In recognition of Earth Month, Pine Technical College has lined up a series of lectures and events throughout the month of April to advance the public's understanding of global climate change. All events will be are free open to the public, and students are especially encouraged to attend.
Mon. April 6 at 6 p.m. in the Pine Technical College Auditorium, the documentary film, “An Inconvenient Truth,” will show. Former Vice President Al Gore's film discusses global warming, and a community action discussion will follow. Refreshments available.
Mon. April 13 at 6 p.m. in the Pine Technical College Auditorium, a special event, "Raptors and Environmental Change," with presenters from the Audubon Center of the North Woods will be offered. Live raptors will be featured, along with discussion regarding their role in the changing environment. Appropriate for the whole family.
Wed. April 22, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. outdoors at the Pine Technical College campus, the “Health and Environmental Fair” will feature exhibits, demonstrations, information and giveaways.
Sponsored by the Pine Technical College Ever Green Club, more than 15 booths will be available, each offering a different perspective. Sample booth themes include “What to Recycle,” “How to Compost” and many more.
Pine Technical College nursing students will be on hand with lessons and exhibits such as "Blood Pressure Checks," "Gastric Bypass," "Cancers," "Drug Use,” “Diabetes” and more.
The Pine Technical College Johnson Virtual Reality Center will be offering virtual reality demonstrations at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Exhibits hosted by organizations not affiliated with Pine Technical College include Sprouts Hometown Market and Gifts, East Central Energy and many more. This event is appropriate for the whole family.
Thurs. April 30 at 6 p.m. in the Pine Technical College Auditorium, a presentation, "Wildlife and Climate Change," will be offered. Learn how environmental change affects fish and wildlife populations in Minnesota. Refreshments available.
"Many students have the idea that global climate change does not and will not affect their lives,” said Pine Technical College biological sciences instructor and Ever Green Club advisor Alexis Grinde. “But, climate change is a real issue, and most people in East Central Minnesota have limited knowledge about it. These events provide opportunities to learn,” Grinde added. Grinde recently was awarded a 3,800. grant that supports her ongoing research and public education programs regarding global climate change. A portion of the grant is supporting the Earth Month events.
The Ever Green Club, a new club at the College, is already underway with an effort to transform the College into a more environmentally-friendly facility. For example, the club emphasizes recycling and began an Adopt-A-Highway project. One of the club’s many focuses is to educate fellow students regarding the value of environmentally-friendly alternatives such as composting.
The club recently conducted a paperless survey, and results indicated the majority of faculty, staff and students at the College are interested in learning more about what they can do to improve and preserve the environment.
“College leadership has taken steps to work with local government officials to make Pine Technical College and Pine City a leader in green communities for the area,” Grinde said. “The Ever Green Club is proud to play a part in that,” Grinde added.
