Skip over navigation

Monday, February 15, 2010

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CES News

  • Sustainability Consulting Partnership Meeting, February 15 (Today)
  • CES Spring Seminar Series, February 18 (Thursday)
  • Update from Port au Prince

On Campus

  • Talk by Whit Alexander, Founder of Burro, February 18 (Thursday)
  • THE CATALYST: Call for Submissions!

Off-Campus

  • RI Flower Show
  • 2010 Land & Water Conservation Summit

Internships & Opportunities

  • Coastal Ecology Research Opportunity
  • Marine Ecology Research Position
  • Positions Available at RI Natural History Survey
  • Windstar Environmental Studies Scholarship Program 2010
  • Seasonal Positions at the RI Department of Environmental Management
  • Exciting Environmental Career Opportunity for Graduating Seniors
  • Summer REU and Courses at Mountain Lake Biological Station
  • Bird Banding Assistants and Volunteers Needed in NY
  • Alternative Spring Break Volunteer Program at the Narragansett Bay Research Reserve
  • New England Wild Flower Society Seeks Plant Conservation Volunteers
  • Local Internship through the National Park Service
  • Job Opportunities with Frontier

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CES News _____________________

Sustainability Consulting Partnership Meeting

The first SCP general body meeting will be held tonight, Monday, February 15th, at 5:15pm in the UEL. We'll introduce you to opportunities to get involved in the organization as well as specific project openings, including:

  • Capital Good Fund
  • Styrofoam Free Thayer St.
  • Heifer International
  • Greening the Caprio Campaign
  • Newport Biodiesel

Please email brown.sustainability@gmail.com or visit our website if you have any questions.

________________________________

CES Spring Seminar Series

Changing environments: Ecotourism, risk, and the perception of Nature in the volcanic context of western Panamá

Karen Holmberg
Postdoctoral Fellow in Archaeology
Brown University
http://brown.edu/Departments/Joukowsky_Institute/people/holmberg.html

Thursday, February 18
12 Noon
UEL 106

Pizza available; $1.00/slice

________________________________

Update from Port au Prince

An update from Port au Prince, written by Sasha Kramer of Sustainable Organic Integrated Livelihoods (SOIL), who was a CES seminar speaker last semester.

On Campus_____________________

Talk by Whit Alexander, Founder of Burro

Burro Innovations: A For-Profit Model to Improve the Lives of Low-Income Households
Thursday, February 18
5:30 pm
Barus & Holley 190

Burro is a for-profit company building a new kind of brand that empowers very-low income families to do more with their lives. Burro's initial offerings are focused on the low-power energy needs of developing-world households with a rechargeable battery service and a growing line of battery-powered devices. Whit Alexander founded Burro in July 2008, returning to his prior passion for African economic development initiatives following time off as a Microsoft program manager and co-founder of Cranium. Whit will present results from Burro's pilot launch in Ghana, share insights on the potential and limitations of for-profit initiatives to benefit people who earn a dollar or two a day, and identify opportunities for future collaboration.

Brought to you by Revolution x Design and Engineers Without Borders
Revolution x Design (http://revolutionxdesign.org) is a new kind of research center that connects Brown, RISD, and the Providence community to address social issues through design. Engineers Without Borders (http://students.brown.edu) is a student group at Brown that partners with communities around the world to develop technologies that promote sustainable development. Both groups are excited to announce a new collaboration with Burro (http://burrobrand.biz) through a series of projects related to energy solutions in Africa.

Email steve_daniels@brown.edu for more information

___________________________

Subject: THE CATALYST: Call for Submissions!
Body: Submit to THE CATALYST!
Brown's interdisciplinary, student-run science magazine

Our goal at The Catalyst is to celebrate the space shared by the sciences, the arts and humanities, and to make science more accessible and interesting to everyone. We are looking for pieces that explore broadly-defined scientific ideas through an interdisciplinary lens. We welcome all forms of submissions!

SUBMIT Poetry, Prose, Fiction, Non-Fiction and Art by MARCH 12th to:
Catalyst.Brown@gmail.com>
If you have any questions, please contact Ariana_Spawn@brown.edu or Katie_Silverstein@brown.edu

Off-Campus_______

RI Flower Show

February 18-21, 2010
RI Convention Center, Providence, RI

For almost two decades the Flower Show has been the beacon for early spring fun in Rhode Island. The Rhode IslandFlower Show attracts more than 30,000 attendees annually, showcasing more than 30 garden displays and 250 larger-than-life garden marketplace vendors. See demonstrations and lectures, with an emphasis on organic gardening and bring the kids for some family fun. Children under five receive free admission.

Timeless Gardens will take you through decades that will remind you of forgotten sights, times, friends and family. In full bloom, enjoy a garden atmosphere typical of the Roaring Twenties era. Do the stroll or the twist through a 1950's garden. Enjoy the over the top appearance of a 1960's garden. Everyone will have something to say about the uniqueness of each era and garden. Wipe out the winter blahs with a ticket that brings all the promise and warmth of spring to New England.

Demonstrations & lectures by gardening experts such as Susie Coelho, Roger Swain, Julie Moir Messervy and Louis Raymond.

Tickets are: Adults $17.00, Seniors $15.00, Children (Age 6-12)$7.00 Under 5-free.
For more details visit their website at www.flowershow.com.

________________________________

2010 Land & Water Conservation Summit

Location: URI Memorial Union, Kingston Campus
Saturday, March 27
Time: 7:45 am - 4:30 pm

Brought to you by the Narragansett Bay Estuary Program, RI Land Trust Council and the RI Association of Conservation Commissions

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!!!

http://www.landandwaterpartnership.org/summit.htm

The 2010 Land & Water Conservation Summit has an excellent line up of workshops and a not-to-miss keynote address by Tom Horton, Award Winning Author and Chesapeake Bay Biographer who will speak on "Saving the Chesapeake Bay's Land & Water: Lessons learned after 25 years."

Early Registration ends March 5

$40 Includes lunch and breaks. After March 5: $55

Register on-line or download registration information at the Rhode Island Land and Water Partnership web site: http://www.landandwaterpartnership.org

Internships & Opportunities_______

Coastal Ecology Research Opportunity

Contribute to summer 2010 fieldwork in New England salt marshes and rocky shores! This volunteer research assistant opportunity will provide a unique introduction to coastal ecology research at Brown, particularly for a student considering a career in environmental science or biology. The ideal candidate will be available from May through August, and the position will require some overnight travel in the New England area. For more information or to apply, please submit resume and brief statement of interest by March 1st to Sarah_Corman@brown.edu.

________________________________

Marine Ecology Research Position

Prof. Heather Leslie of Brown University is seeking a FULL TIME RESEARCH TECHNICIAN with a passion for marine ecology and conservation science. The successful applicant will have independent research experience, strong writing and communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Primary activities will include coordinating and leading field and laboratory investigations related to human impacts on rocky shores and other coastal marine ecosystems, laboratory analysis and management; administrative, library research, and editing tasks; and data management and analysis.

This is a full-time position through Brown University (40 hours per week). The initial appointment is for six months, with possibility of extension dependent on funding. Regional travel is expected, and fieldwork may occur in wet, slippery, and uncomfortable conditions. The start date is negotiable, but before April 15.

Applications will be reviewed starting February 20th and until the position is filled. To apply, see https://careers.brown.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=1265746794418 Contact Prof. Leslie at Heather_Leslie@brown.edu with questions.

________________________________

Positions Available at RI Natural History Survey

Positions available include:

1) Forest Health Field Technician
2) Forest Health Field Assistant
3) Forest Health Youth Crew Leader
4) Administrative Assistant

Visit http://www.rinhs.org/category/jobs/ for job descriptions, additional details, and application guidelines.

_______________________________

Windstar Environmental Studies Scholarship Program 2010

The Windstar Foundation, co-founded by John Denver and Thomas Crum, has consistently sought ways, "To inspire individuals to make responsible choices and take direct personal actions to achieve a peaceful and environmentally sustainable future." With this mission in mind, the Windstar Foundation is awarding two $500 scholarships for qualified undergraduates entering their junior or senior year of college, as well as one $1000 scholarship for graduate students entering their second year of graduate school.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

  • The applicant must be a U.S. student enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university majoring in Environmental Studies, Environmental Engineering Program or a college degree focused on environmental studies.
  • Undergraduates must be entering their junior or senior year of college.
  • Graduate students must be entering their second year of graduate school.
  • The applicant shall have a college GPA of 3.0 or better in his or her major field.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
1. Complete application form at http://www.wstar.org/windstar/Programs/EnviroStudiesScholarship/environmentalstudies.html
2. Select an environmental issue that has been of concern to you and write a 500-word essay describing the personal actions you have taken relative to this issue.
3. Email your completed essay and application form along with a copy of your transcript of all college courses taken to date to Biodivers@yahoo.com. We will no longer accept hard copies of applications.
4. If official transcripts cannot be sent via email, please have your college mail them to the address below no later than June 1, 2010.
All applications materials must be submitted no later than June 1, 2010.

If you have any questions, please contact:
Gene Hall
University of Arizona Herbarium
Herring Hall
PO Box 210036, 1140 E. South Campus Dr.
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ 85721-0036 USA
Biodivers@yahoo.com 

Applicants will be notified of the status of their application by August 2010.

For additional information about the Windstar Foundation, its programs, and the Environmental Studies Scholarship Program, visit the Windstar Foundation web site at www.wstar.org.

All college students who meet the above criteria are eligible for a scholarship except those whose family members are employed by the Windstar Foundation or who serve on the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees will formally approve the three selected recipients.

________________________________

Seasonal Positions at the RI Department of Environmental Management

Once again, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is accepting applications for employment in our Seasonal Employment Program. The Department is actively seeking an inclusive and diverse workforce to better serve the many visitors at our various state recreational facilities this summer.

The Program offers limited period seasonal job/intern opportunities within the Divisions of Agriculture, Fish and Wildlife, Forest Environment, Water Resources, and Waste Management for qualified interested individuals. In addition, the Department has a large number of seasonal positions with our Division of Parks and Recreation to staff our various parks, campgrounds, management areas, beaches, and rest areas.

For most positions, the scheduled workweek is 40 hours with weekends and holiday work required. Salaries range from $7.50 to $13.75 hourly. These positions are available during various periods from April through October.

For more information, visit http://www.dem.ri.gov/jobs/seasonal.htm.

_______________________________

Exciting Environmental Career Opportunity for Graduating Seniors

Environment America is hiring graduating seniors to put their values and skills to work protecting the environment here in Rhode Island and across the country.

As you know, world leaders met in Copenhagen back in December attempting to reach agreement on an international treaty to reduce global warming pollution. As a major polluter, it is clear that the United States needs to cut our emissions; expand clean, renewable energy resources and become substantially more efficient with the energy we do use.In addition, we still face threats to our air, water, and open spaces.

Environment America is working to ensure that we make progress on all of these issues at the local, state and federal levels, and we are looking for seniors interested in organizing and advocacy -- research, policy development, coalition building, lobbying, public education and mobilization -- to join our team.

Environment America includes 28 state-based, citizen-funded environmental advocacy organizations with a presence in all 50 states and a federal lobby office in Washington, D.C. We hire entry-level advocates and organizers through our two-year Fellowship Program to tackle issues like solving global warming, preserving our open spaces, and protecting our water.Our Fellowship Program gives recent college graduates the chance to make a real difference on pressing environmental problems while gaining the skills and experience they’ll need to become leaders in the environmental movement.

For more information and the Environment America job description, visit: http://www.environmentamerica.org/jobs/available-positions/fellowship-program, or contact:

Julian Prokopetz
Energy Program Associate
Environment America
44 Winter Street
Boston, MA 02108
617-747-4374
jprokopetz@environmentamerica.org
www.environmentamerica.org

________________________________

Summer REU and Courses at Mountain Lake Biological Station

Summer REU Internships and Field Courses are available at Mountain Lake
Biological Station. Please visit http://www.MLBS.org for details and on-line
applications. Email mlbs@virgnia.edu or call 434-982-5486 for
questions.

________________________________

Bird Banding Assistants and Volunteers Needed in NY

BANDING ASSISTANTS AND VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to help with graduate student research on urban and suburban stopover sites in New York City. We will band from sunrise until 6 hours after sunrise 4-5 days a week from May 1-31. Banding stations will be located in Bronx County and Westchester County.

REQUIREMENTS FOR BANDING ASSISTANTS: Available for the entire period
from May 1-May 31st, you must provide your own transportation and (ideally) housing, bird handling/bleeding/banding experience (or great interest in gaining experience if lacking), bird identification skills (sight and/or sound), field experience, good attitude and sense of humor (make us laugh at 6 am!). If you match all the other requirements but need housing in the area, please still apply because some housing may be available. A small stipend will be provided to banding assistants.

REQUIREMENTS TO VOLUNTEER: You must provide your own transportation. Housing will probably not be available, though temporary accommodations for short-term volunteers may be available.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS OF VOLUNTEERS: Bird handling/bleeding/banding experience, bird identification skills (sight and/or sound), field experience, regular commitment if possible.

TO APPLY: Please submit resume, cover letter outlining relevant experience, and contact information for 3 references via e-mail to Rachel Bricklin, Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University (bricklin@fordham.edu).

_______________________________

Alternative Spring Break Volunteer Program at the Narragansett Bay Research Reserve

Do you want to get away to a warm sunny climate but can’t afford the airfare? Do you wish you could go home but have local commitments which prevent you from getting away?

Spend your spring break doing something positive for the environment (while building your résumé.)

Volunteer for NBNERR

The Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve invites you to participate in a non-native plant control effort scheduled to take place on Prudence Island, RI during your Spring Break.

Volunteers who commit to multiple days of effort are welcome to stay in our guest cottage on the island*. Volunteers who wish to participate on a day-to-day basis are also welcome. For a complete program overview, visit www.nbnerr.org/springbreak.htm.   

*Space in the cottage is limited, so register early to ensure that you have overnight accommodation. 

_______________________________

New England Wild Flower Society Seeks Plant Conservation Volunteers

New England Wild Flower Society located in Framingham, MA, seeks volunteers for their plant conservation program in Rhode Island. Join this fun community - no experience is necessary and no matter what your skill level or amount of time you can devote to volunteering.

Volunteers conduct field studies of native plant species, and rid habitats of invasive plants. A general Volunteer Application form can be found at http://www.newenglandwild.org/volunteers/volunteer-application.html.

Volunteers can expand their knowledge of native plants, meet interesting people, and spread the word about native plant conservation. If you enjoy hands-on fieldwork, the Plant Conservation Volunteer Corps (PCVs) program trains amateur field botanists to perform much-needed conservation work.

Trained volunteers are integral to monitoring and managing rare and endangered plant species across Rhode Island. Comprehensive free training is provided. Make a difference to the environment! Many RIWPS members already belong, and they all love it.

A training meeting is scheduled for Saturday, February 27th from 9:30 AM to 4 PM., at Audubon Headquarters in Smithfield (12 Sanderson Rd.). For more information about the Plant Conservation Volunteer Corps, contact John Burns, PCV Corps Administrative Coordinator, jburns@newenglandwild.org.

_______________________________

Local Internship through the National Park Service

The National Park Service’s Rivers & Trails program and the Seekonk Area Trails group seek student assistance in developing a draft Recreation Management Plan for Central Pond and Turner Reservoir. The student(s) will use a resource data base developed by Brown University faculty to make recommendations to the communities of Seekonk and East Providence on opportunities for improved connectivity of recreation trails for walkers and cyclists, canoes and kayaks, and other compatible recreation uses of the two contiguous water bodies. The Plan has been requested by the Planning Departments of the two communities and will be used by them to seek resources to implement the recommendations. The timing to produce the draft and final plan and its format can be tailored to accommodate the requirements of Brown University.

This opportunity will provide students with experience on a community-based project which has strong public support and a tangible product. Participating in the effort will be the National Park Service and planners from two communities, the Seekonk YMCA, and local and regional recreational and conservation groups.

The resource area is within a 30 minute drive of campus and is of exceptional high quality.
Participation in this project will require approximately 4 hours of time per week for a full semester. It is possible that this effort will extend to future semesters depending on the results.

Requirements:

  • Ability to travel to Seekonk/East Providence for regular meetings and field work
  • Understanding of resource data mapping and the ability to transfer data electronically among different formats.
  • A basic understanding of trails and water recreation resources, and conservation principles.
  • Ability to prepare and produce reports and maps according to a time schedule.
  • Willingness and ability to work well with others and to ask for help when appropriate.
  • Ability to research information using telephone and internet.
  • The successful applicant will be detail oriented and able to produce high quality products.

For additional information contact:
Steve Golden, Senior Resource Planner
Program Manager, Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance
steve_golden@nps.gov
(617) 223-5123

_______________________________

Job Opportunities with Frontier

Visit http://frontier.ac.uk/gap_year/Overseas_Opportunities/ for a list of overseas job opportunities with Frontier, a conservation and development NGO.

_______________________________

Please send questions, comments and stories to:
CES Newsletter Editor, Kelly Nichols
kelly.maree.nichols@gmail.com
Thanks!