VU Dean recognized for environmental education

Environmental education efforts at the Vincennes University Jasper Campus have been recognized by a professional organization that promotes water resources research and education. The Indiana Water Resources Association (IWRA) presented its Outstanding Achievement Award to VUJC Dean Alan Johnson at the organization’s annual symposium at Spring Mill State Park on June 13. The citation noted Johnson’s “guiding vision for sustainable land management on the campus that will continue to yield water quality benefits”.

The IWRA was founded in 1979 to promote water resources research, education, and communication in Indiana. It is an organization of several hundred professionals and students working in all aspects of water resources. Its members include scientists, engineers, regulators, educators, policy makers, and students from government agencies, universities, industry, consulting firms, and other water-related groups.

Johnson’s leadership in expanding the institutions environmental education efforts was noted in the nomination. The campus has twelve acres designated as Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Foundation. The area is covered in native grasses and wildflowers which provide food, water, cover and homes for local birds and small mammals. It has also been designated a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in recognition of the work planting trees and educating the public about proper tree choice, planting and care.

This spring VUJC partnered with the Dubois County Soil and Water Conservation District to develop the campus farm land into a research and education site to help farmers improve productivity while improving the quality of the soil and cleaning the water that runs off the fields.  The five-year agreement, called the VUJC Land Stewardship Initiative, will apply no-till and cover crop techniques to stabilize soil structure, increase its biologic activity, and filter the rainwater that drains from the fields.

“We are thrilled that an organization of environmental professionals has recognized our work,” said Johnson. “We have faculty, staff and students on the campus who are passionate about the environment and want share their knowledge with the community. These energetic individuals have implemented the campus recycling program and every spring they plan several events celebrating Earth Day.”