Northern Arizona University
EN-10: Community Partnerships
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
3.00 / 3.00 |
Dayna
McKay Data Analyst Office of Sustainability |
Name of the institution’s formal community partnership to advance sustainability :
Does the institution provide financial or material support for the partnership? :
Which of the following best describes the partnership timeframe?:
Which of the following best describes the partnership?:
Are underrepresented groups and/or vulnerable populations engaged as equal partners? :
A brief description of the institution’s formal community partnership to advance sustainability:
NAU has proudly housed the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) since 1992. ITEP was created to act as a catalyst among tribal governments, research and technical resources at Northern Arizona University (NAU), various federal, state, and local governments, and the private sector, in support of environmental protection of Native American natural resources. ITEP was established at NAU in 1992, in cooperation with USEPA. ITEP accomplishes its mission through several programs. ITEP works with Tribes nationally to educate and train environmental professionals along with leading climate change preparedness studies and adaptation plans for tribal groups. More locally on our campus, ITEP has worked with the Office of Sustainability on the Climate Action Plan and other sustainability groups to provide the important, and often missing indigenous perspective.
Name of the institution’s formal community partnership to advance sustainability (2nd partnership):
Does the institution provide financial or material support for the partnership? (2nd partnership):
Which of the following best describes the partnership timeframe? (2nd partnership):
Which of the following best describes the partnership’s sustainability focus? (2nd partnership):
Are underrepresented groups and/or vulnerable populations engaged as equal partners? (2nd partnership):
A brief description of the institution’s formal community partnership to advance sustainability (2nd partnership):
The Grand Canyon Trust is dedicated to safeguarding and rejuvenating the awe-inspiring canyon country of the Colorado Plateau. With a vision that extends a century into the future, they strive for a landscape that remains a testament to vast open spaces, untamed wilderness, and robust, restored natural ecosystems.
In this noble mission, Northern Arizona University (NAU) stands shoulder to shoulder with the Grand Canyon Trust, providing dedicated student workers who engage in vital ecological research and contribute to essential land management activities. Their efforts range from the removal of invasive plant species to nurturing native gardens, all to promote the health of this unique region.
This partnership transcends the confines of short-term projects or fleeting events. It is an enduring commitment, etched into the landscape itself. NAU students have been diligently conducting research on Grand Canyon Trust land for an extended period, allowing them to monitor the intricate and time-influenced environmental issues, such as the effects of grazing behavior on soil and plant composition.
But it's not just about research and land management. This partnership is inclusive and participatory at its core. NAU and the Grand Canyon Trust share a common interest in acknowledging the native land and elevating the voices of indigenous communities. Together, they recognize the importance of engaging underrepresented groups and vulnerable populations as equal partners in their shared mission.
As we look ahead to the next century, the Grand Canyon Trust's vision of a pristine Colorado Plateau endures. NAU's unwavering support and collaboration, spanning ecological research, land management, and the promotion of inclusivity, are integral to realizing this vision. Together, they pave the way for a future where the Colorado Plateau's unique beauty and vitality continue to captivate and inspire generations to come.
Name of the institution’s formal community partnership to advance sustainability (3rd partnership):
Does the institution provide financial or material support for the partnership? (3rd partnership):
Which of the following best describes the partnership timeframe? (3rd partnership):
Which of the following best describes the partnership? (3rd partnership):
Are underrepresented groups and/or vulnerable populations engaged as equal partners? (3rd partnership):
A brief description of the institution’s formal community partnership to advance sustainability (3rd partnership):
Flagstaff Foodlink has forged a meaningful formal community partnership aimed at advancing sustainability, with a particular focus on three key pillars: access, economic development, and resiliency. NAU and Flagstaff Foodlink collaborate on events, provide free seeds from our campus gardens, and educational opportunities for community members.
In terms of access, Flagstaff Foodlink is committed to addressing the critical issue of food insecurity, which affects a significant percentage of Arizona's population, particularly children. They have partnered with the Flagstaff Community Market and Pinnacle Prevention to bring the Double Up Food Bucks Arizona program to local farmers' markets. This initiative effectively doubles the value of WIC and SNAP benefits used at these markets, making healthy produce affordable for all Flagstaff residents. This effort enhances access to nutritious food for underrepresented groups and vulnerable populations and benefits both SNAP recipients and the local economy.
On the economic development front, Flagstaff Foodlink is actively working to strengthen the local food system by fostering connections between consumers, growers, and restaurateurs. Initiatives like "Eat Local Tuesdays," the Grower Grant Program, and the Flagstaff Grown Booth at the Flagstaff Community Market directly support the economic viability of local food producers. Notably, the Grower Grants provide financial support for regional growers, helping them expand and enhance their operations.
The partnership also contributes to resiliency by coordinating various educational opportunities. Through programs like the Flagstaff Community Seed Swap, Tour de Coop, Garden Ninja Tour, and exploratory subcommittees focused on a community greenhouse, Flagstaff Foodlink empowers community members to learn how to responsibly grow food in Flagstaff's challenging climate. These educational endeavors contribute to the community's resilience and ability to produce food sustainably.
Overall, this partnership between Flagstaff Foodlink and NAU is geared towards advancing sustainability by addressing food insecurity, promoting economic development in the local food system, and enhancing community resiliency through education, with a particular focus on improving access for all residents, including underrepresented groups and vulnerable populations.
https://nau.edu/sustainable-communities/community-partners/
https://flagstafffoodlink.com/who
A brief description of the institution’s other community partnerships to advance sustainability:
All other community partnerships: https://nau.edu/educational-partnerships/our-partners/
Find more Sustainability Focused Community Partnerships here: https://nau.edu/sustainable-communities/community-partners/
Website URL where information about the institution’s community partnerships to advance sustainability is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.