April 2018: Internships, Employment and Volunteering

Multimedia and Writing Project Intern

We are looking for help with the following efforts:

● Increase photo collection of activities taking place at the Farm & Garden, including weekend workshops, on-site research, students at work on the Farm, and Farm tours. This could involve both taking new photos and reviewing and organizing existing photos. Some of this may include weekend work and work away from campus for research activities.
● Research and recommend “slideshow”-type software for use on websites. Create slideshows.
● Create audio and video clips of CASFS staff and activities to post to CASFS and alumni websites and CASFS Facebook page. Some of this may include weekend work and work away from campus (for research activities).
● Write short profiles of Apprenticeship alumni and find accompanying images to post to CASFS and Alumni websites and CASFS Facebook page

For more information, please click here.

Media Internship 
Ecology Action’s Community Programs team is looking for a Marketing & Outreach Intern to help propel our message forward. Key responsibilities include maintaining various social media platforms, capturing unique content from our field staff (e.g. testimonials from community members, photos and video clips from our school program team, etc), and developing engaging content to be shared through a variety of channels. For more information, please click here.

Epicenter Nursery and Fruit Tree Internship
Epicenter is an organic orchard that specializes in growing apples, pears, plums, and cherries.  The fruit varieties have been selected over a period of years for their ability to fruit well in our microclimate (very cold, high chill winters and a long warm summer and fall).  When harvested, the fruit is sold primarily to restaurants that appreciate highly flavored unusual fruit. For more information, please click here.

Cultivating A Daily Revolution Internship
This internship is a student-based & facilitated program designed to engage, provide experience, and educate participating students in various topics pertaining to communities on and around our campus. This internship will strive to foster a student community that is aware of the importance of gender, economic, and social justice issues within our food and commodity chains. The 2-unit internship will be hosted by the Friends of the Community AgroEcology Network (FoCAN), an on-campus student organization that promotes campus and communal involvement in food awareness, social justice, fair trade, agroecological approaches, and more. For more information, please click here.

Earth Day Santa Cruz 2018: Volunteering
As a volunteer, your time and energy will go into making Earth Day a big success. You’ll be energizing the Santa Cruz community about the environment all while attending a fantastic event and even getting a free lunch. Find more information by clicking here.

Coastal Restoration Day with Groundswell Coastal Ecology:
We are seeking volunteers for two Earth Day coastal restoration events both are on Saturday, April 21 from 8:30 am -12:30 pm. One is at Seabright Beach and the other at Natural Bridges. We will provide all tools as well as coffee and delicious pastries. If you would like to volunteer, simply show up at the specified time and place or contact Bill Henry at bill.henry@groundswellecology.org for more information. The two project's information are located below:

Seabright Beach: Coastal Restoration Invasive Plant Removal and Native Planting: Earth Day Volunteers will participate in planting and maintenance to support the Seabright Beach Coastal Enhancement Project (100-150 volunteers). Volunteers will plant native plants and remove invasive plant species from coastal restoration sites. Volunteers will also learn about flora and fauna of coastal native ecosystems and how green infrastructure can make coastal habitat more resilient to climate change. This restoration work creates habitat for fauna long absent from Seabright Beach and helps capture sand that will better protect the beach, beach habitat and the Santa Cruz Harbor from sea level rise and other climate change impacts.

Natural Bridges: Coastal Restoration and Infrastructure Updates: Earth Day Volunteers will participate in planting, maintenance and construction to support the Natural Bridges Coastal Enhancement Project.. Volunteers will maintain the restoration site, plant native plants and remove invasive plant species at Natural Bridges (~50 Volunteers). They will also assist with repair of a degraded fences and placement of ‘sitting logs’ at a scenic overlook adjacent to the restoration site (~30 volunteers). This will invite people to spend time at the restored area and improve park access. Volunteers will also learn about flora and fauna of coastal native ecosystems and how green infrastructure can make coastal habitat more resilient to climate change. This restoration work creates habitat for flora and fauna long absent from Natural Bridges, helps capture sand that would ultimately end up on Park roads and promotes ongoing interaction of people and parks.

April 2018: Green Tips

Energy:

Thermostats

The best way to save energy is by reducing your air conditioner and heater use.

Electronics and Appliances

Turn it off: A habit that should eventually become second nature. All appliances and electronics should be kept off when not in use, even for short amounts of time.

Unplug: This reduces the amount of “vampire electricity,” that energy appliances suck even when they are turned off. Computers, televisions, and DVRs use the most electricity when off but still plugged in. Power strips make this more convenient by using one switch to eliminate all power. Try smart power strips that shut down products that go into standby mode.

Change your settings: Adjust your computer settings to energy-saving options

 • Enable standby (“sleep”) mode. A typical computer uses 50-150 Watts of power, but only 1-6 W when on standby.

 • Don’t use a screensaver – these use just as much energy as active use.

 • Check your power settings – choose “Energy Saver” modes.

 • Turn it off – Leaving your computer for 30 minutes or more? Shut it down for significant savings.

 • Use an energy-saving software that automatically adjusts your settings without affecting your use. Try a free program like Granola Software

Lights

Turn off the lights: When you leave your room, be sure all lights are off, even if you will only be gone for a few minutes. Put a note on the door if you forget often.

Upgrade: Replace all incandescent bulbs with LED light bulbs, which use almost 90% less energy. A CFL bulb uses 50–80% less energy. LEDs don’t have the same “warm-up” delay that CFLs do and don’t require special disposal. CFLs contain mercury and CANNOT go in the trash.

Laundry

Use cold water: ENERGY STAR estimates that almost 90% of energy used by washing machines goes to heating water. Change the settings to “Bright colors” to wash your clothes in cold water. To increase effectiveness, buy laundry detergent suited for cold water washing.

Skip the dryer: Try air drying! Clothes dryers require a significant amount of energy to heat up, and they shorten the life of your clothes. Invest in an inexpensive clothing rack for your room or apartment to save energy and money!

April 2018: Contests and Funding

Abbey Road Green Ticket Scholarship

Students aged 14 to 18 who have demonstrated a commitment to the environment and/or their community through their schoolwork and extra-curricular activities are eligible for a Green Ticket Community Service Scholarship including, but not limited to, work in the following areas:

-Environmental issues: global warming, bio-diversity, ecosystem preservation, toxic waste reduction, deforestation, energy conservation, and recycling

-Friends of the earth: agriculture, farming, and food

-Wildlife: preservation of endangered species, including marine life and national parks

-Local service projects: community gardens, under-privileged youth education and after-school programs

Deadline: April 15, 2018

Find more information by clicking here.

Alpha Gamma Rho Horticulture Scholarship

George Stacy has provided scholarships limited to current AGR undergraduates who are enrolled with a declared horticulture-related major in entomology, environmental horticulture, horticulture, landscape gardening, landscape horticulture, ornamental horticulture, pest control, plant breeding, plant pathology, plant science (with horticulture emphasis), pomology, and/or vegetable crops who have completed at least three courses in the department of their declared major. Applicants must supply a current transcript and send an essay. Financial need will not be a determinant in the selection process.

Deadline: April 30, 2018

Find more information by clicking here.

Brown and Caldwell Minority Scholarship Program

Brown and Caldwell values diversity in the workplace, supporting organizations like the Society of Women Engineers, National Society of Black Engineers and the Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers. We've also set up a Minority Scholarship Program to help minority groups succeed in the environmental engineering industry.

Deadline: April 15, 2018

Find more information by clicking here.

Dartmouth International Science and Essay Contest

This year's prompt: "From atoms to organisms, from the biosphere to the entire universe, math and science can be found at every size. Describe a natural phenomenon, technological advancement, or scientific discovery by its microscopic and macroscopic features. Draw from various scientific disciplines to explain your topic, and identify how the fields interact with each other to produce a comprehensive model of a complex system."

Deadline: October 5, 2018

Find more information by clicking here.

Doc and Barbara Cartwright Endowed Scholarship

Native American/Alaska Native undergraduate students attending tribal colleges and universities are eligible to apply for both the American Indian College Fund Full Circle Scholarship Program and the American Indian College Fund TCU Scholarship Program.

Deadline: May 31, 2018

Find more information by clicking here.

March 2018 Sustainability Profile: Candace Addleman

Each month, our newsletter features a person or group on campus that is working toward a more sustainable world. This month we had the privilege to interview Candace Addleman Co-chair, 

Food Systems Working Group. Their Organization includes UCSC students, staff, faculty, and community members who have come together with the goal of improving the campus food system. FSWG works to bring sustainably grown food produced by socially responsible operations to campus dining halls and through a collaborative process, promote education and awareness of our food system.  

What does sustainability mean to you?

"Sustainability is a holistic perspective that considers the intersections of society and the environment, acknowledging inequalities and working to create equitable systems that promote and sustain the health and wellbeing of the environment and ALL people, regardless of their positionality. "

What sustainable practice do you live by in your daily life?

"I try to engage in a waste free lifestyle (reusable water bottle, bulk food etc), changed my diet to reflect my moral understanding of our food systems (from animal agriculture to farmworker inequalities) and garden. Aside from environmental health, I am working to make time for self care which can be anything from making nourishing food to drinking tea with a face mask on."

What sustainable practice does FSWG Practice?

"I believe all of the work we do is an effort to create sustainable food systems. For example, the Demeter Seed Library works hard to maintain and preserve local biodiversity through sustaining the genetic integrity of heirloom and open pollinated seed. To create a sustainable food system we must start with our seed, as David Robles (second year CASFS apprenticeship) shared 'The best way to control people is through food and the best way to control food is through seed'. "

What is FSWG and what is your position there?

"The Food Systems Working Group (FSWG, pronounced ‘fiz-wig’) is a student led organization within CASFS--supported by amazing staff--that tackle issues within our food system from different angles through our various programs, including : Produce Pop Up, Demeter Seed Library, Rachel Carson College Garden, Real Food Calculator and our Food Access and Basic Needs Team. From seed to produce to pantry to vendor, we work to create a just food system that supports folx at every stage. I am one of two co-chairs and see my role as a connecting force that aims to build long lasting relationships within and around our campus community as well as provide support for my team and the community at large."

Is there anything you would like students to know about FSWG?

"The Food Systems Working Group welcomes all folx to become part of our team! We hope to nurture and support all members of our community through our programs and services."

How would you describe your experience at inter-org and would you recommend it?

"Inter-org is always an inspirational gathering, full of energizing speakers and workshops and motivated staff, students and alumni. It provides a wonderful space for folx to get together and build community, collaborations, and movements centered around justice."

What is your long-term vision for UCSC?

"I hope UCSC can become a model for food justice, labor justice, racial justice, educational justice, environmental justice and so much more. "

Do you think UC’s should join forces to become more sustainable, are there

things we should learn from each other and apply it?

"I find it silly that the UC’s are so disconnected as I believe there is huge potential to create much needed change through collaboration. That being said this year I have had the pleasure to work with a group of folx at other UC farm and gardens who have also seen the need for a closer UC community. The result of this has been amazing! We have learned from each other's errors and successes and have been able to support each other in ways that would not have been possible without this network. It’s so beautiful to see this willingness to share and learn, all the while empowering other students."

What are your thoughts on Food justice?

"Everyone everywhere should be discussing and engaging in Food Justice! To me, Food Justice is all about listening to and elevating the voices of communities that have been most harmed by the dominant power structures that shape our food system. Furthermore, we must actively combat and dismantle the systems that are creating injustice and work towards a future that is diverse, inclusive and equitable."

Does sustainability only mean taking care of the planet, if it doesn’t explain?

"The dominant narrative of sustainability has solely focused on the natural ecologies, the flora and fauna around us, which is problematic in that it separates humans from the environment when in fact we are part of nature no matter how removed we feel. Conversations around sustainability MUST include topics of social and cultural health and longevity. Sustainability includes the health of human communities and ecologies as well as those of plants and animals all the while considering the wellbeing of future generations."

Is there a message you would like UCSC students to know?

"Be critical, be critical of the systems you live in. Have compassion for yourself and

your community.  Advocate for those who are silenced."

March 2018: Green Tips

7 Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Want to save some dollars while conserving the environment? Even few simple changes around your home can reduce your carbon footprint. From opting for a shower instead of a bath to supplying your own reusable bags at the grocery store, you can prevent waste and pollution. Take a look at some fixes that will have you living greener in no time.

1. Dial it down. Moving your thermostat down just two degrees in winter and up two degrees in summer could save about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year.

2. Turn it off. Artificial lighting accounts for 44 percent of electricity use in office buildings. Make it a habit to turn off the lights when you're leaving any room for 15 minutes or more. Same goes for electronics; switch off power strips and unplug electrical devices when you're not using them.

3. Use cold water. Using cold water can save up to 80 percent of the energy required to wash clothes. Choosing a low setting on the washing machine will also help save water.

4. Switch to e-billing. In the United States, paper products make up the largest percentage of municipal solid waste, and hard copy bills alone generate almost 2 million tons of CO2. Save paper by signing up for e-billing.

5. Buy local. In North America, fruits and vegetables travel an average of 1,500 miles before reaching your plate. Buy fresh, local food to eliminate the long distances traveled and preserve nutrients and flavor.

6. Recycle. You can recycle plastic bottles, paper, electronics and batteries, among other items. Learn how to properly dispose of or recycle these products and reduce consumer waste.

7. Go solar. Powering your home with solar panels can reduce your electric bills, shrink your carbon footprint and increase your home's value. Let us show you how easy it is.

Pledge to help our planet and the wildlife we share it with by powering more of your life with renewable energy.

March 2018: Internships, Employment and Volunteering

Environmental Policy & Sustainability Intern
The Environmental Policy & Sustainability intern will conduct data collection, analysis, reporting and outreach tasks associated with the Airport’s Zero Waste and Zero Carbon initiatives. This position will provide experience and mentorship in carbon accounting, lifecycle impact analysis, green business certification, environmental policy, community-based social marketing, and waste materials management. Pay is $19.81/hr. Find more information by clicking here.

Ecology Action Media Internship

Epicenter Nursery and Fruit Internship

Ecology Action’s Community Programs team is looking for a Marketing & Outreach Intern to help propel our message forward. Key responsibilities include maintaining various social media platforms, capturing unique content from our field staff (e.g. testimonials from community members, photos and video clips from our school program team, etc), and developing engaging content to be shared through a variety of channels. Contact: Emily Gomez, egomez@ecoact.org Find more information by clicking here.

Epicenter Nursery and Fruit Tree Internship

Epicenter is looking for an intern who will work closely with the owner in projects like:

1. Weed and pest management – We will use tools and sheet mulches to control weed growth.  We will be hand pulling weeds also. 2. Fertility management – We will apply composted manure to tree rows to improve fertility. 3. Pruning – Interns will gain experience using shears to achieve improved tree shape and increase production of better quality fruit. Find more information by clicking here. 

Jacobs Farm Integrated Pest Management Internship

Jacobs Farm is seeking an intern to help establish a GPS based pest scouting program for our farm. The candidate does not need to be a college student or graduate. Primarily he/she must be interested in helping to develop new technology for use on an organic farm. A college student with an agriculture, environmental studies or ecology major is attractive because we could help him/her turn this project into an internship for college credit. The experience could also be used to satisfy educational requirements for a PCA license should this person be interested in pursuing a career in crop protection. Find more information by clicking here. 

2018 Spring Younger Lagoon Natural Reserve Internship

This is a great place to work and study. Spring 2018 is a great time to take advantage of our gorgeous living laboratory and participate in experiential learning. Every quarter, students from all backgrounds and disciplines learn new things about our natural world on UCSC's Coastal Science Campus at Younger Lagoon, and you should too! To find more information, please click this link and this link. Contact: Tim Brown at timbrown@ucsc.edu.