Although this Challeng Cost Share grant (CCS) got off to a rousing start in its early planning, it came to a standstill this fall due to local village meetings and hunting season.  We requested a month extension, which gave us the opportunity to complete this CCS in grand style.

We “ground-tested” our newly created Climate Change curriculum in one of the local schools.  The teacher did not complete the entire curriculum, but liked the portions utilized and plans on incorporating it into his class this coming year.  To date, 3 science teachers in 3 different district schools have signed up to use the curriculum this winter/spring.

This CCS allowed for the purchase of CFL (compact fluorescent) light bulbs, plastic window “weatherization” kits and the supplies & equipment needed to install them.  With the help of the Tanacross Village Council, refuge volunteers, and Tanacross residents, we provided for weatherization of 58 windows in 18 homes (mostly elders and single mothers.) We also replaced all incandescent bulbs in most of these homes with energy efficient CFLs. 

Two (2) evening “workshops” in Tanacross (one in late September and one in late October), attended by over 90 people total, allowed the sharing of information on Climate Change through short presentations, printed material and questions and answers.  CFLs were distributed to families who had not been included in the window weatherization project.

In an unplanned partnership with the local schools “after school program” (GAP) we “manned” a table at the grocery store and, in one day, talked with over 70 people about energy conservation and Climate Change.  We held a “Bulb Exchange” at the same time – bring in 5 incandescent bulbs and receive 5 CFLs.  It was a great success and had folks talking about it for several weeks.

All in all, we distributed over 410 CFLs and provided winterization for 58 windows in the Tok and Tanacross communities.  All recipients were extremely grateful and expressed what a fine job we were doing!  This project resulted not only in increased awareness of energy consumption and a better understanding of climate change (and what we, as individuals can do to counteract it,) but the goodwill and positive feelings towards the Tetlin Refuge will last for a long time.