This week saw the tragic passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Her fight to support women's rights helped shape and protect the role of women at work, in school, and in the community. It's scary to think that if we didn't have these protections in place, perhaps my favorite professors and mentors may not hold the important positions they do today. The opportunity for me to work in the environmental field--or any field--would be restricted, solely because of my gender. Decades ago a young Ginsburg and other female students were asked, "Why are you here at Harvard Law, taking the place of a man?" Today the rationale of this line of questioning is totally absurd. She helped change this attitude not only in the legal field, but in people both male and female across every profession.

Justice Ginsburg fight and our work at the Environmental Center may seem completely separate, but they are more closely linked than you think. Women have been some of the most consequential leaders of the environmental movement: Jane Goodall, Rachel Carson, Winona LaDuke, Regina McCarthy, Hunter Lovins, Sally Jewell, and so many more. As I think about the Environmental Center's commitment to an environmentally and socially responsible world, the legacy of Justice Ginsburg is a reminder that social justice is connected to environmental sustainability. Her legacy, to me, is an inspiration to honor the opportunities to stand by my companions of all genders and contribute meaningfully to this world. Opportunities that nobody can take away from me because I am a woman.

The Good Food Collective will talk about their engagement with our regional food systems while the EC will discuss their commitment to an environmentally and socially responsible world created with students, campus, and the community. Grab a drink and prepare to be inspired!

You can find zoom details on Durango Green Drinks event page

Get your hands dirty and join us for a Garden Workdays. All students welcome! No need to RSVP - just show up. Wear a mask and dress for the weather. Water, closed-toed shoes, and your own personal gardening gloves are always a good idea!

When: Thursdays from 1-2 PM

Where: The EC Campus Garden (in the parking lot behind Center for Southwest Studies, across the street from Smith Sports Complex)

For more information email Sadie at srmagnifico@fortlewis.edu.

The Animas Valley Grange (7271 County Road 203) is offering use of their apple press to individuals, and other self-isolated small groups on Saturday, September 26 from 1 to 5 pm. The press is usually rented out for $50 a day but will be free for the day! BYOA (bring your own apples) and a mask. Croquet games will be set up in the north yard for people to pass the time

The US Forrest Service along with National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) have put together a great tool to find available projects in our area. Just visit the NPLD project locator and see what projects are going on around you! Many available this weekend!

Durango Farmers Market is opening for the season, with all the necessary measures in place to keep you healthy! Farmers and ranchers are working hard to bring you local food! Come to the market and shop for your healthy local food to enjoy immediately or to preserve for our winter months.

Remember, Durango Farmers Market participates in SNAP food assistance Double Up Food Bucks. We can turn $20 of your SNAP funds into $40 of vouchers for food!

Se habla Español!

When: Saturday mornings from 8 AM to 12 NOON (through October 31, opening time changes to 9 AM for October)

Where: TBK Bank parking lot (across from the Durango Transit Center)

For more information and updates, visit the Durango Farmers Market website.

Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) is working to help the Forest Service (FS) and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) record observations of bighorn sheep in all of Colorado with a focus on the Weminuche Wilderness and surrounding San Juan Mountains and most critically in or near any domestic sheep grazing allotments. They are looking for citizen scientists to help make observations of wild bighorn and domestic sheep while recreating out in the mountains.

For more information or to get involved visit the MSI website.

Hey there campus and community organizations! We pride the EC Digest in being an excellent resource for students and community members looking for jobs, internships, and other opportunities in this field. We believe in the power of strong social networks to share this important information.

Know of an opportunity? Be sure to email it to the EC Coordinator, Marty Pool at mlpool@fortlewis.edu