Thanks to everyone who joined us at Green Drinks this month! Here’s a round-up of the amazing community projects, events, and opportunities that were shared. Dive in and get involved! 👇

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🌱 Community Events & Projects

• Permaculture Rising – Melissa shared a bounty of happenings—nursery sales, food preservation workshops, and deep dives into food forests and permaculture!
  • 🔗 https://www.permaculturerising.com/workshops
• Surfrider Foundation – Lynn announced a Cigarette Butt Pickup happening Monday the 15th, starting at City Hall. They’re also celebrating a great cleanup collaboration with Thurston Econet!
  • 📍Instagram Post
• Capital Land Trust – Will shared an upcoming event, an Afternoon of Reflection at Inspiring Kids Preserve, on Tuesday, Sept 23 from 4:30–6:30 PM . They’re also teaming up with the Puget Sound Estuarium in November (on the 8th, 9th & 11th) for a Salmon Experience at Bayshore Preserve.
  • 🔗 https://capitollandtrust.org/salmon
• Puget Sound Estuarium – Clarissa shared lots of exciting events. Everything from Underwater Drone adventures (Pier Peer) at Boston Harbor Marina, to their upcoming Speaker Series. And a fun fundraiser with bands and a drag show 🎶👑
  • 🔗 See Events Calendar
• Fix-It Fair – Nov 5 – Rob, from Thurston Solid Waste, announced the 3rd annual Fix-It Fair at Lacey Makerspace! Bring broken items, sign up to volunteer, or just come check it out. 🔧 Past fixes even included a 3D printed toaster knob replacement!
  • 🔗 Info Page + Fix-It Fair volunteer + signup form
• TCAT Celebration – Sept 20 Mason, from Olympia Community Solar, shared that the Thurston Climate Action Team (TCAT) is hosting a celebration/fundraiser on Saturday the 20th.
  • 🎉 United for Climate – Details
• Thurston Econet Mixer & Speaker Series – Phoebe shared that Econet’s monthly gathering will be  supplemented by a Thursday after-hours social at Vic’s Pizzeria this month, giving eco-educators another opportunity to get together! They’re also launching a speaker series — reach out if you have topics or presenters in mind! Be sure to join their email listserv to share your events!
  • 🔗 https://thurstoneconetwork.org/

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🙌 Programs & Volunteer Opportunities

• 🗑 Master Recycler & Composter Program – Rob also mentioned this multi-month training, which is affordable and open to the public!
  
  • Register here!
• 🐾 Mason County Search & Rescue – They’re recruiting volunteers—especially those interested in K9 training, rope skills, wilderness work, or flying drones!
  • 🧭 Volunteer sign-up and Info Link
• 🪵 Tumwater Urban Wood Reuse – Brian (through Michael) shared that the City of Tumwater is exploring a wood reuse program to repurpose trees into woodshop and community materials instead of landfilling them.
  • 🌳 Email Brian Caughlan bcaughlan@ci.tumwater.wa.us

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💡 Local Engagement & Political Reminders

• 📣 Environmental Action & Elections – Ronda suggested the Enviro-Talk ListServ for those interested in local environmental conversations and knowledge sharing (especially among retirees with expertise!).
  🗳 She also reminded us to review local candidates and keep up the pushback on the Olympia Airport Expansion.
  • 🔗 Read more at the Action Network
• 🌟 Evergreen Orientation Mixer – Oct 22 – Looking to connect with students? Evergreen is hosting a mixer with nonprofits and organizations on Oct 22 from 7–9 PM, with refreshments.
  • 📬 Email ClimateAction@evergreen.edu for details.
• 🌞 Solarpunk Saturday Returns (Spring 2026!) – Evergreen’s beloved “Super Saturday” will return with a new twist—Solarpunk Saturday: a day of workshops, music, storytelling, and maybe even a play about the future.
  • Visit our events page website to get details as they are released!

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📬 Want your org or event featured next month? Let us know at next month’s gathering!
💬 And don’t forget to follow and support these amazing local efforts!

#OlympiaGreenDrinks #CommunityPower #SustainabilityEvents #ThurstonCounty #SolarpunkSaturday

This week marked the beginning of a seven-year ecological journey at Evergreen State College’s Geoduck Beach, where the CCAS team (myself, Ian, and Emma) embarked on the first round of data collection following the removal of a concrete armored bulkhead. The goal: to understand how the shoreline evolves and recovers over time. 

We met at the gate around 11 AM, grateful for a break in the heat wave. The weather was unusually cooperative: cool, overcast, and only flirting with drizzle. As we unloaded gear and stretched out the morning stiffness, Ian had already flagged the sampling zones and packed the supplies in their trunk. After a brief pause for birdwatching (a necessary ritual), we got to work. 

🪤 Pitfall Traps: The Bug Hunt Begins 

Our first task was installing pitfall traps. Simple plastic cups dug into the wrackline to catch crawling insects. Ian explained the importance of placing the cups flush with the soil to avoid disturbing the terrain and to ensure bugs would naturally fall in. We added water and a few drops of soap to break surface tension, a trick that helps trap insects effectively. 

Emma and Ian had immediate success—within minutes, their traps had caught a few bugs (mine, I noted, remained stubbornly empty till the very end). Still, it was exciting to see the method in action and understand how even small changes in placement or terrain can affect results. 

🧱 Wrackline as a Living Border 

As we moved between flagged zones, Ian shared an observation that stuck with me: the wrackline is more than just a line of debris. It’s a living intersection where the contents of the sea meet the land. It’s a place of exchange, accumulation, and transformation. That insight gave our work a deeper sense of purpose. 

🧪Sediment Samples & Fallout Traps 

Next, we collected sediment samples using core tubes, digging into the wrackline and placing the samples into labeled tubs. It was more physically demanding than expected—digging, bending, and hauling—but many hands made the work light. 

We also set up fallout traps on the bluff, placing bins to catch airborne debris over 24 hours. Emma reminded us to label everything clearly with laminated cards to prevent curious passersby from disturbing the setup. Poison ivy was a concern, so gloves and long sleeves were a must. 

🌲 Log Analysis & Wrackline Survey 

We wrapped up with log analysis, measuring woody debris and noting characteristics like moss, barnacles, and dimensions. The wrackline survey followed, using the Survey123 app to document debris types and density. 

Throughout the day, we discovered small ways to improve future sessions (bringing a pop-up table, a large tote box for supplies, and even a speaker for morale and fun). We talked about comfort items like snacks, hand sanitizer, and kneepads, and how these small additions could make a big difference.

🌞 Looking Ahead: A Solarpunk Tradition? 

As we packed up, I found myself imagining what this could become. A summer tradition rooted in Solarpunk values—blending community science, ecological restoration, and joyful collaboration. Emma and I brainstormed ways to involve younger students, especially K–5, in meaningful and age-appropriate ways. We envisioned future sessions with volunteers from the Puget Sound Estuarium, South Sound’s GREEN Tean, TRIO Upward Bound College-ready program, or even just curious locals, followed by shared food and connection. 

This first day was more than just data collection. It was a beginning. A moment of learning, reflection, and dreaming. 

Welcome – from the Center! 

This spring and summer, the Climate Center was buzzing with activity! From hosting events, collaborating with partners, to sparking conversations about climate action, justice, and creativity. From games and roundtables to symposiums and community gatherings, our focus has been on connection: connecting people to ideas, to one another, and to practical ways we can work toward a more sustainable future. 

🌱 Event Highlights 🌱

Climate Games Day – April 9 

In partnership with Evergreen’s International Study Abroad program, we hosted a lighthearted afternoon of snacks, games, and big ideas. Participants tackled resource-trading games and strategic challenges that sparked creative solutions to climate adversity. 

Earth Week – April 22–24 

Three days of celebrations, learning, and action: 

• Earth (Field) Day – April 22 An outdoor celebration of our local environment, student projects, and ways to engage in campus sustainability. 

• Rachel Carson Forum – April 24 Hosted by MESA, this year’s Forum honored the 40th anniversary of the Master of Environmental Studies (MES) program. Guest speakers Dr. Rob Knapp, Dr. Francisco Santiago-Avila, and Dr. Adam Romero explored themes of sustainable design, transforming our relationship to wildlife, and reimagining U.S. agriculture. 

• Farmworkers Social Justice Day – April 23 Honoring José Gómez, we highlighted the fight for farmworker justice, food sovereignty, and solidarity with those who grow our food. 

Equity Symposium – Climate Lecture Series Special 

Faculty member Sam Saltiel led an interactive workshop exploring Solarpunk and tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) as tools for creativity, climate action, and personal empowerment. Participants reflected on their strengths and imagined practical steps toward a greener future. 

Sustainability Roundtable – May 12 

A collaborative design charrette on reimagining Evergreen’s communal bike shop. Together, we discussed why this space is vital for sustainability, accessibility, and student health—and what’s needed to bring “Bike Shop 2.0” to life. 

Climate & Sustainability Symposium – May 17 

Co-hosted with Thurston Climate Action Team (TCAT), this convention brought together climate and sustainability representatives from across Thurston County. The day was filled with workshops, networking, and collaborative visioning for regional action. 

Climate Lecture Series: Empowering the Energy Workforce 

Nikki Luke explored how energy governance impacts workers and communities, with a focus on justice in the U.S. South. She highlighted how race, gender, class, and ability intersect with energy policy—and where opportunities for change lie. 

🌞 Summer Highlights 🌞

Critical Edge Alliance Conference 

This June, Evergreen hosted the international Critical Edge Alliance conference, bringing together educators and innovators from around the globe. CCAS presented on what teams and institutions can do in the face of climate change and federal opposition—sharing practical strategies for resilience, collaboration, and action. 

Building Networks & Partnerships 

• Thurston Eco Net + Cascadia NOW! – We connected our local community of environmental educators and outreach staff with our Cascadia NOW! partners, establishing a fiscal sponsorship to support ongoing collaboration. 

• Olympia Green Drinks – We continued co-hosting monthly gatherings for people in green careers and interests to meet, share resources, and strengthen our local sustainability community. 

• WOHESC Statewide Calls – We kept convening sustainability leads from Washington colleges and universities to exchange tips, share projects, and learn from one another’s successes. 

Grants & Student Fellowships 

We secured a $20,000 grant to fund MES Fellowship students working on Evergreen’s new Sustainability Action Plan 2.0 and ecological restoration projects across campus. 

Summer Institute: Teaching Social Action 

In partnership with the Washington Learning and Teaching Center, we hosted a two-day Summer Institute focused on Teaching Social Action—exploring pedagogy. And the theme of Solarpunk with sustainable planning for classroom praxis. Faculty and staff engaged in hands-on design sessions and shared approaches to building climate literacy and agency in their students. 

Looking Ahead 

We’ll wrap up the summer at the Burien Solarpunk Festival, connecting with Indigenous Futurists partners and other visionaries shaping regenerative futures. 

This summer, our work has been about momentum—releasing a wave of new projects, resources, and case studies for classes, community partners, and anyone ready to act for a sustainable future. 

📚 Projects & Partnerships 

• MES Fellows & Faculty Collaborations – Our fellows continued work on climate planning, ecological restoration, and community engagement projects. 

• Community Engagement – We tabled at the Tumwater Elevate Fair, showcasing climate-and-art intersections and our new trivia game Fact or (Science) Fiction, highlighting BIPOC and femmes in STEM. 

🎥 In Case You Missed It 

• Videos, blog posts, and zines from our events will be shared on our website and social media this fall—stay tuned! 

📅 Upcoming 

Mark your calendars for fall events, including the continuation of our Climate Lecture Series and sustainability skill-building workshops. 

Get Involved

Volunteer, partner with us, or join an event. Follow us to stay updated: 

• Instagram: @EvergreenCCAS 

• Facebook: EvergreenCCAS 

• Subscribe: Join our mailing list

 

 

Guest Speaker:

Phoebe, a dedicated volunteer with the Thurston ECO Network (TEN), joined us to share exciting updates about the network’s growth and evolving vision. TEN is a collaborative hub connecting environmental educators, advocates, and organizations across Thurston County. Phoebe highlighted their new social media presence, an upcoming podcast, and a new proposal to join the CascadiaNow!’s fiscal sponsorship program—opening doors to grant funding, nonprofit resources, and expanded programming.

This partnership would allow TEN to scale up educator meet-ups, professional development workshops, and community outreach without the overhead of forming a standalone nonprofit. Phoebe emphasized TEN’s commitment to transparency and collaboration, inviting more helping hands to join the effort. A link to the full TEN Growth Proposal slides will be shared for those interested in learning more or getting involved.

🗣️ Community Announcements

The second half of our August Green Drinks was full of exciting updates and opportunities from our vibrant sustainability community. Here’s a quick rundown of what was shared:

🚲 Ongoing Programs & Opportunities

• Bike Donation Program is still active—keep spreading the word and donating if you can! More info.
• Seed Libraries are growing! Lacey Library now hosts one, supporting local food resilience.
• Upcycling Workshop. Speaking of Lacey Library, they’ve had a Upcycling Workshop. Reach out to see if they’ll be rehosting again soon!

♻️ Upcoming Events

• “Can I Recycle This?” Workshop
  📍 Lacey | 🗓️ Wednesday, August 27 | ⏰ 6–7 PM
  Hosted by Thurston Waste Center—great for brushing up on recycling knowledge.

• Master Recycler Volunteer Training
  🗓️ Coming in September—see here for details!

• Solarpunk Festival – Burien, WA
  🗓️ August 16
  A celebration of imaginative futures and sustainability through art and community.

• Spirit Festival – Tacoma
  Hosted by the Washington Historical Society—exploring cultural heritage and community spirit.

• Stonewall Youth Field Trip to Nisqually Wildlife Refuge
  🗓️ August 14 | ⏰ 2–6 PM
  Ages 12–21, transportation provided. A great opportunity to connect youth with nature.

🌊 Nature & Culture Highlights

• Otters at Saint Martin’s – Bruce shared a tip to check out potential otter sightings!
• Ashland’s “As You Like It” at Oregon Shakespeare Festival – A solarpunk-inspired adaptation offering a fresh take on society and sustainability through the arts. If you have the luxury of being able to see it before November, highly recommended (Michael’s review here)!

🌐 Community Coordination

• Thurston ECO Network Gathering
  🗓️ Next Wednesday—join our guest speaker to connect with local sustainability leaders.

• Event Calendar Access
  A new calendar is in the works to consolidate all these events. For now, email climateaction@evergreen.edu to get access.

Date: Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: The Evergreen State College
Sign-Up Deadline: Wednesday, July 24

This summer, we’re inviting students, staff, faculty, and community members to come together for a full-day Summer Institute hosted by the Climate Center. Through the lens of Solarpunk—a movement that blends hopeful climate futures with creativity, justice, and systems thinking—we’ll explore how imagination and action can work hand in hand to build a better world now.

Expect a day of collaborative workshops, storytelling, hands-on tools, and space to connect with others who care deeply about climate justice and community resilience.

🔗 Sign up here to reserve your spot.
📬 A detailed agenda will be emailed to participants on Friday.
📖 In the meantime, check out this overview post for a sneak peek at what’s in store.

July 29, in SEM II B2105
9:00 AM ‑ 10:00 AM	Welcome, Introductions, & Housekeeping. Coffee and chatting (9-9:15) Welcome New Guests, Free-write (5 min.) Refresher/Recap of Day 1 (Faculty & Staff: Solarpunk and Teaching Social Action)
10:00 AM – 10:50 AM	Workshop Session 1: Intention Teaching Social Action (with Anthony) Solarpunk Solutions (with Michael)
10:50 AM – 11:00 AM	Break (stretch, rest, chat)
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM	Workshop Session 2: Impact Teaching Social Action (with Anthony) Solarpunk Solutions (with Michael)
12:00 PM ‑ 1:00 PM	Lunch Break (Bring a Lunch/Potluck!) Food options in the  Summer on campus are limited. So please be sure to bring food (or plan to potluck or grab food off campus)!
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM	Workshop Session 3: Integration! Teaching Social Action (with Anthony) Solarpunk Solutions (with Michael)
3:00 PM – 3:45 PM	Wrap-up: “Regroup & Recap” Groups A and B present their discussions and mindmaps to the other group Time for individuals to share-back any lingering thoughts or ideas. Decide on 1 action to take going forward.
3:45 PM – 4:00 PM	Feedback Form Time Specific time to quickly fill out the Washington Center’s Feedback Form

Questions? Reach out to us at ClimateAction@evergreen.edu. We can’t wait to see you there.

🌿 Olympia Green Drinks – July Recap & Community Announcements 🌿 
Thanks to everyone who joined us for July’s Green Drinks meetup at Whitewood Cider’s Tiny Taproom! We had a fantastic time connecting and hearing from our featured guest, Sarah Hammon with Oly Ecosystems. A full recap of her presentation will be posted on the Climate Center’s blog soon—stay tuned! 

📣 Community Announcements & Events: 

• 📍 August Location: 
  Next month’s Green Drinks will be at Millersylvania State Park’s Lakeside Taphouse—stay tuned for details! 

• Oly Ecosystems is hosting a July 19 work party at Cooper Crest, with lupine plant sampling included. Link forthcoming. Find info here: Work Party at Cooper Crest Preserve – OlyEcosystems 

💚 Local Engagement Opportunities 

• 🛢 July 9 and 16th Anti‑Chevron Protest 
  Join Palestine Action South Sound in a banner and picket outside Tumwater’s Chevron station on Wednesday, July 9 from 5–6:30 PM. Organized in solidarity with global anti‑Chevron actions. bdsmovement.net+6instagram.com+6theolympian.com+6. 

• 🛫 Olympia Airport Expansion Petition 
  Concerned about the proposed expansion of Olympia Regional Airport? Sign the petition on Action Network to oppose growth that could harm our community and environment saveourskiesalliance.org+2actionnetwork.org+2thejoltnews.com+2. 

• 🌊 Estuarium Pier Peer Programs 
  Explore marine life with the Puget Sound Estuarium’s Pier Peer—use underwater drones/ROVs to observe kelp crabs and estuary creatures. Family-friendly, all ages. Details and registration here: Pier Peer – Puget Sound Estuarium 

 Local Resources 

• 🔆 Olympia Community Solar Grant (Solarize Thurston) 
  Olympia Community Solar is offering group solar purchasing discounts, including free assessments before the campaign closes July 4. Learn more at Solarize Thurston actionnetwork.org+11olysol.org+11solarwa.org+11. 

• 🐝 Evergreen College Beekeeping Pilot 
  A summer and autumn pilot at The Evergreen State College is re‑establishing student‑managed nucleus hives (around 3–5 colonies). Thanks to the Olympia Beekeepers Association, Evergreen’s Sustainability in Prisons Project, and Woodsbee Co. 

• 🚲 Adult Bike Rescue Program 
  Thurston County Solid Waste, Intercity Transit, and partners are now collecting gently‑used adult bikes for refurbishment—drop off at the Waste & Recovery Center starting July 2 facebook.com+3intercitytransit.com+3facebook.com+3. 

• ⚡ EV Charging Grant Opportunity 
  Thanks to a recent legal settlement, funding is now available for electric vehicle charging stations in Thurston County—details coming soon once links are live. 

As the season of quiet reflection comes to an end, we’re taking a moment to highlight the work we’ve been doing throughout last winter quarter. From engaging community workshops to expanding sustainability initiatives across campus, CCAS has continued to foster collaboration, education, and action. 

Below, we share key updates on past events, ongoing projects, and what’s ahead for spring. For more details on each initiative, follow the included links! 

❄️ Winter Events Recap 

This past quarter, CCAS collaborated on several events that brought climate action, sustainability, and storytelling into focus. 

We kicked off the winter season with a Sustainability in Prisons Project (SPP) workshop, a first post-COVID in-person collaboration at Stafford Creek Correctional Facility. This session introduced foundational climate science by Director Anthony, explored the humanimpact of climate change by CCAS alum Mina, and closed with a discussion on envisioning and building Solarpunk futures from AD Michael, inspiring attendees to imagine informed actionable sustainability solutions.

In partnership with the House of Welcome Longhouse, we co-hosted a screening of Finding Common Ground: Collaborative Leadership in Washington State. The documentary explored the journey from historical environmental conflicts to present-day collaborations that shape conservation efforts in the Pacific Northwest. The event concluded with a panel and community discussion on conflict resolution in sustainability work. 

Our quarterly Sustainability Seminar & Roundtable, “Imagining a Sustainable Evergreen”, once again brought together students, faculty, and even local business/industry partners to discuss ongoing sustainability efforts. From campus pollinator projects to energy infrastructure improvements, the event sparked new ideas for collaborative action and future green initiatives at Evergreen. 

The Coyote & Crow Longhouse Game Night introduced students to Indigenous futurism through storytelling and role-playing. Co-hosted with the Native Pathways Program and the Indigenous Futurists Society, the event encouraged players to explore sustainable and decolonized relationships with land and technology within a collaborative, narrative-driven experience.

The Climate Lecture Series this quarter featured two compelling discussions. In January, Jacob Johns and Jhajayra Machoa Mendúa shared insights on Indigenous climate resistance, emphasizing the role of frontline communities in global environmental justice movements.

In February, Dr. Mijin Cha explored the Just Transition framework, focusing on how sustainability policies must be designed to protect both workers and communities as we shift toward a carbon-free economy.

🌍 Work in the Community 

Beyond campus events, CCAS deepened its engagement with local and regional sustainability efforts through workshops, resource creation, and project consultations. 

We participated in the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Team’s (DERT) Community Envisioned Deschutes Estuary (CEDE) Series, presenting on the role of higher education in restoration efforts, pollution solutions, and place-based community development. We look forward to continuing this work during the upcoming Olympia Arts Walk, where synthesized information regarding the restoration project community design will be featured. 

 

Not only did our students and staff get to attend and present at the Washington & Oregon Higher Education Sustainability Conference (WOHESC). Our Assistant Director has also taken on a leadership role in the monthly Sustainability Director & Educators Chats, where we’ve facilitated discussions on campus policy changes, AASHE STARS reporting strategies, and student engagement tactics. 

This winter, CCAS officially joined the Thurston ECO Network, a coalition of sustainability and outreach professionals. As part of this group, we’ll be working to expand educational partnerships, community engagement efforts, and professional development opportunities for sustainability practitioners in the region.

The Human Dimensions of Global Change (HDGC) Specialty Group of the AAG hosted a webinar titled Teaching Climate and Environmental Justice on January 30. This virtual event, open to all, featured three experts—Jennifer Atkinson (a former Climate Guest Lecture), Jessica Creane, and our own Anthony Levenda—who shared innovative strategies for engaging students in climate and environmental justice topics.

Additionally, CCAS was featured in the Cooper Point Journal, where we highlighted student-led sustainability initiatives on campus. These projects serve as a testament to the creative and impactful work students are leading in climate action. 

🔬 Projects & Programs 

Our ongoing projects and academic collaborations continue to evolve, providing students with opportunities to apply sustainability concepts in real-world contexts. 

CCAS has been working closely with Facilities & Environmental Studies faculty to advance the Bulkhead Removal & Salmon Habitat Restoration Project, an initiative focused on removing barriers to salmon migration and restoring ecological balance in local waterways. 

At the Tacoma Campus, we’ve been advising on the integration of student-led hydroponics research into kitchen spaces, bridging the gap between campus-grown food and student-run food service initiatives. 

The Evergreen Story Maps Initiative is also progressing, with faculty and student researchers developing an interactive GIS-powered map that highlights key sustainability projects across campus. This will serve as both an educational tool and a digital archive of Evergreen’s evolving sustainability landscape. 

Through the Student Success Stories Archive, we are documenting and sharing the experiences of students who have participated in community-based internships, sustainability research, and climate action projects. Our goal is to provide future students with inspiration and insight into career pathways in environmental work. 

Meanwhile, the Community Internship Program continues to grow, with students partnering with local organizations to gain hands-on experience in sustainability-related fields.

The Idea Co-Lab (Climate Cafe Series) launched as a space for students to workshop climate action projects, collaborate with faculty mentors, and gain access to sustainability resources. This quarter, one of our most exciting partnerships has been with Artists with Ecology, where MES Fellowship students will be working with the a combination of local teams to develop an art installation that also serves as a data-monitoring tool for local ecosystems. 

📅 Looking Ahead: Spring Events & Initiatives 

Spring quarter will bring a packed schedule of sustainability initiatives, including our biggest event of the year: 

• 🎲 Worldwide Climate and Justice Games Day – This event aims to educate students about global climate change, solutions, and justice through engaging and interactive games. As part of the Worldwide Climate Education Week initiative, participants will play games like CATAN – New Energies, highlighting the importance of transitioning to green energy and community/global citizenship thinking.

  • Date: April 9th (Wednesday) | Time: 3:00 – 5:00 PM
  • Location: Social Justice Center, The Evergreen State College
  • Organizers: Center for Climate Action and Sustainability & International Study Abroad Office

• 🌍 Earth (Field) Day – In celebration of Earth Day, the Center for Climate Action and Sustainability invites you to Earth Field Day—an open space for rest, reflection, and connection with the Earth and each other. This midday gathering is your chance to step outside, touch some grass, and reclaim rest as a powerful act of resistance.

  • Date: Tuesday, April 22nd | Time: 12:00 – 1:30 PM
  • Location: Red Square, The Evergreen State College

• 🌿 MESA Rachel Carson Forum – Hosted by the Master of Environmental Studies Association (MESA) at The Evergreen State College. This year, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the MES program with a special focus on “Stories of Adaptation: How has environmental work changed over the last 40 years?”

  • Date: Thursday, April 24th | Time: 4:00 – 8:00 PM (Doors open at 4:00 PM)
  • Location: Purce Hall 1, The Evergreen State College (Hybrid Remote options available)

• 🌱 Thurston Climate Convention & Sustainability Symposium – This regional gathering will bring together climate action organizations, students, researchers, and policymakers for a day of knowledge-sharing and collaboration. The symposium will feature faculty and student research presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities.

  • Date: May 17th | Time: Purce Hall 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Evans Hall 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Location: The Evergreen State College

Read more about other events this quarter on our www.evergreen.edu/climate page, including: 

• Equity Symposium Workshop – Examining storytelling & games as tools for climate action. 
• Farmworkers Justice Day – Exploring sustainable agriculture & labor rights. 
• Sustainability Roundtable – Continuing our quarterly discussions on campus sustainability.

Additionally, CCAS continues to pursue several grants, including the Career Connect Washington Grant, which would expand our Community Internship Program, and ongoing proposals through the Rose Foundation and NSF R212 Regional Resilience Innovation Incubator grants with community partners.

📬 Stay Connected!

📧 Contact us: ClimateAction@evergreen.edu
🌎 Visit our main website: www.evergreen.edu/climate
📢 Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/evergreenccas

 

The Center for Climate Action and Sustainability (CCAS) is proud to introduce this ongoing year’s cohort of Sustainability Fellows — a group of outstanding student leaders working to support Evergreen’s sustainability goals, deepen community partnerships, and contribute to climate action initiatives across campus and beyond.

The Sustainability Fellowship is a grant-endowed program that selects two graduate-level students each year to contribute to real-world projects. Thanks to expanded support this particular year, four incredible students were chosen to participate. And, for the first time, the Center for Climate Action and Sustainability is proud to house and grow this program, helping fellows contribute their skills to meaningful environmental and social impact work.

Since its founding, the Fellowship has helped advance Evergreen’s decarbonization planning, land stewardship efforts, energy and building assessments, and sustainability reporting. Fellows have gone on to pursue additional graduate programs, professional roles in the environmental field, and leadership positions in public service and advisory boards.

What the Fellows Are Working On

This year’s Fellows are already deeply engaged in projects that impact both the Evergreen community and the wider South Puget Sound region, including:

• Ecological Restoration and Salmon Habitat Work: Assisting in the restoration of Geoduck Beach by supporting bulkhead removal efforts, creating educational materials about Indigenous stewardship and coastal ecology, and partnering with the South Sound Salmon Enhancement Group and the Squaxin Island Tribe.
• Sustainability Story Maps: Designing an interactive ArcGIS Story Map to showcase Evergreen’s green buildings, programs, and ecological initiatives — a resource for current students, prospective students, alumni, and visitors.
• Career and Green Workforce Research: Interviewing alumni and former interns to better understand pathways into sustainability careers, and developing resources to help future students navigate these fields.
• Climate Education Innovation: Creating new educational programs that use tabletop role-playing games and board games to teach climate resilience skills, environmental storytelling, and coping strategies for eco-grief and climate anxiety.
• External Grant Applications – from a National Science Foundation R212 grant, to the Rose Foundation, and Career Connect Washington, our students have been assisting Evergreen and Non-profits with meeting programmatic funding needs where possible.
• Event Support and Policy Tracking: Assisting with high-profile events like the Rachel Carson Forum, representing Evergreen at regional climate conferences, and tracking emerging climate and energy policies that could influence campus planning.

Need Help with a Sustainability Project?

Our Fellows have availability over Spring and Summer Quarters to assist with feasibility studies, research projects, data collection, grant writing, and project management consulting.
If your department, program, or office could use support on a project related to sustainability, land stewardship, climate action, curriculum development, or green workforce initiatives, reach out! They’re excited to apply their skills to new challenges and collaborations. Email ClimateAction@evergreen.edu to get in direct contact.

Follow Their Work

Want to see more of what they’re up to?
Follow the Climate Center at Evergreen on Instagram, check out our WordPress blog, or sign up for our quarterly newsletter.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccasevergreen/
Student Blog: https://sites.evergreen.edu/ccas/news/
Newsletter Signup: http://eepurl.com/iKgKhI

Meet the Team!

Earlier this month, we had the unique opportunity to attend Legislative Tabletop Gaming Night at the Washington State Capitol, hosted by the Department of Enterprise Services. This event, held inside the Legislative Building itself, was designed to introduce lawmakers and legislative staff to the vibrant and growing world of tabletop games—and to show how these games can inform and support policy conversations around a multi-billion-dollar creative industry that Washington is proud to call home.

We were honored to be invited by Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, and joined the event thanks to Sarah “Sam” Saltiel, a faculty member at Evergreen and a leader in game-based education. The two of which had a breakfast meeting with other industry designers and producers. Together, we shared how tabletop roleplaying and board games can be used as powerful tools in the classroom and beyond, especially in the context of climate change, environmental literacy, and community resilience.

 At our table, representing the Center for Climate Action and Sustainability, we explored how educational games can help players of all ages develop systems thinking, empathy, collaboration skills, and a deeper understanding of sustainability and justice. It was a joy to engage with curious community members, policy staff, and fellow educators in conversation about the role games can play in tackling real-world issues.

 This event was especially well-timed, as we’re also releasing a Spring blog post with recommendations for climate- and environment-themed tabletop games that educators, students, families, and curious learners can explore. From cooperative play to scenario-building, these games offer a hands-on way to imagine and practice the futures we want to build. You can find that blog post here in the coming week!

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Looking Ahead: Earth Month Events

We’re also excited to announce three special events coming up this April for Earth Month at Evergreen:

🎲 Worldwide Climate & Justice Games Day | 📅 Wednesday, April 9
     As part of the Worldwide Climate Education Week initiative, we’re hosting a game session using titles like CATAN – New Energies to spark dialogue about the climate crisis, energy transitions, and global citizenship. Come play, learn, and connect with others passionate about justice and the planet.

🌍 Earth (Field) Day – Red Square Field Day | 📅 Tuesday, April 22
    Join us for a laid-back, earth-loving field day celebration in Red Square! We’ll have fun games, and ways to engage with sustainability and each other. Drop by anytime from 12-1:30!

📚 Rachel Carson Forum: Stories of Adaptation | 📅 Thursday, April 24
    Honoring the legacy of Rachel Carson—pioneering scientist, writer, and environmental activist—this event brings together a diverse group of speakers to reflect on the evolution of environmental work, the challenges ahead, and the stories that shape our path forward. Hosted by the Master of Environmental Studies Association (MESA), as we celebrate 40 years of the MES program! 

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At the Climate Center, we believe that imagination is a climate solution, and games can be a portal into more just, resilient, and creative futures. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just curious, we hope you’ll join us this spring in playing for the planet.

Stay tuned for updates and sign up for event notifications at: www.evergreen.edu/climate/events-and-workshops

#TabletopForChange #ClimateEducation #ClimateJusticeGames #EarthMonth #EvergreenClimateAction #SustainabilityThroughPlay #EvergreenEarthWeek

If you’d like to read about the following year’s Legislative Gaming Night, read on here!