December 2015: Classes, Trainings and Community

Classes

Sustainability Minor
The minor will incorporate 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.

Winter Quarter Courses at Kresge

Kresge 64: Tools for World Changers
Wed 11:00am-1:40pm (2 units)
Develops life skills that support you and help you support others. Implement effective methods for personal productivity (managing your to-dos, calendar, and inbox), interpersonal communication, meeting facilitation, event hosting, collaboration, and regenerative community design.

Kresge 67: Transformative Justice Seminar
    Tu Th 9:30am-11:45am (2 units)
    Examines the principles and processes of restorative justice juxtaposed to current practices in the judicial and educational systems of contemporary society. Students study leading restorative justice practices and their implication for individual and community transformation. Click here to learn more about restorative justice at Kresge.

Spring Construction Classes at Cabrillo

If you are a UCSC student and are interested in enrolling in a Spring semester class 

in Cabrillo ’s Construction & Energy Management Program, please see the list of courses 

in the attachment, here. Then contact Ronnie Lipschutz (rlipsch [at] ucsc [dot] edu) for further information about enrolling and having your tuition paid by College Eight. The last day to register is January 24th.

Trainings

Higher Learning on Interior Lighting Webinar

Thu, Dec 10, 2015 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PST

Come learn more about interior lighting, with a focus on troffers and how new technology can significantly reduce energy use in higher education spaces. Colleges and universities in the U.S. spend around $1.10 per square foot on electricity with lighting representing 31% of the energy usage. The presentation will cover Princeton University’s recent lighting and controls upgrades, the University Financing Foundation assistance to education and research organizations with planning, development, and financing of facilities and equipment at below-market costs, and an overview of the Interior Lighting Campaign. 

Community

Permaculture Film Series

Tuesdays 6:00-7:30pm 

During Winter Quarter: Jan 5 - Mar 8

Save the date! Common Ground Center is offering a permaculture film and discussion series during winter quarter. Stay tuned for a list of films in their next newsletter. The series is free & open to the public, and students enrolled in Kresge-161: Permaculture & Whole Systems Design are encouraged to attend the series to see examples of thriving, resilient and sustainable communities worldwide. 

The World Cafe: Food, Tea, Conversations that matter

Mondays 5-7pm in the Kresge Seminar Room 159.

The World Cafe is a weekly potluck of both food and ideas. It aims to bring a diversity of people together to explore whatever topics matter to them. Each night is focused on a different theme, often proposed by a student club or passionate individual wanting to develop their conversational leadership. Savor the inquiry as you savor the food and tea, connect deeply with one another, form friendships, move projects forward, and create actionable knowledge. The World Cafe is a process used around the globe to surface the collective intelligence of groups of all sizes.

Produce Stand in the Quarry Plaza
CASFS has just ended its apprenticeship program and farm stand for the year, but there is still a chance for to get fresh produce on campus! Currently, students from the Food Systems Working Group (FSWG) and the Global Food Initiative (GFI) are hosting a produce stand on Wednesdays from 2:30-5 in the Quarry Plaza! Come by to get fresh leafy greens from our on-campus farm and fresh fruit from our local farmers market! We look forward to seeing you there! If you would like more information please contact abillys [at] ucsc [dot] edu or ucscfswg [at] gmail [dot] com

Divestment Student Network People Of Color Caucus

The People of Color (POC) 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 their Purpose, Principles and how to get involved here. Divestors of color who are interested in learning more, fill out this quick membership form to be shared on their listserve, membership contact page, and facebook group.

5th Annual Intercambio this Feburary

by Adriana Murguia

                  After participating in Intercambio (Spanish for exchange) last spring in Veracruz, MX, I was really moved by the stories of many of the cooperative leaders and youth. I personally connected with all the individual stories because I grew up with immigrant parents and a migrant community many who were previously peasant farmers. While driving down from the community of Piedra Parada, our bus driver with his young family on board spoke about the one time he visited Monterrey, CA while he worked in the lettuce fields of the central coast. Many of the youth from Mexico spoke about having family in the U.S. and their fragmented relationships. Additionally, the youth from Nicaragua, shared with me their experience of being one of the first generation after the Sandinista revolution. For them, the revolution didn't follow up with all its promises, yet they are still revolutionaries at heart.

Intercambio 2014, Veracruz Mexico 

When I learned that Intercambio would be rotated to Santa Cruz, I was more than enthusiastic to be involved with the planning process because it would mean that I would get to see them again.  Intercambio is a platform to bring the voices of youth who are developing on the ground agricultural solutions by incorporating local knowledge, with agroecological training. Many of the youth hold ideals and visions of sustainability for their community and country that do not come across to larger decision making entities. For UCSC students interested in sustainability, learning from the youth network should bring to mind­ that the primary actors carrying out sustainable actions are always not called upon as decision makers. 

Intercambio Award Ceremony 

Intercambio Events for the Public: 

Join FoCAN as they welcome youth leaders from Mexico and Nicaragua to experience sustainable food systems in Santa Cruz! 

for more information email us at: focan [at] ucsc [dot] edu

Waste Not: Consumption and Waste at UCSC with Annie Leonard

On the morning of Wednesday, February 12, the Permaculture and Whole Systems Design class in Kresge College welcomed Annie Leonard, the creator of The Story of Stuff, to campus for a lively class period, including tales from her travels to waste sites around the world, information about impactful environmental work being done to solve waste issues, and some inspiring advice to students on making change. Students engaged in asking questions and discussion and left feeling entertained, informed, and inspired.

That afternoon, Annie Leonard and students, faculty, and staff attended a zero waste luncheon hosted by the Program in Community & Agroecology. There, they filled themselves with delicious homegrown and homemade spring rolls and salads as they casually conversed about various topics such as composting and renewable energy.

That evening, Annie's Story of Stuff video was shown, and following this, Annie Leonard spoke with panelists from the UCSC sustainability community about the "stuff" that enters and leaves our campus and how we can be more conscious about consumption and waste. Panelists included Ben Crow (Sociology Professor), Kathryn Cunningham (a Buyer with Procurement Services), Brad Angell (Planned Maintenance Coordinator with Physical Plant), and Gabi Kirk (Alumna, Environmental Studies 2012, Former student sustainability organizer).

More than 120 people attended this discussion and gained insight on global inequality, sustainable procurement, and grounds services. Attendees were encouraged to ask questions and get involved with an interactive Q&A.

At the end of the day, there was a reception and book signing, where people socialized and connected over appetizing hors d'oeuvres.

Thank you to all who came to the event. And thank you to the UCSC Sustainability Office, Common Ground Center, Education for Sustainable Living Program, and the Student Environmental Center for hosting this event!

December 2013: Classes, Training, and Community

CAN Announces the XV International Agroecology Shortcourse Nicaragua
The Community Agroecology Network (CAN) and the Social Development Organization of Nicaragua (ASDENIC), along with an interdisciplinary coordinating committee, announce the XV International Agroecology Shortcourse which will be held in the Parque de las Ciencias Estelimar, located near the city of Estelí in the north of Nicaragua from July 6-18, 2014. The main topic of the course is Agroecology and Social Transformation: transdisciplinarity, health, and human development. Applications are due April 15th, 2014. See the announcement and event poster for full information.

Demeter Seed Library
At Demeter Seed Library, it is the time of year to plant peas, fava beans, artichokes, radishes, garlic and lettuce! They will be hosting office hours at Oakes 307 on Wednesdays from 2pm-3pm so you can come by to pick up seeds, and talk to them about backyard gardening and sustainable agriculture. They would love to assist any of you in starting a garden so that you can have access to fresh produce and your own seeds! So go connect with them!

Maui Wowie: Alternative Spring Break to Hawaii
Step into spring break to engage and explore the island food system of Maui from production, research, and education to alternative market sites. Bridging service learning on island agriculture-education sites with hands-on tours of coffee farms and native gardens, participants will be immersed in a land rich with historical struggles and ripe with culture and community efforts to foster sustainability. Learn more here.

Common Ground Center Courses: Winter 2014
This Winter, Common Ground Center is pleased to offer four courses through Kresge College. Permaculture and Whole Systems Design (Kresge 161) is a new course that focuses on concepts, principles, and practices of permaculture and whole systems design. Transformative Action (Kresge 62) is a course on personal and societal transformation. Starting with the self, students examine past experiences, personal growth, passions, and the desire to make a difference in the world and participate in a civic engagement project for four hours per week. Tools for World Changers (Kresge 64) is a 2-unit course for developing life skills that benefit you in college and beyond through studying the most commonly used and effective methods for personal productivity, project management, interpersonal communication, event hosting, and regenerative community design. 2 and 5 unit internships are also available. A fourth course offering is a 2-unit internship with People Power of Santa Cruz County paired with a weekly class focused on transportation and its relationship to social justice, sustainability, and community. Email commonground [at] ucsc [dot] edu for more information, or check out their newsletter. 

Waste Awareness
Where does your dining hall weigh in this quarter? Check out the results from recent Waste Awareness events conducted by Dining, Sustainability Office's Zero Waste Team, and volunteers from the Student Environmental Center.

• College 8/Oakes: 2.1oz per person
• Cowell/Stevenson: 2.0oz per person
• Crown/Merrill: 1.6oz per person

Thank you students we are getting better at wasting less food! One plate at a time! Look out for the final two Waste Awareness Events of the quarter at Colleges 9 &10 and Porter/Kresge! If you'd like to get involved with food waste efforts and become a Waste Warrior on campus email Crystal Owings, Dining's Sustainability Intern, at cowings [at] ucsc [dot] edu.

Winter People Power Bike Ride through OPERS
If you like riding bikes for fun or for commute, want to find new routes, and enjoy making friends while riding along, be on the lookout for a bike ride opportunity through the Recreation guide this winter! The winter Rec guide will be posted here December 15 and registration begins on January 9 at 9 AM.

Seymour Center Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Learn more about exciting marine research behind the scenes and experience the spectacular surroundings of the Seymour Center at one of the tours offered each week, including Marine Mammal Research Tours, Younger Lagoon Reserve Tours, and Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf Tours. For details, please visit the website.

TAPS seeks to connect with Electric Vehicle (EV) drivers
Interested in learning more about electric vehicle charging developments planned for UCSC? Want to know of potential electrical shutdowns at Core West? Transportation and Parking Services is wanting to be in better touch with our electric vehicle user community at UCSC – please send an email to Teresa at tabuika [at] ucsc [dot] edu to be added to the list of current electric vehicle users. Learn more about UCSC's current EV accomodations on the TAPS website.

November 2013: Classes, Training, and Community

Instagram
The Sustainability Office is now on Instagram! Follow us at @UCSCsustainability for all things sustainability brought to you in pocket sized photo form!

Seymour Center Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Learn more about exciting marine research behind the scenes and experience the spectacular surroundings of the Seymour Center at one of the tours offered each week, including Marine Mammal Research Tours, Younger Lagoon Reserve Tours, and Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf Tours. For details, please visit http://seymourcenter.ucsc.edu/visit/behind-the-scenes-tours/.

October Bike to Work Day
Did you ride your bike last month for Bike to Work Day hosted by Ecology Action? Throughout the county, people got to work and school by bicycle on October 10 and received free breakfast at a number of locations, including three sites at UC Santa Cruz. In total, 201 people on bikes stopped by the UCSC sites at the Base of Campus, Quarry Plaza, and the top of the Bike Path. This is the largest turnout for Bike to Work Day at UCSC! Earlier this year in the spring, 137 people participated, and last fall, 188 people biked to campus for this day that celebrates bike commuting. A UCSC student who coordinated the top of the Bike Path site took photos throughout the morning--check out the album and tag yourself and friends! Happy bicycling!

California Student Sustainability Coalition (CSSC) Fall Convergence: November 9-10
The CSSC is a statewide network of student organizations from all over California that are working on sustainability initiatives on their respective campuses. Twice a year students from all over the state converge on one campus for a weekend long event full of inspiring keynote speakers, interdisciplinary panels, and dynamic workshops. It’s a chance to network with student leaders from all over California and make friends with hundreds of like-minded people. The theme of the convergence is Building Sustainable Communities. It costs only $25 if you pay online as a student, or $30 at the door. This price includes four delicious meals, housing for the weekend, as well as access to all convergence content. Here is the link to register. There are also sarpooling opportunities if you need a ride, and interim housing available for our distant attendees. Also, please join the UCSC Goes to Humboldt Convergence Facebook group if you want to stay updated on attendees from UC Santa Cruz! Feel free to contact David Shugar at dshugar@ucsc.edu if you have any questions.

Join the Kresge Natural Foods Co-op
The Kresge Community Natural Foods Co-op is a non-profit student-run food store located on the south side of Kresge College. It has been a Kresge College tradition for over twenty years, supporting small farmers, the UCSC Farm Project, and the Kresge Organic Garden. While anyone can buy food at the Food Co-op, members receive a discount. Come in for groceries, lunch, snacks, hot coffee, tea, or just to spend time with your friends. Hours: Weekdays 9 AM - 6 PM

TAPS seeks to connect with Electric Vehicle (EV) drivers
Interested in learning more about electric vehicle charging developments planned for UCSC? Want to know of potential electrical shutdowns at Core West? Transportation and Parking Services is wanting to be in better touch with our electric vehicle user community at UCSC – please send an email to tabuika@ucsc.edu to be added to the list of current electric vehicle users. Learn more about UCSC's current EV accomodations on the TAPS website.

Sierra Institute
Interested in spending a quarter studying among mountains and rivers? With Sierra Institute's Natural History of the Patagonian Cordillera program, you will conduct hands-on botanical and ecological studies at remote field camps while backpacking and horse-packing in the remote regions of Patagonia. Students will explore and learn about a wide diversity of landscapes, from sea-level rainforests to continental divide mountains. Applications are due November 8. Find out more on their website.

Common Ground Center Speaker Series
The Common Ground Center, located in Kresge College and promoting social and environmental change, is offering a few seminars throughout October. Learn more about the seminars and the Common Ground Center by clicking here or subscribe to their mailing list here.

Take Back the Tap
Take Back the Tap to ensure our right to water! Join them in combating the corporate water grab by removing the sale of single use water bottles at UCSC. Learn how you can get involved by joining them at their weekly meetings in Kresge 166, Thursdays from 6-7 PM. Check out takebackthetapuc.org or like them on Facebook.

June 2013: Classes, Training, and Community

Participate in Zero Plastic Week, June 10-16
Zero Plastic Week is June 10th-16th! Initiated by an international group of students, Zero Plastic Week seeks to stop participants from buying new plastic (including packaging) for a week. You can sign up and commit on the event website.

Gaia Magazine Issue V Available
Gaia, an environmental magazine created y UCSC students, is around campus and available for free! Visit the Gaia website to learn more. A PDF of the magazine will be posted soon!

Register Your Org for the 2013 Fall Harvest Festival & OPERS Festival this September

If you're a campus organization, program, or unit that focuses on sustainability (i.e. economic, social, ecological, educational) and you want to outreach to students at the annual OPERS Fall Festival taking place on Tuesday, September 24, from 3-6 PM at the East Field, click here! (Only campus affiliated organizations and groups can register for this festival.)

If you're a campus or community group, organization, initiative focused on sustainable agriculture, food systems, composting/waste reduction, and/or social justice, please join us for the annual UCSC Harvest Festival taking place on the CASFS Farm from 11 AM - 5 PM on Sunday, September 29th, click here!

TAPS Seeks to Connect with Electric Vehicle (EV) Drivers

Interested in learning more about electric vehicle charging developments planned for UCSC? Want to know of potential electrical shutdowns at Core West? Transportation and Parking Services is wanting to be in better touch with our electric vehicle user community at UCSC – please send an email to tabuika@ucsc.edu to be added to the list of current electric vehicle users. Learn more about UCSC's current EV accomodations on the TAPS website.

Early Bird Registration Now Open Until June 7 for AASHE Conference
Join higher education sustainability leaders in Nashville for the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) 2013 Conference & Expo, taking place October 6-9 at the Music City Center. Early bird registration ends June 7. Visit the website to learn more about the conference.

Energy Opinion Piece by Recent UCSC Grad Erin Linney Published in SC Sentinel 
Erin Linney, a recent Environmental Studies graduate, and former coordinator for PowerSave Green Campus, authored an opinion piece in the Santa Cruz sentinel about energy policy in the City of Santa Cruz, in which she makes a compelling argument for the establishment of an energy code in the city.

Share Thoughts on Desalination Environmental Impact Report by July 15
The public comment period for the Santa Cruz Desalination Program Draft Environmental Impact Report ends July 15. Don't miss the opportunity to read the draft report and provide your feedback.

Join the Kresge Natural Foods Co-op

The Kresge Community Natural Foods Co-op is a non-profit student-run food store located on the south side of Kresge College. It has been a Kresge College tradition for over twenty years, supporting small farmers, the UCSC Farm Project, and the Kresge Organic Garden. While anyone can buy food at the Food Co-op, members receive a discount. The Co-op operates as a collective and a variety of membership options are available. Special pricing is available on bulk orders. Come in for groceries, lunch, snacks, hot coffee, tea, or just to spend time with your friends. Hours: Weekdays 9 AM - 6 PM To contact the Food Co-op, call 426-1506, or attend the bi-weekly meetings every other Sunday at 11 am in the Student Lounge.

May 2013: Classes, Training, and Community

Join the Kresge Natural Foods Co-op
The Kresge Community Natural Foods Co-op is a non-profit student-run food store located on the south side of Kresge College. It has been a Kresge College tradition for over twenty years, supporting small farmers, the UCSC Farm Project, and the Kresge Organic Garden. While anyone can buy food at the Food Co-op, members receive a discount. The Co-op operates as a collective and a variety of membership options are available. Special pricing is available on bulk orders. Come in for groceries, lunch, snacks, hot coffee, tea, or just to spend time with your friends. Hours: Weekdays 9 AM - 6 PM To contact the Food Co-op, call 426-1506, or attend the bi-weekly meetings every other Sunday at 11 am in the Student Lounge.

Common Ground Center Hosts Speaker Series
The Common Ground Center at Kresge College is a collaboration of students, faculty and staff promoting education for a just and sustainable world. In the month of May they are hosting two world renowned speakers who will discuss the relationships between economy, equity, and the environment. Victor Menotti, Director of the International Forum on Globalization will share his ideas about Alternatives to Economic Globalization on Wednesday May 29th from 7-9 PM and Gar Alperovitz on Thursday May 30th from 7-9 PM, both at Kresge Town Hall. For more info and to RSVP for these events please visit the Common Ground Center Facebook page. You can contact the Center by email here.

TAPS Seeks to Connect with Electric Vehicle (EV) Drivers
Interested in learning more about electric vehicle charging developments planned for UCSC? Want to know of potential electrical shutdowns at Core West? Transportation and Parking Services is wanting to be in better touch with our electric vehicle user community at UCSC – please send an email to tabuika@ucsc.edu to be added to the list of current electric vehicle users. Learn more about UCSC's current EV accomodations on the TAPS website.

Early Bird Registration Now Open Until June 7 for AASHE Conference
Join higher education sustainability leaders in Nashville for the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) 2013 Conference & Expo, taking place October 6-9 at the Music City Center. Early bird registration ends June 7. Visit the website to learn more about the conference.

October 2012: Classes, Training, & Community

IDEASS Sustainability Program Spaces Still Available - Apply Now!

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? Impact Designs: Engineering and Sustainability through Student Service is a new team-based internship program on campus designed to create opportunities for students to work on local (primarily off-campus) sustainability challenges with community partners or industry sponsors. Applications for enrollment in Fall 2012 will be accepted until the program is full. Click here for more information and to apply today. Click here to send an email.

Experiential Leadership Program - Develop Leadership Skills for a Sustainable World & More!

Looking for become a better leader for a more sustainable world? Interested in hands-on learning? The Recreation Department's Experiential Leadership Program curriculum focuses on developing a leadership mindset, gaining skills and tools for building and being a part of strong teams and communities, and growing ourselves as people so that we can best serve and lead others. What is taught is transferable and relevant to working with people in any environment ranging from classrooms, organizations and communities to boardrooms, rivers and mountaintops. If you're interested in joining the program or learning more, please visit one of the following informational sessions: Friday, September 28 from 2-3 PM; Monday, October 1 from 2-3 PM; Monday, October 1 from 4-5 PM. All informational sessions will be held in the OPERS Conference Room, East Field House, which is upstairs above the East Field House main entrance. Visit the website to learn more here and like the program on Facebook here. Contact Miranda for more information.

Sustainability Course at the Village through College 8

College 8 is offering a 2-unit pilot course this year looking at developing the Village into a sustainability district. The fall course will give you hands-on work in conducting research in sustainable energy, water, and food production with the Village as the research site! Click here to view the syllabus and course description and contact Bee if you have any questions.

Design Your Own Course or Become a Community Outreach or Graphic Design Intern with ESLP
Interested in experiential education and student empowerment? UCSC's Education for Sustainable Living Program is a student-run organization which offers an accredited student-led course - CLEI 161 & 61- every spring quarter. ESLP is currently seeking students with the desire to design their own courses ranging from environmental to social justice issues. They are also looking for 2-unit or 5-unit interns interested in doing community outreach and graphic design. For more information and ways to get involved visit the eslp.enviroslug.org or send an email.

Join the Kresge Natural Foods Co-op

The Kresge Community Natural Foods Co-op is a non-profit student-run food store located on the south side of Kresge College. It has been a Kresge College tradition for over twenty years, supporting small farmers, the UCSC Farm Project, and the Kresge Organic Garden. While anyone can buy food at the Food Co-op, members receive a discount. The Co-op operates as a collective and a variety of membership options are available. Special pricing is available on bulk orders. Come in for groceries, lunch, snacks, hot coffee, tea, or just to spend time with your friends. Hours: Weekdays 9 AM - 6 PM To contact the Food Co-op, call 426-1506, or attend the bi-weekly meetings every other Sunday at 11 am in the Student Lounge.

Drop Your Own Drip (DYOD) has found a new home!

The 2012 Education for Sustainable Living Program (ESLP) 5-unit class project has been adopted by the Student Environmental Center (SEC). That means that there are exciting new ways to earn credit through the the ENVS department and be involved with facilitating the annual campus-wide water-use competition. Interested? Check us DYOD out online here and find out how you can get involved by emailing the new Organizer, Sarah Angulo.

The UCSC Campus Natural Reserve has a new Facebook page!
The Campus Natural Reserve provides outdoor classrooms and living laboratories for students and faculty in the Environmental and Biological Sciences (and beyond!). Students can literally walk outside their classroom and study nature in nature. If you're interested in learning more about the Campus Natural Reserve, like their new Facebook page for updates.

Fall 2012 Environmental Studies Seminar Schedule
The Environmental Studies Seminar is held Mondays in room 221 ISB, from 12:30-1:40pm. Please arrive early (12:15) for coffee, tea, and snacks.

Ithaca College Online Sustainability Leadership Certificate: Session Begins October 11
Offers the chance to credential sustainability work through single seminars or a six-seminar sustainability leadership certificate. All work is completed online. Participants will learn to assess their organization's green policies and practice, communicate sustainability initiatives and evaluate best practices. New online seminars begin 11 times each year. The next session begins October 11. Discounts are available to AASHE members. Upcoming seminars include "How Green is Your Organization: Sustainable Policy and Practice" and "How Green is Your Organization: Sustainable Infrastructure." Most Ithaca sustainability seminars are now GBCI (Green Building Certification Institute) approved. Find out more here.

Heard about other sustainability related classes, trainings, or community opportunities around Santa Cruz or the campus? Post in the comments or send us an email! 

September 2012: Clubs, Gardens, & Hikes

Food Systems Learning Journeys for Fall Quarter

Food Systems Working Group (FSWG) will be coordinating and leading six exciting learning journeys this coming fall through our partnership with OPERS and the Recreation Office.  To find out more about our learning journeys and sign-up, go to the Recreation website for more info.

Volunteer in the Arboretum Eucalyptus Grove - Mondays 9 AM
Help out the Arboretum at UC Santa Cruz as a volunteer in the Eucalyptus Grove. The group meets on Mondays from 9 AM until noon in the Eucalyptus Grove, opposite Western Drive. Parking is available in the Grove for these Monday morning work parties. Please bring hat, gloves, water, and layers of clothing. Tools will be provided. Find out more here.

Arboretum Garden Tours - 1st Saturdays 11 AM
Join a docent-led tour on the first Saturday of the month. The tour is free with your Arboretum admission. Tours start at 11 AM in front of Norrie's Gift Shop. Find out more about what's going on at the Arboretum by clicking here.

Arboretum Community Day - 1st Tuesdays
The first Tuesday of every month, visit the Arboretum for free! Typically, admission to the Arboretum is $5.00 ($2.00 for children, free to Arboretum Associates, UCSC students with valid ID, and volunteers). Find out more about what's going on at the Arboretum by clicking here.

Natives First Gardeners at the Arboretum - Tuesdays 9 AM
This weeding group was formed to help with the Entrance Native Garden at the Arboretum on Tuesday mornings at 9 AM. Enjoy a friendly group, and get involved in beautifying this ongoing project while enjoying the beauty of the California Native collection. Bring gloves, water, and sun protection. For more information, click here.

Kiwi Gardeners at Arboretum - Tuesdays 9:30 AM
Join this weeding and pruning group that meets every Tuesday morning 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM. Get involved enhancing the beauty of the New Zealand garden. Bring gloves and smiles. We provide the Kiwi vibe. Hope to see you mate, cheers!

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. Join FoCAN for their end-of-the-year celebration on Tuesday, June 5, to have a potluck and celebrate FoCAN and the community they have fostered throughout the quarter. The celebration will take place at the Sustainable Living Center in the Village, building A. Find out more about FoCAN here.

Natural History Club - Meeting times TBD
The Natural History Club is all about exploring the natural spaces on and around our beautiful campus. They go on hikes around campus, learning about its natural history. They focus on learning plants, birds, animal tracking, mushrooms, and anything they discover. Overall the club seeks to deepen members' understanding, awareness and connection with nature. Visit the Natural History Club Facebook group for meeting times, locations and more information. Meeting times will be determined once the Fall quarter starts.

Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers' Market - Wednesdays

Eating locally grown food reduces your carbon footprint and supports the local economy. Purchasing your food through the area’s farmers’ markets ensures that you are getting the freshest, healthiest and tastiest foods while supporting local jobs, increasing local spending and promoting the region’s strong farming tradition. Check out the Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers' Market, and learn more, including hours and locations, here. Check out this article about 8 Foods You Should Always Buy at the Farmers' Market.

Student Environmental Center - Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 PM

The purpose of the Student Environmental Center is to promote student involvement through research, education, and implementation of environmentally sustainable practices on campus in collaboration with the university. 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.

Aussie Weeders at Arboretum - Thursdays 9 AM
This rousing group gathers 9 AM on Thursday mornings. The Australian Collections beam from their attention, and the garden visitors enjoy laughter and joy that is the Aussie Weeders.

Path to a Greener Stevenson - Meeting time TBD

PTAGS at Earth Summit 2012

Path to a Greener Stevenson (PTAGS) meets in the Stevenson House 2 lounge. PTAGS is an environmentally conscious group of staff and students whose aim is to implement change towards sustainability through projects within our community. They see the Stevenson community as an environment to encourage students to turn their innovative thoughts into action. For more information, visit the Facebook group or email Blake Redding.

Gardeners' Alliance Gatherings
The Gardeners' Alliance is a group within SEC's Students for Organic campaign that works to  promote the campus gardens and unite the garden-friendly community by creating a space to promote and share information between campus gardeners and the students of UCSC. To see a list of on-campus gardens and find out more, visit the Gardeners' Alliance website here.

Stevenson Garden Work Days - TBD

Stevenson Garden, photographed in summer 2012

If you would like to volunteer and get involved with the Stevenson Garden, they will be having work days during Fall quarter (dates TBD)! To learn more about the Garden, check out the website, Facebook page, or email Blake Redding.

Kresge Garden Work Days - Sundays 10 AM - 2 PM 

Amaranth, photographed at the Kresge Garden in Fall 2010

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.

Seymour Center Offers Guided Tours on the Santa Cruz Wharf - Saturday & Sunday, 1 PM & 3 PM

In collaboration with the City of Santa Cruz, UCSC's Seymour Marine Discovery Center is now leading free 30-minute public tours on the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf every Saturday and Sunday at 1 and 3 p.m. The Seymour Center's marine science interpreters are also available between tours to answer questions about the variety of wildlife visible at the wharf. Find out more here.

April 2012: Clubs, Gardens & Hikes

New Committee: Social Media Think Tank
Do you have an interest in becoming more savvy with utilizing social media to engage the public for your organization? Do you have any experience with administrating Facebook pages and want to share or learn more about the "science" of social media? Do you use Facebook a lot and want to help us figure out how to better engage our audiences? Founded by two members of on-campus sustainability organizations, this think tank seeks to bring together the ideas and experiences of anyone and everyone on the UCSC campus who has an interest in using social media for marketing or who has had experience with successful social media outreach. All are welcome to attend. Meeting times, locations and topics will be posted on the Facebook group. For more information, or if you would like to join the discussion, please contact Melissa Ott.

Natural History Club

Photo Credit: Clive Bagshaw

The Natural History Club is all bout exploring the natural spaces on and around our beautiful campus. They go on hikes around campus, learning about its natural history. They focus on learning plants, birds, animal tracking, mushrooms, and anything they discover. Overall the club seeks to deepen members' understanding, awareness and connection with nature. Visit the Natural History Club Facebook group for meeting times, 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.

Student Environmental Center: Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 PM
The purpose of the Student Environmental Center is to promote student involvement through research, education, and implementation of environmentally sustainable practices on campus in collaboration with the university. 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 8 PM

PTAGS meets in the Stevenson House 2 lounge every Thursday from 8-9 PM. They are currently working on expanding and cultivating the Stevenson Garden, reducing paper towel use/waste in the dorms, and working toward collaboration with the Stevenson Coffee House to increase its sustainability efforts. For information about this quarter's meeting time, visit the Facebook group or email Blake Redding.

Gardeners' Alliance Gatherings
The Gardeners' Alliance is a group within SEC's Students for Organic campaign that works to  promote the campus gardens and unite the garden-friendly community by creating a space to promote and share information between campus gardeners and the students of UCSC. Email Dominique for information about timing and locations. To see a list of on-campus gardens, visit the Gardeners' Alliance website here.

Guided Nature Walks with Campus Natural Reserves Steward: Every Other Friday
Our campus does not end at the buildings, so come explore the variety of vivacious ecosystems and what inhabits them! Guided Nature Walks will leave from College 8 Red Room every other Friday from 2-4 PM. Please check out the flyer for details. For more information, please contact Alex Jones, the Campus Natural Steward. 

Farm Fridays in the Dining Halls

Photo Credit: Food Systems Working Group

Each week, one dining hall features a dish incorporating ingredients from the UCSC Farm and other local organic farms in the region. The food is delicious, and it feels great to be eating the most local food possible! For more information, contact Candy Berlin or view the Farm Fridays schedule here.

The Program in Community and Agroecology (PICA) will be joining in with Dining Services' Farm Fridays by hosting an informational table at various dining halls on April 6 and 13. PICA is located in the Village and its focus is teaching students about sustainability and community food systems. Stop by to learn about all the PICA program has to offer you, from its themed campus housing option in the Village to its free Saturday Garden Play Days.

PICA Saturday Garden Play Days: 10 AM - 2 PM

PICA's first Garden Play Day for Spring quarter is on Saturday, April 7th, from 10 AM - 2 PM at the PICA Gardens in the Village. A delicious garden grown lunch will be served. PICA Garden Play Days will continue every Saturday in April at this time and location. These events are free, open to all UCSC students, and no registration is needed- just show up! For questions or more info, contact Bethany Hecht.

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.

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.

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