University of Florida Office of Sustainability

Celebrate Earth Week by participating in one or several of the many community events listed below.

Please add new events as you learn of them.

Celebrate CREEKS WEEK with the Gainesville Clean Water Partnership and other local groups and businesses! Gainesville’s and Alachua County’s creeks and waterways are an integral part of the natural environment and character of our community, so join us in celebrating them by participating in one or many of these activities.

ALL EVENTS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

For more information, visit www.gainesvillecreeks.org.

ALL WEEK
Watershed BioBlitz Challenge
How many native creatures and plants can you find along Gainesville's creeks? The Gainesville Clean Water Partnership and local business Wild Birds Unlimited are sponsoring a BioBlitz Challenge in our local watersheds. The event will take place for the duration of the week. Lists of species found will be compiled at the end of the week and announced to local media and on gainesvillecreeks.org.

SUNDAY APRIL 16
Blues Creek Easter Nature Walk
The Gainesville Clean Water Partnership and the Alachua Conservation Trust will celebrate the coming of spring and Easter with a walk through ACT's new beautiful Blues Creek Ravine property. Kick off the week of BioBlitzing and the beginning of the new season with this guided Nature Walk. A local botanist will be on hand for interest and bioblitzing! Blues Creek Ravine, 10 am. Call 393-8657 to register.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 19
Maximizing Water Quality and Earning On-Site Stormwater Credit
The GCWP will hold a 1-day workshop for local engineers and builders exploring the latest in on-site water quality treatment BMPs. The morning will consist of a field trip to the Tumblin Creek watershed. The afternoon will consist of presentations by BMP researchers and experts. Thomas Center, 9 am- 5 pm.

THURSDAY APRIL 20
Alachua Sink Nature Walk; the Aquifer Connection
The Gainesville Clean Water Partnership and the Paynes Prairie State Park will showcase these "trips to the aquifer" with a guided Nature Walk at Alachua Sink on Paynes Prairie. A knowledgeable guide will be on hand for interest and bioblitzing!
Meet at DEP District 2 Headquarters near Alachua Sink - call (352) 466-4100 for more information.
Walks will occur at 8:30 am (limited to 10 people), 11:00 am (limited to 10 people), and 5:30 pm (unlimited). Please call (352) 466-4100 for reservations.

FRIDAY APRIL 21
Waters Journey Film Fest
The Gainesville Clean Water Partnership, City of Gainesville Cultural Affairs Department and Karst Productions are partnering to showcase films about local water resources. Films to be shown include those produced by Karst Film Productions of High Springs, Florida. City of Gainesville Downtown Plaza, 8:00 pm.

SATURDAY APRIL 22 - EARTH DAY!
Celebrate Creeks Festival
The Gainesville Clean Water Partnership, Keep Alachua County Beautiful, COG Nature Operations, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and the Great American Cleanup are all partnering in a festival at the Westside Park /Loblolly Environmental Facilities on Earth Day for a fun family event at Westside Park. Bring your friends and family our to take care of and celebrate the Earth and our local waterways!

The festival will include:
Hogtown/Possum Creek Cleanup as part of the Great American Cleanup at Loblolly Environmental Facility, 8am-10am

Hogtown/Possum Creek BioBlitz/Scavenger Hunt at Loblolly Environmental Facility, 8am-2pm

Kids Bike Parade – Organized by the AC/COG Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory- Board at Westside Park. 11am

Creeks Activity Stations at Westside Park 9:30am-2pm
Stations will include:
***What is your watershed address?
***Small Creek Creatures
***Flying friends
***Rain – from home to creek
***Pets – How to be a responsible pet owner
***Paynes Prairie – the drinking water connection
***How conservation works to keep our water clean

Sally Adkins
Gainesville Clean Water Partnership Coordinator
Public Works Department
City of Gainesville
adkinss@cityofgainesville.org
(352)393-8657
www.gainesvillecreeks.org

The Gainesville Clean Water Partnership is a collaboration of the City of Gainesville, Alachua County, and the Florida Department of Transportation dedicated to working with the Gainesville community for healthy waterways. Find out how you can keep our waterways clean by visiting our website at www.gainesvillecreeks.org.

April 22, noon – 4 p.m.

Earth Day Celebration

"Celebrating Art in Nature"

Bring your friends and family out to the Harn Museum of Art on April 22 to celebrate art in nature at the inaugural Earth Day celebration. Visitors will enjoy performances by musicians and dance groups and art-making activities. Community organizations will be present with informational tables providing information on how to help preserve the art in nature.

The Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Board Presents:

The 13th Annual Bike, Hike & Bus Week - April 16-23

Gainesville, Florida – The Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Board announces its weeklong celebration of events to encourage you to leave your automobile at home and consider other transportation options in our area. The 13th Annual Bike, Hike & Bus Week is here again and this year’s event listings include a walking tour of the Blues Creek Ravine, a RTS Fare Free Ride Day, Transportation Fairs at the University of Florida and Santa Fe Community College Main Campus, a kids bike parade, creek cleanups, Creek’s Week Festival, and bike trail rides.

"We encourage the public to join in the effort by using other forms of transportation such as walking, biking, carpooling or mass transit to help spread the message that we can decrease traffic congestion, minimize environmental impacts, save on vehicle expenses, participate in our community’s events and activities, and select healthy and safe options for commuting," said Dekova Batey, Bicycle/Pedestrian Program Coordinator for the City of Gainesville. Do what’s good for you and the environment; take the Bike, Hike & Bus Week challenge.


2006 Bike, Hike & Bus Week Events:

Sunday, April 16, 2006 - 8:00 AM

Blues Creek Nature Walk - Enjoy a spring morning walking tour of the lovely Blues Creek Ravine, a 163-acre section of land conserved for our pleasure. (The Blues Creek Ravine is located northeast of the intersection of NW 71st Street and 53rd Avenue)

Monday, April 17, 2006

RTS Fare Free Monday - The City's Regional Transit System (RTS) encourages you to ride the bus to work, school or play. Take advantage of the all-day Fare Free Monday. Bus services are now more convenient with improved routes throughout the Gainesville Area.

Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

UF Transportation Fair, Reitz Union Colonnade - University & community clubs, organizations, businesses, agencies, demonstrations, and more!

Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

SFCC Transportation Fair, Main Campus Oak Grove - College & community clubs, organizations, businesses, agencies, demonstrations, and more!

Thursday, April 20, 2006 - 11:00 AM

City Commuter Challenge, NW 13th Street Mall area to downtown - Automobile versus bicycle. Features two of the community’s finest competing in an errand race around town. Stay tuned to find out who will compete and who will win in an errand race around town.

Saturday, April 22, 2006 - 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Gainesville Creeks Week Festival/Great American Cleanup, Westside Park - Creek clean-ups, community information booths, food, music, and much more!

Saturday, April 22, 2006 - 9:00 AM

Family Bike Ride, Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail Boulware Springs Entrance - The entire family is invited to come out and ride with the community on the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail. Snacks and drinks will be provided (must wear a helmet to ride).

Saturday, April 22, 2006 - 11:00 AM

Kids Bike Parade, Westside Park - Bring out the entire family and join the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Board in celebrating biking at this exciting bicycle parade event. Have your decorated bicycle judged for "flair," win prizes, ride in the Westside Park parade and enjoy the "Creeks Week" festivities.

Sunday, April 23, 2006 - 9:00 AM

Mountain Bike Ride, San Felasco Hammock North Entrance - It’s spring! Come out and rough it up on the San Felasco Trail. Snacks and drinks will be provided (must wear a helmet to ride).

The 13th Annual (2006) Bike, Hike & Bus Week is presented to you by…The Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Board, Gainesville Clean Water Partnership and City of Gainesville Public Works - Bicycle/Pedestrian Program and the Regional Transit System (RTS).

For more information or for a brochure, contact:

Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Board

P.O. Box 490, MS 58

Gainesville, FL 32602-0490

Phone: (352) 374-5074 Fax: (352) 334-2093

Email: bikeped@cityofgainesville.org Web info: www.go-rts.com

HBO will be showing a documentary on global warming on Earth Day, April 22:

Too Hot Not to Handle

There are some public viewings prior to April 22:

Free Community Screenings

For an interview with the producer see:

Interview

Tuesday 18th. Reitz Union Room #361 at 2:00 PM (Third Floor)

Speaker Dan Lashof (PhD) from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)

"Why is Global Warming important to us in Florida?"

Come hear about problems, solutions, and what global warming means to those of us who live, work, study, and play in Florida.

Presentation is open to the public.
Located in the Reitz Union Room #361 at 2:00 PM on Tuesday 18th.
Questions: call 3528463913 or email see@ees.ufl.edu

Post news of sustainability-related conferences and speakers in this thread.

Earth Week Speaker!

Tuesday 18th. Reitz Union Room #361 at 2:00 PM (Third Floor)

Speaker Dan Lashof (PhD) from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
s in Florida?"
Come hear about problems, solutions, and what global warming means to those of us who live, work, study, and play in Florida.

Presentation is open to the public.

Located in the Reitz Union Room #361 at 2:00 PM on Tuesday 18th.
Questions: call 3528463913 or email see@ees.ufl.edu or see the attached flyer.

(ALSO see the Earth Week forum for more upcoming events)

Keep Alachua County Beautiful presents the Great American Cleanup on Saturday, April 22nd, beginning at 8 A.M. Volunteers will pick up litter, remove graffiti, perform landscaping projects and participate in other beautification projects. The Westside Park recreation center is the headquarters for the event and a Thank You party is scheduled from noon until 2 P.M. The City of Gainesville and Alachua County, among others, are sponsors of this event. For more information, visit: www.kacb.org or call 352-317-9444.

Campus and Community Sustainability: Sharing Best Practices and Visions for Florida’s Future

October 25-26, 2006 - University of Florida, Gainesville

Mark your calendar to attend this two-day statewide conference. The conference will provide a venue for the exchange of best practices and visions among Florida’s universities, colleges, and communities. The conference will focus on establishing stronger relationships between institutions and their communities, and emphasize the role of higher education in creating a more sustainable future.

Day - 1: Campus as a Living Laboratory
Open dialogue among Florida’s public and private
institutions on issues such as campus sustainability
research, education and operations

Day - 2: Practical Solutions for Life
Roundtables on campus/community relations,
and the integration of campus/community
sustainability programs

Who Should Attend:
• Faculty and students of Florida’s academic institutions
• Community leaders
• Planning and development staff
• Florida citizens interested in developing stronger, local sustainability initiatives

Where:
The conference will be held at the J. Wayne Reitz Union at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
For a campus map visit: http://campusmap.ufl.edu

When:
Wednesday and Thursday, October 25 and 26, 2006.

For more information, exhibition and sponsorship opportunities, or to reply to our call for content, visit our website: www.sustainability.ufl.edu or call: Dedee DeLongpre, 352-392-7581.

Robert Koch, AIA will be giving a presentation titled "Achieving Affordable Housing in Florida's Growing Economy" on November 28 from 10:00 a.m. to noon in the Jack Durrance Auditorium on the second floor of the County Administration Building, 12 SE 1st St., Gainesville. The presentation is sponsored by Alachua County, The Shimberg Center for Affordable Housing at the University of Florida, and the San Felasco Section of the American Planning Association's Florida Chapter. The event is free and open to the public (registration is not required).

This session is approved for CPD credits under the voluntary AICP Continuing Professional Development program. It is also registered with the AIA/CES for continuing professional education.

The presentation will explore:

- The growing crisis of land and housing costs; its causes and economic consequences on community;
- The challenges that limit or control effective alternatives aimed at maintaining cost effective housing for both rental and ownership occupancies;
- The potential administrative tools in the planning community arsenal for addressing cost efficiencies and public support;
- The design tools for creating effective higher density and lower cost built solutions;
- The challenge ahead and what each individual can do to promote it.

Robert Koch, AIA is a founding partner and Chairman of Fugleberg Koch Architects in Winter Park, Florida. His professional acknowledgments include numerous design awards from AIA (American Institute of Architects), and trade associations such as NAIOP (National Association of Industrial and Office Parks), NHBA (National Home Builders Association), and ARDA (American Resorts Development Association).

For additional information, please contact Patricia Roset-Zuppa at the Shimberg Center for Affordable Housing at (352) 273-1195 or roset@dcp.ufl.edu.

 

We know that information alone is not enough to get most people to change their behavior. Would you like to move beyond basic outreach programs in your quest to encourage sustainable behavior?

The FOSTERING SUSTAINABLE BEHAVIOR workshop, coming to Gainesville January 17-19, 2007, teaches a proven "social marketing" approach for promoting sustainable behavior. Whether you are interested in water resources, energy conservation, civic involvement, or another area of sustainability, this workshop will help you be more effective in creating the desired behavioral changes. I hope you can join us at the workshop in January!

Please see the attached flier for registration information. Several scholarship spaces are available at the workshop.

Hope to see you at the workshop!

SUSTAINABLE BEHAVIOR: FREE PRESENTATION

Sustainable behavior expert Dr. Doug McKenzie-Mohr will present a free lecture and discussion on Thursday, January 18, 2007 at 7:30pm at the Downtown Public Library. Dr. McKenzie-Mohr will explain community based social marketing and how it can be used to foster sustainable behavior, including ideas on how to encourage change in existing organizations, with time for discussion and questions.

Fostering Sustainable Behavior: Free Lecture and Discussion Dr. Doug McKenzie-Mohr 7:30pm, Thursday, January 18, 2007 Downtown Public Library Room A
401 E University Avenue, Gainesville, FL Free and open to the public

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This lecture is of interest to anyone who is interested in helping their business, family, or community become more sustainable, efficient, and responsive to change. The ideas presented can be applied to almost any problem that involves changing human behavior.

BEYOND BROCHURES
The cornerstone of sustainability is behavior change. Sustainability requires individuals and businesses to act to reduce waste and increase efficiency. To date, most programs to achieve these changes have relied upon disseminating information. Research demonstrates, however, that simply providing information has little or no effect on how people or businesses behave. If not ads or brochures, then what? A new approach, community based social marketing, has emerged as an effective approach to promoting sustainable behavior. The method seeks to identify and remove the barriers that keep people from changing their behaviors.

SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY
For over a decade Dr. McKenzie-Mohr, an environmental psychologist, has illustrated the science of behavior change and the utility of the community based social marketing approach in his workshops and in his book, Fostering Sustainable Behavior, available online at www.cbsm.com.
He has provided training internationally for over 25,000 environmental program planners.

EVENT SPONSORS
This event is sponsored by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, UF/IFAS Extension Service, Gainesville Regional Utilities, and Pandion Systems, Inc., and organized by the League of Women Voters of Alachua County/Gainesville, UF’s Office of Sustainability, Gainesville Clean Water Partnership, and Sustainable Alachua County.

CONTACT
For more information, please contact Susan Marynowski of Sustainable Alachua County at sustainableac@gmail.com or 352-318-1218.

UF Hosts Recycling Forum - Universities from all over the state come together

--Adrian Erlenbach

Major universities like the University of Florida are the same size as some small towns. And like small towns, these institutions face complex issues and obstacles to implementing effective recycling programs.

A forum hosted by Recycle Florida Today was held in the Reitz Union on Oct. 26 during UF’s first annual Campus and Community Sustainability Conference to discuss the problems of collegiate recycling programs around the state.

The forum saw participation from students, facility employees and faculty from UF, University of Central Florida, New College of Florida, Broward Community College, Florida Atlantic University, and others.

The main problems discussed at the forum were lack of student participation and cost effectiveness.

RFT, which calls itself the premier recycling and waste reduction advocacy group in Florida, wants to develop a committee of students and faculty from around the state. Committee members would work with each other and with RFT to help implement more sustainable programs at their home institutions.

"Colleges and universities face unique challenges in executing recycling programs," said Adam Schlachter, who sits on the Board of Directors for RFT and is also the Leon County recycling coordinator. "Our knowledge base can help make these programs more effective for the universities."

RFT’s annual Issues Forum takes place on Jan. 11 and 12 in St. Augustine, Fla. There they will host their first Florida College & University Recycling & Waste Reduction Workshop.

The workshop will hear speakers from colleges around the state showcasing their different programs’ successes and challenges.

"The university setting provides a great venue for the recycling industry to combat myths and provide correct information," said Schlachter.

For more information about RFT’s upcoming conference, please visit the conference website.

Focusing on Florida, the Climate Change Conference will provide the latest scientific findings and identify impacts and actions that should be taken to respond to climate change. Global, national, and state experts will share their perspectives with conference participants in both general and concurrent sessions.

Review the conference website HERE.

 

Open to the public: Turlington L011.

Please see the attached file for details.

Speakers and Topics

January 16: Global Climate Change – Dr. Stephen Mulkey (Botany)

January 23: Biological Diversity – Dr. Gary Meffe (Editor of Conservation Biology)

January 30: Forest Conservation – Dr. Jack Putz (Botany)

February 6: Doing Business in a Low-Energy World – Dr. Mark Brown (Environmental
Engineering)

February 13: Greening Corporations – Dr. Joseph Delfino (Environmental Engineering)

February 20: Building a Sustainable World – Dr. Charles Kibert (Building construction and Design)

February 27: Environmental Justice – Dr. Joan Flocks (Law)

March 6: Cultural Pluralism and Sustainability – Dr. Allen Burns (Anthropology)

March 20: Creating Sustainable Communities – Dr. Mark Hostetler (Wildlife Ecology and
Conservation)

March 27: Education for Sustainability – Dr. Martha Monroe (Environmental Education and Extension)

April 3: How Green is your Gator? – Panel Discussion with Chris Machen (UF’s First Lady), Dedee Delongpre (Director, UF Office of Sustainability), and student leaders from Gators for a Sustainable Campus

April 10: Diet and Sustainability – Gary Yourofsky

April 17: The Greening of Gainesville: Gown Meets Town – Panel discussion with Erik Lewis (UF Facilities, Planning, and Construction), Rob Brinkman (Sierra Club), and community leaders

For live links, please visit the PIEC conference WEBSITE.

University of Florida
Levin College of Law
Gainesville, Florida
March 1-3, 2007

Talk, Technology, and Techniques: Game Plan for Green

The Public Interest Environmental Conference (PIEC) is an annual national conference organized by the Environmental and Land Use Law Society of the Levin College of Law at the University of Florida and the Public Interest Committee of the Florida Bar. The PIEC is one of the largest student-organized conferences in the country, bringing together legal scholars, practitioners, regulators, scientific experts, students, and other interested parties to discuss current issues impacting the environment and related policy.

Now in its thirteenth year, the PIEC has enjoyed a continual increase in reputation, attendance, and popularity among attendees. Last year’s conference, themed "In Fairness to Future Generations," had the honor of having Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as the kick-off speaker, with an introduction by Laurie David. Additionally, PIEC 2006 hosted the annual conference of the National Association of Environmental Law Societies.

One of last year’s panels addressed the rhetoric of environmentalism, and PIEC 2007 seeks to expand that theme in the upcoming conference, tentatively titled "Talk, Technology, and Techniques: Game Plan for Green." Panels will seek to address rhetoric, legal strategies, and new technologies related to Green Design, Green Infrastructure, and Green Institutions.

2007 Conference Brochure [1.07mb PDF]

Save the Date Announcement [924kb PDF]

Registration Form [57kb PDF]

2007 Conference Agenda [179kb PDF]

Hotel Information [63kb PDF]

For Further Information, Please Contact:

Ryan Baya
Co-Chair, PIEC 2007
Levin College of Law, J.D. 2007
ryanbaya@ufl.edu

Adrienne Dessy
Co-Chair, PIEC 2007
Levin College of Law, J.D. 2007
adessy@ufl.edu

Previous Conference Information: 2006

 

You can find a link to the website HERE

Hyatt Regency Crown Center - Kansas City, Missouri
April 23-27, 2007

Second National Conference on Ecosystem Restoration

Exhibitor Registration NOW OPEN for NCER 2007!

Reap the benefits of marketing to those who play a pivotal role in
helping America meet the challenges of ecosystem restoration. You'll be
able to meet decision-makers individually and personally, and network
with colleagues from around the country. For more information and to
register for exhibit space, visit the Exhibitor Opportunities section on
the NCER web site to learn how your company can feature its products and
services to NCER attendees. Space is available on a first-come,
first-served basis, so don't delay, reserve a booth today.

Click HERE for NCER 2007 Newsletter - Volume I

The NCER newsletter features information on conference sponsors, keynote
speakers, field trip opportunities and the pre-conference Adaptive
Management workshop as well as other special conference sessions. We
also hope you will forward this email to any of your colleagues who may
also be interested in attending.

Program Agenda & Poster Directory NOW Available on NCER Web Site The
NCER 2007 Program Agenda and Poster Directory are now available on the
web site. NCER will feature more than 250 speakers and 200 poster
presentations covering the latest in ecosystem restoration issues we're
facing across the country. The conference also entails several special
sessions, including Restoration Coffee Houses to promote dialogue
amongst attendees, as well as plenary presentations on,

* the 2007 Farm Bill as a Potential Tool for Ecosystem Restoration
* the Mississippi River Basin
* Partnering for Sustainable Success
* Priorities and Measures for Restoration

You won't want to miss this premier event as national ecosystem
restoration needs and opportunities develop on an almost daily basis and
the science supporting these restoration efforts rapidly advance.

FIELD TRIPS: Be sure to register for one of two fantastic field trips
offered at the end of the conference. One is a land-based trip
including a prairie conservation site and a limestone glade and oak
woodland restoration effort in Swope Park. The other trip is a
water-based excursion on the Missouri River emphasizing restoration
efforts and the natural beauty of the Kansas country side.

REGISTRATION REMINDER: Early Bird registration ends February 16 - so
don't delay...register today and save $55 off the Regular Registration
fee.

HOTEL RESERVATIONS: March 9 is the deadline to make hotel reservations.
Book now to guarantee a room in the host hotel at the reduced rate.

KANSAS CITY: While attending NCER 2007, make plans to visit some of the
many wonderful aspects Kansas City has to offer, including the Hallmark
Visitors Center, Arabia Steamboat Museum, Union Station, a host of
barbeque restaurants, and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art - and -
the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit will be on display at the Union Station
from February 8 - May 13.

Minigrants for the Enhancement of Sustainability in Instruction
Proposals-Due Date: March 19, 2007

The university is asking for proposals for Minigrants for the
Enhancement of Sustainability in Instruction. The Request for Proposals
(RFP) can be found HERE

Also included is a checklist the Sustainability Committee wanted to
include to help your formulate your proposals. Proposals should be sent on disk or CD in PDF format to Prof. Jeff Burkhardt at PO Box 110240 or e-mailed to burk@ufl.edu.

Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Seminar

Hello Wildlifers!!

"The Experience of Nature in Human Evolution and Development"

Steven Kellert

February 19th , 2007
from 12:30 to 1:30 pm Location: 282 Reitz Union

Remember to bring your Coffee mug and Conserve!

Thursday, February 22, 2007; 8:00-9:00 p.m.

What is the Economy for, Anyway?:
A Citizen Roundtable on Politics and Democracy

Featuring John de Graff
Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker, author, and popular lecturer on Over Work and Over Consumption in America

Rion Ballroom, J. Wayne Reitz Union

 

Dr. Michael McClain, Director
FIU Global Water for Sustainability Program

March 8th, 2007
10:00 to 11:30 - Reitz Union Room 286 - Seminar
2:00 to 4:00 - Frazier-Rogers Hall 122 - Meeting with faculty to explore possible collaborations

McClain is Associate Professor of Environmental Studies at FIU in Miami and the director of the Global Water for Sustainability (GLOWS) Program. GLOWS is the USAID's flagship program extending the practice of integrated water resources management in the developing world. They have active projects in South America, East Africa, and India, and are in the process of developing new projects and training courses in other parts of the world. GLOWS has a unique relationship with USAID that enables them to receive non-competitive grants to implement a broad range of water resource projects anywhere in the world where USAID operates. GLOWS has a view of identifying a broader network of potential partners and expertise to implement project activities.

Third Bi-annual Florida Student Sustainable Energy Summit

March 2-4, 2007

New College, Sarasota, Florida

On behalf of the Third Florida Student Sustainable Energy Summit planning committee, the Southern Energy Network, Florida Students and Alumni for Sustainable Campuses, and New College of Florida we would like to invite you or your students to take part in the Third Bi-annual Florida Student Sustainable Energy Summit, an incredible weekend of learning, networking and environmental action.

This semester's summit is taking place at New College of Florida in Sarasota on March 2, 3 & 4th, 2007; registration costs are $15 which include housing and food for the weekend. If you are planning on, or thinking of coming please take a few moments to Register HERE

About:

Florida Student Sustainable Energy Summit - FSSES is a weekend long conference-style event that provides students from around the state opportunities for: leadership development, group development, education, and networking. The event is designed to maximize the learning experiences and provide grass roots support. Link to site HERE

Florida Students and Alumni for Sustainable Campuses - FLASSC is a grass-roots network of students developed at the second FL Student Sustainable Energy Summit in November of 2006. The FLASSC group hosts bi-monthly conference calls focused on regional and state planning, sharing of best practices, and developing relationships between regions. The group and calls are open to anyone working or wishing to work on environment, Global Warming and Environmental Justice related issues. Join the mailing list and view discussion board HERE

Southern Energy Network - SEN is a Southeast regional network of students building and facilitating an inclusive student- and youth-led movement in the Southeast that empowers communities, develops leaders, and promotes a clean, just, safe, and sustainable energy future. Link to site HERE

The Research and Education Task Force of the UF Sustainability Committee invites you to discuss our proposal to generate campus-wide interdisciplinary Program for Sustainability and a Healthy Environment at UF.

We have been asked to develop a Legislative Budget Request (LBR) for consideration by the University and by the Florida Legislature. Your input is very valuable to us and we hope you attend the presentation next Friday, March 2, at noon in the Rion Ballroom

The Office of Sustainability will graciously provide lunch for participants, but we ask that you RSVP to Prof. Tanzer at tanzer@ufl.edu or Prof. Ankersen at ankersen@law.ufl.edu by next Tuesday afternoon.

We envision this program to coordinate all the excellent teaching and research already being done at UF and help leverage our collective resources for maximum advantage nationally and beyond. We are not proposing a program that either duplicates or competes with existing efforts.

Please, join us next Friday at noon in 404 Reitz Union. If you are unable to attend but interested in being involved, please let us know.

Eva Czarnecka-Verner

Tel: 352-392-2400

Fax: 352-392-5922

E-mail: evaczar@ufl.edu

Florida 2060: One Possible Florida Future

March 19th, 2007
7-9 P.M. Oak, Room

Oak Hammock
at the University of Florida
Williston Road at SW 25th Terrace

Florida had almost 18 million residents in 2007. What will Florida look like in 2060, when its population is 36 million?

A Panel Discussion by

Charles Pattison, Executive Director, 1,000 Friends of Florida

Prof. Margaret "Peggy" Carr, UF Dept of Landscape Architecture

Prof. Paul Zwick, Chair, UF Dept of Urban and Regional Planning

Sponsored by
1000 Friends of Florida
Women for Wise Growth

Directions: Exit I-75 at Williston Rd (SR 121, last Gainesville exit southbound) and turn east for 0.7 miles to a right turn on SW 25th Terrace (large sign for "Oak Hammock at the University of Florida").

Continue 200 yards to right turn into guard gate. Guards will be on notice for visitors for the forum. After guard gate, travel down winding forested road to 4-way stop sign.

Continue to parking area in front of 5-story apartments and enter the 2-story Commons area through large portico. Signs will direct people to the Oak Room on the second floor.

 

The Powell Center for Construction and Environment is seeking bright, enthusiastic, creative students for assistance in coordinating a cultural arts festival this summer. The Juneteenth Festival & Juried Art Show (JFest) is a part of The Cotton Club Museum & Cultural Center, Inc. sustainable rehabilitation project.

Students must be work-study eligible and be able to commit 20 hours per week for up to 16 weeks. Job responsibilities are flexible, but four positions are available under the following categories: Website Design, Business Administration, Program Coordination, and Public Relations.

Successful applicants will receive $12.00/hr in compensation. Volunteer positions are also available.

For more information, visit http://www.cce.ufl.edu/employment.html or contact Donna Isaacs at (352) 273-1172 or dlisaacs@ufl.edu.

First Conference on Climate Change - Focus on Florida

Posters Due by March 30th

Conference - May 9th-11th
Renaissance Hotel Tampa, Fl.

Link to page HERE

Please join us at the first conference on climate change, May 9-11, 2007 at the Renaissance Hotel in Tampa. Focusing on Florida, the conference will provide the latest scientific findings and identify impacts and actions that should be taken to respond to climate change.

 

Global, national, and state experts will share their perspectives with conference participants in both general and concurrent sessions. Over 300 people are expected to attend.

You are invited to submit a poster by Friday, March 30. To comply with the conference theme and topics, posters must fit into one of these categories and be relevant to Florida:

Science and Climate Change in Florida

* Historical Perspective
* Sensitive Ecosystems and Components
* Evidence for Recent Climate Change
* Climate Variability: Initiating a Social Science Paradigm Shift

Impacts and Responses to Climate Change in Florida

* Policy Issues
* Translating Science into Action
* Planning for Climate Change
* Partnerships for Success

To submit your abstract, click HERE

For sponsorship and exhibit information, click HERE or call Doreen DiCarlo, Conference Coordinator, Florida Center for Environmental Studies Florida Atlantic University by March 30, 2007 at (561) 799-8553 Phone or(561) 626-1404 Fax

To review the conference agenda, click HERE

On Wednesday, March 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., two events held on the University of Florida campus will educate the public on and encourage bicycle/pedestrian safety, and provide information on alternative transportation. The University of Florida Office of Off Campus Life, the University of Florida Office of Sustainability, the University of Florida Office of Transportation and Parking Services, and the City of Gainesville Bicycle/Pedestrian Program have partnered to host the Spring 2007 UF Bicycle/Pedestrian Info Expo & Safety Forum at the University of Florida, Reitz Union.

The Bicycle/Pedestrian Info Expo will be held 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the UF Reitz Union Colonnade and North Lawn Terrace and will begin with a bicycle versus automobile UF Commuter Challenge race. The UF Commuter Challenge race is an event held to show the advantages of bicycling over the use of an automobile in highly congested areas with limited parking options. The race will consist of a list of errands to complete around the campus, while following the law and parking in legally designated areas. The winner will be the contestant who is first to complete the list of errands. Details of the race will be announced at the start of the Expo. The Expo event will feature displays and information about UF and local community bicycle/pedestrian and alternative transportation devices, programs, projects, studies and opportunities.

The Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Forum will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the UF Reitz Union Rooms 361 and 362. The purpose of this roundtable Forum will be to learn and discuss how to travel around our community (i.e. by bicycle, automobile, skateboard, jogging, etc.). This event will provide a roundtable discussion concerning sharing the road from all viewpoints. The University of Florida Office for Off Campus Life will host the forum. For more information on the Spring 2007 UF Bicycle/Pedestrian Info Expo & Safety Forum, contact Dekova Batey, the City of Gainesville Bicycle/Pedestrian Program Coordinator, at (352) 334-5070.

 

Fair Trade Extravaganza

Please join Students Making Trade Fair and Change the World: Student Social Entrepreneurs at UF for our second annual Fair Trade Extravaganza, to be held in Little 121 this Wednesday, March 21st, at 7 pm. We'll be hearing from Chris Neumann and Nora Edison of Sweetwater Organic Coffee, Florida Alternative Breaks' Sustainability and Coffee Spring Break 2007 trip, and Students Making Trade Fair. Refreshments and coffee will be provided!

Questions? E-mail Sam at changetheworlduf@gmail.com.

FOREST Spring Series
Deep Ecology and International Politics

"Deep Ecology and the Epic of Evolution: Toward a New Great Awakening"

Evolutionary Evangelists Connie Barlow and Michael Dowd

Wednesday, March 28: 7:00 – 9:00 pm

HPNP Auditorium, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611

For more information see www.thegreatstory.org

FOREST is a Metanexus supported Local Society:
www.religonandnature.com/forest
http://www.metanexus.org

Samuel Snyder, PhD Candidate and FOREST Adminstrator
Graduate Program in Religion and Nature
University of Florida
107 Anderson Hall
Gainesville, Florida 32611

THE EVENT IS ON THURSDAY MARCH 22ND FROM 7:15 P.M. to 8:15 P.M. AND UNTIL 8:45 P.M. IF NEEDED.

THIS IS DURING PERIOD E1 IN NZH 112 (Newins-Ziegler Hall SFRC/WEC).
THERE WILL ALSO BE FREE FOOD AND DRINKS.

Dear Everybody,
I am hosting an event for Raise Your Voice Month called, "OVERVIEW OF EXISTING AND EMERGING CLEAN ENERGY CONCEPTS (FOCUS ON SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES)". The event is for the UF student organization called Environment, Science and Policy Society. The purpose is to educate and promote discussion about clean energy technology, business and policy, with an emphasis on photovoltaic solar technologies. I will show a powerpointe presentation with official research I have done representing UF at the USF Clean Energy Research Center. There will also be written personal article about the need for alternative energy to petroluem outlining the policial, economical, environmental and national security issues involved with our current petroleum reliance. There will be a question and answer discussion/ debate built into the presentation.

RECAP: Clean Energy Presentation 7:15 P.M. to 8:15 P.M. until
8:45 P.M. if needed NZH 112 Free Food and Drinks

I hope you all had a wonderful spring break.

Sincerely,

Divik Schueller
Industrial and Systems Engineering
Political Science
Webmaster
Environment, Science and Policy Society
University of Florida

Monday, April 16th:
Tabling at the Reitz Colonnade in the morning and afternoon at the student union, collecting signatures for the Philadelphia Concensus Statement via laptop

Monday, April 16th:
Robynn Sturm will speak on IP and global health at UF Law School (room B36) at noon. UAEM will present the speaker in conjunction with UF's IPTLA--Intellectual Property & Technology Law Association.

Robynn Sturm will speak again, at 6 pm at Reitz Union room 285.

Tuesday, April 17th:
Movie screening:The Constant Gardener at 6 pm in the Orange & Brew

I am collecting questions so he can direct his presentation accordingly. Ken has many years of experience...ever want to build your own efficient home or add solar technologies...Ken has been there and done that! Please email any question to nmitten@ufl.edu. Ample time will be allotted to Q & A and discussion.

From his company's website....
Ken Fonorow, President of Florida H.E.R.O. is an independent energy analyst and building science consultant with a proven track record of accomplishments. He works in partnership with award-winning developers, builders and homeowners to improve the efficiency, health and durability of homes.

Promoting environmental stewardship by rethinking how homes are constructed makes good sense. Everyone benefits. Discover how you can be a part of the solution.

Nate Mitten
ASES President
nmitten@ufl.edu

Room is Reitz Union Room 361

Deep Ecology and the Epic of Evolution

March 28th, 2007

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM HPNP Auditorium

Sponsored by the Graduate Program in Religion and Nature, FOREST (the Florida Organization on Religion, Environmental

Science, and Technology), the UF Center for Spirituality and Health, Sustainable Alachua County, Book Lovers

CTA, UF's Center for Tropical Conservation and Development, other UF and community groups, to be announced.

 

Come hear 40 speakers from around the country address the Southeast's position in the Alternative Energy and Sustainability market!

Participate in an interactive Renewable Energy Entrepreneurs' Workshop led by capital formation and project funding experts.

Hear Keynote Speaker Dr. David Bransby, professor of Energy Crops at Auburn University, who has been recently featured on ABC's Nightline.

General Sessions relate to Success Stories in the biomass/renewables arena, and Policy framework and Funding Options for alternative enterprises.

Breakouts relate to Solar and Distributed Energy, Emergency Power and Energy Efficiency, Biofuels, and Biomass Opportunities and Risks.

Compete for cash prizes in the Student Research Poster competition, or apply for an Undergraduate Scholarship in biomass-related studies.

DISCOUNT RATES ON HOTEL RESERVATION AND CONFERENCE REGISTRATION EXPIRE FRIDAY, MARCH 30!

For more information, contact LMichaud@mta.ms or 601-960-3655 or visit www.ms-biomass.org.

See attached flier.

"Walking the Talk" encompasses a variety of research, teaching, and community outreach projects based at the University of Florida, with the common goal of transforming environmental values from ideas into action. In an effort to collaborate on this important and complex issue, University of Florida faculty researchers, Les Thiele and Anna Peterson, have invited community leaders, practitioners, and academics in this field to a 4 day conference from Aril 25-28th, 2007. This conference will take place in concert with a number of fun community activities that explore issues of American consumer culture and provide a vision of sustainable practices in action. The events include a bicycle vs. car errand race, a panel discussion with national leaders and a local foods cook-off with popular area chefs.

The bicycle vs. car errand race will start at 5pm on Wed, April 25th at the University of Florida, and will wind its way through Gainesville, visiting locally owned businesses. The race ends at the Downtown Farmer’s Market at 6pm.

At the panel discussion people will have an opportunity to discuss how we begin transforming our values into choices for a sustainable lifestyle with some of the leaders in this field - Jeff Bercuvitz from Community Innovations, Chicana/o Studies and Urban Planning Professor David Diaz, author of The Overspent American Juliet Schor, the Center for a New American Dream’s Lisa Wise, and The Death of Environmentalism author Michael Shellenberger. This discussion will begin at 7:30 pm, Thursday, April 26th in the Reitz Union Auditorium.

The events culminate with a local foods cook-off at The Fresh Food Company on the University campus from 1-2pm. Local chef teams Bert Gill of Mildred’s and the Sovereign and Carol Deneno of Restorante Deneno vs. Israel Karasik of Dinner and Frank Ruffino of Blue Highway will compete for the most inspired dishes featuring all locally sourced foods.

Here are some of the events happening around the campus and in our community:

April 16th, 7:30pm- Stop Global Warming College Tour with Laurie David and Sheryl Crow at the O’Connell Center
Global warming activist Laurie David and Grammy Award winning singer-song writer Sheryl Crow will finish thier "Stop Global Warming College Tour" in Gainesville. This performance sponsored by ACCENT is part of a campaign to urge college students to become part of the movement to stop global warming and demand solutions from themselves, their schools and their country.

April 17th, 10am-2pm- UF Sustainable Products Trade Show in the Reitz Union Ballroom
The Sustainable Products Trade Show will provide staff, faculty, and students an opportunity to learn about making environmentally-friendly informed purchasing decisions. Coordinated by the University of Florida Purchasing Department, the show supports the University's continuing commitment to sustainability.
UF contract vendors will showcase sustainable products such as the all-electric GEM car, computers and printers, scientific supplies, office supplies, carpet, furniture, and more. Register for door prizes, meet the UF Purchasing Team, and enjoy refreshments! Come see how easy it is to be green with Purchasing.

April 21st, 9am-8pm and April 22nd 12pm-6pm 5th Ave Arts Festival
A celebration of the rich African American culture of Gainesville through the arts is joined with a celebration of the earth! This festival is a two-day street event, located between NW 2nd Ave and NW 7th Ave, on NW 6th St, which hosts gospel, blues, jazz, R & B, Rap, modern and African dance performances as well as activities for children and information relevant to the health and welfare of the community. Food booths line the streets of the Festival that ranges from barbecue to Jamaican to seafood. Many UF student groups will be hosting demos and fun displays about sustainable practices. For more information, call the Cultural Arts Coalition at 352-372-0216 or visit thier website at: www.culturalartscoalition.org

April 25th, 5-7pm Bicycle vs. Car Errand Race, UF Campus to the Downtown Farmer’s Market
The bicycle vs. car errand race will start at 5pm on Wed, April 25th at the University of Florida, and will wind its way through Gainesville, visiting locally owned businesses. The race ends at the Downtown Farmer’s Market at 6pm where there will be a short presentation, fun displays, and great bluegrass form our local band Rusty Swing.

April 26th, 7:30 pm Walking the Talk Panel Discussion in the Reitz Union Auditorium
At the panel discussion people will have an opportunity to discuss how we begin transforming our values into choices for a sustainable lifestyle with some of the leaders in this field - Jeff Bercuvitz from Community Innovations, Chicana/o Studies and Urban Planning Professor David Diaz, author of The Overspent American Juliet Schor, the Center for a New American Dream’s Lisa Wise, and The Death of Environmentalism author Michael Shellenberger.

April 28th, 1-3pm Fresh Food Challenge- a local foods cook-off at UF’s Fresh Food Company
This local foods cook-off modeled after the famous "Iron Chef" show, will feature local chef teams Bert Gill of Mildred’s and the Sovereign and Carol Deneno of Restorante Deneno vs. Israel Karasik of Dinner and Frank Ruffino of Blue Highway. The chefs will compete for the most inspired dishes featuring all locally sourced foods.

April 21st 10am-4pm University of Florida Natural History Museum and Harn Museum Earth Day, Cultural Arts Plaza at the University of Florida
A number of presentations, special exhibits, films, and activites will be hosted throughout the day. For more info see the attached schedule or go to http://culturalplaza.ufl.edu/

Santa Fe Community College Teaching Zoo on April 22 from 9:00am-2:00 pm!
We have many events planned that include: identifying bird and frog calls, making conservation catchers and origami frogs, the Supermarket Sweep game, making toad abodes, and experience animal encounter throughout the day! Even Curious George will be making an appearance at the Zoo!

Wednesday April 18 and Thursday April 19th "The Global Climate Crisis: Despair & Empowerment" 7:00-9:00pm at UF’s HPNP Auditorium (behind Shands, off Center St) 4b.

Thursday, April 19th 6:00-9:00pm "Deep Ecology, Spirituality and the Conservation of Nature" United Church of Gainesville, 1624 NW 5th Ave
John Seed is an internationally known environmental activist/deep ecologist and founder of the Rainforest Information Centre in Australia. His presentations, workshops and roadshows bring people back again and again. For more about Seed, visit http://www.rainforestinfo.org.au/deep-eco/johnseed.htm

Saturday, April 21 SFCC will send a team to the Great American Clean Up.
Contact Barbara Little, 381-3850

April 20th, 11 a.m.-noon Janisse Ray, author of "A Cracker Childhood," presents "Melting of the Glaciers: Acknowledging Our Debt to Nature,"
Santa Fe Community College, Room S-29/30. Contact: Steve Robitaille, 395-5304.

April 17th, 7-9pm "The Earth and Us," the impact each is having on the other!
SFCC NW Campus Bldg. S. Room 326/27
Dr. David Black, a Gainesville physician, veterinarian, photographer, and triathlete, will discuss his observations about life on Earth, and our care of the planet. Free and co-hosted by the PrimeTime Institute. Call 352.395.5193 to pre-register.

Saturday, April 21st*, 4pm *Earth Day 2007* Benefit Concert

FL Chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology is hosting this music festival with several local musicians falling into the category of folk, bluegrass, indie rock, or 'other'. Bring your own cooler with the beverages and food you desire, a blanket or chairs, frisbee, soccer ball, or even a grill if you want.

It should be a lot of fun and the $5 admission goes to the Alachua Conservation Trust.

The concert is being held at the Alachua County Fair Grounds, off NE 39th Ave.

"SINK HOLE DE MAYO" SATURDAY, MAY 5TH AT THE HIGH SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET

HIGH SPRINGS, FL – If you think about it, how many farmers markets in Florida can claim their own sink hole? Well, the High Springs Farmers Market sets up around one of the most pristine 'Old Florida' parks and sink holes accessible to the general public, in historic downtown High Springs. James Paul Park can be accessed from N. Main Street & NW 2nd Avenue and City Hall at 110 NW 1st Avenue. The High Springs Seasonal Saturday Farmers Market is open every Saturday through June 30th from 11am through 3pm. Downtown High Springs also features great shops and restaurants so you can browse the shops or bring your blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the concert with a picnic lunch from a local restaurant.

This Saturday's (May 5th) seasonal market celebrates its sink hole with a slight play on terms. "Sink Hole de Mayo" is a celebration of what can happen when nature and culture mix. While local growers and other vendors will be set up around the sink, a musical cultural experience will be set up inside the sink with the first-time appearance of Vera Cruz. The group's name comes from a famous song by Milton Nascimento and also the original name for the country of Brazil. They will perform a mix of bossa nova, samba, and MPB, which is Brazilian popular music. The band comprised of University of Florida students, including Pedro Costantino on percussion who is from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and is a visiting scholar in Ecology. Other members include Lucas Fortini, vocals and guitar. Lucas is also from Rio de Janeiro and grew up playing bossa nova. He is a PHD student in Forestry. Ana Moon, vocals, is originally from Rondonia, Brazil, and grew up in Curitiba, Brazil and Florida. She is studying oboe and Food and Resource Economics. Jason Davis, bass and guitar, is from Massachusetts and has studied jazz, classical, and Brazilian music. He is studying Ecology at UF.

The High Springs Farmers Market is also open year round every Thursday from 2pm to 6pm and is located in James Paul Park in downtown High Springs. Access and parking is available from Main Street at NW 2nd Avenue and from NW 1st Avenue (Hwy 27) at City Hall, located at 110 NW 1st Avenue. The market features locally produced fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, trees, shrubs, flowers, jams, jellies, baked goods and many other agricultural products.

The High Springs Farmers' Market is a year-round growers' market supporting local agriculture, education, the arts and businesses and is produced by the City of High Springs. For more information, please contact Sharon Yeago at 386-454-3950

 

Energy is a hot topic in today's society, especially as we have seen the current rise in fuel costs and the increased awareness that fossil fuels are dwindling. In this episode, join Dr. Mark Hostetler as he explores where our current energy comes from, recent advances in renewable energies (e.g., biodiesel and solar power), and how businesses can conserve energy. Viewers learn about hydrogen fuel-cell technology; how to create biodiesel in one's backyard; how solar power technologies are used in schools and a unique application in a state park; and how companies can incorporate energy-saving strategies in their own day-to-day operations.

To View Episode online - click here

About The Series

Living Green is a half-hour TV show that helps individuals understand what it means to be "living green" in their own communities. Currently, there is a push in both the public and the private sectors to implement design and management strategies that take into account socioeconomic variables while conserving natural resources for future generations.

A cross-section of society, including homeowners, developers, planners, and politicians, makes day-to-day decisions that impact our natural resources. Decisions made by different people, from homeowners to politicians, interact in unique ways to affect the use and conservation of water, energy, and plants and animals. For example, the "greenness" of communities is the result of decisions made by homeowners, developers, and even city policymakers. These decisions ultimately determine the health of a community. The focus of this show is to illustrate "green" design and management practices within and around urban areas.

The flavor of the show is upbeat, and even humorous at times, when presenting the myriad challenges and solutions associated with any environmental issue. The show, while entertaining, is meant to inspire individuals to take local action and make a difference. Each show highlights a wide range of environmental issues, outlining the need for a united response at the local and, most important, individual level.

Specific attention is paid to the solutions to growth/environmental challenges, and the opportunities for individuals to help search for "win-win" strategies that balance socioeconomic and environmental concerns in their own community. The show targets an adult audience, but it is also relevant to middle-school and high-school students. Living Green highlights environmental challenges and solutions that are relevant to communities across the Southeast as well as throughout the United States.

 

NORTH FLORIDA’S ONLY GREEN HOME SUPPLY STORE
GRAND OPENING ON MAY 19TH, GAINESVILLE,FLORIDA

INDIGO, A NEW GREEN STORE OFFERING HEALTHY, SUSTAINABLE AND RECYCLED PRODUCTS FOR THE HOME IS COMMITTED TO EDUCATING, SUPPLYING AND SERVICING FLORIDA WITH ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE PRODUCTS.

THE GRAND OPENING OF INDIGO’S SHOWROOM IS MAY 19TH, 2007 LOCATED AT 322 SW 4TH AVENUE IN GAINESVILLE FLORIDA. INDIGO WILL DISPLAY AND MAKE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE INNOVATIVE GREEN PRODUCTS SUCH AS: RECYCLED GLASS TILE, CLAY TILE, ENVIROGLAS COUNTERTOPS, RECYCLED BLUE JEAN INSULATION, NATURAL CORK, MARMOLEUM AND BAMBOO FLOORING, RECYCLED MODULAR CARPETING, ZERO VOC PAINTS AND STAINS, RECYLCED ROOFING, ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTING, SOLAR OPTIONS, ORGANIC COTTON BEDDING, RECYCLED GIFTS AND MORE.

INDIGO BELIEVES THAT BY RESPONSIBLY FACILITATING CHANGE, COMMUNITIES CAN BECOME A PART OF THE WORLD THEY IMAGINE THEMSELVES TO BE.

The Heart of Florida USGBC Chapter will be sponsoring a LEED-NC Technical Review Workshop on July 12, 2007, in Gainesville, FL.

See attached flyer for more details. If you or anyone you know is interested in learning more about LEED for New Construction or is preparing to take the LEED Accredited Professional exam, this is a great opportunity to get a detailed overview of the LEED-NC certification process and credits. All the information you need to register is contained in the attached flyer. Additional information on the Heart of Florida Chapter can be found at http://chapters.usgbc.org/northcentralflorida.

You can register for the LEED-NC Workshop directly from this site. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact any of the board members listed on the chapter web site or the LEED-NC Workshop Coordinator, Rob Van Der Like, 352 239-4912.

Everyone is encouraged to visit UF's first green roof, and one of only a few green roofs on a university campus. Without a doubt it is one of the most beautiful! It sits atop the recently completed Perry Construction Yard building next to Rinker Hall (at the corner of Inner Road and Newell Drive). To tempt you I have attached a recent image for a preview.

It is a 2,600 square foot extensive green roof (5 inches of media) that harvests 3,100 gallons of rainwater in two above-ground cisterns. While the cisterns provide storage for much of the roof's irrigation needs, we have the ability to provide additional water through connection to the University's reclaimed water system.

The plants are almost entirely natives of North and Central Florida and were selected from the coastal dune and sand hill habitats, and are watered through a drip irrigation system.

I encourage you to visit the green roof soon while the plants are in full bloom. It can be best seen by taking the elevator or the stairwell in Rinker Hall.

For more information about the green roof, feel free to contact:

Glenn Acomb
Department of Landscape Architecture and
The Program for Resource Efficient Communities
acomb@ufl.edu

The University Of Florida Flower Garden is a 2-acre garden with over 1,000 varieties of flowers. Plant breeder companies from around the world send their newest varieties here to be evaluated by UFÂ’s Environmental Horticulture Department. The Open House gives flower enthusiasts an opportunity to view a large expanse of flowers with many new forms and colors. University experts will be available to answer questions and explain what you see in the garden. The gardens are located south of Lake Alice next to Fifield Hall. Enter campus across from the Hilton Conference Center Hotel on SW 34th Street. Go ¾ mile and park in Fifield Hall parking lot. Look for signs to the gardens. Entrance and parking are free.

ASES Solar Trike

The ASES has the got the rolling chasis, frame, wheels, seat, and several other components for the solar trike! Now that they have the platform, they can really get the solar trike moving forward. The trike is at the "block house" at the solar park which is right next to the "solar house" (enter and turn right and go until you see us on the right hand side). They have got most of the basic tools and will be using the machine shop on campus for any machining or welding and maybe tube bending. If you are interested, meet Monday at 9am and plan to be there until noon or until you have to leave. If you can't make it and want to be involved in the project this summer please let Nate Mitten know! They will be setting goals and dividing up the project on Monday so he needs to know who is in on it. There will be juice and donuts to kick it off!

 

On Friday, June 29, 2007 the Central Florida Regional Forum for the Florida Land Use Initiative will be held at the University of Central Florida’s Fairview Alumni Center in Orlando. "Rural Lands, Development and the Future of Central Florida" take a look at what new tools need to be created to preserve large areas of open space particularly in private lands while at the same time dealing with the 1,000 people per day projected to come into the state. The brochure for the event is located at:
http://www.trustedpartner.com/...rochure%20HI%20RES.pdf

Please register online at http://flui.org or call the Florida Earth Foundation office at (561) 686-3688.

GAIN's Wednesday, June 27th luncheon meeting

Featured speaker: Gregory W. Luli, Ph.D.
Vice President, Research
Celunol Corp.

Celunol Corp. is a biotechnology company that has developed and is engaged in the commercialization of technology that converts low or zero cost agricultural, woody & fibrous materials into ethanol and other specialty chemicals using patented bioengineered organisms. Learn about how Celunol's work may provide solutions to pressing economic, strategic and environmental issues that we face today - including escalating gasoline prices, energy security, the quest to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the need for job creation in rural areas.

Attendees at GAIN's June 27th luncheon meeting will also enjoy excellent n! etworking opportunities plus learn about the latest technology activity in the local Gainesville area.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007
11:30 a.m. registration and networking
12:00 p.m. lunch and presentation
Gainesville Country Club, 7300 SW 35th Way

RSVP required;
$15.00 Members; $20.00 Non-Members; cash or check, Mastercard or Visa

 

Please join us in celebrating the establishment of the USGBC "Heart of Florida" Chapter!

Yes! It is now official and you are invited to help us celebrate the newest USGBC Chapter in Florida.

Date/Time: June 27, 2007, 5:30 to 7:30 PM

Dress: Business casual

Place: PPI Construction Management
8200 NW 15th Place, Suite B
Gainesville, FL

Keynote Speaker will be Pegeen Hanrahan, Mayor, City of Gainesville (6 PM).
Drinks and hors d’oeuvres provided.

Please RSVP to Miles Albertson at (352) 273-7902 or by email: ama@ufl.edu.

JFest 2007: This FREE feast for the senses features performers Eric Darius, Jennifer Evans, The Lee Boys, Africa 2000 and The Walker Smith Group, local, national and international artists, delicious food of all varieties, community booths and ample FREE parking! Click here for more information, tickets, or a schedule.

Me & Mr. B: Swing down memory lane to the timeless music of Billy Eckstine, Sarah Vaughan, Duke Ellington and Dizzy Gilespie with an award-winning performance of more than 30 songs and a history lesson that keeps the legacy alive. June 15th at the PK Yonge Performing Arts Center at 7 and 10 p.m. Doors open at 6 and 9 respectively.
Retrospective: Fashion, Hair & Nails Show: Take a look back through the ages at the fun, funky and classic fashions from the 1950’s to the present. Bly’s School of Cosmetology expertly recreates these looks on June 16 at 8:30 p.m. at the PK Yonge Performing Arts Center.

The Juneteenth Ball: The First Lady of the University of Florida, Chris Machen, hosts the elegant, 1st Annual Juneteenth Ball featuring special performances by Norma Miller: Queen of Swing and Collective Format Band. Come celebrate this historically significant day in style on June 19 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the UF President’s House.

For information and tickets, click here.

DON’T MISS THIS MULTICULTURAL EXTRAVAGANZA!

View Festival Program for complete entertainment line-up, participating artists, community and food vendors, sponsors and more.

Please feel free to contact Donna Isaacs at (352) 273-1172 or Susanne Lewis at (352) 273-1174 with any questions. We’ll see you there!

Calfornia Cousins
a contemporary collection of designer, earth-friendly and artisan wares

GRAND OPENING WEEKEND
Saturday-Sunday, June 23 & 24
free samples
giveaways
10% of proceeds donated to
Habitat for Humanity Women Build
Located in Green Market
5402 NW 8th Ave
352-373-4347
Store Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm; Sunday 10am-5pm

Please join in an afternoon of sharing ideas and making connections with others interested in sustainable living in our community.

June 24th, from 4:00-6:00pm The United Church Gainesville's Social Justice committee is hosting a gathering to Create Sustainable Community Connections in the UCG fellowship hall, 1624 NW 5th Avenue.

We are inviting community partners and activists in ecology, environment, and energy to come meet, great, and eat!

RSVP to Mark for dinner and child care no later than Friday 6/22

Mark Robinson
352/215-7265

Saturday, July 7 may be the most significant moment for the climate since the discovery of oil. On seven continents, millions of people are gathering for Live Earth, a historic music-filled event to raise awareness and demand real solutions to the climate crisis.

MoveOn members are joining the party. In thousands of living rooms, coffee houses, bars and back yards, we'll tune into the global broadcast. We'll watch a special preview of presidential candidates answering MoveOn members' questions on the climate. And we'll share a barbeque or potluck meal together. It's the biggest party the planet has ever needed.

Details:
Civic Media Center
You must RSVP-8 registered participant(s)- (40 maximum)
7 p.m. with a barbeque or potluck with other interested folks from the neighborhood.
* Then, we'll watch a special message from Al Gore.
* We'll see a sneak preview of the presidential candidates answering questions on global warming.
* At 8, we'll tune in to the concerts on TV with The Police, Madonna, Dave Matthews, The Beastie Boys, and more!

Workshop 1: Local and Regional Planning
Wednesday, October 17th @ 2:30pm—4:30pm
Location: Florida Community Design Center
Presenters:
Robin Turner, Office of Greenways and Trails
Martin Gold, Florida Community Design Center
Matt Dubé, City of Gainesville, Community Redevelopment Agency
- Snack and beverages will be provided.
- Participants will receive a map of the area for rides
- Wednesday evening urban mountain biking ride @6:30pm

Workshop 2: Linking with Health and Sustainability
Thursday, October 18th @ 9:00am—12noon
Location: Florida Community Design Center
Presenters:
Theo Petritsch, of Sprinkle Consulting DOT "Conserve by Bicycle"
& "Shared Use Path Level of Service Calculator: A User’s Guide"
Mandi Hall/Yukari Takata, UF/Bike UF
Linda Dixon, UF Facilities Planning and Construction Division
***Participants are responsible for providing their own lunch.
Workshop reconvenes at 1:30pm
Bicycle Trail Workshop

Workshop 3: Linking with Education
Thursday, October 18th @ 1:30pm—3:30pm
Location: Florida Community and Design Center
Presenters:
Dekova Batey, City of Gainesville
Laura Hallam, FBA
Linda Crider, Bike Florida
Charlie Wise, Alachua County School Board
- Snacks will be provided
- Participants will receive a map of the area for rides
- Sunset ride on Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail Thursday
evening @ 5:00pm, Trail Leader: Linda Crider
Thank you to all the supporting organizations:
Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT), the Railsto-
Trails Conservancy (RTC) Cola-Cola North
American, Alachua County Bicycle Alliance
(ABA), Bike Florida, Florida Bicycle Association
(FBA), and Gainesville Sports Commission

Workshop 4: Trail Building
Friday, October 19th
8:00- 12:00noon break for lunch 1:00pm—3:00pm
Location: Prairie Creek Conservation Area
- Learn how to map a trail using GPS
- Develop an understanding of issues concerning user
groups and environmental impacts
- Learn more about trail design and
implementation
- Learn more about trail design to include on the trail
kiosk
*Workshop includes walk and mapping session on
the trail using GPS; discussion on trail building and
issues and design; and hands-on development of
trail map for Prairie Creek Conservation Area.
Presenters:
Edwin McCook, Water Management District
Mickey Thomason, Office of Greenways and Trails
***Lunch will be provided

Workshop 5: Building Bicycling Through
Tourism
Friday, October 19th @ 4:00pm—5:00pm
Location: Florida Community and Design Center
- Workshop 5 includes round table style discussion
Presenters:
Roland Loog & John Pricher, Alachua County Visitors and
Convention Bureau
Hope Howland-Cook, Bike Florida
***Snacks and beverages will be provided

Kiara Winans
Alachua Co. Bicycle Alliance
P.O. Box 14854
Gainesville, FL 32604
(352) 335-3959

Gainesville Sports Commission
300 E. University Ave.
Suite 100
Gainesville, FL 32601

Straight Talk on Climate Change & Sustainable Living

A workshop for citizens who want to understand what's at stake and how they can be part of the solution
Michelle Adamski, Heidi Copeland, Stan Rosenthal,
Will Sheftall -- UF Extension County Faculty

Thursday 6 September 2007
8:30 am -- 4:00 pm
Leon County Extension Center
615 Paul Russell Road, Tallahassee, FL

To register, contact Will Sheftall at sheftallw@leoncountyfl.gov or
Genice Harris at 606-5202
Registration fee: $15, lunch included

Springs Celebration

August 4 at Poe Springs Park

Sponsored by the St. Johns River Water Management District, Alachua County Environmental Protection Department, Santa Fe Springs Working Group and North Central Florida YMCA, the Springs Celebration will feature displays and activities designed to teach the importance of Florida’s springs and to foster appreciation for the state’s natural resources.

Highlights include live music for all ages, kayak demonstrations, interactive water education activities and educational live animal exhibits. Crafts for children include making water cycle wristbands and more.
Admission is free throughout the event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Poe Springs Park is located at 28800 N.W. 182nd Ave., High Springs. For information, contact the park at (386) 454-1992.

The Century Commission will meet Sunday evening, August 26, and Monday, August 27, in the Magnolia Room of the Bushnell Center for Urban Sustainability, Pinellas County Extension. The meeting is open to the public.

Meeting Details

Accommodations:

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites
401 Second Street
Indian Rocks Beach, Fl 33785
727/595.9484

Request Government Rate - $88

Driving Directions:
I-275 south from Tampa towards St. Pete/Clearwater, Exit 31 for S.R. 688 west (Ulmerton Rd.). follow about 10 mi. go across Intercoastal Waterway bridge, then take first left.

Meeting Location:

Bushnell Center for Sustainability – Pinellas County Extension
12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo 33774

Driving Directions from Hotel – about 10 minutes
Start at 401 2ND ST, INDIAN ROCKS BEACH going toward 4TH AVE
Turn RIGHT on 4TH AVE
Turn RIGHT on 1ST ST
Turn RIGHT on 5TH AVE(SR-688 E)
Continue to follow SR-688 E
Arrive at 12520 ULMERTON RD, LARGO

Meeting Times

Sunday – 5:00 to 7:00 PM
Monday – 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Viva La Mujer!
Honoring the Strength of Women
A Benefit Concert for Bridges Across Borders

Featuring:

Acoustic Music Sets by local singer/songwriters
Lisa Ogden, Kathy Sohar, and Cathy DeWitt

Reading and Performance by Local Poets
Starr Blaisedale and Wendy Thornton

PowerPoint Slideshow on the Women of Bridges Across Borders
Artwork by Colombian Eco-Artist Ana Tierra
Fair Trade Handicrafts from Latin America and SE Asia


7:30pm Saturday, August 18
At the Thomas Center, 302 NE 6th Ave.
$10-25 suggested donation
(a donation that fits your budget will be gratefully accepted)

Refreshments provided
Raffles! and more...

Co-sponsored by City of Gainesville,
Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs

Please join us Saturday evening, August 18 at 7:30pm at the Thomas Center as we present "Viva La Mujer! Honoring the Strength of Women," an evening of performance by local artists in support of Bridges Across Borders. August 18th is the 87th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which granted women the right to vote. On this historic day, we will honor the strength, creativity, and commitment of women who work for peace, justice, and positive social change all over the world.

Bridges Across Borders is an international nonprofit based in the Gainesville area that supports service, environmental, educational, human rights, Fair Trade, cultural exchange and solidarity projects in Mexico, Colombia, Panama, Cambodia, Thailand, and the U.S.

For more information please contact Bridges Across Borders at:
352-485-2594
office@bridgesacrossborders.org
www.bridgesacrossborders.org

Bridges Across Borders
P.O. Box 103
Graham, FL 32042
Tel: (352) 485-2594
Web: http://www.bridgesacrossborders.org

International sustainability experts Hunter Lovins and Bob Willard will give keynote speeches at a University of Florida program set for Sept. 10.

Lovins and Willard will speak at 7 p.m. in the Reitz Student Union Grand Ballroom during "The Business Case for Sustainability,". In addition to the talks, the UF Sustainability Showcase, aimed at helping students learn more about sustainability on campus, will be in the Reitz Union Galleries from 6pm-9pm. Hosting the program are the UF Office of Sustainability, the Warrington College of Business Administration, the Council for Sustainable Florida and ACCENT. This event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Lovins, co-author of "Natural Capitalism" and president of Natural Capitalism Solutions, has lectured extensively in more than 15 countries. Currently a professor of business at Presidio School of Management, she has served on the governing boards of one government, several businesses and a dozen nonprofits. Lovins served on the State of the World Forum’s Commission on Globalization and was one of four people from North America named to serve as a delegate to the United Nations Prep Conference for the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg.

Willard, author of "The Sustainability Advantage: Seven Business Case Benefits of a Triple Bottom Line" and "The Next Sustainability Wave: Building Boardroom Buy-in" is a leading expert on the business value of corporate sustainability strategies. Willard applies business and leadership development experience from his 34-year career at IBM Canada to engage the business community in employing the practices of sustainability.

In addition to the speakers and panel discussion, the UF Sustainability Showcase to be held before and after the speeches will highlight UF departments’ course offerings, programs of study, research, extension work, and opportunities for involvement in sustainability. UF student groups will also share their efforts and opportunities for involvement. Students are encouraged to come discover classes and student organizations devoted to sustainability.

For more info, call Anna Prizzia at 392-7578, or email at aprizzia@ufl.edu

 

Why Florida Should Lead in Sustainable Energy

Please see attached abstract. The seminar is a joint meeting with the Department of Environmental Engineering on Friday, September 14, in 125 Rhines Hall (Materials Science & Engineering), from 2:45-4:00PM.

The Florida Institute for Sustainable Energy is devoted to developing a broad array of sustainable energy technologies and resources, and integrating energy technology, economics and policy to address Florida and U.S. future energy needs.

 

On Sunday, October 21th, 2007, from 1pm to 5pm, you can find out how your neighbors are trimming their energy bills, increasing their energy independence, and taking steps to address global warming here in the Gainesville area. Along with several demonstrations, solar powered homes and businesses will be open for public tours as part of the American Solar Energy Society's 12th annual National Solar Tour. You can learn about solar technologies and the rebates you can receive if you add solar. The event is sponsored by the American Solar Energy Society at UF and Gainesville Solar City. Find details at www.NationalSolarTour.org.

Linking Sustainability and Art
From Trash to Treasure

Trashformations 2007 is the 9th annual student recycled art competition sponsored by Alachua County Board of County Commissioners, Office of Waste Alternatives and the Florida Museum of Natural History.

All middle school, high school and college students in Alachua County are invited to participate. Winners in each category (middle school/high school and college) will receive prize money! The award amounts for 1st, 2nd and 3rd are $400, $300, $200 respectively. Two additional awards will be given in each category: 1)The Waste Watcher award and 2) The Museum award; each will award the winner $75.

Applications are due October 25th.

The awards reception and fashion show will be held at the Florida Museum of Natural History on Museum Nights: November 8, 2007 from 5 to 9 PM.

For more information about the competition and event, visit: http://www.alachuacounty.us/go...s/trashformations.aspx.

For more information about the Recycle Runway fashion show, visit: www.colores.us/pulpfashion

Want to try on these awesome creations yourself? We need 18 females and 2 males to be models in the fashion show, preferably of sizes 4-10, but other sizes can be fitted. Models need to be at the Museum at 3 pm on November 8th for fitting before the show at 7 pm. Food will be provided. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to model these recycled fashions at the downtown art festival the following Saturday. Please contact Sara at lorien@ufl.edu if you are interested in being a model! No experience necessary!

 

The Gainesville Solar Tour will take place on Sunday, October 21, 2007 from 1pm to 5pm. It is sponsored by the American Solar Energy Society at UF and SolarCity Gainesville. The tour will begin at the University of Florida's Energy Research and Education Park at 2610 SW 23rd Terrace. It will showcase several "Greening My Life" testimonies and interactive demonstrations including solar thermal, solar electric, solar cooking, and other green technologies such as a hybrid vehicle and the solar powered ASES Photon. Sustainable technology businesses will also be present at the event. Some refreshments will be provided and also activities will be available for young children during the energy park portion. At 2:30pm, a tour will begin of a LEED certified building and several local residences implementing solar thermal or electric systems and other sustainable practices. Come find out how you can secure your energy future while lowering both your electric bill and impact on the environment.

Hope to see you there!

Nathan Mitten
Tour Coordinator and Photon Team Leader, ASES at UF Graduate Student Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering University of Florida

 

Special Seminar:
"Sustainable Engineering in the Service and Manufacturing Industries"

Mr. David H. Gustashaw
VP of Engineering, Interface Americas, Inc.

Mr. J.C. (Jack) Gustashaw
Senior VP, Middough Inc.

November 1, 2007, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
LG101A McKnight Brain Institute
(Reception to follow in 386 NEB)

David and Jack Gustashaw, brothers, UF Gator engineers, and vice presidents of their companies, will return to Gainesville to share their experiences in fostering sustainable approaches in their respective organizations. Middough Inc., where Jack Gustashaw (B.S. AgE, M.S. ME) serves as General Manager and Vice President, is a top United States architectural, engineering, and management firm that provides specialized design, technical, and management services worldwide. Interface Americas, Inc., where David Gustashaw (B.S. ME) serves as the Vice President of Engineering, is a leader in design, production and sales of modular carpet and a leading manufacturer and marketer of broadloom carpet, panel fabrics, and upholstery fabrics. Both corporations are leaders in sustainability. Help UF’s College of Engineering kick off the Homecoming Weekend celebration by attending this tandem presentation and learning from the Gustashaws how sustainability is successfully applied in the service and manufacturing sectors.

For more information, please contact Dr. Angela Lindner at angela.lindner@gmail.com.

 

The Environment, Science, and Policy Society will be hosting a showing of the award winning documentary, A Crude Awakening: the oil crash on Wednesday, November 14th at 7:30 PM at 1006 NE 12th Avenue. This event will also serve as a fundraiser for ESPS. We will be collecting donations and offering thank you gifts in the form of copies of the book Ignition: What you can do to fight global warming and spark a movement, tote bags, and homepopped popcorn while supplies last. Please come early and bring a friend.

For more information on A Crude Awakening, clcik HERE and Ignition, HERE

Distribution of Risk from Climate Change
An Energy Conservation Strategies Commission Special Presentation

Dr. Sam Brody, Texas A&M
Monday, November 19, Room 209, 4:30 ~ 5:30 PM
Alachua County Administration building, 12 SE 1st Street Gainesville, FL 32601

Using existing spatial data, multiple measures of climate change vulnerability, including expected temperature change, extreme weather events, and coastal proximity, as well as economic, demographic, and civic participation variables are analyzed to model a locality's socioeconomic capacity to commit to climate change policy initiatives.

Analysis of the data suggests that the relationship between actual and perceived risk is driven by specific types of physical conditions and experiences. These results provide important information to policy makers interested in mitigating the adverse impacts of global climate change on local communities.

Dr. Brody is an Associate Professor, Department of Landscape Architecture & Urban Planning, at Texas A&M University, and this research is a product of the Environmental Planning and Sustainability Research Unit (EPSRU).

This presentation is an initiative of the Alachua County Energy Conservation Strategies Commission (ECSC), and is open to the public. UF, County and City staff are encouraged to attend. For more information on this presentation, please contact Sean McLendon at ACEPD.

Sean McLendon
Administrative Coordinator
Alachua County Environmental Protection Department
352 264 6802 fax: 352 264 6852
smclendon@AlachuaCounty.US

 

Forest landowners, University of Florida and Environmental Defense team up to reduce carbon footprint

Vowing to make the UF vs. FSU game on November 24 a climate-neutral event, the Florida Forestry Association (FFA), University of Florida (UF) and Environmental Defense have teamed up to offset 1750 metric tons of carbon dioxide to be emitted into the Gainesville air on game day. The effort will be the first to offset greenhouse gases (GHG) created by a college football event.

The Florida Forestry Association worked with the UF’s Office of Sustainability and the International Carbon Bank and Exchange (ICBE) to calculate how much carbon would be emitted during the game. FFA contracted with UF’s School of Forest Resources and Conservation to determine how much carbon could be sequestered in a managed forest tract. Well-managed pine forests in Florida absorb and store carbon in wood and soil. The research, supported by Environmental Defense, provided guidance on measuring the carbon that can be captured and stored by forests. The final step was to determine how many acres would be needed to offset the emissions.

Read the attached event summary,Tackling Environmental Responsibility.

Dr. Valerie Lyons, Chief of the Power and In-Space Propulsion Division at NASA Glenn Research Center, will present a seminar on Monday, 12/10, at 4:00 PM in room 303 MAE-A. Her talk is entitled "Renewable Energy: NASA’s Contribution Past, Present, and Future." The talk is open to all interested parties.

Please join us for the Florida Institute for Sustainable Energy Seminar Series (http://www.energy.ufl.edu), presented by Dr. Juan Nino, Materials Science & Engineering:

"Towards Sustainability"

The seminar will be held Thursday, January 10, in the Reitz Union auditorium, from 2:00-3:00PM. Please see the attached abstract, which can also be found on the FISE website, http://www.energy.ufl.edu.

If you or your department is interested in presenting an energy related seminar to the larger Sustainable Energy community at UF, please notify Canan Balaban at cbalaban@ufl.edu.

We look forward to your participation.

 

You are invited to a LEED GOLD building case study. Please see the attached flyer for the time and place of the presentation.

Come and learn what goes into designing and building LEED GOLD building.

If you are working on a project or planning to build a LEED project, this is a perfect opportunity to see and hear from the project team what it takes to build green.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

We look forward to seeing you.

Bahar Armaghani,

LEED® Accredited Professional, LEED Faculty
Assistant Director & Project Manager

University of Florida
Facilities Planning and Construction
232 Stadium
P.O. Box 115050
Gainesville, FL 32611-5050

PH: 352-294-0080
Fax: 352-392-6378
barmagh@ufl.edu

Focus The Nation
A Day of United Learning About Climate Change Issues
January 31, 2008
UF Campus

January 30th
8pm: Web cast - The 2% Solution (Chapel House)

January 31st
11am-2pm: Climate Change and Alternative Fuel Awareness Fair (North Lawn)

3-4pm: Panel Discussion on the Science of Climate Change (Ustler Hall)

4-5:45pm: Political Forum - The Leadership of Climate Change (Ustler Hall)

6-8pm: Energy Debate (Ustler Hall)

Refreshments provided by Gator Dining Services
For more information and detials on the event, Click HERE

Webcast- Architecture 2030
January 30 7pm-8pm- The American Institute of Architecture Students hosts a viewing of "Architecture 2030" a short film that explores the abilities of architects in minimizing the effect of the built environment on the natural world. Through elements of design and technology, we can begin to reduce the amount of energy used to power a building with the eventual goal of carbon-neutrality by 2030. More information about Architecture2030 can be found at www.architecture2030.org. (McCarty C 100)

Critical Emerging Issues in Land Use and the Role of the Land Grant University

Soji Adelaja
John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor in Land Policy
Director of the Land Policy Institute (LPI)
Michigan State University

Wednesday, February 20, 2008
3:00 pm
Emerson Alumni Hall
President Room C

The nation’s leading land use scholar, Dr. Soji Adelaja, will discuss emerging trends and policy innovations in land use and the implications for Florida. Dr. Adelaja described Florida as "the best-positioned state in the nation to attract good growth and create the type of state it wants to be." He will also address the consequences of poor land use planning, its impact on agricultural, suburban and urban areas and how Florida can mitigate these challenges.

"Our old strategies in land use have not necessarily worked to build prosperous communities, but have in fact accelerated the erosion of various strategic advantages that American communities, cities, and states have," Adelaja explains. "We must focus on the principles of place making and the important role that the academic and planning communities play in building a sustainable state."

Dr. Adelaja is the John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor in Land Policy and Director of the Land Policy Institute (LPI) at Michigan State University. LPI is Michigan’s leading resource for policy makers in the growing struggle to balance growth and sustainability. http://www.landpolicy.msu.edu/

Mark your calendars! February 20 at 3:00PM in Emerson Alumni Hall (Presidents Room C).

For more about the Dr. Adelaja’s speech contact Patrick Heck at heckpt@ufl.edu or (352) 392-7622.

 

The Office of Sustainability, the Public Interest Environmental Conference, and ACCENT Present:

An Evening with Sheila Watt-Cloutier

Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Speech begins at 7:30pm (doors open at 7pm), Q & A at 8:30pm UF Reitz Union Grand Ballroom FREE and open to the public

Ms. Watt-Cloutier, a 2007 Nobel Peace Prize nominee, is an Inuit climate change and human rights activist, as well as a native of Northern Quebec, Canada. In 2005, she launched the world's first international legal action on climate change by submitting a petition with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, alleging that unchecked
emissions of greenhouse gases from the U.S. have violated Inuit cultural and environmental human rights in the Arctic.

Come hear a unique and powerful voice on one of the most pressing issues of our day! Ms. Watt-Cloutier offers an interdisciplinary perspective that is scientific, legal, cultural, and indigenous.

This event will kick-off the 14th Annual Public Interest Environmental Conference; for more info please visit www.ufpiec.org

For more information, please contact Andrew Beckington (abeck82@ufl.edu), Katherine Isaacs (katherine.isaacs@gmail.com), or Ryan Feinberg (rfgator@ufl.edu)

This event has been funded in part by SG, LCC, the Levin College of Law, PIEC, ACCENT, and the Office of Sustainability.

To find out more online, click HERE.

Symposium Purpose
The symposium will bring together scientists, engineers, academics, policy makers, water managers, industry representatives, lawyers, students and the public to:

Understand the relationships among challenges to water resources sustainability:
~ Population growth and land use change
~ Climate variability and climate change
~ Public health, wildlife health, ecosystem health

Explore solutions for pressing issues using science, technology, policy & education:
~ Water availability and allocation
~ Nutrient enrichment of surface, ground and coastal waters
~ Sources and impacts of emerging contaminants
~ Socioeconomic impacts of water resource decisions
~ Public perceptions, values, and attitudes toward water issues

Provide broad based recommendations to ensure water resources sustainability for Florida and beyond through:
~ Research
~ Education
~ New Technologies
~ Improved Policies

This symposium format is designed to encourage collaboration and ensure participants' involvement through dynamic and interactive panel sessions, seminars and town meetings.

The University of Florida Water Symposium will take place in conjunction with the 14th Annual Public Interest Environmental Conference. You may be interested in attending this conference as well. To register for the PIEC conference please visit their website directly: http://www.law.ufl.edu/piec/

To find out more, click HERE.

An Evening with Winona LaDuke- "Sustainability: An Indigenous Perspective"

March 1 at 7pm in the Reitz Union Rion Ballroom.

Winona LaDuke is an Anishinaabekwe (Ojibwe) enrolled member of the Mississippi Band Anishinaabeg who lives and works on the White Earth Reservations, and is the mother of three children. As Program Director of the Honor the Earth Fund, she works on a national level to advocate, raise public support, and create funding for frontline native environmental groups. She also works as Founding Director for White Earth Land Recovery Project.

In 1994, Winona was nominated by Time magazine as one of America's fifty most promising leaders under forty years of age. She has been awarded the Thomas Merton Award in 1996, the BIHA Community Service Award in 1997, the Ann Bancroft Award for Women's Leadership Fellowship, and the Reebok Human Rights Award, with which she began the White Earth Land Recovery Project.

A graduate of Harvard and Antioch Universities, Winona has written extensively on Native American and Environmental issues. She is a former board member of Greenpeace USA and serves, as co-chair of the Indigenous Women's Network, a North American and Pacific indigenous women's organization. In 1998, Ms. Magazine named her Woman of the Year for her work with Honor the Earth. Also in 1997, her first novel, "Last Standing Woman", was published by Voyager Press. In 1999, South End Press published "All Our Relations", a non-fiction book on Native environmental struggles. Both books are available through the Native Harvest catalog. Winona's editorials and essays have also been published numerous times in national and international journals and newspapers. Links to a few of her recent articles can be found at left.

In 1996 and 2000, she ran for election to the office of Vice President of the United States as the nominee of the United States Green Party, on the ticket headed by Ralph Nader.

For more information, contact Adam Recvlohe at arecvloh@ufl.edu

 

The UF Wildlife Societies 25th Annual Wild Game Dinner is this Saturday from 5-9pm! Beast Feast is shaping up to be an interesting event filled with great foods to tantalize and in some cases, TEST, your taste buds! Come and join us for an evening of great albeit strange foods and good friends. We will feature the usual venison, wild hogs, varieties of fish, snakes, ostrich and much more. As always we will have raffles and door prizes, games for all ages and live entertainment that will be sure to please.

Time is running out but tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Children ages 6-12 are just $6 each and kids below 6 eat free!

5-9pm at the UF Horse Teaching Unit (1934 sw 63rd Ave.)

Come and join us and help support the UF Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society!

See you Saturday! us either at ufwildlifesociety@gmail.com or rwsahw01@ufl.edu.

Would you like to become involved with the USGBC Heart of Florida Chapter and green building activity throughout the North Central Florida area, shown map below? Would you like to make a difference in the green building movement? Would you like to learn more about green buildings and LEED?

Why not join our Chapter to serve on the board or get involved in committees or just come by and see who we are and what we are all about? Take the lead on LEED! Contact us today and participate in our initiatives, planning sessions and green building projects.

Please see below call for nominations, you can submit application on line, visit our website at http://www.usgbc-heartofflorida.org

Call for Nominations – Deadline March 10, 2008!

Nominations are open for Board of Director positions of the USGBC – Heart of Florida Chapter.

If you would like to be considered for a position on the Board of Directors, please following the steps shown below. We must have your application no later than midnight, March 10, 2008.

Step 1 – Update membership information.

If you are a member of the Heart of Florida Chapter and your company is a corporate member of USGBC, then you are eligible to be a candidate for a position on the Board of Directors. Please make sure that your membership information is up to date in the USGBC data base. To do this, go to www.usgbc.org, sign in, then click on "Your Account." Edit the items as needed.

Step 2 – Complete application form.

Go to http://www.usgbc-heartofflorida.org/election1.html and down load the "Board Member Application." Fill in all sections, sign and date, attach a 1-page, single-sided resume, and fax to: 1 (703) 842-5562, Nominating Committee (a fax cover page is not needed).

Step 3 – Posting of Resumes

Your resume will be posted on the website for the benefit of the members who will be voting online or at the Annual Membership Meeting, March 31, 2008.

We thank you for your interest and support. Please take some time as soon as possible to complete these steps as the deadline of March 10 is coming soon.

The UF Water Institute is pleased to announce that Professor Sandra Zellmer will be the next speaker in the 2007-2008 Smallwood Distinguished Scholar Seminar Series.

Sandra Zellmer, Natural Resource and Water Law professor and Havelone Research Chair at the University of Nebraska College of Law

Seminar Title: The Anti-Speculation Doctrine in Water Law: Ghost-busting, Trust-busting, or Ensuring Reasonable, Beneficial Use?

Time: 3:00-4:00pm Thursday, March 27, 2008

Sandra Zellmer is Professor and Havelone Research Chair at the University of Nebraska College of Law in Lincoln, Nebraska, and a member scholar of the Center for Progressive Reform. Zellmer received her LL.M in environmental law from the George Washington University National Law Center, and her JD from the University of South Dakota School of Law. She teaches and writes about natural resources, water conservation and use, environmental law, property, and related topics. Prior to teaching, Zellmer was a trial attorney for the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, litigating public lands and environmental issues for various federal agencies. She also practiced law at Faegre & Benson in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and clerked for the Honorable William W. Justice, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas.

Professor Zellmer is available to meet with interested faculty and students the morning of March 27th. See agenda below:

10:30am -11:30am Roundtable discussion with interested faculty and students, Holland Hall Room 383

11:45am -1:45 pm Lunch meeting with Water Institute Faculty Advisory Committee, Weil Hall Room 307

3:00pm -4:00pm Seminar, Emerson Hall room 209

For more information, click HERE. or read Sandra Zellmer's abstract on the topic attached below.

Earth Month Events

April 15 - Sustainable Products Trade Show, 10am-2pm, Reitz Union Grand Ballroom. For more information contact UF Purchasing at (352) 392-1331 or purchasing@ufl.edu.

April 19 - Cultural Plaza Earth Day Festival and NATL Trail Opening- Saturday, 10am-4pm, UF Cultural Plaza. For more information, visit http://culturalplaza.ufl.edu/earthday.html.

April 19 - 20 - 5th Ave. Arts Festival and Earth Day Celebration, 10am-6pm, 6th Street, between University and NW 6th Ave. For more information, visit http://culturalartscoalition.org/.

April 20 - Family Friendly Green Fair, Free Admission, 12:30 - 3:00, Unitarian Universalist Fellowhip of Grainesville, 4225 NW 34th Street, For more information, contact Dorothy Burnham at dorothyburnham@netscape.net.

April 22 - UF Earth Day Celebration, 10am-2pm, Reitz Union North Lawn. For more information, contact Fae at cleanplanet2@ufl.edu.

"Let’s Get Physical" Art Exhibit Opening- Friday, April 4, 3-7pm. McCarty Storage Shed near McCarty Hall. For more information, contact Katerie Gladdys, kgladdys@ufl.edu, 352-392-0201.

BFA Dance Showcase- April 10-13, 7pm, Tickets 8$-University Box Office, Dance Studio G-6.

Earth Day Dining Hall Party at Fresh Food Co./Broward Dining
April 22, 5-8 pm

Cook-off competition between Gator Dining employees featuring local foods - come help judge their entrees and enjoy a delicious dinner! Event will feature prizes and giveaways, eco-trivia, and a tabling market of campus and community organizations.

For more information, visit www.gatordining.com.

In Marjorie's Wake
April 18th - April 24th

The Hipp's EARTH WEEK FILM

This fascinating Florida documentary re-creates a historic trip that Pulitzer-prize winning author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings once made on the river in 1933. Rawlings, encouraged and joined by her Cracker neighbor Dessie Smith, launched a small boat just south of the aptly-named "Puzzle Lake" southeast of Orlando.

 

The pair spent the next ten days navigating downstream on the river. The river
trip, chronicled as the "Hyacinth Drift" chapter in her book "Cross Creek", is Marjorie's attempt to find solace from the "hardships that seemed to me more than one could bear alone." It celebrates the cultural and ecological links that create a true "sense of place" – which in modern, fast growing Florida is a quest with a keen sense of urgency.

 

This film examines the many ways in which the St. Johns River of Florida has shaped culture's ”literature, art and music” over time. But it also reveals the challenges and
contrasts found in the modern trip of two modern-day river sojourners. One is Winter Park resident Leslie Kemp Poole, a writer, a teacher in the Environmental Studies Program at Rollins College, and a Ph.D. candidate in environmental history at the University of Florida.

 

The other is Jennifer Chase, a musician, song writer, playwright, and educator. The film attempts to help us understand the connection between people and place. Coming to grips with how others have been shaped by geography can help us appreciate the vital energies still available to us here.

 

These energies--hidden in the grace of our rivers, the magic of our springs, and the mystery of our unique wet-dry terrain--can inform our sensibilities. In the best of worlds, they may even lead us to some wisdom about the sustainability of land and water, of people and culture. 55mins/2008-Florida/NR

Showtimes
4/18 7 and 9 PM Fri
4/19 4:30, 7 and 9 PM Sat
4/20 2:30,5 and 7 PM Sun
Closed Mon
4/22 7 and 9 PM Tues
4/23 4:30, 7 and 9 PM Wed

Sustainable A l a c h u a C o u n t y, I N C O R P O R A T E D
Suwannee-St Johns Group
Women for Wise Growth

The above Environmental Groups are hosting this movie at the
Hippodrome State Theater in celebration of Earth Week.
You may found out more information about the above groups by going to
www.sustainac.org
www.womenforwisegrowth.orgnullwww.gatorsierra.org

April 10-13-UF dance performances centered on themes of sustaining eARTh

Dancers and choreographers of the College of Fine Arts School of Theatre and Dance and guests will present more than 20 original works exploring the boundaries and responsibilities of sustainability, challenging our potential and igniting the imagination in the biannual BFA Dance

What: Showcase- footprints at the University of Florida.
Where: G-06 Dance Studio at the Nadine McGuire Theatre & Dance Pavilion.
When: The series of programs runs-
Program A-7:00p.m. Apr. 10,12 and 13
Program B-4:00p.m. Apr. 12 and 13, 7:00 p.m. April 11
Program C-9:00p.m. Apr. 10
Special Spring-Break Youth Performance- 10:30 a.m. Apr. 11

Tickets are on sale now for $8 at the University Box Office at 352-392-1653 or reserve them at www.ticketmaster.com.

The College of Fine Arts

More Information: The event, the primary outlet for BFA dance majors to showcase their choreographic works, is directed by Kelly Drummond Cawthon and inspired by the themes of sustaining eARTh and community.

 

Highlights include a guest artist performance by Shapiro & Smith Dance (Minneapolis), senior BFA dance majors performing senior solos in performance by guest artist choreographers Earl Moseley (NYC), Tami Stromach (Israel/ NYC) and alumni choreographer Colette Krogol (NYC), College Exchange Program guest performance by Valencia Community College, performances by internationally acclaimed UF faculty including Kelly Drummond Cawthon, Neta Pulvermacher, Ric Rose, Isa Garcia-Rose,
Mohammed DaCosta, Tiza Garland & Rusti Brandman.

Alachua County Forever's Mill Creek Preserve. A ribbon cutting ceremony to formally open the preserve will be held on Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 2 p.m. at the preserve entrance on CR 236, one-half mile west of the CR 241 junction in northwest Alachua County.

Commissioners will be joined by County Manager Randall H Reid and staff of the Environmental Protection Department. There will be an opportunity for interviews and photos. Attendees may hike the trails after the opening ceremony.

Mill Creek Preserve was the first acquisition of the Alachua County Forever Program and will be the first preserve managed by the County. Alachua County Forever is the $29 million local land conservation program approved by the voters in 2000. To date, it has conserved over 13,000 acres.

For more information about Alachua County Forever and Mill Creek, please go to www.alachuacounty.us/government/depts/epd/land/ or call Ramesh Buch at 352-264-6800.

 

Culture Seminar: Calvin DeWitt, Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison
"Environmental Studies as a Nexus for Recovery from Fragmentation in Higher Education"
4:00 pm, Keene Center (Dauer Hall) - University of Florida

Calvin DeWitt is Professor of Environmental Studies at the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research interests include integrative framing of science, ethics, and praxis in the development of solutions to environmental problems. Professor DeWitt also works on sustainability of wetlands, stewardship of land, and ongoing institutional, organizational, and philosophical convergence to work toward long-term sustainability of eco-systems and the biosphere. He is also the Founding Director of the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies and Co-founder of the International Evangelical Environmental Network.

Calvin DeWitt will also be speaking on Monday, April 7 at 7:30 pm at the Christian Study Center as the final session of the series on "Technology and Local Ecological Health."

 

April 10-13-UF dance performances centered on themes of sustaining eARTh

Dancers and choreographers of the College of Fine Arts School of Theatre and Dance and guests will present more than 20 original works exploring the boundaries and responsibilities of sustainability, challenging our potential and igniting the imagination in the biannual BFA Dance

What: Showcase- footprints at the University of Florida.
Where: G-06 Dance Studio at the Nadine McGuire Theatre & Dance Pavilion.
When: The series of programs runs-

Program A-7:00p.m. Apr. 10,12 and 13
Program B-4:00p.m. Apr. 12 and 13, 7:00 p.m. April 11
Program C-9:00p.m. Apr. 10

Special Spring-Break Youth Performance- 10:30 a.m. Apr. 11

Tickets are on sale now for $8 at the University Box Office at 352-392-1653 or reserve them at www.ticketmaster.com.

The College of Fine Arts

More Information: The event, the primary outlet for BFA dance majors to showcase their choreographic works, is directed by Kelly Drummond Cawthon and inspired by the themes of sustaining eARTh and community.

Highlights include a guest artist performance by Shapiro & Smith Dance (Minneapolis), senior BFA dance majors performing senior solos in performance by guest artist choreographers Earl Moseley (NYC), Tami Stromach (Israel/ NYC) and alumni choreographer Colette Krogol (NYC), College Exchange Program guest performance by Valencia Community College, performances by internationally acclaimed UF faculty including Kelly Drummond Cawthon, Neta Pulvermacher, Ric Rose, Isa Garcia-Rose, Mohammed DaCosta, Tiza Garland & Rusti Brandman.

 

SFCC Celebrates the Planet for 2008 EarthWeek

Santa Fe Community College is committed to making sustainable improvements to its campus. The college recently added 100 new indoor bins to expand its recycling program, installed more energy efficient cooling towers in its chiller plant, install a 00-gallon solar thermal hot water system in the gym in May.

Due to energy-efficient enhancements, SFCC used less energy in the 2006-2007 school year (14,802,960 KWH) than it did in the 2004-2005 school year (15,616,800 KWH) despite adding 45,000 additional square feet of classrooms. This is a downward trend we want to continue!

The college also recently added sustainability statements to its Mission and Goals:

Values
- Sustainable use of environmental, social, and economic resources

Goals
- Sustainability Education and Operations
Create, develop, and enhance programs to reduce waste, conserve energy and green space, protect water resources, and promote wellness of students, faculty, and staff

2008 EarthWeek events are being organized across campus by Student Life and Activities, Saints for Sustainability (the student sustainability group), Scientific Exploration Society, Visual and Performing Arts, and Sustainable Santa Fe, the college-wide sustainability committee comprised of staff, faculty, and students.

SFCC 2008 EarthWeek Events

Environmental Speaker Night - SFCC Professor David Tegeder presents "Ditch of Dreams: A History of the Ocklawaha River and the Cross Florida Barge Canal," 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 16 in Building S, room 326-327; sponsored by Students for Environmental Harmony. Contact: Craig Gillikin, 395-5123

Chill Out - Live broadcast featuring positive, practical solutions to global warming being implemented at higher education campuses around the country; 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 16 in Building S, room 29/30; discussion afterward about sustainability projects at SFCC; refreshments and CFLs for participants. Sponsored by the Scientific Exploration Society, Saints for Sustainability, Phi Theta Kappa, Students for Environmental Harmony and the Herpetology Club. Contact Johanna Wilkes, 941-256-4377, or Rebecca Rogers, 395-5174

Party for the Planet - Focus on amphibian conservation at the SFCC Teaching Zoo; fun activities for kids, including creature crafts, toad abodes, and wildlife games; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 19. Admission is $4 for adults and $3 for children and seniors. Contact Tarah Jacobs, 395-7358

Student Life and Activities has invited GRU to campus on Monday, April 21. They’ll be on the first floor of Building S, 9-11 a.m., giving out energy conservation info and free CFLs.

Easy Green for Earth Day - 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, April 22 in and around the Santa Fe Gallery, Building M, room 147. Recycled Art Show, sidewalk chalk drawing contest, Earth Dancers, live music, poetry, canvas bag decorating, tables by local enviro groups, free CFLs, and fresh, local food. Sponsored by Sustainable Santa Fe, Saints for Sustainability, Student Life and Activities, and Visual and Performing Arts. Contact Julie Garrett, 395-5430 (office) or 870-2924 (cell)

Watson Center Earth Day Road Clean Up - 9:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 22 in Keystone Heights. Beautify the campus and surrounding community by picking up trash and recyclables along SR 21-A. Prizes to the team with the most bags. Contact Jennifer Pritchett, 381-3679

Second Annual Watson Center Science Expo - Science displays, speakers, info about science careers, free refreshments, 2-5 p.m. Wednesday, April 23 in Keystone Heights. Contact Angela Dobberfuhl, 381-3658

Planting for the Planet – Help plant perennials and butterfly plants and beautify our campus landscaping, noon-2 p.m. on the west or south side of G Building (depending on when you come by). Bring hand tools, gardening gloves, etc. Contact Marilyn Escue, 381-3820 or marilyn.escue@sfcc.edu.

Freecycle Market - Got stuff? Give it away! Need stuff? Pick it up for free! Come freecycle 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, April 23 at the Freecycle Market in the Building S Breezeway. Contact Lucy Paltoo, 381-3660

Kickstand Bike Fair - Free bicycle repair and bike safety info provided by the Gainesville Community Bicycle Project, known as The Kickstand, plus local bike shops such as Bikes and More will bring bikes to campus for you to take for a spin, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, April 24 in the Oak Grove. Contact Andy Lievertz, 395-5815 or andy.lievertz@sfcc.edu

Conservation Contest – All day on Thursday, April 24, SFCC students can enter a contest at the S-147 front desk. Anyone who takes a quiz on conservation gets a water bottle with the correct answers inside. This event is sponsored by Student Life and Activities.

Go Paperless Challenge – Friday, April 25, in recognition of Earth Week, the Center for Student Leadership & Activities is attempting to go an entire work day without using any new paper: no printing or photocopying. On Friday, April 25, we will re-engineer our processes to serve students AND to conserve paper. We challenge other college departments to take the challenge with us and make a difference on campus and in our community. Contact Dan Rodkin if your department/unit will accept the challenge, 395-4171.

Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society - A healthy environment creates a healthy human population. Florida has the second-highest number of new cases of cancer in the United States. This is why SFCC will be participating in the Relay for Life, the major fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, 6 p.m. Friday, April 25 through Saturday, April 26 at the SFCC Track. The Sustainable Santa Fe team will represent Ireland, taking green to a new level with Irish food and beverages and a plant sale in celebration of Arbor Day.

Contact Barbara Little, 381-3850 or barabara.little@sfcc.edu for more information.

Florida Museum of Natural History, 10 am - 3 pm. Call 352-846-2000 for more information.

The University of Florida will recognize Dr. Claudio Padua (MA in Latin American Studies, PhD in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation) with its Distinguished Alumnus Award. Dr. Padua – one of Brazil’s foremost academics – is recognized internationally for his local, national, and international efforts in the field of biodiversity conservation. In 2002 he was selected by Time Magazine, together with his wife Dr. Suzana Padua (also an alumnus of UF’s Center for Latin American Studies), as one of the planet’s "Conservation Heroes." The Outstanding Alumnus award will be presented at the 2008 Spring CALS Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony (May 2nd, 3:30 p.m., O'Connell Center).

Dr. Padua will be presenting a public lecture April 30 at 4 pm in the Keene Faculty Center, with a reception to follow – please save the date.

If you are interested in meeting with Claudio or Suzana during their trip to UF, please let Dr. Bruna know via email (embruna@ufl.edu); there are currently slots available April 29-May 1. I particularly encourage graduate students to meet with them – both have a wealth of experience in the conservation and academic arenas and this is a wonderful opportunity to get their perspectives on your both your research and career goals. For more information on their current conservation and educational efforts you can visit www.ipe.org.br. I also attach biographies of both below.

Earth Day Movie-"GO Further" with Woody Harrelson"

Host: Gators for a Sustainable Campus
When: TONIGHT, Monday, April 21 at 8:00pm
Where: Reitz Union Auditorium