Abstract

Conservation and sustainability have become increasingly important issues in an era of rapid human development and environmental change. As beacons of wisdom and progress, universities serve as important places where people can learn, both formally and informally, about important and emerging contemporary issues. Thus, it is not surprising that many universities have been overtly increasing their efforts to conserve the environment and operate in as sustainable a manner as possible. Marshall University (MU) has undertaken many projects to promote informal education focused on conservation and sustainability over the past several years. Some of these projects include the creation of a rain garden to improve storm water management, monarch butterfly waystations, a student community garden, a green roof, and an annual Earth Day celebration. Further, many new projects are in the planning and development stages (e.g., tree mapping and establishment of a campus arboretum, improved educational signage at various project locations, an additional green roof to be located on a new engineering building, and a “green trail” connecting all of these projects). While the environmental benefits of such projects have been welldocumented, less is known regarding the effect of such campus-wide projects on the student experience (i.e., the social benefits). For example, do Marshall University students believe that the existence of such projects enhances their college experiences? Do they feel a greater sense of environmental responsibility or satisfaction as a result of enrolling at a university that is committed to environmental sustainability and stewardship? Are students who interact with campus conservation initiatives more likely to exhibit ecological attitudes and pro-environmental behaviors in their own lives? The purpose of this study was to examine the social benefits that students receive as a result of campus conservation projects, and to explore relationships between exposure to these projects and general environmental views and behaviors.

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Apr 12th, 12:00 AM Apr 14th, 12:00 AM

The Greening of Marshall University: Examining the Effects of Campus Conservation Projects on the Student Experience

Conservation and sustainability have become increasingly important issues in an era of rapid human development and environmental change. As beacons of wisdom and progress, universities serve as important places where people can learn, both formally and informally, about important and emerging contemporary issues. Thus, it is not surprising that many universities have been overtly increasing their efforts to conserve the environment and operate in as sustainable a manner as possible. Marshall University (MU) has undertaken many projects to promote informal education focused on conservation and sustainability over the past several years. Some of these projects include the creation of a rain garden to improve storm water management, monarch butterfly waystations, a student community garden, a green roof, and an annual Earth Day celebration. Further, many new projects are in the planning and development stages (e.g., tree mapping and establishment of a campus arboretum, improved educational signage at various project locations, an additional green roof to be located on a new engineering building, and a “green trail” connecting all of these projects). While the environmental benefits of such projects have been welldocumented, less is known regarding the effect of such campus-wide projects on the student experience (i.e., the social benefits). For example, do Marshall University students believe that the existence of such projects enhances their college experiences? Do they feel a greater sense of environmental responsibility or satisfaction as a result of enrolling at a university that is committed to environmental sustainability and stewardship? Are students who interact with campus conservation initiatives more likely to exhibit ecological attitudes and pro-environmental behaviors in their own lives? The purpose of this study was to examine the social benefits that students receive as a result of campus conservation projects, and to explore relationships between exposure to these projects and general environmental views and behaviors.