May 1 , 2018
The EC Digest helps you keep up with all the environmental, social, 'green', and sustainability happenings in our community. Every two weeks during the academic year, look for this this little gem of digital media to arrive in your inbox!

Scroll down to learn about Environmental Center events and happeningsto explore community events and initiatives, and to see the latest  job and internship postings   focused on environmental, social justice and sustain ability . . .  and of course, read our ever-anticipated introductory musings. Ready, set, go:
The End Begins Anew

When turning to the final page in one of many storybooks on my "life shelf," I always tend to reminisce. Maybe it's because I finally feel a sense of ultimate completion, or maybe because everyone talks about how "great of a semester it was!" or maybe it's just because, practically, I'm always packing up at this time of the year. Anyway, this ebb and flow of life always reminds me how healthy reflection can be for processing the very good, the not so great, and what's to come.

So, here's what this year's final storybook page looks like for me this year as the EC's Media & Communication Manager, a full-time student, and a recent Colorado transplant.

A year ago, I think about the fact that I was very unsettled. I was leaving Missouri, my home state, to move to the mountains permanently. I think about when I first stepped on the Fort Lewis College campus. It was practically dead with a lack of people in the summer, but I still felt so genuinely welcomed and alive in this place. I think about how the EC pulled me into their family and created such a unique, genuine community for me in my exciting, but scary, new home - a community I hadn't experienced before. I think about how when the semester got hard, really hard, Durango and its people were still, unmistakably, home. I think about the many inspiring people I was privileged to work with this semester - students who care, equally passionate staff who we lovingly referred to as Mom and Dad, community partners who drew me into network after network . . . simply incredible.

So, as this storybook closes and a new one begins, as projects small and large wrap up and I load up the car, I know deep, deep in my heart that this is a very special place. When I come next year for my final round of higher education chaos, I hope to be part of the next transplant's scary move. Because, again, if I've learned anything here, it's that community is all we have. And that's a very good thing.

Sincerely,


Anna Thorne
Environmental Center Media & Communication Manager & Full-Time FLC Student
Environmental Center and Campus HappeningsECHappenings
Events
Summertime at the Environmental Center

The EC is heading into summer mode which means this will be your last EC Digest until August. Have a wonderful summer, and be sure to keep an eye out for everything we've got starting up again in the 2018-2019 FLC academic year!
More EC and FLC Campus Happenings
Renter Efficiency Kits!

Save on energy, save on money, save the climate! The EC's Energy Impact team has partnered with 4CORE to bring renter efficiency kits to FLC student renters. Kits are FREE and include easy items like lightbulbs and water saving fixtures.

Interested FLC student off-campus renters (or soon-to be off campus renters) please  email mlpool@fortlewis.edu to request your kit!



Kits were funded by a generous donation from 1st Southwest Bank!
The Latest Student Perspectives from the EC's Blog

By Cheryn Vigil, Aesthetic Activist
A new mural was to go up on the Environmental Center windows, but what would be the new theme? The Aesthetic Activists are a group of talented artists who use their art for activism . . . continue reading

EC News update by Rachel Landis, EC Coordinator
To celebrate Earth Day this past week, the Environmental Center was fortunate to be joined by committed student staff, alumni and community members to do something to give back. And boy did we ever! Following just an hour of work . . . continue reading

EC News update by Rachel Landis, EC Coordinator
Senior Engineering Design team -Trujill Sandman, Refreeno Harvey, Paloma Juarros, Emily Dellenbach and Ryan Walker-supported by Dr. Christie Chatterley have successfully designed, constructed and installed our very own, one-of-a-kind Automated Rainwater Irrigation System, or ARIS. This system, which captures rainwater . . .  continue reading
Community Events & Opportunities
Local LocalHappenings
Events and Happenings in our Local Community
Make a Difference for the Future: VOTE in the LPEA Election!

If you pay an electric bill to La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) then you are a member-owner of our rural electric co-op. YOU have the power to affect the future of our electric grid and the transition to cleaner renewable energy. 

If you receive an electric bill, you'll receive a ballot in the mail.  Ballots will arrive in your mailbox around April 18th. All you have to do is fill it out and mail it back before May 8th!

UPDATE: Hundreds of ballots were mis-mailed by LPEA - if you haven't received your ballot, please contact LPEA and ask for a new ballot!

Not sure who you want to vote for? Interested in learning more about the issue and the candidates? San Juan Citizens Alliance has been following the issue closely. Check out their website!
Make Your Voice Heard at the Next City-Hosted Open Forum on May 17 at Ska Brewing!

When:  Thurs, May 17, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Ska Brewing, 255 Girard St.
Cost: Free!

What do you value about living and working in Durango? The City of Durango is facing difficult budgetary constraints and needs input from citizens like you to help guide critical decisions regarding the limited resources we have to work with.

Make sure your priorities, values and vision are part of the conversation by joining the City at a Community Forum on May 17th.

The fourth forum will take place at Carver Brewing from 5-7 pm on Monday, June 25.

For more information, visit DurangoGov.org/Engage
SR Salon Inaugural Durango Keynote - Panel - Reception
Provocative Social Responsibility Conversations

CLIMATE TAKE BACK! If we changed the climate by mistake, we can change it back with  intent. Be a part of history, when one of the most sustainable companies on the planet  comes to town! This is an amazing opportunity to learn from Billy Ingram, Director of  Lean Product Development at Interface.

The SR Salon is launching right here in Durango, with Billy keynoting at the US Space & Rocket Center the following week; it all starts here!

When: Thursday, May 3 from 3:15 - 6:30 pm
Where: Strater Theatre

For more information visit srsalon.Eventbrite.com
May Green Drinks Hosted by Garden Project of Southwest Colorado and Great Old Broads for Wilderness
Interested in Water News? WIP has you covered!

We're pretty proud of our newsletter, but the Water Information Program (WIP) should really be your go-to source for all things water in Southwest Colorado. There's always great information, but it's especially helpful during dry times like these!

Check them out and sign up for their newsletter at:  https://www.waterinfo.org/
Opportunities Opportunities
Jobs, Scholarships, Internships, and more!
The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Environmental Programs Department is hiring a Water Quality Specialist

The specialist will conduct field, lab, and office work to restore, maintain and protect the chemical, biological and physical integrity of the Tribes surface and groundwater resources.

For additional information and how to apply contact Colin Larrick, Water Quality Program Manager at clarrick@utemountain.org or check out www.utemountainuteenvironmental.org
Openings for Old Fort Internship Program

Learn about sustainable farming at high elevations! Fulfill your internship hours by joining the Old Fort team for 3 months of growing vegetables.

Download an application: Old Fort Internship Application 2018
Amazing Opportunity for Young Climbers and Outdoor Enthusiasts!

High Mountain Institute, or  HMI, offers
Gap Semesters in the American West and Patagonia, providing an uninterrupted journey of self-discovery, growth, and adventure through some of the world's wildest places.

For more information and to apply: https://www.hminet.org/about-hmi-gap-programs/
Paid Summer Internships with BLM

Western Colorado Conservation Corps is hosting paid summer internships with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)!
 
For more information visit: http://www.wcccpartners.org/blm-internships
Growing Spaces in Pagosa Springs to Hire Part-Time Greenhouse Gardener 

Pay is $15/hr and approximately 20 hrs/week (more in summer, less in winter).

Contact:  (970) 731-2120 or info@growingspaces.com or v isit  https://geodesic-greenhouse-kits.com/  for more info.
Conservation Colorado is Hiring!

Conservation Colorado is seeking a full-time Field Organizer to assist with organizing on the Western Slope. As a field organizer you'll be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with the public and partner groups to achieve conservation wins in Colorado on issues including protections for public lands and rivers, bolstering the renewable energy economy, and addressing climate change.

For more information and to apply, go to:  https://conservationco.org/contact/jobs/
Double Up Food Bucks seeks Volunteer Summer Surveyors

Student volunteers who are passionate about food systems, local economies, anti-hunger initiatives, and/or agriculture in our state are needed to survey about the health and economic impact of the Double Up Colorado program on both SNAP shoppers and local farmers.

For more information or to apply please contact Amy Nelms at: amynelms@livewellcolorado.org
POW is Hiring!

Based in Boulder, CO, Protect Our Winters ("POW") is a nonprofit organization that engages and mobilizes the outdoor sports community to lead the fight against climate change through educational initiatives and advocacy.

The Development and Operations Associate will report to the Manager of Development and Operations to support POW's fundraising efforts and related operations procedures.

For more information and to apply visit: https://protectourwinters.org/pow-is-hiring/
Regional & Beyond
Further Resources and Opportunities
Food, Health and Social Justice Career Opportunities through LiveWell Colorado and Partners

LiveWell Colorado increases access to healthy eating and active living by removing barriers that inequitably and disproportionately affect low-income communities and people of color.

They also maintain a wonderful job board for food, health, and social justice through their network of partner organizations. If you're interested for positions in these field, be sure to bookmark this one! https://livewellcolorado.org/about/employment-careers/
National Young Farmers seeking Communications Director

NYFC seeks a Communications Director to be the point person on organizational and campaign-driven communications to the media, our members, elected officials, and the public. Based out of the Hudson, NY office.

How to apply: Send a one-page cover letter, résumé, and contact information for three references to jobs@youngfarmers.org Place "COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR" in the subject line. No calls, please.

For more information, visit: http://www.youngfarmers.org/about/jobs/
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