Welcome to the Environmental Center (EC) Digest!
Every two weeks, this little gem of digital media arrives in your inbox full of all things environmental, sustainable, socially responsible, and just plain "green".
Scroll down to check out:
- Environmental Center happenings and chances to get involved
- Community and campus events, initiatives, and opportunities
- Jobs, internships, workshops, and trainings
And of course, our thought-provoking opening thoughts from EC students and staff. Enjoy!
|
|
We Can't Do It All . . . Alone
One of the most enjoyable and most challenging parts of putting together the EC Digest is reading about all the amazing environmental work and happenings from so many great organizations throughout our community. It's probably obvious why that's enjoyable, but you may wonder: why would it be challenging? Well, because there's too much for any one person to do it all! As I read through and compile information from newsletters and direct correspondence, I find myself wishing I could attend all the events, watch all the films, apply for all the opportunities, and learn from all the workshops. But alas, I'm only one person.
I do, however, have a saving grace to this predicament. By putting together this newsletter, and through so much other work we do at the EC, I know that others are getting a chance to connect with all this great stuff. The start of each semester holds such a buzz of positive energy, a time to try something new. And since the start of spring semester is also the start of a new calendar year (and in this case, decade) this feeling is especially vibrant. So tap into that energy and find something that makes you feel good about making the world a better place.
In the face of challenges big and small, I hope you all have a wonderful year.
|
|
Marty Pool
EC Coordinator
|
|
Environmental Center Happenings
|
|
Events, programs, and ways to help make a difference!
|
|
Last Chance to Apply for the EC Team for Spring 2020!
At the EC you'll learn learn this skills and gain the experience it takes to make a positive difference in the world! Students who work with us gain valuable experience in how to create environmental and social change. We are looking for passionate individuals excited to gain professional skills, develop their personal change-making ethic, and be part of our amazing team!
Students who work as Team Members at the EC commit to working around 5-10 hours per week. Students who qualify for Work Study can use their EC Team Member position to count as paid Work Study hours since the work we do positively contributes to our campus.
Applications due by 11:59 PM, Thursday, Jan 16.
|
|
The EC is Here for YOU!
We pride ourselves in being a campus and community resource that fosters engagement and grows connections.
FLC students - in addition to joining our team, you can always use our center to find out about a ton of other amazing groups and organizations, both on campus and off.
Community members - want to reach FLC students? We're a great place to start! Let us know about all the events, volunteer needs, or other opportunities you have going on.
FLC staff and faculty - reach out to see how we can collaborate with your class or programming in mutually beneficial ways
For more information about what we can offer you, feel free to
contact us
.
|
|
Celebrating the EC's Missionary Ridge Restoration Work with MSI
Last semester, the Environmental Center's fall retreat coincided with National Public Lands Day. To do our part, we teamed up with MSI and San Juan National Forrest to plant spruce saplings as part of a reforestation project on Missionary Ridge.
|
|
The EC's Energy Impact Team is Hosting a Snowdown Float - Come Be a Part of the Fun!
"Oh The Times, They Are Changing!" is the theme of our float. Be a part of sharing this important message on tackling the environmental and climate changes and challenges of our time! We are looking for folks interested in helping craft and build, helping design costumes, and helping shape our performance!
The next workday is this Saturday, Jan. 18 from 2-5 PM at Animas High - be there!
|
|
Community Events and Happenings
|
|
What's Going On at FLC and in Our Local Community
|
|
Pricing Carbon Emissions: Why and How
Many consider a fee on carbon pollution to be the best first step for addressing climate change. Interested in learning more about carbon pricing and how works? Join John Purser and local advocate Susan Atkinson for this informative talk hosted through the Life Long Lecture series to better understand the promise and challenges of this issue.
When: Thursday, Jan. 23 from 7 to 8:30 PM
Where: Fort Lewis College, Nobel Hall room 130
Cost: Free!
|
|
Mana Soup Kitchen Hosting SNAP Office Hours at FLC
Did you know that students are eligible for SNAP? SNAP is a federal nutrition program that helps you stretch your food budget and makes it easy to buy groceries and locally grown veggies. College students often have tight grocery budgets, so this program supplies a monthly stipend for food, so you can stretch your budget elsewhere. If accepted, the monthly stipend will be distributed on a debit card to use at grocery stores, farmers markets, co-ops, and our very own Old Fort Farm Stand.
When: Tuesdays, from 1-3 PM, starting Jan 14 through Feb 25
Where: Fort Lewis College, Student Union room 112 (Cascade Room)
Cost: Free!
970-385-5095, ext. 3
|
|
Wild & Scenic Film Festival with Citizen's Climate Lobby
CCL is a steadfastly non- partisan and committed to finding bi-partisan solutions for the most pressing matter of our time, climate change. Each year, the local Durango chapter funds a Student Mentors Scholarship Program to give Fort Lewis College students the opportunity to learn about the intricacies of climate change policy and the workings of government.
To help raise funds for this program, CCL is once again hosting the Wild and Scenic Film Festival! Come enjoy a roster of films that celebrate nature, inspire activism, and raise awareness about climate change.
When: Sunday, Feb 9, 2020. Afternoon show: 1-3:30 PM; Evening show: 4:30-7:30 PM
Where: Durango Arts Center, 802 E. 2nd Ave. Durango
Cost: Afternoon show: $12.00/ $5.00-student; Evening Show: $15.00/ $7.00-student
|
|
What Does It Take to Kayak the Grand Canyon Blind?
Join Fort Lewis College in welcoming Erik Weihenmayer for the screening of
The Weight of Water. This film showcases Erik's journey as the first blind man to kayak the Grand Canyon. Erik is one of the most inspiring, engaging, and sought after speakers in the world. Erik's essential messaging focuses on harnessing the power of adversity, developing a guiding vision and building a strong "rope-team."
There will be free food and a free copy of his book for the first 100 students who come.
When: Thursday, Jan 23 at 6:30 PM
Where: Fort Lewis College, Student Union Ballroom
Cost: Free!
|
|
Join FLC's Student Water Group - H2Org! - for a Screening of River of Sorrow
Bring yourself and your friends to enjoy
River of Sorrow, a 40 minute documentary on the Dolores River. Learn about the lasting impact of one of the West's last large dam projects. Hear the perspectives of those involved with the river to understand the vast array of private and public interest in water.
We will have popcorn and snacks and welcome anyone and everyone. This H2Org! spring kickoff meeting welcomes new and old members into the spring semester!
When: Monday, Jan 20 at 4:30 PM
Where: Fort Lewis College, Noble Hall room 130
Cost: Free!
|
|
The Good Food Collective, Fenceline Cider and Outlier Farm Present: Spudfest!
Mark your calendars for a free, kid-friendly event with a ton of fun potato-centric activities, community resource booths, healthy potato meal samples, and lots of other activities! This festival celebrates our inaugural Potatoes to the People project as well as all of the community work bringing people together with local produce.
When: Saturday, Jan 25 from 3-5 PM
Where: The Sharehouse, 30 N Beech Sreet, Cortez
Cost: Free!
|
|
La Plata Open Space Conservancy is Hosting Their Annual Silent Auction
La Plata Open Space Conservancy's mission is to permanently protect open lands that have significant agricultural, wildlife habitat, open space, recreational and/or historical/archaeological resources for the benefit of the community and the general public. Their annual Colorado Craft Spirits for Conservation Spirits and Wine Tasting Party with Silent Auction is quickly approaching, and they can't wait to see you at Mutu's in Durango on January 30!
|
|
Defenders of Wildlife is Recruiting Volunteers
The group is looking for passionate volunteers to help educate voters on the importance of wolf recovery in Colorado through community tabling events, communicating with local elected officials, and writing Letters to the Editor.
|
|
January Green Drinks at Carver Brewing
Green Drinks is a monthly get together that's all about creating a well-connected community around all things environmental and "green". It takes place from 5 to 6:45 PM on the last Thursday of every month at Carver Brewing Company. But January is one week early on the 24th due to Snowdown.
To kick off the year, January Green Drinks is featuring a round-robin of all the associated hosting organizations - come learn a little about a lot of different groups!
|
|
Jobs, Scholarships, Internships, and more!
|
|
Interested in Sustainable Agriculture? The Old Fort is Accepting Applications for Multiple Positions
Education Garden Manager - Applications due by January 12, 2020. Position open until filled.
The Education Garden Manager tends a ½ acre garden and two high tunnels using hand tools and small equipment and manages summer interns from Fort Lewis College. A key part of the Sustainable Agriculture program, the Education Garden Manager is responsible for managing year-round vegetable production and educational programming, along with other staff.
For more information and application instructions, please see the
full job posting
.
Farmer In Training (FIT) - Apply as soon as possible, positions open until filled.
FITs join monthly two-day Spring Farmer Training Intensive in February, March, April, and May. Then, from May through mid-October, FITs work 3-5 days per week co-managing a 1 acre plot under the supervision of the Program Manager. The season’s experiences will range from harvesting greens to fixing drip irrigation, from planting peppers to packing CSA bags, from managing farmer’s market stands to estimating crop yields.
Spring Internships - Apply as soon as possible, positions open until filled.
In this unpaid sustainable agriculture internship program, students gain skills in all aspects of small-scale agriculture, from drip irrigation to harvesting and marketing, and gain exposure to some aspects of raising cattle, managing hayfields, and staffing a large property. The internship is hands-on; interns participate in the daily operations of a productive, fun, and fast-paced vegetable garden.
|
|
Several Job and Internship Opportunities at Two Major Colorado Environmental Political Non-Profits
Conservation Colorado works protect Colorado’s climate, air, land, water, and communities through organizing, advocacy, and elections.
Western Resource Advocates protects the West’s land, air and water to ensure that vibrant communities exist in balance with nature. Check out their websites to learn more about their current opportunities!
|
|
MSI is Hiring an Education and Innovation Center Coordinator
This 1-year AmeriCorps VISTA position will help develop the Silverton Innovation Center to enable innovators, researchers, and students to work in the realm of legacy mine impacted communities. The innovation center will provide a means to innovate technologies in the harsh, alpine environment surrounding legacy mines in the San Juan Mountains.
|
|
Build Your Resume with a Great Experience - Apply to be a Community Volunteer Ambassador for the NPS
Choose from over 50 National Park Service Sites! Get hands-on training, professional development, and non-competitive hiring status for federal jobs. Paid plus health insurance!
|
|
Backyard Conservation Workshops with San Juan College
Develop and improve your conservation practices to bring beauty and diversity to your yard, whether it is measured acres, feet or flower pots. Workshops are offered monthly and can be taken individually for $10 each or sign up for all 6 for $60. Jan 25 is Advanced Tree Planting and Care (free trees); Feb 29 is Advanced Soil Health (free soil test); and more throughout the spring! Each class is 9 AM to noon, Saturdays. SJC Room 1925.
Course ID CHOHO 283.
|
|
News and Inspiration from Our Community and Beyond
|
|
STAY CONNECTED - Like and Follow the EC!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
