2008 New Student Breakaway Service Adventures Descriptions

Environmental Service Project Arrive by: 11 a.m., Tuesday, August 19, 2008 Return: Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Spend a week collecting data to help scientists who are studying forests in the Pacific Northwest. Our plan is to collect data on permanent study plots in the Mount Rainier National Forest, about 100 miles north of Portland. Participants should be willing to crawl over huge downed logs, dig soil samples, measure tree diameters, and basically hike daily off-trail through rough terrain, with some places being steep or wet. We'll be camping out during our stay here. You'll learn what it's like for research technicians who help unravel nature’s mysteries. The work can be hard, but we'll have a great time, and learn a lot!

Spend a week engaged in the community that will soon be your home: Portland! Learn about hunger and poverty, two of the larger issues that face our city. Take action by volunteering with local agencies that are doing something about it. No prior volunteer service is necessary for this trip—just bring enthusiasm and an open mind!

Take Sustainable Action Arrive by: 11 a.m., Thursday, August 21, 2008 Return: Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Organic? Local? Free range? Hormone-free? Explore living and working within a sustainable food system. We will work with nearby Oregon farmers and the L&C community as we learn how to be a part of a process that promotes environmental stewardship and local economic development. This trip will involve open ears, dirty hands, and a good appetite.