Two Indiana State University employees recently spent several days in Glacier National Park, Montana, as part of the Stewardship of Public Lands Program. They returned with enhanced knowledge about sustainability, which will benefit Indiana State University, Terre Haute, and the Wabash Valley.
Cayle Moreo, Director of Sustainability, and Nathan Schaumleffel, Associate Professor of Political Science, were selected to participate in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Stewardship of Public Lands program. The esteemed program brings together researchers with shared interests to integrate conflict resolution, sustainability, and experiential learning into their institutions, with a focus on understanding the role of democracy in managing public resources.
The program is associated with the American Democracy Project at Indiana State University, highlighting the university’s commitment to civic engagement and sustainable practices.
“We are very fortunate at Indiana State University to have faculty and staff who continue to improve in their field of study through professional development opportunities like the Stewardship of Public Lands. The knowledge Cayle and Nathan will provide to our campus community about sustainability and pressing issues concerning public resources will be invaluable,” said Dr. Nancy Rogers, Indiana State’s Vice President for University Engagement.
During the program, participants were placed in a community dealing with significant environmental issues. They developed a curriculum focused on understanding various perspectives, exploring resolution strategies, and applying these lessons to local communities. Topics ranged from protecting and using national forests to public lands education, addressing issues such as climate change and sustainable land use practices.
Moreo reflected on the experience, noting that the breathtaking scenery and insightful conversations with faculty, tour guides, and Indigenous peoples deeply impacted him.
“I was very eager to take part in the cohort. As the Sustainability Director for Indiana State, I am tasked with raising awareness and increasing student and community engagement around sustainability issues. One of the ways that I like to try to get students to think about sustainability is through enjoying and connecting with nature. The stewardship of public lands experience taught me new ways to help reconnect students to nature. To remind them of what used to be compared to how things are now and what they could become if climate change and habitat destruction are left unchecked. Sustainability is a complex issue, and many people feel overwhelmed or disenfranchised when tackling the subject. I hope to provide tools and resources to help clear up confusion and empower people to live more sustainably,” he said.
Schaumleffel also shared about the program, “The American Democracy Project’s Stewardship of Public Lands faculty development experience has had a profound impact on my personal and professional development, particularly as it relates to understanding the history, rights, and needs of Indigenous people and their sovereign Tribal nations that have ancestral and sacred lands now within boundaries of National Parks and in other Federally owned and managed public lands. My experience at the Glacier Institute is impacting my approach to pedagogy, student engagement, curriculum development, community engagement & outreach, as well as my next research project.”
The Stewardship of Public Lands took place from June 24 through June 28, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of sustainability and public resource management.
For more information on Indiana State University’s American Democracy Project, click here.