Growing Sustainability Through Community Partnerships

The Office of Ecological Sustainability collaborated with New Pioneers for a Sustainable Future on several education and community engagement projects.

During an invasive species workshop at Nazareth, fifteen participants learned to identify common invasive plants and discussed management methods. Led by New Pioneers and supported by Melissa Varelas of the Office of Ecological Sustainability, the group identified bush honeysuckle, autumn olive, and privet outdoors. Participants practiced removing these plants and learned how to apply herbicide to cut stumps to prevent regrowth.

Varelas also assisted New Pioneers in preparing students from My Old Kentucky Home Middle School in Bardstown for a local town hall. The students used role-playing to practice discussing sustainability issues, such as solar energy and data centers, with community leaders. Varelas acted as a cattle farmer, a non-profit worker, and a solar company representative during these exercises.

The Office of Ecological Sustainability and New Pioneers are currently planning a one-day student camp at Nazareth for this fall to focus on environmental education and hands-on learning.