March 2016: Internships, Employment, and Volunteering

Internships

2-Unit Zero Waste Team Internships - Deadline March 11
The Zero Waste Team is seeking three dedicated interns that are interested in gaining professional experience and are passionate about waste reduction on the UCSC campus. Interns will be assigned to one of the following three projects based on interest: Assisting in planning and facilitating Zero Waste Events, planning and facilitating 2nd Annual Campus Clean Up, or standardizing waste infrastructure across campus. Each of these projects will grant interns a level of creative autonomy but will also provide structure, guidance and relevant training to be an effective asset to the Zero Waste Team. Read all of the application details here.

Campus Food & Garden Guide Intern
Want to contribute to the creation of this year's annual Campus Food & Garden Guide? Food Systems Working Group is hiring an intern to support this project. For more information and to apply, please contact Alyssa at abillys[at]ucsc[dot]edu. See previous Food & Garden Guides online here.

Spring CASFS Internships through Environmental Studies
The Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems will be hosting 2 unit and 5 unit internships in spring quarter on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-12pm. Apply through the Environmental Studies Internship Office. Contact Alyssa at abillys[at]ucsc[dot]edu for more information.

Internships with Stevenson Garden
Spend time outdoors in the sun this spring quarter with a 2-unit Stevenson Garden internship! Interns get hands-on gardening experience and contribute to the growth and abundance of the Stevenson Garden. Credit is through the Environmental Studies Internship office. Contact Dave Shaw at daveshawlistens[at]gmail[dot]com for more information.

Environmental Studies Internships Open to All Majors

The Environmental Studies has many different internship opportunities available for spring. These 2 and 5-unit internships are open to all majors. Review some of the internships and learn how to apply on the Environmental Studies website here. Contact Chris Krohn for more information and additional internship listings at ckrohn [at] ucsc [dot] edu.

Seeking Mentors & Students for Provost Sustainability Internship - $1500 + 12 units!
Are you interested in working to make our campus more environmentally and socially sustainable? The PSI program is a great way to get involved! The program pairs students with staff and faculty mentors to plan and implement a year-long campus sustainability project. Students receive internship credit for the fall, winter, and spring quarters and a $1500 scholarship upon completion of the program. Environmental Studies Senior Exit can be fulfilled with this program. Share this opportunity on Facebook here. Learn more on the website.
>>Student applications are due April 28th at 5pm; student applications are available here.
>>Mentor applications for departments to host an intern are due April 15th at 5pm; mentor applications are available here.

Summer Internships for Current Students with Post-Landfill Action Network (PLAN): Application due March 11 
PLAN is seeking current students for six internship positions this summer. Positions available for this summer are Storytelling Intern, Grant Writing Intern, Visual Media Intern, Movement-Building Intern, Goodwill Intern, Business Development Intern. Interns work out of Dover, NH. For more information, click here.

Campus Coordination Summer Fellowship with Post-Landfill Action Network (PLAN): Application due March 11

The Campus Coordination Fellowship is a position for a recent grad looking to build a career in organizing for the zero waste movement. Duties include working with the Director of Campus Coordination to update campus contact databases and identify campuses for outreach and outreaching to campuses nationwide. Fellows work out of Dover, NH. Click here for more information.

Stream Ecology Field Assistant
The incumbent would help the lead researcher collect benthic macroinvertebrate samples and assess habitat condition in streams in Marin and Sonoma counties. The project will span a 4-6 week period from late March to early May, and typically involve 3-4 days of work per week. To apply, submit a cover letter and resume to bstanfor [at] ucsc [dot] edu. For more information, click here.

Naturalist Internship at Foothill Horizons: Deadline April 1
Interns work with sixth grade students during week-long outdoor education sessions. Interns lead students on hikes and outdoor exploration while teaching hands-on science curriculum in a fun, engaging way. On certain weeks, interns also serve as the recreation leader for freeplay and various activities. For more information, click here.

Naturalist Internship with Sierra Outdoor School
Interns will teach 4th through 6th-grade students science concepts and lead team building activities in an outdoor setting in the Sierra Nevada foothills. This position involves leading small and large groups in day classes, field trips, and night program activities. For more information, click here.

Citizen Outreach Director for Fund for the Public Interest
Fund for the Public Interest is hiring Citizen Outreach Directors to run grassroots campaign offices across the country next fall, working on behalf of groups like Environment America, US PIRG, and the Human Rights Campaign. Directors will run campaigns to ban fracking, end LGBT discrimination in the workplace, and reclaim democracy by getting big money out of politics, all while hiring and managing an office of committed activists. Find information about this and other jobs with the Fund here.

Employment

Student Sustainability Adviser (SSA) and SSA Administrative Assistant
Applications for the positions of Student Sustainability Adviser and SSA Administrative Assistant for the 2016-2017 academic year are now open. The primary role of Student Sustainability Advisers is to raise awareness and offer educational opportunities within their designated college communities about the many ways in which campus residents can positively affect and contribute to UCSC's sustainability goals. More information can be found via the Employee Request System at ER #7056 for the position of SSA and at ER #7534 for the position of SSA Administrative Assistant.

UCSC Take Back the Tap Campaign Coordinator and Organizers
Take Back the Tap is currently looking for new organizers and outreaching for candidates for a paid coordinator position for the 2016-2017 school year. Organizers and the coordinator will have the chance to work with outreach, event planning, fiscal, and community organizing projects. If you are interested in organizing with the campaign, attend their meetings on Mondays from 12:15-1:45 PM in Kresge Room 166, or contact them at tbttucsc-group [at] ucsc [dot] edu.

Assistant/Associate Professor in Sustainability Science at Colorado State Universiry: Priority Deadline March 6
The Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability at Colorado State University (CSU) seeks candidates for the position of Assistant/Associate Professor who have expertise in the role of how socio-economic factors constrain and provide opportunities for solving current sustainability challenges for social-ecological systems across multiple spatial and temporal scales. More information can be found here.

Sustainability Analyst for University of Virginia: Application due March 9
The UVA Office for Sustainability is seeking an Energy and Sustainability Engineer to contribute to developing solutions to meet university-wide goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and overall environmental stewardship. More information can be found at jobs.virginia.edu under the University Staff section or by searching for posting number 0618198.

Energy and Sustainability Engineer for University of Virginia: Application due March 9
The UVA Office for Sustainability is seeking an Energy and Sustainability Engineer to contribute to developing solutions to meet university-wide goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and overall environmental stewardship. More information can be found at jobs.virginia.edu under the University Staff section or by searching for posting number 0618196.

Food Recovery Network Positions: Applications considered on rolling basis through April 8
Food Recovery Network is the largest student movement against food waste and hunger in America. The network is currently seeking to fill the positions of Communications Associate, Programming Associate, and 2016-2017 Fellowship Cohort. Position descriptions and application instructions can be found here.

Employment with the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
SACNAS is a national nonprofit organization headquartered in Santa Cruz and the largest multicultural and multidisciplinary diversity in STEM organization in the country. SACNAS is currently seeking applicants for the positions of Accountant/Administrative Services, Program Manager, and Director of Programs.

Energy Manager for Pomona College in Claremont, CA
The Energy Manager provides leadership to the College’s energy program and utility systems and to advance Pomona’s Sustainability Action Plan. This position requires a Bachelors degree in a related technical or engineering discipline or equivalent career experience, Energy Manager Certification strongly preferred and LEED AP or ability to obtain within 18 months. For more information, see here.

Electric Vehicle Program Associate for the International Council on Clean Transportation
The ICCT seeks a highly motivated, self-directed person to contribute to a wide range of research on electric vehicle technology and policies to promote advanced efficiency and plug-in electric vehicles. This position will be located in San Francisco, California. Find more information here.

Safe Routes to School Project Manager, New Jersey
RideWise, a non-profit agency located in Bridgewater, NJ that promotes the use of sustainable travel alternatives is seeking a full-time Safe Routes to School Project Manager to plan and implement projects and activities that improve bicycle/pedestrian access and safety for school-age students. Learn more online.

Sustainability Project Manager for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology  
The project manager will provide leadership and implementation strategies on sustainable building design and construction, energy, water, stormwater, land management, and waste systems. They will lead the development of and enable the implementation of current and future related sustainability commitments, relevant data management, strategic planning, analysis, and collaborative relationships. More information available can be found here.

Volunteering

Earth Day Volunteers Needed
Earth Day Santa Cruz is an annual event to raise environmental awareness; address concerns; showcase solutions; and present balanced modes of living for the well-being of each individual, the community, and the planet. Earth Day Santa Cruz needs about 75 volunteers to help promote, set up and support the booths at the event. If you are interested in volunteering for this great event, email Rebecca Sale at rsale [at] ucsc [dot] edu or earthday [at] ecoact [dot] com.

Volunteer with the Student Environmental Center (SEC)
The SEC is a great way for students to grow as individuals, learn leadership skills, and gain invaluable work experience. Volunteers learn about current campus projects and policies and have the opportunity to participate or take on leadership roles in many topic areas. To get involved, please email seclead-group [at] ucsc [dot] edu, visit the website at sec.enviroslug.org, or attend General Gatherings to meet members and learn about specific volunteer opportunities.

Volunteer with Sea Slugs, an Ocean Conservation Org 
Sea Slugs is an ocean-minded campus organization dedicated to environmental stewardship. It is an excellent opportunity for students (both undergrad and grad) to engage in the greater community through public service while making a positive impact on the local environment. For information about meeting times and opportunities, contact Sea Slugs at seaslug.ucsc [at] gmail [dot] com or visit their website.

Join Banana Slugs for Animals 
Banana Slugs for Animals welcomes all to their weekly meetings. During the meetings they discuss animal rights and plan events! If you would like to know more please email slugsforanimals [at] gmail [dot] com or visit their Facebook page.

Sprout Up
Sprout Up is environmental education for the next generation. Sprout Up is an organization that teaches environmental science and sustainability to 1st and 2nd grade students in elementary schools all around Santa Cruz. To learn about joining Sprout Up, email communitysc [at] sproutup [dot] org.

Arboretum Volunteer Gardening Opportunities 
The Arboretum has volunteer gardening hours throughout the week. Visit their website for details.

The Bike Church Community Repair Shop Seeking Volunteers
Have a knack for cycling, biking and learning to maintain bikes? Interested in learning to divert bike parts from the waste stream? Then this is the opportunity for you! Click here for more information.

Volunteer with Coastal Watershed Council
The Coastal Watershed Council invites you to join its efforts to protect and preserve local watersheds! If you are interested in volunteering on the San Lorenzo River, doing water quality monitoring through programs like Snapshot Day, First Flush, Urban Watch or any of CWC’s other events and programs, please visit their website.

February 2016: Internships, Employment & Volunteering

Internships

Chancellor's Undergraduate Internship Program (CUIP): Deadline February 11
CUIP provides on-campus internships in programs and departments throughout the campus. Interns work with a mentor to develop personal and professional skills, and take a leading role in producing project in their internship. A two-unit leadership seminar class is required for fall, winter and spring quarters. A scholarship of 8,200 dollars is paid towards the intern’s registration fees for the academic year. Internships are available with employers such as the Sustainability Office, College Eight Environmental Programs, Diversity and Inclusion Programs, and many others.

Seeking Mentors for Provost Sustainability Internship
Are you interested in working to make our campus operations, infrastructure, and physical environment more environmentally and socially sustainable? The PSI program is a great way to get involved! We pair students with staff mentors to plan and implement a year-long campus sustainability project. Students receive internship credit for the fall, winter, and spring quarters and a $1500 scholarship upon completion of the program. Environmental Studies Senior Exit can be fulfilled with this program. Application details will be available soon. If you are a student, staff, or faculty who wishes to learn more, please email psi [at] ucsc [dot] edu and stay tuned for details in the March newsletter.

Summer Internship with SF Municipal Transportation Agency: Deadline February 10
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency is looking for undergraduate and graduate student interns who are interested in transportation planning and engineering. For more information and to apply, visit the website.

Design and Communications Internship: Deadline February 10
Second Nature, a Boston-based non-profit organization working to proactively build a sustainable and positive global future, is currently seeking exceptional candidates for a paid Design and Communications internship position. The internship will be focusing on tasks including design for documents and websites, website maintenance, newsletter support, blog and social media support, and more. Read more and apply here.

Fossil Free Fellowship: Deadline February 15
The 2016 Fossil Free Fellowship will provide extensive training and support to a diverse group of 24 campus fossil fuel divestment campaigners for 10 weeks this summer. Fellows gain hands-on experience in climate and justice-based organizing by working on projects across the U.S. with 350.org and partner organizations, and access to trainings rooted in deep political education on how the climate movement must work with other justice movements. New this year, six mentors will support their peers throughout the program. If you’re interested in being a mentor, email Becca Rast at becca [at] 350 [dot] org.

RE-volv Solar Ambassador Program: Deadline February 29
This program is a unique opportunity for college students to develop key project management, outreach, and communications skills while tangibly taking action on climate change through solar energy. Over the course of one academic year, Solar Ambassadors work in teams to identify a nonprofit or co-op near their campus that wants to go solar. The team works with RE-volv to set-up the project and run a crowdfunding campaign to underwrite the solar energy system. RE-volv is looking for 5 new teams to join the 2016-2017 cohort. For more information, click here.

Employment

Multicultural Career Conference
February 20th, 9:30 am
Porter College Dining Hall
For almost 30 years, the Multicultural Career Conference has brought alumni of color back to the UCSC campus to successfully mentor and assist students with career planning, guidance and advice. The MCC provides an opportunity for current students to connect with alumni of color who are successful professionals and allows alumni, who often attended the conference as students, to give back by sharing their experiences with current students. Visit the website for details.

Student Media Coordinator for the Common Ground Center

The Common Ground Center is hiring a paid student staff position for a Common Ground Media Coordinator. Duties for the position include: producing high-quality graphics and posters, producing video and written communications, and short videos that promote Common Ground Center and its programs, services, and events. Apply at the UCSC Career Center with ER #7527.

UCSF Sustainability Coordinator
UCSF’s Sustainability Office is hiring a Sustainability Coordinator. Ideal candidates have a passion for sustainability, excellent data management skills, education/outreach and event coordination skills, with website, healthcare, and/or laboratory experience a plus. UCSF has no undergraduate students, so this position works primarily with greening research laboratories and healthcare facilities. Read the job description and apply here.

Employment with the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
SACNAS is a national nonprofit organization headquartered in Santa Cruz and the largest multicultural and multidisciplinary diversity in STEM organization in the country. SACNAS is currently seeking applicants for the positions of Accountant/Administrative Services, Program Manager, and Director of Programs.

Resource Center for Nonviolence Staff Position 
The Resource Center for Nonviolence is hiring an administration and program staff position to conduct social media, outreach, administrative, and program coordination tasks in a collaborative team of 4 half-time staff members. The position is half-time, 23 hours per week, paying $15 per hour. For more information, contact Anita Heckman at rcnvanita[at]gmail[dot]com.

Project ReGeneration/ Nonviolence Education & Training Program Staff: Deadline February 12
The Resource Center for Nonviolence seeks a new staff person to work in a collaborative team of 4 half-time staff members. Emphasis: Project ReGeneration coordination, inspiring the next generation of activists, and Nonviolence Education & Training. The position is half time, 23 hours per week, paying $15 per hour. More information is available here.

Sustainability Coordinator at Driscoll's 

The Sustainability Coordinator will support the Senior Sustainability Manager in the development and implementation of Driscoll’s sustainability goals, customer and regulatory compliance, and all other Sustainability efforts. Research, facilitation, support and communication will be critical functions of this role. Click here for more detail.

Energy Manager for Pomona College in Claremont, CA
The Energy Manager provides leadership to the College’s energy program and utility systems and to advance Pomona’s Sustainability Action Plan. This position requires a Bachelors degree in a related technical or engineering discipline or equivalent career experience, Energy Manager Certification strongly preferred and LEED AP or ability to obtain within 18 months. For more information, see here.

Student Housing Sustainability and Conservation Coordinator at Stanford University
The Residential and Dining Enterprises Student Housing Sustainability Programs Office collaborates with students and staff at Stanford University to foster behavior change, reduce energy and water consumption and waste production in residences, and to integrate long-term sustainable thinking into operations. The Coordinator will support the Office's goals and report directly to the Sustainability and Utilities Program Manager. For more information, click here.

Portland State Community GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Project Leader: Deadline February 16
Principal duties of the position include engaging with communities, providing GIS analysis support for projects, contributing to strategic planning, and possibly teaching within the undergraduate or graduate programs within the College of Urban and Public Affairs or in Portland State University’s University Studies program. More information is available here.

Safe Routes to School Organizer, Portland, OR: Deadline February 1 by 4:30 PM
The Bureau of Transportation seeks to hire a Safe Routes to School Organizer within the bureau's Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program. This position will work in schools throughout Portland with parents, students, school staff, and partner organizations to develop and implement encouragement activities, education programs, and events that promote safe, active transportation to school. Apply online today!

Director of Outdoor and Environmental Education at Earlham College in Indiana
Earlham College is currently seeking qualified candidates for the Director of Outdoor and Environmental Education. This is a full-time, 12-month administrative faculty position. Major program areas include the August Wilderness summer pre-orientation program, the Miller Farm sustainable agriculture program, the certificate program in Outdoor Education, and student-led outdoor-based physical education courses. More information is available here.

Production Manager for Duke Campus Farm in North Carolina
This position is responsible for the daily, weekly and season-long management of a one-acre diversified vegetable operation. This position coordinates all aspects of on-farm production, supervises student employees, and serves as a public face of the farm to the campus community. The ideal candidate is passionate about the farm's larger mission, and is highly motivated to teach and inspire others about sustainable agriculture. For more information, see here.

Safe Routes to School Project Manager, New Jersey
RideWise, a non-profit agency located in Bridgewater, NJ that promotes the use of sustainable travel alternatives is seeking a full-time Safe Routes to School Project Manager to plan and implement projects and activities that improve bicycle/pedestrian access and safety for school-age students. Learn more online.

Program Associate with NACTO, New York: Deadline February 7
National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), a non-profit association representing large cities on transportation issues of local and national importance, seeks a Program Associate with a degree in the field of city planning, sustainable transportation, architecture, urban design, or public policy. The Program Associate will liaise with a network of visionary transportation practitioners and leaders on pressing issues in the field, such as Vision Zero, bicycle infrastructure, public transit, technological advances such as e-hailing and self-driving vehicles, and local transportation policy. The Program Associate will also play a major role in developing and coordinating the leading national transportation conference, Designing Cities. Apply online.

Ecological Restoration Technician at Missouri Nature Reserve: Deadline February 8
Missouri Botanical Garden has an open application for a Restoration Ecology Technician at Shaw Nature Reserve, a woodland and prairie reserve about 40 minutes from Saint Louis. The person in this position will be the primary coordinator of day to day ecological restoration and native vegetation management activities at Shaw Nature Reserve. More information is available here.

Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator, Florida: Deadline February 12, 11:59 PM ET
This professional urban planning, coordinating and regulatory work includes data collection, analysis, studying infrastructure, and developing and implementing policies. The work includes coordinating with the Traffic Engineering Division regarding bicycle and pedestrian use of right-of-ways; and with the Planning and Development Department on the implementation and ongoing review of the Mobility Plan, managing short and long term bicycle/pedestrian issues to address and improve the transportation system. Learn more online.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Specialist, New Jersey
The successful candidate will assist in the delivery of bike and pedestrian safety programs through TransOptions' Bike Right and Safe Routes to School efforts. The candidate will work closely with the Safe Routes to School Coordinator to develop and deliver a variety of programs related to safe bicycling and walking. Learn more online.

Sustainability Communications Coordinator for Smith College in Massachusetts

This position aims to promote visibility and understanding of the efforts of the Study Group on Climate Change, the Center for the Environment, Ecological Design and Sustainability (CEEDS) and Campus Sustainability at Smith College. See here for more information.

Sustainability Project Manager for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology  
The project manager will provide leadership and implementation strategies on sustainable building design and construction, energy, water, stormwater, land management, and waste systems. They will lead the development of and enable the implementation of current and future related sustainability commitments, relevant data management, strategic planning, analysis, and collaborative relationships. More information available can be found here.

Volunteering

College Campus Cleanup Hours
February 7th, 11:00 am-12:00 pm, outside College 9/10 Dining Hall
February 21st, 11:00 am-12:00 pm, College Eight Plaza
There will be two cleanup days this quarter sponsored by the Sustainability Office Zero Waste Team. Each cleanup will focus on a specific college area; members of any college are welcome and encouraged to attend. Snacks will be provided after the cleanups. For more information, check out the Annual UCSC Campus Cleanup Day page on Facebook here or contact Bella Montez at bmontez [at] ucsc [dot] edu.

Real Food Strategy Retreat

The Real Food Calculator team is in the process of coordinating with the Real Food Challenge (RFC) West Regional Coordinator to host a Strategy Retreat at UCSC during the weekend of February 19. This retreat will bring together 30-40 students statewide, from different UCs, CSUs, and community colleges, to reinforce the mission of equity in the food system, while also strengthening the bonds between campuses. The RFC team is calling for volunteers who would like to help prepare meals, set up the different workshop spaces, and so on. If you are interested in helping, please contact Judy Xie at juxie [at] ucsc [dot] edu.

Earth Day Volunteers Needed
Earth Day Santa Cruz is an annual event to raise environmental awareness; address concerns; showcase solutions; and present balanced modes of living for the well-being of each individual, the community, and the planet. Earth Day Santa Cruz needs about 75 volunteers to help promote, set up and support the booths at the event. If you are interested in volunteering for this great event, email Rebecca Sale at rsale[at]ucsc[dot]edu or earthday[at]ecoact[dot]com.

Volunteer with Take Back The Tap 

Take Back The Tap UCSC is on the lookout for new organizers and a candidate for the 2016-2017 campaign coordinator. Students interested in learning valuable skills like grant writing, social media outreach, campaign organization tactics, meeting with decision makers, or team-building should contact Take Back The Tap at tbttucsc-group [at] ucsc [dot] edu, and/or come to meetings on Mondays from 12:15-1:45 in the Kresge Common Ground Center, near STARS. Check out the group's Facebook page, Take Back The Tap UCSC, to learn more. 

Volunteer with the Student Environmental Center (SEC)
The SEC is a great way for students to grow as individuals, learn leadership skills, and gain invaluable work experience. Volunteers learn about current campus projects and policies and have the opportunity to participate or take on leadership roles in many topic areas. To get involved, please email seclead-group [at] ucsc [dot] edu, visit the website at sec.enviroslug.org, or attend General Gatherings to meet members and learn about specific volunteer opportunities!

Sprout Up
Sprout Up is environmental education for the next generation. Sprout Up is an organization that teaches environmental science and sustainability to 1st and 2nd grade students in elementary schools all around Santa Cruz! If you want to learn about joining Sprout Up, email communitysc [at] sproutup [dot] org.

Education for Sustainable Living Program Team (ESLP)
ESLP is looking for engaged students who wish to be a part of the organizing team for the next year. Ideally, students will shadow current positions this winter quarter to gain skills and training to carry on into the 2016-2017 year. Open positions include:

• Collaboration and networking sphere organizers: organizers work together to design and create colorful advertisement flyers for the organization. Regular maintenance of the ESLP website, Facebook page, and registering for on-campus events are other collaboration and networking sphere duties. The goal for this sphere is to increase awareness of ESLP, outreach for student facilitators, and Spring Speaker Series students.

• Academic Sphere organizers: organizers meet every 11-12:10am MWF for the Winter Training Seminar (WTS) to facilitate a group of students in preparation for their spring Action Research Teams. This group of organizers works closely with admin to build relationships and harbor the skills necessary for leading a successful action project.

• Heart Sphere organizers: Heart sphere organizers work closely with ESLP's staff advisor, Angela Harris, to manage our budget and personnel responsibilities. These organizers work all of Winter quarter contacting and booking guest speakers for the Spring Speaker Series.

Students interested in working with ESLP who would like to shadow these positions can contact ESLP at eslp [at] ucsc [dot] edu.

Earth Week Events

Earth Week 2015 at UCSC is taking place April 19-25, with the theme Your Plate, Your Food, Your Impact. College Eight’s Earth Week 2015 strives to build environmental awareness by exploring the power of individual choice in our food systems. By understanding our impact, Earth Week aims to educate our community and encourage collaboration on how to make sustainable food choices.

A couple of events happening during Earth Week include:

April 18: Earth Day Santa Cruz at San Lorenzo Park
Earth Day Santa Cruz is an exciting community event offering educational information, activities for kids including an arts and crafts tent, live music and a focus on green businesses. Come and enjoy this fun environmental celebration for the whole family on April 18th, 11 am – 4 pm in San Lorenzo Park! The Sustainability Office will be tabling there, so come say hello!

April 21st: Food Fight-Forum
The Food Fight event highlights the power of choice by examining different perspectives on April 24 from 6 pm - 7:30 pm. Students across campus are invited to participate in a space that aims to discuss various topics of sustainability in regards to food. The topic is “What Does It Mean to Eat?” Addressing the social and environmental impacts of the food systems. With the guidance of speakers who have expertise in the field, this event intends to spark questions about our relation to food and understand ways of improvement.

April 22: Local & Organic Tasting Fair
Join UCSC Dining in their 5th annual Local and Organic Tasting Fair. On Wednesday, April 22nd from 11:30 am - 2:30 pm at the College 9 & 10 Multipurpose Room, there will be local vendors and free samples of food and beverages! The event is free and open to all of campus.

April 23: Jon Young - Understanding Bird Language to Bring More Presence to All That You Do
Join the Common Ground Center's Collaborative Learning Class for their speaker series! On April 23rd at the Porter Meadow from 2 - 3:45 pm, nature mentor Jon Young will speak about how bird language can be added to our everyday lives. Jon has been mentoring folks in the nearly lost art of understanding bird and animal language. Just as science is beginning to see the credibility in this ancient skill, Jon has been leading communities world-wide to get these skills back through lectures, workshops, media.

April 24: Earth Summit
On Friday, April 24th, the Student Environmental Center will be hosting the 14th Annual Campus Earth Summit from 11 am to 4:30 pm at the College Nine & Ten Multipurpose Room. The Earth Summit is a space for students, staff, faculty, administrators, and community members to come together and celebrate the history and current actions in campus sustainability, reflect on the 2014-2015 Student Forum events, plan for future sustainability projects, and strengthen overall involvement. The theme of this year’s event is a fusion of activism and art, with a focus on increasing communication and community problem-solving through the avenue of art and personal expression. Learn more about the Earth Summit event and ways you can get involved at their website!

April 24: UCSC Greenhouse Tour
Enjoy a tour of UCSC's Science Hill, including rooftop visits to the  instructional plant collection, restoration project plants, and current research projects. Director Jim Velzy will give an overview of the various aspects related to these rooftop facilities and light refreshments will be served. For more information visit this website.

April 24: Sustainability Alumni Reunion
Join the Sustainability Office for a mixer with alumni and current students involved with UC Santa Cruz environmental sustainability and conservation efforts. This is an opportunity to catch up with old friends and create networks with new ones in honor of UCSC's 50th Anniversary. Students, staff, and alumni from UCSC sustainability organizations will be gathering informally at Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing and nearby West End Tap on Friday, April 24th from 5-8 p.m. You don't have to be 21+ to attend! Please invite others who may be interested in attending. To RSVP or ask questions, please email Melissa at mott [at] ucsc [dot] edu.

April 24: M. Sanjayan - A New Wild: Saving Nature in a Human-Dominated World
Sanjayan’s talk will draw on his 2015 PBS television series EARTH: A New Wild to reveal how, through human ingenuity, technology and sometimes ecological tragedy, people are becoming a positive part of the ecological systems we depend on for our well-being. The result is a new framework that reinvents environmentalism by making saving nature about saving ourselves. This presentation is part of the True Originals Notable Alumni Speakers Series. For more information, check out this website.

April 25: Sustainability Office at Pan-DANM-onium Faire
UCSC’s Digital Arts and New Media (DANM) MFA Program invites the community to a day-long festival celebrating DANM’s first decade, on April 25, 2015. The Sustainability Office will be hosting a table at this innovative event; come learn how to recycle properly and learn how much energy your appliances really use! This free event includes outdoor exhibits and interactive demos, the annual DANM MFA art exhibition, alumni slideshows, research lab open houses, and a masquerade ball. It’s a day of DIY making, projection mapping, repurposed military vehicles, free food, fine art, vacuform masks, kids crafts and more – it’s pan-DANM-onium! Learn more about the day-long event here.

April 25: Arboretum Tour
The Arboretum is offering alumni a guided tour of the world-renown UC Santa Cruz Arboretum during alumni weekend. On the tour you will learn about the collections of rare and endangered plants from around the world and the importance of them to the university and community. They have sizable collections of mostly drought-tolerant native Californian, Australian, New Zealand, and South African plants, including cacti and succulents. For more information, check out this website.

April 25: Farm Tour
Enjoy a guided tour of the gardens, fields and orchards at UCSC's 30-acre organic Farm. Founded in 1971, the 30-acre Farm includes handworked gardens of annual and perennial food and ornamental crops, mechanically cultivated row crops, orchards, and research plots. Learn about the education, research, and public service activities taking place through the work of the Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems (CASFS). Please wear comfortable walking shoes for this event. For more information, check out this website.

April 25: UCSC Campus Natural Reserve Hike
Join a hike on the UC Santa Cruz Campus Natural Reserve, which serves as an outdoor classroom and living laboratory that provides a vital link between ideas discussed within traditional classrooms and hands-on learning in the natural world. The campus reserve features steep redwood ravines, flowering azaleas along forested springs, sweeping ocean views, northern maritime chaparral, and more. Meet at the Firehouse parking lot. Gage Dayton, Administrative Director for physical and biological sciences, and Alex Jones, UCSC Campus Natural Reserve Steward, will begin with a brief overview of the reserve, followed by a steward-led hike along the interpretative loop trail. This event is family friendly. For more information, check out the following website.

April 25: Kenneth Norris Center Dedication
The Kenneth S. Norris Center for Natural History Dedication is an opportunity to celebrate natural history training accomplishments over the past 50 years and articulate a vision for the new Norris Center to the campus community, alumni, and other potential donors. For more information, check out this website.

April 25th: Sustainable Food Choice Fair, 2015 5pm-7pm 
On April 25 from 5-7pm, the Sustainable Food Choice Fair will act as the finale to College 8 Earth Week activities and will continue to highlight the idea of food choices and their impact on the environment. Through interactive stations, the event will highlight the themes mentioned earlier in these stations where students can participate in activities that relate to real life issues and decisions. The goal is to create an environment that is engaging and allows students to discover new ideas about their food choices. At the same time, organizers will serve food that models sustainable choices in order to provide an example that shows students it is possible to make sustainable choices.

April 26: Campus Clean Up Day
The Student Union Assembly and the Sustainability Office's Zero Waste Team have teamed up to coordinate the First Annual Campus Clean-Up Day on April 25! The vision for this event is to bring students and campus users together to clean up our beautiful campus and shed light on littering issues and improper cigarette butt disposal. The goal of this event is to motivate campus users to properly dispose of waste and encourage campus stewardship.

April 26: We Are Wiser Together World Cafe
Live music, free food, and meaningful intergenerational conversations. Connect with student leaders, community partners, and alumni during a series of World Cafe conversations about how we can be wiser together through collaboration across generations. How can we work and play together as we turn 50? What becomes possible when we - one generation alive and awake together at this unique moment in history - form partnerships in business, politics, education, and civil society? Farm fresh lunch prepared by students from the Kresge Common Ground Center and Kresge Garden Coop included with pre-registration. For more information check out this website.

April 28: Walk to Class Challenge
UCSC's 2nd Annual Walk to Class Challenge Day will take place on April 28, 2015! Registration is open until April 27th, and the first 60 students to register will receive a free event t-shirt. The challenge is a student-led effort to promote walking as a viable and sustainable transportation mode for cross-campus travel, reduce UCSC’s carbon footprint, and help students make more sustainable choices for themselves and the environment. Register for free at taps.ucsc.edu and then fill out a survey after the event for a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card! Join the Facebook page, Instagram, and visit the website for more information.

Below are the College Eight Earth Week Events:

"Every year on April 22nd marks the anniversary of what many consider the beginning of the modern environmental movement.  In 1970, Americans were slurping leaded gas through massive V8 sedans. Industry belched out smoke and sludge with little fear of legal consequences or bad press. Air pollution was commonly accepted as the smell of prosperity. Although mainstream America remained oblivious to environmental concerns, the stage had been set for change by the publication of Rachel Carson's New York Times bestseller Silent Spring in 1962. The book represented a watershed moment for the modern environmental movement, selling more than 500,000 copies in 24 countries and, up until that moment, more than any other person, Ms. Carson raised public awareness and concern for living organisms, the environment and public health. Earth Day 1970 capitalized on the emerging consciousness, channeling the energy of the anti-war protest movement and putting environmental concerns front and center."

- EarthDay.org

For more information, visit the College 8 Earth Week event site for upcoming updates or contact Derek Dean at drdean [at] ucsc [dot] edu.

Earth Day Santa Cruz 2013

Earth Day Santa Cruz 2013 is an exciting community event offering educational information, activities for kids including an arts and crafts tent, live music and a focus on green businesses. Come and enjoy this fun environmental celebration for the whole family!

The City of Santa Cruz, the County of Santa Cruz, Ecology Action, Save Our Shores, the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz, local non-profits, and concerned citizens are working together to make Earth Day 2013 the premier environmental event for the greater Santa Cruz community.

Event Highlights:

• Electric Vehicle Showcase
• Recycled Fashion Show
• Arts and Crafts Booth
• Kid Zone Gymnastics for Kids
• Free Valet Bike Parking Provided by People Power
• Live Music
• Green Vendor and Environmental Information Booths

Live Music:

Coffe Zombie Collective

SambaDa

For more information on this event visit: www.ecocruz.org

Fight Climate Change with a Thought

Article by Tan Ha, Climate Action CUIP

I struggle with the idea of greenhouse gas emissions. It is not like I do not understand how much damage it causes to the environment. As the UCSC Sustainability Office’s Climate Action Intern, I can tell you about state-wide reduction goals and exactly how many metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) emissions our campus needs to reduce. However, what does it really mean when I tell you that we are trying to reduce 27,000 MTCO2e by year 2020?

I reflect on this as I calculate emission factors for the next Climate Action Plan. I realize that fighting against the trends of global warming will take more than measuring GHG inventories or drafting plans for administers and planners alike. But official planning documents do not inspire the larger demographic such as students and community members to live a carbon neutral lifestyle.

Even with prior knowledge of the lofty goal of reducing 27,000 MTCO2e, I need to remind myself that it is equivalent to stopping 3 million gallons of gasoline from burning annually after 2020. I imagine the scorching gasoline near where I live. I smell the viscous fumes robbing the fresh air released from the vibrant Santa Cruz trees. Then I remember that I am privileged to not see this in front of me. I recognize that this “fire” caused by the UCSC community is unbounded and threatens the global environment. However, developing countries are in the heat of the fire. They are at greater risk as they have fewer resources to protect themselves from these increased “natural disasters.” Every person, institution, region, nation, and global entity is a stakeholder of the problems and solutions associated with climate change. I want to take this opportunity not to ramble about how bad it is but invite my readers to look into this problem as an opportunity. It is our chance as young, curious individuals to ask how my lifestyle can affect the world. I like to entertain the idea that although the problem may be beyond one person’s work, it should be within the means of our collective effort. So let us take baby steps in our life. Before we know it, we may easily put out a fire of 3 million gallons of gasoline. It is our ambition, concerns, and belief systems that drive us to consciously shape the world so that future generations can know how passionately we fought for life on earth. What does it mean to turn off the lights, ride your bike, or shop locally? I don’t fully understand but I challenge you to find this answer with me.

Image courtesy of  scotthaefner.com

April 2012: Internships, Employment & Volunteering

Campus Sustainability Internship Program - STUDENT APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED to April 13!
CSI is a combination class and internship that pairs students with staff mentors to work together on sustainability related projects, year-round. The program introduces students to sustainability policies and practices through internship work experience, professional skills trainings, guest lectures, class discussions, and peer-to-peer advising. Students receive academic credit quarterly, and a scholarship at the end of the year for their service. The staff application deadline has passed. The student application deadline has been extended to April 13. Visit the website for more information and to apply.

Take Back the Tap Seeking Interns & Volunteers
Take Back the Tap UCSC is looking for academic credit interns and volunteers to end the sale of plastic water bottles on our campus. Interns and volunteers can work on outreach, event planning, water taste tests, website and media creation, or discussion with store managers. If you're interested, email Take Back the Tap. Visit their Facebook page.

Program Recognizing Offices Practicing Sustainability Internships

PROPS interns conducting an audit of the Cantu Center.

Are you interested in helping UCSC’s offices, resource centers, and departments function more sustainably? Do you want hands-on experience conducting energy and waste audits? UCSC’s very own green office certification program, the Program Recognizing Offices Practicing Sustainability (PROPS) has a Spring quarter internship position available for you! For more information on how to get credit (and possibly earn a scholarship) working with PROPS in the Sustainability Office, email PROPS and visit the website!


Friends of the Sustainability Office Internships
If you are interested in an education and outreach internship working in the Sustainability Office, apply today to become a FoSO intern. Interns will help coordinate events, contribute to the newsletter and blog and help with general outreach efforts. Students can receive internship credit for their first quarter and are eligible to receive a stipend after their first quarter of service in the Sustainability Office. Stipend amounts increase over time and with performance. Send your resume and a brief letter of interest to Nikki Fiore if you are interested.

Site Stewardship Internships & Volunteering
The campus Site Stewardship Program has recently completed an action packed quarter of restoration work. Thanks to a hard working crew of interns and volunteers, they were able to make great progress with their on-going coastal revegetation project, treat several invasive weed sites both on campus and at Younger lagoon and partner on a joint restoration project with the newly formed Student Plant Society. Even though they have enjoyed success, they have much work ahead of them. If you are interested in an internship or an opportunity to volunteer please contact Bill. Visit the website.

American Indian Resource Center Spring 2012 Internship
Interested in working with the American Indian Resource Center? Internship responsibilities include: coordinating quarterly programs and projects, such as quarterly receptions, Full Circle Mentor program events, editing of the quarterly newsletter, and developing and implementing a project individually or as a group (for example a Native American outreach day for high school students). Interns develop and edit resource guide and assist with the updating of American Indian Resource Center (AIRC) Website. Please feel free to stop by the Ethnic Resource Center located on the third floor of the Bay Tree Bookstore and speak with Carolyn Dunn, the AIRC Director about the application process, or send her an email.

Interactive Ecology Internship through Arboretum
On behalf of the Arboretum, Brett Hall will be running an internship called Interactive Ecology Tuesday and Thursdays where participants will take a botanically focused field trip to local natural areas once each week and spend the other day working in the Arboretum with the native collections. It will be a great opportunity to blend collection management for conservation with building your plant knowledge. If you are interested, please contact Brett.

Greywater Project Sustainable Loop Project
Ken Konviser of Corralitos, CA, is interested in doing a greywater project in his orchard. It would be a Senior Project for an individual or group of students interested in creating a sustainable loop that will naturally clean gray water in order to convert it into a food and irrigation producing resource. Native plants will clean household gray water to feed a pond containing plants and fish. Ducks will feed on these and provide eggs for this rural homestead.  Water from the pond will then be cleaned sufficiently by aquatic plants and bacterial activity in order to be used to irrigate the orchard and gardens of a homestead/orchard in Corralitos. If you are interested, please contact Ken.

Environmental Education for the Next Generation Seeking Teachers
EENG is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded to spread environmental literacy and an ethic of sustainability throughout our community, from the youngest members of our society up. Their Environmental Science & Sustainability Program links teams of college student instructors with 1st and 2nd grade classes for weekly lessons exploring the relationship between humans and the natural world. For more information about all the EENG has to offer, please visit their website or send them an email.

Earth Day Restoration and Cleanup at Santa Cruz Mission: April 14
Volunteers are needed at the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park on Saturday, April 14 from 8:30 AM - 1 PM for the 15th Annual California State Parks Foundation’s Earth Day Restoration & Cleanup. Projects include adobe restoration, painting, exterior landscaping, installation of irrigation system and more. Find out more and register to volunteer here.

Volunteer at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Interested in gardening, habitat restoration, tidepooling, maintaining exhibits and helping at events for the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History? Volunteer today! Find out more and fill out an application here or email Matt.

Sierra Club's "Best Internship On Earth" - Deadline April 2
This summer, get out of the office and into the great outdoors! Spend June, July, and August hiking, biking, rafting, climbing, exploring, and chilling! The Sierra Club is now accepting applications for the Best Internship on Earth, an opportunity to spend the summer exploring the great outdoors and documenting your journey for the Sierra Club and The North Face. The intern will get a $2,000 gift certificate from The North Face to outfit them with all the gear they need for their summer of adventure. All travel expenses are covered and the intern is paid a generous stipend. If you're a student or recent graduate over the age of 18, you can apply by submitting a 60-90 second video that showcases your love for the outdoors and why you want to be the Sierra Club's 2012 Outdoor Youth Ambassador. The application period closes on April 2, 2012 at 5PM PDT. More information here.

Riekes Center for Human Enhancement Naturalist Position Available
The Riekes Center Nature Awareness Department is seeking a dedicated instructor interested in long-term mentoring of youth in nature. Currently they are seeking an instructor to fill a position for their spring 2012 homeschool nature programs beginning immediately and running through the end of May. They are also recruiting for summer camp instructors and the possibility exists for this person to also fill a lead instructor role for their 2012 summer camps.  For details please, email Ken Clarkson or visit their website.

California Youth Energy Services Hiring for Summer

Do you live in the SF Bay Area during the summer? Interested in a fun, educational and enriching paid summer job? You should apply to be an Energy Specialist through the California Youth Energy Services program! Energy Specialists conduct basic energy & water assessments and retrofits of homes in the local community. Find out more about the program here. If you want to hear from someone who's worked as an Energy Specialist for CYES before, please contact Melissa.

Call for Volunteers: Greenbuild International Conference and Expo
Greenbuild is the world’s largest conference and expo dedicated to green building, and it is coming back to San Francisco November 14-16. If you are a full-time student or professional age 25 and under, volunteer and attend for free! For more information visit the website. For questions, click here to send an email.

Opportunities with Pick Up America
Pick Up America is looking for people to travel with them this year! They are seeking young, energetic leaders who are ready to hit the road, pick up litter, and organize for a more sustainable America. An ideal candidate would be self-motivated, know how to be a team player, and be eager to educate, strategize, network, and inspire resource stewardship and zero-waste in America. Visit their website to find all the details about the available positions.  

Green Corps Now Accepting Applications

Green Corps is looking for college graduates who are ready to take on the biggest environmental challenges of our day. In Green Corps' year-long paid program, you'll get hands-on experience fighting to solve urgent environmental problems - global warming, deforestation, water pollution and many others - with groups such as Sierra Club and Food and Water Watch. When you graduate from Green Corps, they help you find a career with one of the nation's leading environmental and social change groups. For more information, visit the Green Corps website.

Student Conservation Association Internships
The SCA is one of the biggest partners for national parks and forests. Each year, they send thousands of youth across the country to get conservation experience in awesome places. Living expenses, housing, and round trip travel provided. Internships run from 3-12 months and are available in all 50 states. Visit their website for more information and to apply.

April 2012: Upcoming Events

USGBC Speaker Event: Energy Modeling for Integrated Design & Planning: April 4
Interested in Sustainable Development, Green Building, or LEED Certification? Welcome USGBC's monthly guest speakers, Sharon Block, CEO of Bright Green Strategies Inc. and Patrick Splitt, President APP-TECH Inc. The event will take place from 5:30 - 8 PM. Event includes Whole Foods catered food and beverages. Attend one event, get your next event free! Student pricing (with ID): USGBC student members: pre-register $5, at door $10. Non-members: pre-register $7, at door $12. Location: IBEW Local 234. 10300 Merritt St. Castroville, CA. Visit the website.

Too Many Ps? Science & Justice Working Group Event with Ruth Ozeki: April 5
Join us from 2-5 PM in the Oakes Mural Room for a spirited conversation about the politics of food and kinship—amongst other world-changing matters. At this Science & Justice Working Group event, Ruth Ozeki will read from her novel, All Over Creation, joined at the table by Nancy Chen (Anthropology), Julie Guthman Community Studies) and Steve Gliessman (Environmental Studies). Joan Haran (Cesagen at Cardiff University) will host this feast of ideas. For more information, please click here.

California Naturalist Program:  April 7 - June 16

Join this exciting new pilot program through the Arboretum, offered for the first time in California. Become certified as a California Naturalist by completing 40+ hours in class and field. Access further community involvement in local parks and research. Cost: $300 Scholarships available - please inquire!  More information here.

UCSC Earth Week 2012: April 16-22

Want to participate in Earth Week 2012: Finding Room to Bloom? Student organizations can register their Earth Week events now on the Earth Week website. Interested in being part of the Earth Day Festival on April 22, which will include tabling, workshops, music, food, and more? You can also sign up online to have a table or workshop on Earth Day. If you are interested in getting involved with planning Earth Day, please email Sam Moll, College 8's Special Environmental Programs Coordinator.  For those who wish to attend these festivities, stay tuned for more information here.

Earth Day Santa Cruz: Saturday, April 21

The Sustainability Office is looking for UCSC sustainability organizations to table for their org at the annual Earth Day Santa Cruz Festival this year. Earth Day Santa Cruz will take place on Saturday, April 21st from 11 AM to 5 PM rain or shine in San Lorenzo Park and Benchlands. It is a community event that will include tabling, live music, hands-on crafts, and fun for all ages! To sign up to table with the Sustainability Office, contact Kirsten Williams, Development & Events Coordinator. Additionally, Earth Day planners are looking for volunteers from UCSC, including students, staff and faculty, to make this event happen. If you are interested in volunteering, click here. For more information about the event, click here.

Spring Plant Sale: Saturday, April 21

Looking for water-wise and extra-ordinary plants? Come to the Spring Sale by the Arboretum and California Native Plant Society, from 9 AM - 4 PM.  Arboretum members and CNPS members get in early for the best selection, so join today!  Members: 10 AM.  General Public: Noon.  Visit the Arboretum website for more information.

End of the Year Celebration
You are invited to the 4th Annual End of the Year Sustainability Celebration and Planning Session! Join students, staff, faculty and administrators from throughout the campus community to reflect on our accomplishments of the year and plan for the future. It will take place in the Stevenson Event Center from 1-5 PM. Read more about the event here or email Gabi Kirk, Events Coordinator.

California Higher Education Sustainability Conference: June 18-21
Save the date! The California Higher Education Sustainability Conference is taking place June 18-21, 2012 at UC Davis. The Conference highlights cutting-edge research, as well as case studies with proven successes in curriculum development, operational programs, and community partnerships. Find out more here.

Events & Opportunities: March 12 - 18

Sustainability Office calendar | March Newsletter | Sustainability Office Website

Events & Club Meetings

UCSC Natural History Club: Tuesdays 4-5 PM

Visit the Natural History Club Facebook group for meeting locations and more information, or contact Darrow Feldstein.

Friends of Community Agroecology Network: Tuesdays 6-8 PM

FoCAN is a student-initiated, student-led community at UCSC that supports CAN's mission of promoting rural livelihoods and sustainable food systems through action education and participatory action research. FoCAN meets weekly at the Sustainable Living Center in the Village, building A. Through communal meals, discussions, and activities, these weekly meetings create a community that fosters dialogue and experiential learning about the global food system and sustainability. Find out more here.

Free Patagonia Rising Film Screening: Tuesday, March 13 

The UCSC Environmental Studies Department and the Pepper-Giberson Chair present a free screening of the film Patagonia Rising on March 13 in the Media Theater at 7:30 PM. The film focuses on a heated conflict surrounding a proposal to build five large hydroelectric dams on the Baker and Pascua Rivers in Patagonia. Promoted as "clean" energy, the project's cultural and environmental impacts would forever alter the region. The documentary brings awareness and solutions to this global conflict over water and power. More about the film can be found here. There will be a post-Screening Q&A with Director Brian Lilla, Dr. Jeffrey Bury, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies, and Berklee Lowrey-Evans, Patagonia Campaign Coordinator at International Rivers.

Student Environmental Center: Wednesdays 5:30-8:30 PM

Student Environmental Center (SEC)'s General Gatherings take place in the College 8 Red Room. Vegetarian dinner provided. For more information, visit their website or send them an email.

Path to a Greener Stevenson: Thursdays 7 PM

Path to a Greener Stevenson (PTAGS) meets in the Stevenson House 2 lounge. They are currently working on reducing paper towel use in the dorms and are collaborating with the Zero Waste Team to buy reusable mugs for the Stevenson Coffee House. For updates, visit the Facebook group or email Blake Redding.

Guided Nature Walk - Tiger Hunt: Friday, March 16, 2-4 PM

Our campus does not end at the buildings, so come explore the variety of vivacious ecosystems and what inhabits them! Guided Nature Walks leave from College 8 Red Room every other Friday from 2-4. This week, they'll be searching for the infamous (and endemic) Ohlone tiger beetle (Cicindela ohlone) in some probable haunts. Please check out the flyer for details. For more information, please contact Alex Jones, the Campus Natural Steward.   

Kresge Garden Work Days: Sundays 10 AM - 2 PM 

Join fellow gardeners at the Kresge Garden workday and workshop every Sunday! Bring a dish to share for the potluck lunch! To see what the weekly workshop will be, check out the website.

California Higher Education Sustainability Conference: June 18-21

Save the date! The California Higher Education Sustainability Conference is taking place June 18-21, 2012 at UC Davis. The Conference highlights cutting-edge research, as well as case studies with proven successes in curriculum development, operational programs, and community partnerships. Find out more here. 

Get Involved - Internships, Volunteering, Contests, Grants

Campus Sustainability Internship Program - Student Interns and Staff Mentors Apply Now!
CSI is a combination class and internship that pairs students with staff mentors to work together on sustainability related projects, year-round. The program introduces students to sustainability policies and practices through internship work experience, professional skills trainings, guest lectures, class discussions, and peer-to-peer advising. Students receive academic credit quarterly, and a scholarship at the end of the year for their service. CSI helps staff by providing them with vetted, trained, and low-cost assistance on sustainability related projects they have undertaken or would like to initiate. Staff applications due March 16 & student applications due April 4. Visit the website  for more information and to apply.

Read an interview here featuring CSI Staff Mentor Kathryn Cunningham and Student Intern Christian Frederick about their work this year with the CSI program.

Riekes Center for Human Enhancement Naturalist Position Available

The Riekes Center Nature Awareness Department is seeking a dedicated instructor interested in long-term mentoring of youth in nature. Currently they are seeking an instructor to fill a position for their spring 2012 homeschool nature programs beginning immediately and running through the end of May. They are also recruiting for summer camp instructors and the possibility exists for this person to also fill a lead instructor role for their 2012 summer camps.  For details please, email Ken Clarkson or visit their website.

Environmental Education for the Next Generation Seeking Teachers

EENG is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded to spread environmental literacy and an ethic of sustainability throughout our community, from the youngest members of our society up. Their Environmental Science & Sustainability Program links teams of college student instructors with 1st and 2nd grade classes for weekly lessons exploring the relationship between humans and the natural world. For more information about all the EENG has to offer, please visit their website or send them an email.

California Youth Energy Services Hiring for Summer

Do you live in the SF Bay Area during the summer? Interested in a fun, educational and enriching paid summer job? You should apply to be an Energy Specialist through the California Youth Energy Services program! Energy Specialists conduct basic energy & water assessments and retrofits of homes in the local community. Find out more about the program here. If you want to hear from someone who's worked as an Energy Specialist for CYES before, please contact Melissa.

Opportunities with Pick Up America

Pick Up America is looking for people to travel with them this year! They are seeking young, energetic leaders who are ready to hit the road, pick up litter, and organize for a more sustainable America. An ideal candidate would be self-motivated, know how to be a team player, and be eager to educate, strategize, network, and inspire resource stewardship and zero-waste in America. Visit their website to find all the details about the available positions.

Green Corps Now Accepting Applications

Green Corps is looking for college graduates who are ready to take on the biggest environmental challenges of our day. In Green Corps' year-long paid program, you'll get hands-on experience fighting to solve urgent environmental problems - global warming, deforestation, water pollution and many others - with groups such as Sierra Club and Food and Water Watch. When you graduate from Green Corps, they help you find a career with one of the nation's leading environmental and social change groups. For more information, visit the Green Corps website.

Student Conservation Association Internships 

The SCA is one of the biggest partners for national parks and forests. Each year, they send thousands of youth across the country to get conservation experience in awesome places. Living expenses, housing, and round trip travel provided. Internships run from 3-12 months and are available in all 50 states. Visit their website for more information and to apply.  

Energy Department Clean Energy Workforce Training Grants: Deadline March 30

The U.S. Department of Energy and the Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program have announced up to $1.3 million for clean energy workforce training programs. Higher education institutions can apply to partner with MEP Centers to create building efficiency training programs that are tailored to building operators, building managers and energy service providers. Applications are due March 30, 2012. Click here for more information.

Apply for the ReCharge! Retreat: Deadline April 1

Interested in clean energy? Want to attend a one-week summer ReCharge! Retreat? Focus the Nation selects twenty students to attend the retreat, five from each quadrant of the country, who show passion, dedication, and drive to accelerate the transition to clean energy. The retreat, which takes place August 12-18, 2012, includes a balance of intellectual rigor, collaborative practices, reflection and physical activity as it applies to building our clean energy future. Apply today for your chance to be a part of this life changing opportunity! Application deadline is April 1st, 2012. Find out more on the Focus the Nation website.

"What Makes Your Campus Green?" Student Video Contest - Deadline April 6

What makes UCSC green? Answer this question in a video contest and you could win up to $2500! The Herman Miller Student Video contest is designed to give students the opportunity to submit videos of their own creation that address the question "What makes your campus green?" Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three video submissions that best represent creativity, originality, and appropriateness to the theme. More information is available on the contest landing page.

California Naturalist Program: April 7 - June 16

Join this exciting new pilot program through the Arboretum, offered for the first time in California. Become certified as a California Naturalist by completing 40+ hours in class and field. Access further community involvement in local parks and research. Cost: $300 Scholarships available - please inquire! More information here.

Earth Week 2012 - April 16-22

Want to participate in Earth Week 2012: Finding Room to Bloom? Student organizations can register their Earth Week events now on the Earth Week website. Interested in being part of the Earth Day Festival on April 22? You can also sign up online to have a table or workshop on Earth Day. If you are interested in getting involved with planning Earth Day (April 22), please email Sam Moll, College 8's Special Environmental Programs Coordinator. For those who wish to attend these festivities, stay tuned for more information here.

Student Opportunity: MobilizeU Competition

AASHE has partnered with Earth Day Network for the launch of MobilizeU, an international collegiate competition calling upon students to mobilize their campus communities around four weeks of environmental activism surrounding Earth Day 2012 (March 29 - April 29). Students worldwide are encouraged to join the movement as a regional coordinator or school coordinator and organize activities including campus clean-ups, new voter registration drives and Earth Day events. Coordinators will share a photo or video documenting their efforts on the MobilizeU Facebook page.

Volunteer with Take Back the Tap
Take Back the Tap UCSC is looking for volunteers to end the sale of plastic water bottles on our campus. Volunteers can work on outreach, event planning, water taste tests, website and media creation, or discussion with store managers. If you're interested, email Take Back the Tap.

Volunteer at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Interested in gardening, habitat restoration, tidepooling, maintaining exhibits and helping at events for the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History? Volunteer today! Find out more and fill out an application here or email Matt.

Have news you want us to share? Email us!