Get Involved with the Formation of a Guelph Institute for the Environment

Call for Interested EnviroScis!
As many of you may be aware, the University is in the process of creating a Guelph Institute for the Environment (GIE). Though still in formative stages, some of the stated goals of the GIE include a synthesis and coordination of 'environmental research, teaching, and policy support' across the University and larger community. It is meant as a tool to encourage sharing and discussion between players in the University with environmental roles and significance, as well as be a forum for outreach to the larger community and act to open up environmental research being done at Guelph to a larger audience.
Possible links and cooperative projects with the City of Guelph and local conservation/development bodies are also being explored. Mr. David Anderson, former federal Environment Minister, will lead the GIE as director, visiting Guelph one week every month, and will work with other staff here in Guelph.

So where do students fit into this? It has been discussed, but as of now remains vague. And vague means potentially malleable. To discuss how students can be involved with the GIE and prepare proposals to discuss with planners and staff, we would like to create a 'working group' of interested students. We see this as a great opportunity for students to be involved in the formation of what will hopefully become a very important feature in Canadian environmental research.

The official launch of the GIE, with a public lecture by Mr. Anderson, is scheduled for February 28th, at 5:30. We would like to have some time to discuss ideas before Mr. Anderson's visit and so are calling for interested students to RSVP for our first planning meeting. The meeting is for Monday, February 26th at 5:30, Room 109 Blackwood.
RSVP to ESSE President Mary Jane Richardson mricha04@uoguelph.ca or Marena Brinkhurst mbrinkhu@uoguelph.ca

Volunteer for Envirothon

Holly Nadalin, a third year NRM student here at Guelph, is looking for some students to help out with a half-day seminar for Wellington County Stewardship Council's annual Envirothon happening this spring.

At this event, students compete and learn about environmental issues. Holly's role this year is to plan and deliver a half-day workshop on soils, and is hoping to find a couple of students who have a real interest in education and stewardship, as well as a background in soils, to help out. This would be a great opportunity for students to get involved in the community and network with the MNR, GRCA, and OFAH.

The competition date is April 24th and the workshop will be happening sometime in March. In total, the commitment will require about 3-4 full days, including the competition, workshop, and workshop preparation.
If you're interested, contact Holly for more information at hnadalin@uoguelph.ca by Friday, March 2nd at the latest.

Community by Design Symposium

The City of Guelph is hosting a forum to discuss future design and development plans under a strategic growth strategy. Below is a poster indicating the time and place of this forum, which is open to the public. Click to enlarge.

West Nile Virus Program Job Opportunity

Looking for a good job in Middlesex/London region? Click below to englarge.

Fourth Year Job Opportunity

CVC Conservation Youth Corps Project Coordinator
Click to Englarge.