ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES PROGRAM NEWSLETTER
December 4, 2007
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In this issue:
** UPCOMING ES PROGRAM EVENTS: This week: ES 493: The State of Maine's Environment 2007: An
Environmental Assessment, and Bio 493 Colby Researchers to Present Findings in
Long Pond South Study
** CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY: Web Course on Climate Neutral University
Planning
** STUDY ABROAD :
Montana Field Semester,Ecology in Context: Independent Research in
Ecology for Undergraduates
Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, New York, Northwest
Connections' Landscape and Livelihood
** BEYOND COLBY: Student Conservation Association -- Alternative
Spring Break and EarthVision
** JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS:
Harvard Forest, National Wildlife Federation, NRCM, Department of
Justice, Northwest Service Academy, Manzana Springs -- WOOFing,
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** UPCOMING ES PROGRAM EVENTS:
The State of Maine's Environment 2007: An Environmental Assessment
Tuesday, December 4, 7:00 pm
Olin 1
Please join senior environmental policy majors at Colby College
for their upcoming presentation, "The State of Maine's Environment
2007". This presentation will
summarize the findings of their semester-long research which examined current
and continuing environmental policy issues in Maine. This year's report focuses on four key areas: energy,
land-use planning, resource access, and environmental attitudes. For each area, the groups explore
the context and current state of the issue, provide a series of indicators
examining both the environmental problem as well as underlying drivers of those
problems, and conclude with a series of policy recommendations.
(ES 401 credit)
Colby Researchers to Present Findings in Long Pond South Study
A study of south basin of Long Pond and its watershed was prompted
by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection's (MDEP) decision to place
Long Pond on the impaired lakes list. Colby students will present the findings
of the summer and fall study at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 6, at the Union
Church in the Belgrade Lakes village on route 27. The presentation is open to the public and should last about
one and a half hours. Refreshments
will be served.
Students will report on the current water quality of the lake and
environmental factors that influence it. In addition, students will make
recommendations for maintaining water quality and discuss the nature of the
watershed and land-use patterns, past and present. They will also discuss issues related to future development
and the need for cooperative work with lake associations for other Belgrade
lakes.
Students in the upper-level biology and environmental science
course "Problems in Environmental Science" have studied many lakes in
central Maine, including all of the Belgrade Lakes. Each year, they present
their findings to the public and provide a formal report to the MDEP, town
officials, lake associations, and other interested parties.
The MDEP and local lake associations utilize the students' data in
their efforts to protect and improve lake water quality, MDEP officials
said. Past research groups from
Colby have recommended changes to reduce the amount of phosphorus entering the
lakes from overland runoff and sediment release. Lake associations have funded follow-up activities to help
implement recommendations to abate phosphorus runoff, which leads to algal
growth and degrades water quality.
Professors David Firmage and Russell Cole guide the lakes research
conducted by senior Environmental Science majors. This year, 11 Colby seniors
participated in the research project.
** CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY:
Web Course on Climate Neutral University Planning
February 4-April 18
Dave Newport, the Director of the CU Environmental Center, will
lead a web-based course on Carbon Neutral University Planning. The course will
explore the concepts and methodologies involved in analyzing and planning for
campus climate neutrality, and the opportunities and barriers to achieving
climate neutrality. Participants will learn how to develop an analytical
framework by which to evaluate emissions mitigation options, and draft a
proposed strategic plan that would guide implementation of climate neutrality.
Environmental Studies
ENVS 4100 Topics in Environmental Policy: : Carbon Neutral
University Planning
3 Semester Hours
Introduces concepts that inform the definition of climate
neutrality and the technical approaches that campuses can employ. Explores the
concepts and methodologies involved in analyzing and planning campus climate
neutrality outcomes, the opportunities and barriers to achieving climate
neutrality, and approaches to gaining a detailed knowledge of a particular
campus' circumstances related to these efforts. May be repeated up to 9 total
credit hours, provided the topics vary.
Dave Newport, MA
Section 581: Call No. 30444
Term dates: February 4-April 18 (4T)
Tuition $738
http://www.colorado.edu/cewww/termbased.htm
** OFF CAMPUS STUDY:
Northwest Connections' Landscape and Livelihood Fall Field
Semester immerses a small group of students in an intensive two-month field
educational program focusing on ecology and community-based conservation. The
program offers 15 semester credits from the University of Montana. Students
learn experientially as they live and study the community and landscape of the
glaciated Swan Valley and the rural human community it supports. Base camp for
the semester is a historic homestead on the Swan River, nestled between two
wilderness areas, 50 miles south of Glacier National Park.
Northwest Connections' instructional philosophy recognizes the
value of learning outside the traditional academic realm. Students are
outdoors, in the field, every day of the semester. Students also work closely
with rural citizens and land managers in order to understand the relationship
between environmental issues and local communities.
Landscape and Livelihood's residential program operates seven days
per week, creating time for classroom lecture, field work, reading, reflective
writing, journaling, and involvement in community activities. Fifteen semester
credits are earned from the University of Montana in five separate courses in
Environmental Studies; Geography; Recreation Management and Forestry.
The Field Semester runs from September 1st - October 29th,
2008. Tuition includes:
Wilderness First Aid certification
Room and board
All course materials
Transportation during the semester
A $500 tuition break is being offered to students who apply by
February 1st, 2008. Check out the
NwC website for further information and to find out how to apply:
www.northwestconnections.org.
For more information, please contact us at:
Northwest Connections
Box 1309 Swan Valley,
MT 59826
(406) 754-3185
nwceducation@blackfoot.net
Ecology in Context: Independent Research in Ecology for
Undergraduates Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, New York
Ten undergraduate
students will join the IES research community in 2008 to
Complete a research project of their own design.
Be a part of an exciting research community.
Work closely with leading ecologists.
Exchange ideas with a diverse group of students, scientists and
educators.
Have access to state of the art facilities.
Explore ecology career options and rewards.
See how ecological research has an impact on our society.
The program emphasizes the community nature of the scientific
enterprise, fosters reflection and builds self confidence and skills. To
complement their mentored research, students have many chances to interact,
give and receive feedback and support, and participate in a rich assortment of
enrichment activities, workshops and field trips.
Dates:
May 27 to August 15, 2008 (12 weeks)
Eligibility: Undergraduate freshmen,
sophomores, juniors or first semester seniors. Must be citizens or permanent
residents of the U.S. or its possessions.
Stipend: $4,800
stipend, plus $600 allowance for food and free housing in Bacon Flats Lodge.
Other support: Some
assistance is available for travel to and from the program as well.
Online application available. Applications must be submitted by 15 February 2008.
For more information, contact:
Patricia Zolnik
Undergraduate Research Coordinator
Institute of Ecosystem Studies
P.O. Box R, Millbrook, NY 12545
(845) 677-7600 x326
Fax: (845) 677-6455
E-mail: zolnikp@ecostudies.org
** BEYOND COLBY:
SCA Admissions
Alternative Spring Break
SCA and American Eagle have teamed up to host an Alternative
Spring in two of the country's most spectacular parks. Choose a week-long
service adventure in either Padre Island National Seashore or Grand Canyon
National Park. Volunteers at Padre Island will set up a front country camp near
headquarters and work together to construct a universal access boardwalk to the
beach, while others will set up a primitive camp on the seashore and spend their
days constructing an addition to the turtle research ranger station. Session
one runs from 3/8/08-3/15/08 while session two runs from 3/15/08-3/22/08.
At Grand Canyon, volunteers will set up camp at Mather Campground
on the South Rim and spend their days hiking along some of the Canyon's most
beautiful trails while carrying out important vegetation projects, as well as
removing graffiti from some of the Park's most important cultural sites. Dates
for the Grand Canyon project are 3/15/08-3/22/08 and 3/22/08-3/29/08.
SCA will provide a $400 travel reimbursement as well as food and
transportation within the park. However, volunteers must purchase their own
travel to and from the airport, as well as bring personal gear such as a tent,
sleeping bag, and pad.
For more information on SCA's Alternative Spring Break and how to
apply, visit www.thesca.org/alternative-spring-break/
EarthVision: Actions for a Healthy Planet
On April 24 - 27, 2008, in Washington DC, you can join forces with
other young conservation leaders to exchange ideas, get hands-on training,
craft policy, and plan next steps in a small and powerful joint effort to
strategize actions for a healthy planet. Register for the Summit now to make
your voice heard and your views count as the 2008 national election approaches.
You will discuss important issues with major opinion leaders -- from Summit
Keynote Speaker and climate champion Billy Parish to national environmental and
social justice leader Iantha Gantt-Wright to the producers of The 11th Hour to Secretary
of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne, and more.
Other good reasons to attend it's in DC, in the spring. The
opening session is at the Department of Interior Great Hall, with the evening
reception at the National Museum of the American Indian. You will take part in
an environmental service project in our nation's Capital.
You can network and advance your career at the Conservation Cafe.
The fee for the four-day Summit is only $145.00 if you register by January
15th. It's $185.00 after that. That includes lodging, food, and ground
transportation once at the National 4-H Conference Center. And if you get five
people to register, or if you are a professor and you bring five of your
students, your registration will be free! Some schools like Sterling College in
VT have even agreed to pay for a group of students to attend at no cost to the
students!
If you are planning
to attend, you will need to hurry as this summit will fill up fast. Please
visit our website for more information.
** JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS:
Harvard Forest
Projects in summer 2008 will focus on:
Invasive Plants, Pests and Pathogens
Plant Biology, Population and Community Ecology
Large Ecosystem Experiments and Permanent Plot Studies
Conservation Biology and Biodiversity
Forest Ecosystem Response to Global Change
Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics
Reading and Conserving the New England Landscape
Students are paid a stipend of $4920 for the 12 week session which
runs from May 27 through August 15, 2008.
Excellent on-site housing and a full meal plan are included as
part of the program.
Assistance with travel costs to and from Harvard Forest is also
provided.
We seek a diverse group of students from a variety of
undergraduate programs across the country
Visit http://harvardforest.fas.harvard.edu/education/reu/reu.html
for our on-line application.
National Wildlife Federation
CAMPUS E-NEWS
COORDINATOR - RESTON, VIRGINIA
National Wildlife Federation is seeking an E-news Coordinator to
help deliver state-of-the-art news and information for campus decision-makers
on reducing the carbon footprint by producing a semi-monthly e-newsletter
focused on climate stewardship geared to higher education audiences. The
coordinator will also lead web-based earned media and related promotional
efforts, and coordinate the production of web-based courses and guides.
CAMPUS FIELD COORDINATOR - ATLANTA, GEORGIA
National Wildlife Federation is seeking a national Campus Field
Coordinator who desires to work at the leading edge of a movement for campus
climate action. This person will recruit and support campus climate champions
who commit to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by at least 2% per year
and 80% by 2050. They will organize regional gatherings and networks and
develop other resources to support campus climate action.
MANAGER, EDUCATION LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS - WASHINGTON, D.C.
National Wildlife Federation is seeking a Manager of Education
Legislative Affairs who will be responsible for lobbying Congress and the
administration for federal appropriations and policy measures that advance
NWFÕs Reversing Nature Deficit Disorder agenda and acting as NWFÕs liaison and
ambassador to national conservation, recreation and other current and potential
coalition partners on our education advocacy agenda. Responsibilities also
include working with other NWF departments and campaigns to ensure that the
federal education agenda is included, engaging NWF affiliate partners and
leaders, volunteers and activists in our education advocacy work, and assisting
with the development of campaign strategies and tactics that advance education
advocacy.
PROGRAM ASSISTANT, GLOBAL WARMING - ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN
National Wildlife Federation is seeking a Program Assistant to
support the global warming campaign team. Responsibilities include providing
administrative support including planning and organizing meetings, conferences,
events and outreach efforts locally and regionally. Manage event logistics,
represent NWF at tabling events, assisting with grant administration,
developing/distributing materials and providing other clerical assistance where
needed. Work collaboratively as part of OfficeÕs larger administrative team to
provide administrative and general office support for Great Lakes Center.
Duties include, but are not limited to reception of visitors and callers,
making travel arrangements, filing, making copies, distributing mail, preparing
meeting notes, data entry, errands and special project assignments.
REGIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MONTPELIER VERMONT
National Wildlife Federation is seeking a Regional Executive
Director in our Vermont Center. This individual should be a leader who operates
with a deep commitment to a culture of shared responsibility and who effectively
executes national objectives through a regional presence utilizing regional
resources. The director will be
responsible for creating and managing a powerful and aligned
grassroots/grasstops network within the region that enables NWF to achieve strategic
outcomes and providing policy oversight, program and targeted campaign
management, and fund-raising leadership. The position will also serve as a key
resource and lead spokesperson for media outreach in the region, develop
regional strategies that integrate advocacy with increased political clout,
stronger, more aligned affiliates, a robust donor base, enhanced volunteerism
and diverse partnerships, and develop and implementing new, high-profile
initiatives that bring renewed visibility, programmatic, educational and
fund-raising opportunities to NWF.
REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE - ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN
National Wildlife Federation is seeking a Regional Representative
to coordinate with NWF affiliates in the states of Michigan, Illinois, Indiana,
and Minnesota. Responsibilities include ensuring the long-term effectiveness of
NWF and its affiliates by building strong organizations, developing and
supporting effective leadership, and creating strong networks of influential
people to achieve national and regional conservation victories, and
demonstrating the ability to work strategically and as a team player with both
NWF staff and affiliate leaders. Also, establishing and maintaining
partnerships between NWF and its affiliates and completing duties such as board
development, leadership training, public speaking, providing non-profit
business advice, coalition building, campaign planning and implementation, and
volunteer cultivation.
REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE - AUSTIN, TEXAS
National Wildlife Federation is seeking a Regional Representative
to coordinate with NWF affiliates in the states of Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, and
Texas. Responsibilities include ensuring the long-term effectiveness of NWF and
its affiliates by building strong organizations, developing and supporting
effective leadership, and creating strong networks of influential people to
achieve national and regional conservation victories. Also demonstrating the
ability to work strategically and as a team player with both NWF staff and
affiliate leaders, establishing and maintaining partnerships between NWF and
its affiliates, and completing duties such as board development, leadership
training, public speaking, providing non-profit business advice, coalition
building, campaign planning and implementation, and volunteer cultivation.
NWF's mission is to inspire Americans to protect wildlife for our
children's future.
Kristy Jones - Manager, Campus Climate Education & Action,
Campus Ecology
Phone: 703-438-6262
| Fax: 703-438-6468 |
jonesk@nwf.org
National Wildlife Federation
11100 Wildlife Center Drive
Reston, VA 20190-5362
www.nwf.org
January Intern NRCM
The Natural Resources Council of Maine is the stateÕs leading
environmental advocacy organization.
A January Intern will have an opportunity to work with NRCMÕs advocacy
staff as the Maine State Legislature begins its legislative session. The intern will perform a range of
tasks in support of NRCMÕs environmental agenda, including producing written
materials in support of environmental legislation, attending legislative
hearings, assisting with media events, and contacting outside organizations to
build support for NRCMÕs legislative priorities. This internship offers an excellent opportunity for anyone
interested in the legislative process and environmental policy. This full-time position through the
month of January will allow the intern to see how a sophisticated environmental
advocacy organization utilizes a broad range of resources and strategies to
promote legislation aimed at protecting MaineÕs environment. The intern will be located at the NRCM Augusta office and report to the Advocacy Director.
Pete Didisheim
Advocacy Director
Natural Resources Council of Maine
3 Wade Street, Augusta ME 04330
207-622-3101, ext 213
Intern Position Available
U.S. Department of Justice
Environment and Natural Resources Division
Law and Policy Section
The Law and Policy Section (LPS) advises and assists the Assistant
Attorney General on legal and policy issues. Working with the Office of Legislative
Affairs, LPS coordinates the Environment and Natural Resources Division's legislative program. LPS also represents the Department of
Justice on interagency groups of a variety of issues that relate to the mission
of the Division. LPS also
litigates amicus cases and undertakes other specially assigned litigation
projects at the trial and appellate levels. Other duties include monitoring
citizen suits; responding to citizen mail, congressional, and FOIA requests;
and serving as the Division's ethics officers. LPS attorneys also coordinate the Division's activities on
international
environmental matters and environmental justice matters.
Duties of the unpaid undergraduate intern position include:
attending congressional hearings and reporting on environmental legislation;
researching legal and policy issues; and providing support for the
section's amicus litigation.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, pass a
mandatory drug test, and be willing to commit for a period of at
least ten weeks.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis but must be
received no later than the following application deadlines:
For Spring internships (March/April - May/June, dates flexible):
January 15, 2008; For Summer internships (May/June- August, dates
flexible): March 15, 2008
To apply, please fax a cover letter, resume, unofficial
transcript, and 3-5 page writing sample (may be an excerpt from a longer paper
on any topic) to Jacob Lipson at (202) 514-4231, or mail the above to: Jacob
Lipson Environment and Natural Resources Division / LPS
P.O. Box 4390 Ben Franklin Station
Washington, DC 20044-4390 For more information, please call (202)
305-0641.
Northwest Service Academy
Field Team Leaders
Portland, OR
AmeriCorps
Kevin Gaalaas
kevin.gaalaas@esd112.org
December 31, 2007
Conservation
Description:
Passionate about environmental restoration and education? Eager to
build on your leadership experience? Want to work closely with environmental,
non-profit, and government bodies in the Portland-Vancouver metro area? Northwest
Service Academy seeks a Team Leader for four upcoming field teams. As Team
Leader, you will make the day-to-day field decisions that affect project
quality and completion, and support your team membersÕ individual development
and the team dynamic.
Clark County Watershed Restoration Team: Service includes
implementing phases of large-scale restoration projects along the East Fork of
the Lewis River, within the Vancouver Lake Lowlands, and working with local
volunteers and service groups within natural areas of our local park
properties.
Clark Public Utilities Stream Team: This watershed restoration
team develops, plans and implements on the ground restoration activities.
Additional objectives include environmental education, nursery management,
monitoring and coordinating volunteers.
City of Gresham Restoration Team: This team will engage the
community in removing encroachments and encouraging proper stewardship of
Gresham's natural areas.
EnviroCorps Team: The team will serve on a variety of
environmental projects with many different sponsoring agencies. The team's
service week will typically consist of eight hour days (Monday through Friday),
but will also include several week-long projects requiring n-site camping as
well as frequent weekend projects.
Positions start January 14. Benefits include a monthly stipend of
$1,309 (before taxes), health insurance, a $4,725 AmeriCorps education
scholarship, loan forbearance, childcare allowance and many training opportunities.
Apply today at www.northwestserviceacademy.org
Manzana Springs Vegetable Farm
Farm interns, WWOOFers, volunteers
Christopher Kauffman
christopherkauffman@yahoo.com
We have a variety of internship positions for 2008 and
opportunities for WWOOFers and volunteers as well. Stipends and housing are
available. To get the most up to date information and an application visit our
web site www.manzanasprings.com/farm.htm
The farm is run by Adrea and Chris - we are both 30 and have
degrees in Biology. 2008 will be our seventh season growing vegetables in Moab.
We have 90 3'x50' beds (less than 1/2 acre) which will be planted in mixed
vegetables (and occasionally flowers). We are not certified organic but we do
not use any synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Ten of our beds are inside two
plastic covered hoop-houses for season extension. We describe our farm as
"beyond organic" because, in addition to being free of synthetic
pesticides and herbicides, our food is always - fresh, local and handcrafted!
The farm sits on eight acres with a natural year-round spring, an old apple
orchard, and beautiful views of the LaSal Mountains and surrounding red rocks.
We have marketed our vegetables at the Moab Farmer's Market, restaurants, a
natural food store, and through a CSA with 20 shares. We are committed to
producing food using environmentally responsible methods, and living more
simply. Our goal is to build up the health of our soil, our local ecosystem,
and our local community.
The farm is located two miles from Moab's main street. Your own
car or bike is recommended. Moab is an outdoor lovers dream - we are 15 minutes
from Arches National Park, 45 minutes from Canyonlands National Park, 45
minutes from the LaSal Mountains (for when if gets too hot), and 15 minutes
from some of the beautiful beaches of the Colorado River.
People who work with us will get hands on experience with seed
starting, seedling propagation, cold frames, transplanting, direct seeding,
soil fertility management, cultivation, harvesting, washing, packing, storage
and display of 30-40 different crops, organic pest control, thinning, weed
control, irrigation, hoop houses, season extension, composting and more. We are
very excited to introduce a more structured learning experience in 2008 check out
our website to see an outline of learning objectives.
Qualifications:
We are looking for responsible, hard-working, friendly, physically
fit people, who love working outside in all kinds of weather, and who have an
interest in experiencing a season of work on a very small, and very successful
vegetable farm. Good listening skills are required, as well as the ability to
focus and pay attention to detail. Previous experience working with plants in
some way is a requirement, but you do not need to have previous experience
working on a farm.
Stipend, housing and vegetables available, see website
www.manzanasprings.com/farm.htm
Fill out an application found on our web site
www.manzanasprings.com/farm.htm