Environmental Studies in Action

In 2013, students studying environmental studies at Central College began looking for a way to translate what they were learning into meaningful impact. Several ambitious students wrote a proposal for an all-natural playscape to be built near Lake Red Rock. Their idea received funding from the Pella Community Foundation and subsequently 3M. During their senior year, working with community volunteers and the Army Corps of Engineers, they brought the playscape to life. Today, it’s a very popular space for families to explore and learn about the environment.

That experience was just the first such success! The junior/senior seminar sequence challenges students to envision projects that foster sustainability, restore the environment and promote environmental awareness. Each year, environmental studies students at Central imagine and design projects to turn their newfound knowledge into real-world impact.

This year’s senior class has proposed several innovative projects. Eric Johnson is helping restore the oak savanna forests at the Carlson Kuyper Field Station. Ben Uitermarkt and Jordon Mulligan are exploring ways that aquaponics can be used to supplement Central’s organic garden, while Megan Beuter and Lexi Sjullie are exploring ways to increase edible foodscapes around Pella through community gardens.

Dreaming big and creating long-lasting impact takes resources. Many of these projects require funding beyond the limits of our modest program budget.

Your gift, whether $50 or $500, will provide the funds needed to complete these amazing and transformative projects and make a real difference in our community. Your support means so much to our students!