Environmental Studies

The 2025 Northeastern Old Growth Conference: Wildlands and Old-Growth Forests, co-hosted by Middlebury College and the University of Vermont, will be held September 17–20, 2025, at Middlebury’s scenic Bread Loaf Campus in Ripton, Vermont. Scientists, conservationists, policymakers, health professionals, writers, and artists will gather to share knowledge and inspire a future with more wildlands and old-growth forests in the Northeast. This year’s themes include The Future of Old Growth, Healthy Forests, Healthy People, and Old Growth Ecology.

The 2025 Northeastern Old Growth Conference: Wildlands and Old-Growth Forests, co-hosted by Middlebury College and the University of Vermont, will be held September 17–20, 2025, at Middlebury’s scenic Bread Loaf Campus in Ripton, Vermont. Scientists, conservationists, policymakers, health professionals, writers, and artists will gather to share knowledge and inspire a future with more wildlands and old-growth forests in the Northeast. This year’s themes include The Future of Old Growth, Healthy Forests, Healthy People, and Old Growth Ecology.

Join us for a conversation with Brian Donahue, scholar, farmer, forester, and author of the new book Slow Wood: Green Building from Local Forests, published by Yale University Press. 

Ancilleno Davis is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at the University of the Bahamas and Faculty Programs Coordinator of UB North Field Station. He grew up on New Providence Island in The Bahamas and has visited more than 13 countries and territories to deliver scientific talks or presentations on ecology and conservation.

Environmental Studies Program Spring Social

Come meet fellow ES majors, minors, and faculty. Learn more about the major and opportunities in the program and get any questions answered prior to fall registration. Prospective majors and minors are also encouraged to attend.

A variety of snacks and treats will be provided.

Join us for a crucial discussion on the evolving political landscape and its impacts on climate research, scientific data, citizens, education, environmental justice and beyond. As government priorities shift, what challenges and opportunities lie ahead for scholars, practitioners, and advocates? Let’s strategize, share insights, and explore ways to safeguard critical research and inclusive policies in these uncertain times.

All are welcome—bring your questions, concerns, and ideas!

Food will be provided.

How are governmental negotiations at UNFCCC Conferences of the Parties (COPs) shaped by generational gaps and questions about intersectionality? Former climate negotiator for the government of Mexico, Ivonne Maricarmen Serna ‘23, will speak about her experiences at UNFCCC COP-29 to the Middlebury community and broader public.

Reduce Reuse Recycle Repurpose: Quilting for Change. An Art Exhibit and Quilting Event.

Featuring several decades of work of local quilt artist: Ann Eileen Miller Baker.
Come learn or share your experience quilting. Bring pieces of clothing you want to turn into a quilt, potholder, wall hanging, etc.  

*scissors, needles, thread and fabric will be available

“Tell Me What You Think – Three Thousand Acres in the Champlain Valley: Middlebury College Lands Planning” a Howard E. Woodin Environmental Studies Colloquium Series talk by Marc Lapin, College Lands Conservationist and Associate Laboratory Professor in Environmental Studies.

The 2025 Scott A. Margolin ‘99 Lecture in Environmental Affairs presents Dr. Jenna R. Jambeck, Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor of Environmental Engineering giving a talk titled “Stories from Sea to Source: Reducing Plastic Pollution.”