Integration between the classroom and the “real world” is a significant goal of the environmental studies department. A key teaching tool to this end is the program’s “Ecological Sustainability Landscape” (ESL). The ESL is a beautiful 110-acre tract of land including fields, forests, wetlands, and steams complete with a three-story house and outbuildings. Certainly the largest laboratory at St. Lawrence University, the land is used for a variety of class projects especially sustainable agriculture and agroecology. Students have the opportunity to apply textbook concepts to hands-on projects including growing organic crops and experimenting with natural pest controls including integrated pest management. An ongoing acid rain sampling program is monitored by environmental studies students.

Students see their research efforts inspire major changes in the ESL house. The ESL property offers an incredible opportunity for students to test first-hand principles of sustainability and energy conservation/efficiency. Student research projects have resulted in the installation of a super energy-efficient demonstration window and new energy conserving lighting. A solar electric system has been designed and installed by SLU students with planning for a wind system on the drawing board. Other class projects have investigated environmentally friendly paints and products, beekeeping & honey production, and a composting toilet system.

This facility is unparalleled in undergraduate liberal arts programs and the range of opportunity it provides SLU students is unique.