WELCOME TO BlueGreen
Issue 6 ~ March 8, 2004
The BlueGreen electronic newsletter is a handy regular update of sustainability initiatives and events on campus and in the local region. It will automatically arrive as an e-mail link for those whosign up (by clicking on the words sign up) for this list serve. Otherwise it is available on our website at http://www.middlebury.edu/administration/enviro/publications/
To submit information for the next issue of BlueGreen, send an e-mail (including graphics) to Connie Leach Bisson, Campus Sustainability Coordinator at cbisson@middlebury.edu
On the Calendar
Calendar Highlights at-a-glance
Tue. Mar 9
12:30 p.m. Was J. R. R. Tolkien an environmentalist? A Lecture By: Prof. Jonathan Evans University of Georgia Assoc. Prof. Dept. of English Director of Medieval Studies Program. Sponsored by: FYSE 1057, The Dept. of English, the Program in Environmental Studies, and The Pooled Enrichment Fund. This lecture is free and open to the public. Cookies will be served. (BIH 216)
Thur. Mar 11
12:15-1:15 p.m. ES Colloquium:Middlebury College Carbon Reduction Initiative "Carbon Reduction at Middlebury College: Proposal for Middlebury College" (BIH 216)
7 p.m. "Global Warming Basics" A community presentation by Prof. Rich Wolfson. Dessert and beverages. Free. (Middlebury's Ilsley Public Library Community Meeting Room)
8:30 p.m. Mountain Club Gear Hours Would you like to go on an outdoor adventure, but don't have the equipment? Come to the Mountain Club gear hours to obtain the necessary gear. (Adirondack House 3rd Floor)
Fri. Mar 12
7:00 p.m. Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Interpreting Wildlife TracksNationally known habitat specialist and tracker Sue Morse of Keeping Track will be presenting her slides from all over the country on bobcats, bears, fishers, otters, moose, and some threatened and endangered species. Along with the tracks, ways to differentiate predator and feeding behaviors will be introduced. Sponsored by the Green Mountain Club. $5 members/ $7 nonmembers/ kids under 12 free. (Twilight Hall)
Sun. Mar 14
8 p.m. Organic Garden Weekly Meeting (Coffrin Annex Lounge)
Wed. Mar 17
5:30 - 9 p.m. Green Mountain National Forest public meeting The purpose of the meeting is to refine drawing proposed future Management Areas (National Forest Zoning) on resource maps. This meeting will be an intense work session. Info: Melissa Reichert, 747-6754 or gmflplanrevision@fs.fed.us . Or see http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/gmfl/nepa_planning/plan_revision.htm . (Ilsley Library ~ Middlebury)
Thurs. Mar 18
12:15-1:15 p.m. ES Colloquium: Tod Murphy from The Farmer's Diner in Barre "Think locally, act neighborly: Our responsibility to rebuild healthy communities" (BIH 216)
Sat. Mar 20
9:30 a.m - Noon Wind Hearing See details below. (Cortina Inn, Rutland)
Vernal Equinox Happy Spring (or autumn if you are reading this from south of the equator)
Wed. Mar 24
6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Clayplain Forest--A Champlain Valley Treasure, Nature Conservancy Office. Join Marc Lapin, Consulting Ecologist, and Mary Droege, Director of Science and Stewardship, as they explore clayplain forests. They will start off by describing clayplain forests--what makes them special, where they occur, and how they have been altered by our use of the land. They will then talk about local efforts to identify, protect, and restore clayplain forests in the Hubbardton and Lower Poultney River watersheds. Come and learn how you too might have some of this rare forest type on your land and what resources are available to you if you are interested in protecting or restoring it. Directions: From Rt. 4 in Fair Haven travel 2.5 miles north on 22A. Turn left onto Main Road (sign points to West Haven). The red building is the first driveway on the left. Info: 265-8645. (West Haven)
Thurs. Mar 25
6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Wind Hearing See details below. (Hancock Town Hall)
Sun. Mar 28
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Snowshoe Battell Old Growth Forest, Vermont Sierra Club. Discussion about wilderness in Vermont and the Vermont Wilderness Association proposal. Info: Ryan, 865-8304.
Wed. Mar 31
6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Black Snakes and Rattlesnakes, Nature Conservancy Office. Join Jim Andrews, Professor of Biology from Middlebury College, and Bill Brown, Professor of Biology from Skidmore College. This evening will begin with Jim Andrews providing a brief discussion of the "Black Snakes" of western Rutland County. Both Eastern Ratsnakes and Eastern Racers are proposed for state-threatened status in Vermont. He will briefly discuss the identification, natural history, and conservation of this group of harmless snakes. Bill Brown will then give an in-depth talk on the natural history of the eastern timber rattlesnake, with a special discussion of his experience in Lake George safely removing nuisance rattlesnakes. Directions: From Rt. 4 in Fair Haven travel 2.5 miles north on 22A. Turn left onto Main Road (sign points to West Haven). The red building is the first driveway on the left. Info: 265-8645. (West Haven)
Sneak Preview of Key Events in April
Tues. April 6 David Quammen, author of Monster of God: The Man-eating Predator in the Jungles of History will talk about "Big Predators on a Small Planet" (BIH 216 ~ 7:30 p.m.)
Mon. April 12 Warren Leon, co-author of The Consumer's Guide to Effective Environmental Choices will talk about "Prioritizing: Making Good Environmental Choices" (BIH 216 ~ 7:30 p.m.)
Scott Margolin Environmental Affairs Lecture
Thurs. April 29 Dr. J. Baird Callicott, Professor of Philosopy from the University of North Texas "Should Endangered Species Have Standing?: from ESA to Hill to Lujan" (BIH 216 ~ 4:30 p.m.)
Wind Power on Vermont public lands?
The VT Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) has announced plans to hold eight public hearings around the state to gain public input into the question of whether wind energy development should be allowed on ridgelines and mountaintops owned by the state of Vermont.
The hearings are supposed to focus on the question of whether windtowers should be built on state lands, but the testimony by the public is likely to cover the broader issue of whether wind energy in general is a good idea for Vermont. A significant portion of the high-altitude land in Vermont, which wind proponents say is best-suited for wind development, is located in state forests or state parks. At each hearing, there will be a half-hour informal open house with ANR staff, followed by an ANR presentation, and then time for the public to make suggestions about the policy.
Local hearing sites include:
Saturday, March 20 Killington (Rutland) Cortina Inn 9:30 a.m. - noon
Thursday, March 25 Hancock Town Hall 6:30 -9:30 p.m.
Summertime ~ Opportunities Abound
Below are just a few of the many study abroad, internships and volunteer opportunities available to those seeking a unique summer learning adventure. Stop by the Career Services Office or contact Krista Siringo to pursue a specific interest or learn about many more meaningful offerings for work focusing on the "Common Good".
Living Routes develops accredited, college-level programs based in ecovillages around the world, which help students gain the knowledge, skills and inspiration to build sustainable lifestyles for themselves, their communities and the planet. Living Routes believes that we must learn to live sustainably. It is not just enough to read about it, we must live it. Ecovillages are ideal places for educating whole persons because they offer models for social, ecological and spiritual sustainability. Below are the programs offered through Living Routes:
Scotland: Human Challenge of Sustainability at Findhorn (Semester Program)
India: Sustainability in Practice at Auroville (Semester Program)
USA: Community Studies at Earthaven (Semester Program)
Brazil: Permaculture at Ecoversidade (Summer Program: 3 weeks)
USA: Permaculture at Sirius (Summer Program: 3 weeks)
Australia: Permaculture at Crystal Waters (Summer Program: 3 weeks)
Mexico: Participatory Leadership at Huehuecoyotl (January Program: 3 weeks)
(web information for Mexico will be available in April)
For more information on Living Routes and the programs they offer, visit: www.livingroutes.org/ <http://www.livingroutes.org/>.
The School for International Training (SIT) now offers summer programs--this first year, 2004, they have four choices for undergraduates looking to take advantage of their summer break. Each program, offering8-9 academic credits, focuses on a specific academic theme. Students may wish to combine a summer program with one of SIT's semester-length programs, either in the same country or on a program with a complementary theme. This summer's programs include:
China: Public Health and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Switzerland: International Studies, Organizations, and Social Justice
Morocco: Intensive Arabic Language and Moroccan Culture
Jamaica and Cuba: Afro-Spirituality in the Caribbean
For more information on SIT Study Abroad summer programs, as well as their numerous semester and graduate programs, visit the Web site: http://www.sit.edu/studyabroad/summer.
Vermont Law School's Environmental Law Center:
The Summer Session at Vermont Law School is open to undergraduates. The Environmental Law Center offers one of the best environmental law and policy programs in the country. The mission of the 24-year-old Center is to educate for stewardship and an understanding of underlying environmental issues and values. TheSummer Session creates a unique atmosphere for learning, which reflects the values of Vermont Law School and its Environmental Law Center. Faculty and staff are accessible and the atmosphere is informal. Most summer classes have an enrollment of 30 students, encouraging discussion and participation. Participants acquire a working knowledge of the law and science on which environmental policy is based, and explore major environmental issues with leading national experts in a collaborative environment. There are intensive two-week, three-week, and eight-week courses. Both two-credit and three-credit courses are offered. For more information go to: www.vermontlaw.edu/elc/index.cfm.
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is seekingvolunteers to monitor and protect nesting hawksbill turtles. They need at least 16 volunteers at a time from June through December each year. A minimum commitment of 8 to 12 weeks is preferred. The volunteer program entails nightly watches at remote backcountry beaches to observe nesting hawksbills and basking green sea turtles. Volunteers will monitor nesting activities, handle and tag turtles, rescue stranded hatchlings, excavate nests, record field data, and trap and euthanize introduced predators (mongooses, rats, feral cats) to protect turtle eggs and hatchlings. Occasional beach clean up will be conducted. Volunteers must possess an upbeat positive attitude, a love of the outdoors, be willing to camp in the field 4-6 nights per week (including some weekends), and be capable of working late into the night. Some sites are reached by hiking 7-12 miles in hot weather conditions with a 20 to 30 pound backpack, others by 4WD vehicle. You must possess a valid U.S. driver's license. Dorm style housing and a food stipend will be provided. If interested, contact the Hawksbill Turtle Monitoring Program by calling(808) 985-6090 or by email: HAVO_turtle_project@nps.gov.
Every yearStudents Partnership Worldwide (SPW) recruits and trains over600 volunteers aged 18-28 to work on Health Education and Community Resource Programmes in rural parts of India, Nepal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. SPW brings young people from the developed and the developing world to live and work together in rural communities. Sharing knowledge, experience and ideas, they achieve much more than either group could alone. Together volunteers address the underlying causes of poverty and illness through school and community based programs. Programs are very 'hands-on' - in groups of 4-6. Volunteers work with local communities to promote environmental awareness and transfer the knowledge of practical, appropriate and, above all, sustainable solutions to environmental degradation. For more information check out: www.spw.org/.
Pioneer Madagascar is avolunteer program run byAzafady, a registered UK charity, which has been working on environmental, humanitarian and sustainable development projects in southeast Madagascar since 1995. Madagascar is one of the world's highest conservation priorities and needs your help - your hands as well as your thoughts. Joining Pioneer Madagascar means that you will beliving, working and traveling amongst some of the most beautiful and remote parts of Madagascar. The program offers the opportunity to work in hands-on situations alongside village communities with an international team of experienced project leaders. Pioneers take part in a range of practical construction work, conservation research and educational activities as required by Azafady's projects, which focus on health & sanitation, sustainable livelihoods and conservation. Any active person over the age of 18 may become a Pioneer, as all required skills are taught. However, while practical & research experience is welcome, enthusiasm & sensitivity are a must. Successful applicants will learn skills associated with conservation and rural development work. For more information go to: www.madagascar.co.uk/.
TheStudent Conservation Association (SCA) is the nation's leading provider of conservation service opportunities, outdoor skills, and leadership training for young women and men. Every year, in all 50 states, thousands of high school, college, graduate students, and others join together through SCA to care for our national parks and forests, historic and cultural resources, and urban green spaces -- the benefits of which extend far beyond our environment. SCA participants practice leadership and teamwork, rise to new challenges, and gain valuable experience. With thousands of volunteer and intern positions available throughout the US in a wide variety of conservation disciplines, SCA is sure to have just the right opportunity for you! To find out more about the many opportunities this organization has to offer visivisit: www.thesca.org/
Volunteers For Peace (VFP) is a Vermont non-profit corporation that has been coordinatingInternational Workcamps since 1982. VFP promotes International Voluntary Service as an effective means of intercultural education and community service. They provide programs where people from diverse backgrounds can work together to help overcome the need, violence, and environmental decay facing our planet. Workcamps are truly the microcosm of a world where nations join together giving priority to improving life for humanity. They are a practical way to both prevent and resolve conflict. By participating in a workcamp, you'll help sow the seeds of peace. In the last 20 years VFP has exchanged over 21,000 volunteers in international workcamps worldwide. To learn more about the wide variety of volunteer opportunities offered by VFP, go to: www.vfp.org/.
TheGreen Mountain Club (GMC)has dozens ofpaid seasonal jobs for the summer and fall, as well as numerous unpaid internships opportunities. Every year students earn school credit working on the Long Trail. Internships are also a chance for anyone to gain skills and experience. The Green Mountain Club has several established internship positions inOutdoor Leadership, Environmental Education, Backcountry Caretaking, and Trail Construction. If you have the initiative to work with GMC staff to create a rewarding internship project - then get a hold of the Green Mountain Club by email at gmc@greenmountainclub.org or visit our website at www.greenmountainclub.org.
Brower Award
EARTH ISLAND INSTITUTE is accepting applications through June 1, 2004, for the fifth annual DAVID BROWER YOUTH AWARDS. People age 13 to 22 who have demonstrated outstanding leadership with projects in environmental Conservation, Preservation or Restoration are encouraged to apply. Six winners from the U.S. and Puerto Rico will each receive a cash award of $3,000 and ongoing support of their development as environmental leaders. Recipients will be honored at a ceremony in the San Francisco Bay Area on September 30. Applications are available February 1 at http://www.earthisland.org/bya
EPA Sustainability Competition ~ $10,000 grants
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a new P3 Award: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability. It will provide grants to teams of college students to research, develop and design sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. P3--for people, prosperity and the planet--has two phases. Initially, teams compete for $10,000 grants. EPA will support up to 50 student design projects during the 2004-2005 academic year for research and development of their sustainable design. This first phase is meant to encourage creativity, allowing the teams to: 1) define a technical challenge to sustainability; 2) discuss the relationship of the challenge to people, prosperity and the planet; and 3) develop a design approach to address the challenge. Challenges from a wide range of categories will be considered, including agriculture, built environment, ecosystem, energy, resources and water. In spring 2005, the P3 grant recipients will be invited to Washington, DC to compete for the P3 Award, which provides additional funding for further design development and implementation. The award is open to undergraduate or graduate teams in colleges, universities and other post-secondary institutions in the United States. Proposal due: March 25, 2004.
http://es.epa.gov/ncer/p3/designs_sustain_rfp.html
National Day of Action
April 1st, 2004 is the National Day of Action Supporting Cleaner Energy. The goal is to have 120 new local clean energy initiatives by April 1st. Go to http://www.fossilfools.org and learn how you can take action!