Winter 2019:2
The Conservation Exchange
at Warren Wilson College
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Sharing Ideas, Passion and Resources
for Sustainable Land Stewardship
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A note from the Dean of Land Resources
Since taking on my new position several folks have asked me what the difference is between the College Farm and the College Garden. I guess this would be a good time to explain how we think about Land Resources at Warren Wilson College. Land Resources is composed of the College Forest, Garden and Farm along with the Landscape of the built environment. While each of these units has its own management objectives and priorities, we realize the greatest potential when we think of them as an integrated ecosystem that operates within the social, economic and ecological context of the region. With this in mind, our land serves as a living laboratory supporting our students' applied learning experiences and as a resource for landowners and users interested in responsible land stewardship. Through these commitments, we'll continue to share the responsibility of achieving a healthy and vibrant land future for the Southern Appalachians and beyond. Oh, and in a nutshell, the College Garden works on vegetable cropping systems while the College Farm focuses on animal husbandry. Next time you'll meet the folks that make it all happen.
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We are proud to announce that we've been awarded a New Belgium Brewing Company Grant for our "extraordinary Water Conservation and Restoration programming". Grant funds will be used to protect water quality and provide educational opportunities along The River Trail. Thanks to New Belgium Brewing Company and all they do to support and protect the region's vital water resources.
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Upcoming Lecture: Thursday 2/28, Boon Hall @ 6:30pm
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Timing is everything! Using experimental gardens and citizen science to investigate phenology at Warren Wilson College
by Dr. Alisa Hove
Phenology, or the timing of seasonal events in nature, has wide ranging effects on life on Earth. We all have an intuitive sense of phenology (e.g., wildflower blooms, fall leaf colors, seasonal bird migrations) and its importance in nature. In the spring, many plants time their flowering to maximize interactions with pollinators. Likewise, many bird species time their migration to coincide with the availability of nest sites and food sources. Because phenological life stages are strongly influenced by climate, studies of phenology can provide valuable information regarding the effects of climate change on the Earth’s biological systems. Warren Wilson College Biology Professor Alisa Hove’s talk will discuss the role of phenological research in larger efforts to understand climate change, phenology research based on the WWC campus, and how citizen scientists are contributing to phenological data collection through the USA National Phenology Network’s Nature’s Notebook program.
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Upcoming Event: Saturday February 23rd, Morse Science Hall/College Forest, 9:00 am - 3:00pm
Winter Tree/Shrub Identification Short-Course
Join Ecological Forestry Professor Dave Ellum for an instructional course on identifying woody species of the Southern Appalachians. The course will feature an in-class exercise explaining key identification features followed by a field exercise covering approximately 40 native species. We will learn how to identify species by buds, twigs and bark, and discuss each species' ecology and uses. Bring lunch for a break in the field. Easy to moderate walking conditions.
This event requires a $50 fee with all proceeds going to the Conservation Exchange. Space is limited to 13 participants. Snow or shine.
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Garden Manager Ben Mackie and
Farm Manager Asher Wright brought 12 crew students to the ACRES USA National Conference in Louisville, KY. This conference brings together global leaders in sustainable food production for three days of workshops, Q & A sessions, and keynote addresses. Students were able to attend educational sessions on topics as varied as how Amish communities manage nutrients in their vegetable operations, how to maximize microorganisms to promote soil health, how intensive rotational grazing can improve landscapes, and how to adjust your circadian rhythms to promote personal well being. It was an amazing opportunity for students and staff to converse and interact with the trailblazers in regenerative agriculture from across the country.
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The
Landscape Crew was awarded funds from the Tree Care Industry Association Foundation and STIHL Inc. to purchase new STIHL power equipment for the College. WWC was one of five schools to receive the "Gear Up" Award, out of nearly 40 applicants nationwide. Along with conventional chainsaws, these funds have been used to purchase a variety of battery powered electric equipment to reduce carbon emissions and noise pollution on campus. The next step will be to install a solar powered charging station to further the Crew's commitment to the College's long-term sustainability goals.
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The
River Trail
is now officially open! The
Forestry Crew
will be out there finishing up some work, so please say hello and give them a big thanks for all the work they do on the College's trails.
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During the Fall semester
Assistant Farm Manager Virginia Hamilton (WWC Class of 2013) co-taught an interdisciplinary course with WWC Social Work Professor Lucy Lawrence titled "Intercultural Comparisons of Agricultural and Social Welfare Systems in Tanzania and Appalachia". The course culminated in two weeks of travel to Tanzania during Winter Break. The class began their trip at Curry Anton's (WWC Class of 2008) Farm outside of Njombe, TZ. Curry and her sister operate a vegetable farm, raise sheep and chickens, and run a retreat center that has hosted hundreds of guests. Students explored local agriculture and forestry practices, including subsistence farming, pine plantations, and tea farms. They also had the opportunity to speak with locals on a wide range of topics from water conservation to maternal health care. The group spent the second half of the trip exploring Ruaha National Park, touring the CDC and President's Malaria Initiative in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. The trip was a great success in connecting students with alumni and opportunities abroad, as well as strengthening collaboration between the natural and social sciences.
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The
Forestry Crew is beginning its third year of tapping black walnut trees for syrup production. The operation has moved to a line system utilizing reverse osmosis and wood fueled evaporation. The crew has been collecting data to understand how variables such as tree diameter, crown vigor, landscape position and weather influence sap production and will share what they find with regional landowners in an effort to promote this potentially valuable non-timber forest product.
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Upcoming Events:
- Field Demonstration, Date TBD by sap season: "Walnut syrup production at Warren Wilson College", Shawn Swartz, WWC Forest Manager
- To celebrate Earth Week, we will be hosting a variety of land-based events between Earth Day (4/22) and Arbor Day (4/26). Activities will include workshops, demonstrations, lectures and open houses. The week will be capped off with a 24-hour BioBlitz on 4/27. Full schedule of events to come.
- Lecture, 4/25/19 @ 7:30pm: "Community partnerships take flight: bat conservation in Western North Carolina" by Dr. Liesl Erb
- Volunteer Trail Day, 4/6/19: Join Warren Wilson College students doing maintenance and restoration along one of the College Forest trails. Volunteer release forms will be required.
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Interested in Giving to The Conservation Exchange?
Your generous gift will go towards helping us maintain and improve the recreational and educational infrastructure of our land and will support continued educational outreach opportunities for the Warren Wilson College Conservation Community. To give, go to the link below, choose "
Other" and designate "
Conservation Exchange" on the form. Thank You for Being Part of Our Conservation Community!
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