Unity College supports organic and sustainability programs throughout the entire central part of Maine. This forward thinking school in the small town setting is committed to their efforts to promote sustainability in agriculture and other possible community outreach programs. Find out how Unity College supports organic and sustainability programs, you may get some ideas on how your school or college can join this movement.
“Tucked away amidst the gently sloping hills and sprawling cornfields of central Maine, the town of Unity almost appears out of nowhere on the drive between Waterville and Bangor. Despite its isolation, Unity is an unexpectedly picturesque town, albeit one of a kind; only in a town like Unity can you find an annual event dedicated to organic gardening, a significant Amish population and a diverse cultural calendar, as well as weekly vehicular-related events at the racetrack downtown.””
As you pass through the quaint downtown area and cross over the bridge spanning the turbulent waters of Sandy Stream, the sign for Unity College is revealed, pointing the way towards an academic oasis in a desert of rurality. A short walk is all that separates downtown Unity from its namesake college, and for eight months of the year, nearly five hundred undergraduate students call this town their home.”
“What makes this little school so appealing and unique is that it provides a curriculum based on environmental stewardship and love of the outdoors, attracting many like-minded individuals with a passion for the natural world. Named one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report in 2007, Unity College is known as a leader in sustainability and offers a hands-on approach to the educational experience, giving students all of the tools and training necessary for real-world success.
““From September to May each year, the Unity community is bustling with activity. Campus and town blend together to form a living classroom in which students can apply their education to enrich the community, resulting in a reciprocal relationship that benefits both the local populace and the culture of Unity College. Whether it’s helping winterize homes or extensively studying the local ecosystem, the hands-on curriculum proceeds regardless of season or weather conditions. With the advent of spring, Sandy Stream swells with water, trees begin to bud, flowers start to bloom, and all manner of wildlife begin to appear.
“For those interested in sustainable living, Unity College is offering a three-week sustainable practices summer program at their Ravenwood Homestead. This six credit course will teach participants about anything from composting and bee keeping to photovoltaic systems and greenhouse gardening, all while sleeping under the stars and forming close-knit relationships with fellow participants. If you are interested in learning how to be less reliant on the grid and more self-sustainable, you can find more information about the program on Unity College’s website.”
“For teachers, Unity College will host a four day workshop called Education in a Changing Climate, scheduled for August 1, 2010. This workshop will provide educators with a crash course in climate change, empowering them to confidently teach their students and the public about all aspects of climate change. More information can be found here.”
“Children will enjoy the Maine Arts Camp held on campus throughout the summer. Campers can create their own schedules during either the 2 or 4 week sessions, choosing from a wide variety of activities such as painting, sculpture or stained glass. In addition to the art-themed activities, the Maine Arts Camp also has many of the components of a typical camp experience, right down to the campfires and camp songs. For more information on the Maine Arts Camp, check out their website.”
Colleges around the country can copy a page out of Unity Colleges’ eco-friendly efforts found here on the Examiner. It’s exciting to think of a future where the delicate balances of nature are considered the way Unity College supports organic and sustainability programs.
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