Outdoor Orientation connects students and emphasizes sustainability

August 10, 2011

Incoming students will get their first taste of life at Northland College when freshmen arrive for the school's Outdoor Orientation Program. The initiative, designed and led by students, aims to acquaint newcomers with the local community socially, academically and ecologically. Freshman and transfer students will kick off their environmental education with 14-day or 5-day trips throughout the Chequamegon Bay area. And as a sign of the school's commitment to sustainability, students will harvest and consume food grown locally by their fellow students during the excursions.

"We try to show incoming students about what the food should look like when it's ready to pick and they ask a lot of questions," says Emily Schlager, student coordinator of Northland's community gardens. "We supply all the trips with fresh veggies and other foods."

Students oversee two community gardens on campus. The school also leases additional land from the Agriculture and Energy Resource Center (AERC) in Ashland where students grow vegetables such as cucumbers, kale and onions to name a few. Food produced at the AERC is then harvested for use in the outdoor orientation trips, as well as the campus cafeteria.

"A lot of students haven't really been in a garden before and so they're a little bit lost," Schlager says. "It's really cool because they get to see exactly where their food is coming from. Food is such an important part of sustainability and food production is one of the areas that typically has a large carbon footprint. By growing food locally, we're minimizing our impact on the environment."

The first wave of freshman and transfer students will begin their outdoor orientation activities on Friday, Aug. 12. They will chow down on the fruits of their labor while connecting with this region's rich natural resources. Small groups will travel on trips throughout the Porcupine Mountains, Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest, Madeline Island, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and more. All orientation trips are located within 90 miles of campus unless public transportation is utilized, again highlighting Northland's commitment to sustainability by reducing its carbon footprint.

"It's a great opportunity for students to make connections in their new academic home while also gaining a better understanding of the college's commitment to sustainability," says Michael Miller, Northland College President. "Ultimately, we feel they will have a better appreciation for how their education may be put to practical use in landscapes such as these."

Because of increasing enrollment, more students will be taking part in this year's Outdoor Orientation events with around 150 students expected to participate. In addition, the number of new enrollees indicates that Northland College will see its largest freshmen class of new and transfer students in the last three years.

"I think the numbers point to the quality of education students receive here at Northland and our efforts to bring more to the table for those pursuing liberal arts and sciences degrees with an environmental focus," says Miller. "We are always looking to enhance the programs we offer and seek new ways to give our students the skills necessary to succeed in the workforce."