Dr. Jeffery Jensen is an ichthyologist (ichthyology is the study of fish) from University of Washington Bothell and he needs volunteer salmon watchers to help view and work with salmon on streams that flow into the Sammamish River such as Bear, Lyon, Swamp, and North Creek. Dr. Jensen is studying kokanee salmon (a landlocked variation of sockeye salmon) as well as other types of salmon and fish.
This nonprofit organization’s mission is to purchase surplus food from Northwest farmers (such as Terra Gold Farms who grow potatoes) and distribute it to people in need. These rescued crops that otherwise would’ve gone to waste are helping feed people as well as helping farmers. East West Food Rescue serves over 230 food banks, community kitchens, senior centers, native tribes, school food programs, and many other helping organizations. Visit their website at https://eastwestfoodrescue.org/ to learn more about East West Food Rescue and discover opportunities to help out by becoming a volunteer.
Trees can be dropped off between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. Trees must be free of decorations, tinsel and other non-biodegradable materials. No flocked trees will be accepted.
EvCC is located at 2000 Tower St. in Everett. Drop off trees in the marked area in parking lot F. To see the location of parking lot F, visit EverettCC.edu/Maps and click Campus Map.
EvCC has been recycling holiday trees since 2009. Last year, EvCC collected approximately more than 250 trees that were turned into woodchips on site and used for campus flower beds and mulch.
The Bike Fixation has been installed in front of Gray Wolf Hall near the existing bicycle rack in that area of campus. It is open to the public, free to use, and contains all the necessary equipment for regular maintenance and repairs on most types of bicycles. Check out the photos below! For tips on how to use this resource, look here!
New year, new projects. That’s how we look at things here in the EvCC Sustainability program! One of the many new projects underway for this year is a pilot program to incentivize students and employees to use public transportation. Island Transit has reinstated a once discontinued route, the Everett Connector, which runs a single bus from Terrys Corner Park and Ride on Camano Island to the Everett Station, with a stop at Tower and Broadway, right in front of EvCC.
A report put together by EvCC student and Sustainability Staff, Max Tinsley, determined that this route could potentially cut commute time in half for students who live in the North County region, comprised of Stanwood, Camano Island, and the unincorporated areas north of Arlington. The report also outlined that approximately 10% of annual enrollment at EvCC are students living in the North County area.
Similar to the existing ORCA program, students can purchase a buss pass for Island Transit route 412, the Everett Connector, for $45.00 in the Cashiers Office, in Parks Student Union. This is being run as a pilot program for Fall Quarter, with a limited number of passes available to find out the demand for such a program. The passes are valid for the entire quarter, rather than just a month, as they would be if purchased from Island Transit directly.
This project is not only a benefit to the environment, but it can also help to reduce traffic and parking congestion. The outcome of Max Tinsleys effort is also a reminder that one person has the power to bring about significant change and leave a lasting impact on their community, if only they stay engaged and involved in the public process.
“I’m happy to report that our latest shipment of laptops refurbished by 3R Technology just arrived at the Homes of Hope India orphanage in Bangalore. This facility provides housing, meals, and education for over a hundred young women and girls from one of the most disenfranchised and under-served communities in the world. These laptops help ensure much-needed education and training for their academic and employment future.” Many thanks to you and all our customers for helping us make these donations possible! Your commitment to environmentally sound and ethical electronics recycling makes a tremendous difference…”
–Glen Giados, the CEO of 3-R Technology, regarding the more than 5 tons of electronic waste that Everett Community College and local community members have recycled by partnering with 3-R Technology/Recycling in the past 3 years during EvCC Sustainability recycling events.
Red Columbine, commonly found near streams and mountain meadows
Red Columbine, commonly found near streams and mountain meadows
Over the 2016-17 school year, a group of students have undertaken a project to bring a new sense of indigenous culture to our campus. The 1st Nations Club, co-advised by Brian Ramos from the Workforce Funding Department, has slowly been converting a section of the wooded area in the heart of campus to an Indigenous Garden, putting in native plants such as Red Columbine, Miners Lettuce, and Nootka Rose to name a few.
EvCC has a history of representing indigenous cultures on campus, through the various pieces of art donated to the college by some local tribes. There is a totem pole in the northwest section of campus outside of Olympus Hall, and the Thunderbird Killer Whale sculpture is located on the edge of the site of the new garden.
A student and staff member planting Bleeding Hearts
When asked about the purpose of this project, the students were eager to tell the story. They explained how this garden, to them, represents the success of native people, and how they’ve overcome many challenges to get to where they are today.
“I am this plant, I am of this Earth,” said Erik Sanchez, a student working on the project, “It’s really cool to feel connected.”
The group has finished with the planting, and over time will be adding outdoor furniture to resemble a traditional native gathering area. The project will continue throughout the rest of the school year as well as into the future.
A student adds fertilizer to a planting spot
Erik Sanchez, one of the students working on this garden.
Now that Spring is in full-swing, it’s time to get cleaning! Last Saturday, May 20th, dozens of neighbors from around EvCC turned out to rid themselves of the clutter which they’ve accumulated over the last year. Volunteers from EvCC’s Custodial and Facilities crews helped residents of the Northwest neighborhood throw out or recycle old electronics, scrap metals and lumber, yard waste, and other household items such as carpets, bedframes and more.
A big thanks to 3-R Electronics Recycling for coming out to this event! Also saved from certain doom in the landfill were a number of bicycles, which were happily accepted by a local bike shop in town. Although neighbors did not have to pay an entry fee, they were asked for donations to help cover the the rental and hauling costs of the containers.
Employees who volunteered their time spoke of this event as a good way for the college to improve its connection and relationship with the surrounding community; something to be appreciated as the college can sometimes forget how its growth and resulting traffic impact our neighbors.
This event was sponsored by the Northwest Neighborhood Association, in partnership with EvCC’s Sustainability Team.
