Spring 2009 Projects

Native Flora on Campus
Project Leaders:
Emily Provonsha, Mara Smith
Goal:
A variety of native grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs will be planted in four locations across campus. Possible plant varieties include Hyssop, Blue Cohosh, American Ginseng, New England Aster, Mountain Cranberry, Marigold and more.
From the Proposal:
"As an educational tool, the gardens will show the importance of preserving our region’s flora. They will raise awareness of biodiversity, the interconnectedness of flora and fauna and the intrinsic value of our land. The project will also increase biodiversity and reduce the College's carbon footprint.

Tree Canopy Restoration
Project Leaders:
Evan Miller, Kadie DellaCamera
Goal:
Plant 30 more native trees on campus to restore tree biodiversity and a healthy canopy.
From the Proposal:
"These trees will be excellent educational tools for biology and garden design classes, as well as the general public, as they will show that native plants can be both beautiful and functional."

Earth Tub Restoration
Project Leaders:
Ben Jankowski, Ronnie Black
Goal:
Repair/ restore the two composting Earth Tubs and improve the functionality of Green Mountain College’s compost program for the future.
From the Proposal:
"The Tubs themselves are in a location highly visible to GMC students, and returning them into a state of full repair would be a verification of an initiative already invested in by the college."

Ecolabeling Initiative
Project Leaders:
Megan Dupille, Gregor Burriss, Nikki Pfeiffer, Jennilee Smarro
Goal:
Initiate an ecolabeling campaign by installing black aluminum poster frames at locations across campus. Labels may include information regarding gallons of water used per student per day, gallons of water used by school on average per day, water saving tips and more. Past SCGF projects may also be labeled.
From the Proposal:
"We believe it's important to spread awareness of the products we use most often and on a daily basis so that we can become more conscious of how we influence the world around us."

Energy Efficiency in the Library
Project Leader:
Mara Smith
Goal:
Replace all of the 32 watt T8 bulbs in the Griswold Library with a more efficient 28 watt lamp
From the Proposal:
"This project coincides with the environmental mission of Green Mountain College. By reducing our energy consumption, we are asserting ourselves as a more sustainable institution taking the necessary strides toward a carbon neutral campus."

Green Bike Program
Project Leaders:
Ian Sutherland, Amanda Matznick, Rebecca Slutzky
Goal:
Install a "Green Bikes" bike rack with one dozen recycled bikes available for check-out by students, faculty, and staff members with a valid Green Mountain ID. Each bike will have an individual key lock. On checkout, the student or staff member will provide identification and sign a liability waiver form.
From the Proposal:
"According to a small campus poll, the vast majority of students use their cars to drive within a twenty minute radius of campus: a distance easily accessible by bicycle. By creating a green bike program, GMC is creating a way for students to replace automobile use with human powered bicycle transportation."

Low Flow Showerhead Project
Project Leaders:
Ben Jankowski, Ronnie Black
Goal:
Replace the current 2.5 gallon per minute showerheads in residence hall showers with high efficiency 1.5 gallon per minute maximum showerheads
From the Proposal:
"These new showerheads will use 40% less water per minute than the current system. This will reduce the overall consumption water and oil used to heat water in residence hall showers. High efficiency showers will promote further investigation into other sustainable practices, such as low flush toilets and low flow sinks.

Cerridwen Farm Tree Project
Project Leader:
Irene Holak
Goal:
Purchase specific fruit bearing plants and trees that are well-suited for the Vermont’s environment. Plant in locations approved by the land use committee. Possible varieties include apple and pear trees, blueberry bushes, and strawberry and raspberry plants.
From the Proposal:
"Trees and plants sequester carbon, provide shade, absorb water, and contribute to aesthetics and food. By providing more edible and fruit bearing trees, these ecoservices will be enhanced. Habitat is provided as well as food for a greater number of animal species around campus."