FLORENCE, Ala. — Imagine studying environmental education in college, but instead of learning it in the classroom, you have the ability to learn out in nature - well, that's the case for some University of North Alabama students.
Officials from the University of North Alabama and the Land Trust of North Alabama (LTNA), which is based in Huntsville, have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding that provides pathways for collaboration between the two entities.
“Two pillars of the Land Trust of North Alabama’s mission are the provision of environmental education and stewardship of our great natural places,” said Marie Bostick, LTNA Executive Director. “With the recent donation of Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve and its close proximity to UNA, there was a clear opportunity to partner and create hands-on field experiences for students studying subjects such as education, earth science, and recreation management. We are thrilled about this collaboration look forward to more in the future.”
According to UNA, as part of the collaboration, UNA and the LTNA will partner on:
- Public histories of selected LTNA properties to be used for interpretive programs and materials, as well as cataloging the legacies of the lands that are conserved;
- Resource development and/or coordination for formal and informal environmental education programming centering on biotic and abiotic elements of local ecosystems.
- Opportunities for UNA students to develop and deliver presentations on the local environment, specifically LTNA preserves; and
- Use of LTNA properties, particularly Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve, as living laboratories for all possible fields of study.
LTNA Education Director, Tim Gels, is excited to have students out on the properties as it will bring more environmental education to the public.
“For them to be able to get out onto the preserves, do some research and actually experience the things that they're going to experience, really gives them a body of knowledge that they're able to take back ultimately to their own classrooms and the things that they learn, they'll share with the community," Gels said.
Depending on what each student is studying, they might, "Investigate how the underlying geology, how the water, how the temperature, how the amount of sunlight, how all of that plays in is really the the exciting part about the learning that can take place. You know, it's one thing to learn about the water cycle or it's one thing to learn about any of this in a classroom, but to actually get out and see it, that's really what makes the difference," Gels said.
Dr. Matt Green, the interim dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences at UNA, says that this type of opportunity may prove to be popular among students, "Once they realize this is something I can actually go to a university and study and major in, it's going to be an attractive thing to boost our enrollment while we provide a very viable program for students who have that passion."
“This agreement is unique in that it provides expanded learning opportunities for UNA students across a variety of academic programs to gain experience and insight into their fields, which will better prepare them for their future in the workforce,” said Dr. Katie Kinney, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “We look forward to growing this collaboration.”