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!
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Australia Declared Free of Wildfires!
In the midst of so many major global challenges this week, I have some good news to report, relatively speaking. After burning for nearly the entire last year, southeastern Australia has been declared free of wildfires! Though this news comes after nearly a year of pain and struggle, it is important for us to allow ourselves to feel a sense of relief.
Climate scientists from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute have released a study claiming Australia's intense heat waves and subsequent wildfires are far more likely to occur today compared to a hundred years ago, and they've cited climate change as the probable culprit.
These fires killed dozens of people, destroyed many structures, and killed over
1 billion of animals. As a city in a dry and fire-prone region, Durango has been fortunate enough to avoid this degree of tragedy. However, as we saw with the 416 fire, the potential for more devastating wildfires is there and likely increasing, especially if we are careless with our practices in the outdoors. As the snow melts and spring blooms, it's important for all off us to remember fire-safe and environmentally-friendly practices when the weather warms and we embark on camping, climbing, hiking, or any of the adventurous activities we love here in Durango.
Keeping this in mind, I hope you all have a fun, healthy, safe, and adventurous spring break! (I know I will! )
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Siarrah Gomez-Boyiddle
EC Media & Communications Manager
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As many of you know, FLC has released its official plan regarding COVID-19 response. Unfortunately, this has impacted many events scheduled for the weeks following spring break. There has not been a determination for events from April 6 onward, so we will continue to promote those opportunities assuming they will still be able to occur.
We will try our best to reflect updated information on events and happenings. To stay completely up to date on the status of a specific event, we recommend you visit the event's, web page, Facebook page, or reach out to the event contact directly.
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Environmental Center Happenings
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Events, programs, and ways to help make a difference!
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Tales of the Tastebuds
The Real Food Challenge Team has created "
Tales of the Tastebuds" which is to communicate, share, and inspire the FLC community through social media, napkin holders, and banners of stories and recipes. Weekly or Bi-weekly we will share a recipe and food story with the Campus. Select recipes will then be introduced to the dining hall, we want your recipes and food stories!
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The EC is seeking Leaders for our PEAK Experience - Earth In Your Hands
The Environmental Center (the EC) is looking for student leaders for our pre-campus Peak Experience – Earth In Your Hands. The program is a four-day, off-campus experience designed to introduce incoming first-year FLC students to environmental ideas and provide a strong sense of belonging. The experience will be based out of the Old Fort at Hesperus with activities and programs on site and in the surrounding area.
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Community Events and Happenings
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What's Going On at FLC and in Our Local Community
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Fantastic Fungi - Now Showing!
Fantastic Fungi is a consciousness-shifting film that takes us on an immersive journey with an underground network that can heal and save our planet. Through the eyes of renowned scientists and mycologists like Paul Stamets, best-selling authors Michael Pollan, Eugenia Bone, Andrew Weil and others, we become aware of the beauty, intelligence and solutions the fungi kingdom offer us in response to some of our most pressing medical, therapeutic, and environmental challenges.
When: March 13th - 18th
Where: Animas City Theater
Cost: $10-$11
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S.O.A.R. at the Southwest Outdoor Adventure Rendezvous
Take a break from sunscreen and join the Four Corners’ outdoor adventure community at the FLC Adventure Education Department’s regional networking event and job fair. Connect with fellow outdoor recreation industry businesses, thought leaders, and rising talent while promoting your company’s product and career opportunities. Gear demos; #vanlife exhibit; insights into Colorado’s thriving outdoor recreation economy; community connections; adventure inspiration; refreshments, and more!
When: Wednesday, April 8 from 10 AM to 3 PM
Where: FLC Student Union Ballroom
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Learn to Prune and Graft with Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project
Upcoming MORP Workshops (Saturdays from 10am to noon): Join in learning these valuable orchard skills to keep Colorado orchard country!
When:
March 14: Pruning in an historic apple orchard
March 21: Grafting at the Experimental Station in Yellow Jacket
March 28: Grafting at the Old Fort in Hesperus
April 4: Grafting at the Animas Valley Grange
Locations vary - See the
event page
for more information
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Dig Into Vegetable Gardening - Workshop!
CSU Extension is excited to announce an upcoming vegetable workshop “Dig into Vegetable Gardening”. This full day workshop, which includes lunch, will be taught by local farmers and gardening experts
When: Tuesday, March 31st from 9am-3:30pm
Where: La Plata County Fairgrounds
Cost: $25 for the while workshop plus lunch
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March Green Drinks
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.
This month's hosts are Four Core and Sustainability Alliance of SW CO!
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Jobs, Scholarships, Internships, and more!
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Durango Food Bank Seeks Volunteers
Our friends at the Durango Food Bank need some help! They are in search of Pantry Coordinator, Food Distribution, and Front Desk Volunteers.
The greatest need is for volunteers on Tuesdays and Thursdays, when they are open from 10 AM to 3 PM.
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Sustainability Programs Coordinator Position
Walking Mountains Science Center in Avon, CO is hiring a Sustainability Programs Coordinator whose primary focus will be Actively Green Sustainable Business Program. This position will also coordinate the Sustainable Film Series and provide certain marketing support of the Sustainability Programs Department.
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Us Army of Engineers is Hiring a DHA Student Trainee
This position provides training assignments which become more responsible as incumbent increases knowledge and skills through work experience and academic training. You will provide a variety of administrative duties in support of the Durango Regulatory Office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps). The Corps is responsible for administering the regulatory program with authorities for waters of the U.S. including permits, compliance, and enforcement of the Clean Water Act.
Applications due March 18, 2020
Please ensure your email has the following subject line: DHA Post-Secondary Student Trainee (Biology).
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Reform Policy in Washington, DC with Citizens Climate Lobby
Two local college students will be selected to attend CCL’s conference and lobby week in Washington DC June 6-9, 2020. The Durango Chapter of CCL will cover transportation, lodging, and provide a stipend for meals. At the conference, students will learn more about CCL and the Energy Innovation and Carbon dividend Act, plus they will learn about CCL’s lobbying methods. They will also have the opportunity to join with other CCL members to
speak to several Members of Congress about The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act H.R. 763.
Applications due March 15, 2020
Applications and instructions can be downloaded
here
.
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EC Alum, Duke Jackson, is Hiring for Sol Vista Farm
This is an awesome opportunity for anyone interested in getting some serious hands-on experience at a small farm. Duke worked in the EC's campus garden, consulted on our food forest orchard, and has honed his skills working at the Old Fort and Turtle Lake Refuge.
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Be a Ranger for San Juan Mountain Association
The San Juan Mountains Association (SJMA) is hiring a crew of wilderness rangers to work in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to educate wilderness visitors on “leave no trace” practices, conduct trail work, and monitor wilderness characteristics throughout the San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests.
Find out more details
here
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EPA Internships with Water Policy
A research opportunities in water policy and regulation currently is available in Washington, D.C. in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Water (OW), in the Immediate Office (IO) of the Assistant Administrator for Water.
Find out more details
here
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MSI is Hiring for Several Internships and Jobs
Mountain Studies Institute is a growing research and education center focused on developing science that people can use to address environmental issues facing the San Juan Mountains. They value and encourage the contributions of our employees and strive to create an environment where everyone can reach their full potential and drive outstanding results.
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National Water Resources Association Internship
The NWRA Summer Internship Program is designed to provide participants with a variety of learning experiences. The internship provides a behind-the-scenes look at NWRA’s work with the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and provides insights into government relations, communications, and nonprofit management. It contains three core components; government relations, project management, and a research project. This is a paid internship with a $5,000 stipend.
Applications due April 10, 2020.
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Paid Summer Internship - Water Audit at FLC
The Four Corners Water Center (FCWC) and the Environmental Center are looking for a student who is passionate about water conservation and interested in understanding more about how FLC uses water. This opportunity will provide a chance learn more about water consumption and building and irrigation systems, and provide experience performing a professional technical audit. Excellent professional experience for a student interested in engineering, mechanical systems, environmental science, or environmental studies.
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San Juan Soil and Water Conservation District is Hiring
This opening is for three technicians. Technicians will assist BLM Rangeland Management Specialists with resource specific monitoring within the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Farmington Field Office of Farmington, NM. Field work will include pre- and post-treatment monitoring for sagebrush thinning projects, as well as an opportunity to be involved with other assessments and project partners.
To apply, send cover letter and resume with contact information for 3 references to
For questions about the position contact Range Management Specialist Barbara Witmore at (505)490-2073 or
bwitmore@blm.gov
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Old Fort Summer 2020 Internship Applications Open
The Old Fort at Hesperus offers part-time, unpaid internships in market farming. Students gain vital skills in all aspects of sustainable small-scale agriculture. The internship is hands-on; interns participate in the daily operations of productive, fun, and fast-paced vegetable farm operation. Interns work both in the Student Farm and Farmer-In-Training plot, experiencing multiple scales of production, including high tunnel, hand-worked, and tractor-cultivated. Apply if you are curious, enthusiastic, willing, and enjoy working as part of a team!
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News and Inspiration from Our Community and Beyond
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- The Circular Economy in Three Minutes (video featured above)
- NPR Life Kit put out a super helpful guide on understanding food labels to better make informed shopping choices that help people and the planet
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STAY CONNECTED - Like and Follow the EC!
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