#ajlc

Environmental Studies by Oberlin College   On campus, the Environmental Studies program is based in the internationally acclaimed Adam Joseph Lewis Center for Environmental Studies. Dedicated in 2000, the New York Times described this state-of-the-art facility as “the most remarkable” of a new generation of environmentally responsible buildings. Together with the newly renovated Environmental Science Laboratory next door, the building and landscape provide an exceptional educational environment.

The Lewis Center exemplifies our teaching philosophy, which recognizes that real-world experience and practical engagement complement traditional coursework. We encourage students to use their creativity and initiative to analyze and address local, regional, and global challenges. In many cases, work begun in the context of classes and independent studies has developed into fellowships, organizations, policy change, and even careers.

Beyond the Lewis Center, the entire college facility and the Oberlin community function as laboratories for environmental problem-solving. In fall 2006, for example, Oberlin College became the first of its peer institutions to sign the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment. In 2009 and 2010, the Sierra Club’s magazine ranked Oberlin as one of the top 100 "cool schools" in America for the environmental awareness of its students, faculty, and staff.

It's been a busy past to weeks in the garden here at the AJLC. Yesterday, we harvested 2 gallons (WOAH!) of tomatoes and donated them to OCS! We also have a ton of squash coming in, mainly summer butternut and pattypan varieties. Our grapes have also completely ripened. Yum! Since the summer is winding down, Kevin, Ren, and I have also alternated being off work. We've all taken some time off, but that means we have a lot of catch up work to do in the garden, wetland, orchard, and Living Machine!

We're not the only ones who have been busy. We've recently been letting the chickens out of their run and into the yard during the day, keeping them away from the garden so they don't munch on the crops. They've been happily scratching through our big compost pile, busily hunting for bugs. They've appreciated the time to stretch their legs, and we've appreciated the manure we get from them!

More to come later.

-Maggie

Please come! If you're in Oberlin, I'd love to see you there, even if I don't know you.