Hello and 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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On Saturday, March 5th, Environmental Center student staff went to Mancos, Colorado for our spring retreat. Each semester's retreat is a little different, but all include service projects, workshops and reflection.
The students participated in a "teambuilding exercise" created by leadership professionals. This exercise required a group to plot an escape from an earthquake-damaged building. It was designed to cause tension, stress, and competition. Instead, I witnessed groups of students calmly working through their escape plan, all while being inclusive, creative, and non-competitive. This cooperative and successful outcome was not what I had planned, but perhaps the leadership professionals and I should be giving this rising generation of change-makers more credit!
In the afternoon, we visited Outlier Farm, owned by Max Kirks, who runs the vegetable and orchard operation with his partner, Megan Davey. Max has been farming for 8 years, but as a student he worked for the Environmental Center running the compost operation. Despite chilly weather, our mud-caked tour of the farm quickly became an impassioned conversation between the former and current students. Max honestly shared his struggles and successes in attempting to live a life that aligns with his values. Students were curious about his operation, his philosophies, and how they could get their own hands dirty come summertime! Behind each query was a deeper internal question- how can they make a difference in the world, using their own strengths and passions towards the causes that are most important to each?
Even if they are not yet sure of how, I believe that each EC student will make a positive change in the world, because they are committed to navigating the world with kindness. Despite the darkness of the current times, I believe that the future is bright, with people like Max and the current EC students at the helm.
On paper, these retreats are created for the benefit of the students. In reality, they serve as a way for me to selfishly refill my own cup for change-making environmental work, because I get to spend a day with humans who are unjaded, intelligent, and most-importantly, kind. Each retreat reminds me once again why I love this work so much. I left feeling hopeful, and I hope you do, too! The evidence is clear- Environmental Center students make a difference.
Sadie Magnifico
Coordinator, Fort Lewis College Environmental Center
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Environmental Center Happenings |
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Events, programs, and ways to help make a difference! |
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Sustainable Menstruation Workshop
Students! Come talk sustainable periods with us in the Student Senate Chambers on March 31, 11 AM-2 PM. Drop in to this workshop and learn about reusable menstrual products, and take free product home from Diva Cup, OrganiCup, Period Co., PINK, Knix, WeFill, and more! Save money and reduce waste!
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Spring Gathering: Soulful Soils |
Students- Join us for an evening of student community announcements, potluck dishes (BYO), and a soil painting session using compost from FLC and local soils!
March 29, 5:30-7:30, at the Environmental Center
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We Want Your Input on Sustainable Campus Dining Options! |
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Help us decide what tree we plant on campus this semester! |
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Spring Cleaning?
The Environmental Center's Free Store is always accepting donations! Adult clothing, housewares, school supplies, or anything that seems appropriate for our campus community is greatly appreciated. Drop off clean donations at the Environmental Center, Monday-Friday, between 9 AM and 5 PM.
Students- our free store is open Wednesdays from 11-1 in the Student Union Lobby.
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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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AG Welding Workshop
CSU Extension and the PCC-SW Ag Program are partnering to offer a 4-day workshop to learn or improve your welding skills for your farm or ranch. It will be held every Tuesday in April from 3:00-5:30 pm on the PCC Mancos campus. This is offered for the first 20 people who sign up; there is a limited capacity so everyone can receive proper support and training.
For more information or to sign up click here
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Ski with Smokey at Wolf Creek |
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Smokey Bear is trading his shovel for skis for a few days at Wolf Creek Ski Area. Come join Smokey and the Rio Grande National Forest for a run on March 17th, 22nd, and 24th to learn about the forest. Smokey will be skiing around the Lynx and Nova areas. |
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Backyard Conservation Workshop Series
Saturday, March 26:
Advanced Soil Health.
Click here to RSVP or find out more. |
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SW Water Seminar
The Southwestern Water Conservation District’s 38th Southwest Water Seminar is on April 1st at the Double Tree Hotel. This is a great opportunity to interact with other individuals who are passionate about water resources and to hear expert speakers from around the state and region. Register today or check out more information here
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Green Drinks
Join us on the last Thursday of every month from 5-7pm at 11th Street Station! 4Core and the City of Durango are hosting on March 31st.
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Summer Short Courses at the Old Fort
Want to learn about farming but have other commitments? Join a summer short course! Seven-week classes meet every week for two hours in the new yurt at the Old Fort. Email ewwhittlesey@fortlewis.edu for more information or to sign up. |
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CSA Open for Signups!
The Old Fort’s Community Supported Agriculture is returning for its eighth season! To learn more or to sign up for a CSA share, visit:
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Living with Wolves
Join the Sierra Club on Friday, March 25, 6-8 PM for a discussion with Michael Robinson. Return of the Wolf to the Rockies: Will science or politics shape the homecoming of Canis lupus?
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Jobs, Scholarships, Internships, and more! |
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Job Opportunity at Montezuma Land Conservancy
This position as a Community Programs Assistant will work closely with Jay Loschert (Outreach and Education Coordinator) at Fozzie’s Farm to deliver education programs and to help manage the farm. This is a full-time, seasonal (April-October) position that offers $21.50/hour, paid holidays, and vacation time. We will be accepting applications through March 18. The full position description and instructions for applying are attached here and can now be found on the MLC website: https://montezumaland.org/. Anyone with questions can email Jay Loschert directly at jayloschert@gmail.com |
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Natural Resource Internship with ERO Resources |
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ERO Resources is looking to hire a natural resource intern for their Durango office. The internship is from early April until the end of September 2022, and you will gain experience in the environmental consulting industry and exposure to environmental regulations, permit applications, and document preparation. The deadline for applying is March 20. More information here. |
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Rachel Carson Council Fellowship Program |
The RFC Fellowship Program will select 25 environmental leaders from colleges and universities across the nation. To apply to the program, students propose their own projects that are focused on sustainability and environmental justice to be carried out on their campuses and in their communities. The application deadline for academic year 2022-2023 is April 1st.
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SCC is Looking for Leaders!
Southwest Conservation Corps is looking for Youth Crew Leaders and Crew Leaders in development. The Youth Crew Leader position is for folks with experience in outdoor leadership, education, conservation, and working with youth. Visit www.SCCYOUTHPROGRAMS.org for applications and more information. |
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Training and Data Specialist at Conservation Legacy
Conservation Legacy is looking to hire recent graduates to be a DEI-Specific Training and Data Specialist. To anyone who’s interested, reach out to Shirena Trujillo Long at strujillolong@conservationlegacy.org
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Host or Sponsor 4CORE Earth Day Event
4CORE is hosting an Earth Day Event on Saturday April 23rd!
They have opportunities for sponsors for the event and are looking for organizations or projects addressing the climate crisis to showcase their climate solutions. If you would like to be a sponsor with 4CORE, they will feature you across all social media and advertising. They have a limited amount of spaces for booths- first come, first serve. Contact Laurie, laurie@fourcore.org by 4/8/22 to reserve a booth or for more information. |
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HAF is Hiring at Columbine Ranger District
The Hispanic Access Foundation is looking to fill a Recreation Special Uses Resource Assistant (RA) position to assist the Columbine Ranger District with administering and monitoring the outfitter guide program and recreational events held on the district. Applications are due March 31.
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Mountain Studies Institute is Hiring
Mountain Studies Institute is currently looking for three great people to add to our team and senior leadership. The open positions are: Finance and Operations Director, Development and Engagement Director, and Accountant/Bookkeeper. Information can be found here, including full job descriptions: https://www.mountainstudies.org/careers
MSI is accepting electronic applications at apply@mountainstudies.org, and priority consideration will be given to applications received by March 27th for all three positions.
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Climate Action Intern Position
Conservation Legacy is seeking an intern who will develop, implement, and improve the organization’s climate action plan with the outcome of measuring, reducing, and offsetting our greenhouse gas emissions, among other important initiatives.
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Good Food Collective is Hiring a Program Director
The Good Food Collective is hiring a full-time Food Security Program Director to oversee all aspects of the Good Food Collective’s Food Security Initiatives. Applications received by 3/11 will receive priority consideration, but the position is open until filled.
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Western Watershed Project: Colorado Director
Western Watersheds Project seeks a Colorado Director to continue and expand WWP’s campaign to protect and restore public lands and wildlife in Colorado, with an emphasis on livestock grazing and related environmental problems.
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Tierra Vida Farm Paid Internship |
Are you interested or have experience in farming? Tierra Vida farm is looking for an intern to work during this year’s season. This immersive and educational experience could lead to an opportunity for long-term employment. The internship starts April 30th and some of the job duties include (but aren’t limited to) harvesting, washing, packing produce, weeding, and occasional work with animals. For more information, click |
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San Juan Citizen's Alliance is Hiring
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Internship or Paid Position at Tamarron Resort
Calling all students interested in landscaping or horticulture: the Landscape Committee at Tamarron Resort is looking to fill a paid-position or internship position for this summer. This position entails assisting with the upgrade and general landscaping maintenance.
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San Juan Mountains Association |
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Be Sure to Share Opportunities with Us!
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.
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