Western Washington University sustainability studies take root in valley
A new Methow-based Community Learning Program has just concluded its pilot summer initiative. Nine Western Washington University undergraduate fellows lived and worked in the Methow Valley while researching and implementing various sustainability initiatives.
Community organizations that hosted students included the Methow Valley Citizens Council, the Shafer Historical Museum and the Cascades Carnivore Project. Interns explored issues such as climate action inequity, studied local carbon offset programs, and planned an eco-share housing facility for future fellows.
The COVID-19 pandemic did shrink the program to about half its original size, but with added precautions, some initiatives were able to continue.
鈥淗uman health, economic vitality, social equity and justice鈥夆斺塧ll these layers intersect in sustainability work,鈥 Joshua Porter, the 草榴社区 adjunct professor spearheading the program, explained. 鈥淚 love programs that provide real-world student learning and at the same time advance really needed projects.鈥