Earth Works Institute

Earth Works Institute is geared up for another action-packed season working with young adults in the Santa Fe area. The month of February is dedicated to recruiting 15 young adults who are interested in gaining green collar career skills, participating in on-the-ground community building, and acquiring hands-on experience with environmental conservation and education.

4C is proud to list the following accomplishments for 2009:

• Installation of a dozen erosion control structures and planting of over 100 trees in the Santa Fe County Arroyo Hondo open space
• Installation of 20 erosion control structures and planting of over 200 trees and shrubs in the Cerrillos Hills State Park
• Design and construction of  outdoor classrooms and school gardens at Turquoise Trail Charter School, El Dorado Community School and Monte del Sol Charter School, including a greenhouse, wooden benches, trails, shade structures, water harvesting, irrigation systems, planter boxes, compost structures, a pond, bird nest boxes, labyrinths and entrance kiosks
• Collaborative design, painting and installation of 5 murals with themes related to climate change and community engagement at 3 school sites and at the Santa Fe Place Mall (food court area on north side of mall)
• Launch of a collaborative (with the Sierra Club, the City of Santa Fe and The Housing Trust) low and moderate income home weatherization program (Energy Works) in Santa Fe
• Launch of a green jobs for youth and arroyo health restoration project with the City of Santa Fe
• Launch of a wildlife corridor and green-jobs-for-young-adults project with private land owners and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Partners for Wildlife program

Now, in the early part of 2010, Dana and the 4C program are gearing up for what is sure to be another energy-driven and successful spring and summer. EWI is actively seeking applicants for 4C, and the work season will begin on March 1^st.

This year 4C crew members will be organized into two teams, with the goal of completing the following projects:

Crew #1

• Create facilities for outdoor learning, food production, water harvesting and renewable energy, design and paint murals, and conduct resource audits at four schools: Institute of American Indian Arts, Santa Fe High School, Alvord Elementary School and Salazar Elementary School
• Restore native vegetation and wetlands in environmental preserves and public open space areas

Crew #2

• Install storm water infiltration gardens in Santa Fe arroyos to reduce erosion, improve water quality, and increase biological diversity
• Restore creeks and arroyos in the Galisteo Basin
• Enhance wildlife habitat

Both crews will receive an orientation, ongoing education and training in the following areas:

• Climate change causes, solutions and adaptations
• Green collar career development strategies
• Energy, water and waste audits
• Carpentry
• Water harvesting and irrigation systems
• Local food issues and solutions
• Environmental education
• Mural design and painting
• Environmental restoration techniques
• Wildlife habitat enhancements

4C/Climate Change Conservation Corps has proved to be instrumental for the advancement of young adults in northern New Mexico communities. DONATE today to support the continuation and success of this unique and valuable program.

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