2014 ILMA Conference

2014 Chicago Wilderness Congress

Register for the 2014 Chicago Wilderness Congress Natural Allies: Partners in Conservation
Thursday, April 3, 2014
University of Illinois at Chicago Forum

The 2014 Chicago Wilderness Congress is fast-approaching! Themed “Natural Allies: Partners in Conservation,” Congress will highlight diverse conservation partnerships among nonprofits, health organizations, cultural institutions, faith-based organizations, government agencies, and other groups that are critical partners in regional conservation.

Take advantage of opportunities for collaboration, build new partnerships, and make connections to help secure a thriving and healthy Chicago region for both people and nature:

• Learn from over 100 presenters at breakout sessions, roundtables, and the new "Breakfast of Champions" program
• Hear inspiring keynote John Francis speak about his journey 
• Participate in the Congress mentor program which connects students and professionals  
• Network at the evening reception featuring cuisine from Chicago's ethnic restaurants and live music, thanks to the Chicago Cultural Alliance

If that's not enough to entice you to register, Congress 2014 will feature four 60-minute Leave No Child Inside presentations. 

• Connecting the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders: Successes and Challenges in the CW Context
• Nature Play Areas: Benefits, Challenges and Evaluation
• Creating, Adapting, Sharing: Maximizing Effectiveness of Outdoor Spaces for Nature Play
• Visiting Your Local Forest Preserve or Nature Center? There's an App for That! Lessons Learned by Three Chicago Wilderness Member Organizations
   

The deadline for early, discounted registration is February 28. Save $15 and register today!

Help spread the word about Congress by forwarding this email or sharing on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter using #CWCongress2014.
   
Congress 2014 is presented by the Chicago Wilderness Corporate Council with generous support from University of Illinois at Chicago Institute for Environmental Science and Policy, US Fish & Wildlife Service, and USDA Forest Service. 

NIU Social Impact Summit

Social Impact Summit Sponsored by Product Development Technologies (PDT)

Event to be held at the following time, date, and location:

Friday, April 4, 2014 from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM (CDT) Northern Illinois University Barsema Alumni and Visitor's Center 231 North Annie Glidden Road DeKalb, IL 60115 View Map

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Get fired up! The Collegiate Association of Unreasonable Social Entrepreneurs (CAUSE) is ecstatic to announce that we're hosting the second annual Social Impact Summit on Friday, April 4, 2014 at the Barsema Alumni and Visitor’s Center at Northern Illinois University. We created the SIS to connect those who are interested in building businesses that make money and make the world a better place.  Check out our highlight video of the 2013 Social Impact Summit to get a taste of what it's all about. 3 Unreasonable Reasons You Need to Register Today: 1. Our lineup of 11 rockstar social entrepreneurs  2. A chance to win $500 in Pitch with a CAUSE 3. Breakfast AND lunch is included (for only $6 for student tickets; $20 for non-students) Including Speakers From: We can't wait to see you there! Connect with NIU CAUSE on Social Media:      Big Shoutout to our Unreasonable Sponsors!

2014 Summer Institute on Sustainability and Energy: Urban Energy

The annual Summer Institute on Sustainability and Energy workshop to be held August 6 to 20 in Chicago.  All applicants accepted into the program receive lodging support for the duration of the 2-week program, and some meals will be provided on weekdays. Many will receive partial support for travel costs.

We are now accepting applications and will continue to do so until July 1.  We welcome all graduate students and senior-level undergraduates from all academic disciplines to apply. Applicants will need to submit an online application form, their resume, and three recommendation letters for consideration. All this information can be found at our website (http://sise.phy.uic.edu) and in the attached flyer/information pack.

Careers with a Cause

NIU Community Engagement Showcase

Employment at Yosemite

Two important messages from DNC Parks and Resorts at Yosemite.  Good news for job-seekers!

 

1.  DNC is accepting applicants for the permanent Interpretive Services Coordinator position for one more week (closing March 1). The contact for this position is Kara Stella at 209-372-1257. kstella@dncinc.com

 

2. We are also opening our seasonal Naturalist 1 and 2 positions for this summer.  Both these positions will close March 1. The contact for this position is Alexis Sohlden at 209-372-8243. asohlden@dncinc.com

Northwestern Law

New opportunities to study abroad in a tropical, English speaking country

Studying abroad close to home with plenty of hands-on experience with animals is great for students who haven’t studied abroad before.  The Institute for Sustainable International Studies, ISIS Belize, offers animal science courses over the summer in English speaking Belize. Our courses offer experiences on farms, in the jungle, at wildlife rescue clinics, the Belize Zoo and in the Caribbean Sea. 

For full details on our courses and the syllabus for each course, please click on the links below to our website at www.isisbelize.com.  Class sizes are limited to 12 students to provide the best learning experience.

• Large Animal Veterinary Practices in the Tropics
• Wildlife Medicine, Biology and Conservation
• Tropical Marine Conservation Biology
• NEW! Ornithology in the Tropics: Birds of Belize
• NEW! Global Health: Biology, Medicine and Public Health in the Tropics

Our summer 2013 students had this to say:

“I was able to get hands on experience and understand a different way of life. The course helped me to discover what it means to be a wildlife rehabilitator- the pros and cons.” S. O., Pennsylvania

“…quick, but intensive course with opportunities to develop clinical skills with most domestic animals. At the same time, students get to experience life in a developing country and veterinary experiences apart from the US.”  A. G., Michigan

“… if you have absolutely any interest in sustainable development, marine biology, ecotourism, biology in general, environmental studies in general, or just like nature, there is absolutely no reason not to take this course because you will only become more passionate about those things”  A. S., Washington

Summer sessions run through June and July and are designed for students to take courses back to back for six credits and a month in Belize. A two week course is $2675 and the two course session is $4,225*.  Airfare is not included.  Application forms are available on the ISIS website. Transcripts are issued from Sacred Heart College in San Ignacio, Belize or for those students needing transcripts from a US university, click here for details.  If summer doesn’t work, we offer these same classes during the winter break, December 26 – January 7.

Cynthia Reece, our Program Director for ISIS, can respond to questions related to housing, logistics, course costs, credit transfers and other details.

Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Internship

Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant announces the following positions for the 2014 Summer Student Internship Program.   Successful applicants will spend 12 weeks working closely with a Sea Grant specialist on issues affecting the Great Lakes. Internships include research, communications and outreach components. Applicants will also have the opportunity to participate in activities outside of their specific internship duties.

For 2013, internships are available in the following areas:

-          Economics Analysis

-          Fisheries

-          Human Dimensions of Natural Resources

-          Sustainable Communities Extension Program

-          Water Supply Planning

Interns will be paid $10-$12/hour for 37.5 hours per week. Some travel and/or weekend work may be expected. Interns are responsible for the cost of housing plus transportation to and from their work place. Work-related travel will be funded by the Sea Grant host. Applications packets are due on March 10, 2014. Successful applications will be notified of their acceptance by early April 2014. Internships are expected to start May 19, 2014 and end August 8, 2014. Starting dates are flexible.

All questions should be directed to Angela Archer at amcbride@purdue.edu or 765-496-3722.  For more information on the internship program, please visit:  http://www.iiseagrant.org/funding/internship.html

Film Showing of Chasing Ice: Climate Change and Our Future

Film Showing of Chasing Ice: Climate Change and Our Future

If you care about the issue of climate change, if you want the real facts, want to know what is at stake, and what you can do; then you will want to attend the showing of Chasing Ice.

Sunday February 16^th at 2pm, the Uintarian Universalist of DeKalb Social Justice and Outreach ministry is holding a free, and open to the public showing of the film, followed by a discussion.

This award-winning film was viewed at the White House by President Obama and helps dispel the myths around climate change discussions. Chasing Ice is the story of one man’s mission to change the tide of history by gathering undeniable evidence of our changing planet. The acclaimed photographer, James Balog was once a skeptic about climate change, but through his Extreme Ice Survey, he discovers undeniable evidence of our changing planet. Chasing Ice reveals Balog’s beautiful multi-year time lapse videos of vanishing glaciers across the Artic, all while delivering hope for our planet. The film was an academy award nominee, and 2012 Sundance film festival winner.

On the weekend of Valentine’s Day, clergy, lay leaders, and other people of faith across the nation will speak and discuss their concern for our planet. The events are being coordinated by Interfaith Power and Light, a religious response to global warming. The showing of the film will be part of the “National Preach-In on Climate Change Weekend.” The event will include an opportunity to join thousands of others around the nation who share a concern for the effects of climate change. “Preach-In postcards (Valentines) to U.S. Senators will be available.

“We want to provide an opportunity for a public showing and a thoughtful discussion about the issue of global warming. So many factors point that this is a crucial time in the history of our planet, and if we don’t address the contributing factors, it may soon be too late to turn back the tide of the changes which are taking place.” said Dan Kenney, organizer of the event.

If you have questions contact, Dan Kenney 815-793-0950, or dkenney53@hotmail.com  

Spring 2014 Speakers

Summer Job Opportunity

The Nachusa Grasslands are now accepting applications. These are excellent entry level positions. 

Six openings. Deadline 2/26. Very competitive.

https://careers.nature.org/psp/P91HTNC_APP/APPLICANT/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_CE.GBL

Under the supervision of the Nachusa Grasslands Project Director and Restoration ecologist, Restoration Technicians are needed for prairie and savanna management and restoration at Nachusa Grasslands, a 3,300 acre preserve near Dixon, IL.  Technicians will work with a crew to remove invasive species and hand-collect native seeds.  We hand harvest seed to restore agricultural lands back to high diversity prairie, wetlands, and savanna on site.  These are great opportunities to learn about plants and animals, and natural areas management with an emphasis on ecological restoration. Bison will be reintroduced to the preserve in the fall of 2014. Therefore, Technicians may partake in fence building and fence removal along with maintaining and cleaning buildings, setting up for events for visitors and members, running errands, and repairing equipment.  Applicants should be able to work well with groups of people in the field. Course work in ecology or experience with natural area restoration is a plus.  A bachelor degree is preferred.  Interesting, educational, and challenging outside work at a dynamic restoration project.  This is a great entry level position to learn what it really takes to do natural areas management and restoration.  This is a full-time job, short term position.  $9.00 / Hour.  Includes nice clean on-site housing, high speed internet available at Headquarters; no pets.

Summer Field Course

SUMMER FIELD COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT

Colorado Ecosystem Field Studies & a new summer Caribbean Ecosystem Field Studies

Now accepting applications!

Latino Empowerment Conference

Dress for Success & Clothing Expo

Job and Internship Announcement

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Plow Creek Farm (www.plowcreekfarm.com) is seeking three interns to join their team for the 2014 growing season.  

Plow Creek Farm is connected with Plow Creek Fellowship (www.plowcreek.org), a Mennonite affiliated Christian Community located in NW Illinois, about 2 hours west of Chicago. We are primarily a berry operation, with strawberries and blueberries being our two largest crops. We also have smaller plantings of raspberries, blackberries, cantaloupe, watermelon, tomatoes, garlic, winter squash, potatoes and other vegetables. We alo have a small herd of grass-fed cattle, raise geese to help weed our strawberries, and are planning on raising pastured pork this year. We sell our products through our u-pick operation, roadside market stand, farmers markets, and wholesaling. We follow organic practices and are in the process of becoming Certified Naturally Grown. 

Our intern program is based on full time farm work. Most of the educational aspects of the program will take place out in the field through the daily hands on work that running a farm requires.  This includes planting, weeding, harvesting, processing (we process many of our berries into jam) and selling at farmer’s markets. Interns will also be involved in helping to run the farm’s strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry u-pick operation.   There will also be opportunities for more structured learning on topics related to organic agriculture (soil management, organic fertility, weed control, crop rotation, cover crops, marketing, etc.) during weekly meetings.

The internship runs from the beginning of May through September. A typical work-week is between 40-45 hours. Work days are usually 8 hours Monday to Friday, half day on Saturdays, and off on Sundays.  Interns will accrue one vacation day for every month they work on the farm.

Compensation includes $700/month, on site housing with use of a kitchen and high speed internet, and fruit and vegetables produced on the farm.

To apply, please send a resume, two professional references, and a brief description of your farming experience and why you are interested in working on on the farm to intern@plowcreek.org . Please feel free to send any questions about the position to the same address. For a full description of the internship program and more information about our farm go to www.plowcreek.org/farm/intern.htm.

Local Conference Opportunities

Chicago Wilderness Congress 2014 
Natural Allies: Partners in Conservation

Thursday, April 3, 2014
University of Illinois at Chicago Forum

http://www.chicagowilderness.org/what-you-can-do/attend-congress-2014/

More opportunities listed at Chicago Wilderness

Wetland Soil Scientist job

https://jobs.illinois.edu/academic-job-board/job-details?jobID=38516&job=wetland-soil-specialist-division-of-illinois-natural-history-survey-a1400007

Spring 2014 Speaker Series

Students, interested in potential research opportunities exist on campus to enhance your academic career?  Faculty, inquisitive as to what collaborations might exist for future grant applications and research on campus?  Campus staff, curious as to what research is being conducted on your campus?

The Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability, and Energy (ESE Institute) invites you to join them for their spring semester “Brown Bag Lunch Speaker Series”.  Three Associate Faculty members will proudly highlight their current research, educating attendees about their interdisciplinary research.  Two of the topics that you can expect to learn about are “Environmental Accountability at the State Level: Local Air Quality and Public Opinion” on February 7^th, 2014 and “Cross-border Water Use & Conservation” on February 28^th, 2014.  The ESE Institute hopes to foster collaboration between faculty members and provide students with the opportunity to get involved with this on-going “Brown Bag Lunch Speaker Series”.

Please join us at Davis Hall, room 116 from 12:00-1:00pm on three Fridays this semester, February 7^th, February 28^th, and March 28^th. 

Announcing the 2013-2014 Richard H. Jahns Distinguished Lecturer

Announcing the 2013-2014 Richard H. Jahns Distinguished Lecturer

Gregory (Greg) L. Hempen, PhD, PE, RG, has been named the 2013-2014 Richard H. Jahns Distinguished Lecturer in Applied Geology.  The lectureship is awarded jointly by the Environmental and Engineering Geology Division (EEGD) of the Geological Society of America [GSA (awarded at the Denver Annual Meeting, 29 OCT 2013)] and the Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists [AEG (awarded at the Seattle Annual Meeting, 11 SEP 2013)].  The purpose of the lectureship is to promote student awareness of Applied Geology.  The Jahns’ Lectureship has been jointly awarded annually since 1988. 

Please consider helping Greg to contact potentially interested University Geology (Environmental, Geological and Geotechnical Engineering) Departments and professional groups for the topic presentations noted below.  (Abstracts are be available online via AEG & GSA or from Greg.)  Greg is interested in visiting several nearby Geology Departments during a week’s regional travels for about twelve separate weekly trips during academic sessions through October 2014.  Please contact Greg (Greg.Hempen@URS.com or 314-743-4136) to discuss a presentation for your organization. 

Hello???  Are you ready for the Big One?  The presentation discusses the application of recent research to the paleoseismic and historic events of the New Madrid Seismic Zone.  The talk considers some actions to inform the public of appropriate preparedness in that region. 

Kaboom!  (or whoosh?)   The talk considers the application of mitigation research at unusual blasting sites, such as a Natural Gas pipeline near a quarry, removal of the Embrey Dam (Rappahannock River near Fredericksburg, VA), and blasting of submerged, or near waterside, structures. 

What’s my line?  Site assessment!  The presentation on the applied geologist’s most important duty, site assessment, develops how geophysics may advance the information at a site and reduce the risk of unanticipated site conditions. 

You’re going to drink THAT water?!  The talk weighs the challenges of reducing Groundwater Impacts at Old, Low-level Radioactive Waste Sites.  The issues are not only the problem of assessing waste transit, but also convincing the public of what is known and unknown, and of a detailed, proper remediation. 

Greg is a Geophysicist / Geological Engineer, consulting for URS Corporation’s St. Louis Office.  During his entire career, Greg has held only one title, Geophysicist.  He specializes in all types of vibration mitigation from earthquakes, blasting and pile driving, and recommending appropriate geophysical studies for complex sites.  His 40+-year career includes a long tenure at, and retirement from, the St. Louis District, Corps of Engineers. 

Greg has conducted business for all levels of government, federal, state and local.  He had worked closely with consulting firms managing studies on federal projects.  He now works in the private sector, but continues studies for federal and state offices.  His duties have included: site assessment of dam sites, regional earthquake studies for federal dam sites, probabilistic and deterministic appraisal of potential earthquake impacts, varied geophysical studies for different projects’ concerns (from archeological to environmental transport to groundwater to rock weaknesses), blast mitigation while effectively achieving the blasting goal, environmental mitigation, and the dreaded – “other duties, as assigned.” 

Greg received a B.S. in Geophysical Engineering from St. Louis University, a M.S. in Geo-Engineering from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and a Ph.D. in Geological Engineering from the University of Missouri - Rolla (now Missouri University of Science & Technology).  He is a Registered Professional Engineer in Missouri and Registered Professional Geologist in Arkansas and Missouri. 

Greg has authored a variety of publications, which share the understanding of procedures instead of keeping proprietary control of methodologies.  Greg has been an adjunct professor at all the engineering universities in the St. Louis area.  He has taught Environmental Science classes and Geotechnical Engineering courses.  His longest running class was offered once a year, “Seismology and Seismic Design” (CE 530A), Civil Engineering Department, Washington University of St. Louis, 1989 to 2004.  Greg had taught at several Corps of Engineers’ professional training courses. 

Several causes have gained Greg’s attention over the years.  He has long been active with AEG (President, 1989-1990), and GSA’s EEGD.  He had a minor role in developing the administration of the Jahns’ Lectureship.  He is also active with several other professional organizations.  Greg has been involved with the pursuit of several important public issues, including Geologists’ Registration, public disaster preparedness, and building-code adoption.  He has served on state commissions, and is presently serving on two Missouri State organizations.  

Some of the accolades that Greg has received are: the Otto Nuttli Award from the St. Louis Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers, October 2011; a Professional (Honorary) Degree from Missouri University of Science & Technology, December 2010; award with the Army and Corps team for the Embrey Dam removal, May 2004; Johnston Service Award from AEG, October 2002; Achievement Medal for Civil Service, December 1998; and, 1991 Regional Outstanding Engineer from the Missouri River Region of the Society of American Military Engineers.

Several Opportunities, part 2

Research Experience for Undergraduates

The focus of the NIU Operation Etank program is in 4 Es areas – energy, environment, with aspects to ethics and economy incorporated into broader problems and related to the broader issue of sustainability. Operation Etank is NIU’s summer Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) program. Students involved in the program will be mentored by faculty members having wide-ranging backgrounds in relevant research areas, but their overall learning experience will include a number of opportunities to relate sustainability issues to their research projects. The NIU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology have a long history of working together on collaborative STEM projects and funded research. As such, the faculty members understand the need for engagement and teamwork. This technical knowledge combined with the ability to blend teamwork and presentation skills will allow Operation ETank to provide a wide range of research skills and projects for the students involved.

The eight week long intensive summer program on the NIU campus runs from June 16 through August 8, 2014. Each student will receive free housing on campus—and be paid a stipend of $4,657. To be eligible to apply, students must have at least 60 earned credit hours, a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and be citizens or permanent residents of the United States.

Application Deadline: March 3, 2014 by 4:30pm CST.

Program website: www.niu.edu/reu

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Over the past two years, the Elmhurst Garden Club has awarded more than $25,000 in scholarships to college and university students who are pursuing a major in environmental studies, plant biology, horticulture, conservation, or a related field of study.  We have been pleased to support these students and further interest and research in preserving our natural resources and beautifying and protecting the environment which is part of our mission statement. 

We are again offering a scholarship to your students.  We would be grateful if you would post our scholarship application on your web site and any other board that would alert them to this opportunity. The deadline this year is May 1, 2014.  Students will send a completed application directly to me at my address listed below. 

Funds for this scholarship are earned through our Garden Walk which is held the second Sunday in July.  You are welcome to join us.

We are grateful for your support and thank you for encouraging your students to apply.

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JOB DESCRIPTION

Outdoor Education Intern

Lorado Taft Field Campus

Northern Illinois University

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
WORK ACTIVITIES

Reporting to the Environmental Education Coordinator, this person is primarily responsible for the instruction of resident environmental education experiences for elementary and middle school groups at Lorado Taft Campus, Oregon, Illinois.  This person works closely with other staff to develop and deliver outdoor education programs.  This person assists other staff in the care and improvement of a project area.  This person will also be responsible for creating an educational display for a classroom bulletin board.

Training programs include, but are not limited to, Taft Campus policies and procedures, writing lesson plans, group management techniques, observing seasoned educators, and co-teaching.

             

1.      Create and deliver lessons to elementary and middle school students.

2.     Research relevant information regarding Taft programs in order to have the necessary background knowledge to teach classes on topics such as ecology, cultural history, outdoor skills, and team building.

3.      Participate in training activities and weekly staff meetings.

4.      Assist staff in overseeing project areas.

5.      Research and create a relevant, educational display for a classroom bulletin board.

6.      Opportunities for other projects exist as time allows.

REQUIRED SKILLS

High school diploma or equivalent.  Prior experience working with youth in a role such as a camp counselor, mentor, teacher, or coach.  Must possess the desire to work primarily outdoors, in all kinds of weather conditions.  Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to represent Taft Campus and NIU in a knowledgeable and professional manner are essential.  A high degree of initiative, mature judgment, and a strong work ethic required.  A pre-employment criminal background investigation is required.

PREFERRED SKILLS

Prior experience working in a similar environment (outdoor/environmental education facility, summer camp, nature center) preferred.

WORK HOURS

15-20 hours/week.  Weekly schedule varies based on the needs of the schools on site.  Some evenings required.

COMPENSATION

$10/hour.  A private, furnished room is provided.   Meals when the dining hall is in operation. 

Several Opportunities, part 1

Field trip around the New Madrid fault zone in late March.  You don't need to be a geologist to get a lot from this field trip.

March 28-30, 2014

 
http://www.niu.edu/clasep/specialevents/earthquake/index.shtml 
The cost is $300 for students and $350 for everyone else.  The cost includes EVERYTHING: transportation, lodging, and food.  Dr. Melissa Lenczewski will be taking a van from NIU to Cahokia and leaving on March 28th around 11:30am.

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Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) at the Center for Coastal & Ocean Mapping, University of New Hampshire CCOM-SURF

The Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping (CCOM) at the University of New Hampshire is a national center for excellence for the development of state-of-the-art ocean mapping technologies and for training the next generation of ocean mappers.

CCOMs Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program is designed to create research experiences for undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing graduate work. SURF is aimed primarily at students who are working toward a degree in science, engineering, or math and are completing their junior year.

Students accepted into the program will spend up to 10 intensive weeks (normally early-June to mid-August) working under the guidance of a CCOM faculty member.

They will conduct research related to acoustics, bathymetric mapping, habitat mapping, lidar, marine geology and geophysics, optical imaging, sonar signal processing, or data visualization. Research activities may include laboratory experiments, field work, a research cruise, data analysis, model development, or instrument development. The research conducted by all fellows will be presented to CCOM at the end of the summer, and summarized in a written report. Students who are awarded a fellowship will receive a stipend, on-campus room and board, and travel assistance.

How to Apply
Students should submit the following:
a current transcript indicating their GPA a list of courses in which they are currently enrolled two letters of recommendation from faculty at their home institution a short essay (one to two pages) outlining their research interests and reasons for applying for the SURF
Submissions should be in PDF format and sent to surf@ccom.unh.edu.
Applications must be received by March 1.
Applicants will be informed of the selection committees decision by April 1.

For more information about CCOM-SURF, visit
Applications must be received by March 1.
Applicants will be informed of the selection committees decision by April 1.
For more information about CCOM-SURF, visit www.ccom.unh.edu/surf

For more information about CCOM, visit

For more information about CCOM, visit www.ccom.unh.edu 

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