-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES PROGRAM

NEWSLETTER

December 11, 2006

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In this

issue:

** Campus Sustainability: Colby Student Action on Climate Change

** Beyond Colby: National Wildlife Federation Campus Ecology Fellowship

** Grad Programs: Northern Arizona University School of Forestry, Austin Peay State

University

** Jobs and Internships: MOFGA Apprenticeship Program, 3 Elkhart Envirocorps positions,

New England Wildflower Society, more

====================================================================================================

CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY

Colby Student Action on Climate Change

A student group is organizing an "Inspirations" Jan Plan to organize and bring "Focus the

Nation" to Colby. This national effort involving hundreds of campuses (hopefully

including Colby) is designed to raise consciousness about Climate Change, using a series

of commitments and events focused around a common date. For details see the web site

http://www.focusthenation.org/ The group is forming to organize the Colby effort and to

coordinate with lots of other schools. They could use the help of all interested

parties. If you are interested in leading or joining please let Justine Scott (email:

jascott@colby.edu) or Samantha Given-Dennis (email:

sngivend@colby.edu) know. The group will be supported by the Energy Subcommittee of the

Environmental Advisory Group.

BEYOND COLBY

JOBS & INTERNSHIPS2007 National Wildlife Federation Campus Ecology Fellowships

The National Wildlife Federation Campus Ecology Program invites fellowship applications

from undergraduate and graduate students who are confronting global warming on campus and

beyond. Campus Ecology Fellows receive modest stipends, training, networking

opportunities, and national recognition. Projects may cover a range of approaches to

addressing global warming, including transportation, energy, habitats, and planning.

Fellows receive up to $2000 to offset project expenses. NWF especially is seeking

applicants from campuses interested in demonstrating leadership on global warming.

Applications are due by January 31, 2007.

<http://www.nwf.org/campusEcology/pdfs/requestforproposals.pdf>http://www.nwf.org/campusEcology/pdfs/requestforproposals.pdf GRAD

PROGRAM

MS Assistantship - designing corridors for climate change

Location: Northern Arizona University School of Forestry, Flagstaff AZ

Salary: $15,533/y for 2 years, starting July or August 2007

Description:

This project will develop a GIS approach to designing wildlife linkages that will be

useful in the face of climate change. We will develop a novel procedure that maximizes

diversity and continuity of topographic elements (such as high-elevation north-facing

slopes, or low-elevation flats) in the potential linkage area. The research involves

heavy-duty statistical and GIS analyses (no fieldwork), and requires someone with strong

skills and passion for GIS, statistics, and conservation. For details, see

http://www2.for.nau.edu/research/pb1/gradstudy.htm

Requirements:

BS related to conservation of natural resources; GPA> 3.5; GRE in top 40%; passion for

conservation, statistics, and GIS; willingness to take a position with NO fieldwork.

To apply:

Please send letter, CV, unofficial transcripts, and unofficial GRE scores by SNAIL MAIL

ONLY, and only after visiting my website (above). Once I have received your materials,

you may call or email.

MACROCHELYS MASTERS RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP

Austin Peay State University (APSU)

Clarksville, Tennessee

I am looking for a student seeking a Master’s Degree in biology to begin work as early

as mid-May 2007 on a project with the objectives of determining the habitat use and

movement behavior of introduced juvenile Alligator Snapping Turtles in the Hatchie River

drainage of western Tennessee.

QUALIFICATIONS: B.S. in biology, ecology, zoology, or related discipline with a GPA

of at least 3.0 and a GRE of at least 1000; admission to APSU’s

College of Graduate and Professional Studies (http://www.apsu.edu/cogs/ admissions.htm);

experience doing field work, especially with turtles; a knowledge of GPS/GIS technology;

and a valid driver license.

AVAILABLE RESOURCES: The successful applicant will have use of a state-own, 4WD vehicle;

an 18-ft aluminum, flat-bottom boat with 25 horsepower outboard motor; radio-telemetry

receiver and transmitters; a backpack Trimble GPS unit; access to PC-based computers

and GIS Center’s resources; and an undergraduate research assistant to help with field

work.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: The successful applicant will receive a Graduate Research

Assistantship in APSU’s Center for Field Biology that pays $9,000 over the 9-month

academic year and 10 per hour during the summer (15 May through 15 August) for up to 40

hours per week. Final funding package will be dependent available financial resources.

GEOGRAPHICAL SETTING: APSU is in Clarksville, Tennessee, which is situated on the

Cumberland River some 45 miles NW of Nashville. The study site will be the Hatchie

River, a direct tributary to the Mississippi River that flows through four West

Tennessee counties.

THE UNIVERSITY AND BIOLOGY PROGRAM: APSU is mid-sized university with approximately 9,000

students. The Biology Department has 19 full- time faculty members, 5 of which (including

myself) have appointments as principal investigators in The Center of Excellence for

Field Biology. Go to the following web addresses for more details:

http://www.apsu.edu/biol_page/

APPLY: Email me at scotta@apsu.edu with a description of your career goals, relevant

past experiences, and curriculum vitae. Applications will be accepted through 31 January

2007 or until the position is filled.

A. Floyd Scott, PhD

Biology Department and Center for Field Biology

Austin Peay State University

Clarksville, Tennessee 37040

(931) 221-7776

scotta@apsu.edu

** JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS

MOFGA Apprenticeship Program

MOFGA's Apprenticeship Program is targeted for young adults, with or without previous

farming experience, but all are welcome to apply. Apprenticeships may begin any time

during the year, and last for any duration, but most farmers are looking for apprentices

who will commit for the entire growing season (early March through late October) or

longer. The usual apprenticeship is an immersive practicum involving labor in return for

room and board, instruction, and experience. Many farmers pay a modest stipend in

addition.

If you're interested in becoming a farm apprentice, follow these steps:

Download and fill out an apprenticeship application. Download either a PDF or a Word

document. Please complete the application as thoroughly and thoughtfully as you can.

Peruse the profiles of the farms participating in the program. Choose up to 12 farms that

interest you and enter their code numbers in the appropriate spaces at the end of your

application form. Mail your completed application to: MOFGA Apprenticeship Program, PO

Box 170, Unity, ME 04988. Or, email it as a PDF or Word attachment to

education@mofga.org. When we receive your application, we will forward it to the farms in

which you have indicated interest, and we will send you the contact information for those

farms. It is then up to you and the farmers to contact each other. Once you've found a

farm to work on, you should contact MOFGA to let us know, so we can keep track of you and

give you support during your apprenticeship. Farm work can be extremely rewarding, but it

also can be tedious, exhausting, and frustrating. Communal or shared living situations

can be challenging. The more farmers and apprentices are able to learn about each other

before making a commitment, the better. We very strongly recommend that you visit a farm

and interview the farmer(s) before taking an apprenticeship position. Download PDF of

tips on how to find the right situation for you and what to think about when weighing

your options. Please note that applicants may choose to have their applications forwarded

to up to 12 farms. As the growing season approaches we try to get every farm and every

applicant matched up with good situations. If you have not listed 12 farms on your

application, then we reserve the right to send your application to additional farms who

are still seeking apprentices.

Tribal Campus Climate Challenge Organizer, Indigenous Environmental Network

The Indigenous Environmental Network seeks an organizer to organize with Native students

at selected tribal and non-tribal colleges and universities within Montana, North Dakota,

South Dakota, Nebraska and Minnesota to take action on global warming. Applicants should

have a college degree and at least two years of relevant experience. Applications are

due by Friday, December 15, 2006.

http://www.ienearth.org/job-ien-ccc.html

2007 Conservation Fellowships at New England Wild Flower Society

The Herbert J. Esther M. Atkinson Conservation Fellowship and the Lovejoy Conservation

Fellowship

The New England Wild Flower Society (NEWFS) is a leader in regional plant conservation

activities. The New England Plant Conservation Program (NEPCoP), the Plant Conservation

Volunteer (PCV) Corps, and the Invasive Plant Atlas of New England (IPANE) programs

utilize professional and citizen volunteers to perform a variety of plant conservation

activities throughout New England. Volunteers in these innovative, award-winning programs

are involved in all aspects of plant conservation including rare species monitoring,

habitat management, invasive species monitoring and control initiatives, reintroduction

and augmentation, and long-term conservation planning. NEPCoP and PCV programs work

closely with each state heritage program as well as conservation organizations in each

state. IPANE is a collaboration between NEWFS, University of Connecticut, and U.S. Fish &

Wildlife Service. The 2007 Fellows will be involved in all three programs in a variety

of ways, from coordinating volunteers and entering data to conducting botanical surveys,

management projects, and other field actions.

Description:

The Fellows will assist in all aspects of administering the conservation programs of

NEWFS, including data retrieval from the heritage programs, data entry, conducting

training programs, obtaining landowner permission, and sending out volunteer assignments.

Additionally, the Fellows will assist in the planning and implementation of restoration

and management activities, invasive species initiatives, general floristic surveys and

PCV field trips to botanically interesting locations throughout the region. NEWFS employs

two fellows each year.

Skills:

Candidates should have some familiarity with the flora of New England, ecological

processes and studies, excellent speaking and writing skills, good phone skills, a

willingness to call landowners, and a sense of humor. Fellows must respect and maintain

the confidentiality of rare species locations. Additionally some long days in difficult

situations (hot, buggy, and wet) are required.

Bottomline:

Fellowships are full-time, six month positions. Practicum/Internship credits are

available.

Starting date: flexible, as early as March 1st, but no later than June 1st.

Stipend: $240.00/week and housing is provided

To Apply:

Submit cover letter, resume, and reference list to:

Ailene Kane, Plant Conservation Volunteer Coordinator

New England Wild Flower Society

180 Hemenway Road, Framingham, MA 01701

akane@newfs.org

Questions: Please email or call Ailene Kane at akane@newfs.org or (508) 877-7630 ext. 3204

Application deadline: Postmarked by February 1, 2007.

Elkhart EnviroCorps

As part of the Elkhart EnviroCorps team, individuals have the opportunity to make a

difference in the Elkhart environment through education, restoration, conservation and

community involvement. Develop teaching, networking, fundraising, outreach and computer

skills while developing knowledge of the natural world and about conservation issues.

Members serve as part of a results-oriented team in and around the City of Elkhart,

Indiana.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The following include duties are essential or fundamental to successful performance in

the program.

" Plan, implement and evaluate a wide range of community service activities,

educational outreach projects, and environmental conservation projects.

" Participate in all required evaluation/reporting activities, including quarterly

reports, monthly timesheets, and surveys

" Attend all local and State training sessions, group meetings, member development

sessions, and other related events (may require overnight stays - advance notice will be

provided).

" Serve as a contact to community partners and agencies

" Fully comply with AmeriCorps, City of Elkhart, and EnviroCorps guidelines and

regulations.

" Recruit and sustain volunteer commitment from the community; support volunteers

at events

" Take an active role in supporting tasks of objective teams

NECESSARY SKILLS

" Able to successfully complete a term of service (at least 1700 hours) between the

months of September 2006 and August 2007.

" A strong desire and enthusiasm to serve the community and the environment.

" Environmental experience / training favorable but not required.

" Willingness to serve in various settings both indoor and outdoor

" Ability and willingness to serve on both group and individual service projects.

" Respect for and willingness to serve with a diverse group of individuals

MEMBER QUALIIFICATIONS:

" At least 17 years of age; no upper age limit.

" High school diploma or GED at the start of the program year or willingness and

ability to obtain a GED by the end of service term.

" United States citizen or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.

" Community Service background desirable but not required.

" Background in biology, environmental science, environmental education or

education preferred but not required.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

Positions:

There are 14 full-time positions available for the 2006-07 program year

Start Date: September 13, 2006 - August 4, 2007

Recommended moving date (if relocating from outside of Elkhart):

Week of September 4, 2006

Direct application questions to:

Nicholas Schafer, Program Director; 1201 S, Nappanee St.; Elkhart, IN 46514

P: 574-293-2572 Email: nick.schafer@coei.org

Elkhart EnviroCorps

Environmental Education Member Position Description

As part of the Elkhart EnviroCorps team, Members will develop and lead hands-on

environmental education programs for youth and adults at the Elkhart Environmental

Center, at Boot Lake Nature Preserve such as during-school programs, summer camp, or

youth garden clubs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The following include duties are essential or fundamental to successful performance in

the program.

" Plan, implement and evaluate a wide range of community service activities,

educational outreach projects, and environmental conservation projects.

" Participate in all required evaluation/reporting activities, including quarterly

reports, monthly timesheets, and surveys

" Attend all local and State training sessions, group meetings, member development

sessions, and other related events (may require overnight stays - advance notice will be

provided).

" Serve as a contact to community partners and agencies

" Fully comply with AmeriCorps, City of Elkhart, and EnviroCorps guidelines and

regulations.

" Recruit and sustain volunteer commitment from the community; support volunteers

at events

" Take an active role in supporting tasks of objective teams

" Have fun!

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

The following include tasks performed but not essential to position.

" Develop seminars, programs and promotional literature.

" Leading school and community canoe trips

" Hiking with school and community groups on easy-moderate trails at area preserves

and parks

" Assist on community outreach an restoration projects.

" Participating in labor-intensive projects that include weeding, tilling,

delivering and installing landscaping and community beautification materials, gardening,

tree planting (includes digging 4'x4' holes), operating a tractor or other heavy

machinery.

" Driving City vehicles to/from service sites and training events

" Occasionally lifting weights in excess of 25 lbs.

MEMBER QUALIIFICATIONS:

" At least 17 years of age; no upper age limit.

" High school diploma or GED at the start of the program year or willingness and

ability to obtain a GED by the end of service term.

" United States citizen or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.

" Community Service background desirable but not required.

" Background in biology, environmental science, environmental education or

education preferred but not required.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

Positions:

There are 14 full-time positions available for the 2006-07 program year.

Start Date:

January 3, 2007 - November 21, 2007

Direct application questions to:

Nicholas Schafer, Program Director; 1201 S, Nappanee St.; Elkhart, IN 46514

P: 574-293-2572 Email: nick.schafer@coei.org

Elkhart EnviroCorps

TNC Crew Member Position Description and Information Sheet

As part of the Elkhart EnviroCorps team, 3-5 individuals have the opportunity to serve

80% of their service year in partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC). While based

in Elkhart TNC Crew Members train and serve at various Elkhart and TNC nature preserves

throughout Indiana. TNC Crew Members engage primarily in habitat restoration,

conservation and management projects throughout their term of service. Though a

significant amount of time is dedicated to the TNC partnership, TNC Crew Members

participate in All-Corps projects and other Elkhart based projects. In this way, the

crew remains an active part of a larger results-oriented EnviroCorps team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The following include duties are essential or fundamental to successful performance in

the program.

" Willingness to travel and stay overnight frequently (3-4 nights per week)

" Ability to engage in labor intensive service which can include but is not limited

to hiking on rugged terrain, heavy lifting, and using chainsaws

" Plan, implement and evaluate a wide range of community service activities,

educational outreach projects, and environmental conservation projects.

" Participate in all required evaluation/reporting activities, including quarterly

reports, monthly timesheets, and surveys, etc.

" Attend all local and State training sessions, group meetings, member development

sessions, and other related events (may require overnight stays - advance notice will be

provided).

" Serve as a contact to community partners and agencies

" Fully comply with AmeriCorps, City of Elkhart, and EnviroCorps guidelines and

regulations.

" Recruit and sustain volunteer commitment from the community; support volunteers

at events

" Take an active role in supporting tasks of objective teams

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

The following include tasks performed but not essential to position.

" Participating in labor-intensive projects that include invasive species

irradiation, chainsaw and brush cutter use, erosion control projects, GPS mapping, plant

identification, operating a tractor or other heavy machinery, etc.

" Driving City vehicles to and from service sites and training events

" Occasionally lifting weights in excess of 25 lbs.

" Participating in prescribed burns (Training Provided)

" Work toward Wildland Firefighter Certification (Red Card)

" Use of chainsaws and other power tools (Training Provided)

NECESSARY SKILLS

" Able to successfully complete a term of service (at least 1700 hours) between the

months of January 2007 and November 2007.

" A strong desire and enthusiasm to serve the community and the environment.

" Environmental experience / training favorable but not required.

" Willingness to serve in various settings both indoor and outdoor

" Ability and willingness to serve on both group and individual service projects.

" Respect for and willingness to serve with a diverse group of individuals

" Ability to adapt to various work settings / situations.

" Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Positions:

There are 14 full-time positions available for the 2006-07 program year

Start Date:

January 3, 2007 - November 23, 2007

Direct application questions to:

Nicholas Schafer, Program Director; 1201 S, Nappanee St.; Elkhart, IN 46514

P: 574-293-2572 Email: nick.schafer@coei.org

Habitat Restoration Intern

The Point Reyes National Seashore is seeking interns to assist with invasive plant

removal throughout the park. Of the over 900 plant species that grow within the seashore,

over 300 have been introduced from other parts of the world and a handful of these are

spreading so quickly as to crowd out native species. Removing invasive plants plays a

major role in our efforts to maintain and restore our unique and biologically diverse

ecological communities. Many threatened or endangered species reside in these diminishing

habitats.

Job Title: Habitat Restoration Intern

Location: Point Reyes National Seashore. The approximately 90,000 acres that make up the

seashore consist of a diverse assemblage of coastal dune and bluffs, Douglas fir and

bishop pine forest, grasslands, marshes, and cattle ranches. The park sits along the

northern California coast just an hour from San Francisco.

Hours: 40 hours per week, February through April (flexible)

Description of Duties: The interns will primarily focus on invasive plant removal in

riparian and coastal areas of the park. The park currently is focusing on eradication of

Cape-ivy and this will be the focus of the internship. However, work on various other

invasives throughout the park may require attention as well throughout the season. This

is a field position; however the intern will also keep field data of the work and

maintain records. Some vegetation monitoring at removal sites will also be a component of

the work. The interns will have ample opportunity to learn about the invasive non-native

species, methods used to control such species and native flora and fauna that restoration

efforts are protecting. Some sites may require up to an hour hike and significant

exposure to poison oak or other hazards. The interns should be aware of their tolerance

to poison oak and be comfortable working in such conditions including working out in the

rain and wind. The interns will work with park staff and may also have opportunities to

lead volunteer

groups. In addition, there may be occasional opportunities to work with some of the other

programs within the national seashore.

Knowledge/Skills Desired (but will train):

• Experience or interest in botany and/or ecological restoration (minimum of some

college level coursework in botany, plant biology, taxonomy, horticulture, or another

related field)

• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather, uneven terrain, with poison oak and

stinging nettle

• Ability to perform work that is tedious and repetitive

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Valid driver’s license

• Ability to work with diverse ages and backgrounds

• Ability to work in groups and independently with little supervision

• Strong organizational skills

A stipend of $100 per week, housing in the park and professional training opportunities

are provided. Must have your own vehicle for personal use, s the nearest town is outside

of the park and housing might not be at park headquarters.

Contact Information:

Please send a resume and cover letter to Cassandra Liu, Point Reyes

National Seashore at Cassandra_Liu@partner.nps.gov

................................................................................................................................................................

Beth Kopp

Coordinator, Environmental Studies Program

Colby College

4846 Mayflower Hill

Waterville, Maine 04901-8848

207.859.4846

fax 207.872.3474

Office: 221 Lunder House

bkkopp@colby.edu