SEP Weekly Digest                                                                                  February 23rd, 2015
NEW In This Issue
Quick Links

SEP Home page                                                          For past digests:
sep.csumb.edu  
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Just a reminder!
None of the entry doors of the Science Building should be left propped open after hours.  This creates a security problem that affects everyone who works in the building. Thanks!
SEP Seminars

Fallow Area Mapping & Satelite Irrigation Management Support Projects  
Forrest Melton & Kirk Post, CSUMB and NASA
  • 4:00-5:00 PM, Monday, February 23rd, 2015
CSUMB, University Center, Room 114 (NEW ROOM)
Job, Internship & Research Opportunities

Watershed Associate and Youth Educator Internship - Carmel River Watershed Conservancy (CRWC)

Hours per week:  8-10

Wage:  $12.00 per hour             

Start date:  February 15, 2015 or soonest thereafter

Application deadline: Feb. 25, 2015
Job duties:

Under the supervision of the CRWC President:

1. Attend Carmel River watershed-related meetings, record key points and outcomes, draft media articles, and send report to the President.

2. Teach area youth about watersheds, dam projects, riparian restoration, and threatened species as part of a grant.

3. Attend Carmel River Watershed Conservancy Board of Directors meetings as required; respond to Directors' questions.

4. Research watershed issues and developments, draft articles for the CRWC newsletters.  Maintain newsletter mailing lists.

5. Post articles to the CRWC website (carmelriverwatershed.org) as required; monitor and enrich the CRWC social media sites.

6. Assist with the CRWC budgetary process as required.

7. Assist with (or lead) the CRWC watershed tours; respond to tour-related inquiries.

Location:

Remote office work (intern must have access to a computer and be able to work remotely). Field work (outreach, tours, etc.) will mostly take place within the Carmel River Watershed.

Required Qualifications:

bachelor's in an environmental field (or progress toward); experience in education of young children or conducting educational tours. CSUMB SEP upper division undergrads and grad students are encouraged to apply.

 Approximate total number of hours: 40 per month for 10 months.

How to apply:

Submit cover letter expressing reason for interest; and resume or curriculum vita to Lorin Letendre, Carmel River Watershed Conservancy President, at [email protected]   

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4-H Science Education Coordinator Position University of California Cooperative Extension 

Serving San Benito, Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties and housed in Hollister, this grant funded position at 45% time (18 hours per week) draws a salary of $18.34 per hour. The position works in partnership with the Youth Development Advisor in managing applied science literacy research projects throughout the region by providing management, support, technical assistance and guidance to meet research project objectives. The current project runs February 1, 2015 - January 31, 2016, and is a science mentoring program in cooperation with the Youth Alliance in Hollister, where high school teens are mentoring elementary students using an engineering curriculum. The main focus of this position is in coordination, logistics, organization, and mentor recruitment, not engineering content. The position is renewable year-to-year with no guarantee of continued funding beyond any grant year. Interested candidates should contact: 

Lynn Schmitt-McQuitty 
County Director: San Benito County Science Literacy Youth Development 
Advisor: Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito Counties 
UCCE San Benito County 
3228 Southside Road 
Hollister, CA 95023 
31-637-5346 x 12 
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Humpback Whale Field Intensive Program at MCERC in Puerto Rico, USA:
The Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center (MCERC) is inviting university students, recent graduates, and field scientists seeking experience in acoustic and behavioral data collection and analysis, to participate in the fifth season for 7 day field intensive programs focused on cetacean behavioral ecology in Puerto Rico.
1 week field intensive sessions are available between January and April 2015
  • The cost for the week long program, a bunk at the field house, meals, instruction and training, and all research excursions is $1500.00USD. 
  • Details and the Simple Application Form, instructions, and information packet can be found on MCERC's Education Hub at http://www.marine-eco.org/mcerc-moodle and the MCERC website (www.Marine-Eco.org).
  • Stay up to date and get early announcements of MCERC programs on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/researchcenter 
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Student Volunteer Needed - City of Santa Cruz Water Department
Duties:
The student will complete a technical report describing the vegetation and physical characteristics within the riparian corridor of the San Lorenzo River and Carbonera Creek. The document will be used to inform management decisions in the context of regulatory requirements. The methodologies used to collect data will be documented to establish a monitoring program to extend beyond the timeframe of the project. This is a field-based position that includes: plant species identification, monitoring vegetation, stream morphology, and writing - in the context of natural resource management. The student will have the opportunity to gain experience in habitat conservation, various field methods, using GIS and remote sensing, and using various field equipment such as a Trimble or GPS unit. 
 
Qualifications:
Please apply if you have strong research and writing skills and experience collecting field data. Applicants with native plant identification skills and experience using GIS is a plus.

Applicants must be available on Fridays for field work.
Hours: 8 -12 (per week). Desired Start Date: ASAP
Please send an e-mail to [email protected] with a the following subject line, "SLR Volunteer Position" and the following:
1. Resume
2. Relevant coursework
3. Availability for field-work
4. Contact information


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UC Davis Health System Department of Surgery Pre-Medical Surgical Internship & Mentorship Program. 

This is a unique opportunity open to all pre-medical students to be mentored by faculty, residents, interns, and medical students in the nationally recognized UC Davis Health System Department of Surgery. This program is open to ALL pre-medical students regardless of year, academic standing, or academic institution. If you are interested in a career in medicine you are eligible to apply! All undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate students from all institutions planning on applying to medical school are eligible. This includes community college, CSU, UC, private university, and graduating high school students who are at least 17 years old.

  

Summer 2015 Application Deadline: 
March 31, 2015 at 11:59 pm

  

More Information 

  

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California Wildlife Center Marine Mammal Response Internship 

(Four, 6-week sessions; two positions per session; unpaid)

This internship will provide an exciting and challenging educational experience in the marine mammal field, while also allowing for additional hands-on experience with other native California wildlife. The interns will be working closely with the Marine Mammal staff in all aspects of stranding response and marine mammal rehabilitation; including logistics, assessment, capture/restraint, transport to the marine mammal rehabilitation facility, animal care, educating the public and public relations. In addition, interns will provide support to CWC Hospital staff in animal husbandry tasks for avian and terrestrial wildlife.

 
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ScribeAmerica Now Hiring Medical Scribes

ScribeAmerica is currently looking to recruit students to work as Medical Scribes in Salinas, CA. The scribe will work one on one with board certified physicians assisting with documentation for each patient evaluated by the doctor.  It is an exceptional opportunity for anyone interested in medicine to gain first-hand experience following a physician in an emergency department setting. They offer paid classroom & clinical training. Each employee will have multiple training sessions both in the classroom and the department during which they teach extensive medical terminology and appropriate medical/legal charting documentation.

 
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Student Research Assistant NASA Coop Ecological Forecasting Lab NASA AMES Research Center

DEFINITION:
Under the general direction of the Principal Investigator under the NASA Cooperative Agreement the Research Assistant is responsible for assisting with scientific research and field research activities. Project focus: Irrigation Management in the Salinas Valley and Central Valley, California. The main objective of the proposed research is to apply satellite observations and wireless sensor networks to characterize soil moisture and evapotranspiration rates in agricultural settings for use in irrigation scheduling and management.  Through this internship, students will have the opportunity to conduct research on agricultural water use and soil water balance modeling and monitoring. Students will gain hands�on experience with deployment of wireless sensor networks, analysis of satellite data, and soil water balance modeling.
Students will work with scientists in DSEP and at NASA Ames Research Center.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:
1.   Under direct supervision, work closely with staff scientists to assist with installation and maintenance of meteorological, flux, and wireless soil moisture instrumentation at field locations in the Salinas Valley and San Joaquin Valley.
2.   Monitor data returned from wireless sensor networks on a weekly basis and relay indications of anomalies or sensor failure.
3.   Aggregate data from sensor networks and conduct preliminary QA/QC to prepare data for analysis.
4.   Assist with scientific research, in accordance with project specifications, worthy of peer�review publications, including preparation of maps, figures, and scientific reports.
5.   Conduct independent research using data from sensor networks as part of a Master's thesis, Capstone or other independent research and prepare data and results for presentation (optional).
6.   Foster and maintain collaborative links with local groups and individuals, including agencies, research organizations, and the community in general.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Field research environment in agricultural settings in the San Joaquin and Salinas Valleys, as well as standard research environment with standard equipment and tasks. Candidate must be capable of lifting 40lbs.

SALARY:
Temporary position � the salary range for this position is $14�-$18/hour for 10�20 hours per week on average. This is a part�time, un�benefited hourly position and as such is eligible for the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Foundation of CSUMB positions are "at� will" employment.

To apply please submit a CV and short cover letter to: 

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Ventana Wildlife Society Job Opportunities

Ventana Wildlife Society (VWS) is a non-profit located in Monterey County, California. Our mission is to conserve native wildlife and their habitats, through research, restoration and education. They are currently seeking a part-time instructor to provide meaningful outdoor experiences for youth. If interested, please visit their website.
 

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2015 Spring Congressional Internship Program                                                                                                                               The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) is seeking full-time college undergraduate students who are interested in participating in the 2015 Spring Congressional Internship Program. Selected individuals will receive an unmatched experience learning first-hand about our nation's legislative process working for a member of Congress, as well as stipends, housing and round-trip airfare.The Congressional Internship Program provides college students with a paid work placement in a Congressional Office or Federal Agency for a period of twelve weeks (Spring/Fall) or eight weeks (Summer). Promising Latino undergraduates from across the country are selected for this leadership training program. This comprehensive three-prong approach provides extraordinary learning and networking opportunities for students.

Students of ALL majors that have an interest in the development of public policy and who have demonstrated leadership abilities should apply. DACA students are also eligible to apply.  

Click here to learn more about the program and its requirements.

Deadline: January 30 (Summer Internship)

  April 24 (Fall Internship)

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AVID Tutoring at Watsonville High School

Watsonville High School is hiring AVID Tutors for our 9th and 10th grade AVID Elective classes for the 2014-2015 school year. Hours needed are 8:30-12:30 Tuesdays and Fridays. There is flexibility if you can only do part of that time.

 Please visit here for more information and application instructions. Make sure to put on application that you are applying for an AVID Tutor.

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Internship with Desert Star 
Desert Star has an internship position available using the aquatic tracking tag and acoustic systems. If interested please contact Aaron Driever at: [email protected]
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South African Shark Conservancy Internship opportunity  
SASC is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the conservation and sustainable utilisation of marine resources through research, education andoutreach. SASC offers interns the opportunity to become involved in a unique and exciting approach to marine conservation. Interns may be involved in field research, outreach and educational programmes as well as desktop studies and organizational development projects. If you are interested in joining our team and would like more details and an application form, please send an email to [email protected]Please refer to our website www.sharkconservancy.org
 or Like us on Facebook for more details about our current projects and events. 
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Whale Shark Center - Volunteer/Internship opportunities  
Programs are aimed at individuals with a biological background and/or those with a passion for conservation and the natural environment.  The purpose of the programs is to provide practical work experience within a non-profit marine conservation organization in Honduras, covering aspects of scientific research, current conservation issues, community outreach, and environmental education. 

For more information regarding volunteer or internship opportunities please contact WSORC volunteer coordinator Mark Wilson: [email protected] or visit http://wsorc.org /
Scholarships and Conferences

Professor & Mrs. Allen Fuhs CSUMB-KQED Scholarship in Science Media Communication

Dr. Fuhs believes in the importance of clearly communicating science concepts to the general public. To that end, he is providing a one year $10,000 scholarship and a $10,000 summer internship in science communication at KQED Public Media in San Francisco to a CSUMB student.Applications are being accepted now beginning with the 2015 summer internship and the academic year beginning Fall 2015.

 

Selection Criteria:

1. Junior, Senior or Graduate student status by Summer 2015.

2. Declared Science Major in the College of Science.

3. Demonstrated interest in science communication.

4. In good academic standing with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

 

To apply, students meeting the criteria will be required to provide:

1. An essay identifying their career interests in connection with science communication.

2. The name of a science faculty, who knows the student's work, is informed of the student's interest in the scholarship and internship and will recommend them for this award.

 

See here for application.

Deadline for submission is March 9, 2015.

Student selected will be notified by April 15.

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National Poultry & Food Distributors Association Scholarship 

Four $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to students in the fields of poultry science, food science, agricultural economics/marketing and all other areas of study related to the poultry industry. Interested students may apply for the 2015-2016 academic year scholarships by completing the application and sending it along with a 1 or 2 page letter explaining their career goals. 

Application Deadline: May 31st

 

More Information

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2015 CSU Student Research Competition

The CSU Student Research Competition (SRC) is held each year in May to promote excellence in undergraduate and graduate scholarly research and creative activity by recognizing outstanding student accomplishments throughout the 23 campuses of the CSU system. The 29th Annual CSU Student Research Competition will be held May 1st and 2nd, 2015 at California State University, San Bernardino.

 

ELIGIBILITY: Students currently enrolled, as well as alumni/alumnae who receive(d) their degrees in spring, summer or fall of 2014. Research may be complete or preliminary with final findings included. 

Mandatory Information Session Required. 

Application Deadline: Wednesday, February 25, 2015, by 3PM.

 

More Information 

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2015 Sanctuary Currents Symposium - Call for Research Posters

The 2015 Sanctuary Currents Symposium Planning Team invites the submission of abstracts for the Research Poster Session at the 2015 Sanctuary Currents Symposium. Share your research with leaders in marine science, education, and conservation. Posters that address the theme of citizen science are especially encouraged; however, submissions may be from all types of coastal and marine research in the Sanctuary.

 

The theme of this year's symposium is We Want You! The Rise of Citizen Science.  

Abstract Submission Deadline: February 27, 2015

 

We Want You! The Rise of Citizen Science

 Saturday, April 25, 2015

9:00 am - 3:30 pm

California State University, Monterey Bay

 


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American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) National Biotechnology Conference
The AAPS National Biotechnology Conference is a global event of approximately 1,500 attendees, will be held this year in San Francisco area June 8-10, 2015 at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis. Devoted to advancing health through biotherapeutics, the event serves as a summit for the exchange of novel ideas and scientific research.  There will also be a number of events of interest to students, including a mentoring breakfast, poster sessions, graduate student symposia, career center, exposition hall, and numerous symposia, roundtable and other interactive sessions.

More Information
Education Opportunities
Ecosystem Field Studies - Caribbean and Colorado Field Courses
Ecosystem Field Studies (EFS) offers undergraduate college students unparalleled field education experiences with exciting, hands-on, 19-day courses in Colorado & Mexico. Ecosystem-based academic disciplines are brought to life through interactive, outdoor, scientific observation & analysis. This is an opportunity to earn 3 undergraduate credits,  to develop valuable career skills in field research, & to immerse yourself in an incredible ecosystem setting.

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Ecology & Conservation of Kelp Forest Communities Course at Hopkins Marine Station
June 22-July 24, 2015 (5 weeks), M-F (5-units)
This course is aimed at undergrads interested in benthic ecology but would also be appropriate for a beginning grad student scouting for a thesis topic or just wanting to get acquainted with the organisms & habitat of Monterey Bay. This is an intensive, hands-on course that uses daily SCUBA dives, lectures, & labs to study the biology & ecology of invertebrates, fishes, and seaweeds that live in these "rain forests of the sea" and how their interactions structure these complex communities. Conservation challenges facing kelp forests are also treated. Students also gain practical diving/research skills including identification of species, use of a variety of underwater sampling techniques, statistical analysis of field data. SCUBA certification through Advanced/Open Water II and your own dive gear is required.
Funds are available this year to cover full tuition for up to 8 students.

Application deadline is April 15, 2015


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Geology Field Courses in Ireland
The Burren Geology School at Caherconnell in western Ireland has openings in summer 2015 for students interested in learning about field-based sedimentary geology in a remarkable setting. This is a fantastic opportunity for your students to engage in a geology learning experience in this most unique landscape. The Carboniferous geology of the area showcases unparalleled exposure of carbonate platform limestones, internationally recognized siliciclastic deltaic sequences and world-class glaciokarst geomorphology. The school has a highly experienced teaching staff, guaranteeing a high standard of instruction. Academic accreditation from the National University of Ireland, Galway is available (6 ECTS 3 US Credit hours per 16 Day Course) to any interested student.

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Infrastructure Systems Panels
Fridays 12-1:50 PM in Library Room 1180
Every panel is in the Library Room 1180.  The room is large and there is plenty of room for guests.  You are welcome and encouraged to attend any panels that interest you.  Please invite your students also.
February 20: Wastewater treatment
February 27: Agriculture
March 6: Streets, sidewalks, bridges, transportation infrastructure
March 13: Electricity and Gas
March 27: Solid Waste and Recycling
April 3: Buildings and construction
April 10: The Internet, phone, cable, and radio
April 17: Policies and regulations
April 24: Green Building
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Professor & Mrs. Allen Fuhs CSUMB-KQED Scholarship in Science Media Communication

 

Dr. Fuhs believes in the importance of clearly communicating science concepts to the general public. To that end, he is providing a one year $10,000 scholarship and a $10,000 summer internship in science communication at KQED Public Media in San Francisco to a CSUMB student.

 

Applications are being accepted now beginning with the 2015 summer internship and the academic year beginning Fall 2015.

 

Selection Criteria:

1. Junior, Senior or Graduate student status by Summer 2015.

2. Declared Science Major in the College of Science.

3. Demonstrated interest in science communication.

4. In good academic standing with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

 

To apply, students meeting the criteria will be required to provide:

1. An essay identifying their career interests in connection with science communication.

2. The name of a science faculty, who knows the student's work, is informed of the student's interest in the scholarship and internship and will recommend them for this award.

 

See here for application.

Deadline for submission is March 9, 2015.

Student selected will be notified by April 15.

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Biology Tutors and Teachers in Uganda
Do you excel  in Physics, Math, Chemistry and/or Biology? Can you explain one or several of these sciences to others? If so, then we need you!
We need you to teach students that suffered through the war waged by Joseph Kony's Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). The first goal is to see that these youth can pass the National Examination so that they can build a future for themselves. Second goal is to ignite a passion for the sciences. Third goal is to work with Ugandan science teachers to enrich the curriculum.
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Financial Aid Guide to Success
Useful information on FAFSA, scholarships, financial aid terminology, etc.

Opportunities around the world are available in education, health, environment, community economic development, youth in development, and agriculture. Go to www.peacecorps.gov/openings to check out our interactive map and explore Peace Corps programs and countries that interest you. More information about local Peace Corps events is available here

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Graduate School Test Prep Books Available in the Library
In an effort to support graduate school efforts for our students, a partnership with UROC, support programs (CSS and SSS), and the library have come together to make some test books available for our students. Check out the selection of available test prep books here. 
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Free MCAT Practice Tests 
Upcoming Events and Seminars
Upcoming UROC Events
Wednesday, February 25th 2:00-3:00PM: Part I- Statement of Purpose: Prompts and Techniques to Start Writing
This workshop will review statement of purpose prompts and introduce exercises to help start writing the statement of purpose. 
Location: UROC Library Rm. 2150
Space is Limited. For RSVP, please email [email protected] 

Thursday, February 26th 12:00-1:30PM: Part II- GRE Analytical Writing: The Argument Essay
This workshop will cover the topic of the Argument Essay portion of the GRE exam. Participants will learn strategies for composing and participate in activities related to the Argument Essay.  
Location: UROC Library Rm. 2150
Space is Limited. For RSVP, please email [email protected] 

Tuesday, March 10th 3:00-4:00PM: Professional Communication: Sending Email to Faculty
This workshop will cover strategies to consider when writing emails as students to faculty. 
Location: UROC Library Rm. 2150
Space is Limited. For RSVP, please email 
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Salinas Valley Ag Technology Summit
Thursday, March 26th, 9:00-3:00PM
Location: Converted Organics, 31677 Johnson Cyn. Rd., Gonzales CA 93926

Join agriculture and farming professionals as they break ground on the 2nd Annual Salinas Valley Agricultural Technology Summit. The event is presented by the Monterey Bay Chapter of
the CA Association of Pest Control Advisors (CAPCA) & the Ag Business & Tech Institute at Hartnell College. Guests will enjoy a wide variety of speakers & panel presentations on the topics 
of crop protection, automation, harvest, innovation, worker safety & regulation. There will be displays, demos and a FREE BBQ lunch. All proceeds benefit the Hartnell College Foundation. 
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10th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour - South Lake Tahoe 
Thursday Evening, March 26, 2015 
MontBleu Resort Casino Spa 
South Lake Tahoe, California

The Wild and Scenic Film Festival On Tour combines award winning environmental and adventure films with the energy of local activism. 
Each year, we choose powerful environmental and adventure films so that you are inspired to take further action regarding issues that impact our environment, ourselves and our world.

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2015 Volunteer Naturalist Training Class

Saturdays 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve invites you to participate in the 2015 Volunteer Naturalist Training Class. The Introductory Orientation training class will be on two of these three Saturdays January 17, 24, and 31. This basic class is for anyone interested in learning more about volunteering at the Reserve and for those wanting to help with our Research, Stewardship or other non-public projects. Volunteer with our Research and Stewardship programs help as wildlife monitors, habitat restorers, maintenance assistants, administrative support and more.The advanced sessions are open to any potential ESNERR Volunteer but required to be a Volunteer Naturalist. Naturalist classes are every Saturday in February (Feb - 7, 14, 21, 28).

More Information
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Earth Day Marina
Saturday, April 11th, 9:00-1:00PM
Location: Locke Paddon Park, Marina 

- Service projects organized by Emily Howard at RON will include removal of invasive weeds, watering oaks in the planted oak woodland, repairing wind fences for the oaks, laying wood chips, painting of benches, litter clean up and much more.
- Over 21 educational and informational booths from environmental organizations.
- Live music
- Free lunch from Marina Rotary for those registering for a service project by 8:45 am.
  • "Leave No Trace" pupper show from Ranger Tammy, BLM
  • Environmental stories read to children at the Friends of the Marina library booth
  • Meet or visit Roscue the gopher snake at the Chuck Haugen Conservation Fund booth
  • Place environmental Scrabble at the Citizens for Sustainable Marina booth.
  • Tour the Monterey Regional Waste Management District bus and learn about our waste stream.
  • Visit the REI booth for fun games and to learn more about programs offered through REI.
  • Talk to the Sierra Club booth about hikes and policy issues.
  • Learn about native plants with Return of the Natives at their booth.
  • Find out what Monterey Peninsula Regional Parks District has to offer for recreation.
  • Learn more about Everyone's Harvest Farmer's Market and healthy eating.
  • and MUCH MORE!
Clubs and Club News
Association of Environmental Professionals
Website: www.califaep.org                       

American Medical Student Association 
 
TRIBETA 

Contact: [email protected] 

 

Science Club 

Contact: [email protected] 

 

Pre-Health Society

Contact: [email protected]

 

CSUMB Garden Club 

Contact: [email protected]

 

Marine Science Club

Contact: [email protected]