


opportunity2River University | July 8 - August 3, 2012

Immerse yourself in the Hudson River, the birthplace of the modern environmental movement, and earn nine Clarkson University credits in Ecology, Environmental Engineering and Environmental Policy. River University, a collaboration between Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries, Clarkson University and the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, is for any undergraduate student with an interest in the environment, taught by internationally recognized Hudson River environmentalist John Cronin and respected Clarkson University faculty Tom Langen, Ph.D. and Shane Rogers, Ph.D. Experience five days aboard the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater! Apply now for this intensive, interdisciplinary program taking place July 8 - August 3 at Beacon Institute's Center for Environmental Innovation & Education at Denning's Point. For more information and to apply, please visit www.riveruniversity.com. 

  

opportunity3How healthy is your stream? Volunteer for WAVE: Wadeable Assessments by Volunteer Evaluators

This July - October, the NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program is actively recruiting citizens from across the Hudson River Watershed (including Mohawk and upper Hudson watersheds) to participate in wadeable assessments by volunteer evaluators (WAVE). The WAVE assessment is very simple and provides valuable data to the NYS DEC and local municipalities.

To become a Citizen Monitor for WAVE:

  1. Identify a stream you would like to visit. The WAVE Coordinator can provide recommendations if needed.
  2. Attend a 4 hour training session. To register, go to: www.surveymonkey.com/s/Project-WAVE

For more information, please contact Alene Onion, WAVE Coordinator, Hudson River Estuary Program, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, 518-402-8166, amonion@gw.dec.state.ny.us.


top

event1Regional Events
 

 

Science and Management Forum: Hydrofracking in Focus - What Every Citizen Needs to Know (May 5, 2012) 9:00am-12:00pm 
Cary Institute Auditorium, 2801 Sharon Turnpike (Route 44), Millbrook, NY

An overview of the science behind gas extraction via hydraulic fracturing, including potential groundwater impacts and the treatment of wastewater.  Insight will also be provided by a medical doctor, a researcher with expertise in the social dynamics of surging gas extraction, and an industry representative. Reservations are required, name tags will be provided. Please note - our last two forums filled to capacity; early registration is recommended. Free and open to the public.

 

  

Mini Farming Self-Sufficiency on 1/4 Acre (May 6, 2012) 2:00pm-3:30pm 
Beacon Institute Gallery, 199 Main Street, Beacon, NY

The Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries' Sunday Author Series presents author Brett L. Markham, with his guide to a holistic approach to small-area farming. Markham's book Mini Farming, Self-Sufficiency on 1/4 Acre, will help lead the way to producing a harvest, which can result in up to 85 percent of an average family's food, providing plentiful savings and good garden times, regardless of the proverbial green thumb!

 

 

Clean Water Act at 40: Facing the Future (May 7, 2012) 8:30am-6:00pm 
Student's Building, Multi-Purpose Room, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY

The Hudson River Environmental Society (HRES) is presenting a conference recognizing the 40th anniversary of the Federal Water Pollution Control Amendments of 1972, commonly referred to as the Clean Water Act (CWA). The objective of the CWA was "...to restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the Nation's waters." Passage of the CWA led to unprecedented efforts to clean up our Nation's waters in an effort to render them "fishable and swimmable". After 40 years, it is now appropriate to revisit the CWA with a look forward at the potential problems and solutions for improving and maintaining water quality in the Hudson River estuary and its watershed.

 

Forest Walk with Paul Blaszak (May 12, 2012) 10:00am-11:30am 
Beacon Institute's CEIE, base of Denning's Avenue, Beacon, NY

Join forester Paul Blaszak for a morning of tree identification, and a discussion of the human impact on forest succession at Denning's Point.

 

How Animals Think with Tom Langen (May 17, 2012) 7:00 pm 
Beacon Institute CEIE, base of Denning's Avenue, Beacon, NY

Beacon Institute's Third Thursday Series at CEIE presents Tom Langen, Ph.D., associate professor of biology and psychology at Clarkson University, for a fascinating perspective on animal behavior. In his talk titled "How Animals Think", Dr. Langen will discuss research documenting how animals make choices when at risk, sharing surprising similarities to humans in their decision-making processes. Dr. Langen, who teaches animal behavior, ecology, conservation biology and global environmental change at Clarkson University, is also an active researcher who applies his knowledge of animal behavior to real-world challenges. The event is free and open to the public.

 


SUNY ESF: Inaugural Symposium of Interdisciplinary Scholarship in Land Use
(June 1-3, 2012)
Huntington Wildlife Forest, Newcomb, NY

This event will highlight research from across professions and disciplines on topics related to balancing individual and community priorities with respect to land use, and the associated expectations for human and ecosystem stewardship and social and environmental ethics. The aim of this symposium is to generate conversation around a variety of approaches to land use, the moral implications of these approaches, as well as the ways that they influence the ongoing debate over how to achieve social and environmental justice. New and in-process work from a range of disciplines and professional fields will be represented and integrated into the symposium discourse. For more information contact Marianne Patinelli-Dubay, mpatinelli@esf.edu.

 

Yale Summer Symposium: Religion and Environmental Stewardship (June 5 -7, 2012)
Yale Divinity School, 409 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT

This environmental symposium -aimed at clergy, lay leaders, and seminary faculty-will engage experts from Yale and across the country to address topics such as the greening of seminaries and churches, curricular initiatives in eco-theology, climate change, environmental justice, and preaching and liturgical approaches to environmental stewardship. The symposium will include a screening, and discussion, of the movie Journey of the Universe, for which Yale Divinity School Senior Lecturer and Research Scholars Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim served as executive producers. The symposium is co-sponsored by YDS, Berkeley Divinity School at Yale, the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, and the Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology. Tuition is $100, and the registration deadline is May 15th.

 

SAVE THE DATES


October 10-12, 2012

 
AMNH Student Conference on Conservation Science - New York (SCCS-NY)
American Museum of Natural History, New York City
The Student Conference on Conservation Science was created in 2000 by the University of Cambridge, and is currently held annually in Cambridge, New York, and Bangalore, India. The 2012 SCCS-NY is hosted by the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation at the American Museum of Natural History. Collaborating institutions include Cambridge University, Columbia University Earth Institute, Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, and Princeton University.

 
 

October 18-21, 2012

The NYS Outdoor Education Association 44th Annual Conference

The New York State Outdoor Education Association (NYSOEA) 44th Annual Conference will be held Thursday to Sunday, October 18-21, at Long Island's very own, Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) in Upton, NY.

 

Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), a multi-program national laboratory operated by Brookhaven Science Assoc. for the U.S. Department of Energy with its 5,000+ acres of woods, grassy fields, and an on campus pond, BNL makes the perfect backdrop for the NYSOEA conference, as STEM, Science Technology Engineering and Math, plays a large role in this year's theme: "Outdoor Education has always been green, and an effective way to teach STEM."

 

Join us for this unique opportunity to hear from three accomplished and inspiring speakers: Jaimie Cloud founder of President of the Cloud Institute for Sustainability Education, Patti Wood, co-founder & Executive Director of Grassroots Environmental Education, and Carl Safina, world renowned scientific writer and founder of the Blue Ocean Institute. 

 

For more information on this year's conference, visit www.nysoea.org and check back regularly for CONFERENCE UPDATES.  "Like" NYSOEA on Facebook, too.

 
 

October 27, 2012

9th Annual Conference of the Environmental Consortium, hosted by Marist College
[Description above.]

 

 

 


top

www.environmentalconsortium.org