Gonzaga is a fantastic place to study the environment. We have more than a dozen National Parks, National Forests, and National Recreations Areas within less than a day's drive from Spokane, including some of the literal wonders of the world. From the deepest canyon in North America to not one, but two UN World Heritage Sites in the region, Gonzaga is an ENVS Major's dream location. And did you know: the largest floods ever to occur in the history of the planet passed right through Spokane – less than 10,000 years ago? At Gonzaga you'll have opportunities to study these places and events. You also have a number of organizations and clubs available to you including: Gonzaga Environmental Organization (GEO) student club; Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE); Marian Hall Outdoor Adventure and Leadership Theme Community; and Gonzaga Outdoors student club.

The Environmental Studies Program offers 36-credit major with the introductory interdisciplinary course, ENVS 101, which builds cohesion and a sense of community for the major. Students take three science courses specifically designed for non-science majors: 1 in Chemistry (ENVS 104/CHEM123); 1 in Biology (choice of (ENVS 102/BIOL 102 or ENVS 103/BIOL 123 or ENVS 199/199) and the uniuqe ENVS 200, created especially for the ENVS Major and Minor.

All students complete the program with a Senior Symposium in Environmental Studies (ENVS 499).  Students take six additional courses: Environmental Ethics (ENVS 458/PHIL 458) 2 upper-division courses in the social sciences, 2 upper division courses in the humanities, and one upper division elective.  Environmental Studies majors are encouraged to take more than 36 credits, especially if considering postgraduate study.

Palouse Falls

Environmental Studies News and Events:

* FREE Seminar - "Pleistocene Flood Geology of Eastern Washington,  Presented Dr. John Buchanan, Professor of Geology, Eastern Washington University.  Hosted by the NE Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society. Tuesday, Feb. 23, 7-8 p.m., Manito Garden Meeting Room, East of Greenhouse.  Free. Calll 313-6688 for additional information.

* FREE Multimedia Event-Walkin' Jim Stolz. Legendary Walkin' Jim has been touring with this folk style, multimedia show, Forever Wild, since 1986. The show combines his live music, stories, and a touch of poetry with beautiful slides taken on his long wilderness treks. Event is in Wolfe Auditorium, Jepson Hall, Sunday March 7, 7:00 PM. Sponsored by the Sierra Club and the GU ENVS Program.

* GU ENVS and Save Our Wild Salmon present filmaker screeining of Colin Styker's acclaimed "Riverways." Film will be followed by expert panel on wild salmon. TENTATIVE date and location, March 31, Wolfe Auditorium, Jepson Hall. Time TBD.

* On Tuesday April 6, 7:00 PM, the ENVS Program is proud to co-sponsor the public lecture of Bishop Skylstad, who will speak on Ethics of Climate Change. The lecture will be held in the Wolff Auditorium, Jepson Hall.

* On Thursday April 8, 7:00 PM, the ENVS Program is co-sponsoring  "The Long Trek Home: 4,000 Miles by Boot Raft and Ski ," a multimedia presentation by Erin and Hig McKittrick . Erin and Hig accomplished the incredible feat of travelling solely by human power 4,000 miles from their home in Seattle North to the Aleutian Islands. The event will be held in the lobby of the Jundt Art Museum. Sponsored by Friends of Scothman Peaks Wilderness and the GU ENVS Program.

* On Thursday May 20 at 5:00, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. will be speaking at Gonzaga on the National Riverkeeper Program following the inauguration of the new Spokane River Keeper.  Stay tuned for more details about location and tickets.

Merlin Perched over Lake Arthur

 
Service Learning Field Trip