Campus solar panels ordered

The Saint Mary’s student-organized solar panel initiative was successful in raising approximately $14,000, enough to order a 3.8 kilowatt system for campus.

In order to take advantage of a Made in Minnesota Solar Panel Rebate, the project was downsized, but student organizers are excited for the project to begin.

“I think it’s a good start to decreasing our carbon footprint, and classes will be able to understand the value of solar panels and other green initiatives,” said senior Conner Ellinghuysen, one of the initiative’s organizers. “One of the great things about this project is that it has the potential to connect many disciplines of the university, from business to science classes.

“This is just the start,” Ellinghuysen said. “We will have the ability to expand on the system in the future.”

The solar panels will be installed in October. A location is yet to be determined. The system will reduce the university’s carbon footprint, save the university money, and provide educational experiences for students.

The system expected to produce over 4,700 kilowatts per year on average, or about 50 percent of the average household usage. It will also save 4 tons of carbon emission each year.

Campus Ministry hosts outdoor retreat

Twelve people attended the Outdoor Retreat Sept. 20-21, facilitated by Campus Ministry.  The retreat focused on enjoying the outdoors and discovering how a spiritual life may be called to environmental stewardship.  Participants hiked, canoed and camped at Perrot State Park.

River cleanup is Sept. 7

The 33rd annual Mississippi River cleanup will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at Latsch Island Beach. Volunteers should wear gloves, boots, and old clothes. Boats are needed to haul trash. Go to www.facebook.com/mrr1980 for more information.

‘Bidder 70’ film about climate activist is April 22 at WSU

“Bidder 70,” a new documentary about climate activist Tim DeChristopher, will be shown Monday, April 22, at 7:30 p.m. in WSU’s Somsen Hall auditorium. The feature-length movie is a film festival favorite. It chronicles DeChristopher’s civil disobedience during an auction for federal land in Utah, which landed him in federal prison for 21 months. He is being released April 21. After the screening, DeChristopher will speak to audiences online, from Salt Lake City, and conduct a live Q & A.

Make your voice heard at Watershed Citizen Summit, Feb. 19

A citizen-led conversation about water quality in the Mississippi River-Winona watershed is Tuesday, Feb. 19 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Tau Center. The event is free and includes a local foods meal, roundtable discussions, and a look at recently collected water quality data and a new landowner survey.

The Watershed Citizen Summit is hosted by the Whitewater River Watershed Project with funds provided through Minnesota’s Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment. Saint Mary’s University is one of many community sponsors for the event.

Everyone is invited and a diverse group of people is wanted including landowners, farmers, recreational water users, business owners, public employees, nonprofit leaders, students and educators. Conversations will inform a new watershed strategy that promotes sustained public participation in activities that protect and restore water quality.

Pre-registration is required and seating is limited. Call 457-6521 or e-mail whitewaterwatershed@gmail.com. Include your name, address, phone number, and number attending.

The Mississippi River-Winona watershed includes the Whitewater River, Stockton-Rollingstone-Minnesota City watershed district and several small Winona-area streams such as Gilmore Creek.

Make your voice heard at Watershed Citizen Summit, Feb. 19

A citizen-led conversation about water quality in the Mississippi River-Winona watershed is Tuesday, Feb. 19 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Tau Center. The event is free and includes a local foods meal, roundtable discussions, and a look at recently collected water quality data and a new landowner survey.

The Watershed Citizen Summit is hosted by the Whitewater River Watershed Project with funds provided through Minnesota’s Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment. Saint Mary’s University is one of many community sponsors for the event.

Everyone is invited and a diverse group of people is wanted including landowners, farmers, recreational water users, business owners, public employees, nonprofit leaders, students and educators. Conversations will inform a new watershed strategy that promotes sustained public participation in activities that protect and restore water quality.

Pre-registration is required and seating is limited. Call 457-6521 or e-mail whitewaterwatershed@gmail.com. Include your name, address,
phone number, and number attending.

The Mississippi River-Winona watershed includes the Whitewater River, Stockton-Rollingstone-Minnesota City watershed district and several small Winona-area streams such as Gilmore Creek.

GeoSpatial to help with State Water Trails Day

Saint Mary’s GeoSpatial Services is playing an important role in State Water Trails Day Saturday, July 14. This event is intended to raise awareness of the 33 State Water Trails managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for canoeing, kayaking, boating and camping.

Attendees to the invite-only event are expected to include the DNR commissioner, several Minnesota Senators, local officials and community leaders, state advisors to the DNR Trails Road, a variety of media and possibly the governor.

The event will begin with a gathering and short presentation at the Prairie Island park pavilion, followed by a 2-4 mile canoe ride on the backwaters of the Mississippi River.

GSS will assist with hosting State Water Trails Day by providing mapping and volunteer assistance, and Saint Mary’s will be recognized for its role during the presentation.

Watershed summit planned for June 26

The public is invited to attend a Watershed Citizen Summit on Tuesday, June 26, for the Mississippi River-Winona Watershed. The Mississippi River-Winona Watershed includes the Whitewater River Watershed, the Stockton-Rollingstone Minnesota City Watershed District and several small streams such as Snake, East Indian, Burns Valley, Gilmore, Pleasant Valley, Cedar Valley and Big Trout Creeks.

The purpose of the summit is to provide an opportunity for people to discuss concerns and ideas about ways to protect local water quality. Participation is needed from landowners, farmers, business owners, educational leaders, non-profits and recreational users. The event is free to participants and includes a meal followed by roundtable discussions.

The June 26 Watershed Citizen Summit will be held from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Tau Conference Center, 511 Hilbert St.

Pre-register by calling 457-6210 or e-mail whitewaterwatershed@gmail.com. Pre-registration is required and seating is limited. Priority will be given to the agricultural community. Provide your name, number of people attending and a contact phone number so that pre-registration can be confirmed.

SMU hosts forum about food

The last sustainability forum, hosted by Student Life, is Tuesday, April 24. The forums are intended to provide interested students, staff and faculty with the opportunity to learn more about the broad concepts of sustainability, discuss these issues as they relate to our daily lives both on and off campus, and then identify actions to contribute toward a more sustainable future.

• “Food, Compost and Recycling” — Tuesday, April 24, 7:30 p.m., Toner Student Center Lounge

Wasted food, starvation, organic movement, free-trade Friday, eat local, community gardens, food contamination, composting, foodies, and carbon-free diet will all be discussed. We are what we eat!

SMU hosts sustainability forums

The last sustainability forum, hosted by Student Life, is Tuesday, April 24. The forums are intended to provide interested students, staff and faculty with the opportunity to learn more about the broad concepts of sustainability, discuss these issues as they relate to our daily lives both on and off campus, and then identify actions to contribute toward a more sustainable future.

• “Water” — Tuesday, April 24, 7:30 p.m., Toner Student Center Lounge

If today the issue is oil, then tomorrow the issue will be water. Whether gathered in your reusable container, flowing down the Mississippi River, pumped from the ground, or falling from the sky, water is at the core of all life on earth and we can’t take it for granted.

SMU hosts sustainability forum

The last sustainability forum, hosted by Student Life, is Tuesday, April 24. The forums are intended to provide interested students, staff and faculty with the opportunity to learn more about the broad concepts of sustainability, discuss these issues as they relate to our daily lives both on and off campus, and then identify actions to contribute toward a more sustainable future.

• “Water” — Tuesday, April 24, 7:30 p.m., Toner Student Center Lounge

If today the issue is oil, then tomorrow the issue will be water. Whether gathered in your reusable container, flowing down the Mississippi River, pumped from the ground, or falling from the sky, water is at the core of all life on earth and we can’t take it for granted.

SMU hosts sustainability forum

The last sustainability forum, hosted by Student Life, is Tuesday, April 24. The forums are intended to provide interested students, staff and faculty with the opportunity to learn more about the broad concepts of sustainability, discuss these issues as they relate to our daily lives both on and off campus, and then identify actions to contribute toward a more sustainable future.

• “Water” — Tuesday, April 24, 7:30 p.m., Toner Student Center Lounge

If today the issue is oil, then tomorrow the issue will be water. Whether gathered in your reusable container, flowing down the Mississippi River, pumped from the ground, or falling from the sky, water is at the core of all life on earth and we can’t take it for granted.

SMU hosts sustainability forums

Student Life will once again hold a series of forums this semester on issues related to sustainability. The forums are intended to provide interested students, staff and faculty with the opportunity to learn more about the broad concepts of sustainability, discuss these issues as they relate to our daily lives both on and off campus, and then identify actions to contribute toward a more sustainable future.

• “Food, Compost and Recycling” — Tuesday, March 20, 7:30 p.m., Damien Commons in Watters Hall

It has been said that “Food goes to the heart of civilization.” Topics for dialogue will include: Food and nutrition security, famine, waste, organic food, composting, fair-trade, “eat local,” community gardens, “foodies,” carbon-free diet, etc. We are what we eat, so come and share your point of view.

• “Water” — Tuesday, April 24, 7:30 p.m., Toner Student Center Lounge

If today the issue is oil, then tomorrow the issue will be water. Whether gathered in your reusable container, flowing down the Mississippi River, pumped from the ground, or falling from the sky, water is at the core of all life on earth and we can’t take it for granted anymore. Come and dialogue with us about water!

SMU hosts sustainability forums

Student Life will once again hold a series of forums this semester on issues related to sustainability. The forums are intended to provide interested students, staff and faculty with the opportunity to learn more about the broad concepts of sustainability, discuss these issues as they relate to our daily lives both on and off campus, and then identify actions to contribute toward a more sustainable future.
The series includes:

• “Sustainability & Catholic Higher Education” — Tuesday, Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m., Damien Commons in Watters Hall

How and why should we (as members of a Catholic and Lasallian community) become better stewards of God’s creation and champions for environmental justice? This forum features Chris McClead, co-director of Campus Ministry.

• “Food, Compost and Recycling” — Tuesday, March 20, 7:30 p.m., Damien Commons in Watters Hall

It has been said that “Food goes to the heart of civilization.” Topics for dialogue will include: Food and nutrition security, famine, waste, organic food, composting, fair-trade, “eat local,” community gardens, “foodies,” carbon-free diet, etc. We are what we eat, so come and share your point of view.

• “Water” — Tuesday, April 24, 7:30 p.m., Toner Student Center Lounge

If today the issue is oil, then tomorrow the issue will be water. Whether gathered in your reusable container, flowing down the Mississippi River, pumped from the ground, or falling from the sky, water is at the core of all life on earth and we can’t take it for granted anymore. Come and dialogue with us about water!

SMU hosts sustainability forums

Student Life will once again hold a series of forums this semester on issues related to sustainability. The forums are intended to provide interested students, staff and faculty with the opportunity to learn more about the broad concepts of sustainability, discuss these issues as they relate to our daily lives both on and off campus, and then identify actions to contribute toward a more sustainable future.
The series includes:

• “Sustainability & Catholic Higher Education” — Tuesday, Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m., Damien Commons in Watters Hall

How and why should we (as members of a Catholic and Lasallian community) become better stewards of God’s creation and champions for environmental justice? This forum features Chris McClead, co-director of Campus Ministry.

• “Food, Compost and Recycling” — Tuesday, March 20, 7:30 p.m., Damien Commons in Watters Hall

It has been said that “Food goes to the heart of civilization.” Topics for dialogue will include: Food and nutrition security, famine, waste, organic food, composting, fair-trade, “eat local,” community gardens, “foodies,” carbon-free diet, etc. We are what we eat, so come and share your point of view.

• “Water” — Tuesday, April 24, 7:30 p.m., Toner Student Center Lounge

If today the issue is oil, then tomorrow the issue will be water. Whether gathered in your reusable container, flowing down the Mississippi River, pumped from the ground, or falling from the sky, water is at the core of all life on earth and we can’t take it for granted anymore. Come and dialogue with us about water!

SMU hosts sustainability forums

Student Life will once again hold a series of forums this semester on issues related to sustainability. The forums are intended to provide interested students, staff and faculty with the opportunity to learn more about the broad concepts of sustainability, discuss these issues as they relate to our daily lives both on and off campus, and then identify actions to contribute toward a more sustainable future.

The series includes:

• “Sustainability & Catholic Higher Education” — Tuesday, Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m., Damien Commons in Watters Hall

How and why should we (as members of a Catholic and Lasallian community) become better stewards of God’s creation and champions for environmental justice? This forum features Chris McClead, co-director of Campus Ministry.

• “Food, Compost and Recycling” — Tuesday, March 20, 7:30 p.m., Damien Commons in Watters Hall

It has been said that “Food goes to the heart of civilization.” Topics for dialogue will include: Food and nutrition security, famine, waste, organic food, composting, fair-trade, “eat local,” community gardens, “foodies,” carbon-free diet, etc. We are what we eat, so come and share your point of view.

• “Water” — Tuesday, April 24, 7:30 p.m., Toner Student Center Lounge

If today the issue is oil, then tomorrow the issue will be water. Whether gathered in your reusable container, flowing down the Mississippi River, pumped from the ground, or falling from the sky, water is at the core of all life on earth and we can’t take it for granted anymore. Come and dialogue with us about water!

Mississippi River cleanup is Saturday

The 31st annual Mississippi River Revival cleanup is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at Latsch Island. A free lunch will be provided.

Participants are asked to wear gloves and old clothes. Boats are needed.

The cleanup starts at Latsch Island Beach. Volunteers will go out in boats and remove trash and pollutants such as treated wood, discarded tires and metals from islands, shorelines and dikes.

Environmental film screening is May 3

SMU will offer a public screening of the environmental documentary film “Green Fire” at Winona State University’s Science Learning Center (Room 120) at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3. “Green Fire” is the first full-length, high-definition documentary film ever made about legendary environmentalist Aldo Leopold. “Green Fire” highlights Leopold’s extraordinary career, tracing how he shaped and influenced the modern environmental movement.

Following the screening, an opportunity for dialogue about the film will be facilitated by Wes Miller (Department of Sociology at SMU), Joe Tadie (Department of Philosophy at SMU) and Bruno Borsari (Department of Biology at WSU). This opportunity was made possible through the SMU Office of Campus Ministry.

Mississippi River cleanup is Sept. 18

The annual Mississippi River cleanup will be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at Latsch Island Beach. Volunteers will go out in boats to remove eyesores and pollutants, such as treated wood, discarded tires and metals from islands, shorelines and dikes. A free lunch and music will be provided.

Campus Ministry is offering volunteers an opportunity to participate in this cleanup and a Gilmore Creek cleanup on Sunday, Sept. 26, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Mississippi River cleanup is Sept. 18

The annual Mississippi River cleanup will be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at Latsch Island Beach. Volunteers will go out in boats to remove eyesores and pollutants, such as treated wood, discarded tires and metals from islands, shorelines and dikes. A free lunch and music will be provided.