(FCC patrons starting on one of the three planting sites)

With the summer season hot on our trails (pun intended), we directed our attention to ways we can help locals save energy on their cooling costs for the season. And what better way to do this, we decided, than to host a tree planting at a Greeley church? See, when deciduous (leaf-shedding) trees are planted on the Northern face of a building, they act to protect the building from hot summer weather and cold winter wind, in turn saving energy and money. The very first church we approached (First Christian Church at 2230 13th Street) agreed to have us on the weekend of Saturday, April 23rd. They were even so kind as to bring along twenty or so volunteers (and plenty of gardening supplies) to assist in the planting. With a generous donation from the UNC Student Senate and Jerry's Supermarket, we were able to plant three trees on the Northern face of First Christian Church AND have a fun barbecue for everyone involved!

(FCC and ESC volunteers having a post-planting lunch)

From 11 AM to around 1:30, the twenty-or-so of us worked diligently in the afternoon sun to plant these three trees, and a good time was had by all! Our sincerest thanks go out to the Student Senate, Jerry's Supermarket and the kind folks at the First Christian Church!

(Volunteers Matt and Isaiah putting the finishing touches on a planted tree)

As many of you may already know, April 22nd is (or was, I suppose) Earth Day. Earth Day is a world-wide recognized holiday in which groups such as the Energy Service Corps do their best to promote energy and environmental awareness.

^{(Brendyn Beaver showing kids one of the many ways energy is used)}

On April 22nd, three UNC Energy Service Corps members went to Brentwood Middle School for a whole day of presentations to 6th, 7th and 8th graders. Using fun lessons and a game of Energy Jeopardy, we gave lessons to many different classes who were more than excited to have us. Needless to say, the lessons went quite well, and a good time was had by all. We'd like to extend our sincerest thanks to Brentwood Middle School and all its wonderful faculty!

Hello from the Greeley Energy Service Corps!

        These past few weeks have been quite productive for us CoPIRG members up north. One of our most recent activities was the 2011 Energy Service Corps Alternative Spring Break, which all would agree went exceedingly well! While many other UNC students may have left for sunnier, tropical places on vacation, five ESC representatives traded palm trees for pipe insulation, making the long trek southwest to scenic Durango, CO for the entirety of their break.

        While in Durango, one of their main focuses was education, at all levels below college. And educate they did! Over the course of the week, 15 separate presentations were given to more than 250 students of all ages.

(Jenn Engstrom (left) and Kathleen Cummings (right) giving a lesson on energy consumption)

Not stopping at just this, however, they proceeded to canvass at local stores in the Durango area. 30 total in-home energy assessments and basic energy upgrades were scheduled, which are to be taken up by the next group of CoPIRG affiliates in Durango, planning to be there for this week/end.

(Jenn Engstrom and Brendyn Beaver preparing to canvass)

With as much work as they had been doing, it only made sense to allow some time for play as well! When they found the time to do so, they spent a day or two snowboarding, tubing, and just enjoying all the sights Durango has to offer in general.

(Quite a view, isn't it?)

It may have pained some of them to do so, but just like the rest of us, the break had to end at some point. However, it's going to be a big next couple of weeks for the Greeley ESC, as the Relay for Life is just around the corner, followed closely by Earth Day. We look forward to continuing to make a difference in our communities, and thank you to Maggie, Isaiah, Jenn, Kathleen and Brendyn for your time in Durango!