Oakton University's campus is a living laboratory that helps students gain valuable hands-on experience. The Des Plaines campus includes approximately 100 acres of rare ecosystems, including historic sugar maple forests, oak forests, savannahs, grasslands, wetlands, Oakton Lake, and the Des Plaines River.
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Oakton University, with campuses in Des Plaines and Skokie, has emerged as a leader in environmental education and sustainability, striving to build just and prosperous communities.
Our Oakton school focuses on an intensive environmental studies curriculum that prepares students to address complex local and global environmental issues. Oakton's 100 acres of biodiverse forests, wetlands, and grasslands enhance learning opportunities and serve as a valuable community resource.
Oakton University's 16-semester Environmental Studies Intensive course, taught by faculty co-coordinators Marian Staats and Tess Lesniak, introduces students to a variety of fields, including environmental law and policy, conservation biology, environmental journalism, and urban planning. We are preparing you to pursue a career in . Courses such as Introduction to Environmental Science and Environmental Ethics help students develop a deeper understanding of sustainability and the interconnectedness of various environmental issues.
“By promoting a holistic understanding of environmental challenges and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, students will I believe he will emerge as a leader in creating a more sustainable and just world.”
In addition to rigorous classroom instruction, Oakton's campus is a living laboratory that helps students gain valuable hands-on experience. The Des Plaines campus includes approximately 100 acres of rare ecosystems, including historic sugar maple forests, oak forests, savannahs, grasslands, wetlands, Oakton Lake, and the Des Plaines River. Skokie campus traditional home landscaping includes inspiring gardens that demonstrate how to incorporate native plants into your own garden.
Amanda Kraus, a full-time naturalist in Oakton, is passionate about inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders, especially those who have historically felt excluded from outdoor activities.
Kraus employs Oakton students as assistants and welcomes volunteers, classes, scouts, and community groups to experience various aspects of ecological fieldwork. The group's activities include cutting down sugar maples to make maple syrup, identifying trees and plants, searching for invasive species, and collecting seeds.
“Nature is for everyone,” Kraus said. “We all already know that nature is good for our physical and mental health. But a growing body of research shows that just 20 minutes of nature experience can actually help students improve their academic performance.”
Oakton also leads by example through its many sustainability initiatives. Sustainability Specialist Charmaine John leads a variety of projects and initiatives to make Oakton's campus more environmentally friendly. For example, Oakton's community garden and community apiary provide opportunities for sustainable agriculture and community engagement. Additionally, initiatives like Earth Month and Campus Sustainability Month, hosted in partnership with the Environment Studies Concentration, offer countless ways for everyone to get involved.
Students play an important role in Oakton's sustainability efforts through student-led clubs such as the Environment Club and Students for Social Justice. These clubs organize community cleanup events, raise awareness of environmental injustice, and advocate sustainable practices on campus. The Environmental Club is leading the effort to obtain certification for the arboretum in the central area of the Des Plaines campus and will serve as a resource for local residents. Completion is scheduled for fall 2024.
To learn more about Oakton University's Environmental Studies concentration and commitment to sustainability, visit Oakton.edu. To inquire about potential partnerships or volunteer opportunities, please email naturalist@oakton.edu.