It's not lost on me that right in the middle of "Election Week" people's attention may be completely, glued to the outcome of the Presidential election. The news and internet is awash with thought and insights into everything that entails, so I thought I'd touch on a down-ballot issue: the ballot question whether or not to restore and manage grey wolves to Colorado, which as of the time I write this, appears to be confirmed in favor of wolf reintroduction.

It comes as no surprise that this vote has fallen along urban/rural and ideological lines. But rather than enter into the fray of that debate, I'm super interested in the question about who should be deciding on this issue in the first place. It's fascinating question of political philosophy that has let my mind wander away from the heated discourse of the election. Back in March, Ethan Linck from High Country News wrote an absolutely fantastic piece whose central question was: in matters of ecology and wildlife management, who should get to weigh in, and how? I have my opinions, and I encourage you to explore yours.

I've been pondering that question (and many others) all week as our election reshapes our leaders and the rules we're governed by. Love it or hate it (or somewhere in between), in the USA we're members of a nation which runs on a capitalist economy, which is regulated and managed by bureaucratic agencies, which in turn are overseen and directed by elected representatives, who are themselves elected democratically based on current voting rules, and the votes cast are ultimately a reflection of the beliefs and values of our citizens. There are lots of parts of that system that we can be proud of, and a lot of parts that could use some real change for the better. If you want to make a difference, pick the part that you care about most, and push.

The EC and LPEA are offering FREE renter efficiency kits to FLC student renters! Reduce your climate impact, reduce your water use, and reduce your bills – it’s a win, win, win! Items include LED light bulbs, low flow water fixtures, insulation strips, and helpful info for reducing your impact and lowering your bills! Pick up your kit and get more information at our up at our Renter Efficiency Event, or at additional scheduled pick-up times. HUGE thanks to La Plata Electric Association for supporting this program!

When*: Wednesday, Nov. 11 from 4:30-6:30 PM

Where*: Student Union Ballroom

*also available for pick-up at other times, see form for more information.

sign-up form!

The EC is hosting a kick-off meeting for our Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) Education Outreach project. We will be brainstorming to create lesson plans and activities for Durango Big Picture High School’s science class unit on snow science and climate change. We will meet in the Environmental Center room and then head outside from there. All are welcome!

When: Monday, Nov. 3 at 3 PM

Where: Meet at the EC Office (Student Union 145), and then meeting will be outside

Please contact Luke Antonia at lmantonia@fortlewis.edu to join in on this!

Celebrate all the amazing work put into our campus growing spaces this year! FREE goody bags with food from the garden. All are welcome, and we'd love to see everyone who helped out over the course of the year!

When: Thursday Nov. 12 from 12 - 2 PM

Where: EC Campus Garden

Check out the campus map to find the EC Campus Garden!

Getting outside and helping our campus ecosystems is a great way to de-stress during these hectic times! Get outside, get your hands dirty, and make a difference right here on campus! The Ecology and Lands initiative at the Environmental Center is restoring native habitat and taking care of the xeriscape spaces on campus. Gloves provided. Free snacks and drinks!

When: Saturday, Nov. 14 from 11 AM to 1 PM

Where: Meet outside Animas Hall

Contact Wyatt at wsmortenson@fortlewis.edu for more information!

Students now have the option to obtain a green reusable to-go container in the dining hall! Simply get a “Choose to Reuse” ticket from the register at the front door of San Juan Dining by putting down a one-time $5 deposit which you can get refunded back at time! Bring your container back (dirty is fine, we have a magnificent dish machine) and get another ticket to use at your next meal. Ask the dining hall cashiers for more info.

P.S. Another way to reduce trash is to eat in the dining room (after showing your green health pass). Simply let the servers know that you plan to eat in and have them serve your food on reusable dishes – it’s so much nicer to eat with real cutlery, ya know!?

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with Gather

In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, the film Gather outlines the revitalization and re-creation of Indigenous food systems in America. Directed by Sanjay Rawal and produced by Tanya Mellier and Sterlin Harjo, Gather takes viewers to tribal communities where members are actively working Native food sovereignty issues. Brought to you by Durango Independent Film Festival and the Durango Farmers Market!

To watch the film, head to the Durango Film webpage to get your FREE virtual access!

Volunteers are needed Wednesday and next Friday to help with a large solar array for KSUT in Ignacio (who we love, even if we love FLC's own KDUR a little more, haha). Wednesday will be focused on installation of racking that will ultimately hold up the modules. Friday will be focused on installing the modules themselves. Equipment is provided, but they ask that you come prepared with warm layers, sunglasses, water, and proper closed toe boots.

When: Exact times TBD, but likely starting around 10 AM

To sign-up, or to get on the Solar Barn Raising volunteer email list, contact Riley Neugebauer, Project Manager, at riley@solarbarnraising.org or 814-282-3039

Have you ever wondered how festivals can be used to create awareness around Environmental Change and Sustainability? A group of students in Environmental Studies is investigating this issue. They are looking for students, staff, and faculty who may have attended festivals like iAM Music Festival, Snowdown, Pagosa/Four Corners Music Festival, and others. Take the 3-minute survey here!

San Juan Seed Savers (and permaculture) are offering a slew of free information on all things foods, agriculture, and seeds!

Pathways to Regeneration - Online Conference Friday-Sunday, Nov. 6-8

NMSU Sustainable Agriculture Fall Workshop Series - Available Now!

Empowering Tribal Culture, Ecology and Food Systems Webinar - Available Now!

This year's forum will be virtual and the theme is: Coming to Terms with Limits and Uncertainty. Join leaders in the world of western water: Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez, Upper and Lower Basin State and Tribal Leaders, and others from around our region.

When: Wednesday & Thursday, November 4-5

Where: Online!

For more information, read the event program, and register here.

Four Corners Carbon Offset Fund launches November 16! Offset donations will be used towards local energy efficiency programs that provide local grants towards efficiency upgrades and renewables for low-to-moderate income households. Offsetting your carbon footprint while helping your neighbors reduce their energy burden is a win/win, and it keeps the dollars local!

For more information, visit 4CornersOffset.Org starting November 16

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

San Juan Citizens Alliance advocates for clean air, pure water, and healthy lands – the foundations of resilient communities, ecosystems and economies in the San Juan Basin (the Four Corners area). They focus on three main areas of advocacy: energy development, public lands, and rivers.