GVSU Environmental and Sustainability Studies Program

09/02/2026

As Lansing explores the possibility of hosting the first Bubble Barrier in the U.S., researchers at MSU and GVSU are bringing a miniature version of the technology to communities along the Grand River.

The mini model will demonstrate the technology and help gauge community concerns around the bubble barrier.

This project is led by the MSU Water Alliance alongside the GVSU Annis Water Resources Institute, corporate partners, state agencies, and the city of Lansing.

Read More: https://water.msu.edu/feature/mini-model-gathers-community-feedback-lansing-bubble-barrier

08/28/2026

Sara Connor, an ENS minor and Geography major participated in the Summer in West Michigan at GVSU Program combining her background in Geography with the design thinking perspective woven into the SIWM program.
Speaking about her experience Sara said “ I enjoyed my experience with Summer in West Michigan, I am pretty immersed in geography, this means a lot of research and use of critical thinking skills. The program took me outside of that immersion and allowed me to look at literature in a different way. Instead of using analysis and looking for evidence, I was able to draw on a combination of my experiences and the expressiveness of the authors to enjoy poetry in a way I hadn’t thought of.”
In addition to SIWM Sara also is an active member of the American Association of Geographers and attended an AAG conference in San Fransisco where she got to meet Geographer Marie Price who she is pictured with.

An ENS minor or experiential learning opportunity like SIWM might be just the thing you need to complement your major! Reach out to us with questions or to learn more.

08/18/2026

Tomorrow! The SAP’s farm stand is open at the clock tower on the Allendale GV campus from 10am - 2pm🍅 Come say hi and pick up some fresh produce!🌱☀️

07/20/2026

Ainsley Lloyd, one of the ENS interns, is working with another ENS student, Alex Izokaitis to monitor the effects of using a novel fertilizer from the Dulse Vita farm on Pierce street. The fertilizer is a waste product from the seaweed growing process, and it would otherwise be added to the landfill.
Novel fertilizers use waste materials to improve nutrients and reduce environmental impact!

Grab a fresh cucumber or tomato from these GVSU Sustainable Agriculture Project planters outside of the Rec Center all summer! 🥒🍅 Stop by and check for FREE fresh produce to stay refreshed after your workout.

07/13/2026

ATTN: COLLEGE STUDENTS 📣

Want to make a real impact in your community while gaining hands-on experience? Apply now for our Community Outreach Internship at Fulton Street Market! 🥕✨

Your role will include…
✔️ Coordinating food assistance programs
✔️ Earning course credit
✔️ Working flexible hours + weekend shifts

Applications are open until July 23rd, with a start date of August 7th! For more information on the role and how to apply, please visit https://linktr.ee/fultonstmarket 🔗

06/25/2026

School of Interdisciplinary studies professor, Crystal Scott-Tunstall along with CLAS Associate Dean Dwayne Tunstall and Engineering student Christopher Tunstall are in their 6th year of tabling at the Annual Grand Rapids Juneteenth Celebration. This year they were joined by many campus and community partners who came together to share resources, information, and giveaways including over 500 vegetable plants, seeds from the mobile seed library sponsored by the Mary Idema Pew Library, school supplies, and environmentally friendly products such as reusable bags, plastic free laundry soap, & more!
Thanks to everyone who helped with the booth or stopped by!

06/02/2026

Have you heard of the Waffle House Index?

The Waffle House Index is an informal metric used by emergency officials to assess the severity of a natural disaster. The restaurant chain is famous for it’s disaster preparedness.
Learn more about the Index and investigate natural disasters and the inequities they create in ENS 347.

ENS 347 “Disasters and Social Inequity” is a hybrid course taught by Dr. Malik Raymond this upcoming Fall 2026 semester.
The course meets on Monday’s from 1:30-2:45pm and fulfils Global Perspectives credits. Add it to your schedule today!

04/14/2026

Attention ENS Students... still looking for an internship this summer? Look no further. Spots are limited.

04/13/2026

In celebration of our 2026 Call for Art theme, “Collective Courage,” we invite you to a free virtual poetry workshop designed to help you manage climate anxiety and explore solidarity through the power of words.

This 90-minute session, led by Eileen Boekestein, is a space for both reflection and creation. Eileen is an environmental educator and communicator who specializes in connecting people to their place and region. During the workshop, she will share a presentation on navigating climate feelings and the importance of hope, interspersed with selected poems to listen to and reflect upon.

You will be guided through a series of creative prompts- similar to our Summit art prompts- asking how it feels to speak out when climate action is restricted or where you find visions of a resilient future. While the workshop is rooted in poetry, you are welcome to respond in any art medium that feels right to you. There will be dedicated time for writing and an opportunity to share your work with the group if you wish.

This workshop is a perfect opportunity to try out a new artistic medium or refine a piece for our 2026 Call for Art. All workshop participants are encouraged to submit their creations to be considered for exhibition at the Summit on June 12th. Selected artists receive a free ticket to the Summit, the chance to win cash prizes up to $250, and more!

Join us to find your voice, process your grief, and lean into the collective courage needed for our movement. Link to register in the comments!

04/03/2026

Let's go!