Winter Newsletter
Important Dates

 Now - February 17:
Orchid Showcase, Denver Botanic Gardens
January 30 - February 1:
Colorado Water Congress Annual Convention, Westminster more info
February 1:
Off the Clock-Plant Love, Denver Botanic Gardens more info
February 11-14:
Colorado Rural Water Association Annual Conference and Exhibition, Denver more info
March 13-14:
Water in the West Symposium, Aurora more info
Student Corner

January 22:
S pring 2019 semester began
January 28:
Last Day to Drop Full-Semester Classes with 100% Refund & Last Day to Register for Full-Semester Classes
February 26th:
WASSUP Career Fair, St. Cajetan’s
February 28th:
STEM Career Fair, AES Building
March 25-29:
Spring Break
Climate Change versus Cannabis in CO
As the city of Denver and Boulder County set goals to fight climate change, the cannabis industry appears to be a road block.There is a collective total of 350 grow operations in Denver and Boulder and each facility needs the lights to stay on between 12-18 hours a day. Heating and cooling are also key factors since grow operations need to stay in 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The history of cannabis stems from an underground nature; leaving the the sustainable side of growing as a new frontier.

However, Denver does hold an annual Cannabis Sustainability Symposium that helps guide the best practices ranging from lighting to water efficiency. RiNo Supply (medical marijuana supplier for 700 patients) tried an early version of light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, but the bulbs reduced yield. Brian Matthews, General Manager of RiNo Supply, settled on double-end bulbs (think light bulbs with a socket on each end), which are more efficient and brighter, but burn cooler than standard bulbs.
The biggest investment RiNo has made is in Argus, a computerized system that controls the heat, humidity and lighting, measuring the amount of the light in the greenhouse and turning on electric bulbs as needed. Argus cost $150,000 to install and is eligible for Xcel rebates. Keep in mind, grow facilities are all cash business, so they can't call up their bank for a loan. They strive to be efficient because:

"If you aren't efficient, you aren't in business anymore."
- Brian Matthews, General Manager of RiNo Supply CO.
National Parks with a Government Shutdown
Headlines have discussed the effects of the government shutdown on national parks: vandalism, overflowing garbage cans, and destroyed natural resources. The full extent of the damage will not be know until the government reopens. Colorado residents have always shown a deep love and pride for their national parks. There are two ways to help: donate and volunteer. More Info

During the government shutdown, some visitor centers will be open while some are closed. If you have plans to visit a national park, it is advised to call ahead to find out what is available. Online research can also also give you insights on current expectations. If you have a reservation for a campground, lodge or hotel; contact them directly for the most accurate information.
Forbes 30 Under 30: Gitanjali Rao
Attendees from SHED '18 will recognize Gitanjali from her guest speaker appearance. In 2017, she won the 2017 Young Scientist Challenge for inventing a device that tests drinking water for lead. She has now caught Forbes’ attention and rightfully has a spot in their 30 under 30 list.
Denver Recycles Plastic Cups
Previously, paper cups were non-recyclable due to the inner plastic coating. Denver has recently expanded the recycling program to include paper cups as a stride to increase the recycling rate to 34% as outlined in Mayor Hancock’s 2020 Sustainablility Goals.
One World One Water Center | msudenver.edu/owow