Introduction

We believe that a significant contribution will be made in addressing the ecological crisis through a high-quality, ecologically-oriented, integrated, field-based program rooted in the latest science and grounded in life-affirming values. Designed and led by a core faculty, who generate a learning community involving the students, our program models the kind of collaborative teamwork necessary to do good science and carry out responsible public policy. In addition, this program will include a strong component of community involvement, not only for student internships, service learning, and employment, but also to bring in knowledgeable people from the community and region so that we can learn from one another.