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Environs speaks for the earth
In 1985, students formed a new group called Environs. Its first effort was to prevent mismanagement of the threatened Prairie Acre, behind Watson Library — the last remnant of undeveloped land on Mount Oread.
Today the Prairie Acre remains intact, and Environs serves the same intent its founders imagined. With about 40 active members and a network several times greater, Environs is easily one of the largest, most active student groups at KU. Their efforts were critical in getting recycling on campus. They helped create KU’s Center for Sustainability and have helped plan Earth Day events for the City of Lawrence and KU for more than 20 years.
As concerns about sustainability have become ubiquitous, the group has become more diverse, attracting members from many majors. Students join Environs as a way to make a difference. Year after year, the group takes meager financial resources and pursues high-impact initiatives and events, many of which have a lasting effect on KU and the community. Recently the group has focused on four fronts: campus conservation, environmental preservation, education and outreach, and incorporating local food into KU Dining Services.
To see the full version of this story, visit Issue 9 of our magazine, KU Giving.
Give online at kuendowment.org/environs by specifying your gift is for Environs or contact
Dale Slusser
at 785-832-7458. Learn more about the group at Environs.
Visit our Publications page for other issues of KU Giving and other publications.