Environmental Impact

Over the years we have delved into a variety of themes related to environmental impact and sustainability.  We bring in speakers, participate in service projects, watch documentaries, and go on trips related to our themes.

Previous Themes:

Parks and Recreation

Here are some highlights from the semester:

• Trips and Tours:
  • National Parks 3D movie at COSI
  • Dolly Sods West Virginia backpacking trip over fall break
  • OSU Outdoor Adventure Center tour
  • Olentangy River Bike Trail ride
• Speakers:
  • Metro Parks director
• Out-of-classroom Experiences:
  • Slacklining clinic
  • Rock climbing at OAC
  • Belay clinic
  • Fall semester Hocking Hills Camping Trip

Sustainable Design

• Trips and Tours:
  • Behind the Scenes at the Columbus Zoo
  • Howlett Hall Green Roof
  • OSU Greenhouse and Insectary Trip
  • LEED Certified buildings on campus
  • Lake Hope Camping Trip
  • Sea Kayaking in the Everglades (Spring Break)
• Speakers:
  • Jessica Mathews, Community Organizer
  • Dr. Stan Gehrt, Wildlife Researcher
  • Kenny Sipes, Social Entrepreneur
  • Carlos Lugo, LEED Professional
  • Gifford Pinchot III, President of Pinchot University
• Service Projects:
  • Ecosystem restoration projects throughout Columbus
  • Tree planting
  • Earth Month Challenge
• Out-of-classroom Experiences:
  • Local Foods Cooking Workshop
  • South Olentangy Bike Tour
  • Indoor Plants Workshop
  • LEED Building Tour

Wildlife Conservation

• Trips/tours:
  • Weekend trip to Chicago
  • Annual Fall Camping Trip in the Hocking Hills
  • Museum of Biodiversity
• Speakers:
  • The Columbus Zoo (they brought animals to our last class this semester)
  • Dr. Chris Tonra, Avian Biologist
  • Dr. Stephen Matthews, Wildlife and Climate Change
    
  • Dan Everson, US Fish and Wildlife Service
• Service Projects
  • Ecosystem restoration projects throughout Columbus
  • Chew toys for local dog shelters
• Out-of-classroom Experiences:
  • Birding 101 at Blendon Woods
  • Sustainable Thanksgiving dinner
  • Career Exploration Workshop/Resume Workshop

Energy and Transportation.

• Trips/tours:
  • Blue creek wind farm
  • Columbus/COGO Bike Tour
  • Byrd polar and climate research center
  • Sea Kayaking in the Everglades (Spring Break)
•  Speakers:
  • Aparna Dial,  OSU University Energy and Sustainability Engineer, Director of Energy Services and Sustainability
  • Damian Beauchamp, KAir Battery
  • Michael McCann, Director of Planning for the Central Ohio Transit Authority
• Service Projects:
  • Earth Day: Wetlands Cleanup Day
  • Tree Planting
  • Cat Welfare Association
• Out-of-classroom Experiences:
  • Light Bulb Raid
  • EcoCAR Tour
  • Non-toxic spa workshop