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:

And of course, our ever-anticipated (and always thought-provoking) EC Musings.

Enjoy!

As another semester has almost passed, another period of reflection is upon the Environmental Center Staff. The end of the semester always comes as a time to regroup, re-evaluate, and revisit expectations and goals. It's also a time to celebrate our accomplishments, but realign and tweak our work to improve for the future. This year, I'm most proud of the Center's undertaking of adding two entirely new initiatives. We knew it was a lot to take on at once and we definitely met obstacles along the way, but all-in-all I'm so thankful to work alongside a staff who deemed the challenge worth it.

With the creation of the Good Food Collective partner initiative and the Outreach team, creating new relationships and connections was the name of the game. While the GFC team was out harvesting produce and organizing community volunteers, the Outreach team gathered groups of students together for fellowship and brainstorming.

It was a season of new things for us; we even welcomed a brand new Assistant Coordinator, Sadie, onto the team, who is absolutely amazing, by the way.

In an Outreach meeting this week, we discussed the many trials, hiccups, and oversights we experienced in starting something off the ground from scratch. However, we also talked about how necessary these experiences were to our learning. Next semester, we hope to continue this spirit of continued education throughout our work. Although things may not feel as new in a few months, we're still ready to take on the challenge, one volunteer and connection at a time.

Sincerely,

Anna Thorne, EC Media & Communication Manager and Journalism student

Check out This Awesome Compost Video Made by EC Staff for a Class Project!

Click on the photo below to view on our Facebook page.

Save Time and Support Your Community . . .

Treat your friends and family to local, delicious and ‘rescued’ apple treats this holiday season.

The Good Food Collective, Chef Linda Illsley and Manna Soup Kitchen have teamed up to harvest, press, and chef, fresh-pressed mulled apple cider, and spiced apple pie filling. Pie filling and cider have been frozen for your storage and travel convenience.

Place your orders here and find more out about our Holiday Sale here!

Durango Wolf Symposium

Hear from 10 expert speakers on living and ranching with wolves, the history and future of wolf recovery, wolf restoration, perspectives on management, and much more!

When: 2 sessions; Morning speakers 8:30 AM - 12 PM, Afternoon speakers 1-4:30 PM and panel from 7-9 PM

Where: Student Life Center Gymnasium

Cost: Free entry, come and go as you please

Click the event poster to the left to learn more and even RSVP!

New Community Advisory Group Formed: Apply Today!

San Juan Citizens Alliance is excited to announce the formation of an official Community Advisory Group, or CAG, for the Bonita Peak Mining District Superfund site! In the coming years, federal and state entities will continue to study the impacts of historic mining at the site and make important decisions regarding the long-term clean up of the Animas River's headwaters.

Interested in joining the Community Advisory Board? Apply at: https://bit.ly/2TT5Rs1

Come on down to the last Green Drinks of 2018 and hear what the Wilderness Society is all about!

Don't Miss the Last Seasonal Market of the Year!

Head out to the Fairgrounds next Saturday to pick up all kinds of holiday goodies to make your season brighter, Olde English Style.

When: Sat, Dec. 8th from 9 AM - 2 PM

Where: La Plata County Fairgrounds

Cost: Entry is free, booths to sell items

Visit the link below for more information:

https://www.facebook.com/durangofarmersmarket/posts/2061365467256919

Internship Opportunity with Environment Colorado

Do you want to make a difference on the most important environmental and public interest issues today? Work with  Environment Colorado  and help them combat climate change, protect our open spaces, and urge our state officials to act on climate! They are a citizen-based environmental advocacy organization that works to protect our land, water, and air by working on the ground in communities across Colorado to make change. Right now, they are  recruiting interns  to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Colorado by adopting zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) standards while also calling on our congressional delegation to act on climate change.

If you can see yourself joining a statewide team that is fighting to protect Colorado’s public lands, water, and air,  apply online here  by Dec. 17th , and they will contact you to set up an interview. The time commitment is about 7-10 hours a week and the position in unpaid, but qualifies for many class credit educational programs.

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

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.

To apply and view the posting, go to to Skyhawks Job Source . Applicants must have reliable access to a car. Pay is $12/hour. Please contact us with any questions! [email protected] . 

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.

Apply here! https://bit.ly/2O4w6HO