Blue Green Newsletter - 3/29/2005

WELCOME TO BlueGreen
Issue 805 ~ March 29, 2005

The BlueGreen electronic newsletter is a monthly update of sustainability initiatives and events on campus and in the local region.  It will automatically arrive as an e-mail link for those who sign 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

Mon. Mar 28
4:15  Community Engagement in a Changing America lecture by Professor Robert Putnam, Peter and Isabel Malkin Professor of Public Policy and Director of the Saguaro Seminar at Harvard University.  Professor Putnam is the author of Bowling Alone and Better Together (Dana)

Tues. Mar 29
6:30-7:45 p.m.  What is Vermont's Energy Future speaker series at UVM.  Focus this week is on The Decision.  Two thirds of Vermont's electric energy sources will expire in the next decade. What could the future look like? The speakers include: Steve Terry, Green Mountain Power, Chair; Snelling Center for Government; Richard Sedano, Regulatory Assistance Project; and Paul Burns, Vermont Public Interest Research Group.  (John Dewey Lounge, Old Mill ~ UVM)

Thurs. Mar 31
12:15-1:15  Environmental Studies Howard E. Woodin Colloquium The View from Here:  History through Historical Images and Photographs with Kathryn Morse, Associate Professor of History. Lunch provided (McCardell BIH 216)

Sun. Apr 3

Environmental speeches by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Waterkeeper Alliance President; Hudson Riverkeeper attorney) and Jon Fishman (professional drummer and original member of Phish). The event will be emceed by comedian Robert Klein. All profits benefit David Whiteside's Black Warrior Riverkeeper http://www.blackwarriorriver.org/ (Ira Allen Chapel ~UVM)

8:00-9:00 p.m. Slow the Plow Weekly Meeting -  a chance to get involved with the Middlebury College Organic Gardern (Coffrin Annex Lounge)

Tues. Apr 5
6:30-7:45 p.m.  What is Vermont's Energy Future speaker series at UVM.  Focus this week is on Energy Sources.  More than half of Vermont's electricity comes from Hydro-Quebec and the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant.. What is the future of these sources and what measures can reduce Vermont's overall demand for electricity? Speakers include: Brian Cosgrove, Entergy Corporation (owner of Vermont's nuclear power plant); Richard Saudek, former Chair of the Public Service Board; and Blair Hamilton, Efficiency Vermont. (Lafayette L108 ~ UVM)

Wed. Apr 6
12:30 p.m.  New Investment Strategies:  The Environment as a source of risk & rewardBrown bag talk by Dr. Bruce Kahn, an analyst from SmithBarney, Citigroup Global Markets speaking about the emerging role of environmental performance analysis in financial markets.  Sponsored by UVM's School of Business Administration.  (225 Kalkin Hall in the Severance Conference Room)

7:30 p.m. James Kunstler sardonic and humorous urban geographer and author of "Geography of Nowhere," "Home from Nowhere," and "The City in Mind:  Notes on the Urban Condition,"will provide a discussion of the urban fabric of contemporary America.  Sponsored by the Architecture Table.  (Dana Auditorium) 

Thurs. Apr 7
12:15-1:15  Environmental Studies Howard E. Woodin Colloquium The Role of Plant Biomass in a Sustainable World presented by Lee R. Lynd, Professor of Engineering & Adjunct Professor of Biology at Dartmouth College. Lunch provided (McCardell BIH 216)

Tues. Apr 12
3:00-5:00 p.m.  Environmental Careers in the Green Valley Job Fair hosted by Lt. Governor Brian Dubie. Representatives from Vermont environmental businesses, agencies, and non-profit organizations will be on hand to discuss both internship and career opportunities. (Billings Student Center at UVM ~ Burlington)

6:30-7:45 p.m.  What is Vermont's Energy Future speaker series at UVM.  Focus this week is on Energy Interest Groups. A number of advocates on all sides of these issues will have a role in deciding Vermont's energy future. What is their vision for the future? Speakers include Lisa Ventriss, Vermont Business Roundtable; Philene Taormina, Association of Retired Persons (AARP); and David Blittersdorf, Renewable Energy Vermont. (John Dewey Lounge, Old Mill ~ UVM)

Thurs. Apr 14
NOLS Bus (powered by recycled veggie oil) on campus  - Complete with climbing wall. http://www.nols.edu/bus/index.shtml  Sponsored by Middlebury Mountain Club

12:15-1:15  Environmental Studies Howard E. Woodin Colloquium Project BioBus The Project BioBus Educational Outreach Tour of the USA: How and Why We Promoted Biodiesel as an Alternative Fuel.  Lunch provided  (McCardell BIH 216)

4:30 p.m.  Climate Change and the Business Challenge Eileen Claussen, President of the Pew Center on Global Climate Change is the 2005 Scott Margolin Environmental Affairs Distinguished Lecturer.  The Pew Center on Global Climate Change is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to providing credible information and innovative solutions for addressing climate change.  They have established a 38-member Business Environmental Leadership Council and its members are providing leadership by establishing and meeting emission reduction objectives; investing in new, more efficient products, practices and technologies; and supporting action that achieve cost-effective emission reductions.  (McCardell Bicentennial Hall 216)

Fri. Apr 15
12:15 Biology Seminar: Dr. Andy Bunn, Wood's Hole Research Center presents "Backpacking for Science:  Undergraduate-led Research on Treeline Changes in Sequoia National Park"  Sponsored by the Biology Department and Pooled Enrichment Funds.  Lunch  (McCardell Bicentennial Hall 220)

Thurs. Apr 21
12:15-1:15  Environmental Studies Howard E. Woodin Colloquium International Reuse and Recycling Opportunities: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly with Robin Ingenthron, President of Good Point Recycling and Founder of the World Reuse, Repair and Recycling Association. Lunch provided (McCardell BIH 216)

Mon. Apr 18
7:00-9:00 p.m.  Eating Compassionately: An Inside Look at Factory Farmingdiscussion by local Health Coach Jim Hoverman.  (Meeting Room at Ilsley Library)

Sat. Apr 23
9:00-4:45  Young Entrepreneurs in Agriculture & Local Foods Symposium http://crs.uvm.edu/yealf  (University of Vermont ~ Burlington)

Mon. May 16
7:00-9:00 p.m.  How to Make Plant-Based Cooking Nutritious and Delicious:  Hands On!with local Health Coach Jim Hoverman (Meeting Room at Ilsley Library)

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WIN Up to $2500

A Better Earth.org has announced its annual environmental essay contest. Up to $2500 in prize money for winning essays in response to one of three environmental questions.  See website for this year's topics and contest information.  Deadline is May 15, 2005.

http://www.abetterearth.org/subcategory.php/303.html

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SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Posted: February 3, 2005
Deadline: April 15, 2005

Applications Invited for National Wildlife Refuge System Centennial Scholarship Program

In 2003, the National Wildlife Refuge System celebrated 100 years of conserving wildlife and habitat through refuges. In honor of the Refuge Centennial, the Walt Disney Company, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation are supporting the 2005 National Wildlife Refuge System Centennial Scholarship Program, which seeks to support students whose research will contribute toward improved management and understanding of the diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources found on America's National Wildlife Refuges.

Under this competitive scholarship program, a minimum of ten scholarships will be awarded to support students' research expenses, tuition, fees, books, and room and board. Undergraduate, Master's, and Juris Doctorate students are eligible to receive a one-time award of $5,000; Ph.D. and D.V.M. students are eligible to receive a one-time award of $15,000.

To be eligible for consideration, a student must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident enrolled in an accredited institution of higher education in the U.S. pursuing a graduate or undergraduate degree (sophomores and juniors in the current academic year only) in environmental science, natural resource management, biology, public policy, education, geography, political science, or related disciplines. Only those students working on a National Wildlife Refuge or whose work is directly applicable to resource management on a National Wildlife Refuge(s) are eligible.

Visit the NFWF Web site for application guidelines and procedures.

Contact:
Link to RFP

http://www.nfwf.org/programs/centennialscholarship.htm

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SUMMER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Check in with the Career Services Office for lots more

IDEA, Investment Development for Energy Alternatives, seeks an intern to assess opportunities in alternative energy and restorative technologies. Interns will work collaboratively to develop comprehensive analysis which will drive the firm's investment focus in this field. Candidates should have an interest in environmental science and finance, and must possess outstanding writing skills. The focus for the study will be energy storage and will require the investigation and assessment of what is happening in this sub-field of renewable energy development, the companies and universities active in this area and a survey of all sources of information. The internship will begin the final week of March, and will continue through the course of the Spring Semester as an unpaid position. If merited, the intern(s) will be asked to remain in Vermont through the summer to complete their work on a paid basis. With inquiries, please contact Mike Marchese at mmarchesesr@caydal.com +1 (203) 763-4204.  Or contact Colin Kikuchi '05 who has worked for IDEA last fall.

High Pond Audubon Camp

Several instructor and assistant instructor positions for this Youth Camp program. The overnight camp is located in Brandon, Vermont on a 2,200-acre Nature Conservancy preserve that protects a variety of unique natural communities and abundant wildlife, the ideal setting for an outdoor classroom. Youth Camp serves children age 10-14 for two ten-day sessions and seeks to open new eyes and ears to nature through hands-on learning, engaging the senses, and developing a sense of awareness in a traditional camp setting. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in working with children in the field of environmental education. Earn internship credit this summer! For more information about the positions and the programs visit the Audubon Vermont website at http://www.vt.audubon.org or contact Josh Cabell, camp director, 434-3068 or jcabell@audubon.org.

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 Shelburne Farms seeks apprentices and seasonal farm educators

Shelburne Farms is a 1,400-acre working farm, National Historic Landmark and nonprofit agricultural and environmental education organization.  Our mission is to cultivate a conservation ethic by teaching and demonstrating the stewardship of natural and agricultural resources.  Our program goals are to increase awareness and appreciation of natural and agricultural resources and the working landscape, and to inspire active stewardship of the environment.

Interpretation/Education Apprenticeship
Shelburne Farms is seeking motivated post college individuals to teach and assist in developing agricultural programs for the general public and visiting school groups. Strengthen your knowledge of sustainable agriculture and ecology while leading interpretive programs. Examples of programs include farmyard experiential activities, organic gardening, and wildlife campfires. Additional job responsibilities include farm chores, shuttle wagon tractor driving, special event support, visitor information and general guest services. Qualifications:Apprenticeships are for those individuals out of college with little or no experience and eager to gain new skills and ideas. A degree in agricultural education, environmental studies, education, agriculture or a related field required. A desire to learn more about agriculture, animal care and working with the general public and school groups preferred.

This is a seasonal, full time position that begins April 25-October 28. On-site housing and living expense reimbursement provided.
Currently accepting resumes for 2005 season.

Organic Garden Apprenticeship
Shelburne Farms is seeking motivated post college individuals to join the Market Garden Team for a season of working alongside a master gardener to gain new skills and knowledge related to organic gardening. We operate a 2-acre market garden that delivers its produce to the restaurant at the Inn at Shelburne Farms. Responsibilities include planting, cultivating, weeding, harvesting, irrigation, operating a rototiller, IPM, transplanting, delivering, seeding, trellising, and meeting informally with the general public. Qualifications: College degree. Desire to learn organic gardening techniques, some gardening experience preferred. Commit to working 45-50 hours a week for a full season, early April-late October.

Weekly hours vary with seasonal fluctuations. On-site housing and living expense reimbursement provided.
Currently accepting resumes for 2005 season.

To Apply for an apprenticeship:Please send a letter of interest & resumé to: Christine Durant, Work & Learn Coordinator, Shelburne Farms, 1611 Harbor Road, Shelburne, VT 05482. Please specify which opportunity you are interested in applying for in your letter. For more information, call (802) 985-8686 x21.

Farm Educator(seasonal)

Dates: April 25-October 28, 2005

Responsibilities: This is an education position that involves teaching hands-on formal and informal farm activities offered to public program participants five days a week, including at least one weekend day. Additional job responsibilities include farm chores, shuttle wagon tractor driving, gardening support, special event support, visitor information and general guest services.

Qualifications: Applicants should be enthusiastic about education and agriculture, should have good communication skills, have a valid driver's license, be able to lift fifty pounds, and be able to work weekends. Although applicants should have an educational bent, specific training will be provided.

For information, contact Sonya Sapir by email at ssapir@shelburnefarms.org or by letter at Shelburne Farms, 1611 Harbor Road, Shelburne VT, 05482.

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Global Exchange

San Francisco-based Global Exchange is a nonprofit education, research and action center aimed at forging closer ties between U.S. citizens and those of developing countries working for greater social justice. Global Exchange pursues its goals through four program areas: Reality Tours, Fair Trade, Public Education, and Human and Global Economic Rights Campaigns. Global Exchange operates a structured internship program during the summer and a less-structured program during the fall, winter, and spring. More information about their internships and volunteer projects is online at http://www.globalexchange.org/getinvolved.