Dyson College of Arts and Sciences

DCISE Annual Report 2017-2018 12 DYSON COLLEGE NATURE CENTER Director of the Nature Center Angelo Spillo's dedication to Pace University and student success was recognized by the Golden Key International Honor Society where he was inducted as a new member this year. He was also the recipient of the Student Advisor Award for his work teaching first-year students in UNV 101 and serving as their advisor, and his role as advisor of the student organization, NATURE. Angelo Spillo's students recognize his passion for the outdoors and his dedication to their well-being as the reason he is deserving of these awards. Academics Helmed by Nature Center Assistant Director James Eyring, a new program launched, allowing faculty to enhance the traditional learning experience by bringing students to the Center to be taught a personalized program. This year, faculty and students from the Writing Center, the Environmental Studies and Science Department, the Chemistry Department, Graduate Honors, and UNV 101 took part in this program. New Courses Developed Avian Ecology and Conservation: This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of avian ecology, focusing on issues specific to their conservation and persistence. The course will also integrate a 'hands-on' practicum that will involve husbandry and caretaking of wild and domestic birds of various types. The course will be co- taught by Biology Professor Melissa Grigione, PhD, and Nature Center Assistant Director, James Eyring. Pending approvals, the course will be taught in fall 2019. Wellbeing Committee As a continuing effort to support students at the co-curricular level, Nature Center staff joined the Wellbeing Committee sponsored by Student Affairs. Throughout the year, the Center hosted several programs aimed at using its animals and aesthetics to provide comfort and relaxation to students, staff and faculty. Community Service Many students utilize the center to fulfill their community service requirements. During the spring 2018 semester alone, 13 students worked at the Center, maintaining the nature trail, developing exhibits, working in the gardens and helping with animal care. Organic Vegetable Garden Center staff and Garden Keeper Chase Harnett '20, Environmental Science, planned and planted a vegetable garden for the first time this past spring. Records and soil testing results were collected to provide baseline data that can be used for student research and other academic projects. Environmental University Every October, the Center takes the lead role in developing and hosting Environmental University, an educational program for local high school students. In 2017, over 120 high school students participated in the program, giving students the opportunity to interact with Pace faculty and students as they share their research and discuss various areas of expertise through interactive and hands-on lectures. Earth Month Nature Center staff developed and sponsored Pace's 14th annual Earth Month program. Throughout the month of April, students, staff and faculty participated in over 30 events including lectures, nature hikes, film screenings and stewardship opportunities on the Pleasantville campus. Future Improvements Nature Center staff formed a committee of 10 selected students as an informal advisory group. This group met to discuss ideas and suggestions that would enable the Center to better serve interests of the students. The ideas were recorded and will be considered for implementation over the next year. The Nature Center offers opportunities and resources that promote general education and awareness about the environment, sustainability issues, wildlife and livestock. The center provides the Pace community, and the people of Westchester and the Hudson Valley region, access to a myriad of natural and cultivated resources like trails, apiaries, horticultural land, ponds and streams. NATURE CENTER HIGHLIGHTS

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