Center for Sustainable Communities
July 15, 2014
Luther featured in Midwest Energy News

Luther's interest in cutting energy consumption was featured on the Midwest Energy News website in a June 26, 2014 online article. Religion professor and Interim Director of the Center for Sustainable Communities Jim Martin-Schramm is quoted. The article examines how utility rate policies hold back groups and individuals attempting to cut energy consumption or consume more sustainable energies.

Read the entire article here.

High Tunnel construction has begun!
Construction for Luther's high tunnel (unheated greenhouse structure) has begun! This past week a local crew piled up and burned the old tree stumps that were abundant at the site and bulldozers worked to level out a large pile of top soil that was out at the farm from another building project. The crew used machinery to create a plateau measuring approximately 50'x320' on which the 30'x96' high tunnel will be placed. Throughout the season this structure will be located on any one of three different positions. This method of growing allows for cover cropping, successive plantings throughout the season and the production of good food at times when fresh, local food is difficult to come by in Iowa. More importantly, this new feature will allow more students the opportunity to learn about year-round production and innovations in small-scale agriculture. 
 
If all goes according to plan, the high tunnel will likely be constructed the first week in August. Stay tuned for more photos, information and opportunities for tours! 
 
 Photos courtesy of Maren Stumme-Diers
Feature: Summer Sustainability Interns, part two of three
Every summer, several Sustainability interns work hard on campus and in the Decorah community. Here, in their own words, is what they're up to: 

Andrew Johnson, Discovery Camp Teaching Intern:
"At Discovery Camp, kids from preschool to 9th grade get to explore the outdoors while learning how to enjoy and respect nature. Activities at Discovery Camp include camping, catching insects, and splashing and climbing around at Dunning's Springs, but my favorite part of the camp is seeing each group of campers become closer friends throughout the week. One thing that I think is very exciting about Discovery Camps is that we are able to show the campers many wonderful places in nature without traveling far from Luther. The campers visit Malanaphy Springs, Lionberger Preserve, Twin Springs, as well as many other places in the Decorah area. I think that the kids are able to get especially excited about nature knowing that there are so many great places to explore right in their home town."
 
Sophie Ristau, Greening Churches
"This summer, myself and Chrisann (the other Greening Churches intern) are working with local churches including Decorah First Lutheran and Decorah United Church of Christ to help reduce their environmental impact. Along with coordinating the  Cafeteria to Community program, we are working on bi-weekly "Creation Care Tips" flyers which are available to congregants at both churches, covering the themes of water, food, energy, and waste. We recently held our first "Dine for Nine" dinner with UCC members, where we cooked a meal made with local produce from the Winneshiek County Farmer's Market and the Oneota Community Food Co-op, followed by a discussion focused around food systems and sustainability in our community. We will be holding another Dine for Nine in early August."

Check back in August to hear from even more summer interns!
This Week at the Edible Landscape
There are two Edible Landscapes on Luther's campus, one is located next to Valder's Hall of Science, and the other is behind Ylvisaker Residence Hall. Both are open to the public all summer long! Head to campus every week to see what is ready to eat.

Fresh this week: 
Mixed Greens -- There are still TONS of mixed greens available, especially lettuce! Grab a scissors and harvest what cut off what you'd like, leaving about an inch so that the plant will regrow.
Herbs -- Basil, parsley, and dill, oh my! There are lots of different herbs ready for the picking. Take a scissors and help yourself!

Photo courtesy of Breanne Pierce of the Luther College Photo Bureau. See more photos of the Valders Edible Lanscape here
Sustainability Tip
Blue Jeans Go Green. Do you have old blue jeans that don't fit you any more, and aren't fit for the second hand store? Maybe a rockin' jean jacket with few too many stains? No worries! A company called Blue Jeans Go Green will take your old denim and use it to insulate homes in communities of need. They've collected over one million pieces of denim to date. Visit their website for more information on the group and how you can donate. 
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This newsletter is provided by the Center for Sustainable Communities, which coordinates all sustainability initiatives at Luther College.  The mission of the Center is to promote sustainability and be a catalyst for change on campus and in the region.  For more information on sustainability initiatives at Luther and the outreach work of the Center for Sustainable Communities, please visit:  www.luther.edu/sustainability.
Upcoming Events
  •  Pickles!: Wednesday, July 30, 12-1 p.m., Valders 379

To register for these classes and more, either click the links provided or visit Luther Sustainability's website. 
Student Spotlight
Connor Mattison '15





















Connor is an Environmental Studies major with a concentration in business management, from Blair, Wisconsin. This summer, Connor is the Sustainable Agriculture Intern for Luther, and has been working at Patchwork Green and River Root farms. Summer Harvest has begun at Patchwork Green, and Connor has helped to harvest the summer squash, tomatoes, beans, and potatoes. At River Root, he has been helping to prepare for their Winter CSA by planting vegetables in the green houses and fields. 
After he graduates, Connor hopes to find a job that allows him to work for a company and help them become more environmentally sustainable in day-to-day tasks, and in business as a whole. 
Jobs/Opportunities
Communications Director - Wisconsin Farmers Union
Wisconsin Farmers Union is a member-driven organization committed to enhancing the quality of life for farmers, rural communities, and all people through education, advocacy, and cooperative business development endeavors. Read more.
Sales Associate - Fifth Season Cooperative:
Fifth Season Cooperative in Viroqua, Wisconsin seeks a Sales Associate. Read more.
Green Iowa Americorps - Cedar Rapids Site

Matthew 25 is seeking Green Iowa Americorps team members in Linn County, Iowa. Read more.

Farm to School Americorps - Community Outreach Position:

Farm to School Americorps seeks Community Outreach member in Jefferson County, Wisconsin. Read more.

RE-volv, Solar Ambassador Program: RE-volv seeks energetic college students for their recently launched Solar Ambassador Program. Read more.
Repeat: General Manager - Mad River Food Hub
Mad River Food Hub seeks a General Manager to assume overall responsibility for the management of a 4,000 square foot shared-use, USDA, and State of Vermont inspected food processing and incubator facility.
Read more
Repeat: Wild Gift Grant & Fellowship
Wild Gift's 16-month Fellowship provides mentoring, seed funding up to $10,000, networking, and other related services to lift the Fellows' ventures off the ground. Read more
To learn about even more on and off campus work and volunteer opportunities, click here
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