The Environmental Science department has always focused on taking students into labs and out into the field. These experiences can be just plain fun, but also life-changing. Over the years, we've recognized that we can help some of our students who want to participate in field experiences, but don't always have the right gear for working and learning outdoors. Currently, some students use plastic garbage bags as makeshift raincoats during course field trips, as well as, ziplock bags as a waterproof barrier in their boots. These approaches work in some cases, but they limit the student’s abilities to be comfortable in harsh weather conditions, especially on longer trips.
To support those students, we've been building a "gear lending library" that has items such as coats, backpacks, first aid kits, and snowshoes. This gear can be checked to the students who don't have the resources to own it, which makes these classes and outdoor research activities more accessible to all students and helps students focus on learning at the same pace as their peers who already have waterproof outer layers and insulation.
Your contribution will help us build our gear lending library. Thanks for your support!
On behalf of all our faculty, Ruth Sofield (Department Chair)
Make your gift today as part of Give Day to help support our students.
