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
- Community and campus events, initiatives, and opportunities
- Jobs, internships, workshops and training postings
And of course, our ever-anticipated (and always thought-provoking) EC Musings.
Enjoy!
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Last week, the Environmental Center hosted the 2nd Annual Climate Change Solutions event featuring national experts who spoke on the social science regarding a changing climate. Why spend an evening talking of societal change rather than technological or ecological solutions? Despite near-consensus by global climate experts on human-caused climate change, we've found ourselves pitted in division against our fellow citizens; we've cherry-picked fact to support long-held beliefs, resulting in polarization and locked horns. Dr. Katharine Hayhoe's solution: find common ground based on values. We can connect on that which lives in shared experience.
And boy, have the folks of Southwest Colorado shared some this year!
During the past 12 months, we've experienced
a period of exceptional drought
. We saw the effects of low moisture play out in the 416 and Burro Fires. The rains and subsequent ash deposits resulted in a loss of river health and both native and stocked fish in the Animas. Regional reservoirs are sitting well below average. Durango's last frost date came in early May, and the irrigation call for many farmers in the area came in early August, a month before (what we used to consider) normal. Both the San Juan National Forest and Durango-Silverton Narrow-Gauge railroad were temporarily shut down. Our livelihoods and the ways we commune in the landscape suffered.
As I'm writing this note on Thursday afternoon, Fort Lewis College Environmental Center students are sitting down to a harvest celebration meal featuring produce from our on-campus garden and fruit gleaned from local orchards. We're reflecting on a season of hard work and common experience.
When you find yourself gathered in community this season, I hope you'll find some reason to connect with those seated across from you at the table. Note the abundance of local apples- a result, in part, of that last frost which came so early this year. Celebrate
the return of moisture to the area,
and the opening of Wolf Creek, and soon, Purgatory and Silverton Mountain ski areas. Invest in your
local economy
. Remember, we share so much beauty; this area is precious to all. Take a breath, grab the hand of the neighbor on either side and dig your heels in for the long, uphill road ahead.
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Sadie Magnifico, EC Assistant Coordinator
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Environmental Center Happenings
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Don't Miss our FREE Showing of Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution
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Filmmaker James Redford embarks on a colorful personal journey into the dawn of the clean energy era as it creates jobs, turns profits, and makes communities stronger and healthier across the US. Unlikely entrepreneurs in communities from Georgetown, TX to Buffalo, NY reveal pioneering clean energy solutions while James’ discovery of how clean energy works, and what it means at a personal level, becomes the audiences’ discovery too. Reaching well beyond a great story of technology and innovation, “Happening” explores issues of human resilience, social justice, embracing the future, and finding hope for our survival.
When: Thursday, Nov. 15th, 6:30-8:30 PM
Where: Vallecito Room at FLC
Cost: FREE!
Check out more info at our FB event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/643716826022742/
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Check out the Free Store
Get some free stuff! And donate your old stuff while you're at it. Be thrifty and keep usable goods out the landfill by visiting our Free Store.
When:
Thursdays 12 PM- 2 PM
Where:
The Student Union quad or lobby
Cost:
Free! But we do auction some items off to help support the EC and Free Store efforts.
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EC in the News: "Time's Up" Coverage on Climate Change Solutions Event
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Sign-Up for City Market Rewards. It's as Easy as 1,2,3!
Available for anyone with a City Market Rewards Card
- Go to http://www.citymarketcommunityrewards.com and login (or create an account if you haven’t already).
- Once logged in go to the “Community Rewards” section under My Account
- Enroll in supporting the Fort Lewis College Environmental center (organization AJ646)
- Shop at City Market, use your standard rewards ID, and a the EC will receive a donation from City Market at no charge to you!
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Join Our 2:30 Wednesday Meeting!
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Are you interested in the environment, but busy with a million other things? Want to help with the Free Store but not every week? Well, we have just the thing for you!
This year, we kick off our
EC Volunteer Force
, our new way of connecting you, our beautiful and passionate environmental friends, with a space to help your ideas come to life.
Join our weekly meetings on Wednesday afternoons from 2:30-3:30 PM!
Until then, stop in our office and say hi! We'd love to learn more about you and what you're interested in!
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Community Events and Opportunities
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Local
Events and Happenings in our Local Community
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Snag a Fresh Coupon Book on Nov. 28th
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Save the date! The 11th Be Local Coupon Book release party is coming up! Come pick up your new book for some amazing deals in 2019, vote on your favorite photo, drink and eat with local business owners and friends, live music, and more!
When:
Wed. Nov 28th, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Where:
Derailed Pour House
The EC will not be selling coupon books this year, but we're already trying to decide where we'll snag a few!
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Come on down to the last Green Drinks of 2018 and hear what the Wilderness Society is all about!
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Opportunities
Jobs, Scholarships, Internships, and more!
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Executive Director Position Open at the Garden Project
This position provides overall leadership of the organization, including financial, strategic, and operational responsibilities. The Director maintains and develops partnerships and fundraising opportunities, supports program development, and ensures continued fulfillment of the organization’s mission and strategic goals . . . find more information and apply at:
https://bit.ly/2PfYMD7
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Education Garden Jobs Available at the Old Fort
Interested in growing local food? We're seeking two work study students to work in the Education Garden at the Old Fort. Part of the Old Fort's Sustainable Agriculture program, the Education Garden produces food year-round for the campus community and beyond using two large high tunnels. You can get your hands in the dirt even when it's snowing outside! Students learn the basics of garden bed preparation, harvest and processing, cover cropping, irrigation, and more. Fall Semester work study focuses on preparing the garden for winter, processing storage crops like carrots and potatoes, assisting at campus Farm Stands, and more. Spring Semester work study includes sowing seeds, harvesting greens, and also assisting at Farm Stands.
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Gates Family Foundation Hiring for Entry-Level Position!
The Gates Family Foundation is seeking to hire a new Program Associate (entry-level) or Program Officer (for more experienced candidates) to support the Natural Resources and Community Development team. Qualified applicants should submit a letter of interest and resume no later than November 2. Details are at link below.
This position is based in the Foundation’s Denver, Colorado office. Compensation is commensurate with experience. The Foundation also offers excellent benefits and a flexible work environment.
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Regional & Beyond
Further Resources and Opportunities
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Webinar Recording: The Developing El Niño and the On-going Drought in the Southwest
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Check out this great webinar on drought in the southwest from Oct. 24th, hosted by the National Integrated Drought Information System.
This webinar provided an El Niño overview and share up-to-date information on the drought, its impacts, and how El Niño may influence temperature and precipitation in the region, which includes portions of Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. The webinar series is a collaboration of NOAA/NIDIS, NWS, USDA, state climatologists, universities and other drought experts.
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Join the BFR Team and Have the Coolest Job EVER
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Boulder Food Rescue is hiring a full time Logistics Director to work with their team to support the every day logistics and maintenance of their Food Redistribution Program.
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Low Income Solar Opportunities!
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STAY CONNECTED - Like and Follow the EC!
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