| Luther College Student Farm Stand a Hit |
 The Luther College Student Gardeners have recently begun selling fresh produce to Dining services so that it can be sold in a "farm stand" in Oneota Market. All produce is grown by students at the college farm about a mile from campus. They offer a large variety of items such as kale, collard greens, radishes, beets, mixed greens, cucumbers, and eggplant. Stop by weekly to see what new crops they have harvested! It doesn't get much more local or convenient than this! |
|
Discovery Camps Explore the Driftless Area
|
The Discovery Camps have been very popular this summer, with children from Decorah and the surrounding towns signing up for seven different camps throughout the last five weeks. The children ranged in ages from pre-Kindergarten to 9th grade. Camp themes ranged from "edible earth" to "survival camp" and focused on the science of the natural environment, using Decorah's natural spaces and places as resources. Children explored the local springs, woodlands, and prairies to investigate plants, insects, and animals.
|
| Upcoming Environmental Studies Pre-College Program |
The Center for Sustainable Communities is excited to welcome 23 high school students to campus for the 2nd annual Environmental Studies Pre-College Program. The program will run from July 26-August 1 on the Luther College campus. While here, participants will experience lectures from Luther faculty, canoe the Upper Iowa River, visit Effigy Mounds and Niagara Cave, and explore the Decorah area at night. The goal of the program is to nurture interest in environmental studies, uniqiuely introduce high school students to Luther College and the Decorah area, and to connect students with similar environmental interests.
|
Summer Food Education Events
|
 This summer's food education events have been a huge hit for people of all ages. The events consist of cooking and gardening classes, farm tours and work days. The events are put on as part of the college's Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Rebate Program but are open to all Luther students, staff, and faculty. This summer a wide range of cooking classes have taught participants how to make pesto, risotto, crepes, African stews, green smoothies, nori rolls and creative ways to make salads. Gardening classes this summer will teach participants skills related to building a low cost hoop house, keeping backyard chickens and growing grapes. Participants have also had the opportunity to tour their CSA farm. A trip to Wolds Strawberries in late June was a big hit, especially for families with small children. Please visit the sustainability website if interested in upcoming food education events. All members of the Luther community are welcome to attend.
|
 |
 Reduce the picnic trash. While paper or plastic plates, napkins, and cups are convenient when going on a picnic, they are not good for the environment. Using reusable plates, cups, napkins, utensils, etc. will not only reduce waste but it will also help your wallet. If you must use a non-reusable item, stay away from styrofoam as it is not biodegradable and is an even greater harm to the environment.
|
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.
|
|
|
|
Thursday, July 16
Backyard Chickens
12-1 pm
Luther College - Valders 362
Jon Jensen and Rachel Sandhorst have been raising chickens of their own for years. They will discuss housing, light requirements, seasonal needs, feed, and other considerations. Come learn how you can be the next house to sport a coop! Registration is required.
|
|
Sunday, July 19: 1-4:30pm
Monday, July 20: 8am-12pm Patchwork Green Farm Garlic Harvest
3031 Middle Hesper Rd, Decorah, IA 52101
You are invited to assist Patchwork Green Farm with their Garlic Harvest this year! Harvesting garlic involves digging it from the ground, cleaning it, and sorting it by size. Feel free to stay as much or little time as you can. Please register.
|
|
Wednesday, July 22
Vegetables: Simple & Delicious
12-1pm
Luther College- Valders 379
Learn simple ways to cook fresh vegetables to let their natural deliciousness shine! Rachel Sandhorst will focus on fresh, local vegetables as a way to help you figure out what to do with veggies! Please register. |
|
Miranda is a junior Biology major and Environmental Studies minor from Eldridge, IA. She serves as the sustainable foods intern for the summer. She coordinates the food education events during the summer months. This includes the cooking classes, gardening classes, and farm tours and work days. She also delivers food to the First Lutheran food pantry as part of the Cafeteria to Community program. In addition, she helps with a gardening class through the Decorah Parks and Recreation program and writes the blog posts for the farmer's market. Miranda says, "My favorite part of working for Sustainability has been learning what to do with what is right in front of me. Decorah has so much to offer in terms of local foods and my position has really taught me how to use this to my advantage and eat sustainably while enjoying it." Miranda plans to continue expanding her knowledge about sustainability and to work towards making Luther a wonderful sustainable community to live in.
|
|
University of Northern Iowa's Local Food Program is looking to hire 4 AmeriCorps VISTA members to assist in developing three new food access/security initiatives. Read more
|
NKU is seeking a Sustainability Manger to foster a campus wide culture of sustainability by developing a comprehensive sustainability strategy. Read more
|
|
|
|
