Environmental Science

In this class we study the relationship between humans and the natural environment.

Students have a unique opportunity to analyze and examine sustainability principles and ecosystem functions through immersion in the living laboratory of our campus. Students investigate environmental topics by applying principles from ecology, psychology, sociology economics and history. Each student will also realize a stronger understanding and connection to the natural world by developing the place-based skills and knowledge of a naturalist.

A thorough grounding in both natural and social sciences enables students to critique individual and societal behavior in human-environment interactions. Students learn how to employ scientific reasoning to support ideas and communicate to a wider general audience. Class explores contemporary environmental problems through a solutions based approach. Students emerge as environmentally literate citizens who understand the implications of their choices and actions.

Students forge strong relationships with the land through personal experiences in nature. They learn to combine the modern languages of field biology and ecology with the traditional skills of native peoples. Students develop naturalist knowledge and increase their awareness of nature through activities, direct observation, questioning and journaling. Students learn to transfer their experiences and abilities anywhere in the world.

Sustainability projects

Students take an active role in the ongoing work of creating a campus and programs that are environmentally sustainable. Permaculture concepts guide our sustainability projects through inception, research, design and implementation. Each semester students take part in various phases of these projects, leaving the legacy of their commitment to the earth and the community for future students.

Past Sustainability projects have included:

Creation of biodiesel production works

Introduction of beehives to campus

Conversion from propane to wood heat in our dining hall.

Installation of solar hot water panels on our dining hall

Designing and building a greenhouse for the garden

Building a bicycle powered washing machine

Creation of a garden master plan with maps

Soap Making

Building a worm bin for on-campus vermiculture

Building owl boxes to reduce gopher populations

Designing and building a chicken tractor

Creating an inventory of forest species composition

Mapping trails through the forest

Building a wash station for the garden

Establishing a Letters to the Land legacy

Planting a pollinator friendly garden entrance

Food Intensive

Each semester we embark on a week-long trip exploring the food systems of the San Francisco Bay Area and Central Valley of California. Informed by Micheal Pollan's Omnivore's Dilema, we visit organizations involved with food production and distribution, and education. We meet with farmers, researchers, educators, wholesale distributors and food justice advocates, visiting their sites and learning about their role in the food system.