Issue 298 - February 6, 2012

Welcome again to the Minnesota Sustainable Communities Network (MnSCN) e-Newsletter, produced by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. If this is your first e-mail from MnSCN, read more about the e-Newsletter.

Thanks for your continuing interest. We hope that the following timely information will assist you in promoting attitudes and practices in your community that are socially, environmentally, and economically sound. These updates typically include a great deal of material sent in by members; send suggestions to nextstep@state.mn.us. We also encourage you to forward this update to others and to reprint material from the update.

February 6, 2012, Issue #298

In this issue:

1st Annual Community Connections Conference - free! Minneapolis, February 11

Minnesota's Emerging Green Economy: Green Jobs Report 2011

"Look Who's Knockin" play about retiring farmers

MnDOT seeks public input for 20-year Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan

Product Stewardship Speaker Series

Ideas for a Sustainable Valentine's Day

26-second climate change video from NASA

Environmental Initiative Awards: Apply between February 8 - March 2

Right Light Guide - differences between bulb types

Money Available

Jobs Available - many listings!

Upcoming Events

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1st Annual Community Connections Conference: "Better Communities through Neighborhoods"

Free, February 11, 2012, in Minneapolis

http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/ncr/CommunityConnectionsConference

The following text is modified from the web site above.

The City of Minneapolis' Neighborhood and Community Relations department is hosting the first-ever Communities Connections Conference, "Building Better Communities Through Neighborhoods", on Saturday, February 11, 2012 from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm at the St. Mary's University Event Center - 2540 Park Avenue South (formerly known as the Zuhrah Shrine Event Center). The cost is free!

400 attendees are expected - register on the web site above. Walk-in registrations will also be accepted. This conference is also open to non-Minneapolis residents.

This new conference is specifically designed for neighborhood organizations, cultural communities, nonprofit organizations, City departments and residents to share best practices of neighborhood engagement. In addition, the conference will introduce people to new and innovative ideas for working within communities and neighborhoods. A major theme of the conference is building diversity and increasing participation in neighborhood organizations and communities.

Angela Glover Blackwell, president and CEO of PolicyLink, a national research and action institute working to advance economic and social equity, will give the keynote address.

The conference will include 16 concurrent workshops listed at http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/ncr/conf/WCMS1P-084290 Examples of workshop sessions are:

* The Power of Zero: How to Reduce Waste at Your Event for 10 or 10,000

* Neighborhood Show and Tell: Success Stories From Sustainable Neighborhoods

* Hawthorne Eco-Village: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Local Solutions

* Resilient Neighborhoods: A Place-based Inclusive Approach

There will also be neighborhood and community booths, a Neighborhood Café, food from communities throughout the city, local cultural entertainment and a closing reception.

A full conference agenca can be found at: http://www.minneapolismn.gov/ncr/conf/WCMS1P-084529

For more information about the event, see the web site above.

Minnesota's Emerging Green Economy: Green Jobs Report 2011

http://bit.ly/xFdPNz

The following is adapted from the web site above:

"Minnesota's Emerging Green Economy: Green Jobs Report 2011," a comprehensive study of the state's green job vacancies and potential for growth, is now available, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) recently announced.

"Identifying green jobs and the skills that people will need to work in them will help Minnesota identify economic development strategies, as well as strategies for workforce training and education," said DEED Commissioner Mark Phillips. "With the support of the Workforce Investment Boards, the Governor's Workforce Development Council, and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, we are pleased to release this important research."

Key research findings include:

* Green job vacancies represented 2.5 percent of the overall hiring demand in Minnesota between the fourth quarter of 2009 and the second quarter of 2011, an estimate in line with other states.

* Green vacancies were found in 263 predominantly privately owned firms, with about one-half in the Twin Cities metro area and one-half outside of the metro area.

* Green vacancies overall offered higher quality employment than total vacancies, with higher wage offers and more job stability (89 percent full-time and 79 percent permanent positions).

* Green vacancies required a higher education level than other vacancies. The most common degrees needed to work in green jobs are bachelor's and vocational degrees.

* Green vacancies were spread across 150 occupations, with more than one-half in the following occupational groups: installation, maintenance and repair; architecture and engineering; construction; and management and business specialists.

Advances in technology, consumer demand for green products and services, and the pace with which companies adopt green processes will drive future job growth in Minnesota's green economy. The report also details existing green activities in Minnesota and their growth potential.

The two-year study was funded by a U.S. Department of Labor grant, authorized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, to quantify the impact of the green economy on the labor market in Minnesota. Research findings were also used to develop the ISEEK green careers portal to help people explore and plan careers in green jobs.

Links to the complete report and executive summary are at www.tinyurl.com/greenjobsstudy

"Look Who's Knockin", a Play on 'Retiring Farmers' Dilemma', coming to Western MN

http://www.landstewardshipproject.org/pr/11/newsr_110120.htm

The following is adapted from the web site above:

The Land Stewardship Project is sponsoring public performances of Look Who's Knockin' during February in the western Minnesota region. The professionally-acted play reveals the challenges faced by farmers wanting a good return on the sale of their properties while also desiring to help the next generation of conservation-minded farmers get started farming.

Created out of numerous interviews and stories of both beginning and retiring farmers in recent years, the one-act play uses humor, storytelling and the common everyday tension in an elderly farm couple's relationship to prompt personal reflection and discussion within the audience.

The play was written by LSP Policy program organizer Doug Nopar and is directed by LSP member and western Minnesota farmer Carmen Fernholz. At each of the play performances, LSP will provide resources and first-step guidance for those landowners interested in learning more about renting or selling their land to a beginning farmer.

Remaining performances this winter of the play include the following:

* Sunday, Feb. 12, 2 p.m., Milan School, Milan, Minn.

* Sunday, Feb. 19, 2 p.m., Central Square Cultural and Civic Center, Glenwood, Minn.

Tickets are $5. For more information, including details on obtaining tickets, call LSP's Amy Bacigalupo at 320-269-2105 or e-mail amyb@landstewardshipproject.org.

An audio version of the play (podcast episodes 94 & 95) is available at http://www.landstewardshipproject.org/podcast.html?t=2

MnDOT seeks public input for 20-year Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan

http://www.dot.state.mn.us/newsrels/12/01/13multimodalplan.html

The public, transportation stakeholders and local government officials are invited to provide input for Minnesota's 20-year Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan at one of five remaining open houses occuring in February statewide.

Minnesota's 20-year Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan establishes overarching guidance and priorities for making state transportation decisions across all modes of transportation. The open houses will provide Minnesotans with an opportunity to learn about the current multimodal system, the challenges we will face in the future, and how we can address those challenges. The public is also invited to provide feedback on draft transportation objectives and planning strategies.

Remaining workshop dates and locations are as follows:

* Feb. 8 in Minneapolis-University of Minnesota Urban Research & Outreach-Engagement Center, 2001 Plymouth Ave. N., Minneapolis, Minn.

* Feb. 9 in Maplewood-Maplewood Community Center, 2100 White Bear Ave., Maplewood, Minn.

* Feb. 13 in Mankato-MnDOT Mankato Office, 2151 Bassett Drive, Mankato, Minn. - REVISED DATE

* Feb. 15 in Marshall-Marshall Library, 201 C St., Marshall, Minn.

* Feb. 16 in Rochester-Rochester Public Library, 101 Second St. SE, Rochester, Minn.

All meetings will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. A brief presentation will be given at 4:30 p.m. and repeated at 6 p.m. Attendees may come and go at any time.

Product Stewardship Speaker Series

This speaker series showcases business and government efforts to promote product stewardship for products and materials. Themes include design for the environment, end-of-life management, and the development of programs for product standards and certification. Featuring the perspectives of prominent companies, government leaders, academics and environmental advocates, each event allows significant opportunity for discussion.

Presentations are held at the St. Paul offices of the MN Pollution Control Agency, 520 Lafayette Rd No, St. Paul, 55155. Directions are available at http://bit.ly/yd6YXC

The upcoming session below will be held on Thursday, February 23, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.:

New tools for putting environmental life cycle thinking into action MPCA's St. Paul offices | Webcast available

Free To Register, Visit: http://bit.ly/ysiyEA to attend in person or via webcast

Join MPCA for a discussion of new tools and studies that can aid business, government and non-profits in understanding and evaluating the greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution impacts of goods and services throughout their environmental life cycles. The discussion will focus on the development and practical uses of three new tools: a life cycle analysis (LCA) tool for assessing the GHG impacts of individual products; an LCA tool for assessing "scope 3" emissions from the entire supply chain of a company, government, or non-profit; and a first-of-its-kind study in the U.S. examining the GHG impacts of a whole state's consumption patterns. Moderated Q&A will follow the presentations.

For more information about this session, contact Madalyn Cioci, madalyn.cioci@state.mn.us

Panel members:

Holly Lahd (University of Minnesota) helped develop two new tools released in fall 2011 by the GHG Protocol: the Scope 3 and Product Life Cycle standards. She is currently a graduate researcher at the University's NorthStar Initiative for Sustainable Enterprise. Her expertise is in applied economics, sustainability strategy, GHG inventories, and life cycle assessment. She will present overviews and applications of both the Product and the Scope 3 Standards.

Thaddeus Owen (Herman Miller) works on product design and design for the environment for the Herman Miller corporation, a leader in design and manufacture of furniture and work spaces, named by Fortune magazine as "Most Admired" and by Fast Company magazine as one of the 50 most innovative companies. He led Herman Miller's participation as a corporate "road tester" of the GHG Protocol Product Standard during its development. Mr. Owen will share Herman Miller's experience of road testing the standard and how the company incorporates life cycle thinking in product development.

Madalyn Cioci (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency) works on waste and pollution prevention for the MPCA, ranging from policy development and research to providing technical assistance. She is currently studying and promoting reuse as well as helping to incorporate LCA into the state of Minnesota's procurement system. She will moderate the discussion and present the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality's recent Consumption-based Emissions Inventory.

Ideas for a Sustainable Valentine's Day

Despite its early Christian roots, Valentine's Day nowadays is celebrated as a non-religious holiday that embodies sentiments of romance, love, friendship and/or devotion. It is also a much commercialized and "consumerized" holiday, with millions of dollars spent on cards, flowers, jewelry and chocolates, among other items, every year. Even Valentine's Day, though, is capable of being celebrated in lots of ways that support principles of sustainability and that support a green economy. Here are a few suggestions for making February 14th more eco-friendly:

Forgo flowers and candy in favor of organic fruit, nuts, and other "healthy" options. Just refrain from telling the recipient(s) that you're trying to "save" them from themselves ;>).

Give an e-gift card to a local restaurant or retailer. Avoid plastic cards, which typically end up in the waste stream and in landfills. More and more restaurants and retailers these days are offering e-gift cards, or may still offer paper gift certificates (especially local establishments).

Create your own cards. Homemade gift cards still tend to have a leg-up when it comes to winning over hearts. Consider writing your own poem or creating a personalized message. If creativity isn't in your blood, look for sample card messages or poems online. If time is not on your side, shop for cards that are made from postconsumer waste and/or are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)-certified, or send an E-card.

Make your sweetie a homemade meal. Consider using local, seasonal and organic ingredients in your cooking. Pair it with an organic wine and/or one produced by a local winery. If cooking isn't your thing, visit a neighborhood restaurant that specializes in local and/or organic.

Send/give pesticide-free flowers. South American countries are frequently the source of wintertime flowers. According to the Pesticide Action Network, pesticides may be used heavily on flower crops in such countries, which can pose health risks to workers, their families and communities, local wildlife, and groundwater. Pay attention to where your flowers come from--shop for flowers that are locally produced and pesticide-free. If local ones are in short supply, consider ordering from an online company that specializes in "green" flowers.

Show your love through Fair Trade and/or organic chocolate. Shop for chocolate that supports fair labor/trade standards and/or that are certified organic. Local food co-ops, some specialty or "natural" grocery stores, and green retailers are potentially good sources.

More ideas for eco-friendly and sustainable things to do on Valentine's Day can be found at the following websites:

http://livegreentwincities.com/news/newsitem.aspx?newsitemid=7848

http://www.rethinkrecycling.com/blog/have-happy-green-valentine%E2%80%99s-day

26-second climate change video from NASA

http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/2011-temps.html

Those interested in an animated visualization of global temperature trends since 1880 will find the short video at the NASA web site above of interest. The following text is from this site:

The global average surface temperature in 2011 was the ninth warmest since 1880, according to NASA scientists. The finding continues a trend in which nine of the 10 warmest years in the modern meteorological record have occurred since the year 2000.

NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) in New York, which monitors global surface temperatures on an ongoing basis, released an updated analysis that shows temperatures around the globe in 2011 compared to the average global temperature from the mid-20th century. The comparison shows how Earth continues to experience warmer temperatures than several decades ago. The average temperature around the globe in 2011 was 0.92 degrees F (0.51 C) warmer than the mid-20th century baseline.

Global temperatures have warmed significantly since 1880, the beginning of what scientists call the "modern record." At this time, the coverage provided by weather stations allowed for essentially global temperature data. As greenhouse gas emissions from energy production, industry and vehicles have increased, temperatures have climbed, most notably since the late 1970s.

In this animation of temperature data from 1880-2011, reds indicate temperatures higher than the average during a baseline period of 1951-1980, while blues indicate lower temperatures than the baseline average. (Data source: NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies. Visualization credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Scientific Visualization Studio)

Environmental Initiative Awards: apply between February 8 - March 2

http://www.environmental-initiative.org/projects/environmental-initiative-awards

The following text is modified from the web site above:

The Environmental Initiative Awards annually honor innovative projects that have achieved extraordinary environmental results by harnessing the power of partnership.

From large statewide efforts to small-scale locally based projects, many of Minnesota's most innovative environmental efforts have succeeded as a result of collaboration. Environmental Initiative established the Environmental Initiative Awards in 1994 to honor these partnerships, inspire other organizations to create similar projects, and encourage collaborative approaches to environmental problem solving.

Nominations for the 2012 Environmental Initiative Awards will open on Wednesday February 8, 2012 and will be accepted through Friday, March 2. Self-nominations are welcome.

New this year, each person who submits a nomination will receive one free ticket to attend the awards ceremony and dinner on Thursday, May 24.

For more details, see the web site above.

Right Light Guide - differences between bulb types

http://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/lighting/guide

There are a lot of new lighting options out there today, so the Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) has created a suite of resources to help you find your way.

One of them is a "Right Light Guide" that illuminates the differences between bulbs and helps you find the ones you need.

The CERTified Right Light Guide shows:

* the main differences between the types of bulbs available;

* how to identify the brightness of light bulbs;

* how to read the new labels;

* and even a shopping list to take to the store.

Download this useful free, two-page guide at the web site above.

Money Available

FY 2012 Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_Reap.html

The following text is modified from the web site above.

USDA Rural Development's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to complete a variety of energy projects. Offering both loan guarantees and grants, the REAP program helps eligible applicants install renewable energy systems such as solar panels or anaerobic digesters, make energy efficiency improvements such as installing irrigation pumps or replacing ventilation systems, and conduct energy audits and feasibility studies.

The REAP program is comprised of the following components:

The Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loan and Grant Program provides financial assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase, install, and construct renewable energy systems; make energy efficiency improvements; use renewable technologies that reduce energy consumption; and participate in energy audits, renewable energy development assistance, and feasibility studies.

The Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grant Program provides grant assistance to entities that will assist agriculture producers and small rural businesses by conducting energy audits and providing information on renewable energy development assistance.

The Feasibility Studies Grant Program assists financially applicants that need to complete a feasibility study, which are required in applications for many of USDA's and other government agencies' energy programs.

According to http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=140654&mode=VIEW , in order to be considered for Fiscal Year 2012 funds, complete applications under this Notice must be received by the appropriate USDA Rural Development State Office no later than 4:30 p.m. local time of the dates as follows:

For renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement grant applications and combination grant and guaranteed loan applications: March 30, 2012.

For renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement guaranteed loan only applications: On a continuous basis up to June 29, 2012.

For renewable energy system feasibility study applications: March 30, 2012. For energy audits and renewable energy development assistance applications: February 21, 2012.

Minnesota's USDA Rural Development's office can be accessed at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/MNHome.html

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Jeffers Foundation Awards for waste reduction efforts in school lunchrooms

http://www.seek.state.mn.us/article.cfm?id=5929

The following was adapted from the web site above:

Jeffers Foundation is looking for elementary schools in Minnesota who have developed and are implementing effective Waste Reduction Programs in their school lunchrooms that can be shared with other schools throughout the state.

Three schools will be selected to receive the Jeffers W.R.A.P. (Waste Reduction Awareness Program) Award. Awards of $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000 will be awarded to the top three programs to be used to continue promoting Food Waste Reduction Programs.

All Minnesota Elementary Schools, public and non-public are eligible to apply.

The deadline for applications to be submitted electronically is April 1, 2012.

For more information, visit http://www.jeffersfoundation.org/ (or directly at http://www.jeffersfoundation.org/documents/WRAP-APP2012.doc )

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Applications invited by the Minnesota Deparment of Education for National Green Ribbon Schools Recognition

http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/Welcome/News/PressRel/040532

The following text was modified from the web site above:

Throughout Minnesota, schools are making a conscious effort to promote energy efficiency - both in the classroom and in practice. Now, the Minnesota Department of Education is partnering with the U.S. Department of Education to recognize these schools with the newly launched Green Ribbon Schools program.

The program seeks to highlight schools across the nation who are working every day to set a great example by saving energy and reducing operating costs, creating environmentally friendly learning spaces, promoting student health and providing environmental education to incorporate sustainability into the curriculum.

To be considered for the program, a school will have achieved or made considerable progress toward the three pillars established in the program: 1) energy efficient buildings; 2) healthy students and school environment; and 3) environmental literacy of all graduates. The combined achievement in these three areas will be the basis for the Green Ribbon Schools award.

To apply, public and private schools in Minnesota submit their application to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). After reviewing all applicants, the MDE Commissioner will nominate up to four schools for the honor. If four are nominated, one must be a public school with a 40 percent disadvantaged population and one must be a private school. Schools must also meet high college- and career-ready standards, be in compliance with federal civil rights laws, and all federal, state and local health and safety standards and regulations.

The application for the Green Ribbon Schools program is located at http://sgiz.mobi/s3/5ea007b6d758

For a copy of the application questions, visit the Minnesota Department of Education website: http://www.education.state.mn.us/MDE/StuSuc/ScholarRecog/index.html

Applications must be submitted to the Minnesota Department of Education by February 22, 2012.

Please visit http://www2.ed.gov/programs/green-ribbon-schools/index.html for more information on Green Ribbon Schools.

For questions about the application process or program, please contact Jeff Ledermann, the department's Environmental and Outdoor Education Coordinator, at 651/582-8602 or jeff.ledermann@state.mn.us

Note: there will be a "Green Ribbon Schools: Application Assistance" webinar held on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 4:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time with the following details: Event number: 753 402 875 Event password: Gr33n1 Event address for attendees: https://usgbc.webex.com/usgbc/onstage/g.php?d=753402875&t=a Call-in toll-free number (US/Canada): 1-866-469-3239 Access code: 753 402 875

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DNR Divison of Parks and Trails Grants

http://bit.ly/wWN4Xf

The following information is modified from the web site above:

Millions of dollars in state and federal funding will be available in 2012 for building trails, acquiring park land, installing fishing piers and otherwise expanding outdoor recreation opportunities in Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Parks and Trails.

Applications are now being accepted for the following grant programs: outdoor recreation, natural and scenic areas, local trail connections, federal recreational trails, regional trails, public boat accesses, clean vessel, boating infrastructure, fishing pier and shore fishing areas.

These grants help local governments, organizations and individuals throughout the state create partnerships with the DNR to fund projects ranging from natural area acquisition to trail connections to water-based recreational facilities.

For more details, see http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/grants/index.html

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Grants for specialty crop growers from the MN Department of Agriculture

http://www.mda.state.mn.us/en/news/releases/2012/nr-2012-01-27-block.aspx

The following was adapted from the web site above:

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has received $700,000 in federal funding to help promote and enhance the specialty crop industry. Fruit, vegetable and other specialty crop farmers can apply for Specialty Crop Block Grants to help them compete in today's marketplace.

Grant projects may include outreach to increase consumers' nutritional knowledge about specialty crops, assistance in the development of good agricultural practices, investment into specialty crop research, development of new and improved seed varieties, and pest and disease control.

MDA Marketing and Development Director Mary Hanks says growers of fruits, vegetables, culinary herbs and spices, medicinal plants, tree nuts, flowers, and nursery plants are eligible to apply.

"We encourage those in specialty crop production to apply for these grants that support and further promote their industry," said Hanks. "I'd also encourage industry representatives to attend one of our scheduled workshops to learn more about the application process."

MDA will accept grant applications through April 20, 2012.

A list of eligible and ineligible commodities can be found at www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp. A grant manual is available on the MDA website at www.mda.state.mn.us/grants/grants/specialty.aspx.

Questions regarding the grant program or the application process can be directed to David Weinand at 651/201-6646 or email David.Weinand@state.mn.us

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Disney Friends for Change Grants

http://www.ysa.org/grants/disney-friends-change-grants

The following text was modified from the web site above:

Disney Friends for Change Grants offer young change-makers an opportunity to receive a $1,000 grant to help make a lasting, positive change in the world.

What we're looking for? Projects that highlight the creativity and commitment of young people working to meet the needs of others.

The goal? Showing how even small actions can add up to big changes.

Whether you are passionate about protecting the planet, providing meals to those who need it or giving kids just like you the resources they need to star in their own play, be an athlete or an artist, you can be a Friend for Change! Whatever your interests, a Disney Friends for Change Grant can help you make a difference for people, communities and the planet.

Youth ages 5-18 located in all 50 states and the District of Columbia are eligible to apply for a $1,000 grant. Please note: To be eligible to lead a Disney Friends for Change grant, you must be between the ages of 5 - 18. Legally, if you are younger than 13, you must have someone older than 13 prepare and submit the application for you.

Applications are due by midnight February 29, 2012.

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For more web sites of grant/loan programs, see:

* Grant web pages from all Minnesota State Agencies: http://www.grants.state.mn.us/public/

* NextStep list of grants/loans: http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us/resources.cfm?type=10

Jobs Available and Jobs Wanted at www.nextstep.state.mn.us/jobs.cfm

See the NextStep job board http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us/jobs.cfm for a variety of organizational postings including these below, talented people offering their skills, and other job listings that post jobs in the field of sustainability.

Current jobs available include, among others:

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency: Lake Superior Project Leader (deadline February 21)

Transit for Livable Communities: Communications Associate (deadline February 21)

Forest Stewardship Council, U.S.: Development Manager (deadline March 2)

Forest Stewardship Council, U.S.: Systems Integrity Manager (deadline February 19)

Metropolitan Council: Outreach Coordinator (deadline February 15)

Minnesota Valley Council of Governments (MVCOG): Program Administrator (deadline February 23)

University of Minnesota Extension: Extension Educator - Community Economics, Crookston, MN (open until filled)

Giziibii Resource Conservation and Development: RC&D Office and Program Manager, (deadline February 15)

Northland College: Assistant Professor, Sustainable Community Development (no deadline given)

Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute: Executive Director (review of applications begins March 1)

Washington Conservation District: Watershed Restoration Specialist (deadline February 17)

Lake County: County Land Commissioner (deadline February 10)

City of Minneapolis: Planning Director (deadline February 17)

City of Excelsior: City Planner/Receptionist (deadline February 10)

City of Chaska: Assistant City Administrator (deadline February 8)

International Wolf Center: Executive Director (open until filled)

Cannon River Watershed Partnership: Water Monitoring Program Coordinator (deadline February 10)

Organic Field School: Program Director (open until filled)

Todd County: Soil and Water Conservation Development Division Director (deadline February 6)

Minnesota Association of Townships: Executive Director (deadline February 10)

City of Windom: EDA Executive Director (deadline February 9)

City of Owatonna: Community Development Specialist (deadline February 21)

Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa: Northwest MN Field Crew Member (AmeriCorps position) (priority deadline February 15)

Pillsbury United Communities: Bicycle Mechanic (deadline February 12)

Blue Green Alliance: Solar Energy Supply Chain Manufacturing Specialist (deadline February 10)

Friends of the Mississippi River: Youth Educator/Program Assistant (deadline February 8)

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Current internships available include:

Forest Stewardship Council, U.S.: Special Projects and Operations Intern (paid) (deadline February 13)

Mississippi River Network: 1 Mississippi Campaign Intern (paid) (deadline February 14)

MN Department of Natural Resources: Internships - many! (paid) (deadlines vary)

Women's Environmental Institute: Farm Interns (paid - up to 6 positions) (deadline February 20)

Do It Green! Minnesota: Office & Distribution Assistant (unpaid intern) (deadline March 1)

Do It Green! Minnesota: Social Media Coordinator (unpaid intern) (deadline March 1)

Do It Green! Minnesota: Resource Center Manager (unpaid intern) (deadline March 1)

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Here are other job listings and resources:

SEEK (environmental education): http://www.seek.state.mn.us/jobs.cfm

MN Environmental Partnership: http://www.mepartnership.org/mep_jobs.asp

MN Council of Nonprofits: http://www.minnesotanonprofits.org/jobs

Idealist: http://www.idealist.org

Green Dream Jobs: www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/greendreamjobs.main

League of MN Cities, City Job Postings: http://www.lmc.org/page/1/city-jobs.jsp

Association of MN Counties, County Job Postings: http://www.mncounties.org/employment.html

Minnesota State Government Jobs: https://statejobs.doer.state.mn.us/JobPosting

Metropolitan Council Jobs: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/metrocouncil/default.cfm

University of Minnesota Jobs: https://employment.umn.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/Welcome_css.jsp

Federal Government Job Postings: http://www.usajobs.com

Forum for Women in the Environmental Field Job Listings: http://www.fwef.org/employment

National Green Collar Jobs Board: http://www.sustainlane.com/green-jobs

MinnesotaWorks.net: https://www.minnesotaworks.net/

Upcoming Events at www.nextstep.state.mn.us/calendar.cfm

Featured events include:

* Exhibition: Smarter Living - The 2,000 Watt Society (February 6 - March 1) http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us/calendar_detail.cfm?eventid=5570 - free, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN

* First Annual City of Minneapolis Community Connections Conference: "Better Communities through Neighborhoods" http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us/calendar_detail.cfm?eventid=5544 - February 11, Minneapolis, MN

* Sustainable Film Series: Be the Change http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us/calendar_detail.cfm?eventid=5543 - free, February 15, Minneapolis, MN

* BAELN Event: Creating Partnerships while establishing a community garden http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us/calendar_detail.cfm?eventid=5520 - free, February 16, Baxter/Brainerd, MN

* Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota Annual Conference http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us/calendar_detail.cfm?eventid=5491 - $85, February 18, St. Joseph, MN

* Adaptive Management in the Face of Climate Change http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us/calendar_detail.cfm?eventid=5573 - $135, February 21, Cloquet, MN

* 22nd Annual Duluth Energy Design Conference and Expo http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us/calendar_detail.cfm?eventID=5571 - $150 for each day, February 21 - 22, Duluth, MN

* New Tools for Putting Environmental Life Cycle Thinking into Action http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us/calendar_detail.cfm?eventid=5561 - free, February 23, St. Paul, MN

* MOSES Organic Farming Conference http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us/calendar_detail.cfm?eventid=5522 - $180 before January 16 (between January 17 - February 13: $195; Walk-in: $215), February 23 - 25, La Crosse, WI

* Solar Hot Water 103 http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us/calendar_detail.cfm?eventid=5528 - $100, February 25, White Bear Lake, MN

* Is Nature Deficit Disorder Real? Keynote talk by Don Shelby at 10th Annual Childcare Professional Institute http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us/calendar_detail.cfm?eventid=5577 - $12 early registration for keynote only, $15 walk-in; February 25, Chisago City, MN

* Local Foods and Third Crops http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us/calendar_detail.cfm?eventid=5565 - free, February 27, Fairmont, MN

* Putting the "Fun" Back in "Infrastructure": The Electric System and the Future of Energy http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us/calendar_detail.cfm?eventid=5572 - free, February 29, St. Paul, MN

* Electric Vehicles: Exploring the Technology and the EV Market http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us/calendar_detail.cfm?eventid=5529 - $59, March 6, White Bear Lake, MN

* 24th Annual Erosion Control and Stormwater Management Conference and Trade Show http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us/calendar_detail.cfm?eventID=5574 - $310, March 8 - 9, Nisswa, MN

* Minnesota Farmers' Market Association Spring Conference and Annual Meeting http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us/calendar_detail.cfm?eventid=5567 - $60 by March 1, $75 after March 1; March 22, Waite Park, MN

* Twin Cities Sustainable Communities Conference http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us/calendar_detail.cfm?eventid=5524 - March 23 - 24, Minneapolis, MN - $75, Sustainable Business Roundtable, March 23 - free, Local Government Sustainability Workshop, March 23 - free, Sustainable Communities Conference (for citizen leaders & volunteers), March 24

* Careers in Renewable Energy http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us/calendar_detail.cfm?eventid=5530 - $75, March 24, White Bear Lake, MN

* 8th Annual Community Garden Spring Resource Fair http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us/calendar_detail.cfm?eventid=5579 - $5 - $10 suggested donation, March 31, St. Paul, MN

See these and many other upcoming events at the NextStep Calendar, onto which anyone can post events, for:

* Other future and past events

* Links to other web-based calendars for:

o Sustainable Agriculture

o Environmental Education

o Minnesota River Events

o Renewable Energy & Sustainable Living

o Transportation

o Green Buildings

This e-Newsletter on sustainability-related information is sent bi-weekly by the list moderator, staff of the Sustainable Communities team at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, a state agency. We hope that you will find this information useful, but if at some point you would like to be removed from the list, please e-mail nextstep@state.mn.us.

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For further information and questions about the MPCA or the MnSCN, please feel free to contact Philipp Muessig or Paul Moss at 651/296-6300 or 800/657-3864, or see www.pca.state.mn.us/sustainability

We encourage submissions of local examples of sustainable community activities, guidebooks and other tools, studies, speakers, conferences, workshops, meetings, grant and loan funds, and courses that might be of interest to MnSCN members. Please e-mail us: nextstep@state.mn.us. Your response will not be posted directly to this list, but will be considered for inclusion in a future update to MnSCN members.