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ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES NEWSLETTER
APRIL 13, 2009
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** UPCOMING ES PROGRAM EVENTS: Wednesday — “A Face, A Place, A Taste: What a Local, Organic Food System Can Be”
** ES PROGRAM NEWS: Internship Stipends Available, Three ES Seniors elected into Phi Beta Kappa
** ALSO ON CAMPUS: Logan Perkins on campus
** BEYOND CAMPUS: Volunteers Needed for Wellness Fair at the Hall School
** JOBS & INTERNSHIPS: My Pro World, Maine DEP, Sierra Club, Institute of Arctic Biology (IAB) at the University of Alaska, Casco Bay Estuary Partnership, Conservation Services Group, and more...
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** UPCOMING ES PROGRAM EVENTS:
Wednesday April 15
Noon in the Fairchild Room in Dana. Join us at 11:30 for lunch with Russell.
“A Face, A Place, A Taste: What a Local, Organic Food System Can Be”
Russell Libby, Executive Director, MOFGA
Serving as the executive director of MOFGA since 1995, Libby has led its growth over the past decade, moving to the Common Ground Education Center in Unity, expanded the Agricultural Services and Education programs, and created a subsidiary to run the Certification program. Russell has a wide range of agricultural affiliations, including 10 years as Research Director at the Maine Department of Agriculture. He currently serves on the boards of: the Agricultural Council of Maine; the University of Maine Board of Agriculture; Maine Farmland Trust; Eat Local Foods Coalition; National Organic Coalition; and FEDCO Seeds.
**ES Program News:
Phi Beta Kappa
Next time you see Michael Ambrogi, Patrick Roche, and Megan Saunders, please congratulate them. They are a part of the recent inductees into the the Beta Chapter of Maine of Phi Beta Kappa at Colby Great work!
ES Internship Stipends Available
We are pleased to announce that the ES Program has a limited amount of funding to support ES summer internships. The successful Mellon grant is now closed, but we will use the same criteria for the selection process. Please see details below and ask me if you have questions:
Environmental Studies Summer Internship Stipends
The amount of money available for each stipend will depend on the nature of the internship, the anticipated budget and financial needs of the applicant, and the availability of other resources including the employer's ability to provide partial compensation. Applications should be submitted to Beth Kopp, 208 Diamond, beth.kopp@colby.edu by April 24.
Criteria for Environmental Internship Stipends:
Proposals will be evaluated based on the criteria above. Successful applicants will be awarded their stipends pending their agreement to the terms of the award.
Award Terms:
1. Write a report on your experience appropriate for posting on the ES website and inclusion in our annual reports to the Mellon Foundation.
2. Submit three digital photographs of you “in action” at your internship. These photos will enhance the ES Program website and other materials we may prepare on the internship program.
3. Ask your internship site supervisor to write a letter evaluating your performance at the end of the internship.
4. Give a presentation describing your internship experience when you return to Colby. Your presentation will be part of the Environmental Studies Program lunchtime talks.
** BEYOND CAMPUS:
Volunteers Needed for Wellness Fair at the Hall School
Professor Gail Carlson will be leading six sessions during the wellness fair for the fourth and fifth graders from Albert S. Hall School here in Waterville on Friday, April 17, times listed below. The focus of her sessions is RECYCLING. If you would like to help develop the session (fun craft idea or game about recycling) or assist her a few of the sessions, please contact her: <gcarlson>. This will not only be fun community service, but you can receive $12/hour for the work you do that day. Please share your knowledge!
Wellness Fair: Mind and Body Day ˆ Friday, April 17th
This a fair for the fifth graders on Friday in which they will rotate through six sessions throughout the day
o Session 1: 8:30 ˆ 9:10am
o Session 2: 9:15 ˆ 9:55am
o Session 3: 10:00 ˆ 10:40am
o Session 4: 11:00 ˆ 11:40am
o Session 5: 12:45 ˆ 1:25pm
o Session 6: 1:30 ˆ 2:10pm
** ALSO ON CAMPUS:
Logan Perkins on campus
Mon. April 13th at 7pm in Olin 1 Logan Perkins from Food for Maine's Future will talk about her work with The International Movement for Food Sovereignty in Africa and Latin America. This initiative has a focus upon promoting sustainable, community-controlled food systems worldwide. Second, on Thurs. April 16th at 7pm in Lovejoy 319, Logan will be returning with her colleague Bob St. Peter to lead a smaller discussion with the students from the BI402B seminar and any others who are interested on the role of GMO's in organic agriculture. Tim Christensen would like those who attend the discussion to skim over some of the material that the BI402 class has covered which can be found on the seminar webpage:
http://www.colby.edu/biology/BI402B/LabPg.htm
** JOBS & INTERNSHIPS:
MY PRO JOBS
HEALTH CARE INTERNSHIPS
Students can promote public health in rural Andean communities, shadow
doctors in clinics in impoverished areas of Oaxaca, support diabetes testing
and education campaigns in Belize, assist in HIV and AIDS outreach in Chiang
Mai, help with eldercare in India, go on door to door outreach efforts in
Ghana, and shadow doctors in urban clinics in Bahia, Brazil.
To see our full range of health project options visit:
http://www.myproworld.org/internships/internhealth.htm
ENVIRONMENTAL INTERNSHIPS
Students can protect native forests in the Sacred Valley, Peru, perform
rapid environmental assessments in a national park in Belize, explore
wildlife preserves around Mysore, India, get their hands dirty in Northern
Thai reforestation, work on eco-tourism and environmental education in
Ghana, and participate in beach clean-ups and protection in Bahia, Brazil.
To see our full range of environmental project options visit:
http://www.myproworld.org/internships/internenvironment.htm
SOCIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INTERNSHIPS
Students will have the opportunity to fight for children's rights in Belize,
mentor children and adults in Peru, protect women’s rights in Mexico,
support homeless shelters in India, support social programs to advance
minority groups in Thailand, foster micro-business efforts in Ghana, and
work in favellas on art and sports programs in Brazil.
To see our full range of social and economic development project options
visit: http://www.myproworld.org/internships/internsocialecon.htm
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Program fees help support ongoing development projects and include:
- Extensive Pre-program support and information
- Airport pickup
- All food and accommodations
- Funding of projects
- Cultural and language classes
- All onsite domestic transportation
- Continual support from full time onsite staff teams
- 24/7 safety and emergency support
- Weekend cultural and adventure activities
- Health and travel insurance
PROWORLD'S MISSION is to promote social and economic development, empower
communities, protect the environment, and cultivate educated compassionate
global citizens.
If you have any questions, please visit
http://www.myproworld.org or contact me at adam@myproworld.org.
Student Position Announcement Research Aide
Institute of Arctic Biology
University of Alaska Fairbanks, Toolik Field Station, Brooks Range, Alaska
Review of Applications Will Begin: Thursday, 16 April 2009
For further information, please search for posting number 0057445 at:
https://www.uakjobs.com
Or contact:
Syndonia Bret-Harte
Email: ffmsb@uaf.edu
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The Institute of Arctic Biology (IAB) at the University of Alaska
Fairbanks (UAF) seeks enthusiastic undergraduates and recent college
graduates who are interested in summer field research in Alaska. The
overall objective of the research program is to understand the ecosystem
and global consequences of potential future changes in arctic
vegetation. The Research Assistant will be based at Toolik Field
Station, north of the Brooks Range in arctic Alaska
http://www.uaf.edu/toolik. One position is available, which pays a
stipend of $436 per week (before taxes). It will begin in early June and
end in late August of 2009.
The successful applicant will assist with fieldwork at the tussock
tundra site and laboratory work consisting of tasks such as plant
sorting and data entry. In addition, research assistants will attend
weekly seminars on the research at the station, will develop his or her
own individual research projects on a topic related to the program and
his or her own interests, and will present his or her work at an
informal symposium at Toolik Field Station.
The focus of research this summer is to understand how plant species
traits affect ecosystem processing of C and N, and how changes in the
species abundance may alter C and N cycling under a warming climate.
Researchers have been collecting data on plant traits from a suite of
species growing in different tundra ecosystem types, and will finish
that collection this summer. Data are being compared with similar plant
traits collected in ecosystems at a range of latitudes across the
Americas, to assess the contribution of functional diversity to
ecosystem processing of C and N under land use and climatic change.
The successful applicant will also assist with other projects, including
one focused on the mechanisms by which winter processes affect the
summer growth of vegetation, and the consequences of shrub expansion
under a warming climate for biogeochemical cycling of C and N.
Researchers have set up snow fences in tussock tundra, low shrub tundra,
and taller shrub tundra, in order to assess how increased winter snow
affects mineralization of N overwinter and growth and recovery from
snow-loading of shrubs and other vegetation in the following summer.
Vegetation growth will continue to be followed in this study, and will
continue measurements of shrub response to, and recovery from,
mechanical loading by snow. This project should improve understanding of
land surface changes currently occurring in the Arctic, and their
potential impacts on climate.
Finally, the successful applicant will help with a project focused on
understanding the contribution of vegetation and disturbance to
landscape-level fluxes of carbon, water, and energy in tundra
ecosystems.
Eligibility:
Class background in plant ecology, botany, ecosystem ecology,
statistics, and computer science would be an advantage. Experience in
field or laboratory, experience with data analysis, and experience
working in a remote field site is preferred. Applicants should have
skills with plant identification, data collecting and recording, data
manipulation in Excel, and data analysis. Applicants must be willing to
work in the field, occasionally under adverse weather conditions.
Competent, careful, emotionally mature, and enthusiastic people are
desired. The work is designed to be both fun and challenging. A valid
U.S. Driver's license is required, and successful applicants must
provide a copy of their social security cards at the time of employment.
Applications from women and minorities are encouraged.
To apply, please complete the online application by searching for
posting number 0057445 at https://www.uakjobs.com. You must submit a
cover letter that explains why you are interested in the program and how
it fits into your long-term education and career goals. You must also
describe your background and include anything that would convince the
reviewers that you are the most appropriate person for this position.
You must also submit a CV or resume and the names, telephone numbers,
and email addresses of three professional references. For assistance
with the application, please contact UAF Human Resources at 907-474-7700
or stop by 3295 College Road, Room 108, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7860 between
the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (closed noon
-1 p.m.). Applications will be reviewed beginning Thursday, 16 April
2009.
UAF is an AA/EO Employer and Educational Institution.
For further information, please contact:
Syndonia Bret-Harte
Email: ffmsb@uaf.edu
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MAINE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Open: April 8, 2009 Close: April 22, 2009
Conservation Aide - Augusta
17-week Seasonal Position
Start date in mid-May
Grade: 6 ($10.04/hr - $12.77/hr plus a 7.5% stipend) Code: 9455 Position: 08330-1282
Value of State’s Share of Paid Health & Dental Insurance: $336.80 bi-weekly
Value of State’s Share of Employee’s Retirement: 19.22%
Brief Job Description:
The Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Environmental Assessment for the Biological Monitoring Unit has a 17-week seasonal Conservation Aide position in Augusta. This position provides essential support in the collection of biological, chemical and physical data from Maine’s rivers, streams, and wetlands. In addition, the position has a major role in the quality assurance/quality control of data collected during the sampling season.
Minimum Qualifications: Must have knowledge and/or experience in conservation work and/or a high school diploma or equivalent. A strong biological background, computer experience and various database knowledge is a plus. Must be at least 18 years of age.
Special Requirements: Must possess a valid Class C driver’s license.
For job specifics, please contact Tom Danielson at 287-7728.
Application Procedure: Interested candidates should mail a State of Maine Direct Hire Application available at all Maine Career Centers and on line at http://www.maine.gov/statejobs/directapp.htm Please mail application to:
Tom Danielson
Maine Department of Environmental Protection
17 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0017
Application must be received by the close of business, April 22, 2009. For a copy of application, please call 287-2214, or Carmen Welch at 287-4997.
More information about Maine DEP may be found at http://www.state.me.us/dep/index.shtml
Summer Internship 2009:
Characterizing the State of Casco Bay
and its Watershed
The Casco Bay Estuary Partnership is one of 28 National
Estuary Programs nationwide. Our mission is to protect and
restore the water quality, and fish and wildlife habitat of
the Casco Bay ecosystem, while ensuring compatible human
uses.
Every five years, the partnership prepares a report
summarizing knowledge of the environmental health of
Casco Bay. Our next “State of the Bay” report is due in
2010. We are conducting preliminary work this summer
(2009) in preparation for that report. We are seeking a
motivated, organized undergraduate or graduate student with an interest in Maine’s coastal
environment to work with our existing staff on the project.
The work will focus on identifying key information needs regarding the environmental health of Casco
Bay, and working with a variety of local, federal and state organizations to locate, gather, organize and
analyze data to address those needs. The intern will also be involved with drafting portions of the
Report. The topics involved range widely, from changing patterns of land use in southern Maine to
concentrations of toxic pollutants in marine organisms.
The work calls for an individual with strong organizational and data analysis skills. Previous experience
with preparation of technical graphics or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) would be highly
beneficial.
Two previous “State of the Bay” reports (from the years 2000 and 2005) are available at our web site
(http://www.cascobay.usm.maine.edu/sotb.html).
To apply, please submit a letter of application, resume and at least two references to: 2010 State of the
Bay, Casco Bay Estuary Partnership, Wishcamper Center, 34 Bedford St., Portland, ME 04104-9300.
For more information contact: Curtis Bohlen (207) 780-4820
Clean Energy Markets – Public Policy Fellowship – Westborough, MA
For more than two decades, Conservation Services Group (CSG) has helped Americans make smart energy use decisions an important part of the way they live and work. CSG designs, develops, and delivers innovative, results-driven energy efficiency, energy conservation, sustainability, and renewable energy programs. We bring our experience, expertise, creativity, and commitment to our goals of using environmentally-responsible approaches in helping business and home owners lower costs, increase comfort, and improve indoor air quality; and in championing the development and use of renewable, alternative energy.
People who work at CSG say that it’s a unique kind of organization- one that nurtures individual talents and inspires dedication. We share a commitment to our work and our mission. CSG has a collegial atmosphere, where people respect and encourage each other to help the environment and change the way our country uses energy. How about you; do you see yourself as a part of our team?
Current Job Opportunity Summary:
CSG is currently seeking a Public Policy Fellow for its Westborough, MA office. The position will be a one-year fellowship to support tracking of- and influence on- public policy related to energy efficiency and renewable energy. The Fellow will report to the Deputy Director of the Clean Energy Markets Team.
Responsibilities:
SUMMER 2009: BE A FORCE FOR CHANGE
APPLY NOW online at www.ssc.org/sprog <http://www.ssc.org/sprog>
Questions? Call 1(888) JOIN-SSC
Have you been looking for tools & skills to make a positive difference in the world? If so, SPROG is exactly what you’ve been hoping to find.
SPROG is a week-long youth organizing training program, which will be held in 9 locations this summer and led by the nation's top youth organizers. You’ll develop your organizing and leadership skills, network and bond with fellow young changemakers, engage in fun activities, and enjoy tasty vegetarian cooking. Not only will you come away changed, you'll have the skills and confidence to be a FORCE for CHANGE!
There may be a dozen other things you could choose to do this summer…so why choose to take a week for SPROG? Here’s why:
Right now, we’re seeing our future slip away. How many people do you know who are struggling to pay for college or find a job, thanks to our economic crisis? How many vulnerable communities will be hit by super-hurricanes, drought, floods, and other extreme weather events as a result of the climate crisis? How many millions will be forced from their homes as sea levels rise? How many wars will be waged as food, water and other resources grow scarce? How many communities, landscapes and ecosystems will be forever changed by a changing climate?
But we CAN rebuild our economy and reclaim our future! Can you imagine communities coming together everywhere, insulating and weatherizing every home, putting solar panels on every roof, and erecting windmills across the countryside? Can you imagine a world powered by a clean energy economy, where you can turn on the lights, travel where you’d like, and pursue your dreams without harming the planet?
Change only happens when we organize, and organizing is a craft that must be learned like any other. The big changes we need to make in the world will require bold leadership at every level…and just as it was for every generation before us, young people must act to call that leadership forth. SPROG is where you can learn the skills you’ll need to act effectively, skills like:
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