Here's the latest in news, events, and announcements from WCU's Office of Sustainability.
Thirsty for Justice: How Local Environmental Groups Can Support our Leaders
Next Tuesday, December 7th, WCU plays host to local and state elected officials for an evening panel discussion focused on how citizens and community organizations can best support their leaders as together they work to create a more sustainable future. Join us at 7pm in the WCU Business and Public Management Building, Room 101 and show your support for these important issues, as well as for the individuals fighting to make the changes so adamantly advocated for. Panelists include PA State Senator Carolyn Comitta, PA State Representative Dianne Herrin, Chester County Commissioner Joshua Maxwell, and Delaware Riverkeeper Maya van Rossum.
Included in the evening's program will be an Environmental Awards Ceremony with West Chester Borough Mayor Jordan Norley.
This event is free, open to the public, and no registration is required. It has been co-sponsored by the WCU Office of Sustainability, the West Chester Green Team, West Chester Cooperative, and the Unitarian Congregation of West Chester.
Brandywine Project Faculty Workshop
Faculty members, get ready and get excited for the next Brandywine Project Faculty Workshop, January 11th - 12th, 2022! This is designed as a collaborative, two-day workshop where attendees work to develop sustainability courses. The workshop will cover two days – one in person and one via Zoom –and meals will be provided the first day. Even if you aren't as versed in issues of environmental, social, and economic sustainability as you'd like, this is a great opportunity to come together with colleagues, form new connections, and deepen your understanding, as you find applications within your own discipline. Remember, sustainability isn't just for scientists. As a bonus, there are a limited number of $500 stipends available for WCU faculty members who create or revise syllabi.
Registration is up now, so don't put off taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity. Follow the link below for more information and to save your spot!
Fall 2021 Sustainability Research and Practice Seminar
The Sustainability Research and Practice Seminar concludes a thought-provoking Fall 2021 Semester with Professor Anita Foeman, Communication and Media, speaking in person on Why Science is Important to Us All: Identity and Environment. We welcome you to join us at 12pm tomorrow, Wednesday, December 1st, either in Sykes 255A/B or on Zoom (see link below)!
Save Money and Time, Reduce Emissions by Sharing the Ride!
WCU is teaming up with the Transportation Management Association of Chester County to help students, faculty, and staff form carpools with theShare-A-Ride app! Want to know more about how you can save time and money, get access to prime parking spaces on campus, and reduce your carbon footprint by sharing the ride? Follow the instructions above and check out theWCU Transportation and Parking Services webpage.
Get help signing up by stopping by one of three tabling locations THIS THURSDAY, December 2nd and snag a free apple cider donut from Highland Orchards!
Outside of the Swope Music Building 8am -10am
In the Sykes Student Union Building 11:30am - 1:30pm
At the Campus Rec Center 4pm - 6pm
WCU’s Sustainability Peer Educators could use your help! Want to help spread the word on December 2nd? You don’t need to already know the app: the SPEs will get you up to speed so you can join a tabling team for a half hour, an hour, or as much time as you’d like. Sign up athttps://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090d45a9a92aaaf94-sharearide.
Photo by Noah Long
Spotted in the GNA
For this week's Spotted in the GNA feature, we've got a stunning photograph to share of a young Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata), captured by GNA intern Noah Long this past June. Did you know that the Blue Jay collects and buries on average 4,500 acorns each Fall? Reportedly, these birds can only recall where 1/4 of their stash is laid, so the other 3/4 can be credited to them as planted trees. 3,375 planted trees per bird each Fall? Can we get these guys on the payroll, because that is impressive!
Remember, you can find a whole host of images and information about the hundreds of species found in the Gordon Natural Area by accessing the GNA'sBiotapage.
Upcoming Meetings
SC Transportation Committee Meeting
The Sustainability Council's (SC) Transportation Committee will meet again this Friday, December 3rd at 1:00pm via Zoom. All interested faculty, staff, and students are welcome to attend. Please email Chair, Professor Jessica Schedlbauer (jschedlbauer@wcupa.edu) for the link to join.
SC Sustainable Food Systems and Green Spaces Committee Meeting
The Sustainability Council's (SC) Sustainable Food Systems and Green Spaces Committee will meet again this Friday, December 3rd at 11am via Zoom. All interested faculty, staff, and students are welcome to join. Please email Chair, Professor Ashlie Delshad (adelshad@wcupa.edu) for the Zoom link to attend.
We'd love to help you spread the word! If you would like to have an announcement included in the weekly Office of Sustainability Bulletin, please send the details to sustainability@wcupa.eduby 8am Monday, the week it should go out.
Office of Sustainability, West Chester University
114 W Rosedale Ave, West Chester, PA 19382
610-436-2736 sustainability@wcupa.edu
