March 2015
In This Issue

Coordinator's Report

 

In addition to implementing meaningful projects on campus and in our community, the Environmental Center also provides our student staff with the opportunity to develop the self-awareness, leadership skills, and professional tools needed to graduate as global citizens motivated (and capable) of creating positive change. One of the key ways that we achieve these outcomes is through collaboration and a team approach. By becoming skillful in team-oriented problem solving, the EC envisions that our students will know how to engage important stakeholders when forming policy in their future role as town council people; that they will be able to bridge differences in opinions versus ignore them; that they can build healthy communities wherever they land.

 

A helpful tool to use to guide student team develop is the Stages of Group Development Framework .  As described in this model, students collectively move from the polite, but cautious phase of Group 
Formation , though a period of figuring it all out ( Norming ) and sorting out roles ( Storming ).  At the end of this process, we arrive at  Performing  - a place where each student knows their own strengths and the team has morphed to capitalize upon each of them....ultimately maximizing the efficacy of whatever project you are working on, and thus-as change agents-the impact that we can have.

As an educator and steward our of future citizens, I have spent the last two weeks watching our 25 amazing EC staff and countless members hit their'sweet spot'. Here is a snapshot of how just a few of our future environmental leaders have been Performing:

  • The Campus Sustainability Team organized one of the most creative and collaborative celebrations of Sustainability that FLC has yet seen. Their 2nd Annual Sustainability Summit engaged over 140 participants, reaching cademic departments, students organizations, community members, and the administration!
  • Our Local Food Security team has been sponsoring design charettes with local green gurus, Linley Dixon (Adobe House Farms) and Whitney Jones (Durango Urban Ag) to develop plans for renovating our on campus greenhouse. We look forward to providing our students with local, organic produce year round!
  • Our Zero Waste Team will be auditing Food Waste with the end goal of identifying pre- and post-consumer strategies for reducing the amount of food thrown out thus saving money and GHG emissions (currently, our Rocket composter is only able to capture 20% of the wasted food)
  • Our Real Food Challenge team have partnered with our new Sodexo Executive Chef and Managers to train them on the RFC. Through using community engagement strategies, we are collectively working to launch a comprehensive labeling and education campaign by August 1 increase Real Foods by 5% by the beginning of next year.

  

Environmental Center Happenings 

  

Got Plastic Bags?

The Environmental Center is collecting plastic grocery bags for a project to create sleeping pads for the Homeless. It takes about 500-700 bags to make a light weight and comfy padding.

Drop off your used plastic bags and check out the example padding at the Environmental Center Monday through Friday from 9-5

 

 

EC seeks 2015-2016 Board of Directors Membership

The Environmental Center Board of Directors (ECBOD) is looking for impassioned, dedicated FLC students, faculty, and staff to serve for a 2015-2016 term. In their role as ECBOD members, members gain valuable experience in strategic planning, fundraising, community organizing and visioning while helping to steer our ship forward. Board members contribute an average of 3-5 hours of service per month and are rewarded in supporting an amazing cause and being part of a great community!


 

To Apply: Applications can be found on the EC website 

or picked up in the Environmental Center (Student Union 145). Completed
applications are due Friday, April 3rd by 5p.m. 



Tax Season Deductions? Garden and Orchard in need of supplies!

The Environmental Center is looking for the following items to support garden and orchard operations this spring:

  • Sandstone Pavers (for bed construction)-1/2" thick and 1-1.5' tal
  • Lumber: (15, 4' long 2x4's and 2, 3' 2x2s)
  • Small garden tiller (needed for one day in early March and one day in April; we can come and pick it up/deliver it back to you)
  • Hand pruning sheers
  • Irrigation supplies
  • Shade cloth

 If you have any of the following items that you would like to donate/lend to the Environmental Center, please contact EC Coordinator, Rachel Landis at [email protected] or (970) 247-7091. Donation documentation will be provided. We happily accept repurposed and gently used items. Thank you

 



 

Community Events & Opportunities

  

Colorado Parks & Wildlife Public Comment

CPW is being proactive in taking a long-range look - 20 years and more - to determine what Coloradans want in the future for parks, recreation and wildlife resources, how to pay for them, and how to accommodate the state's growing population. 

When: Wednesday, March 18th from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: Durango Public Library 

 

Durango Green Drinks

The Sustainability Alliance of Southwest Colorado (SASCO) is pleased to host the March installment of Durango Green Drinks. 

When: Thursday, March 26 from 5-6:30 p.m.

Where: Carver Brewing in downtown Durango. 

For more information, contact: [email protected]

March's Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/377784285740238/

Other March Local Sustainability Events (compiled at February's Green Drinks!) 

17th - Animas High School 12th Grade Exhibition on Economic Resiliency Project - Rec Center 5:30 to 6:30PM

19th - League of Women Voters at City Council - City Hall 5:30PM

20th - Ballots Mailed for City Council Election

26th - Green Drinks hosted by Sustainability Alliance of Southwest Colorado. 5-6:30PM at Carvers
 

 Handmade Wealth: Lessons from Portland's Artisan Economy

From Portland State University, Durango welcomes special guest Charles Heying, Associate Professor of Urban Studies and Planning, to share lessons from his research on rise of Portland's ethic of handmade wealth.

When: Wednesday, April 8th, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. 

Where: Durango Arts Center

Cost: This event is FREE to the public.

Can't make the evening?  Alternative appearance:

Green Business Roundtable - Strater Hotel, Henry Strater Theater, 12 to 1 p.m. Wednesday April 8, 2015. This event costs $15.

RSVP to [email protected]

For more information, contact:  Kent Ford (970) 259-1361


 

Transition Lab

Transition Lab teaches people how to meet their basic needs like access to affordable housing, abundant local food, and a supportive community through relationships.

The Summer Intensive program runs June 8th through August 8th. Apply online, spaces and scholarships are still available. www.transition-lab.com 


 

Need help starting your first farm?

Sustainable Small Farm Summit wants to help you make your dreams come true. Free upcoming workshops available March 18, 19, 20 and 21st.

For more information or to sign up please visit: http://www.smallfarmsummit.org/


 

 

2nd Annual Onion Planting at Rowher's Farms

Help plant up an entire field of onions, enjoy lunch prepared by the Rowhers, and help to build our local food community. 

When: Sunday, April 12th. Departing at 8:30a.m. from Linda's Local Food 

Where: Rowher's Farm out at Hovenweep

To Sign up: LInda Illsley at [email protected] 


  

Jefferson-Jackson Dinner & Auction

Featuring Craig Childs, Author of the book- Apocalyptic Planet & many others

When: Saturday, April 11, 2015

Where: Strater Hotel Theatre Durango 5:30 Seating limited

Tickets available now@ www.laplatadems.org   OR     764-4756

 

 

 

Jobs & Volunteer Opportunities

 

 

Interested in becoming a Tutor?

Cardinal Scholars is a service that connects tutors with elementary, middle school, high school, and college students seeking help.  Cardinal Scholars is seeking teachers who have experience teaching or mentoring others, are academically curious and intelligent, and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Compensation: Online tutoring sessions start at $15/hour, and in-person tutoring ranges from $23/hour up to $50/hour.

To learn more, please visit cardinalscholars.com/about and check out our FAQ's for tutors.

Contact: Rachael Midlam at [email protected]
 

National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL)

Fort Lewis College would like to send  bright, ambitious, and motivated students to the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders at the University of Maryland College Park. The conference includes a graduate school fair, a career fair, and workshops.
 

When: May 27-30, 2015

Where: University of Maryland College Park

More information about the conference can be found here: http://www.nccwsl.org/students/frequently-asked-questions/ 

Students interested in receiving partial or full funding to cover conference registration and travel fees should contact Professor Amy Sellin at [email protected] 


 

EPA Internship Opportunities

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Denver Regional Office is offering a number of internship opportunities in 2015 for students to gain valuable professional experiences through the Student Volunteer Program. 

To be eligible for the Student Volunteer Program, a student must:

  • Be at least 16 years of age
  • Be enrolled at least half-time in an accredited educational institution.

For information visit http://www2.epa.gov/region8/region-8-2015-student-volunteer-opportunities.  

Contact: Elaine Robles at 303-312-6194 or [email protected] .
  
 

Do you have farm skills?

Calloused Palms Farm is seeking a skilled farmer to manage an established CSA. Duties include all phases of farm operation, primarily focusing on production and distribution of weekly CSA shares.

 

Contact Brad at 970-759-8267 or [email protected]