MEC’s Winter Quarter Camping Trip!

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MEC hit the ground running this quarter, planning a camping trip only 2 weeks after winter quarter began!  But before we knew it, we were back out in nature again, this time spending the night and hiking at William Heise County Park, a lovely campsite just outside the town of Julian.  It was a fantastic trip: the weather was wonderful (especially compared to the hail and rain we got on our last camping trip!) and the nature all around us was beautiful.

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Source: muirenvironmentalcorps

Community Garden Plot Update

This quarter, MEC took up more responsibility by accepting a plot at Roger’s Community Garden at UCSD. We spent many weeks taking good care of our seedlings and our veggies. Our Activities Coordinator Estelita Leija volunteered to head the project.

Now a message from her: “As of Friday Dec 7, 2012 this is what our plot looked like. The large patch of green you see here are our weeds. Following that are our small patches of carrots, the leaves you see closer to the top are our turnips that are doing very well. By next quarter the weeds shall be gone.”

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“As of Sunday Dec 9,2012 all weeds are gone, ground has been raked and leveled, ready to insert seeds for next Quarter!” -Estelita Leija, MEC Activities Coordinator

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Like Roger’s Community Garden at UCSD on Facebook and/or join the Facebook group here for more information.


Thank you to any Meclings who helped out with planting, watering, and weeding!

Source: muirenvironmentalcorps

MEC goes Camping and Hiking at Palomar Mountain State Park

(from left to right: Mauro, Joyce, Devin, Madison, Courtney, Eduardo, Vanessa, Melissa, Jessika, Corinne, Estelita, Jared, Jeremy, Shreya, Darnica, Steven)

MEC’s next adventure was at Palomar Mountain State Park. We camped and hiked up to our hearts content.

Here are some testimonials from our Meclings

“So i drove through a horror movie…but then i realized i was probably just thinking too deeply into a drama. The night started out as a hero’s journey film to get the food made and everything taken care of…but then it turned into a bad romance flick, everyone wanted someone and things kept dripping everywhere. The next morning i woke up and found my underwear was soaking wet…so i have to say it was a comedy. Great trip dudes!” Jeremy Schrader, MEC Historian

“Had an absolute blast camping at Palomar with the Muir Environmental Corps! We may not have slept, and had to endure a tent that is the antithesis of waterproof with ice cold rain, but s’mores, beautiful scenery, “COURTNEHHH!,” hiking, laser guided underwear seeking rain, horror movie firewood, and everything else made it one hell of a trip!” Devin Ratelle, MEC Chair

“My first camping trip ever was GREAT! :] ty everyone!” Darnica Nguyen

MORE PICTURES UNDER THE LINK

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Source: muirenvironmentalcorps

Zoo-tastic Adventure!

(From left to right: Jared, Akiko, Estelita, Devin, Alex, Madison, Melissa, Corinne, Eduardo, Vanessa, Joyce, Shreya, jenny, Alona)

MEC went to the Zoo! Here are some of our new members recapping their Zoo experience.

“Being a new member to MEC, the zoo trip really gave me the opportunity to get to know the members of the club, even getting the cool nickname “bell pepper.” The zoo was gorgeous, I had so much fun; I loved the trees around the zebras and polar bears, and it was awesome to literally stand 6ft away from an elephant. Mostly though I really enjoyed hanging out with the group, everyone in MEC is so friendly and my kind of eccentric, it was a great experience and I feel like I joined the right club” - Jenny Kingston

“I had a lot of fun. I enjoyed finding out what the ancient animals of California may have looked like, and seeing the approximate size of each animal. I was really surprised that we had elephants and camels here.” - Alex Sinclair

“Having been to the zoo several times before, this trip was just as great as the rest. I had a lot of fun with the other members. Watching the animals was fun, too. I really enjoyed watching two jaguar cubs playing with each other as their mother watched (though she occasionally growled at them). It was also cool seeing a live video of the mother panda and her cub in their den. Overall, this trip turned out great. Can’t wait for the next one” - Jared Cachuela

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Source: muirenvironmentalcorps

Meet the Cool Cats of M.E.C. 2012-2013

The officers of the Muir Environmental Corps at UCSD for the year 2012-2013.

Devin Ratelle

Officer Position: Chair of Mec

Hi all! I’m Devin the Muir Environmental Corps Chair. As of 2012/2013, I’m a fourth year Mechanical Engineering Major, and I am very passionate about sustainable energy and local ecosystems. I joined MEC because I wanted to learn more about the environment and volunteer around my hometown of San Diego, and I stayed on for the same reasons. For me, being involved in the environmental movement and sharing these passions with the club and Muir College Community is rewarding, and brings an inner tranquility only the outdoors can offer.

Random facts:

1. I’ve played trombone for years, though I don’t get to practice as much as I would like.

2. I never get tired of the jets and helicopters going over the campus.

3. I absolutely love camping and hiking.

I hope to see you in the meeting!

Corinne Arifin

Officer Position: Treasurer

Why, hello there fellow environmentalist! My name is Corinne, the treasurer of Muir Environmental Corps who is passionate about both renewable energy technology and our increasingly prevalent waste problem. As of 2012/2013, I’m a second year Economics major, double minoring in Accounting and Engineering Mechanics: thus being the one in charge of all the $$$. As an environmental person, MEC caught my eye as one of the groups I resonated with during welcome week. The ability to increase awareness about the environment to others as well as awesome events that keep you in sync with nature are two things of the many more that kept me with MEC. Cliché as it may sound, knowing different people from various backgrounds with a similar interest - environmentalism - really helps bring everyone together and strengthens the power of our outreach to the community (which is what MEC is :D).

3 Random Facts:

1) I’m really close to getting a black belt in Tae Kwon Do but my skills have deteriorated since I haven’t had any practice in a long time.

2) I don’t like crunchy bread (toast), I like warm, soft bread.

3) I love Grover and Cookie Monster! And yes, cookies included.

Vanessa Montes

Officer Position: Secretary

Hello Mec-lings,
I’m Vanessa, the secretary for Muir Environmental Corps. As of 2012/2013, I am a third year majoring in Communication. I enjoy saving the world one step at a time. I enjoy seeing my beaches clean and fostering a community which promotes a healthier environment. My passion is in conservation of land and animal habitats. I pursued Mec because I wanted to make new friends of course, but also to engage in activities which assisted animals, promoted the conservation of energy, and promoted recycling.

Some random facts about me:

1. I know American Sign Language, feel free to ask me how to sign;)

2. I have never learned to roller blade

3. I can make a four leaf clover with my tongue:p.

Make John Muir proud and come join us at Mec. 

Your friend, Vanessa

Jeremy Schrader

Officer Position: Historian

What’s up! I’m Jeremy, the Mec Historian. As of 2012/2013, I’m a second year Physiology and Neuroscience major, and i’m a passionate advocate and appreciator of the natural world. I joined MEC to have fun with interesting people while benefiting our campus and community! I love working with others to help make myself and the world better, i like an awesome symbiotic relationship, and San Diego County is an Ideal Place to enjoythe truly wonderful bounty of nature.

Random facts:

1) I’ve been a vegetarian my whole life, and so one of the few things i don’t have any experience cooking is meat!

2) I’ve loved the Ocean and my favorite animal that inhabits it, the sea otter, since the age of four

3) I love to travel to new places, even if they’re only a few miles away! Camping there too is bonus.

Talk to me anytime, and have a great day!

Madison Federin-Easley

Officer Position: Co-Publicity Chair(Non-Internet)

I’m Madison, and I’m the co-publicity officer! As of 2012/2013, I am a second year and currently a general biology major.  My greatest passion is helping and protecting animals and MEC has been extremely helpful in this endeavor, with volunteer events at local animal sanctuaries and vegetarian dinners.  I joined at the beginning of my first year mostly because I had been in an environmental club in high school and I thought MEC would be a good transition, but I stayed because of all the fantastic people and awesome events!  MEC has really become a second family for me!  

Finally, three random facts about me:

1) I’m from Colorado

2) My favorite band is The Beatles

3) I’ve been told I get very riled up when talking about bagels…

Eduardo Gonzales

Officer Position: Co-Publicity Chair(Internet)

Hey there fellow environmentalist, my name is Eduardo Gonzales. I am the co-publicity chair for Mec with a focus on internet publicity. As of 2012/2013, I am a second year Theater major with a focus on acting. I am most passionate about environmental education in rural areas. I come from a small town in North California and i had barely any knowledge on environmental issues. So when i came to UCSD and attended a couple of Mec meetings, i was hit with environmental information and i met some really awesome and passionate tree huggers. That’s why i stayed with Mec, and now i’m an officer in it. I am so glad that i became the internet publicty chair because now i can be on tumblr and not feel like i wasted my time. I made this website with the help of my fellow Meclings and i will be reblogging a lot of animals, nature art/photography, environmental activism, etc. Plus, you all will have the chance to see what Mec does here at UCSD, Muir as i will be publishing our Mec quarterly newsletter “The Tramp,” and blogging about our events.

Random facts:

1) I was once a Camp Counselor

2) I won the Most Outstanding Drama award, twice.

3) I was the Assistant Publicity Coordinator for my HS ASB my Sophomore year, the Publicity Coordinator for ASB my Junior year of HS, the Publicity Chair for Weekends at Muir here at UCSD Muir my first year, the Publicity chair for John Muir Week 2012 here at UCSD Muir my first year, and now i’m the Internet Publicity Chair for Mec here at UCSD Muir for my second year. So i guess you can say publicity is my calling. haha.

Kirsten Van Lagenhoven

Officer Position: Event Coordinator

Why hello there, I have been told that my name is Kirsten Van Langenhoven, and I have also been told that I am one of the Events Coordinators for MEC. As of 2012/2013, I am a third year Cognitive Science (with Human-Computer Interaction) student and I like the Earth. I especially take interest in the small eco-friendly things that everyone can do because I feel that it is one of the more realistic solutions towards creating a healthier planet!

Now it’s time for random facts! *Drum roll please…*

1. I love anime, manga, and pretty much anything Japanese!

2. I’m a nerd. Always have been, always will be. And along this line, I was part of a FIRST robotics team during high school, and it. was. AWESOME!

3. In addition to science, I love photography and graphic design!

I could go on forever, but I will spare you from having to read a novel about my life. Thanks for taking the time to read about me and remember to hug the trees, they get lonely.

Melissa Wette

Officer Position: Volunteer Coordinator

Major: Nanoengineering, Chemistry Minor

Year: Third year as of 2012/2013,

Why joined MEC: I was interested in getting involved in environmental issues and meeting people who were as well

Environmental concern: I am interested in sustainable living and waste reduction. I want people to know what they can actively do to make a difference.

Random Facts:

(1) I can touch my nose with my tongue!

(2) I have a degree in Underwater Basketweaving. True story.

(3) I can crochetttttttttt

Estelita Leija

Officer Position: Activities Coordinator

Hello, my name is Estelita Leija. As of 2012/2013, I’m a sophomore at UCSD Muir College in the year 2012-3013 serving as MEC’s. My major is Cognitive science with emphasis in Neuroscience. My environmental passion would be Water pollution.  The main reason why I got into MEC was because I want to make a difference in the environment we live in and the people in MEC were too nice, it would have been sad to not see them again. Helping animals has always been a love of mine. Being around others whom share my love for the environment is such a great feeling.

Three random facts about me are:

1) I am not one of those girls who like chocolate… only exception are snickers.

2) I like to eat my cereal with apple juice and sometimes white rice

3) I like to take cold morning showers :)

Joshua Harvey Marxhand

Officer Position: Editor of the Tramp(Mec Newsletter)

3rd Year As of 2012/2013,

Majoring in Environmental Engineering

Environmental Passion: Information! Although MEC offers a lot of opportunities for getting directly, physically involved in helping the environment, sometimes I’m simply too busy/lazy to get up and do it. Fortunately, I can still help people out by sitting at my computer in the late hours of the night and perusing journals and articles about the environment, and help others to access to access this information.

Three Random Facts:

I can play tennis,

like to climb trees a lot, and

sometimes write haikus.

Source: muirenvironmentalcorps

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