The Earth Task Force (ETF) is a group of motivated and dedicated high school students working to better the world through environmental projects in their school and community. The environmental club is located in Boulder, Colorado, at New Vista High School (NVHS). This group of teenagers has completed many successful projects in the past, and is working on exciting plans for future events. 



Since its inception in 2008, The Earth Task Force has hosted a variety of programs to get their peers environmentally motivated! In November 2010 they hosted the S.U.P.E.R. Summit.

S.U.P.E.R. stands for Students Understanding Personal Environmental Responsibility. This event brought together eight different schools from across Boulder County. Students came together to discuss ways to create sustainable reality at their schools. The event also gave students an opportunity to connect with local community organizations to help work towards the shared goal of environmental sustainability and the preservation of wild lands.  The group also made their school greener in 2010 by getting solar panels and low flow toilets installed at their school.

Currently, ETF is running an event called Transportation Transformation, a program for  NVHS, in hopes of encouraging their peers to alternatively transport themselves to school.  They are doing this by handing out punch-cards and stamping them for every day that a student transports themselves in a way that is better for the environment such as carpooling (with at least 3 people) busing, walking, or biking.  Once students fill their punch cards, they can choose from a variety of donated prizes to reward them for doing their part in saving carbon emissions. 

This spring, 2011, the club is planning on hosting their second Local Lunch, a meal made by students for the entire school with food donated from local businesses and farms. They are also creating a "Green Prom," by doing a dress exchange amongst different students, using environmentally friendly decorations and getting local food donations. 

The ETF is creating a greener, happier world by inspiring others in their community to make a difference everyday, all while in their trademark super-hero costumes!

To learn more, visit the Earth Task Force website or contact Paige Doughty paigedoughty (a) gmail.com. 

A QR (Quick Response) code is a two-dimensional bar code image that when scanned by a camera on a smart-phone will open a link to a website, send a SMS text message or dial a phone number.  (Think the 2011 version of the bar code on your pack of gum that tells the cash register how much it costs.)

You've maybe seen them around and had no idea what it is (like me).  Turns out, they are pretty handy communication tools that could have a great impact on communicating conservation messages!

Here's a quick run-down of information on QR codes and some creative ideas on how to use them for fundraising and awareness building. 

GreenPeace Semester
The Greenpeace Semester trains passionate undergraduate students from across the United States and Canada who want to make a real difference, giving them the tools to return to campus and be the change they want to see in the world. More information >


Climate Science Research Partnership Fellowship in African Climate Science

African climate researchers and applied scientists are invited to apply for CSRP Fellowships in African climate science. The fellowships are offered as part of the Climate Science Research Partnership (CSRP) between the Met Office Hadley Centre (MOHC) and the Department for International Development (DFID) of the UK government. The CSRP aims are to improve the understanding and prediction of African climate on monthly, seasonal and decadal timescales and to strengthen climate science capacity in Africa.  More information > 

Planet Connect Grants
Planet Connect lists many grant opportunities for individuals and groups for projects addressing climate change, endangered species, alternative energy, nature protection and more.  Check out the Grant deadlines for February >

Wildlands Restoration Volunteers
Seed Collection Coordinator (full-time, seasonal)
Love working with volunteers and spending time outside? Then check out this 6-month opportunity in Boulder, CO.  More information>

MsC in Climate Change & Development
University of Sussex   This is unique course that aims to provide state-of-the-art training for the rapidly expanding market for development professionals with specialisation in climate change. The programme is strongly multi-disciplinary and students will acquire specialist knowledge of the causes of climate change, the implications for developing countries, and the policy and practice of efforts to mitigate and adapt to a changing climate. Courses are taught by
leading researchers in these fields from the world renowned Institute for Development Studies (IDS), the Geography Department and Science and Technology Policy Research Unit (SPRU). Up to 10 partial scholarships are available.  More info >


Alaska Conservation Fund
Conservation Internships
The Conservation Internship Program (CIP) provides paid internship experiences to undergraduate and graduate students as well as recent college graduates who plan a career in conservation, environmental justice or another closely related field and are willing to make a long-term commitment to preserving and protecting Alaska's pristine environment and diverse cultures.  Learn more >

More opportunities in Alaska >

Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado
Historic Preservation Volunteer Coordinator (part-time, seasonal)
Work with volunteers of all kinds on projects in historic preservation in collaboration with VOC, Colorado Preservation, US Forest Service and US National Park Service.  More information >