{"id":540,"date":"2025-05-19T21:06:02","date_gmt":"2025-05-20T04:06:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/ccas\/?p=540"},"modified":"2025-05-19T21:09:48","modified_gmt":"2025-05-20T04:09:48","slug":"%e2%9d%84-winter-wrap-up-newsletter-%e2%9d%84","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/ccas\/%e2%9d%84-winter-wrap-up-newsletter-%e2%9d%84\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2744 Winter Wrap-Up Newsletter \u2744\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As the season of quiet reflection comes to an end, we\u2019re taking a moment to highlight the work we\u2019ve been doing throughout last winter quarter. From <\/span>engaging community workshops<\/span><\/b> to <\/span>expanding sustainability initiatives<\/span><\/b> across campus, CCAS has continued to foster collaboration, education, and action.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Below, we share key updates on <\/span>past events<\/span><\/b>, <\/span>ongoing projects<\/span><\/b>, and <\/span>what\u2019s ahead for spring<\/span><\/b>. For more details on each initiative, follow the included links!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2744\ufe0f Winter Events Recap<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

This past quarter, CCAS collaborated on several events that brought <\/span>climate action, sustainability, and storytelling<\/span><\/b> into focus.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\"\"In partnership with the <\/span>House of Welcome Longhouse<\/span><\/b>, we co-hosted a screening of <\/span>Finding Common Ground: Collaborative Leadership in Washington State<\/span><\/i>. 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 <\/span>conflict resolution in sustainability work<\/span><\/b>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"Our <\/span>quarterly Sustainability Seminar & Roundtable, “Imagining a Sustainable Evergreen”<\/span><\/b>, once again brought together students, faculty, and even local business\/industry partners to discuss ongoing sustainability efforts. From <\/span>campus pollinator projects<\/span><\/b> to <\/span>energy infrastructure improvements<\/span><\/b>, the event sparked new ideas for collaborative action and future green initiatives at Evergreen.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\"\"<\/p>\n

The <\/span>Climate Lecture Series<\/span><\/b> this quarter featured two compelling discussions. In January, <\/span>Jacob Johns <\/span><\/b>and Jhajayra Machoa Mend\u00faa<\/span><\/b> shared insights on Indigenous climate resistance<\/strong><\/a>, emphasizing the role of frontline communities in global environmental justice movements.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\"\"<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf0d Work in the Community<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Beyond campus events, CCAS deepened its engagement with local and regional sustainability efforts through workshops, resource creation, and project consultations.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"We participated in the <\/span>Deschutes Estuary Restoration Team\u2019s (DERT) Community Envisioned Deschutes Estuary (CEDE) Series<\/span><\/b>, presenting on the role of higher education in <\/span>restoration efforts, pollution solutions, and place-based community development<\/span><\/b>. We look forward to continuing this work during the upcoming <\/span>Olympia Arts Walk<\/span><\/b>, where synthesized information regarding the restoration project community design will be featured.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Not only did our students and staff get to attend and present at the Washington & Oregon Higher Education Sustainability Conference (WOHESC)<\/a><\/b>. Our Assistant Director has also taken on a leadership role in the <\/span>monthly Sustainability Director & Educators Chats<\/span><\/b>, where we\u2019ve facilitated discussions on <\/span>campus policy changes, AASHE STARS reporting strategies, and student engagement tactics<\/span><\/b>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This winter, CCAS officially joined the <\/span>Thurston ECO Network<\/span><\/b>, a coalition of sustainability and outreach professionals. As part of this group, we\u2019ll be working to expand <\/span>educational partnerships, community engagement efforts, and professional development opportunities<\/span><\/b> for sustainability practitioners in the region.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Human Dimensions of Global Change (HDGC)<\/strong> Specialty Group of the AAG hosted a webinar titled Teaching Climate and Environmental Justice<\/em> <\/strong>on January 30. This virtual event, open to all, featured three experts\u2014Jennifer Atkinson (a former Climate Guest Lecture), Jessica Creane, and our own Anthony Levenda\u2014who shared innovative strategies for engaging students in climate and environmental justice topics.<\/p>\n

Additionally, CCAS was featured in the <\/span>Cooper Point Journal<\/b><\/span>, where we highlighted <\/span>student-led sustainability initiatives<\/span><\/b> on campus. These projects serve as a testament to the creative and impactful work students are leading in climate action.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\ud83d\udd2c Projects & Programs<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Our ongoing projects and academic collaborations continue to evolve, providing students with opportunities to <\/span>apply sustainability concepts in real-world contexts<\/span><\/b>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

CCAS has been working closely with <\/span>Facilities & Environmental Studies faculty<\/span><\/b> to advance the <\/span>Bulkhead Removal & Salmon Habitat Restoration Project<\/span><\/b>, an initiative focused on removing barriers to salmon migration and restoring ecological balance in local waterways.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At the <\/span>Tacoma Campus<\/span><\/b>, we\u2019ve been advising on the integration of <\/span>student-led hydroponics research into kitchen spaces<\/span><\/b>, bridging the gap between <\/span>campus-grown food and student-run food service initiatives<\/span><\/b>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>Evergreen Story Maps Initiative<\/span><\/b> is also progressing, with faculty and student researchers developing an <\/span>interactive GIS-powered map<\/span><\/b> that highlights key sustainability projects across campus. This will serve as both an educational tool and a digital archive of Evergreen\u2019s evolving sustainability landscape.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Through the <\/span>Student Success Stories Archive<\/span><\/b>, we are documenting and sharing the experiences of students who have participated in <\/span>community-based internships, sustainability research, and climate action projects<\/span><\/b>. Our goal is to provide future students with <\/span>inspiration and insight into career pathways in environmental work<\/span><\/b>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the <\/span>Community Internship Program<\/span><\/b> continues to grow, with students partnering with <\/span>local organizations to gain hands-on experience in sustainability-related fields<\/span><\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>Idea Co-Lab (Climate Cafe Series)<\/span><\/b> launched as a space for students to workshop <\/span>climate action projects<\/span><\/b>, collaborate with faculty mentors, and gain access to sustainability resources. This quarter, one of our most exciting partnerships has been with <\/span>Artists with Ecology<\/span><\/b>, where MES Fellowship students will be working with the a combination of local teams <\/span>to develop an <\/span>art installation that also serves as a data-monitoring tool for local ecosystems<\/span><\/b>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcc5\u00a0Looking Ahead: Spring Events & Initiatives<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Spring quarter will bring a packed schedule of sustainability initiatives, including our biggest event of the year:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n