June 2016: Classes, Training, Community

California's Presidential Primary Election: June 7, 2016
Remember to vote in the presidential primary this June! You have to be registered as a Democrat or No Party Preference (NPP) in order to vote for the presidential candidates, and if you are registered as NPP, you have to request a democratic ballot, otherwise you will not be able to vote for a presidential candidate. The deadline to register to vote was May 23rd. You can vote early, M-F 9-5pm at the Santa Cruz County Government Center, 701 Ocean Street, Rm. 210. Additionally, there will be polling places on campus from 7-7pm on June 7th. For more information, click here.

Climate Ride Summer Session: June 17 - July 10, 2016
The Climate Ride has a new program designed to engage young adults (ages 18-24) in the bike advocacy, conservation and sustainability movement. The 2016 inaugural ride is a 24-day, 1200-mile van-supported bike trip from Portland, OR to Santa Barbara, CA through some of the Pacific Coast’s most beautiful locales. In order to participate, riders must fundraise a minimum of $3,500 for the Climate Ride beneficiary organizations of their choice. There are more than 100 beneficiaries to choose fromSpace is limited to 20 participants. For more information and to register click here.

The Summer Institute on Sustainability and Energy Program: Deadline July 1
The Summer Institute on Sustainability and Energy (SISE) is a two-week intensive workshop and lecture series for students and professionals at the University of Illinois at Chicago. From August 4-16, a diverse body of participants will engage a broad spectrum of energy and sustainability-related topics through daily presentations, collaborative projects, mentoring activities, site visits, and networking opportunities with leading research institutions and companies in the digital technology and energy sectors. They will accept applications through July 1st. Application information, program information, and more can be found at their website. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Thomas Aláan uic.sise.admissions[at]gmail[dot]com, SISE Program Coordinator.

ENVS 15: Natural History of the UCSC Campus: Enroll now for Summer Session 2!
Looking to get to know the plants and animals of the campus and to see the natural world through new eyes? This will be taught during Summer Session 2 by Alex Jones, UCSC Campus Natural Reserve Manager. This class provides an excellent opportunity to increase your skills of observation and interpretation out in the field while also having a great time with your fellow students. Each week focuses on a different topic, from plants to birds to reptiles and amphibians to mammals and more. In addition to in-class exploration, you will deepen your relationship with the natural world through weekly individual journal exercises at a particular spot on campus that you'll use to anchor your learning. For more info, email Alex at asjones@ucsc.edu.

Wildlands Studies 2016 Summer Programs: Spaces Still Available! 
Wildlands Studies still has a few spaces available in their upcoming summer programs and they encourage students to apply soon.  You could join them in Belize, Australia, Yellowstone, Big Sur and the Channel Islands in California, and Vancouver Island in Canada.  All their programs provide hands-on, applied learning and direct research experience to students while living in a backcountry wilderness setting.  Their courses offer between 5-15 quarter credits provided through Western Washington University. Check out their website or this post to learn more!

Produce Pop-Up Stand in the Quarry Plaza
Come and enjoy the UCSC Farm Produce Pop-up on Thursdays from 10am to 3pm at the Quarry Plaza! FSWG will have a variety of vegetables and flowers from the UCSC CASFS Farm and select fruit from the Downtown Farmer's Market. They are now accepting EBT/CalFresh so please come by and use your benefits! They are also looking for an intern to help support and run the Pop-Up in Fall Quarter 2016. The purpose of  the pop-up is to bring the Farmer's market to UCSC for students and to increase access to healthy and affordable food for all. If you have any questions, please contact Alyssa Billys at abillys[at]ucsc[dot]edu.

Demeter Seed Library
The Demeter Seed Library will be hosting office hours this quarter in Oakes 307. Come by to borrow or donate seeds and learn more about seed saving and campus gardening efforts! Office hours are Tuesdays 2-3pm or by appointment.

Sustainability Studies Minor
The minor incorporates courses offered by College Eight and departments across campus, student-initiated classes through the Education for Sustainable Living Program, and an interdisciplinary capstone. The minor is open to all UCSC students. For more information, click here.

Collaborators for UCSC Biodigester Grant Proposal Needed
UCSC Sustainability Studies Student, Nick Kush, is developing a proposal for a grant to purchase a biodigester for UCSC. A biodigester is a container about the size of a medium trash can where you put in food scraps, and then after digestion by bacteria, get out methane gas which can be used to cook on a barbecue. His goal is to have it installed by the end of the year at PICA. He is looking for fellow collaborators or people who are interested in making this happen. Click here to look at the desired unit. For more information, contact Nick at nkush@ucsc.edu.

Divestment Student Network People Of Color Caucus
The People of Color Caucus is a place for organizers of color in the divestment movement to meet, collaborate on shared projects, and support each other to build the Climate Justice movement the world needs. Check out their Purpose, Principles and how to get involved here. Divestors of color who are interested in learning more can fill out this quick membership form to be shared on their listserve, membership contact page, and Facebook group.

April 2016: Classes, Training, Community

Faculty Workshop: Incorporating Sustainability & Climate Change into UCSC Courses: Deadline to Register April 5th
This one-day workshop for UCSC faculty will provide space for discussing and sharing knowledge about sustainability, approaches for integrating themes into courses, and relevant tools and resources. It will take place on May 20, 2016 from 9am-3pm at Digital Arts Research Center, “Light Lab” Room 306 on the UCSC campus. Faculty will receive $1000 for participating in the workshop to help revise syllabi and course plans. Funds can be used for assistance from a GSR, instructional media, field trips, guest speaker honoraria, lab materials, etc. They will also receive $200 for sharing accomplishments back with the group next year. This workshop is open to all UCSC faculty although space is limited and priority will be given to Senate faculty. Please email asteves[at]ucsc[dot]edu to pre-register.

UCSC Bioneers Conference Tabling & Performance Registration Open: Deadline April 8th
The 2nd Annual UCSC Bioneers Conference, a Bioneers Resilient Communities Network Event, takes place April 23-24th in Kresge College. The conference will feature workshops, guest speakers, artistic performances, dancing, and more! Click here to apply to perform, sing, dance, or create an interactive art piece. Click here to table at the conference with your organization. To get your free ticket for the conference, visit the Eventbrite page and then share this event on Facebook!

Survey on Environmental Sustainability for UCSC Students: Deadline April 10
All UCSC students are invited to participate in the UCSC Survey on Environmental Sustainability, the first campuswide project to gain a better understanding of student perceptions of and participation in the environmental sustainability movement on campus. Your feedback will help the People of Color Sustainability Collective (PoCSC) create programming, resources, and opportunities to better address our campus needs. The survey takes only 5–10 minutes to complete, and by participating, you will be entered for a chance to win an iPad Air or one of 11 $50 gift cards to the Bay Tree Bookstore. PoCSC is an initiative housed under the Ethnic Resource Centers that works in collaboration with Colleges Nine and Ten and the Campus Sustainability Office. For questions or more information, please email pocsc[at]ucsc[dot]edu. Administration of this survey is being done by the UCSC Office of Institutional Research. Participating in the survey is completely voluntary and will not affect your grades, registration, or enrollment in any way. Your responses will be kept confidential and reported only as aggregate data. You can also share this survey on Facebook here.

UCSC Bioneers Conference Announces Speakers & Workshops
The Common Ground Center and the Sustainability Office invite you to attend the 2nd Annual UC Santa Cruz Bioneers Conference, a Bioneers Resilient Communities Network Event, on April 23-24 at Kresge College in Santa Cruz, California. This conference is a two day experience focused on themes like social and environmental justice and activism. The event carries a festive and empowering ambiance with visionary speakers, inspiring and educational workshops, performances and artwork, dancing, food, and music. The workshops and speakers are listed here, and more details will be added in the coming weeks. For more information, visit the Facebook page.

Survey on Integration of Sustainability and Climate Change into UCSC Courses
Have you taken a course where sustainability and climate change were integrated in an especially meaningful, unexpected, or innovative way? Or a class where it could have been better integrated, or included as a unit, module, or lesson? If so, please email Andrea Steves at asteves@ucsc.edu or take this quick, 2-minute, anonymous survey!

Shifting Bike Culture: Submit Your Story!
You're invited to share a story about a time when you felt excluded in a bike space for a collective story project. San Jose-based Cowgirl Bike Courier, Dr. Adonia Lugo, and Sarah McCullough are collaborating on a new blog called Shifting Bike Culture, which will collect these stories together with the purpose of "build[ing] our individual moments into a collective voice that guides the development of community-rooted principles for inclusion in bicycling and other urbanist movements (quote by Adonia Lugo)." Visit the website and submit your story here.

Apply to Master of Arts in Sexuality Studies at SF State: Priority Deadline April 15th
SF State's interdisciplinary Sexuality Studies MA program has extended its priority admissions deadline to April 15, 2016, with rolling admissions through July 1. Drawing on fields including ethnic studies,  gender and women's studies, history, queer studies, psychology, public health, and sociology, they emphasize theoretical and methodological sophistication and a commitment to addressing social inequality and advancing social justice. They are admitting applicants with a conditional GRE requirement. If a student has not taken the GRE or wants more information, please contact Professor Fields at jfields[at]sfsu[dot]edu. For more information about the program, click here.

Kelp Forest Ecology Summer Course: Deadline April 15
This course is aimed at upper division undergraduates or beginning graduate students interested in benthic ecology & kelp forests. SCUBA certification (Advanced/Open Water II) & all personal diving gear is required (AAUS scientific certification is not required, but desirable). Summer tuition ($5080) will be covered; class size is limited. The application form is available here. Hopkins Marine Station, Pacific Grove, CA Jun 20-Jul 22, 2016 (5-weeks), M-F, 5-units.

LEED Green Associate (GA) Training: April 21
The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program acts as a method of evaluating buildings based on energy-efficient and sustainable design. The LEED Green Associate (GA) credential is the only entry level sustainability designation and shows that those certified are knowledgeable in the green building industry. A new LEED rating system (v4) was introduced recently and this training course is one of the few that has been updated to teach the current rating system. This training will take place on the UCSC campus on April 21 from 6-10 PM. For more information including cost and how to register, see here.

California Dream Ride: Registration Opens April 1
Our 3rd Annual California Dream Ride will take place over 5 days from October 3rd to 8th, 2016. The ride is 280 miles from San Luis Obispo to Los Angeles. Enjoy gorgeous ocean sunsets with new friends. Ride along quiet beach bike paths, skyline ridge roads, and scenic canyons, enjoying the balmy breeze. Eat fantastic meals with great company. Relax in comfortable hotels at the end of a day of riding. Early bird registration opens April 1.

Women of Wind and Energy Windpower Fellowship: May 23-26
The Rudd Mayer Memorial Fellowships support women to participate in Windpower, attending seminars on current wind energy issues, viewing state-of-the-art technology, meeting others in the renewable energy field, and connecting with employers about potential internships or permanent positions. Windpower 2016 will be held from May 23-26 in New Orleans, LA. The Fellowship covers the cost of travel to and from the Windpower conference site, conference registration (and included meals), and lodging. Find out more on the website here.

The Summer Institute on Sustainability and Energy Program: Deadline July 1
The Summer Institute on Sustainability and Energy (SISE) is a two-week intensive workshop and lecture series for students and professionals at the University of Illinois at Chicago. From August 4-16, a diverse body of participants will engage a broad spectrum of energy and sustainability-related topics through daily presentations, collaborative projects, mentoring activities, site visits, and networking opportunities with leading research institutions and companies in the digital technology and energy sectors. They will accept applications through July 1st. Application information, program information, and more can be found at their website. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Thomas Aláan uic.sise.admissions[at]gmail[dot]com, SISE Program Coordinator.

Climate Ride Summer Session: June 17 - July 10, 2016
The Climate Ride has a new program designed to engage young adults (ages 18-24) in the bike advocacy, conservation and sustainability movement. The 2016 inaugural ride is a 24-day, 1200-mile van-supported bike trip from Portland, OR to Santa Barbara, CA through some of the Pacific Coast’s most beautiful locales. In order to participate, riders must fundraise a minimum of $3,500 for the Climate Ride beneficiary organizations of their choice. There are more than 100 beneficiaries to choose fromSpace is limited to 20 participants. For more information and to register click here.

Sustainability Studies Minor
The minor incorporates courses offered by College Eight and departments across campus, student-initiated classes through the Education for Sustainable Living Program, and an interdisciplinary capstone. The minor is open to all UCSC students. For more information, click here.

Divestment Student Network People Of Color Caucus
The People of Color Caucus is a place for organizers of color in the divestment movement to meet, collaborate on shared projects, and support each other to build the Climate Justice movement the world needs. Check out their Purpose, Principles and how to get involved here. Divestors of color who are interested in learning more can fill out this quick membership form to be shared on their listserve, membership contact page, and Facebook group.

Faculty Workshop: Incorporating Sustainability & Climate Change into UCSC Courses

Bringing sustainability and climate change into the curriculum could be as simple as having a field trip on the UCSC Campus Natural Reserves, or doing a one-day lesson on how climate change impacts or interacts with the subject you are teaching. The workshop will provide space for discussing and sharing knowledge about sustainability, approaches for integrating themes into courses, and relevant tools and resources.

Faculty interested in integrating sustainability or climate change into existing curriculum are invited to a one-day workshop Friday, May 20th 9am- 3 pm at the Digital Arts Research Center's Light Lab Room 306. Faculty will receive $1000 for participating in the workshop to help revise syllabi and course plans. Funds can be used for assistance from a GSR, instructional media, field trips, guest speaker honoraria, lab materials, etc. They will also receive $200 for sharing accomplishments back with the group next year.

Faculty from all disciplines are encouraged to apply, no prior experience with environmental and sustainability issues is necessary. We especially encourage faculty to apply from disciplines where sustainability and climate change are not obviously pertinent to the course content. This workshop is open to all UCSC faculty although space is limited and priority will be given to Senate faculty.

Interested instructors please email asteves@ucsc.edu to pre-register. Deadline to register is April 5th. Lunch and snacks are provided.

Workshop Proposal Deadline Dec. 22 for CA Higher Education Food Summit

You are invited to submit a workshop to the California Higher Education Food Summit 2015 from January 16th to January 18th!
This gathering will invite student government and organization leadership, staff program coordinators and directors, faculty and administrators as well as community food agency leadership to UC Santa Barbara to strengthen partnerships and share best practices to inform action steps toward fostering access, equity, and justice for all. The three day summit will include workshops, speakers, and activities of all levels for individuals to engage with critical issues while building skills and relationships to implement change on college campuses and in the surrounding communities. To register for the summit, visit this link.

Interested in submitting a workshop about food justice, equity, and access?
If you would like lead a workshop or discussion session, submit a proposal here. During the Summit, they are looking for ways in which participants can learn and engage in making a difference in their communities and would like to encourage interactive workshop sessions. Last day to submit is today, December 22nd at 11:59pm!

One of the goals of the Summit is to ensure participants are able to apply the knowledge and insights they gained throughout the weekend in the Sunday Action session. They will be choosing 3-4 actions at all levels to allow participants to create change. Some examples of actions would be a participant sharing their personal food journey on paper or video, signing a petition, participating in a town hall, or something that would move individual towards change. If you would like to submit an action, please contact Natalie Tran at nattran[at]ucsc[dot]edu.

For more information about the Summit, visit cafoodsummit.as.ucsb.edu. The organizers of the summit look forward to learning and creating change with you in January!

Free Bike Commuting Workshop - May 14th

Free Bike Commuting Workshop at UCSC

May 14 12:30pm – 1:30pm 

Science and Engineering Library Room 332, UC Santa Cruz

Come to a free one-hour workshop for UCSC bike commuters of all skill levels hosted by People Power of Santa Cruz County. We’ll cover best practices for commuting to campus, including gears, laws, and routes.

GoSolar Workshop - open to UCSC employees!

GoSolar Santa Cruz 

Residential Solar Workshop 

Open to all UCSC Employees!

Friday, May 2 12:30 – 1:30 pm 

Kerr Hall Room 159 

RSVP to Tiffany Wise-West 

 twise-west [at] cityofsantacruz [dot] com 

 * Space is limited *

Join your colleagues for an hour-long workshop to learn how you can Go Solar in a matter of 5 Easy Steps! This workshop is free and open to all UCSC faculty, staff and student homeowners regardless of where you live!!

Did you know a solar PV system can…

• reduce your monthly energy bill? 
• potentially add value to your home?
• increase protection from future energy price fluctuations?
• reduce your greenhouse gas emissions?

In this workshop, you will learn…

• How to understand your energy usage 
• If your home is solar friendly 
• How to reduce costs and finance your solar PV project 
• What to expect and ask of your solar contractor

Bring a recent PG&E Bill and please register your account at pge.com and bring your Username and password to access your account data during the workshop.

Strengthening the Roots Convergence and Community Seed Summit: February 22-24

Join us for a weekend-long student organized event that brings together students, community members, seed savers, gardeners, farmers, and food justice activists to share skills and resources while building face to face relationships with one another.

The summit will:

1. Connect participant stakeholders with community based initiatives to help build a resilient and bioregional food system.
2. Ground participants with the story of seeds and how they are at the crux of cultivating a sustainable agricultural system.
3. Be interactive and fun, thereby acknowledging all participants as teachers and learners. 

Events include:

• Speaker Panel on Saturday, February 23 from 7-10 PM - including Dr. Vandana Shiva 
• Seed and Culture Exchange - Saturday, February 23 from 5-6:45 PM 
• A series of interactive workshops in seed saving/stewardship, creating local seed library and cooperative networks, creating and managing student-gardens/farms, building beginner farmer programs, and developing fair trade systems. 
• Open spaces for dialogue allowing for participants to actively facilitate discussions and take action on meaningful topics.

Click here to register for the Summit. For more information and general inquiries please email the organizers.

UCSC Cap and Trade, a Student Perspective

by Ariel Wexler, second year Environmental Studies major

A couple weekends ago, Lacey Raak, Director of Sustainability, led a workshop at this year's Sustainability Inter Organizational Retreat called "GHG Emission and Cap and Trade at UCSC." Her presentation provided students with a summary of greenhouse gases and how they are being regulated in California and at UC Santa Cruz.

I found the presentation interesting, and it prompted me to learn more. As a member of the Education and Outreach Team in the Sustainability Office, I thought this information might be of interest to our newsletter readers. Here's what I've come to learn.

There are three different scopes of greenhouse gases, the first being sources that are owned or controlled by a business, meaning direct gases. On our campus this includes our cogeneration plant, which creates both energy and heat. California's Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) commits California to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, the cap is set for 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide.

After looking at projections on graphs of UCSC's scope 1, our gas emissions are supposed to go over this cap by 2014. This is largely due to a new cogeneration plant that the University has purchased in order to replace the old one which will soon be out of commission. If we go over these projections, the University will have to pay until they go below the threshold for a three year compliance period which could cost the University over $2 million. That's pretty shocking information.

A University committee will decide sometime by the end of the academic year what to do to prevent going over our cap. One of the options the University is considering is to explore both short term and long term biogas purchases, but no decisions have been made. Biogas, although more expensive then other types of gas, is less harmful to the environment.

Students are encouraged to get involved and share their thoughts with key decision makers.

For more questions or concerns about this feel free to contact Camille Carrillo at clcarril@ucsc.edu, the Climate Action CSI and student representative on the Chancellor's Executive Committee.

What are your thoughts on this? Share in the comments!

Energy Upgrade California: Homeowner Workshop at Ecology Action

Later this month, Ecology Action and PG&E will be hosting a FREE energy workshop for homeowners! The program will spotlight the Energy Upgrade California program:

The Energy Upgrade California program provides homeowners an opportunity to improve energy and water efficiency, save money, increase home comfort, help the environment and get up to $4,000 in incentives for making energy-efficiency upgrades to their homes.  The Energy Upgrade California program was created to help reduce energy consumption in California and generate business for local contractors.  

The meeting is slated to cover home energy upgrades, and how they can lower your utility bills, increase your home comfort, protect the environment by saving energy - and maybe even get you some great rebates.

The workshop will be held on Wednesday, October 24th from 6:30-8:30pm at Ecology Action (877 Cedar Street, Suite 240). You can register for the event here. 

Contact Rachel DiFranco with event-related questions (rdifranco@ecoact.org). 

June 2012: Classes, Training & Community

IDEASS Now Accepting Applications: Deadline June 20

Are you an innovative, entrepreneurial, and self-motivated student seeking opportunities to put ideas about sustainable design, social change and environmental stewardship to the test? A new interdisciplinary program: Impact Designs, Engineering and Sustainability through Student Service (IDEASS) is now accepting applications for class enrollment for the 2012-2013 academic year. Juniors and Seniors from all majors are encouraged to apply. Click here for details, and here to apply now!

Opportunities with ESLP Next Year

The Education for Sustainable Living Program (ESLP) offered eleven wonderful student-led sections this Spring Quarter. They also had an inspiring guest lecture series that raised awareness and brought new ideas to the table about environmentalism and social justice issues. If you want to become part of the inspiration, they’re offering organizer positions and 2-5 unit internships for the upcoming academic year. For more information, visit their website or send them an email.

Summer Writing Workshops
This summer, UCSC Environmental Studies lecturer and research associate Sarah Rabkin will be offering a five-day writing retreat in the northern Sierra Nevada and two workshops at Sitka Center for Art & Ecology, on the Oregon coast. For more information, please click here.

Summer Institute on Sustainability and Energy: Apply by June 1
Graduate and senior-level undergraduate students are invited to apply for this University of Illinois at Chicago interdisciplinary program that explores a broad spectrum of sustainability and energy related topics including policy, economics, health, science, engineering, environment, urban planning, business and entrepreneurship. Themed "Election 2012: Energy, Economics and Environment," the August 2012 institute will use the presidential election as the point of departure for a critical analysis of national energy and sustainability issues. For fullest consideration, applications should be submitted by June 1.

Webinar: Creating a Bike-Friendly Campus Culture - June 6
Best for those institutions that are still in the foundational stages of developing a campus-wide alternative transportation strategy, this Academic Impressions webinar will take a step-by-step approach to creating a bike-friendly culture on any campus using Duke University (NC) as an example. Supported by AASHE, this event will start with basic initiatives including bike racks, bike storage rooms and bike maps, and move into deeper investments like developing effective town/gown relationships. It will take place at 4 PM online. Click here for more information and to register.

May 2012: Classes, Training & Community

Live at PICA Next Year!

Interested in living in the PICA community? If you enjoy living sustainably, gardening, sharing home-cooked meals, and living in a friendly educational community, PICA (Program in Community and Agroecology) might just be the place for you! Details on how to sign up for the Village's amazing themed housing can be found here. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Bethany Hecht.

Summer Writing Workshops
This summer, UCSC Environmental Studies lecturer and research associate Sarah Rabkin will be offering a five-day writing retreat in the northern Sierra Nevada and two workshops at Sitka Center for Art & Ecology, on the Oregon coast. For more information, please click here.

AASHE Rio +20 Webinar - Increasing Collaboration to Build a Sustainable Future: May 10
Co-produced by AASHE, this webinar is the first in the Security and Sustainability Forum's "Run up to Rio +20" webinar series. AASHE's Executive Director Paul Rowland will host a panel of academic and industry thought leaders in a discussion about existing sustainability initiatives and collaborative efforts, and how they can be augmented to help meet the goals being established at the United Nations Rio +20 Summit. The webinar will take place 1:15 p.m. Eastern, May 10.

CURC Recycling Webinar - Campus and Community Outreach: May 10
Recycling Education and Awareness: Tools, Tips and Ideas for Campus and Community Outreach," hosted by the College & University Recycling Coalition (CURC) and co-sponsored by AASHE, will cover tools and communications strategies specific to college campuses. Participants will learn how to increase program visibility through national events including Recyclemania; maximize reach through collaborations with campus-based and community organizations; and effectively utilize social media and other free communications tools. This webinar will take place 1:00 p.m. Eastern, May 10.

Workshop for Integrating Sustainability into Education: Registration Deadline May 15
This three-day workshop, to be held June 4-6, in San Diego, CA, and allows academic faculty to explore how they can meaningfully integrate sustainability, which is broadly defined, into their classrooms. Presentations on sustainable agriculture, sustainable communities, and biomimicry; a visit to the San Diego Zoo; a presentation on sustainability initiatives at Balboa Park; a Kumeyaay exhibit and presentation at the Museum of Man; and an optional excursion to the Mission Bay Aquatic Center, with tour and canoeing/kayaking afterwards. Limited to 40 participants, register now!

IDEASS Now Accepting Applications: Deadline May 25

Are you an innovative, entrepreneurial, and self-motivated student seeking opportunities to put ideas about sustainable design, social change and environmental stewardship to the test? A new interdisciplinary program: Impact Designs, Engineering and Sustainability through Student Service (IDEASS) is now accepting applications for class enrollment for the 2012-2013 academic year. Juniors and Seniors from all majors are encouraged to apply. Click here for details!

Summer Institute on Sustainability and Energy: Apply by June 1
Graduate and senior-level undergraduate students are invited to apply for this University of Illinois at Chicago interdisciplinary program that explores a broad spectrum of sustainability and energy related topics including policy, economics, health, science, engineering, environment, urban planning, business and entrepreneurship. Themed "Election 2012: Energy, Economics and Environment," the August 2012 institute will use the presidential election as the point of departure for a critical analysis of national energy and sustainability issues. For fullest consideration, applications should be submitted by June 1.

Webinar: Creating a Bike-Friendly Campus Culture: June 6
Best for those institutions that are still in the foundational stages of developing a campus-wide alternative transportation strategy, this Academic Impressions webinar will take a step-by-step approach to creating a bike-friendly culture on any campus using Duke University (NC) as an example. Supported by AASHE, this event will start with basic initiatives including bike racks, bike storage rooms and bike maps, and move into deeper investments like developing effective town/gown relationships. It will take place at 4 PM online. Click here for more information and to register.

May 2012: Upcoming Events

U.S. Green Building Council Monthly Speaker Event: May 2
Interested in sustainable development, green building, or LEED certification? Check out U.S. Green Building Council's May guest speakers, Brett McFadden and Rick Mullikin, who will be talking about "School Modernization: Utilizing General Obligation Bonds to Incorporate Green School Features." It will take place at Bolsa Knolls Middle School in Salinas from 5:30 - 8 PM. First four students admitted are free! For more information, click here.

UCSC Farm & Garden Spring Plant Sale: May 5-6
It’s time to stock up your garden and brighten your landscape with plants from the UCSC Farm & Garden’s Spring Plant Sale, featuring organically grown herb and flower starts, vegetables, and beautiful perennials. It will take place in the Barn Theater parking lot at the base of the UCSC campus on Saturday (5/5) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Sunday (5/6) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, please contact Martha or visit the website.

Bike to Work Week: May 4th-12th
Santa Cruz will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of Bike to Work Week this year with an amazing schedule of events! Visit the Bike to Work website for the list of daily events  and more information. If you are interested in volunteering, send an email. Check out the Bike to Work commercial below!

Culinary Herb Workshop at the UCSC Farm: May 12
Join Emily Jane Freed, Regional Production Manager of Jacobs Farm/Del Cabo, to enter into the world of perennial and annual herbs and culinary flowers. Come learn which herbs grow best in the Central Coast climate and the best times of year to plant both perennial and annual herbs. You’ll be surprised to learn that most of the flowers growing in your backyard are edible! Herb and flower samples provided, along with herb starts to take home and plant in your own garden. Meet at the Louise Cain Gatehouse, UCSC Farm at 10 AM. No pre-registration necessary. For pricing and details, please visit the website. $5 for UCSC students, payable the day of the workshop. For more information, contact Martha.

Strawberry Justice Festival: May 17
The Strawberry Justice Festival, a free event celebrating delectable strawberries, will take place Thursday, May 17 at the UCSC Farm, from 4 - 7 PM. The event will include live music from Wooster, panel discussions on strawberry production in the Central Coast, an art zone, World Cafe, and interactions with tabling student/community organizations... and of course, strawberries! For more information, contact the Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems.

Garden Cruz 3-Day Organic Gardening Course: May 18-20

This spring, immerse yourself in the nuts and bolts of what you need to know to create and maintain a healthy, productive organic garden in a new 3-day “Garden Cruz” community course at UC Santa Cruz's Alan Chadwick Garden (click the image above for more information). Classes will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. UCSC students will receive a discount. For details, including cost and how to register, please visit the website. For questions, please email Martha.

End of the Year Celebration: May 31
We are honored to invite you to our 4th Annual End of the Year Sustainability Celebration and Planning Session! Join students, staff, faculty and administrators from throughout the campus community to celebrate successes in campus sustainability and to share input on planning for our future. The event will take place Thursday, May 31 from 1 PM - 5 PM in the Stevenson Event Center. The planning session for the Campus Sustainability Plan will be from 1-3 PM, and the project poster symposium and award session will be from 3-5 PM. The event will also include delicious organic food and live music. Read more about the event here. We hope to see you there!

California Higher Education Sustainability Conference: June 18-21 - Registration Now Open!
Taking place June 18-21, 2012 at UC Davis, this conference highlights cutting-edge research, as well as case studies with proven successes in curriculum development, operational programs, and community partnerships. This unique event is jointly organized by independent/private colleges, California Community Colleges, California State Universities, and the University of California creating the opportunity for dialogue across institutions. For more information, click here.