Wednesday, April 18, 2012

High School Student's Seed Planting

Menominee Indian High School Students have been busy planting seeds. Students have been meeting in the library every Monday to plant a wide variety of seeds with librarian Ben Grignon and SDI Education Coordinator Kate Flick. 

Some pea seeds were planted outside earlier in the year and have begun to sprout.



Here are some finished trays of seeds sitting under light that helps the seeds to sprout.



The students pick which seeds they would like to plant and put them into a soil mixture they hand-make.



These planting "cups" are decomposable and can be planted right into the ground. The newspaper also helps hold water and provides carbon to a growing plant.



CMN Career Fair Was A Success

On April 17, College of Menominee Nation hosted a career fair for local high school students. About 300 students had the opportunity to learn about career opportunities and fields of study.

Sustainable Development Institute set up a display and talked to students about jobs related to sustainable development and natural resources. Kate Flick, SDI Education Coordinator, pointed out that nearly every field is connected to sustainable development. Some emerging fields related to climate change are industrial utilities, financial and legal services, transportation, consulting, engineering and construction, marketing, and MORE. If sustainable development isn't your main interest, even understanding climate change and sustainability can add to a resume and open up doors to unique positions.

If you are interested in learning more about careers linked to sustainable development, contact us. sdi@menominee.edu





SDI Attended Native Plants Restoration Workshop


On April 19, 2012, SDI staff attended a Native Plants Restoration Workshop in Wilson, MI titled “KINOMAAGEWIN-AKI, Teachings from the Earth.” The workshop provided training and information on a wide range of Native Plants topics. Insights were shared on traditional Native cultural teachings, medicinal plants and challenges facing native plants restoration, pollinator-protection efforts, and perspectives on technical support. Speakers shared success stories on growing Native Plants and provided resources, such as information on invasive species.

Attendees strengthened ties with one another and learned of local efforts in place. “You’re all being brought together by the plant world, the spirit world,” noted a speaker. Scott Herron suggested that to stay in balance, we need to stay connected with plants and posed the question of what really makes us much different from anything else, whether it be plants or animals. “We’re a product of our ancestors,” he said, “The same time you do ecological restoration; you have to do cultural and spiritual restoration.”

Much effort was placed on not only supporting one another, but to also help our plant family, especially now with climate change and plant extinction.  Jan Schultz, from the USDA Forest Service commented: “We are neighbors on the landscape and are connected by common need.”

SDI was honored to be part of the workshop and plans to continue to work with the group in the future. Tobacco seeds from the workshop will be planted in the College of Menominee Nation greenhouse with SDI soon. If you would like to work with the planting or Traditional Native plants restoration, contact SDI. sdi@menominee.edu


Tuesday, April 3, 2012

USDA Internship in Green Bay: Apply NOW

Time is running out to apply for this internship...APPLY NOW!

The USDA is offering paid summer work for CMN students to work as interns. The Federal Agency, the United States Department of Agriculture, which is associated with the FSIS, needs students to apply now. Interns would be hired as food inspectors, gaining real work experience and building their resume over the summer.

Time is running out to apply; If you are interested, please contact Michael Reitmeier: michael.reitmeier@fsis.usda.gov

Another USFS Summer Job Opportunity



Here is another summer job opportunity with the US Forest Service. The position is in Saint Paul, MN working with the Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry office. The College of Menominee Nation has a partnership with the US Forest Service and this office is an important part of this partnership.
If you want more information or if you are interested in applying for this position, please contact Barb Tormoehlen by April 15, 2012. Barb's email is: btormoehlen@fs.fed.us and her phone number is 651-649-5276. The position is at a grade level that requires the completion of two full years of college or experience.
Mike Dockry can also answer any general questions students may have. Feel free to stop by his office in 211 Glenn Miller Hall, CMN Keshena Campus, or send him an email: mdockry@menominee.edu.