Issues: Community Sustainability
SCS originally formed because Sitka residents were outraged at the large scale clearcutting occurring around their home. They were also very concerned about pollution emitted from the Sitka pulp mill. As SCS has grown, our primary focus has remained on Wilderness and public land protection. However, as residents of Sitka we are obviously very concerned about community issues. In fact, our Community Outreach Coordinator and Community Sustainability Organizer positions were added to help us work in our community, SCS sponsors a Backwoods Lecture Series to help Sitkans learn more about the wildlife and resources of the Tongass. See Our Events Calendar at the bottom of the page for a schedule of SCS events.
Climate Change and Energy
Just because Sitka is a small town, the Sitka Conservation Society does not believe that means it can’t be a national leader in taking on climate change. The idea is that if little Sitka can take progressive steps, why can’t any other community? To help address climate change in Sitka, SCS has advocated for increasing the city’s hydroelectric capacity and organized energy conservation programs to help individuals improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
Local Foods
At the Sitka Conservation Society we are working towards creating a more resilient food system by supporting local efforts to protect the habitat of wild foods, support traditional harvest/subsistence lifestyles, increase local food production, create access to wild seafood, reform the school lunch program to include local foods, and increase awareness of local fishing culture.
Environmental Education
The Sitka Conservation Society provides diverse environmental education programs, which reach hundreds of people from preschool age through retirement age every year. Some of these programs are actually done in the classrooms of local schools, while other programs include public lectures and boat trips for the community at large.
Recent Posts:
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Backwoods: “Gardening for Alaska’s Pollinators- the birds, bees and beetles!”
Speaker, Deborah Rudis is a Wildlife Biologist and the Environmental Contaminants Specialist for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Ecological Services Offi ce in Juneau, where she has worked since January 1989. She is the FWS Alaska Region – Pollinator Coordinator and is encouraging the National Wildlife Refuges in Alaska to initiate bee surveys. She [...]
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Girl Scout Troop #4140 Presents: Earth Hour
Saturday, March 31st was a day to remember for the girls in troop #4140. In order to earn the final award in the Get Moving Journey, the Innovate Award, the troop had planned an event that would allow them to showcase everything they learned about energy over the last seven months. The troop decided to [...]
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Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Classes in Sitka, April 25-29
Attention aspiring outdoors-women! Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) courses are coming to Sitka, April 25-29. Register today for bowhunting, firearm safety, rifle, shotgun and muzzleloading classes. Space is limited, so sign up today! Classes will be held at the Sitka Sportsman’s Association indoor range. Call Holley at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for more information [...]
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Weatherization 101: Caulking with Troop 4140
Girl Scout Troop 4140 has been learning all about energy during their Get Moving Energy Journey project as they work towards completing the requirements for their badge. Part of their project was to share what they learn with the community. In this video, join Girl Scouts from troop 4140 as they demonstrate the proper techniques [...]
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Parade of Species 2012!
The 11th Annual Parade of Species, hosted by the Sitka Conservation Society will be held on Earth Day, April 22nd. Parade participants are invited to dress as their favorite animal or plant and join us at Totem Square at 2pm. The parade will begin at 2:15pm when we will gallop, slither, swim, or fly down [...]
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Weatherization 101: Choosing the Right Type of Caulking for SE Alaska
The videos this week will deal with caulking. Making sure that windows, doors, and seams are caulked and sealed will help save energy and money on home heating. This video will teach how to choose the right type of caulk. Weatherization 101: Choosing Caulk from Sitka Conservation Society on Vimeo. Weatherization 101 is a six [...]
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Weatherization 101: Lightbulbs
Girl Scout Troop 4140 has been learning all about energy during their Get Moving Journey, which focuses on energy. The journey consists of three prestigious Girl Scout awards, each containing several projects within itself. In addition to the regular Journey requirements, Junior troop 4140 took an additional task of recording weatherization videos to promote energy [...]
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The Future of Energy In Sitka
The Sitka Conservation Society released a report today on the Future of Energy in Sitka that calculates how much energy Sitka uses in a year, how much energy will be needed to sustain the community over the next 20 years, and how much money will be spent on oil if there is not an investment [...]
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Weatherization 101: Hot Water Heater
The second biggest user of energy in your home is the hot water heater. Adjusting your hot water heater to the correct temperature can save a great deal of energy in your home. In this video, local contractor Marcel Laperierre shows us how to adjust the hot water heater temperature for energy savings. Weatherization [...]
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Energy Conservation Brochures
In 2007, the Sitka Conservation Society began a fruitful partnership with the City of Sitka Electric Department to initiate action on climate change in Sitka and to begin taking steps to become more energy efficient. The start of the partnership was a joint position that worked in the electric department to find ways for Sitkans [...]
