Tim Billo, instructor of our Natural History of the Puget Sound Region course, practices what he preaches. He uses his research into the natural history of our local sword ferns as a way of introducing undergraduates to research, demonstrating to them that they can make important contributions to natural history, as well as to helping to solve pressing ecological issues. Indeed, as the article suggests, this research would not be possible without the collaborative efforts of many concerned citizens, including our students who have played crucial roles over the past four years. 

Read more in the Seattle Times

Congratulations to Environmental Studies majors Tiara Adler and Zaya Delgerjargal, our 2018-2019 Environmental Leadership Scholarship recipients!
Program on the Environment, with support from generous donors, awards scholarships to two students each year who demonstrate a passion for environmental studies, integrative thought and action in their academics and activities, and a vision of how they hope to make a positive difference in the world. 

This past summer, Program on the Environment lecturer Tim Billo traveled to Southeast Alaska with nine UW students for a bold new course exploring wilderness management and its unintended consequences. While there, students examined the complex and evolving relationship between the Huna Tlingit People and the National Park Service in Glacier Bay National Park.

Corina Yballa interned with Young Women Empowered for her Capstone, where she led a backpacking trip for young women of color to build connections with each other and with nature.

Recent Program on the Environment alum Tyler Ung developed a senior Capstone project focusing on the budding “sci-art” movement, a concept that bridges the science communication gap through creative expression. His compelling pieces were created during his trips to China and India, and his home city, Seattle.

This summer, Brooke Stroosma interned with Waste Management, the largest environmental solutions provider in North America. She learned all about effective waste disposal and conducted outreach to encourage citizens to organize their trash correctly.

Joy Shang is interning with the WA State Parks Foundation to examine possible disparities between Washington’s increasingly diverse population and park visitors. She’s creating infographics to be shared with the public and policy makers in an effort to raise more funds for our state’s beautiful parks.

More barren patches show increased fern die-off, this time in Kitsap forests. UW POE’s Tim Billo quoted.

Carly Lester’s summer Capstone internship led her to work on a farm in the Netherlands and learn the ins and outs of direct farm marketing. She gained extensive knowledge about the challenges and opportunities of sourcing locally and has big plans for her future career in food.

No matter what’s she’s done and where’s she’s gone, she’s drawn to planting seeds and growing food. Listen to UW Sustainability’s In Our Nature podcast to hear about Beth Wheat’s dual role as farmer and educator.