October 2014: Classes, Training, & Community

Bike Drive Ends October 10
Have a bike you no longer need? Green Ways to School has launched the second session of the Watsonville Earn-A-Bike program, which gets bikes into the hands of needy kids and teaches bike skills, repair and safety. They are in need of bike donations for youth through October 10. If you have a bike you'd like to donate, contact director Tawn Kennedy.

Bike Library Safety Classes 10/16, 10/19

Are you interested in learning about bike safety? TAPS sponsors a  free Bicycle Street Skills class every quarter! The fall class will be held Thursday, October 16 from 12:30 - 2:30 PM and Sunday, October 19 from 12:00 - 2:00 PM. RSVP to receive the location by filling out this reservation form. Learn more about the Bike Library here.

Common Ground Center Launches New Online Community
Kresge's Common Ground Center has launched an online community on the social media platform NING to cultivate relationships near and far. Join them by signing up here and contribute to cutting edge conversation and relationship building. They will also be utilizing this e-village space to keep a pulse on up-and-coming events.

Natural History Class: Wednesdays

Jack Mazza, UCSC senior, will be leading a 2-unit class called the Natural History of the UCSC Campus Field Group. He writes, "Our campus is a beautiful place for exploration and there are an abundance of ecosystems to learn about. By practicing natural history, the direct observation and awareness of a place, you can immerse yourself into the wonders of the habitats on campus." The class will meet Wednesdays from 9 - 11:30 AM. Attend the first meeting on October 8 to receive an enrollment code for the field group. Email Jack for meeting location and any questions, and if you're interested in natural history in general, visit the UCSC Natural History Club Facebook group.

Carbon Fund Info Session October 23

Have an idea for a project that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions on or off campus? The Carbon Fund is a student-passed fee measure that raises $3 per student per quarter totaling up to ~$100,000 per year to allocate to students, faculty, and staff for their project ideas! If you have ideas that will reduce the carbon footprint of UCSC, from energy and water conversation to more efficient composting and zero waste techniques, the Carbon Fund has money for your project. They will be hosting an info session on October 23 from 4-6 PM in the College 8 Red Room to review how to apply and what makes a strong application--pizza will be served! It is recommended that you attend the info session or email the Carbon Fund in advance to ask questions and receive feedback before applying. Abstracts are due November 14 for the 2014-15 funding cycle. Learn more on the website.

Food Systems Leaning Journeys (Free - $8): Sign up October 6

"Want to learn more about the food system and how some of your favorite foods are produced? Join a Food Systems Learning Journey to explore issues at various levels of the food system, from seed to table! Sign up for an FSLJ starting Tuesday, October 6 online--the trips fill up fast! This fall the Food Systems Working Group is offering the following FSLJs at little to no cost (free - $8) through the OPERS Recreation Department:

• From Farmers Market to Farm Fresh Cooking with Joseph Shultz of India Joze - a true farmers' market to table meal!
• Growing Gardens at UCSC
• Seed Saving Workshop
• Viticulture (winemaking) and Regional Terrior