CSUS - Spring 2023
Email from 2/23
Good Afternoon Students!
Thanks again for your interest in working with Meridian Township. As you know, we’re a local gov’t right next to the City of EL/MSU… Parts of Meridian are even called “East Lansing.” I have worked with several cohorts from CSUS classes and it’s ALWAYS a fun part of my job…. Not to say that it can’t be challenging too.
My hope is that this becomes a positive and meaningful experience… as well as satisfying your class requirements and being helpful to the Township. Some of you may also discover people, places, projects, groups, ideas, resources, etc. that will serve you for many years to come!
Here's a quick recap of some potential activities/projects. I’d like to know which of these intrigue you… or you have questions about?
· Attend event on March 18 at Mall (JC Penney Wing) – Okemos H.S. Earth Club upcycled clothing, Recycling activities/coloring for youth, Tri-County Regional Planning tables on water resources, Green Team info.
· Help organize the event and/or staff an event (staffing is pretty well covered for the Mar 18 event – not sure yet – but you could come and relieve a volunteer – or help transport tables to or from the event!
· Help with either of the Apr 22 / Earth Day Recycling Events:
o Meridian Event at Chippewa in Okemos https://signup.com/go/UmpUFsK
o RecycleRama in Lansing at the Health Dept (Jolly and Cedar) https://signup.com/go/GroMPgM
Note: Both of these projects provide the opportunity to connect with other volunteers, the community, and help recycle tons of stuff!... and now’s a good time to choose a shift/station that fits your interests…. (both events are on the same day, so best to pick one or the other)
· Attend a Green Team Meeting on Mar 9th or Apr 13 where we’ll discuss the Meridian events.
· Attend a community dialogue on environmental topics (Mar 1 (speaker Wendy Fry- Cemeteries and Passive Recreation), 8, 15, 22, 29, Apr 5 (speaker Ruth Kline-Robach)… etc. Wednesdays 9am at http://bit.ly/green-dialogue
Bring topics of interest. Bring an open mind. Bring Questions. Stay as long as you like. The dialogues are people/neighbors/residents talking about things that interest them! It may seem like “just talk” but Many initiatives are born here!
· Attend or watch an Environmental Commission Meeting on 1st Wednesday of Mar or Apr.
· Participate in a conversation with our Food Team on Mar 3 – discussion with Kerrin O’Brien of Michigan Recycling Coalition to discuss recycling legislation
· Prepare a social media post for one or more topics or event mentioned above or below
o Green Events (Mar 18, Mar 20 (tour of Hammond Farms Composting), Mar 3 Discussion with Kerrin O., Green Dialogues, etc.
o Topics such as stormwater control/pollution, spring landscaping tips, sustainable fashion, recycling tips, protecting wetlands, etc.
· Prepare a factsheet/flier/simple handout for distribution at a Market Event
· Attend a Conservation Corps outdoor event (more at https://www.meridian.mi.us/MCC)
· Other?
Again, I just wanted to provide enough options to increase the chances that you’d find a couple that seem interesting and doable this term. Dr. Chung just wants you to develop a cohesive – and/or believable plan, of how your choices fit together. I can help if needed.
Thanks again for helping make my job interesting!
LeRoy
LeRoy Harvey
Environmental Programs Coordinator
harvey@meridian.mi.us
W 517.853.4466 | C 517.505.2809
meridian.mi.us/greenmeridian
Green Gazette and other helpful links: bit.ly/gg-directory
Welcome to Ellie, Hope, Madison, Halle, Kendall, and Emma!