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

NEWSLETTER

October 9, 2006

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

issue:

** Upcoming ES Program Events: "Putting 'Organic' in Context and searching For

Sustainability in our Food Systems" -- Wednesday

** Campus Sustainability: Interested in Organic Farming?

** Beyond Colby: Environmental Issues Forum -- meet the candidates for Governor, Bioneers

By the Bay

** Grad School: University of Wisconsin-Madison

** Jobs and Internships: NRCM Jan plan internship and job posting, Toxics Actions Center,

Leave No Trace, Mount Grace Land Trust

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

** UPCOMING ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES PROGRAM EVENTS:

October 11

12:00 in the Fairchild Room in Dana, join us at 11:30 for lunch with Andrew

Andrew Marshall, Education Director MOFGA

"Putting 'Organic' in context and searching for sustainability in our food systems"

Organic agriculture has been experiencing a bit of an identity crisis lately, catalyzed

by its meteoric rise in popularity. What began as a

countercultural socioecological movement has been transformed into a multi-billion dollar

industry with double-digit annual growth. Andrew will explore this phenomenon from an

interdisciplinary perspective -- historical, ecological, and sociological.

Andrew Marshall manages MOFGA's educational programs with the help of a volunteer

education committee. These programs include new farmer recruitment and training

initiatives, including the Apprenticeship and Journey person Programs and the Farm

Training Project, and educational workshops and events like Spring Growth, Small Farm

Field Day, and the Farmer-to-Farmer Conference. Andrew also teaches Sustainable

Agriculture through a partnership with Unity College. He has a background in agroecology

and rural

sociology, and is a PhD candidate in Environmental Studies at the University of

California, Santa Cruz.

Andrew was also a participant in the MOFGA Apprenticeship program. He lives on a farm in

Knox, Maine, where he and his family raise organic vegetables and livestock.

(es 401 credit)

** CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY

Interested in Organic Farming?

Kiira Heymann (and others) are trying to get an organized group of students together who

are interested in supporting local,

organic farms and want to be a part of their mission. This is a terrific way to have fun

in the fields, while supporting our local community. If you are interested in spending

some time on the farm to expand your knowledge as well as pitching in for the benefit of

surrounding farms and gardens, talk to Kiira: kheymann@colby.edu

First Farm Outing!

Celebrate Sustainability Month!! The first outing is coming up on FRIDAY October 20,

leaving Colby at 12:30 for Palermo to work on Martin Spahn and Pam Lombard's organic

vegetable farm. Our project for the day will be planting garlic. Following the fun

getting our hands dirty we will make some yummy organic cider!

Contact Kirra (kheymann) or beth (beth.kopp) for details.

** BEYOND COLBY

Candidates Forum

On October 12th our state’s conservation community, including the Conservation Law

Foundation, will host an environmental issues forum featuring the candidates for

Governor. It will be a unique opportunity to hear their vision for protecting Maine’s

unique natural resources and communities.

What: Environmental debate featuring the candidates for Governor

When: 7 pm on Thursday, October 12, 2006

Where: Eastland Park Hotel in Portland.

Bioneers by the Bay: Connecting for Change (October 20-22, 2006)

This year’s “Bioneers by the Bay: Connecting for Change” sustainability and social

justice conference features a Youth Initiative (ages 15-25+) that provides you with the

space to network with youth like you, to be inspired, to get the tools you need to

succeed, and to connect with adults who can provide you with resources and opportunities.

Bioneers by the Bay, sponsored by the Marion institute, will be held from October 20-22,

2006, on the campus of UMASS Dartmouth in Dartmouth, MA.

Scholarships are available for travel and attendance. If you want to come, we will do our

best to help make it happen.

Organized by youth, for youth – the Youth Initiative program will provide hands on

workshops on the issues that affect us. The workshops are diverse in topics – everything

from preventing and living with HIV/AIDS through music and art to a three-hour, outdoor

program with some of the most inspiring natural leaders in this country.

The Youth Initiative continues simultaneously with the main conference which features an

amazing program and a live satellite downlike of the Bioneers Conference in San Rafael,

CA.

For more information, please contact us at:

Bioneers by the Bay

c/o Marion Institute

3 Barnabas Road

Marion, MA 02738

(508) 748-0816

youth@conectingforchange.org

www.connectingforchange.org

****************************

** GRADUATE SCHOOL OPPORTUNITY

NSF-IGERT Opportunities at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

Graduate funding for students with a global environmental vision

Exceptional students interested in interdisciplinary and international environmental

study are invited to apply for an NSF IGERT PhD Traineeship at the University of

Wisconsin-Madison. These traineeships have a generous stipend, tuition waver, and health

benefits. Opportunities are available in two different programs: Certificate in Humans and the Global Environment - the CHANGE IGERT To research problems

of global environmental vulnerability, and solve them by promoting sustainable practices,

researchers must learn how to analyze both qualitative and quantitative data. CHANGE

IGERT fellows will acquire a new interdisciplinary graduate certificate that blends

natural and social sciences at multiple scales from the global to the local. Fellows will

also receive core skills training to foster successful interdisciplinary scholarship via a professional skills track interwoven into the curriculum. For more

information, please visit http://www.sage.wisc.edu/igert/. The application deadline for

this program is January 2, 2007.

Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development in Southwest China

Meeting the major challenges of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development

requires understanding the interactions of biological, physical, social, and economic

forces. IGERT trainees will address these issues by pursuing a PhD in one of over a dozen

departments and participating in IGERT seminars, workshops, language training, and field

research in the Himalayas of Yunnan, China - a "biodiversity hotspot." For more

information, please visit http:// www.swchina.wisc.edu. The application deadline for this

program is January 15, 2007.

** JOBS and INTERNSHIPS

NRCM January Intern

The Natural Resources Council of Maine is the state’s leading environmental advocacy

organization. A January Intern will have an opportunity to work with NRCM’s advocacy

staff as the Maine State Legislature begins its legislative session. The intern will

perform a range of tasks in support of NRCM’s 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 NRCM’s 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 internship to see how

a sophisticated environmental advocacy organization utilizes a broad range of resources

and strategies to promote legislation aimed at protecting Maine’s environment. The

intern will be located in NRCM’s office in Augusta and will report to NRCM’s Advocacy

Director.

NRCM Outreach Coordinator Clean Energy and Global Warming Project

Job Responsibilities:

* Manage, build, coordinate and maintain Maine Global Warming Action Coalition

comprised of businesses, health groups, academics, churches, and Maine citizens in order

to implement Maine’s Climate Change Action Plan.

* Build and strengthen coalitions in support of NRCM policies and positions.

* Develop and deliver presentations to targeted audiences, as part of effort to

recruit activists, allies and supporters.

* Serve as outreach and information contact with activists and members, coalition

members, and potential allies.

* Recruit new activists and members through tabling at events, and one-on-one

conversations.

* Write and implement Action Alerts for our members to help generate communications

and support for our positions.

* Generate draft op-eds, letters-to-the-editor, and other media materials to build or

maintain high profile of major initiatives in the news.

* Conduct independent research and writing to create fact sheets, informational and

organizational materials, outreach and campaign plans, and input for periodic staff

reports.

* Provide input and updating to NRCM web pages.

* Oversee distribution of key reports and news to activists, coalitions and the public.

* Track media coverage on energy and global warming issues and communicate with

activists on important issue developments.

Qualifications:

Passion for protecting Maine’s environment extremely important. Candidates should have

proficiency with and excitement for organizing, excellent writing and communications

skills, and a capacity to manage multiple projects/deadlines. Prior experience involving

people in the political process preferred. Outstanding attention to detail and the

ability to work well in a team environment is essential. Strong computer skills required.

Ability to travel and work some weekend days and evenings necessary.

Toxics Action Center accepts internship application throughout the year for these

positions:

1) Recycling Intern

Recycling rates across New England have stagnated and state officials are moving to open

up more dangerous trash incinerators and dumps. Work with residents to develop and

implement effective municipal recycling campaigns.

2) Pesticides Intern

From schools to parks, dangerous pesticides that threaten our health and safety are being

sprayed. Work with community activists to help stop pesticide exposure from agricultural

sources, right-of-way spraying, and use by municipalities.

3) Conference Organizer Intern

Work with staff to set up training conferences for local activists in MA, VT, and ME.

This will involve assisting with logistics, recruiting participants and speakers,

organizing workshops, and more.

4) Landfills Intern

Research the status of landfills across New England, including shut-downs of old

landfills, public health issues, and trash transfer stations.

Intern Qualifications, Logistics, and How to Apply:

Positions are available in Boston; Portland, ME; Montpelier, VT; and Amherst MA. Interns

must have a concern for the environment and a desire to educate and organize residents in

their communities. Experience in these areas is preferred, but not required. Volunteer

and course credit are available. Internships are available year-round and applications

are processed on a rolling basis. Hours and dates of work are flexible, but preferably

full time for 10 weeks. To apply, send resume and cover letter to:

Jamie Cerretti

Toxics Action Center

44 Winter St., 4th Floor

Boston, MA 02108

Phone (617) 747-4362

Fax (617) 292-8057

Email jamie@toxicsaction.org

The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics offers internships throughout the year,

giving interns an opportunity to work on a variety of different projects and gain

valuable experience in a number of areas, including:

* Education and Training

* Program Development

* Marketing

* Scientific Research

* Membership/Partnership Programs

* Non-profit Management

* Database Management

* Development/Fund Raising

* Grant Writing

* Curriculum Development

* General Outreach

Internships with the Center are a great way for current students or recent graduates to

gain valuable experience in the outdoor recreation and education field. Although the

Center has several paid staff members, there is always a need for assistance in many

areas. The Center seeks interns with a variety of educational and work-related

experience. Many different talents are needed in order for the Center to carry out its

mission to promote and inspire responsible outdoor recreation through education, research

and partnerships.

If you are interested in applying for an internship, please follow these steps:

Submit an Internship Application with a letter of interest.

Two references are required, preferably from employers or professors/teachers rather than

family members or friends. Please have your reference use the Intern Reference Form.

Reference Forms are to be sent by your reference directly to the Center for Outdoor

Ethics in a separate envelope. We cannot process your application until we receive these

forms from your references.

Place this completed application form, including your letter of interest in an envelope

and mail it to: The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, P.O. Box 997, Boulder, CO

80306. If you have questions, call 303.442.8222.

Stewardship Coordinator, Mount Grace land trust

Mount Grace is a regional, non-profit land trust that has been working with landowners

across North Central and Western Massachusetts since 1986 to protect forests, farms,

scenic, and historic areas from excessive development. Our goal is to protect

significant natural resources, while helping landowners find a solution that is right for

them philosophically and financially. We believe that human uses, wisely planned, are

often compatible with nature and can play an important role in the landscape. The

results of our efforts demonstrate that conserving land benefits the landowner, the

environment, the economy, and future generations.

Job Description:

The Stewardship Coordinator is responsible for completing or overseeing all stewardship

activities on 3,500 acres of conservation restriction (CR) properties and 1,500 acres of

conservation areas (CA), as well as providing assistance to the Director of Land

Protection (DLP) and Executive Director (ED) on potential CR and CA land protection

projects. The Stewardship Coordinator reports directly to the DLP.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

Stewardship:

complete baseline reports and documentation for all new and existing CR properties

conduct annual monitoring visits to all CR properties or oversee volunteers to do such

maintain CR landowner contact by phone, letters and field visits

address potential CR violations, document conditions and resolution in coordination with

DLP/ED

maintain and regularly update Conservation Area (CA) and CR database

coordinate and complete Skyfields Arboretum planning and implementation with support from

the Membership Coordinator

coordinate and complete trail and trail easement projects

complete annual filings for CA's, including Chapter 61 forms, property tax bill review

implement forestry/stewardship management plans for CA's

facilitate and/or assist volunteers on grounds maintenance at Skyfields Headquarters with

support from Membership Coordinator

participate in public presentations and landowner workshops on stewardship topics

Land Protection:

assist DLP and Land Protection Specialists (LPS) with evaluation of potential CR and CA

land projects, including initial site visits as needed

prepare, for presentation and planning, GIS maps for potential and ongoing CR and CA

projects

respond to public inquiries on land issues

assist in the preparation of public relations material

Administrative & Board Support:

facilitate Stewardship Committee meetings and actions with Support from Membership

Coordinator

provide advice and assistance to Mount Grace staff, Board, and Stewardship Committee on

stewardship issues and projects

General Organizational Support:

assume additional duties as requested by Director of Land Protection

Qualifications:

experience and familiarity with GIS and GPS systems

strong commitment to land conservation, forest stewardship, and agriculture

degree(s) and/or experience in a natural resource field, forestry, and/or land use

planning

minimum of 2 years of related professional experience

experience with monitoring Conservation Restrictions

physical ability to locate and traverse remote land parcels

adaptable and effective communication skills

demonstrated ability to negotiate critical issues with multiple parties

strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and self-motivation

successful management of multiple projects; and

an aptitude for creative problem solving

The Stewardship Coordinator is a three-day (24 hours per week) position with a salary

range of $20k-$24k. Compensation will be commensurate with experience.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES

Please send a detailed cover letter and resume as Microsoft Word or PDF attachments to

landtrust@mountgrace.org. In your cover letter, please tell us where you learned about

this position. Review of applications will be ongoing until the position is filled.

Mount Grace promotes diversity in programs and staffing; feel free to provide details in

your cover letter about the diverse perspectives and experience you bring. People of

color and individuals from other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to

apply. Mount Grace is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

E-mail is preferred. Those without access to e-mail can mail a cover letter and resume to:

Stewardship Coordinator Search

Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust

1461 Old Keene Road

Athol, MA 01331

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

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