A Word from Dr. Mahsa Kazempour

When I was first assigned to teach BiSC3 (Environmental Science) in the spring of 2011 I knew that the course would need to be restructured to include components that enhance students’ understanding of environmental issues and their willingness to take an active role in their local and global community. One of the course components that was added was the Environmental Awareness and Community Action Project (EACAP), a service learning project, which involves students working collaboratively in teams to research an environmental issue of their choice (local, national, or global) and taking action to support community actions to address environmental issues locally by protecting the environment or educating the public. I worked with the Center for Service Learning and Community-Based Research to designate the course as a service learning course. Over the years, students have been involved in a variety of projects with our partner organizations. They have removed invasive species and planted native species; created rain gardens; developed signage, brochures, and education materials; cleaned up rivers and trails; helped with the redevelopment of a local school garden; built owl nests, and so much more! They have presented their work during our Earth Day Event and will now be using this webpage to chronicle their work.I wanted to create this page to showcase the work that our students do each semester and the amount of hard work, dedication, and joy that goes into this project.

I am deeply thankful to our partner organizations who graciously accept to work with my students and teach them so much while getting them to be more active and engaged in their communities.