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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Snow for All
Snow is such a simple thing. Water crystals freeze and gather and fall from the clouds; they quiet the earth in a white soft cocoon. Life, for a moment, seems frozen and paused. Skiers, sledders, snowboarders, snow angel enthusiasts, and snowman architects alike peek outside in excitement at the new layer of opportunity.
This year, we've been given a more generous winter than some seasons of the recent past. Not only is this great news for mountain towns and the aforementioned snow junkies, it is a much-needed moment of hope for our natural world. In the past few years, we've seen a jaw-dropping number of wildfires, floods, and other drought-related phenomena. It has been intense to see how differently snow can impact different parts of our country this week. In our part of the world, though, seeing this beautiful, snowy winter can bring relief. It means we'll get to enjoy that favorite winter activity, but it also means that farmers, boaters, and anglers can look forward to a hopeful spring as well.
Madeline Chandler
EC Student Media & Communications Manager
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Environmental Center Happenings |
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Events, programs, and ways to help make a difference! |
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Last Chance to Get $$$ for Your Sustainability Idea!
FLC's annual Sustainability Initiative Grant is open for applications! Up to $1,450 is available to winning applicants with innovative and impactful projects to make FLC more environmentally sustainable. Please note that we use the broadest definition possible for environmental sustainability and are pleased to accept a wide variety of applications. For example, you could propose research or an event related to environmental justice, ways to improve access to environmentally produced foods, infrastructure to reduce waste on campus, and much more!
Applications due Feb 25 by 5 PM
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FLC Student Renters: Save Money, Water, and Energy with FREE Efficiency Items for Your Home!
With the crazy cold temperatures and electricity blackouts across the country, it seems like everyone is talking about home energy use. The EC with support from LPEA have just what you need to help make your home more efficient!
Sign up to receive your FREE renter efficiency kits today - just fill out this reservation form which includes a short survey on your home energy information. The kit includes LED light bulbs, low-flow water fixtures, and flyers with tips for reducing your energy use and saving money. Kits will be available on Tuesday, March 9 during our pick-up event. |
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Free Store is Back!
The EC's beloved Free Store (our own on-campus free thrift store) is open again to accept donations and for people to browse items. Donations can be dropped off anytime during the EC's office hours (9 AM to 5 PM). Please make sure items are CLEAN and that you (and any roommates) have had a green health pass for at least a week prior to donating.
As for browsing items to take for yourself, we are allowing people to view items in our office one person at a time during our new Free Store hours.
When: Wednesdays 1-2 PM
Where: EC Office - Student Union room 145
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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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Winter Bike to Work (and School) Day!
Winter Bike to Work day will look a little different this year, but it's still got all the ingredients you love: winter clean commuting, prizes, and free food and goodies! This year, participants should head over to the Durango Transit Center Feb. 22 through 26 to pick up a reusable tote bag with items including socks and a Winter Bike to Work Day hoody (while supplies last). The bags include coupons for free and discounted items that you can claim from local business on Friday, Feb 26 - did someway say free cookie from Bread?!
Also, anyone who takes a selfie of their winter biking (or any other clean commuting) and tags the Environmental Center on Facebook or Instagram (@environmentalcenterflc) can come by our office and get a free FLC and EC stickers!
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Gardening Resiliency in a Time of Climate Change
The Animas Valley Grange is hosting a Zoom presentation on Gardening Resiliency in a Time of Climate Change by Darrin Parmenter, La Plata County Extension Horticulturalist. Gardening in a high-elevation climate is tough, even in an average season. Unfortunately, the definition of “average” seems to be getting a bit fuzzy, and “abnormal is the new normal.” Darrin will discuss what the climate prediction models are saying and how gardeners can adapt and change some of their cultural practices to this ever-changing climate.
When: Thursday, Feb 18 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM
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Mountain Studies Institute, Sheep Mountain Alliance, and Telluride Institute’s Watershed Education Program have installed ten wildlife cameras around the Telluride area. Cameras are available to "adopt". We're searching for people to attend a training and collect data from these cameras throughout the year! The goals of this project are to record wildlife around the area, engage and educate people on this topic, and facilitate the exchange of this information between agencies and the public.
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Sign Up for an Old Fort CSA Today
Community Share Agriculture (CSA) is like a fresh local food subscritpion! Every week during the growing season you get a batch of fresh veggies from our very own Old Fort farm. The CSA returns for a 7th season, with pickups in Durango, Hesperus, and Mancos. The CSA features the very best veggies from our fields, tended by beginning farmers at 7600’ in Hesperus.
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Join Mountain Studies Institute and 4CORE for February's
Online Green Drinks!
Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) is an independent not-for-profit mountain research and education center established that develops science that people can use to address environmental issues facing the San Juan Mountains. 4CORE (Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency) provides timely programs and projects in the region focused on reducing the harmful effects of the climate crisis through energy efficiency, promoting the adoption of electric vehicles and EV infrastructure, and installing solar for low-income housing.
When: Thursday, Feb 25 from 5:15 to 6 PM
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Jobs, Scholarships, Internships, and more! |
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Paid Internship in Food Systems for FLC Students
Interested in a paid internship this summer and academic credit? Native and Indigenous students at FLC are invited to apply for this opportunity! The internship is paid at $12/hour with housing and food stipends at a location that matches your interests.
Applications due March 1
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Climate Justice Academy
Are you ready to organize for climate justice on your campus or in your community? The Sierra Student Coalition is now accepting applications for the Spring Climate Justice Academy for high school and college students. Their 8-week fellowship program runs from March 16 through May 4. It’s a great way to build skills in activism and advocacy, develop leadership, and meet other young people around the country who are organizing for climate, racial and economic justice!
Applications due February 22
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Learn about Environmental Advocacy as a Career Choice
Careers in environmental advocacy encompass climate change mitigation/adaptation, conservation, natural resource management, policy-making, and so much more. But for many, environmental advocacy goes beyond the day-to-day activities of the workplace to something larger…perhaps a calling or a practice, or both. This session will draw on insights from ecological psychology, social cognitive theory, and emotional intelligence, among others, in proposing a framework for professional development. In addition, we will cover effective career management strategies and tips for environmental advocacy professionals who are new to or preparing to enter the field.
When: Wednesday, Feb 24 at 10 AM
Where: online
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RAY Diversity Fellowship for POC Interested in Clean Energy and Conservation
Inspired by efforts to increase racial diversity in environmentally-related sectors, the Roger Arliner Young (RAY) Diversity Fellowship Program supports two cohorts of Fellows per year: RAY Conservation Fellows and RAY Clean Energy Fellows. The RAY Fellowship Program aims to increase and facilitate conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy-related career pathways for emerging leaders of color.
Applications accepted through February and March, 2021
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Volunteer for Outdoor Colorado is Offering Scholarships
Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) is offering four $5,000 scholarships to help make educational dreams possible for Colorado students who have demonstrated a proven commitment to environmental stewardship. It is open to high school seniors and graduate/non-traditional students.
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Sustainability Leadership Training
Apply to gain knowledge often missed in the classroom! If you want to make a difference in the world of sustainability, this is a great resource for you. This day-long workshop earns you access to a network of like-minded professionals and students upon completion, as well as scholarship for continuing education.
When: Saturday, March 6 from 9 AM to 5 PM
Where: online
Cost: $10
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Durango Natural Foods Hiring!
If you've got good work ethic, a flexible schedule, and a passion for helping people fuel their bodies in the best way possible, Durango Natural Foods could have a position for you!
For more information on the position or to apply, ask a current employee or visit their webpage!
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Rocky Mountain Field Institute Earth Corps
Rocky Mountain Field Institute (RMFI) is recruiting undergraduate students for its annual college-accredited field studies course, Earth Corps. Earth Corps is an 18-day field studies course that provides motivated, environmentally conscious undergraduate students the opportunity to live and learn in the incredible natural classroom of the Colorado mountains. Students who complete the program will earn 4 college credits in Geography transferable to their respective college/university and will also receive a Natural Resource Technician Certificate. (Be sure to check with your advisor that these credits will transfer to FLC.)
Applications Due March 1
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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.
Know of an opportunity? Be sure to email it to the EC Coordinator, Marty Pool at mlpool@fortlewis.edu
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Your Chance to Explore a New Advocacy Organization |
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Protect Our Winters - POW
Protect Our Winters (POW) helps passionate outdoor people protect the places and lifestyles they love from climate change. Founded in 2007 by professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones, POW is a community of athletes, scientists, creatives and business leaders advancing non-partisan policies that protect our world today and for future generations.
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News and Inspiration from Our Community and Beyond |
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- Love bird watching? Check out this tool to help visualize the necessity to protect their habitats!
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STAY CONNECTED - Like and Follow the EC! |
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