Sustainability Archives - ��ý��Ƶ

The Vision for ��ö��ܲԻ�� Flourishes Through Land Conservation

Communications — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 15:57:32 +0000

For over half a century, The ��ý��Ƶ and Door County communities have been enriched by the special place called ��ö��ܲԻ��, the University’s Northern Campus just south of Bailey’s Harbor. Nestled among 441 acres of forests, and over a mile of Lake Michigan shoreline, ��ö��ܲԻ�� is a place where solitude, creativity, scholarship and nature intersect. It is where stewardship is both a responsibility and a celebration.

That spirit of care traces back to the generosity of Winifred and Donald Boynton, whose gift of ��ö��ܲԻ�� to ��ý��Ƶ was guided by an intention that the property be maintained for retreat and education and that the land be preserved for the enduring beauty of the natural world. Winifred Boynton said of her beloved summer home “far removed from confusion and aggression, it offers a sanctuary for all.” Today, that vision continues to flourish.

Ten years ago, ��ý��Ƶ took an important step to protect that legacy by establishing a 305-acre conservation easement on the ��ö��ܲԻ�� property in partnership with the Door County Land Trust (DCLT). To further establish ��ý��Ƶ as a leader in sustainability with Net Zero Bjorklunden as a laboratory for renewable energy, the easement was amended in 2022, and nearly 10 more acres were added to provide for a Solar Energy array within a Renewable Energy Zone.

The DCLT is a local, non-profit organization working to preserve Door County’s open spaces, scenic beauty and ecological integrity. Landowners establish a legally binding conservation easement to protect those values on private land in perpetuity. With over 5,000 acres of land nationally lost to development every day, protecting land via an easement demonstrates a commitment to long-term land conservation and environmental sustainability. More than a legal agreement, the conservation easement represents a shared commitment between ��ý��Ƶ and the DCLT for the care and preservation of this vital resource. The ��ö��ܲԻ�� conservation easement is significant for DCLT not only for its size but because it includes over one-half mile of Lake Michigan shoreline, the most waterfront of any of DCLT’s conservation properties.

The ��ö��ܲԻ�� conservation easement permanently safeguards over seventy percent of the property from future development or subdivision, ensuring that its ecological value and natural beauty will be protected for generations to come. The conservation easement was created to preserve ��ö��ܲԻ��’s rich biodiversity of plant and animal life, its unique geological features, and the integrity of surface and groundwater resources. According to Drew Reinke, Conservation Easement Program Manager for the DCLT, the protected property contains important habitat. “A long list of terrestrial species inhabits the property and the over one-half mile of preserved shoreline serves as critical stopover habitat for migratory birds,” said Reinke. “Its forest is unique as one of the most southern extents of boreal forest in Wisconsin with mature to near old growth characteristics.” The partnership between ��ý��Ƶ and the Door County Land Trust demonstrates a commitment to protect Door County’s incredible natural history and unique environmental quality. The conservation easement is a gift to the Door County community and all who visit the area now and into the future.

A decade into the conservation easement, ��ö��ܲԻ�� remains what the Boyntons envisioned: a place that provides retreat and nurtures thought, creativity, and care for the natural world. ��ý��Ƶ continues to honor that gift by protecting not just land, but the experiences it makes possible. The property is uniquely situated to support ��ý��Ƶ’s mission and the life-long learning opportunities it provides. ��ö��ܲԻ�� is host to a vibrant seminar series for adults who wish to delve into multi-day learning and creative experience while immersed in the beauty of nature. During the academic year, over 2,000 ��ý��Ƶ students, faculty, staff and guests typically participate in weekend programs at ��ö��ܲԻ��. The get-a-way to the Northern Campus provides students an opportunity to ‘retreat’ and to reflect on their learning, build community in a small and intimate setting and gain inspiration from the solitude of nature. Student research projects conducted at ��ö��ܲԻ�� are often linked to the ecological values protected by the conservation easement. Dr. Relena Ribbons, ��ý��Ƶ Associate Professor of Geosciences, states “��ö��ܲԻ�� has served as a basecamp for students researching a range of topics. From carbon storage and tree ring records of the past climate to shoreline processes and prairie pollinators. Many of these projects provided the foundation for senior capstone research and summer LU research fellowships. ��ö��ܲԻ�� continues to guide a generation of Lawrentians to blossom as stewards, scientists, and engaged scholars.”

��ö��ܲԻ��’s conserved lands are part of a broad and growing network of private conservation lands across the country. ��ö��ܲԻ�� stands out as a special place that welcomes the public, inviting education, recreation, and spiritual well-being through connection with nature. This summer, that commitment to public engagement will be on display during the Boynton Festival at ��ö��ܲԻ�� on August 22, 2026. As part of the celebration, the Door County Land Trust will participate by offering a mini-seminar and ��ý��Ƶ will sponsor a guided tour of the property, focusing on the value of the conservation easement. The program will give festivalgoers an opportunity to learn about Wisconsin’s Land Trust movement, how conservation easements work and why partnerships like this one matter. As ��ý��Ƶ celebrates a decade of conservation stewardship at ��ö��ܲԻ��, the message is one of gratitude and optimism—gratitude for the Boynton’s gift and enduring vision, for a strong conservation partnership with Door County Land Trust, and optimism for a place that continues to nurture and inspire us all.

Plan to attend the Boynton Festival on August 22, where The Door County Land Trust will offer opportunities to experience the easement at ��ö��ܲԻ�� and learn about how this property is part of important conservation work happening in Door County:

An Ecological Adventure Through ��ö��ܲԻ��’s Conservation Easement Lands with Drew Reinke, Jane Whitney, and Paige Witek This 90 minute guided hike will be offered at 9:00 am and 1:30 pm. Discover the natural beauty of ��ö��ܲԻ�� on a hike along the scenic shores of Lake Michigan. As we explore the wooded trails and shoreline of the ��ý��Ƶ campus, participants will learn about the area’s diverse forests, unique ecosystems, and fascinating geological history. The hike will also highlight how a conservation easement with the Door County Land Trust is helping protect the property’s natural character and ecological integrity for generations to come. Join us for an inspiring outdoor experience that blends conservation, exploration, and education to celebrate the enduring beauty of Door County.

TITLE: How Land Trusts are Protecting Door County’s Landscapes for Future Generations with Emily Wood This 50 minute presentation will be offered at 11:00 am.. Door County, Wisconsin is home to some of the Midwest’s most unique shorelines, forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitats, making land conservation essential to preserving the region’s natural beauty and ecological health. Learn about conservation and how land trusts like the Door County Land Trust play a vital role by permanently protecting natural areas, restoring habitats, and partnering with communities and landowners to conserve open space. Through education, stewardship, and conservation easements—such as the one established by ��ý��Ƶ on the ��ö��ܲԻ�� campus—these efforts help preserve the character, environmental sustainability, and natural heritage that make Door County such a treasured destination.

Click here to learn more about the Boynton Festival.

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Internship gives Emma Moya ’25 a deep dive into life as a marine scientist

Communications — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 18:27:21 +0000

Emma Moya ’25, a scholar-athlete majoring in biology with a minor in fine arts, says her 20s aren’t meant to be a time of certainty. She believes this decade of her life is about building resilience, nurturing curiosity, and chasing the things that make her soul light up. It’s this mindset that encouraged her to take on a summer internship through the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (SDRP).

“It was truly my dream internship,” Moya said. “One that not only deepened my passion for marine biology but also equipped me with invaluable skills and insights. This opportunity reaffirmed my commitment to pursuing graduate studies in the field and ignited an even stronger drive to contribute to marine conservation.”

The program brought together students from institutions such as New College of Florida, Sweet Briar College, Coastal Carolina University, and the University of Florida, offering the chance to connect with peers who share a passion for marine science.

“It’s exciting to think about how we, as emerging scientists, can work together to protect our oceans and serve as a bridge between marine ecosystems and the broader community,” she said.

Diving into research

The internship offered Moya a comprehensive and immersive experience in marine biology. She spent her time doing fieldwork, including boat surveys for population monitoring, acoustic monitoring throughout the Sarasota Bay, fishing to study dolphin distribution and their prey, and gaining skills in photo identification. These hands-on experiences offered a realistic glimpse into the life of a marine biologist.

“To thrive in this environment, it’s essential to have a growth mindset—being open to change, willing to explore new interests, and understanding that your passions may evolve,” Moya said. “You might discover that something you expected to love isn’t quite the right fit or unexpectedly fall in love with a new area of study.”

The SDRP challenges students to grow as scientists through real-world research and offers ongoing opportunities to volunteer in diverse projects—from necropsies and offshore acoustic receiver deployments to sea turtle hatchling releases and collaborating with shark researchers.

“At SDRP, you’re encouraged to be curious, ask questions, read scientific literature, and learn from both successes and mistakes,” Moya said. “Ultimately, the experience is what you make of it—so be a sponge, soak up every opportunity, and allow yourself to grow both personally and professionally.”

Emma Moya ’25 in the Gulf of Mexico next to Mote Marine Lab research boat

Learning beyond the science

Being a scientist means more than just doing science: it requires confidence, courage, resilience, and most importantly, a willingness to face the unknown and embrace failure as part of the journey. These are the traits that have sustained SDRP’s legacy for 55 years and enabled it to produce pioneering research for marine mammals.

By continuing to take bold steps driven by curiosity and ambition, SDRP has helped lay the foundation for marine mammal conservation and inspired generations of scientists to follow.

In analyzing the behavior and health of small cetaceans, Moya noted that when dolphins are together, they’re not called pods; they’re called communities.

“The bottlenose dolphins are just like us—living creatures who are curious, trying to survive, and remarkably intelligent with developed communication skills that help expand their complex social structures,” said Moya. “Bottlenose dolphins are self-aware and able to recognize one another through signature whistles.”

Dolphins serve as vital indicators of the health of the world’s oceans. They play a key role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems, help control fish populations, help maintain water quality, and keep the food chain in balance.

“Their sensitivity to environmental changes makes them sort of like our ocean security guards for detecting issues like pollution and disease, or even with incidents of algal blooms like red tide, which occurred in 2021 throughout the Sarasota Bay,” said Moya. “However, when dolphins are in trouble, it can be a serious sign that our oceans may be at risk too.”

Exploring the opportunities

��ý��Ƶ students are encouraged by faculty and staff to take on internships to expand their understanding, build relationships, and strengthen their overall career path.

“‘Ride my wave’—that’s something my mom always tells me, and it’s become a grounding mantra throughout my college journey,” Moya said. “It reminds me to stay present and embrace each moment, whether it’s challenging or joyful. The tough times are temporary, and the good ones pass quickly too—so it’s important to appreciate them while they last.” This perspective has shaped not only how Moya moves through tough moments, but also how she approaches the future.

“Even when the wave you’re riding knocks you down, you get back on the board and catch the next wave. That mindset is guiding me as I work toward graduate school in marine mammal research while staying open to new opportunities that may come my way.”

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179th Matriculation Convocation: We are ��ý��Ƶ. And that includes you.

Communications — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 23:20:03 +0000

At the start of a new academic year, ��ý��Ƶ’s faculty, students, and staff all gathered at Memorial Chapel for the 179th Matriculation Convocation, an event that welcomes everyone back to campus and sets the tone for the academic year ahead.

“Matriculation convocation is always one of my favorite moments of the year — a time when we gather together not just as individuals but as one community, united by purpose and tradition, and ready to embark on a new academic journey,” President Laurie A. Carter said from the stage of Memorial Chapel.

(Photo by Danny Damiani)

Walking to Matriculation Convocation.

Faculty, students, and staff in Memorial Chapel.

First-year Students, Welcome Week performance.

This year, ��ý��Ƶ welcomed 307 first-year students and 48 transfer students. The top enrollment states for the 2025-26 academic year are Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, California, and Colorado. Leading majors include Business & Entrepreneurship, Pre-medicine, Music Performance, Biology, Psychology, and Multi-interested.

First-year students elicited a resounding round of applause for their Welcome Week musical performance titled Take What You Need by Reena Esmail. The song encouraged the ��ý��Ƶ community to take heart and hope as they embark on a new academic year.

The ��ý��Ƶ community formally welcomed Dr. Jenkins to his role as dean of the Conservatory of Music. He will oversee all aspects of ��ý��Ƶ’s music degree programs and contribute significantly to the university’s academic mission. Reporting directly to the provost, ��ý��Ƶ’s chief academic officer, he will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the institution.

Dr. Chris Jenkins, dean of ��ý��Ƶ’s Conservatory of Music.

“This year is especially exciting because one of those new to ��ý��Ƶ is Dr. Christopher Jenkins, our new dean of the Conservatory,” said Dominica Chang, Margaret Banta Humleker Professor of French Cultural Studies, associate professor of French, and chair of the Public Events Committee. “Dean Jenkins, welcome. We wish you every success, and we’re so excited to witness your vision unfold.”

Study in the Conservatory of Music

Integrate intellectual and musical virtuosity in a supportive community that will empower you to find your musical path.

President Carter’s address was full of reflections and hope, but it centered on ��ý��Ƶ’s values of belonging, integrity, honesty, and sustainability.

“We start by listening. Real listening – the kind of listening that suspends quick judgment and seeks to understand the story behind the sentence, and the soul behind the story,” said President Carter. “We create practices and processes that invite participation. We make our norms explicit: how we disagree, how we repair harm, how we show up for one another and celebrate each other’s contributions. And, when someone is left out, we refuse to normalize their absence. We ask why and we act.”

She honored the memory of Garth Bond, a respected member of the English department for 20 years. Garth passed away over the summer after a long, hard-fought battle with leukemia.

“Garth dedicated his career to growing the minds and hearts of our students using literature and the power of language. He also created close, meaningful relationships with many colleagues across campus and others in the community,” said President Carter.

Bond was known for treating people with great humanity; the ��ý��Ƶ community will come together on Saturday, October 4, to celebrate his life, legacy, and impact.

President Carter also recalled the tragedy of September 11, 2001, and the attempt to divide a united nation through the attack, which took the lives of 2,977. At the time of the attack, President Carter was working at Juilliard in New York City, only five miles away from where the World Trade Center fell.

“Late afternoon, we got word that a few trains were leaving New York City for New Jersey. I left my office and began the 30-block walk to the train station, hoping to be on one of them. It was still daylight, but the sky was darkened by the ash and smoke from the towers. There was no vehicular traffic, so the only people I saw were those like me walking dazed through the streets,” she said. “I was overwhelmed by the events of the day, but as I looked around, I noticed that in almost every store window was an American flag. That attack on our country robbed us of many lives, but it didn’t rob us of the hope that we had for a united America.”

President Carter has a similar hope for today’s students as they begin a new academic year in a world with deep divides, political polarization, and global challenges.

“That polarization is corrosive to our ability to work together, to trust one another, and to build a shared future,” she said. “We see families weighed down by economic uncertainty, struggling with questions about opportunity, safety, and financial stability. We see communities torn apart by senseless violence and vitriol. And climate change, global conflict, and unprecedented shifts in federal policy test our resilience and force us to think about the world not just as it is today, but as it must be tomorrow.”

President Carter acknowledged the headwinds facing higher education, including the public’s skepticism around the value of a higher education, not only in terms of today’s cost but also the long-term benefits.

“This is the moment when the liberal arts matter most. In a radically changing and unpredictable world. The ability to think critically, communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, and adapt creatively is more essential than ever,” Carter said. “These are precisely the hallmarks of a ��ý��Ƶ education.”

President Carter’s vision for successful outcomes centered on living out ��ý��Ƶ’s values of belonging, integrity, honesty, and sustainability, and allowing them to be the foundation for students’ decision-making today and in the future.

“These values are not just words on our website. They are commitments that shape how we learn, how we live together, and how we prepare to lead in the world,” said President Carter.

(Full Program)

2025 Matriculation Convocation; We are ��ý��Ƶ. And that includes you.

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��ý��Ƶ lands on Princeton Review’s annual Guide to Green Colleges

Communications — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 14:30:26 +0000

��ý��Ƶ has been selected for inclusion in the 2025 edition of The Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges.

Accessible for free at www.princetonreview.com/green-guide, the guide profiles 511 colleges that foster a culture of environmental responsibility and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. The 511 colleges selected for the guide are listed alphabetically and not ranked.

The Princeton Review chose the colleges for the 2025 edition based on a survey it conducted in 2023-2024 about sustainability-related policies, practices, and programs. The company also surveyed students attending the colleges about their “green” campus experiences. The school selections are based on more than 25 data points.

��ö��ܲԻ��, ��ý��Ƶ’s Door County retreat, continues to move forward on its . An ongoing geothermal project focused on heating, cooling, and hot water at the lodge will reduce ��ö��ܲԻ��’s carbon footprint by more than 36 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually by halting the yearly burning of more than 6,500 gallons of LP gas. This follows the 2023 installation of a new solar array at ��ö��ܲԻ�� that now gathers power from the sun. It all is part of the Net Zero ��ö��ܲԻ�� Initiative, which aims to zero out the discharge of greenhouse gases by balancing any carbon emission with equivalent carbon savings on site. The projects also provide research opportunities for ��ý��Ƶ faculty and students as they study wind, solar, and geothermal energy sources.
The Sustainable ��ý��Ƶ Garden (SLUG), located on campus along the Fox River, continues to be a resource for fresh foods and student research. The student-run SLUG uses sustainable agricultural methods to nurture a honeybee apiary, a fruit tree orchard, a vegetable garden, and a hoop house. It has been a fixture on the ��ý��Ƶ campus for nearly 20 years.
��ý��Ƶ offers majors in environmental science, environmental studies, and geosciences, and has a cooperative 3-2 program with Duke University in the areas of environmental management and forestry.
In May 2024, ��ý��Ƶ hosted the inaugural New North ESG Summit, a gathering of corporate and community leaders in northeast Wisconsin to discuss the power of sustainability and the importance of good Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices.
In addition to SLUG, student organizations focused on sustainability and related efforts include Greenfire, the ��ý��Ƶ Food Recovery Network, Outdoor Recreation Club, and the Bird and Nature Club.
The ��ý��Ƶ Community Council (LUCC) Sustainability Committee works as a liaison between LUCC, all environment-related student organizations on campus, and the university’s Sustainability Steering Committee, and it engages with the greater Appleton community.

“We are delighted to recommend ��ý��Ƶ to students who want their ‘best-fit’ college to also be a ‘green’ one,” said Rob Franek, The Princeton Review’s Editor-in-Chief. “��ý��Ƶ, which offers excellent academics, also demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability in its campus programs, policies, and practices.”

Franek noted that The Princeton Review is seeing substantive interest among college applicants in attending green colleges. Of the nearly 8,000 college-bound students the company polled for its 2024 College Hopes & Worries Survey, 61% said having information about a college’s commitment to the environment would affect their decision to apply to or attend a school.

The Princeton Review has published its Guide to Green Colleges annually since 2010.

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Hosted by ��ý��Ƶ, New North ESG Summit to engage business leaders on sustainability

Communications — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 13:20:33 +0000

��ý��Ƶ will host the inaugural New North ESG Summit on May 2, a gathering of corporate and community leaders in northeast Wisconsin to discuss the power of sustainability and the importance of good Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices.

New North Inc., the regional economic development corporation for the 18 counties of northeast Wisconsin, is working with the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council to organize the conference. Sustainable ��ý��Ƶ, a campus-wide initiative that involves students, faculty, and staff members who want to foster a culture of sustainability, is partnering with New North to bring the summit to Warch Campus Center.

“We are ecstatic to be collaborating with New North on this ESG Summit,” saidCarter Robinson, ��ý��Ƶ’s sustainability coordinator. “Creating space for learning and discussion is what institutions of higher learning specialize in, so it is exciting to work with an organization that is facilitating such a space for local leaders. Our students will have opportunities to dialogue with sustainability specialists in the region and further their own professional development.”

Garrett Singer, special assistant to the president, said that hosting the summit gives ��ý��Ƶ students an opportunity to engage in career discernment and exploration while also deepening the university’s regional commitment to thought leadership, sustainability, and social impact.

“Bringing together corporate partners on our campus will create a forum in which industry leaders and Lawrentians can explore the ongoing implementation of local ESG initiatives and expose our students to viable career pathways and professional opportunities in the sustainability and social impact space,” he said.

ESG includes corporate performance evaluation criteria that gauge a company’s governance mechanisms and its environmental and social impacts. Business and community leaders attending the summit will have an opportunity to explore best ESG practices.

Presentations, panel discussions, and roundtable conversations will take place from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. in Warch Campus Center. Regional companies such as U.S. Venture, Plexus, Faith Technologies Inc. (FTI), and Menominee Tribal Enterprises will share their own sustainability initiatives. Panel conversations will include such topics as Sustainability Program Basics, Data-Driven Sustainability, Energy and Greenhouse Gas, and Sustainability and Workforce. Networking sessions will allow for additional conversation. .

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High-speed internet, solar panels usher in new era of innovation at ��ö��ܲԻ��

Communications — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 13:46:13 +0000

Over a mostly gray and snowy winter on Wisconsin’s Door County peninsula, several seeds burst open that had long been germinating. The quiet that usually descends over the Nordic dragons on the roof of the ��ö��ܲԻ�� lodge was often broken with the motorized sounds of bucket trucks hanging wires, the muffled echoes of workers pulling cable through underground passages, and the celebratory calls of “oh wow!” heard when new switches were flipped on.

The campus retains a feeling of remove from the harsh hurry of the world beyond, but there is now a sense of connectedness that comes with the internet at your fingertips and a feeling of lightness that comes with the knowledge that you are standing on the edge of a sustainable future in a place that so well preserves its past.

Toward the close of 2022, a high-speed internet connection flickered to life at ��ö��ܲԻ��. Immediately, community members took notice, as ��ý��Ƶ’s north campus was likely the first spot in the area using new fiber optic connections. Fast internet may seem a given for many in urbanized areas, however it took years of investment and planning for these quick and powerful signals to reach our majestic lodge. This advancement owes to diligent efforts and support from ��ý��Ƶ leadership, generous donors, the Technology Services team, Door County officials, and business partners.

While some groups come with the goal of unplugging, many students have already been exploring their expanded ability to engage online with any idea imaginable during weekend retreats. The is employing this technological advance as well. Seminar leaders are inviting experts to co-teach via Zoom, they are excited about easy access to online film and video sources, and Dr. David Hines’ Medical Controversies: Science vs. Popular Beliefs (Oct. 8-13) will be simultaneously offered both on-site and online.

A solar unveiling

The solar array and wind turbine are seen on the grounds of ��ö��ܲԻ��. Plans call for the property immediately surrounding the solar array to be turned into a pollinator field. (Photo by Juan Marin)

And, speaking of plugging in; a new solar array tucked in the woods began gathering power from the sun this spring. Combined with ��ö��ܲԻ��’s wind turbine, the campus now has 285kW of carbon offsetting power to energize the campus and reduce reliance on fossil fuel. On May 12, Door County and ��ý��Ƶ community members applauded the solar installation and learned about the science and policy behind sustainability efforts like this one. The event, co-hosted with the Door County Climate Change Coalition, featured ��ý��Ƶ professors Relena Ribbons and Israel Del Toro presenting with Commissioner Tyler Huebner from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.

The solar array and turbine significantly advance the goal of the to zero out the discharge of greenhouse gases by balancing any carbon emission with equivalent carbon savings on site. Calculating carbon costs and savings will be the subject of ongoing research and observation by faculty, students, and the public. This is just one way the initiative not only supplies clean power to buildings; it also offers a landmark laboratory for environmental science.

The Net Zero ��ö��ܲԻ�� Initiative offers a living laboratory for testing technology and learning about the environment, stewardship, renewable energy, and carbon sequestration.

As part of this work, faculty and student researchers have begun quantifying the passive carbon consuming appetites of thousands of trees living on this wooded campus. To ensure the forest can continue to serve as the lungs of this work, the Door County Land Trust and ��ý��Ƶ redefined their partnership to continue holding 315 acres into permanent protection while establishing a renewable energy zone for the wind turbine and a solar zone for the array. With the common values of conservation and clean energy solutions in mind, University and the Land Trust have together made a remarkable and lasting commitment for sustainable development.

With many thanks to ��ý��Ƶ’s Sustainability Initiative, visionary donors, our Facilities Operations Team, and vendors, we’re boldly moving this work forward. Installing a geothermal system will be the next step, and plans for this phase are being drawn up presently. With triumvirate active technologies (i.e. solar, wind, and geothermal constituting) combined with the passive carbon sequestration of the forest, ��ö��ܲԻ�� can eliminate its carbon footprint.

Come for a visit

��ö��ܲԻ��

If you haven’t been to ��ö��ܲԻ��, this magnificent 441-acre Door County property, we invite you to check it out. Generously donated to ��ý��Ƶ by Winnifred and Donald Boynton in 1963, this former estate turned retreat is used by thousands of students each academic year, hosts lifelong learning seminars summer through fall, offers space for artists’ and business retreats, includes miles of trails along Lake Michigan and through pristine boreal forest, and it features the landmark Boynton Chapel—an early Scandinavian Stavkirke style church featuring remarkable frescoes and carvings by Winnifred Boynton.

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Anders Hanhan champions sustainability issues as LUCC president

Communications — Mon, 15 May 2023 16:11:09 +0000

Anders Hanhan, president of the ��ý��Ƶ Community Council (LUCC), has long been a champion of sustainability efforts on campus and in the wider community.

That continues to be a focus as he takes on a larger leadership role on ��ý��Ƶ’s shared governance council. He was elected LUCC president during Winter Term.

A junior from St. Paul, Minnesota, with a double major in environmental studies and government, Hanhan said he’s enjoying the opportunity to channel his activism into incremental changes.

The LUCC has been the university’s shared governance council since 1968. It includes a student president, a vice president, 16 student representatives, faculty representatives, and committee chairs. LUCC’s functions include recognizing and supporting student organizations, allocating funds from the student activities fee, and creating and revising LUCC legislation on non-curricular issues.

Learn about environmental studies

You’ll engage with values and concepts like community and justice as you ask and answer big questions about the environment.

Hanhan and LUCC worked to create a lineup of Earth Week activities in April, hosted by student organizations and featuring topics ranging from recycling to native planting to stargazing. It concluded with Earth Fest, a celebration of sustainability-focused food, fun, and tabling.

Hanhan is particularly proud of Earth Week’s focus on experiential learning: students didn’t just discuss environmental solutions, they tried them out, too.

“We’re not just going to sit here and say, this is good, this is bad,” Hanhan said. “We want to then take that and use our skills and resources to show [other communities] that these programs are important and possible.”

Anders Hanhan joins volunteers to work in SLUG during Earth Week. (Photo by Danny Damiani)

Pursuing change

Hanhan’s passion for sustainability policy is nothing new. As co-chair on the Sustainability Committee since its founding, he has worked on first-year kits and sustainable menstruation programs. The first-year kits are sustainability kits that include reusable silverware, a water bottle, and a dish towel. The sustainable menstruation program is a growing initiative to give Lawrentians sustainable options. In addition to providing pads and tampons in campus bathrooms, the program distributed reusable menstrual products this year to nearly 200 students.

“The way that we change the way our campus impacts the environment is by making institutional decisions and creating resources that make sustainable decisions accessible to students,” Hanhan said.

Learn about the study of government

Immerse yourself in the nuanced interplay of policy, power, and public life that governs our world.

Hanhan’s style of activism is to be hands-on. He hopes that approach will keep students engaged with LUCC. Recognizing that he alone doesn’t have the expertise to solve every problem, he is working to create a strong organizational structure within LUCC that will smoothly connect students with experts who can help.

Hanhan said LUCC loves to hear from students. They can contact LUCC at their website () and submit comments anonymously online or in-person on the fourth floor of Warch Campus Center.

Despite Hanhan’s hard-nosed activism, he has learned to work within a system that changes incrementally, he said.

“It’s that liberal arts problem-solving,” Hanhan said.

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Earthfest to highlight week of student-led activities focused on Earth Day

Communications — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 16:32:32 +0000

��ý��Ƶ student organizations will celebrate Earth Day with a week of activities beginning April 17.

The sustainability-focused events will culminate with Earthfest, to be held on Main Hall Green on Earth Day, April 22.

The organizing of Earth Week is led by the LUCC Sustainability Committee, which brings together students from ��ý��Ƶ’s numerous environmentally centered student organizations, including Greenfire, Outdoor Recreation Club (ORC), LU Environmental Organization, and Sustainable ��ý��Ƶ Gardens (SLUG), among others, to discuss and support sustainability efforts.

Earthfest will again include the sale of plants. (Photo by Kai Frueh)

The student organizations will hold Earthfest on April 22, showcasing their efforts, recruiting volunteers, and bringing attention to important environmental initiatives. Meanwhile, each group will lead other activities throughout the week—Greenfire with a stargazing excursion to High Cliff State Park, ORC with a paddle outing on the Fox River, the Environmental Organization with a campus cleanup, and SLUG with garden celebrations dubbed Garden Power Hours.

Sustainability outreach

The LUCC Sustainability Committee launched as an ad-hoc committee in Spring 2021 and has continued to build momentum.

“We have helped ��ý��Ƶ commit to carbon neutrality, have provided sustainable menstrual products to hundreds of students, implemented new education programs around zero waste, and distributed sustainability kits to over 425 first-year students the past two years,” said junior Anders Hanhan, a government and environmental studies double major who is serving as LUCC president.

Hanhan said he hopes outreach such as Earth Week will get students, faculty, and staff thinking pro-actively about sustainability.

“I hope that people can better understand how thinking and acting around environmental issues can be used as a stress reliever, or a learning tool, or to learn about a new way to have fun,” he said. “Just being willing to think about ideas like sustainability, connectedness to the Earth, spending recreational time outside; these are all really important for people.”

In the SLUG garden, Lawrentians will be invited to work side-by-side on tasks critical to preparing the garden for the growing season. The Garden Power Hours offer a chance to get your hands dirty while kicking in on a project that benefits the environment locally.

“Students can learn horticulture practices and skills from SLUG members, explore our ever-expanding garden, orchard, and apiary, and contribute positively to this beautiful community space,” said Will Brenneman, outreach director for SLUG.

In addition to the garden hours, SLUG will be selling basil and tomato starts, as well as maple syrup, at the April 22 EarthFest.

While many of the Earth Week events are specific to ��ý��Ƶ, some provide a connection with the wider Fox Valley. That is intentional, Hanhan said.

“Us internally acting in the best interest of the climate as ��ý��Ƶ is great, but there is so much amazing work in sustainability happening in the Fox Valley,” he said. “It is important to empower and support each other. We really want to see ��ý��Ƶ and Appleton as partners in addressing social, economic, and environmental inequality.”

Earth Week schedule

April 17

5-5:30 p.m.: Lecture by Israel Del Toro, assistant professor of biology, in Wriston Auditorium. Del Toro has led research in the role that insects play in mediating ecosystem services. Working primarily in urban ecosystems, he investigates questions of biodiversity management and conservation in greenspaces, largely focused on insect pollinators. He also guides student work in the Sustainable ��ý��Ƶ Garden (SLUG).

6-7 p.m.: Garden Power Hour in SLUG.

April 18

5-5:30 p.m.: Native planting behind Warch Campus Center. This is an activity organized by the Center for Community Engagement and Social Change (CCE) and Appleton Rotary.

7:30-10 p.m.: Stargazing at High Cliff State Park. Organized by Greenfire.

April 21

5:30-7:30 p.m.: Garden Power Hour at SLUG.

8-10:30 p.m.: Wall-E movie showing at Warch Cinema.

April 22

10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Campus cleanup (meet at Main Hall Green)

1-4 p.m.: Earthfest, held on Main Hall Green.

April 23

11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Paddle on the Fox River (led by the Outdoor Recreation Club; meet at the Wriston turnaround)

2-5 p.m.: A recycling event led by the LU Environmental Organization.

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On Main Hall Green With … Jeff Clark: Exploring new avenues to study the Earth

Communications — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 17:34:08 +0000

��ý��Ƶ the series: On Main Hall Green With … is an opportunity to connect with faculty on things in and out of the classroom. We’re featuring a different ��ý��Ƶ faculty member each time — same questions, different answers.

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A professor of geosciences, Jeff Clark has been adamant about using new technologies in his research and pushing students to do hands-on work in exploring the Earth.

He has been leading students in field research projects using drones, GIS, and GPS to map changes in the Earth’s surface—from changes in land cover and crop phenology to the rates of bluff retreat. His study has included such topics as renewable energy and solar power and he has been instrumental in working with the president’s office at ��ý��Ƶ in making sustainable changes on campus and at Bjorklunden.

Clark has been on the faculty at ��ý��Ƶ since 1998. He has a bachelor’s degree in geology and environmental studies from Middlebury College and a Ph.D. in geography and environmental engineering from Johns Hopkins University.

We caught up with him to talk about interests in and out of the classroom.

In the classroom

Inside info: What’s one thing you want every student coming into your classes to know about you?

I want students to know that I’m pretty straightforward and that I see learning as a partnership between the instructor and the student. If either party doesn’t pull their weight, the end product is compromised. So, I will work hard for them if they work hard in class.

Getting energized: What work have you done or will you be doing at ��ý��Ƶ that gets you the most excited?

I like exploring different ways to help people visualize how Earth works. Over the years, I’ve built a bunch of physical models including two indoor rivers and an Augmented Reality sandbox. Now I’m using drones to look at Earth from above. I like technology and using it in innovative ways for teaching.

Study geosciences at ��ý��Ƶ

Get to know Earth past, present, and future with the multidisciplinary study of geosciences.

Going places: Is there an example of somewhere your career has taken you (either a physical space or something more intellectual, emotional or spiritual) that took you by surprise?

I am always surprised and often in awe of the natural beauty of landscapes. I’ve been fortunate enough to have done a fair bit of traveling. My top three awe-inspiring places are the Dolomites in Italy, the Grand Canyon, which I’ve hiked and rafted, and Mauna Loa in Hawaii, which I’ve summited twice. I’m privileged to have a job and a discipline that affords me these opportunities.

Out of the classroom

This or that: If you weren’t teaching for a living, what would you be doing?

I’d like to say I’d be a baker or a pro poker player, but more likely I’d be a consultant or work for the USGS or state geological survey.

Right at home: Whether for work, relaxation or reflection, what’s your favorite spot on campus?

Oh, the wooded trail behind Sage/Trever. I’m glad they didn’t pave that over and put in lights. We need some spaces on campus that are quiet, undeveloped, and even dark.

One book, one recording, one film: Name one of each that speaks to your soul? Or you would recommend to a friend? Or both?

I found Karl Ove Knausgaard’s six-volume series, My Struggle, spoke to me on many levels. His writing demands that you put the book down every dozen pages and just think. It is a very slow read. Probably book No. 1 is the best; if you don’t want to wade through 3,000 pages.

I prefer live music over recordings. Listening to live music nearly always gives me shivers—I don’t get that with recordings, even live ones, because they lack the presence and atmosphere of a performance. If I have to choose a recording, I would choose Pink Floyd’s Time. The things they wrote about are relevant to middle-aged me and yet they were very young when composing. I think most artists are possessed with that keen sort of insight and can almost transport themselves and their audience through time and space.

Film: I am strangely attracted to historically based war movies. Saving Private Ryan keeps me wondering what I would do in those stressful, sometimes ambiguous situations. And I don’t really know. I don’t think any of us do unless we are faced with those choices in that setting. I sincerely hope to never have to be in that situation, but I imagine you’d learn quite a lot about yourself.

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Bella Goland leads a not-so-SLUGish transformation in the sustainable garden

Communications — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 21:06:28 +0000

Bella “Bee” Goland, a biology major with a studio art minor, has been unearthing a new era of SLUG for Lawrentians. A junior at ��ý��Ƶ not afraid to get her hands dirty, Goland spent her summer working on the Sustainable ��ý��Ƶ Garden. She wouldn’t have had it any other way.

“For me, gardening has always been a safe place,” Goland said. “It’s been a place to escape; a place to really, truly almost be myself in a way, and SLUG has allowed me to have that space and have that community.”

Her work last summer has been essential to revitalizing ��ý��Ƶ’s garden space. COVID had taken its toll; the garden became overrun by weeds. Though much of her work focused on restoring the gardens, Goland has also done extensive work to improve the space. She and her team mulched the garden lanes, installed an irrigation system, and cut down invasive plant populations.

“It’s so validating to say I helped some part of this natural landscape around ��ý��Ƶ and made it flourish,” Goland said. “It couldn’t have happened without the help of my fellow student researchers, Will Brenneman and Haley Siculan.”

The students worked collaboratively on SLUG: Goland led the apiary, Siculan led the gardens, and Brenneman led the hoop house.

The hoop house, a semicircular structure that can function as a greenhouse or season-extender, was improved. They also changed the soil in the beds and installed fans for ventilation. Soon, the club will have a space for gardening year-round.

“I have been obsessed with bees all my life,” Goland said. “So, when I got appointed to the apiary director position, I cried; I definitely cried.”

Goland learned about beekeeping this summer, and she loved playing a part in maintaining the life and work of the bees. From honey harvesting to catching split hives, she had hands-on experience that has developed a skill set she wants to continue to grow after ��ý��Ƶ.

“She manages our campus hives and learns from our expert beekeeper, Larry Cain,” said Israel Del Toro, assistant professor of biology and Goland’s mentor. “[She] also spends time drawing and looking at the tiny details of the bees in our hives.”

Goland considers herself lucky to have combined her love of art and biology through her work. She created and labeled a detailed drawing of a bee as part of a physiology study. Her artwork will soon be posted at the apiary.

“Art has always been a way that I connect with what I’m learning about,” Goland said. “By drawing out the bees that I was working with this summer, it helped me understand them more. … It’s something I would look into doing after college as well, doing field guides and booklets like that. I kind of want to be a beekeeper after college; just have my own garden, my own place.”

Though she loves the personal vibe she feels while beekeeping and gardening, she also loves the SLUG community. Emerging from the pandemic, student support and engagement with the garden has been on the rise. The club staff has had fantastic turnout for their weekly garden activities, and they’re creating new board positions to manage the growing group.

SLUG’s growth isn’t limited to the club; the garden now has beds dedicated to research as well as use by community members. The green space gives Appleton residents the opportunity to grow their own produce and enjoy the natural environment. In addition to gardening, local residents also purchased produce from SLUG via the farmer’s market. The club’s stand sold 71 pounds of peaches this year.

Meanwhile, Bon Appétit, ��ý��Ƶ’s food service provider, purchased produce from SLUG. They bought apples, squash, and tomatoes that were then served to students. McFleshman’s Brewing Company in downtown Appleton also took part in supporting SLUG; they made and served pear cider using produce from the SLUG orchard.

“I’m more optimistic with the state of SLUG now,” Goland said. “I hope we have boards in the future that will continue the beautiful work that’s happened so far.”

Goland also serves as SLUG’s social media director. To see the fabulous work the organization continues to do, follow SLUG on Instagram @SLUG_garden.

BELLA GOLAND

Class Year: 2024

Major: Biology

Hometown: Winneconne, Wisconsin

Activities: SLUG, art

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