Thoreau wrote, “in wildness is the preservation of the world.” Though difficult to sense, our campus does allow for such preservation, however obstructed. To shift the focus, somewhat, the question we may benefit from answering and then acting on is how do we enable our campus (the “built” and “natural”) to become a restorative and healthy one, free from toxins, rich with native flora and fauna, peaceful but engaging, educational and functional. Can our campus evolve to reflect the highest ideals of both best sustainable practices and core American environmental values: one capable of inspiring reflection and connections to self, community, and place?
February 4, 2009 at 3:19 pm
Creating a field guide to the area around NB would be an interesting project. Maybe putting some signage up there to encourage people to get out and explore that piece of property.
How about am elective course that asks students to delve into this and see what they come up with? Always good to tap into student interest and talent.
What ever happened with that initiative for less toxic cleaning supplies. My sense is that it went nowhere after the kids wrote the letter.
February 4, 2009 at 4:33 pm
Creating an indoor and an outdoor space designed for silent contemplation… meditation garden concept, Zenn garden. I sorely miss the benches near Rader when they disappear in winter and would love it if there were a naturally lit quiet spot year round. A greenhouse/conservatory would be nice someday. I visited the one on the grounds of Mount Holyoke recently- a treat.