January 31, 2020
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!
Staying Committed While Having Fun

Durango's annual Winter Snowdown celebration is rockin' and rollin'. It's such a fun celebration that gets people out of the Winter Blues and supports local businesses! In these instances I always think about how I could come prepared, and keep a tight grip on my personal sustainable practices. Here are a few suggestions if you'd like to keep a grip on yours too!

  • Instead of buying a new costume online, wear what you already own, or get things second hand!
  • Bring your own utensils/straw
  • Carry a reusable water bottle
  • Use public transportation or carpool - the City of Durango has partnered with Snowdown to offer free transit rides January 31!

Also, if you have the opportunity to catch the Snowdown parade, be sure to cheer on the float created by our Energy Impact Team! The theme for the float is Bob Dylans "The Times are Changing!"






Siarrah Gomez-Boyiddle
EC Communication Manager
Environmental Center Happenings
Events, programs, and ways to help make a difference!
Come Cheer On Our Snowdown Float!

Ellis McNichol and some dedicated EC team members have been super hard at work putting together a Snowdown Float with Animas High School's Interact Club and some amazing community volunteers. "The Times Are Changing" and it's up to us to keep things headed in the right direction!

Thank you to our float sponsors: Living Solar, Turtle Lake Refuge, and Tech-Nichol!

For more information about the parade can be found on the Snowdown Website .
FLC Board of Trustees Unanimously Passes Environmental, Social, Governance Investment Rule!

With this rule, FLC's investments must be reviewed for environmental, social, and governance factors, such as climate impacts, clean technology and pollution, water use and conservation, human rights, community development. Major props to Jazzmin Matchette, student coordinator of the Energy Impact Team, for her work keeping this issue at the forefront. And a big thank you to the Board of Trustees for being so open to our students' concerns for the future!

Read more at the Durango Herald and on FLC's News & Events page .
Community Events and Happenings
What's Going On at FLC and in Our Local Community
Sustainability Initiative Grant Now Accepting Applications

Do you have an idea that could help make FLC more sustainable? Make it happen by applying for the Sustainability Initiative Grant! This grant, hosted by the Campus Sustainability Council, awards up to $6,000 toward innovative and impactful projects to make FLC more environmentally sustainable.

Although the total amount available is $6,000, projects in the range of $500-$2,000 are strongly encouraged so that we can make multiple awards, and share the love!

Applications are due Tuesday, Feb. 25 by 5 PM. For more details and to find an application visit SIG web page
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

For more information and ticket sales visit www.durangoccl.org
Shout Out to Colorado College for Achieving Carbon Neutrality!

CC is now the first higher education institution to reach this important milestone in the Rocky Mountain region, and the eighth higher education institution to become carbon neutral in the United States. Becoming carbon neutral is no easy feat. To reach this accomplishment, Colorado College worked and several simultaneous initiatives including a key coordination with Colorado Springs Utilities.

Fort Lewis College is well on it's way to carbon neutrality, with our calculated emissions down 58% from our 2011 baseline year thanks to energy conservation projects and a commitment to renewable energy credits. We're excited to catch CC soon!

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!

For more information contact Marissa at services@mannasoupkitchen.com or
970-385-5095, ext. 3
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. 

Sign up through Defenders of Wildlife .
Old Fort Winter Workdays

It's time to start the seeds of the 2020 growing season at the Old Fort, and it's more fun to do it together. We're putting the call out monthly for high tunnel work days. You'll learn the basics of preparing beds, sowing seeds, setting up irrigation - whatever we're working on that day! And you can get your hands in the dirt and be around seedlings long before the snow melts. 

Contact Elicia at ewwhittlesey@fortlewis.edu for dates and more information.
Durango Natural Foods Has Great Co-Op Deals

It's a common myth that local and organic food hast to be expensive. Check-out DNF for some awesome deals on delicious food - the closest grocery store to FLC just at the bottom of the 8th Ave. Front Hill!

This week's deals include Desert Sun Coffee, True Story Black Forest Ham, Fresh Ground Almond Butter, and much, much more!

Check out the DNF Website for more information and member benefits!
Opportunities
Jobs, Scholarships, Internships, and more!
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 15th. Applications and instructions can be downloaded here .
The Old Fort Spring Farmer Training Immersion Program
 
The Old Fort is opening this program available to specialty crop producers who wish to take one, two, three or all fifteen sessions. They are accepting a limited number of outside farmers who would benefit from this information about developing a specialty crop business at high elevation focusing on vegetables and flowers.

The classes begin on February 14-15th and meet once a month on Friday (all day) and the following Saturday morning. Sessions are $20 each which includes nightly handouts or $250 for the entire series which includes printed CAFSS curriculum, supplemental books and nightly handouts.

Registration at www.tinyurl.com/oldfortmarketplace or email Beth LaShell with any questions, LASHELL_B@fortlewis.edu
The Haskell Environmental Research Studies (HERS) Institute is Summer Internship

The HERS program is aimed at preparing American Indian/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian undergraduate students for graduate study by assisting them to create a research project related to climate and environmental change in Indigenous communities. Native students eligible to enroll in tribal colleges are encouraged to apply. During the HERS program, interns receive instruction and exposure to: GIS training, graduate-level writing curriculum, introductory environmental assessment, introduction to Indigenous methodologies, professional development training, and preparation for applying to graduate school. Interns research a self-selected topic related to climate and environmental change and its effects on Indigenous communities.

The internship includes a $4,000 stipend and additional financial support for housing, meals, travel and work equipment.

Applications due March 6, 2020 . Information and applications can be found at the HERS Instituted Website .
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.

For more information and to apply, check out the MSI job postings .
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 on 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.

Get more information and apply by contacting Duke at dvjackson11@gmail.com
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!
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. 

Register online through the San Juan College website or by phone 505 566-3214.
Course ID CHOHO 283.
What We're Diggin'
News and Inspiration from Our Community and Beyond
  • Steve Trash! Is he the new Bill Nye for the next generation? Known as being a Rockin’ Eco Hero AND a comedian. Find tour dates and a bio here.


Environmental Center | Fort Lewis College | 970-247-7676 | envcenter@fortlewis.edu